Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, November 16, 2014:

Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Psalm 128: 1-5
1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6
Matthew 25:14-30


In this parable, the three servants are not competing with each other. Rather, they have each been entrusted with a particular amount and left to decide what to do with it.  They aren't evaluated by the Master based on their performance in relation to the other two servants, but on how well they have made use of what they have been given.

What factors influence your own ability to take a risk or to decide to hold back in your own life?
In your spiritual journey?

The topic for the Catechumenate this week is Stewardship.

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 19, 2014:

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 it 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?

There is no Catechumenate this Sunday.

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 12, 2014:

Isaiah 25: 6-10a
Psalm 23: 1-6
Philippians 2: 12-14, 19-20
Matthew 22:1-14

An important thing to know about the Gospel parable is that wedding guests were provided with a garment. (that makes the king's actions at the end seem a bit less harsh, doesn't it?)

The first and second readings are wonderful in their imagery (Isaiah) and practicality (Philippians).  Deep down we know, we know that God provides for our needs. And the usual reality is that when we are content with what we do have, we find ourselves enriched in a variety of ways. Being of high or low status, wealthy or poor really has little to do with our worth in God's eyes, and in the eyes of any person of faith (we'd hope). Celebrating the goodness rather than calculating our fair share brings us to a deeper sense of feasting. Being able to enjoy what is offered rather than grasping for more is the beginning of that poverty of spirit that brings us into the fullness of the Kingdom of God.

The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday is Gathering as Church.

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 5, 2014:

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


The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday will be Catholic Morality.

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 28, 2014:

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

This is one of those times when it is helpful to read more than just the Gospel selection. Earlier in this chapter of Matthew's Gospel, and the day before Jesus proposed this parable, he had triumphantly entered Jerusalem (think Palm Sunday) and drove the money-changers out of the temple. Now, the leaders of the Jews were questioning who gave him the authority to act and speak that way. So Jesus- in this week's Gospel and next, tells them parables to illustrate the dangers of being too proud or stubborn to respond to God, to change to repent, to admit that they just might not have all the answers.

For us today, it's a call to examine how well we are living as Catholic Christians, not just calling ourselves by that name.

There is no Catechumenate this Sunday.

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 21, 2014:

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

Does this parable say more to you about the all-encompassing mercy of God, or of the human tendency to compare, measure and begrudge others' good fortune? Or maybe, both!

Whenever God does call, are we willing to follow?
The topic for the Catechumenate this weekend is the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Here are the readings for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14, 2014:

Numbers 21: 4b-9
Psalm 78: 1b-2, 34-38
Philippians 2: 6-11
John 3: 13-17

How is it that an instrument of execution has become a central symbol of our faith?
Because it is the means through which God basically took everything we had to throw at him, embraced all the evil of the world and overcame the power of sin though the power of infinite love. In a similar way to God's power directed through the bronze serpent of the first reading healing those bitten by real serpents, God's power through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross offers us healing for the wounds of our sin.

Why celebrate this on September 14? It is the date on which the basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was dedicated in the fifth century. Given the deep wounds being inflicted and suffered today in the Holy Land, let us pray for the  overwhelming power of God's love and healing to effect reconciliation there.

The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday is Jesus the Redeemer.
Mystagogia meets this Sunday at 10:45am.

Twenty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 7, 2014:

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

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? He's made it quite clear to Peter, and to all of us in last week's Gospel: you have to take up your cross and follow him. For most of us, the hardest crosses to acknowledge are of our own making. We hold onto grudges, thirst for revenge, and resist being the one to take the first step toward reconciliation.

But Scripture clearly says that "God is Love"- and in perfect love, there is no room for any of that. Our baptism makes us a member of Christ's Body, and within that Body, division and discord can only cause pain. Rather, the sacrament of baptism effectively brings us into new life- the life of Jesus Christ, and causes us to die to our old, self-centered way of living. But that's a process that takes a life time of practice: learning to live, in Love, for others. We call that practice 'conversion'- and it begins with honesty, gentleness and patience.

