November 28, 2014

Nov. 28

November 28, 2014:  Friday, 34th week, Ordinary Time




  • 'Angel' pin:  I saw an angel come down... (1st reading)
  • 'Key' tie pin, tie bar with chain:  ...holding the key to the abyss and a chain (1st reading)
  • 'Headless skeleton' tie pin:  I saw the souls of those beheaded for their witness (1st reading)
  • 'Birds' tie:  Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest (psalm)
  • 'Tree' pin:  Consider the trees (gospel)


Listen

For the psalm
Pope Francis
To pastoral care workers:  Bring the Gospel to the big city with new attitude and commitment; everyone needs to feel God's closeness and mercy.  Evangelize with audacity and fearlessness.  Look for God and remain where he's at work.  Discover people's authentic religious underlayer; recognize their varied experiences of God.  God speaks to us today through the poor.  Don't ignore the "thrown away" urban poor or be part of systems that hide them.  Go out:  meet, listen, bless, walk with people; facilitate their encounter with God.  Witness mercy and tenderness concretely to the poor and aged.
To religious re new wine in new wineskins (Mk 2:22):  Be guided by the criteria of originality in evangelical choices, faithfulness to your charisms, primacy of service, attention to the smallest and most fragile, and respect for the dignity of each person.  Renew what no longer responds to what God asks today:  what gives false protection, puts a drag on charity's dynamism, distances us from the flock, or keeps us from hearing the cry of those who await the Good News. 
Read
    'Dragon' from readings' words
    (animate)
  • Rv 20:1-4, 11-21:2  An angel tied up the dragon, Satan, and threw it into the abyss so it could no longer lead nations astray.  I saw thrones with those seated entrusted with judgment.  Those beheaded for their witness to Jesus came to life and reigned with Christ.  I saw a white throne and one seated on it.  The dead were judged according to their deeds, as written in the scrolls; anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into fire.  I saw a new heaven and new earth; I also saw the holy city coming out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
  • Ps 84:3-6a, 8a  "Here God lives among his people."  I yearn for the living God.  Blessed they who dwell in your house!
  • Lk 21:29-33  “When trees' buds open, you know summer is near; similarly, when you see these things happening, know the Kingdom is near.  This generation will not pass away until all this has taken place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but not my words.”
Reflect
    • Creighton:  “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”  Our buildings, possessions, and plans may look solid, but they only last so long; our good deeds survive.  What am I doing today that will last?
    • One Bread One Body:  "Passing away" is a problem for us, for God "has put the timeless" into our heart (Qo 3:11).  God, his Word, his Kingdom, and we ourselves, don't pass away.
    • Passionist:  We who look forward to the beauty and blessings of the ‘new Jerusalem' are called to see God in humanity now.  We who will be judged according to our deeds need to put our faith into action, seeking God in all.
    • DailyScripture.net:  God's kingdom is as evident as the change of seasons; it buds first in those receptive to God's word.  Those who trust in it will bear fruit:  righteousness, peace, joy...  We can know God's presence through the Spirit's daily work.

    November 27, 2014

    Thanksgiving

    November 27, 2014:  Thanksgiving Day / Thursday, 34th week, Ordinary Time

    • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  May peace abide among you (Thanksgiving 1st reading)
    • 'Sword' tie pin:  They'll fall by the sword (weekday gospel)
    • 'Stick figures' tie pin:  lepers including the thankful one (Thanksgiving gospel)
    • "Kneeling person" tie bar:  prayer of thanksgiving
    • 'Clock' tie bar:  countdown to end of church year
    • Green in tie bar:  Ordinary Time season
    • 'Medical' pin:  Jesus healed the lepers (Thanksgiving gospel)
    • 'Angel' pin:  A mighty angel... (weekday 1st reading)
    • 'Stone' tie pin:  ...picked up a stone (weekday 1st reading)
    Listen

