May 9

May 9, 2014:  Friday, 3rd week of Easter

Readings

The Conversion of Saul/ Michelangelo

• Acts 9:1-20  Saul asked for authority to haul believers to Jerusalem.  On his journey, he was blinded and heard Jesus ask why he's persecuting him and tell him to go to Damascus.  God told Ananias where to find him; he went and laid hands on him, and Saul regained his sight and strength, was baptized, and began to proclaim Jesus as Son of God.

• Ps 117:1bc, 2  "Go out to all the world and tell the Good News."  Praise the Lord; he's kind and faithful.

• Jn 6:52-59  Jesus:  “Unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you have no life in you.  Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him.  The one who feeds on me will live forever.” 

Pope Francis

• Homily:  How can the Church be holy if we sinners are in it?  She's Christ's spouse, and he loves and sanctifies her with his Eucharistic sacrifice.  Mother Church sanctifies us her children with love and the Sacraments.  Holiness is a gift of Jesus; he shows us people in whom his sanctifying work is clear.  Many saints in the Gospel show us Christ must increase and we decrease; become humble so the Lord may increase.

Christ chose Saul, persecutor of the Church.  Saul's heart was changed and he obeyed like a child.  But he didn't become a hero; he ended his life when soldiers came and cut off his head.  The difference between heroes and saints is witness, imitation of Christ, following the way of the Cross.  Great saints end their lives humbly.  We saw St. John Paul II's last days:  God's athlete was destroyed by disease, humiliated like Jesus.  It's the path of sanctity of the great, and ours too.  Allow your hearts to be converted, bear the cross, and allow Jesus to increase; you'll bear witness to Christ and to the holiness of our sinner-filled Church.

• To UN humanitarian office execs:  Challenge and correct injustice.  Resist the economy of exclusion, the throwaway culture, and the culture of death.  Fight the causes of poverty and hunger, protect the environment, ensure dignified and productive labor, and protect the family.  Human dignity must lead us to share the goods God has given us—material, intellectual, and spiritual—and give back what was unjustly refused before.  Zacchaeus, awakened from Jesus' gaze, made a radical decision of sharing and justice; Jesus didn't ask him to change jobs but inspired him.  The gaze of people cast off and left behind ought to awaken us and lead us to generosity and courage.  Be open to others' needs.  Promote fraternity and solidarity, especially with the poorest and most excluded.

Word cloud of today's readings

• To Mission Society:  Evangelize at the peripheries for effective outreach and renewal.  Evangelization requires a missionary Church engaging with cultures, renewed and transformed by contemplation and contact with Christ.  The Spirit helps us find new ways to evangelize and gives us strength and joy, so the light of Christ may enlighten others.  We need courage to reach the peripheries and not be held back by weakness, sin, or anything else.  Encounter with the Lord motivates us and gives us joy to proclaim him.  Reach everyone, beginning with the least; the Church is the home of the poor, afflicted, excluded, persecuted, and those who hunger for justice.  Welcome the poor with love, keeping our doors open so all may enter and find shelter.

Music for gospel

• I am the Bread of Life/ Toolan

• I am the Bread of Life and The Bread of Life/ Talbot

• Look beyond/ Ducote

• Transsubstantiation/ Alexander (lyrics, p. 61), parody of Revolution (Beatles)

Reflections

• Creighton:  Paul's turnaround took his openness, trust, courage, and humility.  Ananias, target of Saul's threats,  trusted God, forgave, and blessed his former persecutor.  Am I willing to accept, forgive, and bless those who hurt me?

• One Bread One Body:  Jesus appeared to Saul on the road when Saul was about to arrest those "living according to the road [new way]." Other on-the-road conversions:  Ethiopian eunuch (yesterday), Emmaus disciples (Sunday).  Life is a road-trip, the Church is a road-house, and our job is road-work; hit the road!

