Thursday, December 23, 2010

December 23: O Emmanuel

Epiphany by Janet McKenzie
O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver,
desire of the nations, Savior of all people:
Come and set us free, Lord our God.

"Emmanuel" means "God is with us".
The Deity is no longer an abstract concept out there in the ether,
but a living, breathing baby who grew to know and understand our
every need, desire, hope and fear. 
God is with us!
 
May this Christmas season renew within you 
the power and peace of God's Holy Spirit.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

December 22: O Rex Gentium, O King of All the Nations


O King of all the nations, 
the only joy of every human heart;
O Keystone of the mighty arch of humanity:
Come and save the creature 
you fashioned from the dust.

Why are we so enchanted by that which divides us? 
The word 'catholic' means universal... and Catholic Christianity is not to be confined by any boundaries of nation or race, status or language.  Jesus came to save all people by showing us the way to live that brings peace. The "king of all nations" chose to rule through humble service.
Out of love we were created; love is the keystone of our being.
God, who is Love, leads us from selfishness and distrust of the 'other' to the joy of an awareness of the shared redemption of all creation.
  • Do you believe in God's love for you?
  • How does this rule of love guide your life?

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

December 21: O Oriens, O Radiant Dawn

O Radiant Dawn, 
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death.

The unknown, even if it is a good thing, can be scary. Being 'in the dark' makes us uneasy: what's the truth, where's the danger, what's going to happen next???? We yearn for the security that lets us sleep soundly through the night, rather than cowering against the shadows and noises of our fears and concerns.
  • In what way can the light of the Gospel illuminate the dark corners of your life?
  • In what way can you be light and warmth for someone in need?

Monday, December 20, 2010

December 20: O Clavis David, O Key of David


O Key of David, o royal Power of Israel,
controlling at your will the gate of heaven:
Come, break down the prison walls of death
for those who dwell in darkness 
and the shadow of death;
and lead your captive people into freedom.

Last month as we celebrated the feast of Christ the King, we talked about the qualities of a good king, including using power responsibly and looking out for the needs of his subjects.

Reading the Gospels, we find example after example of Jesus setting people free: from physical ailments,  emotional demons, slavish obedience to peripheral laws, cultural expectations, alienation, hunger, fear, even death. This descendant of David and Son of God overcame every obstacle in order to demonstrate the depth of Divine Love for us. 

As Moses led the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt, Jesus breaks down the things that bind us, hold us captive, or make us feel dead inside. We know this to be true, and we yearn for it to be realized in our hearts, our homes, our communities and our world, today.

  • As you pray today, what bad habit keeps you imprisoned?
    Ask Jesus to show you the way to freedom.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

December 19: O Radix Jesse, O Flower of Jesse's Stem


O Flower of Jesse's stem,
you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples;
kings stand silent in your presence;
the nations bow down in worship before you.
Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.

The power of persistence can be awe-inspiring. A sapling growing through a crack in a sidewalk, a crocus blooming through the snow ... evidence of nature's determination to thrive.  Isaiah chapter 11 is the source of the imagery in today's cry of longing. Written to the Hebrews forced to live in exile in Babylon, the author reassures them that despite all odds justice will be restored. Jesse was the father of King David, whom the exiles would have recalled -fourteen generations earlier- as a leader when they were strong as a people. 

The great tree may be a stump right now, but the shoot will grow from it. 
The raging fire may be smoldering embers right now.... but it will be fanned into flames again. That's a promise.
A promise fulfilled 14 generations later with the birth of Jesus.

  • As you pray today, what situations are testing your patience? 
  • What example of persistence inspires you?

Friday, December 17, 2010

December 17: O Sapientia, O Wisdom

O Wisdom, O holy Word of God,
you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care:
Come and show your people the way to salvation.

  • Among the people you know, who would you consider as a 'wisdom figure'?
  • What qualities of that person define him or her as wise?
  • When have you felt guided by God's spirit of wisdom?

Thursday, December 16, 2010

O Antiphons

As we reach the latter part of Advent, we encounter seven traditional and ancient antiphons (responses) in the Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. You may recall that in Jewish practice the day begins at sundown, so praying these antiphons during the vespers of December 17-23 takes us to the beginning of Christmas Eve. Each of these prayers is a plea for Jesus' coming, addressing him by an ancient Scriptural name, and petitioning for a particular act of salvation from him.

