The Nativity of the Lord: Christmas

The readings for Mass vary, depending on what time you go to celebrate the feast! But please click here and choose your time, in order to prepare the Scripture ahead of time.

May you have a blessed and holy Christmas Season!

Wondering about Mass Times at St Andrew? Please click here. The Christmas Eve masses get very full, and begin as soon as the Church reaches capacity.

December 23: O Emmanuel

Please click here for today's O Antiphon

December 22: O King of All the Nations

Please click here for today's O Antiphon

December 21: O Radiant Dawn

Please click here for today's O Antiphon

 

December 20: O Key of David

Please click here for today's O Antiphon

December 19: Flower of Jesse's Stem

Please click here for today's O Antiphon

December 18: O Lord (Adonai)

Please click here for the O Antiphon post for December 18

December 17: O Wisdom

Please click here for the posting on the O Antiphon for December 17

A little background.....
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!

O antiphons

Today in our RCIA session we talked a little about the "O Antiphons" which appear in Evening Prayer during the Octave of Christmas (the week leading up to the feast) ... you'd probably recognize them as the verses of "O Come O Come Emmanuel". So this week, I'll repost the entries of two Advents ago... which I should have done starting last night. Oops.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Here are the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent,
December 18, 2011:

2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Psalm 89: 2-5, 27, 29
Romans 16: 25-27
Luke 1: 26-38


If you were to look through the Gospel of Mark (the earliest written of the 4 Gospels) and compare it to the Gospel of John (composed a good 30-40 years later), you'd quickly notice big differences in writing styles, the account of the Last Supper, even of the person of Jesus. In those intervening decades, some people had moved from a simple recording of the amazing events that Jesus accomplished to a pondering of who WAS Jesus that he was able to do all these amazing things. Our Gospel today (from Luke) gives us the story of the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she had been chosen to give birth to the Son of God, and Mary's acceptance. That gives us a bit of insight into the source of Jesus' abilities.

Imagine! A young, unmarried small town girl, undertaking a mysterious pregnancy in a culture founded on honor and shame. In retrospect, we recognize God's hand in so many ways supporting and reassuring both Mary and Joseph.

• When have you felt called to do the impossible? 
• How did you respond?
• Where was God in that process?
• What difference does it make for you that God became human in Jesus?

The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday will be Jesus and the Incarnation.
There will be no RCIA meetings on December 25 or January 1. Please check the bulletin or parish website (www.saintandrew.org) for mass times for these Holy Days.

Third Sunday of Advent

Here are the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent,
December 11, 2011:

Isaiah 61: 1-2a, 10-11
Luke 1: 46-50, 53-54
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24
John 1: 6-8, 19-28


There's something interesting happening with the responsorial psalm this week: it doesn't come from the Book of Psalms! Instead, it is taken from the Magnificat, the song of Mary in response to Elizabeth's words of blessing, in which Mary blesses God for using her as the means of fulfilling the eternal plan of salvation. And God's plan is one of setting things right, echoing the words of the writer of Isaiah in the first reading (and proclaimed later by Jesus as he begins his own ministry).

• What is your role in God's plan of salvation?

The topic for the Catechumenate this week is Mary.

Immaculate Conception of Mary: December 8

This Thursday is a Holy Day, and masses are celebrated at 

6:30 and 9:30am and 7:30pm.

For some background on the Immaculate Conception of Mary, 

please click here.

 

The readings for the day may be found here.

Second Sunday of Advent- Year B

Here are the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent,
December 4, 2011:

Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85: 9-14
2 Peter 3: 8-14
Mark 1: 1-8


Such beautiful words are recorded in the reading from the book of Isaiah today! "Comfort, give comfort to my people... speak tenderly"  Some days are so harsh we yearn for a tender word, the consolation from one who knows and loves us. The psalm, too, anticipates good news when "Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss." Oh, what a relief!!
After nearly a month of readings warning us to be alert, to prepare for the end, we are bathed in words of reassurance. The Season of Advent is a time of preparation, but NOT a time of penitence (we often confuse it with Lent, since both share the purple hue)...  a preparation for the good and audacious news of Incarnation: of God-become-human.

• Where in your life are the paths to love and goodness and path crooked?
• Have you put obstacles in the way?
• Why would you WANT to make it harder to live in love and peace, anyway?!

The Mystagogia Session is this Sunday, at 10:45AM in the small chapel.
We will celebrate a Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming with adults at the 9:30AM Mass this Sunday.
The topic in our Catechumenate session is Advent and the Liturgical Year.

Saint Andrew the Apostle

Today is the feast of St. Andrew, patron saint of our parish!


Want to learn a little about him? Please click here.