• How do you react when someone wrongs you?
• Have you considered the presence of Christ among you and your offender?

The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday is Conversion and Discipleship.

Twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 31, 2014:

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

A reflection from "Living the Word for Year A" (2010-11):

The cost of drawing near to the living God can take us down a path we would rather not go. Peter saw this coming when Jesus began to speak of the suffering that lay ahead, instead of being the powerful Messiah people had been waiting for, who would cast down their enemies and restore Israel to the glory days of King David.  Instead, Jesus spoke about taking up the cross, losing one's life, or, in Paul's words to the Romans, becoming "a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God."

God's plan for us is the transformation and renewal of our minds according to the pattern of God's son Jesus. This transformation comes about when we "offer [our] bodies as a living sacrifice," seeking to discern and do God's will as Jesus did. Such self-offering may lead us to follow Jesus on the way: finding life by losing it for the sake of others, and coming to know the living God as purifying fire, life-giving water, and nourishing food for our spirit. 

There is no Catechumenate this Sunday.

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 24, 2014:

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

Some truths seem so obvious, retrospectively.
Often though, right in the moment we fall back on the safe and predictable, whether or not they are accurate.

So when Jesus asks his disciples for the 'word on the street' about him, it's not so surprising that the feedback falls into positive but safe answers. The crowds recognize him as someone special, but don't regard him by their definition of 'Messiah': the one who will overthrow the Roman occupation.

Jesus then asks his disciples for their own description of him. Titles and labels are helpful in many circumstances to give us insight into where things stand.  When a customer needs an exception to a policy: "May I speak with the manager?"  The trust in taking a medication because the doctor said it would help. We go to a tax preparer for one set of problems and a licensed counselor for another.  Each title denotes a particular area of power, ability, and authority. And so- perhaps holding his breath in anticipation- Jesus asks, "who do you say that I am?"

Simon Peter, his feet perhaps still damp from that walk on the lake (the Gospel from two weeks ago), is moved by God to recognize and speak the truth. Of course he's the Messiah! All those healings, the way he taught, just that way about him.  And because of this grace of perception, Jesus calls him Rock- the foundation on which the community of Jesus' followers will find stability.  The authority symbolized by a conferral of keys is a power given for service and protection of others, not self-glorification.

What is the truth of your relationship with Jesus? Who do you say Jesus is?

The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday is Church Structure and Hierarchy.

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 17, 2014:

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

What a contrast between world events and the events of this Sunday's scriptures!  As violence erupts between cultures (pick the country/territory of the day, sadly there are too many to list), continually narrowing the definitions of who is accepted and acceptable, we see the expansion of God's saving and healing power, eventually encompassing all who desire it.

To be truthful, the depiction of Jesus in this Gospel is less than flattering. He ignores a worried mother, then refuses her requests, and finally insults her by likening her to a dog! What's going on?

There's plenty of room for interpretation, but it may well be that in this interaction, Jesus has been challenged to grow in his own understanding of the scope of his ministry. Back in Chapter 10, Jesus sends the apostles out to 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel' (Mt 10:6) and perhaps here (15:24) he is trying to be consistent. After all, he'd just come from a dispute with the scribes and pharisees about tradition and authority, and what kind of authority would Jesus be if he wavered? Then again, what kind of savior would he be if he ignored the pleas of any one of God's creation? While the woman did not share his religion, she recognized Jesus' power and her own helplessness. Through her faith, she helped Jesus come to a wider understanding of who is 'in' the Kingdom.

We draw boundaries all the time: Who gets to sit with us in the school cafeteria, gated communities to keep out 'the undesirables', barbed-wire walls at the borders, barricades of wood and of stoney hearts.

Our psalm declares "O God, let all the nations praise you!" and that indeed is the goal. It is nothing less than sinful when a person of faith (Christian, Jewish, Muslim or ANY faith) misuses the teachings of their tradition for violence. But conversion has to start with each individual. While you or I may not exclude and inflict violence on the level of the extremists in Syria, if we're honest, we know that there are limits to our love, to our acceptance of the other.