Here's an interesting bit of information, found at catholic-resources.org:

In the traditional arrangement, when viewed from Christmas Eve backward, the first letters of the Latin texts (Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia) spell out the phrase ero cras ("I come tomorrow").
Please come back each day this week, as we bring our Advent preparation to its joyful conclusion!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Here are the readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2010:

Isaiah 7: 10-14
Psalm 24: 1-6
Romans 1: 1-7
Matthew 1: 18-24

Can you put yourself in Joseph's place? Have you ever felt your tidy plans  slipping away from you? Do you know that feeling of hollowness or gnawing indecision deep in the pit of your stomach? God's invitation to trust can sometimes be harder to accept than when all is clear and simple. Take some time this week to sit in prayer and consider where and how trust is a challenge in your life.

There is no Catechumenate session this Sunday. However, Cathy will be in the Living Room after the 9:30AM mass, ready to talk or answer questions. Our regular session resumes on Sunday, January 2.

A little fun

It's a cold and dreary day here in central North Carolina, so how about a little diversion?
Check out the Digital Story of the Nativity .  Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Sunday, December 19

While RCIA for children and teens WILL meet this Sunday, December 19, adults do not meet again until January 2.

However, Cathy Rusin will be in the Living Room after the 9:30 AM mass, until 11:30, happy to chat, answer any questions we've not gotten around to during our sessions, receive any baptism certificates you might have, etc. The coffee and hot water will be on, of course.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Third Sunday of Advent

Here are the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, December 12, 2010:

Isaiah 35: 1-6a, 10
Psalm 146: 6-10
James 5: 7-10
Matthew 11: 2-11

"What did you go out to see?" Jesus asks the crowds about John the Baptist. And that remains a good question for us, today.
  • What are you looking for, hoping for, expecting and praying for?
  • How well can we recognize the fulfillment of God's promises in the world around us?
  • On Gaudate Sunday we are invited to 'Rejoice' in the salvation God offers us... in what ways has your sight been restored, your ears opened and your wounds healed?
The Catechumenate Session this Sunday is on Prophecy and Incarnation.
Mystagogia meets this Sunday.
The next Inquiry is Tuesday, December 14.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Mass Times for the Holy Day!

Wednesday December 8 is a Holy Day of Obligation, a special day, in addition to every Sunday, when we come together at Liturgy to celebrate what God does in our lives!  Mass times at St. Andrew the Apostle are 6:30 and 9:00 AM and 7:30 PM.

For some background on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, please click here.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Second Sunday of Advent


Here are the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, December 5, 2010:

Isaiah 11: 1-10
Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13,17
Romans 15: 4-9
Matthew 3:1-12


  •  How does the author of Isaiah envision the reality of 'justice'?
  •  How does John the Baptist measure 'repentance'?
  •  What does that have to do with the season of Advent?

The topics for the Catechumenate session this Sunday are Advent and the  Liturgical Year.

Another anniversary

Jean                        Ita
Maura                 Dorothy

"I hope you come to find that which gives life a deep meaning for you. Something worth living for - maybe even worth dying for, something that energizes you, enthuses you, enables you to keep moving ahead."

-Ita Ford
Murdered Maryknoll Sister

30 years ago today, these three consecrated religious and one lay missionary were murdered in El Salvador.  Please, do me a favor:  Go read this, right now

What can we learn from these women of faith? In what ways did the Gospel influence their decisions, their priorities, even their way of relating with people? And why might that be threatening to people?


Now my friends, I'm NOT encouraging you to go find ways to get yourself killed for your faith.... but what can we learn from these four as we continue on our journey of faith? Comments welcomed!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Our Parish Feast Day!!

Today is the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle!

To learn more about our parish's patron saint, please click here.

Thanks to all who came to morning mass and the celebration breakfast this morning! And a special thanks to those who arranged the breakfast!!

Dorothy Day

“I really only love God as much as I love
the person I love the least.”
--Servant of God Dorothy Day 

A founder of the Catholic Workers Movement, unwed mother and convert to Catholicism, Dorothy Day died thirty years ago today. Ten years ago, her cause for sainthood was opened, and with it granting her the title "Servant of God".

