December 4, 2017

Dec. 4

December 4, 2017:  Monday, 1st week, Advent

  • 'Alps' pin:  "Come, let us climb the Lord's mountain..." (1st reading)
  • 'Walker' tie pin:  "...that we may walk in his paths" (1st reading)
  • 'Fire' pin:  The Lord will create a light of flaming fire (1st reading)
  • 'Blood drop' pin:  The Lord will purge Jerusalem’s blood (1st reading)
  • 'Feet' pin:  We've set foot within your gates (psalm)
  • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! (psalm)
  • 'Doctor's office' tie:  Jesus healed centurion's servant (gospel)
  • 'Silverware' tie bar:  "Many will recline at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven" (gospel)
  • Purple shirt and suspenders:  Advent season
Listen
For Psalm 122
Pope Francis December prayer intention

A people that doesn't treat grandparents well has no future!  The elderly are entrusted with responsibility to transmit history and life experience.  Pray for our elders, so they may with wisdom collaborate in the education of new generations.

Read

  • Is 4:2-6  The branch of the Lord will be luster and glory, the fruit of the earth honor and splendor.  Those who remain in Zion will be called holy, everyone marked for life.  When the Lord purges Jerusalem’s blood with searing judgment, he'll create a smoking cloud by day and flaming fire by night.  His glory will be shelter and protection for all....
  • Ps 122:1-9  "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord."  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
  • Mt 8:5-11  Centurion / Jesus:  “My servant is home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” / “I'll come and cure him.” / “I'm not worthy to have you enter; just say the word and he'll be healed, just as soldiers do what I say.” / “In no one in Israel have I found such faith.  Many will come and recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom.”
Reflect

  • Creighton:  Today’s 1st reading foreshadows Jesus' coming:  Isaiah describes a "safe haven," a home on the highest mountain. To reach it, we must follow God's directions.  How open are we to God's directions?  May we learn from others who live out the gospel, models of faith for us....
  • One Bread, One Body:  "The Word for Advent":  As you begin Advent and your preparations for Christ's Christmas coming, receive and share God's Word.  If each of us does our part, the Lord's promise will be fulfilled:  "One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.  Let us walk in the Lord's light," messengers of God's Word.
    Jesus healing the servant of a Centurion/ Veronese
  • Passionist:  "Beyond the beauty of Advent and Christmas":  Though our Christmas season this year goes to Jan. 8, around us the Christmas milieu, and spirit, abruptly ends on Dec. 26.  From today's gospel:  “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom; only those who do my Father's will.”  Is our Christmas caroling like crying out “Lord, Lord” without an ongoing effort to do God’s will?  God’s will is that we live together in peace, with love, concern, patience, and acceptance for each other.  God wants this all the time, not just when we're in the mood.  During Advent let's reflect on how we treat others and get serious about putting our faith and love into practice, praying God will be present to us and help us live as his children.  If we change our hearts and actions, we can experience Christmas all year.
    • DailyScripture.net:  "Many will sit at table in God's kingdom":  God invites everyone who will turn to him with faith and obedience.  Jesus promised that everyone who believed in him would feast at his Father's table; he said it in response to a centurion, an outsider despised by many, not one of the "chosen."  The Romans represented everything the Jews stood against:  foreign domination, pagan beliefs and practices....  This centurion was courageous and faith-filled; in seeking Jesus' help, he risked ridicule and mockery, but he approached with confidence and humility.  Slaves were usually treated as animals, but he loved his slave and wanted Jesus to heal him.  Am I willing to suffer ridicule in practicing my faith?  Do I approach the Lord with faith?
    Isaiah foretold a time of restoration and universal peace.  Jesus fulfills this prophecy by restoring Jews and Gentiles to friendship with God through his victory on the cross.  When he returns, he'll fully establish peace and justice and unite all things in himself.  His promise extends to all who believe in him.  The Lord wants us to seek him and his kingdom in our lives. We can approach him with faith, like the centurion did, knowing he'll show us mercy and give us help.
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    December 3, 2017