• DailyScripture.net:  In the Old Covenant, bread and wine were offered in a thanksgiving sacrifice to the Creator; Melchizedek's offering prefigured Jesus.  The manna in the wilderness recalled to the Israelites that they live not by bread alone but God's Word.  At the last supper, Jesus pointed to the upcoming sacrifice on the cross, where Jesus, Lamb of God, made himself an offering pleasing to the Father.  When he commands us to eat his flesh and drink his blood, he invites us to take his life into the center of our being.

• Universalis:  St. George Preca, priest, set up Society for Christian Doctrine, and lived poverty.  The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary in Pope St. John Paul II's Rosarium Virginis Mariae are based on the Mysteries of Light St. George composed in 1957.

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "2-letters" ['B' and 'J' in the middle] tie bar:  Saul asked the high priest for 'letters' to synagogues (1st reading)

• "Eyeball" tie pin:  Blinded Saul regained sight when Ananias laid hands on him (1st reading)

• "Praying person" tie bar:  Ananias, you'll find Saul praying (1st reading)

• "Hands" tie:  Ananias laid hands on Saul (1st reading)

• "Wheat" tie bar:  Bread of Life discourse (gospel)

• Red and white shirt:  red for blood (What color is blood?) (gospel), white for Easter season

Dress your life!

May 8

May 8, 2014:  Thursday, 3rd week of Easter

Readings

Philip talking with the Ethiopian eunuch/ Chapin

• Acts 8:26-40  The Lord spoke to Philip:  “Head south,” so he did.  There was an Ethiopian eunuch returning home, reading Isaiah.  The Spirit told Philip, “Join with that chariot.” Philip:  “Do you understand?” / “How can I?”  He got in.  “About whom is the prophet saying Like a sheep he was led to slaughter...?”  Beginning there, Philip proclaimed Jesus to him.  When they came to water, the eunuch said, “What's to prevent my being baptized?”  They went into the water, and Philip baptized him.  When they came out, the Spirit snatched Philip.  The eunuch continued, rejoicing.  Philip continued going about proclaiming the good news.

• Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20  "Let all the earth cry out to God with joy."  Bless God; He has given us life.  I appealed to him, and he didn't refuse his kindness!

• Jn 6:44-51  Jesus:  “No one come to me unless the Father draw him, and I will raise him.  Everyone who learns from my Father comes to me.  I am the bread of life.  Your ancestors ate manna and died, but this bread comes from heaven so one may eat it and not die.  I am that living bread; whoever eats it will live forever.  The bread I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.”

Pope Francis homily on Three moments of evangelization (from 1st reading):

• Docility:  Philip is an example, obeying the Lord's calling, leaving behind other tasks. Without meekness before God's voice, the most I can do is announce myself, not Christ.

Wordle of today's readings

• Dialogue: Philip uses it to announce the gospel, beginning from where the Ethiopian comes from. Spend time with the ones God wants you to evangelize; give them the news about Jesus according to who they are now.

• Grace:  Philip baptizes him and so places him in God's hands and grace. Grace is more important than bureaucracy. Trust in grace; don't make the Church a factory of obstacles to grace.

Music

• From Handel's Messiah (based on Good Friday's Is 52:13-53:12, excerpted in today's 1st reading):  He was despisèd, Surely he has borne our griefs, And with his stripes we are healed, All we like sheep (another All we like sheep), All they that see him laugh him to scorn, He trusted in God  (another), He was cut off from the land of the living

• I am the Bread of Life/ Toolan (gospel)

• I am the Bread of Life/ Talbot (gospel)

• The Bread of Life/ Talbot (gospel)

• Look beyond/ Ducote (gospel)

• Lift up your hearts/ O'Connor (psalm)

• Let all the earth/ Haugen [newer] (psalm)

• Evangelize; see April 30 for more about this "I will survive" parody (1st reading, homily)

Reflections

• Creighton:  As bread is a source of life, so too paying attention to God.

• DailyScripture.net:  Jesus Christ is the "one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" (St. Ignatius of Antioch, To the Ephesians, 20:2), healing for body and soul, and strength for our journey.  What do I expect when I approach?

