Sunday Reflection by Salesian Sister, Bridget O'Connell.
Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which occurs forty ays after our celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The feast is also known as Candlemas Day. Candlemas day occurs on 2nd of February and it marks the half way point between the shortest day and the spring equinox. The Presentation of the Lord brings to an end the celebration of the Nativity — In obedience to the Law, as was customary with first-born male children, Jesus was presented in the Temple in Jerusalem by his mother, Mary, and his foster father, Joseph and there in the temple they met with Simeon and Anna Matthew's Gospel recounts the story.
Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel's comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said: Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised;because my eyes have seen the salvationwhich you have prepared for all the nations to see,light to enlighten the pagansand the glory of your people Israel.' Over the preceding centuries, many prophets had longed to see the Messiah. But they had died without realising their greatest desire. Simeon and Anna were truly blessed to meet the Saviour of the world, even if the meeting was tinged with sadness because of their predictions about the future events in his life. Much like any family life, the promised future included the delights of the growing, developing child, and the background fear that the great destiny of each child may include sorrow and even heartbreak So in our Gospel today a very young couple with their child enter the temple of God where they meet a much older man and woman. This meeting turned out to be a blessing for both generations. Youth was graced by the wisdom and living faith of age and age was graced by the trust of youth. All of the people who met in the temple today were a blessing to one another Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Anna and the Child Jesus. The second reading further describes Jesus as the compassionate and trustworthy high priest. Jesus this compassionate presence enters the temple of our lives each day as he entered the temple in Jerusalem. He enters our lives in a special way through the Eucharist. We are invited to welcome him as Simeon and Anna did -- Jesus Christ the light of all nations. No matter what generation we belong to, our calling as followers of Jesus is to a new way of seeing and to be a blessing to one another through our presence.
An old rabbi once asked his students how they could tell when the night had ended and the day had begun. Could it be, asked one of the students, "when you can see an animal in the distance and tell whether it's a sheep or a dog" No, answered the rabbi. Another asked, "is it when you can look at a tree in the distance and tell whether its a fig tree or a peach tree? "No", answered the rabbi. Then when is it?" the students asked. Its when you can look on the face of any man or woman and see that it is your sister or brother. Because if you cannot see this, it is still night. Tales of the Hasidim
My eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, l. (Lk 2:30-31)
Lord we pray that our eyes may be opened to a new way of seeing and that like Simeon we welcome Jesus among us in the temple of our ordinary lives, the light of the nations the salvation that we have received.
Fourth Sunday of the Year 1 February 2015
God certainly makes news, because the media loves to pick up on religious themes, sometimes in a sympathetic way but quite frequently to critique ideas and practices of faith. Of course the more provocative the statement concerning religious matters, the better the story, especially if it generates a heated debate. In the western media this often occurs when those who challenge religions worth or place in human affairs are called upon to comment about such things as sickness, suffering and the existence of benevolent God.
I’m not suggesting this is a bad thing; those of us who are faith people need to be kept on our toes. We can be just as bad as anybody else in making God into ‘our’ own image and projecting it on the world. Look at the many problems caused by religion when belief is used as an excuse to divide people, often by claiming the moral high ground or possession of the truth. One thing that Jesus taught was respect for difference and tolerance of the other.
In Deuteronomy we find what could be called Moses last testament, words to console and encourage the People of Israel, he explains that there will be Prophets like himself to guide and help them understand God’s purposes. But of course the question has to be asked, how can we tell who is a Prophet of God, what do they actually do? We see all kinds of ‘prophetic figures’ put before us in the media, some of whom claim there is no God, others purporting to have the real message, some even kill in God’s name! They are answerable to God alone, who is the source of their authority. Because of that they may find themselves misunderstood and persecuted. Moses says if what they proclaim is found to be true they are of God, if not then they, not the people, are responsible for the mess.
Where are our prophets today?
Mark tells us that those who heard Jesus found in him God’s new authority, realised in service of others. Christians are called to share in his mission, acting when necessary, never over-reacting, never boastful, always serving the truth in love. That’s what a prophet does! Fr Robin Gibbons is an Eastern Rite Chaplain for the Melkite Greek Catholics in Britain.
Hacker -Busy Sacristy Saturday. Hackers: Please check the 'virus', all my CONTACTS gone and other problems. Help!!!!!!!!!!!! Used the latest Blogspot below February 1st 2015 Sunday, Mass Homily,
Collect: Grant us, Lord our God, that we may honor you with all our mind, and love everyone in truth of heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him (Mark 1:23-26).
Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the Book of Deuteronomy 18:15-20. This central section of this book describes the various offices and officers of the theocratic society which Yahweh, through his servant Moses, is setting up for the Chosen People.
The second reading is from the first Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 7:32-35. He devotes chapter 7 to answering questions concerning marriage and virginity. In today's extract he emphasizes freedom to serve God fully, freedom from earthly cares which those who choose a life of celibacy have.
The Gospel is from St. Mark 1:21-28. St. Mark makes it clear that, from the very first day of Christ's public ministry, his messianic power began to be manifested to those who saw and heard him. The Jews of Capernaum were "astonished" at his teaching and "amazed" at his power over the evil spirits. "What is this," they asked one another, "a new teaching and the unclean spirits obey him!" But they were still a long way from recognizing him for what he was, the Messiah and Son of God. This is as might be expected, the astounding mystery of the incarnation was way beyond human expectation or human imagination. And it was our Lord's own plan to reveal this mystery, slowly and gradually, so that when the chain of evidence had been completed by his resurrection, his followers could look back and see each link in that chain. Then they would be ready to accept without hesitation the mystery of the incarnation and realize the infinite love and power of God that brought it about. We look back today through the eyes of the Evangelists, and, like them, know that Christ was God as well as man—two natures in one person. We should not therefore be "amazed" at the teaching of Jesus or at his power over the unclean spirits. What should amaze us really is the love that God showed mankind in becoming one of our race.
We are creatures with nothing of our own to boast of. We were created by God, and every talent or power we possess was given us by God. God's benevolence could have stopped there and we would have no right to complain. But when we recall the special gifts he gave man, which raise him above all other created things, we see that he could not, because of his own infinitely benevolent nature, leave us to an earthly fate. What thinking man could be content with a short span of life on earth? What real purpose in life could an intelligent being have who knew that nothing awaited him but eternal oblivion in the grave? What fulfillment would man's intellectual faculties find in a few years of what is for the majority of people perpetual struggle for earthly survival? No, God created us to elevate us, after our earthly sojourn, to an eternal existence where all our desires and potentialities would have their true fulfillment. Hence the incarnation, hence the life, death and resurrection of Christ, who was God's Son, as the central turning point of man's history.
Today, while amazed at God's love for us, let us also be justly amazed at the shabby and grudging return we make for love. Many amongst us even deny that act of God's infinite love, not from convincing historical and logical proofs, but in order to justify their own unwillingness to co-operate with the divine plan for their eternal future. This is not to say that their future, after death, does not concern them; it is a thought which time and again intrudes on all men, but they have allowed the affairs of this world which should be stepping stones to their future life, to become instead mill-stones which crush their spirits and their own true self-interests.
While we sincerely hope that we are not in that class, we can still find many facets in our daily Christian lives which can and should make us amazed at our lack of gratitude to God and to his incarnate Son. 'Leaving out serious sin which turns us away from God if not against him, how warm is our charity, our love of God and neighbor? How much of our time do we give to the things of God and how much to the things of Caesar? How often does our daily struggle for earthly existence and the grumbles and grouses which it causes, blot out from our view the eternal purpose God had in giving us this earthly existence. How often during the past year have we said from our heart: "Thank you, God, for putting me in this world, and thank you a thousand times more, for giving me the opportunity and the means of reaching the next world where I shall live happily for evermore in your presence"? If the true answer for many of us is "not once," then begin today. Let us say it now with all sincerity, and say it often in the years that are left to us.
— Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.
Commentary for the Readings in the Extraordinary Form: Septuagesima Sunday "Why do you stand here all day idle? . . . Go you also into the vineyard" (Gospel).
As athletes of Christ we are called to a competitive "race" (Epistle). As workers with Christ we are ordered into the "vineyard" (Gospel).
It is a "race" with death for the "prize" of life eternal. Only "one receives the prize" by His own right, Christ! But, remember, He still runs in us if we do not lag in this "race," as did Israel under "Moses" (Epistle).
God comes to us "early" in life. Unitl the last "hour" He repeats, "Why . . . stand . . . idle?" Each "hour" brings us nearer to the "evening" of reward, not due to the excellence of our work in itself but mercifully given by God as a recompense (Gospel).
— Excerpted from My Sunday Missal, Confraternity of the Precious Blood
Sunday, February 1st. Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St Mark 1:21-28.
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Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B
1 February 2015
“What is this? A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 1:21-28.
Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Collect: Grant us, Lord our God, that we may honor you with all our mind, and love everyone in truth of heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him (Mark 1:23-26).
Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the Book of Deuteronomy 18:15-20. This central section of this book describes the various offices and officers of the theocratic society which Yahweh, through his servant Moses, is setting up for the Chosen People.
The second reading is from the first Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 7:32-35. He devotes chapter 7 to answering questions concerning marriage and virginity. In today's extract he emphasizes freedom to serve God fully, freedom from earthly cares which those who choose a life of celibacy have.
The Gospel is from St. Mark 1:21-28. St. Mark makes it clear that, from the very first day of Christ's public ministry, his messianic power began to be manifested to those who saw and heard him. The Jews of Capernaum were "astonished" at his teaching and "amazed" at his power over the evil spirits. "What is this," they asked one another, "a new teaching and the unclean spirits obey him!" But they were still a long way from recognizing him for what he was, the Messiah and Son of God. This is as might be expected, the astounding mystery of the incarnation was way beyond human expectation or human imagination. And it was our Lord's own plan to reveal this mystery, slowly and gradually, so that when the chain of evidence had been completed by his resurrection, his followers could look back and see each link in that chain. Then they would be ready to accept without hesitation the mystery of the incarnation and realize the infinite love and power of God that brought it about. We look back today through the eyes of the Evangelists, and, like them, know that Christ was God as well as man—two natures in one person. We should not therefore be "amazed" at the teaching of Jesus or at his power over the unclean spirits. What should amaze us really is the love that God showed mankind in becoming one of our race.
We are creatures with nothing of our own to boast of. We were created by God, and every talent or power we possess was given us by God. God's benevolence could have stopped there and we would have no right to complain. But when we recall the special gifts he gave man, which raise him above all other created things, we see that he could not, because of his own infinitely benevolent nature, leave us to an earthly fate. What thinking man could be content with a short span of life on earth? What real purpose in life could an intelligent being have who knew that nothing awaited him but eternal oblivion in the grave? What fulfillment would man's intellectual faculties find in a few years of what is for the majority of people perpetual struggle for earthly survival? No, God created us to elevate us, after our earthly sojourn, to an eternal existence where all our desires and potentialities would have their true fulfillment. Hence the incarnation, hence the life, death and resurrection of Christ, who was God's Son, as the central turning point of man's history.
Today, while amazed at God's love for us, let us also be justly amazed at the shabby and grudging return we make for love. Many amongst us even deny that act of God's infinite love, not from convincing historical and logical proofs, but in order to justify their own unwillingness to co-operate with the divine plan for their eternal future. This is not to say that their future, after death, does not concern them; it is a thought which time and again intrudes on all men, but they have allowed the affairs of this world which should be stepping stones to their future life, to become instead mill-stones which crush their spirits and their own true self-interests.
While we sincerely hope that we are not in that class, we can still find many facets in our daily Christian lives which can and should make us amazed at our lack of gratitude to God and to his incarnate Son. 'Leaving out serious sin which turns us away from God if not against him, how warm is our charity, our love of God and neighbor? How much of our time do we give to the things of God and how much to the things of Caesar? How often does our daily struggle for earthly existence and the grumbles and grouses which it causes, blot out from our view the eternal purpose God had in giving us this earthly existence. How often during the past year have we said from our heart: "Thank you, God, for putting me in this world, and thank you a thousand times more, for giving me the opportunity and the means of reaching the next world where I shall live happily for evermore in your presence"? If the true answer for many of us is "not once," then begin today. Let us say it now with all sincerity, and say it often in the years that are left to us.
— Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.
Commentary for the Readings in the Extraordinary Form: Septuagesima Sunday "Why do you stand here all day idle? . . . Go you also into the vineyard" (Gospel).
As athletes of Christ we are called to a competitive "race" (Epistle). As workers with Christ we are ordered into the "vineyard" (Gospel).
It is a "race" with death for the "prize" of life eternal. Only "one receives the prize" by His own right, Christ! But, remember, He still runs in us if we do not lag in this "race," as did Israel under "Moses" (Epistle).
God comes to us "early" in life. Unitl the last "hour" He repeats, "Why . . . stand . . . idle?" Each "hour" brings us nearer to the "evening" of reward, not due to the excellence of our work in itself but mercifully given by God as a recompense (Gospel).
— Excerpted from My Sunday Missal, Confraternity of the Precious Blood
Video
The first step in repentance is to admit our guilt, as when we go to confession. We admit our faults and failures out loud, making them painfully and embarrassingly real to ourselves. Then, we are presented with the sin-overpowering love of God when we most recognize our need of it.