    1st Sun., Advent

    December 3, 2017:  First Sunday of Advent

    See 14 connections with today?
    Legend below
    Listen
    For 1st reading, gospel, and season

    For Psalm 80

    For upcoming celebrations
    Pope Francis Angelus
    Advent is given to us to welcome the Lord, who comes to meet us and verify our desire for him, and to prepare for his return.  Jesus exhorts us to pay attention, watch, and be ready to welcome him.  Those who pay attention don't let the world's noise or superficiality overwhelm or distract them but live with concern for others.  With this attitude, we become aware of others' tears and needs, try to counter indifference and cruelty, and rejoice in the world's beauty.  The vigilant person welcomes the invitation to watch, not overwhelmed by the weariness of discouragement, lack of hope, or disappointment.  Being alert and vigilant helps us stop wandering from the Lord's ways, lost in sin and infidelity; it allows God to break into our existence and restore meaning, value, goodness, and tenderness to it.
    Read
    • Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7  You're our father, our redeemer.  Why do you let us wander and harden our hearts?  Rend the heavens, return, and work awesome deeds.  Would that you meet us doing right!  None call on you, for you've hidden, yet you're our father, the potter, and we the clay, work of your hands.
    • 1 Cor 1:3-9 I thank God for the grace bestowed on you, enriching you in every way.  He'll keep you firm and irreproachable.  God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son.
    • Mk 13:33-37  “Be alert!  You don't know when the time will come; it's like a traveler who leaves home and orders the gatekeeper to keep watch.  May the Lord not come suddenly and find you sleeping.  Watch!”
    Reflect
    • "Be alert; the world needs more lerts."  —Woody Allen :-)
    • Creighton:  Happy new [liturgical] year!  Our church year transcends calendar and fiscal years; the Christian community lives time in a different time frame, centered on Jesus' birth.  We begin our year by focusing on our need for God:
    The 1st reading, a lament, was written after the Judeans returned from exile but before they rebuilt the temple.  Liberated from one empire but now laboring under the Persians, they feel the need to know God's power more than ever.  Addressing God as Father, they cry, “Tear open the sky!  Come help us.  We're like clay trying to shape itself.  No; you're the potter.  Come shape us.”  When Mark starts narrating Jesus' public life, he writes, “the heavens were being torn open,” alluding to the lament and implying that Jesus' coming, and the outpouring of the Spirit, some 500 years after Isaiah, is the prayer's answer.  We're baptized in the same Spirit but also know we're unfinished work.  The clay threatens to harden prematurely, and we need help to become more responsive to the potter’s work, the Father’s shaping.  Today's gospel ends with the parable about the time frame of our lives.  We're like servants left behind to carry out tasks while the Master is apparently absent.  We're not expected simply to do a job, but to do it awake, knowing our power comes from the Master.  Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
    • One Bread, One Body:  "Exchanging wills":  Because the Israelites turned their backs to God, the prophet begged God to return to them.  The prophet is waiting for the Lord's coming with a heart longing to make changes so that God's will would be done.  Despite our rebellious nature and stubborn, selfish will, we're not doomed to rebellion against God.  As the world exchanges Christmas gifts, God offers us the greatest possible gift exchange:  our selfish will for his perfect will.
    Advent prayer:  Lord, conform my will to yours.  "Not my will but Yours be done" "On earth as it is in heaven."  "Be it done to me according to Your will."  "To do Your will, O my God, is my delight."
    • Passionist:  Stay awake and be ready!  We think Jesus' final coming is a long way off, but you never know.  If he comes, or we die, will we be ready?  To be prepared:
      • Pray at the beginning, middle, and end of the day.  Listen; don't just talk.
      • Read Scripture daily; be open, and invite the Spirit to teach and inspire you.
      • Receive the Sacraments.  Our spirits need to be nourished.
      • Hold things lightly, but cling to things that will last; this world is passing away.  Cling to Jesus!
    • DailyScripture.net:  "Watch expectantly; your Master is coming!"  Landowners often left their estates in their servants' hands, expecting loyalty and hard work.  Watchful servants looked forward to the master's return and their reward.  The Lord Jesus expects us to watch eagerly for his return in glory.  The prophets foretold his coming as judge.  Advent reminds us we're living in the end times, between Christ's first coming (when the Word became flesh and dwelt among us) and his "second" on Judgment Day.  We don't know when his second coming will be, but it'll come swiftly and unexpectedly; Jesus warns us not to be caught off guard.  The Lord invites us to pray for the coming of his kingdom into our present lives too.  Do you pray for the coming of his kingdom both now and at the end of the world?  God will reward those who wait for his visitation.  Our Lord expects us to make good use of the gifts he's entrusted us with for his glory and others' benefit. He wants us to love, honor, and serve him, our families, neighbors, and communities.  The watching the Lord has in mind is not passive ("wait and see") but vigilant and active, praying that his kingdom come and his will be done; we're to watch for and with Christ, to fix our hearts and minds on him, to be ready for his action in our lives and our world.  Those who so "wait" won't be disappointed.  Do you watch for the Lord's action with faith and hope?  This Advent may we rouse our minds and hearts for the Lord's coming and his will, seek him, watch for his word, power, saving work, and visitation.
    Dress legend
    • 'Alps' pin:  Come down, with the mountains quaking before you (1st reading)
    • 'Heart' pin:  Why do You let us harden our hearts? (1st reading)
    • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  No eye has seen any other god doing such deeds (1st reading); look down from heaven and see (psalm)
    • 'Hands' pin:  We're the work of your hands (1st reading); protect what your right hand has planted... (psalm)
    • Tie with grapes:  Take care of this vine (psalm)
    • 'Phone' tie bar:  None calls on your name (1st reading); we'll call on your name (psalm); by God you were called to fellowship with Christ (2nd reading)
    • 'Clocks' suspenders:  You don't know when the Lord will come:... (gospel)
    • 'Rooster' pin:  ...at night, at cockcrow, or in the morning (gospel)
    • Watch:  "Watch!" (gospel)
    • Purple shirt:  Advent season
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    December 2, 2017