Saint Andrew, pray for us.

Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time" Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

Interior Dome of the Duomo in Florence

Here are the readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King,
November 20, 2011:

Ezekiel 34: 11-12, 15-17
Psalm 23: 1-3, 5-6
1 Corinthians 15: 20-26, 28
Matthew 25: 31-46

This is the final week of the Liturgical Year. Maybe you've noticed that as we end this scripture cycle, the themes of the readings have also been focused on things of the world to come? Does the thought of final judgment make you uncomfortable? As if you'll be given a big exam and forgot to study? Maybe these readings today can be a source of consolation and encouragement for you ... God is the caring shepherd, Christ has nullified the power of death, and we might just be caring for Jesus Christ even without intending to!

• Do these scriptures uncover any new meaning to your relationship with God?
• Who are the poor, imprisoned, thirsty people you encounter every day? What is your response?
• Since we are coming to the end of this liturgical year, what are your "New Year's Resolutions"?!

The topic for this Sunday's Catechumenate is "Christ the King"

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My friends, I am not able to easily do my normal post this week.
If you go to last Sunday's readings link and click there, you should be able to get to a calendar and click on November 13 for this Sunday's readings.

Know that I am praying for and thinking of you while on pilgrimage in Italy.
I expect to join the catechumens group this Sunday as we talk about stewardship.

Peace and all good,
Cathy

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time,
November 6, 2011:

Wisdom 6: 12-16
Psalm 63: 2-8
1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
Matthew 25: 1-13

As we head quickly toward the end of this liturgical year, the Gospel readings urge us to live our lives always prepared to greet our God. I think many of hear the phrase 'prepare to meet God' and feel afraid, as if our Creator is a cranky principal who is about to hand down to us the stiffest detention ever suffered! But the Gospel says 'those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him' (the bridegroom, Jesus).... sounds good to me.  Here's the question for us all: what does it mean to 'be ready'... in your life, when and how does your lamp shine brightly, and where does it feel as if you're running dry?

The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday is prayer.
The Mystagogia group will meet this Sunday at 10:45am in the small chapel, to review the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in anticipation of our parish communal penance service for Advent.
Inquiry will meet on Tuesday evening November 8 at 7:00pm.

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time,
October 30, 2011:

Malachi 1: 14b- 2: 2b, 8-10
Psalm 131: 1-3
1 Thessalonians 2: 7b-9, 13
Matthew 23: 1-12


"Do as I say, not as I do" ... sound familiar?

• In our world, in our country, who would be comforted by these readings, and who would be challenged by them? 
• Why?

The topics for Catechumenate this week will be Infallibility and the Communion of Saints
The Mystagogia group will meet on November 6 to review the Sacrament of Reconciliation in anticipation of our parish Advent Reconciliation service.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Here are the readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
October 23, 2011:

Exodus 22: 20-26
Psalm 18: 2-4, 47, 51
1 Thessalonians 1: 5c-10
Matthew 22:34-40

The passage from the book of Exodus was establishing social norms for the Hebrew community. How was one to act with each other, and how was one to act to 'the other'? Together with the Gospel, how well do you think you, and we (neighborhood, faith community, state, country) are doing?

The Catechumenate this Sunday will address the Catholic Approach to Scripture.

The next Inquiry is October 25.

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 16, 2011:


Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6
Psalm 96: 1, 3-5, 7-10
1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5b
Matthew 22:15-21

After three solid weeks of pointed parables directed to the chief priests and religious rulers, is it any wonder that today's Gospel begins,  "The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech"?

The Cyrus mentioned in the first reading was a Persian ruler who allowed the Israelites to return from captivity in Babylon. He was called by God for this role, even though he was not familiar with Israel's God. Any person can be an agent of God's mission, if they recognize and respond to the call.

If you've ever felt pulled between loyalty to two conflicting ties, perhaps the lesson of the Gospel is of some guidance. Living in the United States, with a strongly held value of separation of Church and State, there are times when the call to be a good citizen and the call to be a faithful Christian seem at odds. Perhaps to helps to remember the phrase on our currency, "In God We Trust".

• What do you find easy to entrust to God?
• What is hard to trust God about?

The Catechumenate does not meet this Sunday; they will be attending the Diocesan Catholic Convocation on Saturday.
The Mystagogia groups meets this Sunday at 10:45-11:30am in the Living Room. We'll be talking about the Prayer of St. Francis.

A wonderful anniversary!

On this day forty-nine years ago, Pope John 23rd opened the Second Vatican Council. This gathering of bishops from all over the world happened over the course of 3 autumns, and served to breathe new life into the Roman Catholic Church. It would not be an overstatement to say that it was the most important church event of the 20th century.