• Who or what is the Canaanite woman in your life?
• When have you expanded your personal borders to engage another?
• What can you learn from Jesus in this Gospel?

The topic for this Sunday's Catechumenate is Anointing of the Sick.

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 10, 2014:

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

Who is God for you?

The still small voice that brought Elijah to the entrance of the cave?
The water-walking, fish-multiplying miracle worker?
Too mysterious to even imagine?
The one who meets us where we are and brings us to new life?

Yes, any and all of these. And more.
Much more.

God is at once transcendent (far beyond any one or any thing we could possibly imagine) and immanent (intimately united with us, a part of our common existence). The great Mystery of the Incarnation is that the God who has no need of us chose to become one of us, out of love.

In any human relationship, there are times when we feel more or less at ease with the other. The same is true with our relationship with God: sometimes we're walking on water, sometimes we're sinking in the storm. Sometimes that still, small voice seems just too quiet to hear, and sometimes it's as obvious as twelve  baskets of leftovers. So if you've found that you've taken a step in faith and are doing a bit of second-guessing, that's natural. But then look around, listen for the word of God and watch for the saving hand of God in your prayer, in the ones you love, and even in a stranger. Because the power and mercy of the One who is so far beyond us, and yet who is closer to us than we are to ourselves... is limitless and true.

There is no Catechumenate this Sunday.
Mystagogy will meet at St. Bernadette's at 4:30pm on Sunday to serve the Migrant Ministry Dinner.

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 3, 2014:

Isaiah 55: 1-3
Psalm 145: 8-9, 15-18
Romans 8: 35, 37-39
Matthew 14:13-21

 The descriptions of abundance portrayed in both the first reading and the Gospel reveal something very important about God: infinite generosity. Let's not confuse this with the 'prosperity Gospel' that is so popular these days- God doesn't promise or cause material wealth. (Wealth not being bad in itself, and can be used for very good results (think of the women mentioned as helping to finance Jesus' ministry, for example.) Instead, we turn to the refrain of the psalm to help us re-focus on the essentials: "The hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs",

All we have, all we are, comes from God. In taking that step to share of ourselves, we open the way for God to do even more wonderful things in our lives, and in the lives of those we reach out to. Remembering that we are the caretakers, the stewards rather than masters or owners of our talents and possessions, is an important step along the path of discipleship.

The topic for the Catechumenate today is Eucharist.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 27, 2014:

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

We're in the midst of the part of Matthew's Gospel where Jesus is using parables to try to convey to his listeners some reality about God and/or those who might follow God.

As you reflect on these readings in preparation for Mass this weekend, maybe this column will also be helpful.

• What is your treasure?
• What have you or might you give up in order to obtain it?

The Catechumenate theme this Sunday is the Kingdom of God.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time,

July 20, 2014:

Wisdom 12: 13, 16-19
Psalm 86: 5-6, 9-10, 15-16
Romans 8: 26-27
Matthew 13: 24-43

The Gospel this week, if we proclaim the entire passage, is long and contains three parables. And we might be justified in wondering what relation those last two (mustard seed and yeast) have to do with the first (weeds and wheat). 
Let's consider the Gospel in the context of the rest of the Scripture readings this week, with their emphasis on the strength, mercy and compassion of God.  An act of mercy and forgiveness on God's part- the One who is Infinitely All That Is Good- would be to God as small as a mustard seed, but to we who receive this compassion, it means the world.  And if we who receive this mercy in turn do our small part to extend mercy to others, the effect balloons and extends well beyond the limits of our comprehension.

• How have you felt God's mercy in your life?
• How have you been compassionate to others?