    Dec. 2

    December 2, 2017:  Saturday, 34th week, Ordinary Time

    Congratulations and blessings,
    golden jubilarian Sr. Kathleen Bryant, RSC!
    See 10 connections with today?  Legend below
    Listen


    For gospel
    For canticle
    Pope Francis in Bangladesh
    To young people:  Journey, don't wander, through life; move ahead with enthusiasm in good times and bad towards your God-given purpose.  See the world and its problems with wisdom:  See with God’s eyes, listen with God’s ears, love with God’s heart, and judge by God’s values. God's wisdom opens us up to others.  Look beyond personal comforts and false securities that blind us to ideals that make life beautiful and worthwhile.  God’s wisdom leads us to see the good of our culture.  Respect the elderly; they bridge the gap, ensure important values are passed down.  Through their words, love, affection, and presence, we realize we're part of an age-old journeying and that reality is bigger than we are.  Find in Jesus the solidarity of God, who constantly walks by our side.  God's wisdom reinforces our hope and helps us to face the future with courage.
    To priests, consecrateds, and seminarians (live):  "From the house of Israel will be born a small shoot, it will grow, and with the Spirit of God will generate the spirit of wisdom, intelligence, science, knowledge.”  God is the sower, we the plant he causes to grow.  How can we water this seed?  How do we take care of the vocation we've received?  Human tenderness; if it's missing in our communities, priests, and parishes, the bud will wilt.  Watch out for division in your communities.  Gossip is like terrorism.  When you want to talk bad about someone, bite your tongue.  The worst that can happen is that you hurt yourself, but you won't hurt a brother or sister.  Keep a spirit of joy; without it we can't serve God.
    To priests, consecrateds, and seminarians (prepared):  The rosary is a beautiful meditation on the mysteries of faith and a prayer that shapes our spiritual lives and service.  It inspires us to give our lives to Christ and to share in Mary’s attentiveness to God, Christ’s compassion for humanity, and the Church’s rejoicing: 
    Mary's attentiveness:  As Mary responded to God in love and trust, respond to the Lord's call every day:  Be attentive to the Lord in prayer and discernment.  We can't bear Christ’s name or share his mission unless we're rooted in and fired by love through a personal encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist and Scripture.  Foster an intimate relationship with Jesus, experience his mercy, and find strength to serve others.  Attentiveness to the Lord allows us to see through his eyes, become sensitive to others' needs, understand their hopes, joys, fears, and burdens, see the gifts they bring to build the Church.  Help people satisfy their spiritual thirst.  Be a source of spiritual refreshment and inspiration, and enable them to share their gifts.
    Christ’s compassion:  The rosary draws us to meditate on Jesus' Passion, to come to know his saving power and share it by lives of com-passion and self-giving.  Priesthood and religious life are a service, a share in Christ’s love for his flock.  Conform yourself daily to what you love.  Our lives are not our own; we no longer live, but Christ in us.  Accompany people, especially in their suffering and trial; help them find Jesus.  You're called to be a missionary, to bring Christ’s mercy and love to all, especially those on the peripheries.  Your service to those in need helps build a culture of encounter and solidarity.
    The Church rejoicing:  The rosary fills us with joy in Christ’s triumph, his ascension, and the outpouring of the Spirit.  Proclaim the joy of the Gospel.  We're aware of people's problems and sufferings but never lose confidence in the power of Christ’s love to prevail.  Don't let challenges or your failures discourage you.  Stay attentive to the Lord and offer his compassion, and he'll fill you with the joy of his Spirit.  We're asked daily to renew and deepen our joy in the Lord by imitating him more fully.  It can seem daunting, but it fills us with joy.  Each day is an opportunity to begin again, to respond anew to the Lord.  Don't lose heart; the Lord’s patience is for our salvation.  Rejoice in the Lord!
    Read
      Everlasting kingship...