For a bit of background information on "Good Pope John", please click here .

And for a neat reflective video on Blessed John 23rd and the opening of Vatican 2, please click here and enjoy for 9 minutes!

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"The Wedding Feast" by Kazakhstan Artist Nelly Bube.

Here are the readings for the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 9, 2011:

Isaiah 25: 6-10a
Psalm 23: 1-6
Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20
Matthew 22:1-14

Ah, the multiple meanings of the parables! Is Jesus talking about the widening of preaching from the Prophets to the Israelites, to the early Church to the Gentiles? Is he commenting on the behaviors expected of a believer? Or on our tendency to only reluctantly include 'others'? Does the wedding garment symbolize our baptismal garment? So much to ponder!

One thing is certain: today's major headache of people neglecting to RSVP is not a new phenomenon! (Mt 22: 3-5)

Taken together, today's readings give us insight into the early Christian community's sense of importance given to gathering together each Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist.

• Beyond Mass, how do you observe the Lord's Day? 
• In what ways do you set aside a time to rest and reflect?

The topic for the Catechumenate this week will be "Mass".
Inquiry will meet this Tuesday October 11.
Mystagogia will meet next Sunday, October 16

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 2, 2011:

Isaiah 5: 1-7
Psalm 80: 9, 12-16, 19-20
Philippians 4: 6-9
Matthew 21: 33-43

Consider that this parable follows in Matthew's Gospel immediately after last week's story of the two sons, and Jesus' conversation with the chief priests and elders about how public sinners would enter God's kingdom before them. How do you think his audience was feeling by the end of today's passage? What do you think Jesus was feeling and thinking, that he told them these parables? What is the message for us, today?

This week in the Catechumenate session, we will have an introduction to Catholic Social Teaching.

Feast of the Archangels

Today is the feast of Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels.

Please refer to an earlier post for a brief reflection.

Twenty-sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, September 25, 2011:

Ezekiel 18: 25-28
Psalm 25: 4-5, 8-10, 14
Philippians 2: 1-11
Matthew 21: 28-32

To our American sensibilities, the concept of the sins (or blessings) of the parent being passed on to their descendents seems entirely strange. Why should an innocent person be cursed because their great-grandfather was a jerk? Or, why should a child of a blessed person even try to be good, if the blessings automatically got transferred to them?! The prophet Ezekiel takes on this long-held belief, and advocates for personal responsibility and conversion. (a message not kindly met by those currently 'blessed')

In the Gospel, Jesus responds to the religious leaders who have just questioned his authority with a parable highlighted the difference between giving the right answer and doing the right thing. (a message not kindly met by those currently blessed with power and the right answers)

• How does the good news that sinners have the chance to change affect your understanding of God?
• Do you identify with one of the sons in the parable, in your own inclinations to God's call?

The Catechumenate meets this Sunday and will be talking about 'Moral Decision Making'
This Tuesday is the next Inquiry session.

Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, September 18, 2011:

Isaiah 55: 6-9
Psalm 145: 2-3, 8-9, 17-18
Philippians 1: 20c-24, 27a
Matthew 20: 1-16a

• How would you have felt at the end of the day, to have been the first chosen?
• How would you have felt to have been the last chosen?
• What does the Gospel parable tell us about God's love?

The Catechumenate will dismiss from the 9:30am mass this Sunday.

Twenty-fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, September 11, 2011:

Sirach 27: 30- 28:7
Psalm 103: 1-4, 9-12
Romans 14: 7-9
Matthew 18: 21-35

The Gospel begins with a simple and familiar question from Peter, and ends with a puzzling and troubling parable. This is one of those weeks when the first reading can really help us shed some light on the Gospel. So please be sure to read Sirach again!

Divine forgiveness  and human forgiveness constitute a tightly linked dynamic. They are connected through the heart, the spiritual center of the person.
The heart is the symbolic place that opens both to God and neighbor. It receives mercy from God and extends that mercy to others. If it fails to extend mercy to others, it loses the mercy it has received from God. - John Shea "On Earth As It Is In Heaven"

• When is it easy to be merciful?
• When does it feel nearly impossible to do so?
• On this 10th anniversary of a day of immeasurable sadness, how are we in the U.S. challenged by today's Scripture readings?

Those in the Catechumenate will attend "Living Faith" for Fr. Joseph's presentation on "Sacrament".
For Mystagogia this week, we will meet at St. Bernadette in Fuquay-Varina at 4:30pm, to help serve the Migrant Ministry Dinner.
Inquiry will be this Tuesday at 7pm.

Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time, September 4, 2011:

Ezekiel 33: 7-9
Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9
Romans 13: 8-10
Matthew 18: 15-20

Religion and relationship come from the same root words, and the one for religion, religare, means 'to bind together'. These readings underscore for us that the nature of our lived faith is in relationship- with God AND with one another. 

Let's be clear: Catholicism is not a 'Jesus and me' proposition--- we are a communal people- strangers who become brothers and sisters, formed into the Body of Christ though our baptism. Catholics in the United States have to get past the typical American rugged individualism, self-made man (woman) stereotype and remember that by our religious faith we are responsible for and to one another. We are bound to one another in community, in communion.

Here's the good news- it means we don't have to figure out this discipleship thing alone! We've got lots of people to help us by their example, prayers and words, as well as the sacraments of the Church to constantly remind us of God's limitless love for us.

Here's the challenge - sometimes that's going to require admitting that we've been wrong and asking forgiveness. Sometimes that gong to entail finding the kind and loving way to suggest to another that they may benefit from a change of heart or action. Sometimes -- it's just hard to know what to do or say!

Perhaps it helps to remember from the second reading, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself", and from the Gospel, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.", and use those as a starting point.

• When has it been challenging to love someone?
• Has someone ever persuaded you to change, out of their love for you? How did you feel, and what effect did it have on your relationship?

Twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 28, 2011:

Jeremiah 20: 7-9
Psalm 63: 2-6, 8-9
Romans 12: 1-2
Matthew 16: 21-27

What gets you all fired up?  What do you love doing so much that you lose all track of time? What makes life just *that* much better for you? Maybe it's reading or gardening, exercising or cooking, building something in a workshop, or any job that you truly love.

If you think about that thing, you can get just a small sense of Jeremiah's dilemma. Deep down, his call was to be a prophet of the Lord, deep down- that's what gave him life ... and yet he struggled because the outcome was less glamorous and more dangerous than he was ready for. (Sort of a "Dirty Jobs: BC Edition")

Peter, too, had a different plan for what it meant to have an 'in' with the Messiah. Fame, power, prestige... all those temptations Jesus had successfully faced down in the desert after his baptism. And so Jesus is very direct with him, in redirecting Peter's expectations for discipleship!

But in the midst of what seem very harsh words, consider this... what if 'losing one's life for my sake' means that in spite of the hardships that arise, discipleship brings you so much joy, absorbs so much of your positive attention (like reading, or gardening, etc) that you find abundant life precisely in following the ways of Jesus Christ?!

Deny ourselves, take up our crosses, follow Jesus....   we're not promised a life without pain or sacrifice, but by being true to who we really are (people created in the image and likeness of God) our sorrows and thirsts, misunderstandings and obstacles can be transformed by the Divine Perspective, by hope, and by the promise of the resurrection.

• In the crosses you have carried during your life, what part of yourself did you deny?
• In this carrying of the cross, what life did you gain?

Twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 21, 2011:

Isaiah 22: 19-23
Psalm: 138: 1-3, 6, 8
Romans 11: 33-36
Matthew 16: 13-20


Here's the key to it all: Who do YOU say that Jesus is, for you?


Inquiry meets this Tuesday, August 23.

Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 14, 2011:

Isaiah 56: 1, 6-7
Psalm: 67: 2-3, 5-6, 8
Romans 11: 13-15, 29-32
Matthew 15: 21-28

A determined mother meets a man with a defined mission and challenges him to expand his vision. A woman dares to speak with an unrelated man of a different religion, and demonstrates an awareness of Jesus' power that many of his own culture were unable to accept. God's salvation is, after all, offered to all people, and we have the free will to accept or reject it.

If you could ask one thing of Jesus, what would that be?

Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, August 7, 2011:

1 Kings 19: 9a, 11-13a
Psalm: 85: 9-14
Romans 9: 1-5
Matthew 14:22-33

It is much too simple, and yet truthful all the same, to assert that 'peace' is a by-product, a deep assurance of God's intimate presence. Time and again in the Gospels, the Risen Christ greets his disciples with, "Peace!". He's echoing the scriptural greetings of the archangels whenever they, the messengers of God, appeared to humans. (Let's be honest, if an angel or previously-dead man appeared to you, wouldn't a sense of peace be exactly what you'd need?!)

There's a sense that this peace is hard-won.... not a simple fact of a lovely sunny, cool day with an ant-less picnic in your favorite locale... but the deep assurance that in whatever our struggles, whatever the storms that may surround us, God is there. God is there and ultimately will not let us come to ruin.  It is, I think, unfair to blame God for these 'storms' as if God tests us in order to reward us--- that's just sort of passive-aggressive, which has never been one of the traditional names or descriptions of our Creator! 