We will celebrate a Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming at the 5:30pm Mass this Sunday, July 20.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
July 13, 2014:

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


As you prepare for the Scripture readings this Sunday, I encourage you to click this link and read this reflection by Fr. James Martin, S.J.   These stories seem so long ago and far away- it helps to remember that Jesus was a real person, talking with real people ... and our Lord continues to converse with us today.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 6, 2014:
Zechariah 9: 9-10
Psalm 145: 1-2, 8-11, 13-14
Romans 8: 9, 11-13
Matthew 11: 25-30

Biblical scholar John J. Pilch writes that a yoke is "a word used metaphorically to describe those things that control the lives of people."  In that light, this Sunday's Scriptures might cause us to reflect on what controls our lives, either by choice or by circumstance. What are your highest priorities, honestly? Living comfortably, being admired, being in charge, settling scores?  In what ways do these choices actually control you?

Jesus invites us to follow his example, to put on his yoke and let him guide our lives. A well-fitting yoke does not chafe, but actually makes the job easier.  If we have the grace to trust Jesus and accept his way of living, we just might come to a deeper understanding of the Mystery of a God who loves us without limit. It just might change our lives!

Mystagogia will be at 10:45am this Sunday.
Inquiry will meet at 7:00pm this Tuesday.

Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

(with apologies for the extended 'vacation')

Here are the readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), June 22, 2014:
Deuteronomy 8: 2-3, 14b-16a
Psalm 147: 12-15, 19-20
1 Corinthians 10: 16-17
John 6: 51-58

On this feast, we turn our attention to the gift of Jesus' real presence for us in the Eucharist, a gift of sacrifice and love that nourishes us to offer our daily lives in loving sacrifice for others.

Here's a video that helps explain how Catholic understand the Eucharist:

Please click this link if the video does not show on your screen.

Ash Wednesay, Lent

Rend your hearts, 
not your garments...
(Joel 2: 13)

With Ash Wednesday we begin a new season of the church year. We pray for and with one another as we enter into this time of preparation for Easter. Lent makes no sense without Easter. Easter is given its meaning by the reality of Lent: all is not well. The good news is that God WANTS all to be well, and will do anything to help us.

Lent is the time for us to look inward, to allow ourselves to be vulnerable to and honest with God. And in recognizing our need for God's help, the most difficult part may well be in accepting it.

In the Gospel for Ash Wednesday (Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18), Jesus is talking about prayer, fasting and almsgiving, or charity. Christians are called to practice these disciplines throughout our lives, but especially during Lent. But Jesus doesn't sound very supportive of them: go hide and pray, pretend you're happy when your stomach's growling and your head hurts, don't worry about getting your name on the donor wall. Jesus does say to DO these things, but make them a part of your ordinary, everyday life- not for show, recognition or even a tax write-off, but as the normal course of living as the people of God.

Have you ever driven out on a rural road and passed a farm where the field is on fire? The farmer is burning the stubble of the old crop down. There are at least two good reasons to do this: 1) it gets the leftover stuff out of the way so that when plowing time arrives, the process is easier and 2) the ashes from that stubble nourish the soil and replenish the nutrients that had been taken by the previous crop. Isn't this a bold action? What if a wind comes up and the fire gets out of control? The farmer surely knows what he or she is doing, and yet there is that element of vulnerability required in order to let that first spark find a place to land.

And so today we wear the ashes, reminded of our humble origins, our fragility, and our connectedness with all creation. The cross on our foreheads reminds us that death can lead to new life; that Jesus Christ is not only our savior whose name we bear, but also our model of how to live a healthy, holy life. We are marked as a community of faith, a holy people, those saved by Christ's death and resurrection and yet continually in need of conversion.

To prepare for the new fire of the Easter Vigil, to truly proclaim Christ as the light of the world and our lives, we have been given the gift of this season of Lent. May we allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to be thankful for the blessings in our lives and to ask God's Spirit to transform us and bring us every closer to God so that in these ashes, we may find renewal.

Services for Ash Wednesday are at 6:30 and 9AM, Noon (not a Mass), 5:30 and 7:30pm

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 16, 2014:
Sirach 15: 15-20
Psalm 119: 1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34
1 Corinthians 2: 6-10
Matthew 5: 17-37

Here is a reflection by Father. James Martin, S.J.:

Today's Gospel: Stop being mean.