    For Thanksgiving Day
    For weekday 1st reading

    For Thanksgiving gospel
    For the psalms
    Pope Francis homily
    Both the Revelation and Luke readings point to the end of this world, speaking of the fall of cities that drifted from the Lord.  Babylon fell because of its corruption; when sin accumulates, you rot.  Corruption gives happiness, power, and self-satisfaction but leaves no room for the Lord, for conversion.  The worst corruption is worldliness, feeling like you're in heaven now while rotten inside.  Babylon is a symbol for all who distance themselves from God and love of neighbor.
    Jerusalem fell because it wasn't aware of her Bridegroom's visit.  Distracted, she failed to welcome the Lord who came to rescue her.  She felt no need for salvation, thinking Moses and the prophets were enough.  The Lord was knocking, but she wasn't willing to receive him, listen, and be rescued.
    Are we corrupt, self-sufficient, or distracted?  In both texts, there's hope.  Jesus urges us to be patient, not frightened.  When we think of the end, with our sins, think of the banquet and lift up your heads.  Don't give in to depression; hope!  Reality is ugly:  suffering, war, hatred, envy, worldliness, corruption—but it'll all fall!  Ask for grace to be prepared for the banquet, with head held high.
    Thanksgiving readings
    • Sir 50:22-24  Bless God who's done wondrous things, who fashions people.  May he grant you joy and peace; may his goodness endure and deliver us.
      Click to animate
    • Ps 145:2-11 "I will praise your name for ever, Lord."  Great are you, Lord; your majesty, wondrous works, goodness, justice, mercy, kindness, and compassion.  May your faithful bless you, speaking of your kingdom's glory and your might.
    • 1 Cor 1:3-9  I thank my God for God's grace given to you as you await Christ's revelation.  He'll keep you firm to the end.  By our faithful God you were called to fellowship with Christ our Lord.
    • Lk 17:11-19  Ten lepers:  “Jesus, have pity on us!” / “Show yourselves to the priests.”  They were cleansed on the way.  One returned, glorifying God and thanking Jesus.  
    Weekday readings
    • Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a  Angel with authority, lighting earth:  “Fallen is Babylon; she'd become a cage for unclean spirits and beasts.”  Angel, throwing a stone into the sea:  “With such force will Babylon be thrown down.  No music will be heard in you, no tradespeople found, no light seen.  You led nations astray.”  Heavenly multitude:  “Alleluia!  Salvation, glory, and might belong to our just God; he condemned the harlot who corrupted the earth.  Smoke will rise from her forever.  Blessed are those called to the Lamb's wedding feast.”
      Click to animate
    • Ps 100:1b-5  "Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb."  Sing to the Lord; serve the Lord.  We're God's people, his flock.  Enter with thanksgiving and praise.  The Lord is good, forever kind and faithful.
    • Lk 21:20-28  “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, its desolation is at hand.  Let those within escape and those outside stay out; it's the time of punishment when Scripture is fulfilled.  Calamity and wrathful judgment will come.  People will fall and be taken captive; Jerusalem will be trampled.  There will be signs, nations will be in dismay, and people will die of fright.  The Son of Man will come with power and glory.  Stand erect; your redemption is at hand.”
    Reflect
    • Creighton:  Revelation's apocalyptic writing, symbolic, mysterious, imaginative, allusive, with a vision of heaven, was popular.  The warning for Babylonians is thought to include Romans then controlling Israelites.  Despite difficulties, we're to trust in God’s promise and stay the course.  “When these signs happen, stand erect; your redemption is at hand.”
    • One Bread One Body:  May our Thanksgiving feast prefigure the heavenly wedding feast of the Lamb.  To come, we need the weakness of the Cross through which God's power is perfected.
    • Passionist:  In Stoppard's play Arcadia, character Valentine exudes, "It's the best time to be alive, when everything you thought you knew is wrong."  Disciples must be inclined to learn, be formed, and be transformed by Jesus. / Each of the saints canonized Sunday had a special connection with the poor and suffering:  "Closeness and tenderness are the rule of life for us.  The starting point of salvation is ... imitation of Jesus' works of mercy" (canonization homily).
    • DailyScripture.net:  Prophets had foretold the end-of-the-world signs Jesus described.  Jesus warned Jerusalem would be destroyed because they rejected the Gospel; over a million died then.  Jesus offers us safety in the face of threats.  Thank God for redemption and adoption as God's children.
    • Universalis:  St. Ferga (Vergilius of Salzburg), abbot, bishop