Rather, while God is perfect, and creation is good, the reality is that humanity, and life, is imperfect. And as the old saying goes, 'bad things happen to good people'. Unemployment. Foreclosure. Illness. Strained Relationships. Flunking a Course. Where is God? There may be no immediate fix, but remember Elijah and listen for the still small voice, remember Peter and reach out for Jesus.... focus on the peace in the whirlwind as a guide for how to live through it and come at last to the assurance that God IS with us.

• Do you pray every day, taking time to listen as well as talk?
• Where in your life do you feel ill-at-ease? Are there changes you could make that would lead you to peace?
• When have you felt God's presence holding you up through difficult times?
• Do you have an opportunity to extend that peace of Christ to someone who is now weathering their own storm?

Mystagogia meets this Sunday, 10:45-11:30am.
Inquiry meets August 9 at 7pm.

Sunday Reading Resource

Here is another website that can help you prepare for or reflect on the Sunday Mass scriptures.

If you have children or teens, there are also questions and activities designed to relate to them.

Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 31, 2011:

Isaiah 55: 1-3
Psalm: 145: 8-9, 15-19
Romans 8: 35, 37-39
Matthew 14: 13-21

Do you know how it feels to try to dig yourself out of a mess all on your own?  For every shovelful of progress, more dirt trickles back down, the sun beats hotter, the task looms larger. The scripture this weekend seems to address just this situation, reassuring us of God's generous concern and ultimate power to make things right.

These are beautiful Scriptures. I encourage you this week to read through them, to pick a phrase and use it throughout the week as a starter for prayer. Here are a few examples, but find the Word that speaks now to your heart:

• All you who are thirsty, come to the water!
• Listen, that you may have life.
• The hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs.
• The Lord is near to all who call upon him.
• What will separate us from the love of Christ?
• There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.
• They all ate and were satisfied.

If you'd like to leave a comment with your own chosen phrase, please go right ahead!

Catholic Digest | The Magazine for Catholic Living | You’re more spiritual than you think

Catholic Digest | The Magazine for Catholic Living | You’re more spiritual than you think

Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 24, 2011:

1 Kings 3: 5, 7-12
Psalm: 119: 57, 72, 76-77, 127-130
Romans 8: 28-30
Matthew 13: 44-52

I just read an interesting commentary on these parables in this Gospel. At first glance, it seems fairly straightforward to praise the finder for being willing to 'sell all' to gain the treasure. And yet. In selling all out of joy or desire to possess, the finder risks financial ruin, and is left with the puzzle of what to do once they have it. Great, you own a lovely pearl, but how will you feed your family on that? Okay new farmer, your crops didn't come in, but just how did you get so rich- who'd you steal from or cheat?  From this perspective, the risk involved is one that comes from wanting to hoard the treasure, the kingdom, all for oneself. Huh.

So - how do we find the balance? How do we have the courage, the discipline and trust to deny ourselves for a greater good.... and yet not treat our faith as a trophy to be enclosed, admired even as it gathers dust, and protected and hidden from 'others'? Difficult questions, and ones I fear I am not stating clearly.

Despite the sorting stories at the end of this and last week's Gospels, Jesus was fairly inclusive in who is invited to the Kingdom of God. His stories and actions upset many in the religious establishment because they wanted to hoard salvation.

As Christians, we do believe Jesus' message that God's reign is now among us, and yet not fully so.

• What changes do you need to make in your life in order for others to recognize that you ARE a member of the Kingdom of God? 
• What do you hoard or hide that is better shared or entrusted to others?

The next Mystagogia session is August 7.
The next Inquiry session is July 26, and will include a church tour.

A blog to visit

Here is a link to a blog on Catholic Moral Theology that is sound and well-balanced.

(You do know that not all sites on the Internet that call themselves "Catholic" accurately represent authentic Catholic teaching, right? As with any large organization, those on the fringes ('right' or 'left') shout loudest ... so it helps to find the reasonable, moderate voices.)

Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 10, 2011:

Isaiah 55: 10-11
Psalm: 65: 10-14
Romans 8: 18-23
Matthew 13: 1-23

For many, many years, Catholics were discouraged from reading the Bible on their own, out of fear that we would misinterpret the sacred truths and be led astray. How very sad! During the Second Vatican Council- a tremendously important event for Catholicism that began in 1962- the document on Scripture echoed the words of St. Jerome by proclaiming that "Ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of Christ."

