September 8, 2014

Mary's birth

September 8, 2014:  Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary


Apparel
  • 'Sheep' tie bar:  "He shall shepherd his flock" (1st reading)
  • 'Clocks' tie:  Time passing during genealogy (gospel)
  • 'Dove' necklace:  “It's through the Holy Spirit that [Jesus was conceived in Mary].” (gospel)
  • Blue shirt ("Blessed Mother blue")
Music
Pope Francis
Homily:  When we read Genesis, we can think God was a magician, but he's the Creator!  God made things and allowed them to develop to fullness.  The Lord gave autonomy but not independence.  When he created us, he gave us freedom and made us responsible for creation.
In Jesus' genealogy, there are saints and sinners, but history continues because God willed our freedom.  God walks patiently with saint and sinner alike.  God wants us to be conformed to his Son.  From the hour he gave us freedom—not independence—he walks with us.  God was in Bethlehem with Joseph and Mary because he wants to walk with everyone.  "Do not fear the great things, but also have regard for the small, this is divine" (Thomas Aquinas).
Look at the story of Mary, the baby to become the Mother of God, and ask:  "Do I let God walk with me, or do I walk alone?  Do I let Him caress, help, and forgive me and carry me to encounter Christ?  Do I let God be patient with me?"...
Read
  • Mi 5:1-4a  From you, little Bethlehem, shall come the ruler in Israel; he shall shepherd his flock by God's strength, in God's name; his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace.
  • Rom 8:28-30  All things work for good for those who love God.  Those he foreknew he predestined to be conformed to his Son's image, called, justified, and glorified.

  • Ps 13:6  "With delight I rejoice in the Lord."  I sing, “The Lord has been good to me.”

    Wordle: Readings 9-8-14
  • Mt 1:1-16, 18-23  The genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham:  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and his brothers, Perez and Zerah (Tamar's sons), Hezron, Ram, Amminadab.  Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz (Rahab's son), Obed (Ruth's son), Jesse, David the king.  Solomon (son of Uriah's wife), Rehoboam, Abijah, Asaph.  Jehoshaphat, Joram, Uzziah.  Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah.  Manasseh, Amos, Josiah.  Jechoniah and his brothers.  After the Babylonian exile:  Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abiud.  Eliakim, Azor, Zadok.  Achim, Eliud, Eleazar.  Matthan, Jacob, Joseph (Mary's husband), Jesus.

Before Mary and Joseph lived together, she was found with child.  An angel told Joseph,“Don't be afraid to take Mary; she conceived through the Spirit and will bear a son to save people from their sins.”  This fulfilled the prophecy, The virgin shall bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, “God with us.”
Bonus
Reflections
    • Creighton:  In difficulties, may we trust and ponder as Mary did.
    • Passionist:  Church history teaches Mary was born of Anne and Joachim who thought they wouldn't be able to have children. / We don't like to wait, but let's follow the example of the Israelites who throughout the genealogy waited for the Messiah.
    • DailyScripture.net:  Mary and Joseph are models of faith for us:  she trusted in God's promises; he believed the angel's message. / The genealogy is arranged in three sections:  father Abraham to King David, then to the shame of the Babylonian exile, then to Jesus.  God fulfilled his promises to Abraham and David to send a Savior.  Do I recognize your spiritual genealogy and accept God as Father and Jesus as my Lord?
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    September 7, 2014

    23rd Sun., Ordinary Time

    September 7, 2014:  23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

    • 'Eyeball' pin:  I've appointed you watchman
    • 'Heart' tie bar (oops cropped out; click on the Aug. 4 selfie):  "If you hear God's voice, harden not your hearts." (psalm)
    • 'Rock' pin:  "Acclaim the rock of our salvation." (psalm)
    • 'Kneeling person' tie bar:  "Let us kneel before the Lord" (psalm)
    • '3 persons' tie pin:  "Where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there am I..." (gospel)
    Music

    Pope Francis

     Angelus:  Jesus teaches us that if my brother offends me, I must point out his mistake with charity.  He suggests a gradual approach, first in private, then if he doesn’t listen, with two or three, and, if that doesn’t work, with the community.  Keep close to offenders, so they're not lost.  Avoid sensationalism and gossip; show discretion, caution, humility, and concern, avoiding words that can hurt or kill.  Help them realize their mistake has offended everybody.  This attitude also helps free us from anger or resentment; it's horrible to hear insults or attacks from a Christian.  Before God we're all sinners, and Jesus tells us not to judge.  Fraternal reprimand is a reciprocal deed we must render, and it’s only possible if we recognize we're sinners and need God’s forgiveness.