Here you may find a good background on a woman who lived by both a traditional piety and nontraditional lifestyle. The linked article says, "Her spirituality was very much focused on the effort to practice forgiveness, charity and patience with those closest at hand."

Thursday, November 25, 2010

First Sunday of Advent

Roof boss of Noah's Ark
Norwich Cathedral, England
Here are the readings for the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2010:

Isaiah 2: 1-5
Psalm 122: 1-9
Romans 13: 11-14
Matthew 24: 37-44

We begin a new Liturgical Year, and the Sunday readings are taken from Year A.  We begin a new Liturgical season, Advent, whose purpose is to prepare us for the season of Christmas.

The readings speaking of preparation. While the Gospel speaks of us preparing as to guard against a thief or a flood, the other readings and psalm encourage us to prepare for right living, peace, and salvation. And they are all correct!

Let's think about preparation. In most households, much preparation has gone into getting ready for Thanksgiving: cleaning the house, shopping for and cooking the feast, setting the table, etc. One person's drudgery is another's joy. Then there is the anticipation of house guests: friends and family who may bring delight or trepidation by their presence.  Life's hardly ever simply simple--- mixed in with our abundant blessings are challenges and concerns large and small.

  • What do the images of these readings mean to you?
  • How can you prepare for the coming of Christ, both at Christmas (at Easter through the waters of baptism for catechumens) and at the end of time?

There is no RCIA session this Sunday.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Advent Wreath


Candidates and catechumen yesterday received a box of Advent candles (not dripless, may I caution you again?!), and in case you'd like a little more direction about what to do with them, please check out the blog post here .

Hope it's helpful! (And for those of you who missed the session yesterday, well.... guess you can start with the 2nd Sunday of Advent, when next we gather.)


Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! May the list of blessings you recollect that day last longer than the parade AND football game combined.  -Cathy

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Solemnity of Christ the King

Here are the readings for the Last Sunday of Ordinary Time,
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King, November 21, 2010:

2 Samuel 5: 1-3
Psalm 98: 5-9
Colossians 1: 12-20
Luke 23: 35-43

  • What do these readings tell us about the kingship of Jesus Christ?
  • What consequence does it have, if any, in your daily life?

The topic for the Catechumenate session this week is "Christ the King"
Mystagogia will meet this Sunday in Care Center Room 214.
There will NOT be Inquiry on November 23.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Today is the feast of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, who lived, briefly, in the 13th Century. We like to assign descriptive titles to our canonized saints, but she was neither virgin nor martyr, doctor nor foundress (and definitely not bishop or apostle). The title we've put after her name is 'religious'- and yet, she wasn't a nun, either. And in that, I think she can be a model for many of us.

Elizabeth's father was the King of Hungary.  Okay, okay: few of us are truly princesses. However, many of us live, even in these troubled economic times, lives of security and comparative wealth. She chose to live simply and prayerfully, using her position to help those in need.

Elizabeth married young, at age 14 perhaps for a political alliance with a German principality. She loved Louis (Ludwig) deeply and they had three children together before he was killed in the Crusades. A widow at age twenty, her generosity to the poor earned the disapproval of her in-laws. It took the return of her husband's friends to restore her place and status as mother of the heir to the throne. (I wonder if her in-laws were greedy or perhaps truly concerned for the future security of their grandchildren, or both... so often in family feuds, it's not clearly one side or the other, is it?)

She joined the Secular Franciscan Order (adopting the lifestyle of Franciscans while continuing to live outside a religious community) and founded and worked in a hospital for the poor until her death in 1231- just before her 24th birthday.  (You don't have to wait until you get older to accomplish good things)

Taking into account the Gospel reading for today about ten gold coins and the upcoming Feast of Christ the King this Sunday, Elizabeth's example presents us with an opportunity for reflection on our own use of whatever 'power' and resources that have been entrusted to our care.

Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Thirty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 14, 2010:

Malachi 3: 19-20a
Psalm 98: 5-9
2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12
Luke 21: 5-19

Here's the typical question, given this Sunday's gospel:
  • If you knew that the world was going to end in one week, what would you do?
  • Would it differ at all from what you're doing now? If so, how?
There will be a Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming at the 9:30 Mass this Sunday.
Our dismissal happens right after the intercessions.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Thirty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, November 7, 2010:

2 Maccabees 7: 1-2, 9-14
Psalm 17: 1, 5-6, 8, 15
2 Thessalonians 2: 16- 3:5
Luke 20: 27-38


None of us living today know the full story or can accurately describe what life will be like after our earthly death. And so we use images that make some sort of sense to us from our experiences. And we look to the words of Jesus and our ancestors in faith for some guidance.

In the creeds that we profess, we declare a belief in the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. How might you describe 'resurrection', 'heaven', 'hell'?

The topic for our Catechumenate Session this Sunday is the "Last Things" (Heaven, Hell, Purgatory)



NOTE: Please turn your clock BACK one hour this Saturday before you go to sleep. Otherwise, you'll be at Sunday mass an hour too soon!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Feast of All Saints

As promised, here is the link to the page about patron saints.

I found this today on another blog, and thought it was worth sharing:
What God wants most of all for each one of you is that you should become holy. He loves you much more than you could ever begin to imagine, and he wants the very best for you. And by far the best thing for you is to grow in holiness.

Perhaps some of you have never thought about this before. Perhaps some of you think being a saint is not for you. Let me explain what I mean. When we are young, we can usually think of people that we look up to, people we admire, people we want to be like. It could be someone we meet in our daily lives that we hold in great esteem. Or it could be someone famous. We live in a celebrity culture, and young people are often encouraged to model themselves on figures from the world of sport or entertainment. My question for you is this: what are the qualities you see in others that you would most like to have yourselves? What kind of person would you really like to be?

When I invite you to become saints, I am asking you not to be content with second best. I am asking you not to pursue one limited goal and ignore all the others. Having money makes it possible to be generous and to do good in the world, but on its own, it is not enough to make us happy. Being highly skilled in some activity or profession is good, but it will not satisfy us unless we aim for something greater still. It might make us famous, but it will not make us happy. Happiness is something we all want, but one of the great tragedies in this world is that so many people never find it, because they look for it in the wrong places. The key to it is very simple – true happiness is to be found in God. We need to have the courage to place our deepest hopes in God alone, not in money, in a career, in worldly success, or in our relationships with others, but in God. Only he can satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts.

Tapestries by John Nava in the
Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA
Not only does God love us with a depth and an intensity that we can scarcely begin to comprehend, but he invites us to respond to that love. You all know what it is like when you meet someone interesting and attractive, and you want to be that person’s friend. You always hope they will find you interesting and attractive, and want to be your friend.

God wants your friendship. And once you enter into friendship with God, everything in your life begins to change. As you come to know him better, you find you want to reflect something of his infinite goodness in your own life. You are attracted to the practice of virtue. You begin to see greed and selfishness and all the other sins for what they really are, destructive and dangerous tendencies that cause deep suffering and do great damage, and you want to avoid falling into that trap yourselves. You begin to feel compassion for people in difficulties and you are eager to do something to help them. You want to come to the aid of the poor and the hungry, you want to comfort the sorrowful, you want to be kind and generous. And once these things begin to matter to you, you are well on the way to becoming saints.

--Pope Benedict XVI
Greeting to Catholic Pupils of the United Kingdom
St Mary's College, Twickenham
17 September 2010

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thirty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time


Here are the readings for the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 31, 2010:

Wisdom 11:22 - 12:2
Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-11, 13-14
2 Thessalonians 1:11 - 2:2
Luke 19: 1-10


From the book of Wisdom:
But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things;
and you overlook people's sins that they may repent.
For you love all things that are
and loathe nothing that you have made;
for what you hated, you would not have fashioned.
  • What a more effective long-term motivator for you, fear or love?
  • What is your response to Jesus' intention to 'come to your house'?

The topic for this Sunday's Catechumenate session is The Communion of Saints.
Click here for a perspective on the Gospel story.

And...... action!