From a conference by Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest (Collatio 6 super Credo in Deum)
The cross exemplifies every virtue Why did the Son of God have to suffer for us? There was a great need, and it can be considered in a twofold way: in the first place, as a remedy for sin, and secondly, as an example of how to act. It is a remedy, for, in the face of all the evils which we incur on account of our sins, we have found relief through the passion of Christ. Yet, it is no less an example, for the passion of Christ completely suffices to fashion our lives. Whoever wishes to live perfectly should do nothing but disdain what Christ disdained on the cross and desire what he desired, for the cross exemplifies every virtue. If you seek the example of love: Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends. Such a man was Christ on the cross. And if he gave his life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for his sake. If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross. Great patience occurs in two ways: either when one patiently suffers much, or when one suffers things which one is able to avoid and yet does not avoid. Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently,because when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth. Therefore Christ’s patience on the cross was great. In patience let us run for the prize set before us, looking upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who, for the joy set before him, bore his cross and despised the shame. If you seek an example of humility, look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be judged by Pontius Pilate and to die. If you seek an example of obedience, follow him who became obedient to the Father even unto death. For just as by the disobedience of one man, namely, Adam, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one man, many were made righteous. If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow him who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Upon the cross he was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns, and given only vinegar and gall to drink. Do not be attached, therefore, to clothing and riches, because they divided my garments among themselves. Nor to honors, for he experienced harsh words and scourgings. Nor to greatness of rank, for weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head. Nor to anything delightful, forin my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
RESPONSORY Wisdom 7:7-8; 9:17
I prayed, and understanding was given me; I entreated, and the spirit of wisdom came to me; – I esteemed wisdom more than scepter or throne; compared with her, I held riches to be nothing.
Who will know your design, O Lord, unless you bestow wisdom, and send your Holy Spirit from above? – I esteemed wisdom more than scepter or throne; compared with her, I held riches to be nothing.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Let us pray.
God our Father, you made Thomas Aquinas known for his holiness and learning. Help us to grow in wisdom by his teaching, and in holiness by imitating his faith. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. – Amen.
From a conference by Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest (Collatio 6 super Credo in Deum)
The cross exemplifies every virtue
Why did the Son of God have to suffer for us? There was a great need, and it can be considered in a twofold way: in the first place, as a remedy for sin, and secondly, as an example of how to act.
It is a remedy, for, in the face of all the evils which we incur on account of our sins, we have found relief through the passion of Christ. Yet, it is no less an example, for the passion of Christ completely suffices to fashion our lives. Whoever wishes to live perfectly should do nothing but disdain what Christ disdained on the cross and desire what he desired, for the cross exemplifies every virtue.
If you seek the example of love: Greater love than this no man has, than to lay down his life for his friends. Such a man was Christ on the cross. And if he gave his life for us, then it should not be difficult to bear whatever hardships arise for his sake.
If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross. Great patience occurs in two ways: either when one patiently suffers much, or when one suffers things which one is able to avoid and yet does not avoid. Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently,because when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth. Therefore Christ’s patience on the cross was great. In patience let us run for the prize set before us, looking upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who, for the joy set before him, bore his cross and despised the shame.
If you seek an example of humility, look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be judged by Pontius Pilate and to die.
If you seek an example of obedience, follow him who became obedient to the Father even unto death. For just as by the disobedience of one man, namely, Adam, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one man, many were made righteous.
If you seek an example of despising earthly things, follow him who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Upon the cross he was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns, and given only vinegar and gall to drink.
Do not be attached, therefore, to clothing and riches, because they divided my garments among themselves. Nor to honors, for he experienced harsh words and scourgings. Nor to greatness of rank, for weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head. Nor to anything delightful, forin my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
RESPONSORY Wisdom 7:7-8; 9:17
I prayed, and understanding was given me; I entreated, and the spirit of wisdom came to me; – I esteemed wisdom more than scepter or throne; compared with her, I held riches to be nothing.
Who will know your design, O Lord, unless you bestow wisdom, and send your Holy Spirit from above? – I esteemed wisdom more than scepter or throne; compared with her, I held riches to be nothing.
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Let us pray.
God our Father, you made Thomas Aquinas known for his holiness and learning. Help us to grow in wisdom by his teaching, and in holiness by imitating his faith. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. – Amen.
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"Why do you stand here all day idle? . . . Go you also into the vineyard" (Gospel).