When we gather as a group in RCIA, we begin by reflecting on that Sunday's Scripture, making connections between the timeless truth of that passage and our daily lives. In our catechumenate sessions, most often our topic is derived from the theme of the Sunday Gospel (that's called 'lectionary-based catechesis'- a helpful term to know if you happen to get caught in a church-nerd trivia contest!) ...  we look to the Word of God to form, nurture and guide us.... to help us be the seeds planted in good soil, so that our lives may produce an abundant harvest.

The next Inquiry Session is Tuesday, July 12.
The next Mystagogia Session is Sunday, July 17.

Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, July 3, 2011:

Zechariah 9: 9-10
Psalm: 145: 1-2, 8-11, 13-14
Romans 8: 9, 11-13
Matthew 11: 25-30

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Here are the readings for the Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Sunday June 26, 2011:

Deuteronomy 8: 2-3, 14b-16a
Psalm: 147: 12-15, 19-20
1 Corinthians 10: 16-17
John 6: 51-58

I'm not sure that I could really blame those people who heard Jesus' words in the Gospel for shaking their heads and walking away.... his proclamation was pretty shocking and audacious! Eat my flesh, drink my blood...Was he espousing some type of cannibalism? And the word that he used for 'flesh' is NOT the one you'd use to describe Miss Universe contestants... but more of the broken and diseased bodies Mother Teresa ministered to in the streets of Calcutta. So, what DID he mean, how could ingesting  THAT be life-giving?

We recall that God became human in Jesus not because of our perfection, but out of love and compassion for us in our frailty. And while Jesus gives us the perfect model of humanity, imperfection remains as a reality in our world, in our lives, sadly even in our Church. Here's the Good News: God doesn't reject us in our weakness. Members of the Body of Christ, through the indescribable gift of the Eucharist we are nourished by the Body of Christ, in order that we might carry his compassion, love, patience and healing forgiveness wherever there is pain or dis-ease. We may not get it right all the time, and that's why the Eucharist is offered daily as both reminder and sustenance for us.

As Ronald Rolheiser writes in his beautiful book, "The Holy Longing", "My task is not to walk to God as an individual but to be within a community that is worshiping God.  ... in this life, whenever I meet the presence of God within community I will not meet it in its pure form. ...To be a member of the church is to carry the mantle of both the worst sin and the finest heroism of soul... because the church always looks exactly as it looked at the original crucifixion, God hung among thieves."

This link takes you to last year's blog post reflection, for YOUR continued reflection!

There is no RCIA gathering this Sunday. There will be an Inquiry Session on Tuesday, June 28.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga

Most of us know the name "Gonzaga" as a small Catholic college with a basketball team that usually does well in the NCAAs. Today is the feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, an Italian Jesuit who died at age 23.
This article does a nice job of getting beyond the over-pious images that often dominate his story. I invite you to take a few minutes to read through it and learn a bit about one of our older brothers in Christ!
St. Aloysius Gonzaga, pray for us!

Trinity Sunday

Here are the readings for the Solemnity of The Most Holy Trinity, Sunday June 19, 2011:

Exodus 34: 4b-6, 8-9
Psalm: Daniel 3: 52-56
2 Corinthians 13: 11-13
John 3: 16-18

We most directly know about God as Trinity through the revelation of Jesus. At his baptism in the Jordan, there is the voice from heaven and the descent of the spirit 'like a dove'. At his return to the Father, Jesus promised his Spirit would be with us always. In his Last Supper Discourses, Jesus repeatedly emphasized the unity inherent in God.  We know our God to be one who has created all, whose love and mercy is offered for our salvation and who lives with us to empower and guide, comfort and sustain us. 

While we rightly speak of the Triune God as a "Mystery" (a reality beyond our ability to fully comprehend) today's scripture passages all reveal important aspects of the nature of God. I invite you to take these scriptural words and phrases describing God to prayer, in preparation for this Sunday's Mass:

• merciful
• gracious
• slow to anger
• rich in kindness
• faithful
• love
• peace
• so loved the world
• not.. to condemn... be saved

This is one of those rare Sundays when the Responsorial Psalm is not from the book of Psalms, but a hymn attributed to the 3 faithful Jews as they walked unscathed through a fiery furnace (put there for refusal to worship idols), and based on Psalm 148-- an all-encompassing song of praise to God who created and sustains all!

If you'd like to do a little further reading about this mystery of the Triune God, click here for a helpful article.

No RCIA groups are meeting this Sunday or this week. The next Mystagogia date is July 17.

and: Happy Father's Day!!

Pentecost Sunday

Here are the readings for the Solemnity of Pentecost, Sunday June 12, 2011:

Acts 2: 1-11
Psalm 104: 1, 24, 29-31, 34
1 Corinthians 12: 3b-7, 12-13
John 20: 19-23

Where to begin? All of the readings hold such rich imagery, and speak of many and varied ways that God's Holy Spirit is present and effective in the Church and the world!