Wondering about a Catholic perspective on movies? Try this page, which lists current movies, and then has an alphabetical index of those reviewed in the past.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 24, 2010:

Sirach 35: 12-14, 16-18

Psalm 34: 2-3, 17-19, 23
2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18
Luke 18: 9-14
  • How would you describe genuine humility?
  • Can you accept God's love for you, whether you feel you are 'successful' or not?
For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. - St. Therese of Lisieux

The topic for the Catechumenate Session this Sunday is Tradition and traditions, and Vatican II.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Twenty-ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 17, 2010:

Exodus 17: 8-13
Psalm 121: 1-8

2 Timothy 3: 14 - 4:2
Luke 18: 1-8

Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Ps 121)

  • Moses need the help of Aaron and Hur to fulfill his role in the victory. Can you recall a time when friends or family members were essential in your accomplishment of a difficult task? 
  • Although the Gospel parable is related from the judge's perspective, what qualities, traits or emotions might you identify about the widow? What is Jesus trying to tell us about prayer?
There is NO (Adult) RCIA SESSION this Sunday.

Those attending the Catholic Convocation on Saturday and carpooling, please meet in the CARE Center parking lot at 8:15 AM. (And there will be a dismissal of Candidates and Catechumens during the closing mass, breaking open these Scriptures.)

St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church

You can go to this page for some background on St. Teresa of Avila, a woman who lived, prayed and worked in the 16th Century-- living from the Protestant Reformation through the Council of Trent -- talk about interesting times!

She lived in a Carmelite monastery (convent), experiencing the gift of profound and mystical prayer, composing spiritual writings and leading the reform of the Carmelite order, all while maintaining a sense of humor.

And a prayer/poem from a bookmark discovered after her death:
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things pass away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who has God
Finds he lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Our Lady of the Rosary

Today is the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. For a very brief explanation of the feast and the history of the rosary, please click here.

Twenty-eight Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 10, 2010:

2 Kings 5: 14-17
Psalm 98: 1-4

2 Timothy 2: 8-13
Luke 17: 11-19

  • In what ways have you experienced the healing power of God? (physical, emotional, relational, etc.) 
  • How did you feel and act before, during and after the situation to which healing ultimately came? 

The topic for the Catechumenate Session this Sunday is the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
The Mystagogia Group will meet in Room 214 (next door to the Living Room).
And for you Inquirers, it's almost that time again: meeting Tuesday October 12, 7-8:30pm in the Living Room.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Twenty-seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the
27th Sunday of Ordinary Time
,October 3, 2010:

Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9     
 

2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14
 Luke 17: 5-10

  • Have you ever felt like your faith was the only option left to you? 
  • When have you felt like a servant? What was challenging, what was life-giving about it for you?
  • In what ways can you see yourself as a minister in your life right now?
The topic for this week's Catechumenate Session is the Sacrament of Holy Orders. It is very likely that you will see representatives of each of the three orders at our 9:30AM mass this week! (Don't forget, ALL candidates and catechumens please come forward for dismissal after the homily.)

Monday, September 27, 2010

St. Vincent dePaul

Yesterday's readings touched on compassion, empathy and concern for others as essential Christian attributes. We highlighted how the Catholic Church seeks to embody that through our social teachings and charitable works. Today is the feast of a saint known for his works of charity, so I invite you to go back to last year's post for some background on St. Vincent dePaul.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the
26th Sunday of Ordinary Time
, September 26, 2010:


Amos 6: 1a, 4-7
Psalm 146: 7-10     

1 Timothy 6: 1-16   
 Luke 16: 19-31 

  • The name Lazarus means "he whom God helps". In what circumstances or for what issues are you reluctant to help or indifferent to the needs of another? 
  • The psalm this week proclaims the favors of the Lord for those in various need. In what way has God helped you, for what do you praise God at work in your life?

    The Catechumenate Session this weekend is on Catholic Social Teaching.
    We are also celebrating of Rite of Acceptance and Welcome at the 11:30 mass this Sunday!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Blessed John Henry Newman

Yesterday in England, Pope Benedict XVI presided at the beatification ceremony of John Henry Cardinal Newman. "Beatification" is the next-to-last step in the canonization process, the way the Catholic Church formally recognizes saints. Newman was a 19th Century English academic and convert from Anglicanism.

Many public colleges and universities have a "Newman Center" nearby- the local presence of the Catholic Church providing campus ministry. As an undergraduate, I was deeply blessed by finding the Newman Center in Chapel Hill (sorry, NC State fans!), a place that was for me both a welcoming 'home' and an opportunity to grow, learn and develop my gifts and faith. Newman Centers across the country continue that tradition of encouraging intellectual, spiritual and social development of the person that complements and sometimes challenges the education being fostered on the campus.