     May the steps toward ceasefire in eastern Ukraine provide relief and bring lasting peace; may dialogue continue and bear fruit.  I condemn all acts of violence and pray the Lord restore to Lesotho peace rooted in justice and fraternity.

    Read
      Wordle: Readings 9/7/14
    • Ez 33:7-9  I've appointed you watchman; when you hear me say anything, warn them.  If I tell the wicked, “You shall die,” and you don't speak out, I'll hold you responsible for their death, but if you warn them and they refuse to turn from their way, they'll die but you'll save yourself.
    • Ps 95:1-2, 6-9  "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."  Sing to the Lord; Come to him with thanksgiving, bowing in worship; he is our God, we the people he shepherds.
    • Rom 13:8-10  Love one another; the one who loves has fulfilled the law.  The commandments are summed up in “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 
    • Mt 18:15-20  “If your brother sins against you, tell him privately.  If he listens, you've won him over; otherwise, go with others.  If he doesn't listen, tell the church.  If he still refuses to listen, treat him as a Gentile or a tax collector.  What you bind/loose on earth shall be so in heaven.  If two of you pray for and agree about anything, my Father shall grant it.  Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.”
    Reflections
      • Passionist:  Edwina Gately prayed God would show himself to her and help her make sense of her crazy world.  When she stopped for a drink, a smelly street person begged for beer.  She did; after they talked, she realized her prayer was answered.  How often do I miss God in my day-to-day living?
      • DailyScripture.net:   Don't brood over an offense; it poisons you and makes it harder to go to the offender.  Seek help of others and then the community to restore the relationship.  Do I seek God's help seek to win them over?
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      September 6, 2014

      Sept. 6

      September 6, 2014:  Saturday, 22nd week, Ordinary Time

      Apparel
      • 'Question mark' pin:  Questions:  Who confers distinction upon you?  What do you have that you haven't received?  Why are you boasting about it?  (1st reading)  Why are you doing what's unlawful?  Didn't you read how David shared the priests' bread?  (gospel)
      • 'Angel' pin:  We've become a spectacle to angels and men. (1st reading)
      • 'Hand' tie pin:  We toil, working with our hands. (1st reading)
      • 'Grain' pin:  Jesus was going through a field of grain, and his disciples were picking and eating the heads. (gospel)
      Music
      Pope Francis
      • Friday homily:  Paul said that before Jesus came, people were prisoners under the Law.  The Law wasn't bad:  it cared for them, but they were prisoners, awaiting the faith and liberty of Christ brought.  Jesus took the Doctors of the Law to task for not caring for the people but making them slaves to many little laws. / The Lord wants us not to be afraid of changing things according to the law of the Gospel, letting go of decadent structures and take up the new wineskins of the Gospel.  The Gospel is new, brings joy, and can only be lived fully by a joyful and renewed heart.  God, give us the grace to keep the new commandment of love, and the joy of the freedom the Good News brings.
      Read
        Wordle: Readings 9/6/14
      • 1 Cor 4:6b-15  Why boast if you've received everything that's yours?  God has exhibited us as last of all, like people sentenced to death; we're a spectacle, fools on Christ’s account, weak, held in disrepute, go hungry and thirsty, are poorly clad and roughly treated, wander homeless, and toil.  When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we respond gently.  We've become like rubbish, scum.  I became your father in Christ through the Gospel.
      • Ps 145:17-21  "The Lord is near to all who call upon him."  He hears their cry and saves them.  The Lord is just in his ways and holy in his works.
      • Lk 6:1-5  Jesus' disciples were picking and eating heads of grain on a sabbath.  Pharisees / Jesus:  “Why are you doing what's unlawful?” / “Recall when David's men were hungry he shared the priests' bread of offering from the house of God?  The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
      Reflections
        • Creighton:  Paul let the air out of inflated people to fill them with something better, but sometimes we need to be squeezed.  God can't fill us when pride, riches, power, or pleasure do but can when we recognize we're empty.  But God is near even when we miss him.  Can I cry for help?
        • Passionist:  As people vent anger on the town crier who bears bad news, the Corinthians heartlessly judged Paul and Apollos.  Paul told them to humble themselves for the community's sake, warning them to pay attention to the message, not messengers.  If humbly keep our eyes on the Word, we'll have greater unity and joy.  Don't get puffed up like the Pharisees did.  We belong to the Church because Christ loved and called us.
        • DailyScripture.net:  Why keep the Sabbath holy?  To remember the goodness of God and his works, rest, and be refreshed.  Jesus defended his disciples:  the Pharisees ritual zeal blinded them to charity's demands, but human need takes precedence.  How do I observe the Sabbath?
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        September 5, 2014