• What words from these readings hold the most meaning for you today? 
• Which gifts or fruits of the Holy Spirit resonate in your life right now? (peace, wisdom, being sent, renewal, unity)
• How is your life changed by the gift of the Holy Spirit?

Mystagogia meets this Sunday from 10:45-11:30am.
We celebrate with Laurie and Michael as they are received into full communion with the Catholic Church and are confirmed this Sunday at the 11:30am mass.
The next Inquiry session will be June 14.

Oh - and one nice tradition for Pentecost is for everyone to wear red, in honor of the Holy Spirit. (Even Tar Heel fans... it's for the Spirit, not the Wolfpack!)

Ascension of the Lord

Here are the readings for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Sunday June 5, 2011:

Acts 1: 1-11
Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-9
Ephesians 1: 17-23
Matthew 28: 16-20

• What images and feelings do these readings hold for you?
• Knowing that Christ is no longer bound by time and physical constraints, what does this mean for us as his followers?
• What are the signs of Christ's presence now in our world, our communities, and our families?

Mystagogia meets in the Living Room at 10:45-11:30 this Sunday.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Here are the readings for Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 29, 2011:

Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17
Psalm 66: 1-7, 16, 20
1 Peter 3: 15-18
John 14: 15-21

Always be ready to give an explanation
to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,
but do it with gentleness and reverence,
keeping your conscience clear,
so that, when you are maligned,
those who defame your good conduct in Christ
may themselves be put to shame. (1 Peter)

 Many of us are fans of drama. Focus on the bad news, show us the cat fights, tease us with scandal... that'll keep our interest! And yet the results of living a life empowered by God's Holy Spirit promise us "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, self-control" (Galatians 5: 22-23): ho-hum, that'll never make the evening news!

Think of this passage from 1 Peter, and of these fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians the next time you are tempted to argue/defend your faith with another. Matching stubbornness for stubbornness reveals nothing positive about the Body of Christ. Worrying about proving the other wrong illuminates little about the good in your own being. Certainly we are called to correct misconceptions, but always in a spirit of charity and patience, respecting as much as possible the good intentions that both sides hold (however hard they may be to see at the time!).  The way you live your faith each day speaks far more eloquently than thousands of words - may your life be a clear and joyful Gospel!

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Here are the readings for Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 22, 2011:

Acts 6: 1-7
Psalm 33: 1-2, 4-5, 18-19
1 Peter 2: 4-9
John 14: 1-12

You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people of his own,
so that you may announce the praises” of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter)

• What does this declaration and invitation mean for you?
• In what ways do you praise God by your life?
• How are you different now than you were one year ago?

Mystagogia meets this Sunday from 10:45-11:30am in the Living Room of the CARE Center.
Inquiry meets on Tuesday in the Living Room at 7pm.
The Catechumenate group meets on Tuesday at 7pm in Room 208.

120 Years of Catholic Social Teaching

May 15 marked the 120th anniversary of the papal encyclical Rerum Novarum (The Condition of Labor), and this link summarizes a panel presentation at a recent conference marking this significant occasion.

At its most basic, the consistent social teaching of the church (which itself is rooted in Scripture from Genesis onward) is concerned with five themes:

1. Affirming Human Dignity
2. Valuing Work
3. Developing the Common Good
4. Creating Justice
5. Building Peace

Please don't think, 'oh how sweet, a nod to an old, out of touch document' and head straight back to updating your Facebook page. Please go to this recent editorial to read snippets of how both Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI have continued and developed the tradition of social teaching, affirming the right of laborers to expect just wages and fair working conditions. This teachings may be a challenge to our American capitalist individualistic mindsets, but they are certainly rooted in the message of Jesus Christ - the One who brings us life in all its fullness!

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Catacomb of Callixtus, 3rd century Rome

Here are the readings for Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 15, 2011:

Acts 2: 14a, 36-41
Psalm 23: 1-6
1 Peter 2: 20b-25
John 10: 1-10


The earliest paintings depicting Jesus were not of his crucifixion, or the last supper, or even his resurrection or ascension, but rather this image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In first-century Palestine, the sheep would be gathered at night into an enclosed space with one opening but no gate. The shepherd would sleep across the opening, becoming himself the gate and defender of the sheep.

In today's gospel passage, the description of Jesus ... may be summed up as follows: he protects his followers daily by laying down his own life for them, he gathers them into a unique relationship with himself, and he guides them by leading the way. (Foundations in Faith, RCL)

• In what way does the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd comfort you? In what way does it challenge you?
• Where are you called to protect, guard and lead, in the manner of the Good Shepherd?