• Passionist:  Evangelize in the Apostles' steps.  We can't till the Bread of Life is central in our lives.  Radiate.LA

• Universalis:  Bl. Catherine of St. Augustine, religious

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Horse" and "chariot" tie pins:  Ethiopian eunuch was seated in his chariot (1st reading)

• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  Holy Spirit spoke to Philip, snatched him (1st reading)

• Tie with book and reader:   Eunuch reading Is 53:7-8... (1st reading)
• "Lamb" tie bar (missing because broken, but coincidentally on same tie):  ...about the Servant "like a sheep [led] to slaughter", that Philip interprets for him (1st reading)

• Blue shirt:  waters of baptism (1st reading)

• "Wheat" pin:  Bread of Life discourse (gospel)

Dress your life!

May 7

May 7, 2014:  Wednesday, 3rd week of Easter

Readings

• Acts 8:1b-8  A severe persecution of the Church broke out, and all were scattered, except the Apostles.  Saul was trying to destroy the Church, imprisoning believers.  The scattered preached the word and worked wonders, crowds paid attention, and there was great joy.

• Ps 66:1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a  "Let all the earth cry out to God with joy."  Say to God, “How tremendous your deeds!”  Come see God's works.  He rules by his might forever.

• Jn 6:35-40  Jesus:  “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me won't hunger, and whoever believes in me won't thirst.  I won't reject anyone who comes to me, because I came to do the Father's will, and the Father wants everyone who sees and believes in the Son to have eternal life and be raised up.”

Pope Francis

• Audience on Holy Spirit's Gift of Counsel:  God helps us understand how to speak and behave.  When we welcome him, the Spirit makes us sensitive to his voice and directs our thoughts, feelings, and intentions.  He brings us to gaze on Jesus as a model of how to act and relate.  Through Counsel the Spirit helps us to make decisions in communion with God, with the logic of Jesus and his Gospel, to grow inwardly, positively, and in communion, and to avoid selfishness and our limited vision.  Pray ‘Lord, what should I do now?’ to give the Spirit room.  Pray on the bus or street, in silence, with your heart; nobody notices.  In intimacy with God, we put aside our logic, prejudices, and ambitions and seek God's advice.  Harmony grows, and we experience the truth of ‘Don't worry about how to speak or what to say; you'll be given what to say’ (Mt 10:19-20).  Like other gifts of the Spirit, counsel is for the whole community; God speaks not only in our heart but also through others.  Pray, "I bless the Lord who counsels me....  I keep the Lord before me; with him I won't be shaken." (Ps 16:7-8).  May the Spirit instill in us consolation and peace!

Music

• I am the Bread of Life/ Toolan (gospel)

• I am the Bread of Life/ Talbot (gospel)

• The Bread of Life/ Talbot (gospel)

• Bread of Life/ Cooney (sample sheet music since lyrics are fuzzy in recording) (gospel)

• Let all the earth/ Haugen [newer] (psalm)

• Lift up your hearts/ O'Connor (psalm)

Reflection

• DailyScripture.net:   Bread sustains us; we can't live without food.  To Jesus, the bread of life is connected with God, author of life.  Real life is a relationship of love, trust, and obedience with God; Jesus makes it possible.  Jesus offers himself as spiritual food producing God's life in us; he promises friendship and freedom from fear of being forsaken from God; he offers us hope of sharing his resurrection.

• Universalis:  St John of Beverley, bishop

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Children around the world" tie:  The disciples were scattered (1st reading); "Let all the earth cry out to God with joy." (psalm)

• "Wheat" pin:  Bread of Life discourse (gospel)

• "Eyeball" tie pin:  God wills that everyone who sees and believes in the Son may have eternal life (gospel)

• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  Holy Spirit's gift of counsel (papal audience)

• White shirt:  Easter season

Dress your life!

May 6

May 6, 2014:  Tuesday, 3rd week of Easter

Readings

• Acts 7:51-8:1a  Stephen:  “You oppose the Spirit, like your ancestors who killed the prophets.”  They ground their teeth, but he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand.”  They stoned him; witnesses laid their cloaks at Saul's feet.  He called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit....  Don't hold this sin against them,” then fell asleep.  Saul  consented to his execution.

• Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab  "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit."  You will redeem me, Lord, faithful God.  I trust you.

• Jn 6:30-35  Crowd /  Jesus:  “What sign can you do, that we may believe in you?  Our ancestors ate manna in the desert.” / “My Father, not Moses, gives the true bread from heaven and gives life to the world.” / “Give us this bread always.” / “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Pope Francis

• Homily:  Stephen's death was a replica of Jesus':  he encountered leaders' jealousy, had false witnesses, and died forgiving.  He warned they were resisting the Spirit; they hated him.  The devil who did what he wanted with Jesus did the same with Stephen; when he sees sanctity, he has to do something.  In the Beatitudes Jesus told his disciples to rejoice in persecution.  'Martyr' is Greek for 'witness'; you can't understand Christians without witness.  We're not a religion of ideas, theology, things, and commandments but people who follow Christ and bear witness, laying down our lives. With Stephen's death, a persecution began, the devil provoked people, and Christians scattered and testified to Jesus everywhere; the Church's mission began, and many converted.  "The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians" [see Tertullian, Apologeticus, 50].  Witness bears fruit; the Church is a fruitful mother when witnessing to Christ but becomes sterile when closed in on itself without witnessing.  So too the Christian:  one who doesn't witness is sterile, not giving the life received from Christ.  Stephen was filled with the Spirit; we can't bear witness without the Spirit in us.  In difficult times, where we have to choose the right path and say no to seductions, pray to the Spirit for strength to witness.

Music

• Look beyond/ Ducote (gospel)

On Listening, thanks to guest contributor Fr. Chris Bazyouros

Beloved theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer offers this on the sacred duty of listening:  The first service one owes to others is listening.  Just as loving God begins with listening, so too the beginning of love for others.  Our loving God not only gives us his Word but also his ear, so we're doing God's work when we listen to another.  We often forget listening can be an even greater service than saying something.

—NCCL Weekly, May 5, 2014, p. 13, crediting the OnBeing blog of Trent Gillis

Many looking for an ear don't find it among Christians, because many Christians talk when they should be listening.  But those who no longer listen to others will soon no longer listen to God either, and their prayer will be mere prattle.  This is the beginning of spiritual death, and nothing remains but spiritual chatter and pious condescension.  One who can't listen long and patiently will soon be talking beside the point and not really speaking to others.  If your time is too valuable to spend in quiet, you'll eventually have no time for God and others but only yourself and your follies. 

—paraphrased from Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community. 

Reflections

• Creighton:  “The glory of God is the person fully alive,” [St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies, 4.20.7], and only through the Spirit are we fully alive, as Spirit-filled Stephen on the way to martyrdom.  During Easter we celebrate more than Jesus’ resurrection; we celebrate our rebirth through the Spirit.  Risen life begins on earth and culminates in heaven.  Attend to signs of new life in us:  belief in Jesus the Bread of Life, fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).  Allow the Spirit to transform you to become fully alive!

• One Bread One Body:  Stephen was confrontational and forgiving.  Do and speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15).

• DailyScripture.net:  The manna sustained the Israelites on their journey but didn't give eternal life, but the Bread of Life, God's life, satisfies our deepest hunger. 

• Passionist:  Why did people walk away from the Bread of Life?  'Takers' wanted the gift, not Giver; handouts, not a relationship.  'Conformists' wanted rules, not a relationship.  'Enthusiasts' wanted signs, not a relationship.

• Universalis:  Bl. François de Laval, bishop

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit (1st reading)

• Red shirt:  Stephen's  martyrdom (1st reading)

• "Stone/rock" tie pin:  They stoned Stephen (1st reading); "You are my rock" (psalm)

• "Signs" tie:  "What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?" (gospel)

• "Wheat" pin:  Bread of Life discourse (gospel)

Dress your life!