        Sept. 5

        September 5, 2014

        Friday, 22nd week, Ordinary Time
        Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

        Apparel


        • Wedding band:  "Can you make the wedding guests fast while the groom is with them?" (gospel)
        • 'Food' tie:  "We fast, but your disciples eat and drink." (gospel)
        • 'Grapes' pin:  "No one pours new wine into old skins." (gospel)

        Music

        Pope Francis
        • To education leaders at Scholas Occurrentes meeting (via Skype):  Recompose the educational pact.  Don't leave children the at the mercy of a throwaway culture:  kids are not given education or wanted; the elderly are thrown away too in a “system of hidden euthanasia” that covers you up to a point then says "Die!"  So too youths without work.  Counter a culture where money, not the person, is central.  Create a network that supports children, offering hope, goodness, and encounter.
          Q & A:  You can either build bridges or raise walls.  Communicate to inspire and listen to others.  Communicating is giving, generosity, and respect. / Young people need education, sports, and culture; sport teaches team spirit. and safeguards you from egoism. / The future lies in your heart, mind, and hands.  If you keep good things in mind, fly, dream, create, receive your elders' wisdom, build bridges of peace, and play as teammates, you can build a better future. 
          Read
          • 1 Cor 4:1-5  People should regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries.  I don't care who judges me; the Lord is my judge.  Don't judge before the Lord comes; he'll bring to light what's hidden and manifest our motives; then everyone will receive praise from God.
            Wordle: Readings 9-5-14
          • Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 27-28, 39-40  "The salvation of the just comes from the Lord."  Trust in the Lord and do good, and he'll act.  Take delight in the Lord, and he'll grant you your heart’s requests.  The Lord helps and saves the just who take refuge in him.
          • Lk 5:33-39  Scribes and Pharisees / Jesus:  “John the Baptist's and the Pharisees' disciples fast, but not yours.” / “Will wedding guests fast while the groom is with them?  But when he's taken from them, they'll fast.  No one patches an old cloak with new fabric, lest the new be torn and not match the old.  No one pours new wine into old wineskins, lest the new wine burst the skins and be spilled.  New wine must be poured into fresh skins....
          Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
            • Creighton:  Following Christ sets us on a crash course with contemporary culture, but Paul reminds us that only the Lord is our judge.  Where do I seek my salvation, my comfort:  in luxury, pleasure, and control or poverty, chastity, and obedience?
            • One Bread One Body:  When people are judged, some become angry, resentful, or rebellious, and others compromise and let themselves be manipulated.  Do I judge myself?  Do I care only about how God judges?
            • Passionist:  What does it mean to be a steward of God's mystery?  How do I respond to God's call: fighting, accepting the mystery, trusting, focusing on something else?
            • DailyScripture.net:  Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving were the three most important religious duties.  Jesus explained there's a time for fasting and a time for celebrating.  Walking with Jesus gives wedding-banquet joy, but also times to bear affliction and purification. / Jesus warned about having a closed mind:  New wine poured into skins was still fermenting.  New skins could take the pressure of new (fermenting) wine's gases, but old, hardened wine skins would burst.  There's a place for both old and new; the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out the new and the old (Mt 13:52).  The New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old is unveiled in the New; they shed light on each other.  God gives us wisdom to make the best use of both old and new, neither clinging to the past nor resisting the new action the Spirit.  He wants us to be like the new skins, ready to receive the Spirit.
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            September 4, 2014