      (animate)
    • Dn 7:15-27  I, Daniel, asked what my vision meant.  "The beasts stand for kingdoms to arise.  The holy ones shall receive the kingship to possess forever.  The fourth kingdom shall devour the earth; the horns shall be its kings.  One shall speak against the Most High and oppress his holy ones.  But his power will be taken away and everlasting kingship of all given to the people of the Most High."
    • Dn 3:82-87  "Give glory and eternal praise to him."  All people, bless the Lord!
    • Lk 21:34-36  “Don't let daily life make you drowsy.  Be vigilant, and pray you have the strength to escape tribulations and stand before the Son of Man.”
    Read about the CaliforniaBeachNun and her ministry
    Reflect
    • Church year wrap-up:  May we dress every aspect of our lives to God's word in the coming year and beyond...  BTW there are now over 1,580 Liturgical Dress posts.  Thanks for your visits, comments, and other feedback over the past 4+ years.
      • Creighton:  If we could live in slow motion, we'd notice small things, see the intricacies in flowers and faces, smell ordinary scents....  Jesus warns, “Beware your ears don't become drowsy,” and, “Be vigilant.”  These commands require us to slow down, to think, to do only what will take us closer to my heavenly goal.  Advent can be the antidote to the insane Christmas rush; it says “Slow down. Inviting God into your life, follow him, and find peace now and forever.”  If we don't slow down, we'll miss the message and promise.  If we slow down and reflect, we'll remain vigilant. Check out Creighton’s Advent resources.
      • One Bread, One Body:  "Set your watch":  On this last day of the Church year, the Lord commands us to watch and pray for strength to stand before the Son of Man, watch and abstain lest we become bloated, watch and obey the Lord, who delivers us from the wrath to come, watch and thank God the Father for everything in Christ's name, watch and rejoice always, watch and forgive, watch and witness, and watch and love.  He commands us to watch, for he's always with us, we're tempted by the devil looking for someone to devour, and the world could end at any time.  Be on the watch!
        Word cloud of the whole (A-I) church year's readings
        (Animate)
      • Passionist:  If this were the last day of the calendar year, we'd be seeing the old year out and sharing our hopes for the new year.  “Where did the time go?  What were the highlights?”  Today, the last day of our liturgical year, ask, What was my year's spiritual journey like?  What progress did I make, what graces did I receive, what did I discern and decide?  What challenges did I face, and overcome? How have I become a more engaged Christian, anchored on Jesus Christ?  How have I witnessed to family and friends, at my workplace?  How can I grow spiritually in the coming year?  Can I convert past disappointments into future challenges?  Will those who love and count on me be rewarded?  What does God expect of me, that I am not fulfilling?
      • DailyScripture.net:  "Lest your hearts be weighed down":  Things can weigh us down, but our Lord offers us true freedom, from sin, wasted life, unruly desires, and disordered passions.  Jesus wants us to be ruled only by his love and truth that enables us to choose good and to reject evil.  Jesus warns us not to slack off, not to become idle, lazy, indifferent, distracted, or inattentive to God.  He knows our struggles, weaknesses, and shortcomings and assures us we don't need to carry our burdens alone....
      Dress legend
      • 'Eyeball' pin:  Daniel, terrified by the visions (1st reading)
      • 'Lion' pin:  4 great beasts (1st reading)
      • 'Car with teeth' pin:  4th beast with iron teeth... (1st reading)
      • 'Feet' pin:  ...trampling with its feet (1st reading)
      • 'Horns' tie:  Horns on beast's head (1st reading)
      • 'Crown' tie bar, 'clocks' suspenders:  The time came when the holy ones possessed the kingdom, 10 kings (1st reading)
      • 'Heart' pin:  Humble hearts, bless the Lord (canticle); don't let your heart become drowsy... (gospel)
      • 'Catcher's mitt' pin:  ...or let the day 'catch' you by surprise (gospel)
      • Green shirt, 'clocks' suspenders:  Ordinary Time season, ending today
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      December 1, 2017