May 5

May 5, 2014:  Monday, 3rd week, Easter

Readings

• Acts 6:8-15  Stephen was working wonders and signs.  People debated with him but couldn't withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke.  They falsely accused him, stirred up the people, elders, and scribes, brought him before the Sanhedrin, and the false witnesses testified.  All saw that his face was like an angel's.

• Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30  "Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!"  Your decrees are my delight, my counselors.  You answered me; teach me your statutes.  I've chosen the way of truth.

• Jn 6:22-29  After Jesus had fed the 5,000 men, the crowd found him and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”  Jesus:  “You look for me because you ate the loaves and were filled.  Work for the food that endures for eternal life, that the Son will give you.” / “How can we do God's works?” / “Believe in the one he sent.”

Pope Francis

• Homily:  Jesus tells them they're looking for him not because of signs but because they ate and were filled.  Are we following the Lord for personal gain or because we love him?  He mentions attitudes to avoid:

• Vanity:  He refers to those in public positions who give alms or fast in others' view.  Vanity causes us to slip.  When I do good, do I do it under the public eye or in private?  A vain pastor, priest, or bishop isn't following Jesus and doesn't do God's people good.

• Thirst for power:  Some followers of Jesus search for power, like John and James, who asked Jesus for places of honor.  There are ambition-driven climbers in the Church, but if you like climbing, climb a mountain!  Ask, “Do I follow Christ only for him, or for power?  Do I use Church or community to gain power?”

• Money has been a temptation from the start.  Since Simon, Ananias, and Sapphira, many Christians and Church benefactors have acted for personal profit, making money on the side.

Lord, give us the grace to follow you with love, without vanity, desire for power, or lust for wealth.

Reflections

• Creighton:  Stephen, filled with wisdom and the Spirit, he partook in “the food that endures.”  If I understand the Bread of Life is available to me, I can attain the wisdom and courage he had.

• One Bread One Body:  We frequently ask the Lord "When?," "How?," and "Why?, but let's ask ourselves:  Why do we live, work, pray, or go to Mass?  Why don't we do everything for God's glory?  Are we sharing our faith?

• Passionist:  Stephen's words and works threaten the scribes' and elders' ways and was stoned.  If you believe in the One God sent, what traditional ideas are you willing to shake?

• DailyScripture.net:   Only God can satisfy our deepest hunger—for truth, life, and love.

• Universalis:  St. Asaph, monk, bishop.  Bl. Edmund Rice, widower, educator of poor, began Presentation Brothers.

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Owl" tie pin:  Stephen spoke with wisdom... (1st reading)
• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  ...and the Spirit; (1st reading)
• "Angel" pin:  his face was like an angel's (1st reading)

• "Wheat" pin:  Bread of Life discourse (gospels 5/2-5/10)
• Tie with food:  You ate and were filled (gospel)

• "Eyeball" tie pin:  "their eyes were opened" (Sunday gospel)

• White shirt for today and Easter season

Dress your life!

3rd Sun. of Easter

May 4, 2014:  3rd Sunday of Easter

Readings

• Acts 2:14, 22-33  Peter:  “God worked signs and wonders through Jesus in your midst.  You crucified Jesus, but God raised him up.  David said of him:  'You will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.  You have made known to me the paths of life.'  David prophesied the resurrection of the Christ.  We see God raised Jesus, who poured forth the Holy Spirit he received from the Father.”

• Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-11  "Lord, you will show us the path of life."  I take refuge in you.  My heart and soul rejoice.  You won't abandon my soul to the netherworld nor allow your faithful one to undergo corruption.

• 1 Pt 1:17-21  Christ's blood ransomed you; conduct yourselves with reverence.  He who was known before the world was founded is revealed now for you who believe in God who raised him, so your faith and hope are in God.

Emmaus Road/ Gerloff

• Lk 24:13-35  While two disciples were going to Emmaus, Jesus drew near and walked with them, but they didn't recognize him.  “What are you talking about?” / “Don't you know what happened to Jesus?...” / “How slow you are to believe!...”  He interpreted the Scriptures, they urged “Stay,” and he did.  At table he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them; their eyes were opened, they recognized him, and he vanished.  “Our hearts were burning as he opened the Scriptures to us!”  They returned to Jerusalem, found the Eleven and others saying, “The Lord has been raised!,” and recounted what happened and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.