A few words from Pope Benedict's homily during the ceremony:
In Blessed John Henry Newman,  "that tradition of gentle scholarship, deep human wisdom and profound love for the Lord has borne rich fruit, as a sign of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit deep within the heart of God's people, bringing forth abundant gifts of holiness."
"His insights into the relationship between faith and reason, into the vital place of revealed religion in civilized society, and into the need for a broadly-based and wide-ranging approach to education were not only of profound importance for Victorian England, but continue today to inspire and enlighten many all over the world. I would like to pay particular tribute to his vision for education, which has done so much to shape the ethos that is the driving force behind Catholic schools and colleges today. Firmly opposed to any reductive or utilitarian approach, he sought to achieve an educational environment in which intellectual training, moral discipline and religious commitment would come together."

Cardinal Newman was a scholar and prolific writer, so there are many quotes that could be chosen, on the primacy of one's informed conscience or on the importance of the laity, for example, but let's end this post with this one:
“Here below, to live is to change,
and to be perfect is to have changed often.”

John Henry Newman, pray for us!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Twenty-Fifith Sunday of Ordinary Time


Here are the readings for the
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
, September 19, 2010:


Amos 8: 4-7
Psalm 113: 1-2, 4-8     

1 Timothy 2: 1-8  
Luke 16: 1-13

  • When have you felt cheated or treated unjustly, and how did you feel?
  • In what ways do you factor God into your decisions about finances, careers, relationships?
  • When is it easier to leave God out of the equation?
St. Catherine of Siena wrote in Dialogues I,7 from God's perspective:
...I have given many gifts and graces, both spiritual and temporal, with such diversity that I have not given everything to a single person. ...I have willed that one should need another and that all should be my ministers in distributing the graces and gifts that [they] have received from me.

The theme for the Catechumenate session this week is Stewardship.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Rembrandt van Rijn
The Return of the Prodigal Son c. 1662
Here are the readings for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, September 12, 2010 
Exodus 32: 7-11, 13-14
Psalm 51: 3-4. 12-13, 17, 19     

1 Timothy 1: 12-17  
Luke 15: 1-32


  • There are three parables included in this Sunday's Gospel. What insight about God do you understand from each of them? 
  • How have you experience reconciliation in your life? (as a child, in relationships, at work)

    The topic for this Sunday's Catechumenate Session is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Mystagogia group will NOT be meeting at 10:45am, but will be helping serve the Migrant Ministry meal at St. Bernadette's on Sunday evening. The next Inquiry session is Tuesday September 14.



Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today is the day we celebrate the birthday of Mary, mother of Jesus. (That means that exactly 9 months ago, we celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary!) Christians have celebrated the life of this important woman since the 6th century, choosing a September date to fit with the beginning of the Eastern Church's new year.

There aren't many historical facts known about Mary's birth and early life, although pious stories abound. Her parents were Joachim and Anna (or Anne), and her conception and birth were nothing out of the ordinary, with one big exception. We believe that at the moment of her conception, God preserved her from original sin.
Please click here for a previous post about the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

So, what do you get the Mother of God for her birthday??! I'm sure she'd be pleased with a prayer of thanks for her courage, strength and love in saying 'yes' to God. And if you're looking for an 'official' one...
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blest is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, September 5, 2010:

Wisdom 9: 13-18b    

Psalm 90: 3-6, 12-17      
Philemon 9-10, 12-17    
Luke 14: 25-33

The Gospel is a continuation of Jesus' remarks and parables at the Pharisee's dinner party that we heard in last week's Gospel. (Don't take the best seat, don't do nice things just to get paid back, etc.) And we talked about the sense of freedom that can come from not being burdened by expectations and constant status-checking. In this week's reading, Jesus cranks up the heat another notch or two: you can't follow me unless you hate your family and your possessions! OUCH.

