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?