Pope Francis

• Homily:   The Polish people has been greatly tried in history and know that entry into glory is by way of the passion and cross.  St. John Paul II followed this way in an exemplary manner.   Are we prepared to follow it too?  We're pilgrims, not vagabonds: the disciples on the way to Emmaus were wandering, but on the way back, they were witnesses of Christ, because they'd met Him, the Risen Wayfarer:  Jesus, the Risen One walking with us, who's here among us today.

• To Brazil's Bishops :  see April 23 for a summary of his application of today's gospel:  meet, patiently listen to, accompany, inspire, and lead those who don't feel the Church can offer them anything; warm their hearts.

Music for gospel

• El peregrino de Emaús/Por la calzada de Emaús:  Misa Panamericana, another, with lyrics, translation [please send corrections]

• In the breaking of the bread/ Ward [about composer]

• In the breaking of the bread/ Hurd

Reflections

• Creighton:  After Jesus was executed, disciples were in grief and confusion; Jesus joined these two and opened their eyes.  We seek the words or signs that tell us who we are.  We're not alone on the road either.

Supper at Emmaus/ Ter Brugghen

• Passionist:  What Jesus did for the Emmaus disciples then, he does for us now when we gather to hear his word, break the bread, and open our hearts to the risen Jesus.  May we be Jesus' messengers in all we think, say, and do.

• DailyScripture.net:   Why they didn't recognize Jesus:  "They were so disturbed when they saw him on the cross, they forgot his teaching, didn't look for his resurrection, and didn't remember his promises" (St. Augustine, Sermon 235.1-2).  The Lord is ready to speak to us.  Do I listen and allow his word to change me?

• Moved to greater love, final day of series:  examen to review God's activity over the nine weeks, reflection questions, First Principle and Foundation poem (Rodgers), 3 songs, 3 texts on examen...

• Universalis:  The English Martyrs, the first three of many from the English Reformation's 150-year persecution, the 39 others canonized, 160 beatified, and innumerable other martyrs.  Bl. Marie-Léonie Paradis, religious, founded Little Sisters of the Holy Family.  St. Conleth, metalworker, hermit, bishop.

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  Jesus poured forth the Holy Spirit (1st reading)
• "Lamb" tie bar:  You were ransomed by Christ's blood as of a spotless lamb (2nd reading)
• "Eyeball" tie pin:  "their eyes were opened" (gospel)
• "Walking person" tie pin:  disciples en route to Emmaus (gospel)
• "Accordion" pin:  great instrument for El Peregrino de Emaús (gospel :-)
• "Hearts" suspenders:  How slow of heart you are, weren't our hearts burning? (gospel)
• "Burning sun" tie:  weren't our hearts burning? (gospel)
• "Wheat" pin:  Jesus took bread...; their eyes were opened in its breaking (gospel)
• White shirt:  color of day/Easter season

Dress your life!

Philip and James

May 3, 2014:  SS. Philip and James, apostles

Readings

• 1 Cor 15:1-8  I am reminding you of the Gospel I preached and you received; you're being saved as you hold fast.  I handed on what I received:  Christ died for our sins, was buried and raised, and appeared to Cephas, the Twelve, more than 500, James, all the Apostles, and me.

• Ps 19:2-3, 4-5  "Their message goes out through all the earth."  The heavens declare the glory of God...

• Jn 14:6-14  “I am the way and the truth and the life....  If you know me, you'll know my Father.  Whoever has seen me has seen him.  I am in the Father and he in me.  Whoever believes in me will do the works I do.  And whatever you ask in my name, I'll do.”