For some reason many Christians seem to have a hard time with today's Gospel. It annoys some people when they read or hear what Jesus is saying--primarily because it is an activity that almost all of us engage in. It's also an activity that no one seems terribly bothered by.

But it's pretty clear what Jesus is telling us: Stop calling people names. Stop judging. Stop being mean. If you don't believe me, here are his words: "But I say to you,whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; and whoever says to his brother, 'Raqa,' will be answerable to the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna."

Scholars say that when we hear Aramaic words like "raqa" (or "rhaka"), which means an idiot or imbecile, we are hearing the precise words that came from Jesus's lips--remembered by his hearers, passed on by his followers and carefully recorded by the evangelists. Other examples are "Talitha cum" (Little one, arise) and "Ephphatha" (Be opened). So this is an especially "authentic" saying, coming right from Jesus's lips. As such, it demands our particular attention, and adherence.

How many times have you called someone a name. (Fool? Idiot? Heretic?) How many times have you mocked someone or made fun of them? Well, Jesus says you're liable to hell if you continue to do that. Basically, stop being mean.

And for those who say that Jesus had a sharp tongue and called people names ("brood of vipers," "whitened sepulchres" and so on), that is true. But unless you're the sinless Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, stop judging and stop using sharp names to insult, denigrate, dismiss, correct or mock other people. And, by the way, this is not me speaking--it's Jesus.

Stop being mean. 

The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday is Morality and Conscience Formation

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Here are the readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2, 2014:
Malachi 3: 1-4
Psalm 24: 7-10
Hebrew 2: 14-18
Luke 2: 22-40

An older name for this feast is Candlemas- and the tradition held that people would bring their candles to be blessed.  The candles refer to Simeon's words in the Gospel, referring to Jesus as the light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for the Israelite. It is only at this time that people other countries, e.g. Italy, take down their Christmas decorations (hey, Winter darkness is still in full swing, we still need to be reminded of the joy brought to us by the Light of the World!).

Above all, these readings speak to us of the strength of well-placed hope. God does not disappoint. God may not work according to OUR timeline, but God remembers God's promises.  In what or whom do YOU place your hope?

Another Catholic tradition that will be celebrated in many parishes this weekend is the Blessing of the Throats in commemoration of the feast of St. Blase on February 3. For more information about this tradition, please click here.

The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday is Tradition and traditions.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 26, 2014:
Isaiah 8: 23 - 9: 3
Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14
1 Corinthians 1: 10-13, 17
Matthew 4: 12-23

How do you respond to uncertainty? In the Gospel this week, Jesus' cousin John, the one to whom Jesus went to mark the beginning of his public ministry (and of whom Jesus was probably a follower), has been arrested (soon to face the fate of most effective prophets). In Matthew's account, John's arrest happens immediately after Jesus' 40 days of temptation in the desert, time during which he clarified the nature of his own mission.

I'd venture that it was as a result of that time of reflection that gave Jesus the courage and motivation for his reaction to John's arrest. He didn't go into hiding. On the contrary, he moved to a bigger town (Capernaum) and began to gather followers of his own. Convinced of the truth of his message, Jesus begins the process of transforming the world, person by person. And for those fishermen to drop their nets and change their lives from a simple yet clear invitation, there must have been some hole in their spirit and/or something deeply attractive about Jesus.

The story of the Gospel is about real people. It tells us how God's love for us, encountered in a special way through the person of Jesus, can call us --- not so much OUT of ourselves--- as INTO our true selves.

• Who in your life is an inspiration, who cause you to want to be your best self?
• When have you felt called to change your life? Why? Where did/do you find support?
• In what ways can you help Jesus 'catch people' ?

The topic for the Catechumenate this Sunday is "Being Called"
The next Inquiry session is Tuesday, January 28.
The final Mystagogia Session will be Sunday, February 9.