            Sept. 4

            September 4, 2014:  Thursday, 22nd week, Ordinary Time


            • 'Owl' tie pin:  Become wise by becoming a fool (1st reading)
            • 'Heart' tie bar (hard to make out):  The one whose heart is clean can ascend the Lord's mountain (psalm)
            • 'Boat' tie bar:  2 boats at Lake of Gennesaret (gospel)
            • 'Fishes' tie:  They caught so many fish, both boats were at the sinking point. (gospel)
            • 'Kneeling person' tie bar:  Simon Peter, kneeling:  "Leave, me Lord; I'm a sinful man." (gospel)




            Music
            Pope Francis

            Homily:  God’s Word can bring a true change of heart, change the world, and give us hope and life.  Its power isn't in human knowledge; become a fool!  Paul didn't boast of his learning but rather of his sins and his encounter with Christ, the only salvific encounter.  When we forget that encounter, we lose the power of Christ’s strength.  When Peter tells Jesus: “Go away from me, Lord; I'm a sinner,” his meeting between his sins and Christ, Peter finds salvation.
            The privileged place for an encounter with Christ is our sins.  If I can't see my sins and my salvation in Christ's blood, I'm a tepid Christian.  In some decadent Churches, parishes, and institutions, Christians have never really met Christ or have forgotten that encounter.  Can you tell the Lord you're a sinner?  Do you really believe the Lord has given you new life?  Do you trust in Christ?  We can boast only of our sins and of Christ on the cross.
            Read
            • 1 Cor 3:18-23  To become wise, become a fool; this world's wisdom is foolishness in God's eyes.  Everyone belongs to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.
            • Ps 24:1bc-4ab, 5-6  "To the Lord belongs the earth and all that fills it."  God will bless and reward the one with sinless hands and clean heart, who doesn't want what's vain.
              The Miraculous Draught of Fishes/ Raphael
            • Lk 5:1-11  Jesus saw two boats alongside the Lake of Gennesaret, got into Simon's, asked him to put out a short distance from the shore, and taught the crowds from the boat, and told Simon.  Jesus / Simon: “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” / “We've worked hard and haven't caught anything, but I'll lower the nets.”  They caught so many fish that their nets were tearing, then signaled to the other boat for help.  Both boats were filled to the sinking point.  Simon Peter / Jesus:  “Depart from me, Lord; I'm a sinner.” / “Don't be afraid; from now on you'll be catching people.”  They returned to shore, left everything, and followed him.
            Reflect
            • Creighton:  Smart as I may be, what do I really know?  How did we get here?  What does it all mean?  What's the big picture?  We need faith.  Whatever we have is God's.  Peter thought he knew about fishing, but he knew enough to trust in Jesus.  We should know enough to put our faith in and follow the Lord.
            • One Bread One Body:  One of the greatest events in our lives is when we get in touch with reality and see our sinfulness....
            • Passionist:  Jesus the carpenter told Peter the pro fisherman to go to a bad spot of the lake at an odd time, but Peter eventually complied.  God's ways are not always ours. Paul contrasts God's wisdom with ours.  Let's follow Jesus, risking security and comfort for the sake of compassion and justice.  Jesus wants to join us in our journey.
            • DailyScripture.net:   When I meet disappointment and failure (like Simon after a fish-free night of hard work), do I hear and follow God's word, cooperating with him to accomplish greater things than I can do myself?  "Jesus has so incomprehensible a love for us that he wills that we have a share with him in the salvation of souls.  He wills to do nothing without us.  The Creator of the universe awaits the prayer of a poor little soul to save others redeemed at the price of his Blood."  (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)  God chooses and uses ordinary people and circumstances to draw others into his kingdom.  Do you witness gospel joy to, and pray for, others, "catching people"?
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            September 3, 2014