      Dec. 1

      December 1, 2017:  Friday, 34th week, Ordinary Time

      See 18 connections with today?
      Legend below
      Listen

      Pope Francis in Bangladesh
      To bishops:  Pastoral plans engaging the people of God in an ongoing process of discernment and action can be fruitful.  Your plan, with communion at its heart, continues to inspire missionary zeal.  Your episcopal leadership has been marked by collegiality and mutual support.  Your collegial spirit is shared by your priests and has spread to parishes, communities, and other apostolates.  You make pastoral visits and show concern for your people's welfare.  Your ministry of presence strengthens the bonds of communion.
      Show ever greater pastoral closeness to the lay faithful.  Value their charisms, and encourage them to use them to serve the Church and society.  Your catechists are essential for growth of the faith and for formation of the next generation.  Be concerned for their spiritual needs and their continuing education in the faith.  As we prepare for the next bishops' Synod, think about how to share our faith's joy, truth, and beauty with our young people.  Continue to assist families and work for the advancement of women.  Thanks to all who work to support Christian families in their mission of bearing witness to the Lord’s love and making known its power.  “The family is one of the Church’s most effective agents of evangelization.”
      You can be proud of your service to the poor, including your educational apostolates, health care centers, and charitable works, but more needs to be done!  Recognize human woundedness and respond with generosity, one person at a time.  By creating a “culture of mercy,” you demonstrate your option for the poor, reinforce your proclamation of the Father’s mercy, and contribute to the integral development of your homeland. 
      Here ethnic diversity is mirrored in diverse religious traditions.  The Church’s commitment to pursuing interreligious understanding spreads good will and harmony.  Build bridges and foster dialogue; it facilitates communication and awakens spiritual energies needed to foster unity, justice, and peace.  Speak with one voice against violence, and seek to replace the culture of conflict with the culture of encounter.  Educate the young in the way of justice; teach them to respond to the logic of evil by working for the growth of goodness.
      May all entrusted to your care find strength in their efforts to proclaim the good news both with words and by a life transfigured by God’s presence.  Holy Spirit, grant us courage to proclaim the Gospel with boldness, even when met with opposition.
      Dhaka ordination homily:  God made his entire holy people a royal priesthood in Christ, but Christ our great Priest chose certain disciples to carry out publicly in his name a priestly office in the Church.  He sent the Apostles into the world, so that through them and their successors he might continue to exercise his office of Teacher, Priest, and Shepherd.  Priests are co-workers of the Bishops, joined with them in the priestly office and called with them to serve God's people.  Our brothers are now to be ordained to the priesthood to serve Christ by whose ministry the Church is built and grows into the people of God.  In being configured to Christ and joined to the priesthood of the Bishops, they'll be consecrated to preach the Gospel, shepherd God’s people, and celebrate the Liturgy.
      Dear sons, you'll exercise the sacred duty of teaching in the name of Christ.  Impart the word of God that you've received with joy.  Meditate on the Lord's law, believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.  Let what you teach be nourishment for God's people.  Let your holy lives be a delightful fragrance to Christ’s faithful, so that you may build up God’s Church.
      You'll also exercise in Christ the office of sanctifying.  By your ministry the faithful's spiritual sacrifice will be made perfect, united to Christ's sacrifice, to be offered with them through your hands on the altar.  Understand what you do, and imitate what you celebrate.  Put to death whatever is sinful in you, and walk in newness of life.
