Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 1, 2013:

Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29
Psalm 68: 4-7, 10-11
Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24a
Luke 14: 1, 7-14

At first glance the second reading (from the letter to the Hebrews) is just an overwhelming torrent of words and images. But to understand that the unnamed author is comparing the old covenant, and the Israelites approaching Mt. Sion for as much of an interaction with the transcendent, unknowable, remote- almost, God as they could endure, with the new Zion- the fullness of unity and joy made possible through the incarnation and sacrifice of the God-made-Human, life in and with Jesus Christ.  The author reaches back to the fourth chapter of Genesis to contrast the vengeance demanded by the spilling of Abel's blood with the forgiveness and healing offered by Jesus' blood. Jesus' sacrifice is the sign of the new covenant- offering us a level of relationship, a sharing in Divine Love that is impossible to earn and would be too much too bear if not for the power of God's grace!

(Talk about an overwhelming torrent of words- those were some seriously run-on sentences!)

What we find in this second reading is the joyful conclusion for those whom God has judged to be righteous- to be in 'right relationship'. What are a few defining characteristics of the righteous? The first reading and the Gospel provide some insight: a positive sense of humility (knowing who you are, not grasping for fame and recognition), an appreciation and contentment for the gifts you have received, and a generosity for sharing your gifts with those who most need it.

• In what areas of your life are you content?
• In what areas do you feel in need of 'more'? (and what IS that 'more'?)

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 25, 2013:

Isaiah 66: 18-21
Psalm 117: 1-2
Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13
Luke 13: 22-30

In the Cultural World of Jesus (Cycle C), John J. Pilch writes this  about the puzzling words of this Sunday's Gospel:

It is not enough to have shared a meal with Jesus. A radical change of life is also necessary to establish a kinship relationship with him.

Jesus' contemporaries remind him: "You taught in our streets." Jesus' harsh reply to them insinuates: "Yes, but all you did was listen. You did not take my teaching to heart and reform your lives. You think superficial acquaintance with me and all my teachings suffices." Jesus offers a prophetic warning to believers of all times.

• What message of Scripture has challenged you?
• Have you change because of it? Why? Why Not?

Catholics and the Bible

Are you curious about what Catholics think about the Bible, or simple unfamiliar with the Holy Book entirely? This site offers a fairly good overview, calling it "Bible Boot Camp". (but I don't think they make you do push-ups!)

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 18, 2013:

Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10
Psalm 40: 2-4, 18
Hebrews 12: 1-4
Luke 12: 49-53

"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." Hey, what happened to that peaceful, healing Jesus we usually read about in Luke's Gospel? And what's with the fire imagery, isn't that for that place that's the opposite of heaven?

Think more about the refining fire that separates the impurities from the gold. Consider the imagery of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost as tongues of flame. And recall that baptism required a total immersion of self, resulting in a new lifestyle, a new mission. Jesus is yearning for us to find that spark that energizes us to action. And the simple reality is this- our change in belief, in speech, in lifestyle, may well be a source of discomfort or puzzlement for those closest to us.  It's not that Jesus is coaching us to encourage dissent, he's trying to prepare us for the reality that being his disciple comes with a cost. But once you let the Holy Spirit be your guide and your strength, how do you choose otherwise?

There's another section from the book of the prophet Jeremiah (verses 7-9) that speaks to this reality: "the word of the Lord has brought me derision  ... I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak his name no more. But then it becomes like a fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in..."

Have you felt that- in your workplace, professional life, prayer time with God? Something that is so deeply important that holding it back is painful?  Maybe, just maybe, this Jesus of peace and healing is hoping that we each have enough spark of desire to be moved out of our complacency, beyond our fears and reluctance, and set the world ablaze with the power of God's love!

Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary

Tomorrow, August 15, is one of those days (other than every Sunday) when we as Catholics are 'obliged' to gather together to pray, a "Holy Day".  It's a way to jolt us out of our everyday routines and reflect on some mysterious reality - how God is at work in our world and our lives. This feast is about our long-held belief that at the time of her death, Mary's (the mother of Jesus) body was assumed into heaven, rather than being buried and being subject to the normal course of 'ashes to ashes'.  If you would like more background on this feast, please click and read this post from a prior year.

The Mass Schedule at St. Andrew the Apostle for August 15 is: 6:30AM, 9:00 AM and 7:30PM.
Come celebrate the mighty love and works of God!

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 11, 2013:

Wisdom 18: 6-9
Psalm 33: 1, 12, 18-22
Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19
Luke 12: 32-48

For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

This time of year brings transitional events for many, especially younger people (and their parents). Children starting back to school, young adults heading off to college, lucky recent graduates settling into their first jobs and apartments are just a few examples of new/exciting/intimidating changes. The second reading (from Hebrews) and the Gospel might have some helpful advice for these adventurers. Faith strengthens us to take that step into the unknown. Awareness of what is required of us and following through on our commitments will certainly please our 'master' (teacher? boss? landlord? parent?).

But above all, as each of us enters into whatever transition awaits, this brief line from the Gospel is invaluable in aligning our priorities correctly: where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

• How well do what you name as 'values' in your life align with how you invest your time/money/energy?
• When did you feel called to set out on a new venture, relying primarily on your faith? How did that make you feel?
• To whom or what do you 'give your heart'?

The Mystagogia group will meet this Sunday at 10:45-11:30am.
The Catechumenate meets at 12:45.
Inquiry is this Tuesday at 7pm

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 4, 2013:

Ecclesiastes 1: 2, 2: 21-23
Psalm 90: 3-6, 12-14, 17
Colossians 3: 1-5, 9-11
Luke 12: 13-21

One of the seven core principles of Catholic Social Teaching involves "Rights and Responsibilities".

People have basic rights and responsibilities because of their human dignity which reflects the fact that they have been created in God's image. Catholic teaching emphasizes that people have a right to life and to the basic necessities that provide quality to life: food, shelter, health care, education and employment. We are called to respect the rights of others and to seek the common good.

• What do the readings for this weekend have to do with this principle?
• What challenges you? What is affirming for you?
• What action might you be called to in response to Scripture?