            St. Gregory

            September 3, 2014:  St. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor


            Listen
            Look


            • 'Infants' tie: "I talked to you as infants in Christ." (1st reading)
            • 'Cow' pin: I fed you milk because you couldn't take solid food (1st reading)
            • 'Olympics' pin:  "When there's rivalry, you're not behaving as spiritual people." (1st reading)
            • 'Plant' pin:  "I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth." (1st reading)
            • 'Clock' tie bar:  "Our soul waits for the Lord" (psalm)
            • 'Medical' pin:  Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law and the sick brought to him (gospel); St. Gregory, Church 'Doctor'
            • White shirt:  color of St. Gregory memorial
            Pope Francis
            • Audience:  We don't become Christians on our own but by being born and nurtured amidst the People of God, the Church, a true mother who gives us life in Christ and brings us into a common life with our brothers and sisters.  Her model of motherhood is the Blessed Virgin Mary, who conceived through the Spirit and gave birth to Jesus; the Church continues her motherhood, bringing forth children through baptism and nourishing them through God's Word.  Jesus gave the Gospel to the Church to bring forth life by proclaiming his word and winning others for God.  As a mother, the Church nurtures us by illuminating our path with the Gospel and sustaining us with the Sacraments, so we can choose good, be vigilant against evil, and overcome difficulty with courage and hope.  The Church her children's good at heart.  Since we are the Church, we're called to live this same attitude toward others, by welcoming, forgiving, and inspiring trust and hope.
            Read
            • 1 Cor 3:1-9  I had to speak with you as infants in Christ; you couldn't, and can't, take solid food.  When there's jealousy and rivalry, you're not spiritual.  Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, only God, who causes the growth.  We're God’s co-workers; you're God's field, God’s building.
              Wordle: Readings 9-3-14
            • Ps 33:12-15, 20-21  "Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own."  God looks down on everyone; he made them and knows their works.  We wait for and rejoice and trust in the Lord, our help and shield.
            • Lk 4:38-44  They interceded with Jesus about Simon's mother-in-law, afflicted with a severe fever.  He rebuked the fever, it left her, and she got up and waited on them.  All who had sick people brought them to him, and he cured them all.  Jesus left for a deserted place, but they found him and tried to keep him from going.  “I've been sent to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom, so I must go to the other towns too.”
            St. Gregory the Great
            Reflect
              • Creighton: As Paul and Apollos were just instruments and only God caused growth, so too for parents who plant and nourish faith...
              • DailyScripture.net:   The disciples brought their troubles to him because they found him ready and able to deal with anything.  Jesus wants to set us free today.  Do I seek freedom and trust that he can free me?  Jesus never tires of hearing and answering us.  Do I approach him with faith so he can restore me to active service?
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              September 2, 2014

              Sept. 2

              September 2, 2014:  Tuesday, 22nd week, Ordinary Time

              Music
              Apparel

              • 'Question mark' tie pin:  Who knows about someone...?  Who has known the Lord's mind?  (1st reading)
              • 'Dove' necklace, red shirt:  The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God. (1st reading); our authority is from the Holy Spirit (homily)
              • Tie with crowns:  God's kingdom is everlasting (psalm)
              Pope Francis
              • Homily:  Jesus taught with authority; people were astonished.  His authority came from the Holy Spirit.  Paul preached with the anointing of the Spirit, expressing things of the Spirit in spiritual terms.  If we don't understand the things of the Spirit and give witness, we have no identity.  Christ's thought is the Christian identity, not thinking and judging like the world.  The Holy Spirit gives authority and identity.  People didn't love teachers of the law because they didn't speak to hearts or give freedom.  Not anointed by the Spirit, they couldn't help people find their identity.  Jesus', and our, authority comes from the ability to understand things of the Spirit and speak the Spirit's language.  Lord, grant us Christian identity, Your Spirit, Your way of thinking, feeling, and speaking.
              Jesus expels the demon with authority...
              Readings