Music

• Canticle of the sun/ Haugen (psalm-inspired setting of St. Francis's canticle)

• The law of the Lord is perfect/ Mui (psalm)

• Indescribable/ Story, Reeves:  sung by Tomlin, Story (psalm inspired)

Pope Francis

• To Catholic Action members re "New people in Christ Jesus, co-responsible for the joy of living," the disciples' joy in their encounter with the risen Christ.  The joy needs to be internalized in a style of evangelizing capable of changing lives.  Renew your missionary commitment, be open to the horizons the Spirit will show the Church, and be the living sign and expression of a rejuvenated lay apostolate.  Parishes, especially those marked by fatigue and closures, need your apostolic enthusiasm, your availability, and your creative service.

Reflections

• Creighton:  The core of faith is commitment to a Person.  To know about Christ is Christology; to know Christ is Christianity.

• Passionist:  God sent his Son to save us.  Christ who appeared to 500 after he rose wants to appear to me.

• Universalis:  SS. Philip and James, apostles:  Philip started as a disciple of John the Baptist.  James, a cousin of the Lord, led the Church at Jerusalem, wrote an epistle, lived austerely, converted many Jews, and was martyred.

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• Red shirt:  martyrdom of Apostle James

• Crucifix:  Christ died for our sins (1st reading)

• "Phone" tie bar and "Children around the world" tie:  "Their message goes out to all the earth" (psalm)

Dress your life!

Athanasius

May 2, 2014:  St. Athanasius, bishop and doctor

Readings

• Acts 5:34-42  Gamaliel to Sanhedrin:  “Be careful.  If their endeavor is of human origin, it'll destroy itself, but if it's from God, you won't be able to destroy them.”  He persuaded them.  They flogged the Apostles, ordered them to stop speaking in Jesus' name, and dismissed them.  The Apostles left, rejoicing that they suffered for the sake of the name.  They kept teaching and proclaiming Jesus.

• Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14  "One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord."  The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?

(It wasn't like this)

• Jn 6:1-15  Jesus, seeing a crowd coming to him, asked, “Where can we buy food for them?” / “A boy has five loaves and two fish, but what good are those?” / “Have them recline.”  They did.  Jesus distributed the loaves.  They had their fill, filled twelve baskets of leftovers, and said, “This is the Prophet.”  Since Jesus knew they were going to make him king, he withdrew.

Pope Francis

• Homily:  (1) Jesus loves people and attends to their problems:  he speaks, preaches, and accompanies people.  He speaks with authority, with the power of love.  (2) The religious authorities are hypocritical and jealous; they can't tolerate Jesus' meekness and love and that people followed him.  They know who Jesus was but paid to silence the truth.  (3) The apostles show the joy of witness:  The "thought police" had the apostles flogged.  There are still such people who persecute and kill, and many who rejoice to suffer in Christ’s name; people go to jail for carrying a Gospel or are fined for wearing a crucifix.

Music

For psalm (see Sept. 3 for more about these):
• In the shadow of your wings/ O'Connor:  sample
• The Lord is my light/ Haas
• The Lord is near/ Joncas sample
• This alone/ Manion



Miracle of the Bread and Fish/ Lanfranco

• The Lord is my light/ Foley

• Ven al banquete/Come to the feast/ Hurd, Moriarty (composer-led; cued after story) (v. 1 refers to gospel)

• Where is bread?/ Gillette, to Abbot's Leigh, In Babilone, or other tunes (gospel)

Reflections

• Creighton:  Do I give thanks for the miracles in my life?

• One Bread One Body:  The early Church with its revolutionary message had its enemies.  The Church still has enemies but will triumph.

• DailyScripture.net:  The feeding of the multitude recalled the manna in the wilderness under Moses and foreshadowed Jesus, Bread of Heaven, satisfying our deepest hunger.  When we receive the Eucharist, we're united with Christ and receive healing and strength.  God gives abundantly so we may share with those who lack.  God multiplies for others' good the little we have.

Christ feeding 5,000/ Feather

• Passionist:  The first Christian communities were formed from the preaching of those witnessing to the Resurrection.  Waste, from gospel's "so that nothing will be wasted," connotes destruction or perishing.  In the Eucharist see that all are nourished, care for those with special needs, and don't overlook anyone, lest they perish.