"Hate" is a strong, emotional word for us. The Semitic expression Jesus used is better indicted by a state of detachment. He's giving fair warning to all would-be disciples about where we have to place our priorities, and he's making no promises that such a choice will be all rainbows and sunshine. Who/what do you prefer: faithfulness to God, or protecting your investments, or fulfilling myriad social obligations? Even with this warning, Jesus isn't demanding 'all or nothing' (never talk with your parents again!), but keeping things in the proper perspective. If loving God IS your first priority, your lifestyle is going to sort itself out in a way that results in you being loving to family as well. And if your possessions don't own you, the freedom in that detachment allows you to be generous, trusting, and open to the hospitality of others.


And what does Jesus tell us by the parables about the builder and the armies? Slow down - know what you're getting into, take stock of your own gifts and fortitude, make sure you can make this commitment. Living deeply as a Christian carries a cost, our own cross to bear, and if we don't plan to have integrity about it, people WILL notice (e.g. cut off in traffic by the car with the fish symbol?! Nice.... really Christian!).


Discouraging? The Good News is that God doesn't leave us to flounder on our own... see the reading from the Book of Wisdom:

...Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.
  • In what sense might self-renunciation lead to fuller self-discovery?
  • Is it possible to view the cross you bear as an eventual means to redemption (as Jesus' cross was the means for the redemption of us all?)?
There is no Catechumenate session this weekend. Have a happy and safe Labor Day holiday.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Sts. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus

Today is the feast of two saints, leading Jewish men who lived at the same time as Jesus. Both had their reputations in the community to consider, and yet both were drawn by the power and wisdom of Jesus' message.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus both showed courage when it was called for- Nicodemus in defending Jesus to his fellow religious leaders, and Joseph in requesting Jesus' body for burial from Pilate, the local political leader.

Sometimes it's easy to be a Christian. Sometimes, in ways large and small, it can be a challenge. Sometimes, you can find subtle ways to get around the obstacles (like Nicodemus, visiting with Jesus at night). Other times, nothing less than speaking truth to power (and understanding and accepting the potential consequences) is required.

Suddenly, I'm reminded of the popular "Serenity Prayer":
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference. (Reinhold Niebuhr)

Joseph and Nicodemus, pray for us!


Thursday, August 26, 2010

Twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 29, 2010:
Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29     
Psalm 68: 4-7, 10-11      
Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24a     
Luke 14: 1, 7-14


  • Who is the most generous person you know? 
  • In what ways do they exhibit generosity, and how does it make others feel?

    Our Catechumenate Session Topic this Sunday is on Sacrament and Sacramentality. Please remember to bring an item of importance to you that has a story attached to it!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Today in Scripture


 The Gospel today is Matthew 23: 27-32
Jesus said,
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous,
but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You build the tombs of the prophets
and adorn the memorials of the righteous,
and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors,
we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’
Thus you bear witness against yourselves
that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets;
now fill up what your ancestors measured out!”

The television network ABC currently has an 'ethical dilemma' show called "What Would You Do?" in which they set up various situations and film bystanders reactions (or lack of action) with a hidden camera. I'm guessing that many people watching the show claim the noble course of action for themselves: of course I'd give that person a few dollars for gas, no matter their gender or ethnicity or fashion sense; I'd certainly speak up if a man was verbally abusing his date, etc., etc.  But deep down, it's a gnawing question, what would you do?

‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ That leads to another gnawing question... if we had lived in the days of Jesus, would we have followed him, listened to him, believed in him, or dismissed him as too 'out there', as someone unfaithful to religious tradition, a dangerous influence in society? Fortunately, we don't have to think too hard about this because our ancestors in faith have passed on to us the priceless gift of belief, and along with it a set of standards for how to live like Jesus Christ.

Still. The struggle remains: we know what Jesus said and did and valued, but it can be difficult to internalize that knowledge to a consistent way of being. And we know how we feel when our reality conflicts with our good intentions. It's not a new struggle, remember Paul? "For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want." (Romans 7: 19) 

I wonder what Jesus' tone was in this passage. We usually read it as a stern condemnation of hypocrisy, something to be rightfully criticized. But what if he was saying, 'how utterly sad for you, look at how this inconsistency is eating you up, is making you feel dead inside'. These feelings of disquiet that settle in when we know we've not lived up to our own, let alone God's standards can be helpful: they are invitations to take a breath, turn back to the right path and try again.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 22, 2010:
Isaiah 66: 18-21      
Psalm 117: 1-2       
Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13     
Luke 13: 22-30
  • What is the importance of discipline for us? 
  • What gets us discouraged? 
  • What helps us stay on the right path?