              • 1 Cor 2:10b-16  We've received the Spirit from God, so we may understand what God gave us and speak with words taught by the Spirit.  Natural people can't understand, but spiritual people can judge everything.  “Who has known the mind of the Lord?”  But we have the mind of Christ.
              Wordle: Readings 9-2-14
              • Ps 145:8-14  "The Lord is just in all his ways," gracious, merciful, kind, good, compassionate, faithful, and holy.  Let your works and faithful ones bless and speak of your power and glory.  Your Kingdom is everlasting.  You lift the falling and raise up all who are bowed down.
              • Lk 4:31-37  Jesus taught with authority; people were astonished.  Man with the spirit of a demon / Jesus:  “Jesus, have you come to destroy us?  I know you're God's Holy One!” / “Quiet!  Come out!”  The demon came out without doing harm.  Amazed, they said, “What is there about his word?  He commands spirits with authority and power and they come out.”  News of him spread.
              Reflections
                • Creighton:  We've become overloaded with news, but how is news of Jesus spread today, and how accurate is it?  People recognized Jesus' power and authority.  Do I?  Do I listen, believe, and live accordingly?
                • One Bread One Body:  "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."  Whoever wins our mind gains control of our actions.  Our minds must be transformed (see yesterday) to make "every thought... obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5).  "Direct your thoughts to what's true, deserving of respect, honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or praiseworthy" (Phil 4:8), and love God "with all your mind."
                • Passionist:  Jesus who expelled the evil spirit the man was harboring can heal us from evil we harbor.  Jesus frees us so we may flourish.  Recall that when Jesus asked, "Who do you say that I am?", Simon professed his faith, and Jesus responded, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church."  In knowing Jesus' identity, we come to know ourselves as Jesus knows us and as he wants us to become.  He recognizes our frailty and will free us from what keeps us from him, so we may proclaim, "You are the Christ" and be truly free.
                • DailyScripture.net:  "Jesus had all power and authority  because he was the living and active Word of God the Father.  Bystanders were astonished; he performed miracles without asking for power to accomplish them.  Since he's God's living and active Word, he crushed Satan and closed demons' mouths. [St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke, Homily 12, paraphrased].  Recognize Christ's healing power and authority, follow him, and walk free in his love and truth. 
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                  September 1, 2014

                  Sept. 1

                  September 1, 2014:  Monday, 22nd week, Ordinary Time / Labor Day



                  • Crucifix:  "I resolved to know only Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1st reading)
                  • 'Owl' tie pin:  "My message demonstrated God's spirit and power... so your faith might not rest on human wisdom..." (1st reading)
                  • Feet and hands on stick figures:  "From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words" (psalm); "prosper the work of our hands" (Labor Day, song)
                  • 'Working people' tie:  Labor Day
                  • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  "God anointed me to proclaim recovery of sight to the blind" (gospel)