Mystagogia continues on May 15, 22 and June 5 and 12, from 10:45-11:30am.

Third Sunday of Easter

Here are the readings for Third Sunday of Easter, May 8, 2011:

Acts 2: 14, 22-33
Psalm 16: 1-2, 5, 7-11
1 Peter 1: 17-21
Luke 24: 13-35

You will show us the path of life proclaims the psalmist, and in our Gospel we find Jesus walking the path with his disciples helping them to understand, through the eyes of faith, the events they've just experienced.
 

As you read through this Gospel story of the appearance of Jesus on the road to Emmaus, consider the similarities to what we do when we gather for Mass: bringing our joys and sorrows of the week together, interpreting them in the light of Sacred Scripture, and recognizing Jesus' real presence among us in the Eucharistic meal. Note also that their response to this recognition is to run out and share the Good News (Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!!)

• How does the presence of Jesus help you live your faith?
• What happens when you are able to recognize the presence of Christ in your midst?

There is no Mystagogia session this Sunday (Happy Mother's Day!). We will see you all on May 15 at 10:45am in the Living Room of the CARE Center.

Inquiry is this Tuesday at 7pm. Please contact Cathy Rusin for more information.

We adore you, O Christ and we praise you...

... because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Sitting in the service this afternoon, I watched as row after row of men, women and children came forward to venerate the cross. It took a long time. I had no idea the church was that full!

I was struck by the image of every individual there drawn toward this symbol of our salvation. Every one of us, pulled by our own particular knowledge of how Jesus has saved us... every one of us saved by the overpowering love of God. And what else can we do, but demonstrate our love, our gratitude, our profound awareness of Christ's strength healing our weaknesses with a bow, a genuflection, a touch, a kiss?

And yet all of us individuals come to the one cross. Our gesture is one of worship, not of convenience: no multiple cross stations, please!! Christ's saving sacrifice was offered once for all people, and as a people we come together in shared faith and praise--- our individual stories united by our common baptism into the Body of Christ.

As the Easter Vigil quickly approaches, you who have journeyed through the RCIA this past year will at last share with us at the Eucharistic table. May the Body and Blood of Christ sustain and strengthen you in your ongoing journey AS the body of Christ, continuing the mission of Jesus in your daily life! Brothers and sisters, let us pray for one another.

What are YOUR enduring images from the services of the Triduum?

The Holy Triduum

We are in the midst of the holiest days of the Church year, recalling over these three days (Tri-duum) the story of our salvation in Jesus Christ.

I encourage you to refer to these daily posts as you prepare to celebrate the Easter Vigil:

Holy Thursday Post

Good Friday Post

Easter Vigil Post

Palm/Passion Sunday

Here are the readings for Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, April 17, 2011:

Matthew 21: 1-11

Isaiah 50: 4-7
Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-20, 23-24
Philippians 2: 6-11
Matthew 26: 14 - 27: 66

The Scripture today is rich in vibrant images:
palms waving as the crowds cheer Jesus, humility, an intimate Passover Meal, betrayal, denial and desertion, a kiss, a sword, silence, "Hail, King of the Jews!", crucifixion, darkness, curtain torn, entombment.

This week, as we continue our preparations for the Easter Sacraments, walk with eyes and ears open to the many images of the Triduum, consider how Jesus' story affects your own, and be secure in the knowledge of the depth of God's love for you. 
Elect and candidates, your faith community holds you in prayer in a very special way during these most holy days.

We will dismiss (the last one!!) from the 9:30am mass this week, with a session until 11:30am, as usual.

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Here are the readings for the 5th Sunday in Lent, April 10, 2011:

Ezekiel 37: 12-14
Psalm 130: 1-8
Romans 8: 8-11
John 11: 1-45

This scrutiny and its scriptural texts are about life, an authentic life promised us by God that even the grave cannot take away as it claims our mortal remains. This is about the effects of sin, deadly sin, that entomb us and this world. This is about a Savior who weeps for us because he does not come to condemn us but to redeem us. This is about the voice of Christ, who calls us forth into a life that triumphs over sin and death and Satan's pride. This is about love, divine love and how it names us as friends, brothers and sisters, a family of mercy and fullness.
.....Lazarus becomes an icon for each believer who is loved deeply by Christ. This saving love bids us come out from the tomb of sin and death. This saving love commands that all restraints holding us back from fullness of life be unbound. This saving love gives to the Church sacraments that lift us up to everlasting life. 
          -Celebrating the Rites (Foundations in Faith)

The Third Scrutiny and Presentation of the Lord's Prayer will be at the 11:30 Mass this Sunday, followed by a session that ends at 1pm.