      November 26, 2014

      Nov. 26

      November 26, 2014:  Wednesday, 34th week, Ordinary Time



      • 'Signs' tie, 'angel' pin:  I saw a sign:  angels... (1st reading)
      • 'Hand' tie pin:  His right hand has won victory (psalm)
      • 'Ruler' tie bar:  The Lord will 'rule' with justice (psalm)
      • 'Owl' tie pin:  I'll give you wisdom your adversaries won't be able to refute (gospel)
      • 'Clock' tie bar:  countdown to eschaton and end of church year

      Listen

      • But who may abide the day of His coming, from Messiah/ Handel (gospel):  traditional, "soulful" (gospel)
      Pope Francis audience
      The Church is not an end in herself but on the road to the kingdom of heaven, of which the Church on earth is seed and beginning.  The pilgrimage will reach fulfillment when the universe becomes a new Jerusalem consumed by joy, peace, and love of God.
      Even now there's continuity between the Church on earth and in heaven where those in God's sight support the living, praying for us.  And we're invited to offer good deeds, prayer, and the Eucharist to alleviate suffering of souls still waiting for heavenly bliss.
      The distinction is between who's in Christ and who isn't, not between the dead and the living.
      St. Paul tells us that all creation will be liberated from corruption and brought into the fullness of being, truth, and beauty.
      Read

      • Rv 15:1-4  I saw a sign:  angels... singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb:  “Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God....  Just and true are your ways, O king.  You alone are holy.  All will worship before you...”

        Wordle: Readings 11-26-14
      • Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9  "Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!"  Sing to the Lord who has done wondrous deeds, winning victory, making salvation known, revealing his justice, remembering his kindness and faithfulness.  Shout for joy, for he comes to rule the earth.

      • Lk 21:12-19  “They'll seize you, persecute you, and hand you over because of my name.  You'll give testimony.  Don't prepare your defense beforehand; I'll give you wisdom your adversaries won't be able to resist or refute.  Even family and friends will hand you over, and kill some of you.  All will hate you because of me, but by your perseverance you'll secure your lives.”
      Reflect
        • Creighton:  Meditating on Heaven provides perspective.  Our journey toward Heaven has its joys, but we sacrifice pride, greed, lust, and popularity along the way.  Recognize the concomitant delights: “in dying we're born to eternal life.”  Find a way to sacrifice and “win the victory” and be invited into the heavenly chorus.
        • Passionist:  Holidays become disconnected from their origins; the journey, not always an easy one, gives meaning to the holiday.  Jesus promises he'll be our companion along the way, guiding and encouraging us.
        • DailyScripture.net:  Jesus' response to hostility is love and forgiveness.  God's love purifies us of what tears people apart.  Endure:  be patient; keep hoping.  Patience:  look beyond present difficulties to reward.  Endurance is a gift of the Spirit that enables us to bear trials.  Jesus is our model, enduring the cross for us; now we take up our cross and follow him.  Greek 'martyr' means 'witness.'  "Jesus was the faithful witness who freed us by his blood" (Rv 1:5).  "Christians' blood is seed" (Tertullian [Apologeticus, 50, vs. mistranslations]).  "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are put to the test, and heaven is open to martyrs.  We didn't enlist in an army to decline battle; the Lord took first place in the conflict" (Cyprian).  Martyrs live and die as witnesses of the Gospel, overcoming enemies through perseverance, love, kindness, goodness, and compassion.  We're called to be martyrs, witnesses to Christ, likely 'dry' ones who testify in daily challenges, temptations, and adversities, attracting others to the Gospel as they see us loving enemies, joyful in suffering, patient, forgiving, and compassionate.