                   Music
                  Pope Francis
                  • His Santa Marta homilies are back!  Paul says, 'I came to show you not words of wisdom but the Spirit and His power.'  The Word of God isn't a word of wisdom or philosophy or science; it's something else and comes in a different way.  God speaks to us in the Son; the Word of God is Jesus himself, a source of scandal.  The Cross scandalizes.  How do I receive the Word of God?  It's important to read the Gospel every day, because Jesus is right there.  You should receive it like you receive Jesus, with an open, humble heart.  Jesus came to us in humility, in poverty, anointed by the Spirit.  To hear and receive the Word, pray and ask the Spirit for this anointing, the anointing of the Beatitudes.  Do I receive the Word of God as something that interests me, or because it's the living Jesus, his Word?...
                  Readings
                  • 1 Cor 2:1-5  I didn't proclaim the mystery of God with sublime words or wisdom I resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  I came in weakness, fear, and trembling, but my message demonstrated spirit and power, so your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on God's power.
                  • Ps 119:97-102  "Lord, I love your commands."  I meditate on them; they've made me wise.  From every evil way I withhold my feet...
                  • Lk 4:16-30  At the Nazareth synagogue Jesus stood and read from Isaiah:  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor, proclaim liberty, healing, and freedom.  “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”  All were amazed, but they asked “Isn't this Joseph's son?” / “No prophet is accepted in his native place.  Elijah was sent to a widow in Zarephath, not Israel, and a Syrian leper was cleansed instead of the many of Israel.”  Filled with fury, they drove him out and were going to hurl him down the hill, but he passed through them.
                  Weekend "Roamin' Catholic" report
                  I'll focus on music ministry.  I post to affirm the good and learn from what could be improved; here's more.
                  + Director, 2 acoustic guitars, choir (6 men, 2 women):  clear voices, good harmony
                  – Entrance song wasn't in the hymnal, wasn't practiced with the assembly, and wasn't easy enough for us to sing, IMHO disappointing not only because we should join in the opening song but also because it sets the tone for later
                  + Good sound reinforcement:  I heard everything fine.  Often I find the music ministry is too loud.
                  – Priest was silent for the "Lord, have mercy"; I'd rather he recite it than have the choir lead a sung version without him.
                  – Director led the music ministry but didn't animate the assembly.  He stood with the choir on the side, moving only for the responsorial psalm, and then not to the ambo (as for a scripture proclamation) but to the podium (because it was closer?), where he sang all three verses tentatively
                  + Mass of St. Ann/ Bolduc (sample sheet music) was singable, and we sang it, though most got lost in the Gloria, likely because Ed's through-composed version was used (vs. repeating the 23-word refrain, taking more time, a tough tradeoff)
                  + Psalm 63:  My soul is thirsting/ Angrisano, a setting I like, though it's hard for the assembly to sing the antiphon without flattening the syncopation
                  Wordle: Readings 9-1-14
                  'Wordle' of Labor Day readings
                  – Missed signal during Alleluia between director and ensemble (about whether to repeat).  We all miss signals, but this one was distracting to both vision and hearing.
                  – Change our hearts/ Cooney (sample sheet music):  I like the words and tune, but not "one foot in paradise, one in the waste" (v.1).  There's legitimate 'waste' imagery in scripture (e.g., σκύβαλον in Phil 3:8), but that line distracts me from our creation in God's image.  (Cf:  If the justified would attribute glory to God, they would not be dung but ornaments.... Our righteousness is dung in God's sight, but God can choose to adorn dung, paraphrased from Luther's Disputation Concerning Justification)
                  + Behold the lamb/ Willett, good at Communion
                  – Closing song (All the ends of the earth/ Dufford) was in the hymnal but wasn't announced, but fortunately the refrain is easy and familiar  The other two hymns were in the hymnal, but the numbers announced didn't match the hymnals in the pews.  Looking them up is distracting, and by the time did and got to the right pages, we were almost into the first verse.
                  – (not music) There was a beautiful Risen Christ behind the priest, but no crucifix; I found it ironic because of the day's readings about taking up one's cross.
                  Reflections
                    • Creighton:  Before today's gospel where Jesus announces his power and authority, Jesus had been baptized and tempted by the devil and had taken up his public ministry.  The other readings are also about God's power and authority:  Paul teaches to demonstrate God’s power, and keeping God's commands gives wisdom.  The people of Nazareth were naturally jealous and unbelieving.  We can’t explain how Jesus passed through them to continue his ministry.
                    • Passionist:  Paul understood Jesus died as a sign of love for us.  The cross was transformed from a sign of capital punishment to a paradoxical sign of self-sacrificing love.  Jesus' reading of Isaiah 61:1-2 previewed Jesus' ministry.  God's love, especially for the suffering, is unfathomable; it impels us to live attuned to that love and so show mercy and compassion in all our relationships.
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