      When you gather others into God's people through Baptism, when you forgive sins in the name of Christ and the Church in Penance, when you comfort the sick, when you pray throughout the day, remember you're appointed on people's behalf for things that pertain to God.  Carry out the ministry of Christ the Priest with joy and love, attending to the concerns of Jesus Christ.  Strive to bring the faithful together, so that you may lead them to God through Christ in the Spirit.  Keep before you the example of the Good Shepherd, who came to serve and seek out and save what was lost.
      At interreligious and ecumenical meeting for peace:  We gather to deepen our friendship and express our shared desire for genuine and lasting peace.  The world's religions yearn for harmony, fraternity, and peace.  We all wish to live together in mutual respect and good will.  It's gratifying that believers and all people of good will feel called to shape a culture of encounter, dialogue, and cooperation in service of humanity.  This challenges us to reach out in trust and understanding, to build a unity that sees diversity as a potential for enrichment and growth.  It challenges us to open our hearts to view others as avenues, not barriers.  Here are some essential features of "openness of heart":
      It's a door, not an abstract theory but an experience enabling us to embark on a dialogue of life, not merely an exchange of ideas.  It calls for good will and acceptance, not indifference or reticence to express our convictions.  We must share our distinct religious and cultural identity with humility, honesty, and respect.
      It's a ladder reaching to the Absolute.  Our hearts need to be purified, so we can see all things in perspective.  With each step our vision becomes clearer and we receive strength better to understand and value others and find wisdom and strength to extend the hand of friendship.
      It's a path leading to the pursuit of goodness, justice, and solidarity and to seeking others' good.  “Overcome evil with good.”  Concern for others' welfare flows out like a river to quench the wastelands of hatred, corruption, poverty, and violence that damage lives, families, and creation.
      A spirit of openness, acceptance and cooperation is the beating heart of the culture of harmony and peace.  Our world needs this heart to beat to counter the virus of corruption, destructive religious ideologies, and the temptation to turn a blind eye to the poor, refugees, the persecuted, and the most vulnerable.  Openness is needed to reach out to all, especially the young, who feel alone and bewildered as they search for meaning.  By demonstrating the common commitment of believers to discerning and practicing good, may we help all believers grow in wisdom and holiness and cooperate in building a more humane, united, and peaceful world.
      Read
        Daniel's vision of the four beasts/ Merian
      • Dn 7:2-14  I, Daniel, saw four beasts emerge from the sea.  One was ordered to devour flesh.  Another was given dominion.  Then thrones were set up, the Ancient One took his throne, thousands ministered to him, court was convened, one beast was slain, and the Ancient One gave glory and kingship to one like a son of man.
      • Dn 3:75-81  "Give glory and eternal praise to him!"  All creation, bless the Lord!
      • 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:  Take note of signs of God’s presence; don’t let noise detour your path toward Jesus’ love.  The 1st reading's beast imagery reminds us that even in turmoil God is there, even if he's harder to find.  To survive loss, difficulty, and uncertainty, look for God in and around us, and navigate back to his love.  The fig tree parable tells us to be ready, not just for the afterlife:  note the signs of the time to discern what's of real value.  Search for God’s will and decide how to respond, hard as it might be in the context of our daily life.  Jesus became one of us and modeled the attitudes and values.  Lord, help us look for and see signs of your work in and around us....