        November 25, 2014

        Nov. 25

        November 25, 2014:  Tuesday, 34th week, Ordinary Time
        St. Catherine of Alexandria

        • 'Crowns' tie:  Son of man wore gold crown (1st reading); "The Lord is king" (psalm)
        • 'Angel' pin:  An angel cried out, “Reap; the time has come.” (1st reading)
        • 'Grapes' pin:  “Cut the clusters from the vines, for its grapes are ripe.” (1st reading)
        • 'Scales of justice' pin:  The Lord comes to judge the earth (psalm)
        • 'Tree' pin:  The trees of the forest shall exult. (psalm)
        • 'Ruler' suspenders:  The Lord shall rule with justice (psalm)
        • 'Clock' tie bar:  The time is coming when stones will be thrown down (gospel)
        • Red in shirt:  martyrdom of St. Catherine
        Listen

        • Rv 14:14-19  There was a white cloud, and sitting on it one like a son of man, crowned, sickle in hand.  An angel cried out, “Reap the harvest!”  Another cried out in a loud voice, “Use your sickle and cut the clusters from the vines.”....
          'Sickle' from today's readings
          (animate)
        • Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13  "The Lord comes to judge the earth."  Say, The Lord is king; he governs with equity.  Rejoice; he'll rule with justice.
        • Lk 21:5-11  “The days will come when all the stones will be thrown down.” / “When?  And what sign will there be? / “Don't be deceived; many will say, ‘I am he,’ but don't follow them.  Don't be terrified of wars/insurrections; they must happen.  There will be earthquakes,  famines, and signs from the sky.” 
        Reflect

        • Creighton:  The first reading talks about a King that harvests the earth; the psalm says the Lord is King, ruling with justice.  Jesus tells his disciples the upcoming war, chaos, insurrections, famine, plagues, and earthquakes isn't the last word.  Martyrs live by that, with active faith, not paralyzed by fear, knowing God's kingdom starts here.
        • One Bread One Body:  Live, die, and face the end of the world unafraid, conquering fear by love (1 Jn 4:18), complete commitment.  Love will crowd out fear.
        • Passionist:  St. Catherine of Alexandria:  learned, convert, preacher, patroness of philosophers, preachers, and young unmarried women.
        Jerusalem temple, 40+ years in the making, was a wonder of the world; its destruction (by fire, AD 70) was beyond imagination:  people turned to cannibalism; over a million perished; almost 100K were taken captive. / Jesus:  don't be misled, follow false prophets, or fear; know God and justice will triumph.
        • DailyScripture.net:  Jesus' prophecy of the destruction of the Jerusalem temple pointed to both judgment and mercy.  We need to recognize the signs of God's judgment, mercy, and grace.  Accept God's invitation to seek his kingdom of righteousness and peace.

        November 24, 2014

        Nov. 24

        November 24, 2014:  St. Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs

        • 'Lamb' tie bar:  I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion...
        • 'Faces on earth' tie:  "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face."  Earth is the Lord’s (psalm)
        • 'Hand' tie pin:  The one with sinless hands can ascend the Lord's mountain (psalm)
        • 'Coin' button:  Poor widow putting in her livelihood of two small coins, vs. the "penny-pinching" wealthy (gospel)
        • Red shirt:  martyrs of Vietnam
        • 'Clock' tie bar:  last week of Ordinary Time
        • 'Ruler' suspenders:  Christ the King, 'Ruler' of the universe
        Listen

        Pope Francis homily:  H + P = F
        The Gospel captures the Church tempted by vanity, and the "poor Church," which like the widow must have no other riches than her Spouse.  The Church is a widow because she waits for her Bridegroom; she has him in the Eucharist, the Word of God, and the poor, but she's still waiting.  Like the widow, the Church mustn't shine on her own light but the light that comes from her Bridegroom.  If our mission is to illuminate humanity, the light we shine must be what we've received from Christ in humility.  Everything we do is to help us receive that light.  Service without it is no good: it makes the Church rich, powerful, or power-hungry; it makes her take the wrong road.
        When the Church is faithful to hope and her Bridegroom, it's a joy to receive his light, to be 'widow,' waiting.  When she's humble, poor, and admits her wretchedness, then she's faithful.  She says: ‘I'm dark, but my light comes from him!'  Pray to this widow now in Heaven, to teach us to be a humble Church that gives everything to the Lord and others, not boasting of our own light but seeking the Lord's.
        Read
        "2 small coins"
        (animate)


        • Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5  I saw the Lamb standing on Mt. Zion with 144K unblemished ransomed followers singing to harp music.
        • Ps 24:1bc-4ab, 5-6  "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face."  The God-seeking clean-hearted shall receive blessings from the Lord their savior.
        • Lk 21:1-4  Jesus, seeing wealthy people making offerings and a poor widow putting in 2 small coins:  “She put in more than the rest; they made offerings from their surplus, but she, from her poverty, offered her livelihood.”
        Reflect
          • Creighton:  The widow teaches us two dimensions of trust:  trusting she could live without her livelihood, and trusting her contribution was significant.  It reminds me of Mother Teresa's story:  "Once a beggar offered me all he got.  I thought:  if I take it, he won't eat tonight, but if I don't, he'll be hurt—so I took it.  I've never seen such joy on anyone’s face.  It was a big sacrifice for him.  I can't get anything with such a small amount, but as he gave it up with such love, it became like thousands [A Simple Path].  Our contributions may be small, but let's give what we have and are, and trust.
          • One Bread One Body:  Jesus wants all-giving":  what we can't afford. Then we're empty and he fills us....
            Martyrs of Vietnam
          • Passionist:  Giving is at the heart of Christianity:  The widow gave all she had.  The Father gave himself to the Son and the Son to the Spirit.  "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son" (Jn 3:16).  We must love others by cheerful giving (2 Cor 9:7).  "Give, and it will be given to you; the measure you use will be measured to you." (Mt 6:38)  Cheerfulness comes when I make another's needs as important as mine.
          • DailyScripture.net:  True love is lavish!  True giving is from the heart.  What we have may seem small, but if we put it at the Lord's service, God will do with it, and us, more than we can imagine.

          November 23, 2014

          Christ the King

          November 23, 2014:  Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe


          • 'Sheep' tie bar:  I'll tend and judge my sheep. (1st reading); The Lord is my Shepherd (psalm); God will separate people as shepherds separate sheep from goats (gospel)
          • 'Crowns' tie:  Christ the King
          • 'Hearts' suspenders:  Christ, King of Love
          • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  Christ, King of Peace
            • 'Feet' on shot-putter (bowler?) tie pin:  Christ must reign till he's put all enemies under his feet (2nd reading)
            • 'Clock' tie bar:  Ordinary Time closing, Day of the Lord coming
            • Green shirt:  verdant pastures (psalm), Ordinary Time season
              Listen
              For Christ the King
              For gospel
              For 2nd reading

              For psalm
              Pope Francis homily
              Christ's kingdom is of truth, life, holiness, grace, justice, love, and peace.
              How he brought it about:  Closeness and tenderness.  He is the great Shepherd of the sheep and our protector:  looking over, gathering, leading, bringing to rest, seeking, bandaging, healing, pasturing, caring for, loving us.
              How he advanced it:  Paul:  “he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.”  The Father subjects all to the Son and the Son subjects all to the Father.  For Jesus, reigning is obeying the Father, giving himself over to him, so his plan of love and salvation may be fulfilled.  There's full reciprocity between Father and Son.  Christ’s reign is the period of subjecting everything to the Son and consigning everything to the Father.
              What it requires of us:  Closeness and tenderness are the rule for us too; the starting point of salvation is imitating Jesus’ works of mercy.  Those who do show they've welcomed Christ’s sovereignty, because they've opened up to God’s charity.  We'll be judged on our love for, closeness to, and tenderness towards others.  Jesus has opened his kingdom to us, but it's for us to enter, beginning now by being close to those who ask for bread, clothing, acceptance, solidarity.  If we love them, we'll share Jesus and his Gospel with them.
              Today the Church places before us the example of [Saints Kuriakose Elias Chavara, Mother Eufrasia Eluvathingal, Amato Ronconi, Giovanni Antonio Farina, Nicola da Longobardi, and Ludovico da Casoria, being canonized today].  Each served the kingdom of God, of which they became heirs, through works of generous devotion to God and people.  They responded creatively to the commandment to love God and neighbor.  They dedicated themselves unreservedly to serving the least, reflecting their love of God.  They sought and discovered love in a strong, personal relationship with God, from which sprang love of neighbor.  On judgment day they heard the invitation: “Come inherit the kingdom prepared for you!”  In their canonization, we honor Christ the King, loving Shepherd.  May they increase in us the joy of living the Gospel, embracing it as our compass, and imitating their faith and love, undistracted by fleeting interests.  May Mary, our Mother and Queen of all Saints, guide us to the kingdom of heaven.
              Read