• Moved to greater love and rejoicing at imitating Jesus in life's sufferings:  Re 1st reading flogging: "Pleasure is shallow, but joy has pain in the middle of it.  Pleasure comes and goes, but joy has eternity in it." (Redeemed/ King)  Talk with Jesus about a personal experience of pain; ask to see the graces available in the midst of it.

• Universalis:  St. Athanasius, bishop, fought against Arianism (that the Son was created by the Father and not equal to him, leaving an infinite gap between God and people).

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Wheat" pin:  5 loaves (gospel) [I don't have a "barley" pin.]

• "Fish" tie:  one of the two fish (gospel)

• "Abacus" tie pin:  5 loaves, 2 fish, 5,000 men, 12 baskets:  do the math (gospel)

• Red and white shirt:  red for apostles/others who suffer/die for Christ, white for Easter season

Dress your life!

Joseph the Worker

May 1, 2014:  St. Joseph the Worker

National Day of Prayer

Readings

• Acts 5:27-33  High priest / Apostles:  “You defied our order to stop teaching.” / “We must obey God.  You killed Jesus, but God raised and exalted him; we're witnesses.”  They became infuriated and wanted to kill them.

• Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20  "The Lord hears the cry of the poor."  Taste and see God's goodness.  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and delivers the just.

• Jn 3:31-36  The one who comes from heaven is above all and speaks God's word, testifying to what he's seen and heard.  The Father has given everything over to the Son.  Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.

Pope Francis

• For St. Joseph the Worker day: Remember human dignity and the common good. (Tweet)

Employment is essential for society, families, and individuals.  Work regards persons, their dignity, life, freedom, and happiness.  The primary value of employment is their good, because, it realizes them, making demands on their attitudes and abilities.  Without work, human dignity is wounded; the unemployed/underemployed risk marginalization and social exclusion.  Many slip into discouragement or apathy. (to Steelworkers 3-20-14) 

Give new impetus to employment, caring for the dignity of the person.  Many are victims of "slave labor," work that enslaves; they're at the service of their work, while work should rather offer them a service so they may have dignity. Combat trafficking in persons!  (Audience 5-1-13) 

Say 'thou shalt not' to an economy of exclusion and inequality; it kills.  Everything comes under the laws of competition and survival of the fittest, where the powerful feed on the powerless, so masses of people are excluded and marginalized, without work, possibilities, or means of escape—considered consumer goods to be used, then discarded.  (Evangelii Gaudium 53)

Today's readings

Music

• The cry of the poor/ Foley (psalm)

• Taste and see/ Hurd, Haugen, Moore, Vaughan Williams (another Vaughan Williams) (psalm)

Reflections

• Creighton:  Feel the tension between our just and still-unrepentant parts.  If you've been rescued, witness to it.

• One Bread One Body:   What is the Lord asking of you?  Obey, receive the Holy Spirit, and believe in the Spirit as never before.

• Passionist:  No prison can bottle up the Spirit of God.  For most of us, witness to the gospel be less dramatic but still demanding:  forgiving, seeking peace, working for justice, caring for the environment, sharing our faith, praying...

• Moved to greater love and new opportunities within and beyond my current work/ministry:  How has my work/contact with the poor been?  (Recall experiences, names, faces, related feelings...)  What have I learned from them?  What have I learned about how I relate?  How is God calling me?

• Universalis:  St Joseph the Worker:  The Christian view of work is not materialist.  Workers are persons created in God’s image who themselves create, echoing God's work; if they or the work are mistreated or misdirected, it's sacrilege.

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "If we all work together" tie:  St.  Joseph the Worker

• Crucifix:  you had Jesus killed by hanging him on a tree (1st reading)

• "Pierced hearts" suspenders:  "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted" (psalm)

• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  "He doesn't ration this gift of the Spirit" (gospel)

• White shirt:  color of day/Easter season

Special greetings to and prayers for the community at St. Joseph the Worker parish, school, and preschool, including generous and talented parish music director Sr. Angela Faustina!

Dress your life!