      • One Bread, One Body:  "Abba-love":  With Jesus, come before "the Ancient One," your Abba, Daddy. Let the Spirit cry out in you, "Abba!"  Hear the Father call you his beloved son or daughter in whom he's well pleased.  He loves you so much, he sent his son to die for you.  He loves you perfectly, unconditionally, infinitely, and forever, even if you don't love him, even if you choose to be separated from him. Live and love in his love.  Love not to gain his love but because he's loved you from before you were ever aware he did.
        Grow your own fig tree
      • Passionist:  Today’s readings reflect a climactic moment in the Church’s reflection on time and history.  The 1st reading, a dream sequence, is of chaos and threat; Daniel sees a disturbing vision of wild beasts unleashed.  It's apocalyptic literature, communicating via visionary experiences and disturbing imagery. The message reflects the assaults Israel had to endure from enemies that devastated the country.  But the end of the passage ushers in a different dimension:  the Ancient One's saving power subdues the beasts.  In the dream, God empowers a “son of man” with “dominion, glory, and kingship.”  Early Christians saw Jesus in this figure.  The psalm response, also from Daniel, is of triumph and praise.  All nature praises God.  The gospel picks up both moods.  Jesus warns the disciples to be alert to the signs and also assures them that his words of justice and peace and his acts of love won't pass away.  We're encouraged to view the world with open eyes, recognizing its beauty and accomplishments but also the chaos and violence, and to see that God’s love is stronger than death.  We trust God’s love will have the last word.
      • DailyScripture.net:  "My words won't pass away":  Jesus used the fig tree to teach about reading the signs of the times.  The fig tree bore fruit in autumn and early spring.  As signs of a changing season are evident, so too are the signs of God's kingdom and his return.  The kingdom's 'budding' starts in those receptive to God's word, who will bear the kingdom's fruit of justice, peace, and joy in the Spirit.  The Lord gives us signs, not only to warn us but also to rouse us to be ready to receive his kingdom.  The "Day of the Lord" will be a day of rejoicing for those who long to see the Lord.  The Lord Jesus wants us to be filled with joyful anticipation.  While we wait for his physical return, we can know his presence through the Holy Spirit.  The Lord comes to those who long for him, speaks tenderly to us, shows us the way to our Father, and gives us hope.
      Today's saints, from Universalis
      • St. Edmund Campion, Jesuit priest, martyr: “In condemning us, you condemn your own ancestors, our ancient bishops and kings, all that was once the glory of England — the island of saints, the most devoted child of the See of Peter.”
      • St. Ralph Sherwin, priest, martyr: “We stand here because of religion, not treason.”
      Dress legend
      • 'Alps' pin:  "Mountains and hills, bless the Lord" (canticle)
      • Blue and white in shirt:  Great sea, Ancient One's snow-bright clothes and wool-white hair (1st reading); "Seas, rivers, water creatures, bless the Lord" (canticle)
      • 'Bird' pin:  "Birds of the air, bless the Lord" (canticle); lion with eagle's wings, 3rd beast's wings (1st reading)
      • 'Lion' pin:  Lion (and other beasts) (1st reading); "All you beasts, bless the Lord" (canticle)
      • 'Feet' pin:  1st beast was raised to stand on two feet, 4th beast tramples with its feet (1st reading)
      • 'Bear' tie bar:  Beast like a bear (1st reading)
      • 'Car' pin showing mouth with teeth:  4th beast's mouth, great teeth (1st reading)
      • 'Eyeball' pin:  Daniel's vision, 4th beast's humanoid eyes (1st reading)
      • 'Fire' pin:  Ancient One's throne (1st reading)
      • 'Crown' tie bar:  Ancient One bestows kingship on son of man (1st reading)
      • Tie with clouds:  One like a son of man coming on the clouds (1st reading)
      • 'Tree' pin:  Consider the trees (gospel)
      • Green shirt, 'clocks' suspenders:  Ordinary Time season, in its final days
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