              • Ez 34:11-12, 15-17  I'll look after my sheep.  I'll rescue them when they scatter, seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the injured, heal the sick, and give them rest, but I'll destroy the sleek and strong.  I'll judge between one sheep and another.
              Today's words
              (Click to animate)
              • Ps 23:1-6  "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."  He gives me repose, refreshment, direction, nourishment, abundance, goodness, and kindness...
              • 1 Cor 15:20-26, 28  Christ has been raised.   Since death came through a man, resurrection also came also through a man.  As in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life.  Christ must reign until he subdues all his enemies; the last to be destroyed is death.
              • Mt 25:31-46  "When the Son of Man comes, he'll sit on his throne and separate people as shepherds separate sheep from goats.  He'll say to the sheep, 'Come inherit the kingdom prepared for you, for you fed me, gave me drink, welcomed me, clothed me, cared for me, and visited me in my time of need.’  They'll ask, 'When?’ and the king will reply, 'Whatever you did for one of the least, you did for me.’  Then he'll say to the others, 'Depart into the fire; you didn't feed me, give me drink, welcome me, clothe me, or care for me when I needed you.’  They'll ask, 'When didn't we minister to your needs?’ and he'll answer, 'what you didn't do for one of the least, you didn't do for me.’  They'll go to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
              Reflect
                • Creighton:  God's love has momentum:  When we're open to it, it transfers through us to others and back to God.  Jesus calls us to share that love with those most in need.  See and revere each person as a living, breathing tabernacle.
                • One Bread One Body:  Reigning kings placed their feet on their enemies' bodies as a sign of subduing them.  God's enemies are described as humbled beneath Jesus' feet.  Jesus died for all and reigns as crucified King.  We all were his enemies when we lived in sin, but we came to the cross and were shocked to realize how much he suffered out of love.  We fell at his feet to worship, thank, and praise him.  He washed our feet; now we should wash each other's feet, washing Jesus' feet by feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, visiting prisoners, and comforting the sick.  Have I subjected everything to King Jesus?
                • Passionist:  Our courts are limited in what they can achieve; real peace requires a change of heart.  We look to God to lead us to that conversion. Part of letting Jesus lead us is taking action.  Am I willing to reach out to the "least" and listen to and learn from them?  To consider "them" part of "us?"  As connected as we may be by technology, there are so many levels on which we don't know or understand each other.  May we serve our King by serving others; may we follow him to peace and justice....
                • DailyScripture.net:  "There are two kinds of people, because there are two kinds of love:  holy and selfish; one is subject to God, the other tries to equal him" (St. Augustine).  Jesus came to transform the law through his love and mercy.  Do I allow God's love to purify and transform me to think, act, and love others? / In dry lands like Palestine, goats and sheep grazed together during the day because pasture was sparse, so shepherds separated them at night.  Goats came to symbolize evil ('scape-goat' came to mean someone bearing blame for others). Jesus took our guilt and sins upon himself and set us free; we can choose to follow him or to be our own master.  After Martin of Tours took pity on a naked beggar, giving him half his cloak, he dreamed he saw Jesus robed in that torn cloak, an angel asking why he was wearing it, and Jesus replying, "My servant Martin gave it to me."  Then Martin flew to be baptized.  "Christ is above and below:  above in Himself, below in people.  Fear Christ above, and recognize him below.  Here he's poor, with and in the poor; there he's rich, with and in God.  Have Christ above bestowing his bounty; recognize him here in his need" (Augustine, Sermon 123, 44).  Jesus will ask, "whom did you love?"