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

When a Holy Day of Obligation falls on a Sunday, it takes precedence over the 'regularly scheduled' set of readings (in other words, we're skipping the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time this year!).

The readings for Sunday, August 15, 2010 are:
Revelation 11: 19a, 12:1-62, 10a-b
Psalm 45: 10-12, 16
1 Corinthians 15: 20-27
Luke 1: 39-56

Why, you may ask, do we use the Gospel reading of the Visitation (between Mary and Elizabeth, just after the Annunciation) for this feast, rather than one about Mary's 'dormition' ('falling asleep'- it has not been stated whether Mary experienced physical death before being assumed bodily into heaven). Well, it is not explicitly contained in Scripture, although the dogma was defined (in 1950 by Pope Pius XII) after many centuries of commonly held belief. This belief arose from what we consider a fitting circumstance for the Mother of God, who was free from sin from her own conception. It also speaks to our belief and hope in the resurrection of the body for us all.

But... back to the readings! After the stunning news from the angel that she would give birth to the Messiah, Mary went off to stay with her cousin, who herself was bearing a 'miracle baby'. They gave each other support, and praised God together for the blessings of their lives.
  • Who do you turn to for support, and to share good news?
  • If you were to write your own "Magnificat" (Mary's 'song') what would your soul proclaim?
  • What's comforting about Mary in Catholic teaching for you? What's confusing or challenging?
Bonus Assumption painting, just because:

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 8, 2010:
     
Wisdom 18: 6-9
      Psalm 33: 1, 12, 18-22
      Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19
      Luke 12: 32-48 

  • What do you hope for in your life? 
  • In what or whom do you have faith?
The Catechumenate does not meet this Sunday.
Mystagogia meets after the 9:30AM Mass this Sunday.
Inquiry will meet next Tuesday.



Tuesday, August 3, 2010

An Opportunity to Serve

About once a month, St. Andrew's hosts a dinner for migrant workers at St. Bernadette's in Fuquay-Varina.  There are a variety of ways to participate. You could do any of the following:
  • prepare a dish and drop it off at St. Andrew's or St. Bernadette's
  • or go to St. Bernadette's Sunday afternoon to help set up, serve and clean-up
  • or pick up workers from area farms and drive them to the church

    This Sunday, August 8 is our parish's next opportunity to serve our brothers and sisters (feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, that sort of thing!).

    I prefer not to put individuals' phone numbers on a public blog, so if you would like to volunteer, please email Cathy Rusin at adult_faith(at)saintandrew(dot)org for contact information.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time,
August 1, 2010:
     
Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2: 21-23
      Psalm 90: 3-6, 12-14, 17

      Colossians 3: 1-5, 9-11
      Luke 12: 13-21 



Greed is an unhealthy desire for possessions or wealth. It hinders our ability to be generous people.
Envy is an unhealthy desire for the possessions, wealth, or fame of others. It hinders our ability to be satisfied with and grateful for the blessings of our own lives.
  • How easy or difficult is it for you to distinguish between 'wants' and 'needs'? 
  • What factors in your family, workplace, church or community support or challenge you in resisting greed?

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Today in Scripture

Matthew 13: 44-46
Jesus said to his disciples:
"The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field,
which a person finds and hides again,
and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."

Do you remember that scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, when in order to save his father's life, and against all evidence that points to a fatal fall, Indy has to take a 'leap of faith' in order to reach the grail? He takes some time to evaluate, to consider what he knows, but at some point just has to ... take.. that ... step.... and...

.....the path reveals itself.

Most of us have made a leap of faith in one way or another:
  • Declaring your love for another
  • Committing to marriage
  • Choosing a major
  • Changing your career
  • Choosing Catholicism as the way to live your faith
You take some time, weigh your options, consider your lived experience, and at some point come to the decision that this choice is worth more than any other option. At the same time, that choice for a new path demands that something else be left behind (independence, other options, security, etc.).  Jesus tells his disciples that out of joy at finding the great treasure, a person sells all they have just to have the possibility of attaining it. What have you left behind in order to attain what you now hold dear (whether a relationship, vocation or faith-path)? What still keeps you from 'full ownership'?