May 5, 2019

3rd Sunday of Easter

May 5, 2019:  Third Sunday of Easter

See 19 connections with today?
(not counting three I forgot to put on)
Legend below

Listen

For the gospel
For Psalm 30
Pope Francis in Bulgaria
Homily:  Jesus' appearance at the Sea of Tiberias reminds us that God calls, surprises, and loves:

 God calls:  On the Galilee shore Jesus first called Peter.   But now, burdened with pain, guilt, and suffering, disappointment, and betrayal, Peter and several disciples were going back to their former life of fishing.  The Lord is aware of the temptation to be disheartened and give up.  This is the tomb psychology leads us to indulge in self-pity that eats away at our hope, wears down our faith, and makes us think everything is normal.  At this moment of Peter’s failure, Jesus appears, starts over, and comes to him.  The Lord expects people will have problems, disappointments, sins, and limitations.  He confronted sin and disappointment to encourage us to persevere.  In Jesus, God offers us another chance.  When his call directs us, we grow young.

 God surprises:  The Lord of surprises invites us to be surprised and to do surprising things.  The Lord told them to do something odd:  fish by day.  He revived their trust by urging them to take a risk, to not give up.  He breaks down barriers by filling us with the courage needed to overcome suspicion, mistrust, and fear.

 God loves because his language is love.  Just as he asked Peter, he asks us to learn this language.  Peter understood that love means making Jesus, not yourself, starting point and center.  Being a Christian is a summons to realize God’s love is greater than our shortcomings and sins.  God is love that loves, bestows itself, calls, and surprises.  In casting their nets on the boat's right side, we see the miracle of God, who, if we let his love lead us, makes our lives works of art.  We're called to walk with him, knowing that even if we fail, he'll keep telling us to cast our nets.  A Church young in spirit invites us to testify to Christ's love by striving for the common good.  This love enables us to serve the poor, become protagonists of the revolution of charity and service, and resist consumerism and individualism.  Don't be afraid of becoming saints; it won't take away your energy, vitality or joy.

To Orthodox Church leaders:  Thomas put his hand in the Lord’s side and touched his wounds.  The wounds opened in Christian history bruise the Body of Christ, the Church, and have tangible effects today, but perhaps together we can recognize our failings, immerse ourselves in his wounds of love, and discover the joy of forgiveness

 Ecumenism of blood:  Many Christians in Bulgaria endured suffering for Jesus' name, particularly during the persecution of the last century.  Those who suffered are witnesses of Easter.  Those who suffer for their faith ask us to open ourselves; it's the only way the seeds they've sown can bear fruit.

 Ecumenism of the poor:  Bulgarian delegations have visited the Vatican annually for the past 50 years.  With God's help, and in his time, these contacts will have a positive effect.  Meanwhile, we're called to journey and act together to bear witness to the Lord, particularly by serving the poor and neglected, in whom he's present.

 Ecumenism of mission:  Our guides are SS. Cyril and Methodius, who were daring enough to translate the Bible into a language accessible to Slavic peoples, so that God's Word could precede human words.  They're a model of evangelization, a challenge to proclaim the Gospel.  While respecting our traditions and distinctive identities, we need to help each find ways to pass the faith onto the young, lest they risk trusting in the deceitful siren songs of consumerist society.

Ecumenism of example:  Cyril and Methodius promoted a united Europe and show the basis for living together, respecting differences, which don't obstruct unity.

Read
  • Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41  The high priest questioned the Apostles:  “We ordered you to stop teaching in that name, but you've taught all Jerusalem.” / “We must obey God.  You had Jesus killed, but God raised him and exalted him as leader and savior to forgive sins.  We're witnesses, as is the Holy Spirit.”  The Sanhedrin ordered them to stop and dismissed them.  They left, rejoicing that they'd been found worthy to suffer for Jesus' sake.
  • Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13  "I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me."  Praise and thank the Lord.  Lord, have pity on me; you changed my mourning to dancing.
  • Rev 5:11-14  I heard the countless angels surrounding the throne, the creatures, and the elders:  “Worthy is the Lamb slain to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing.”  Then I heard everything in the universe:  “Blessing and honor, glory and might to the one on the throne and to the Lamb forever!”
  • Jn 21:1-19  At the Sea of Tiberias Thomas, Nathanael, Zebedee’s sons, and two other disciples went fishing with Simon Peter but caught nothing.  They didn't recognize Jesus on the shore saying, "Cast the net over the right side."  They did and caught a boatful of fish.  The disciple Jesus loved recognized him.  Jesus cooked breakfast for them all....
Jesus / Peter:  “Do you love me..?” / “You know I do.” / “Feed my lambs.”  “Do you love me?” / “You know I do.” / “Tend my sheep.”  “Do you love me?” / (distressed) “You know I do.” / “Feed my sheep....  When you grow old, and someone will lead you where you don't want to go....  Follow me.”
Reflect
  • Greek words for love:  ἔρως (passionate, sensual eros), φιλία (philia, friendship, affection); ἀγάπη (selfless, sacrificial, unconditional agape)  In today's gospel, Jesus asked twice whether Peter agape-loved him, and Peter responded he philia-loved him; then he asked whether he philia-loved him, and he said yes.  Peter had professed his love before, then betrayed him; now he humbly offered philia (not agape) and Jesus accepted it.  Jesus encounters us where and how we are.
    The miracle of the catch of 153 fish/ Duccio
    [more art]
  • Creighton:  Peter, after Jesus washed his feet at the Last Supper, Jesus' arrest and trial, Peter's denials, Jesus' crucifixion, the apostles' fear, and Jesus' appearances, returns with his companions to the fisherman's life familiar to them but catches nothing; then a man on the shore tells them to drop their nets off the boat's right side, and their net fills.  He recognizes Jesus, swims to shore, and eats breakfast with him; then Jesus asks three times, “Do you love me?...  Then feed my lambs; look after sheep.”  Peter might have remembered an earlier miraculous catch of fish, when he said, "Leave me, Lord; I'm a sinner," and Jesus replied, “Don’t fear.”  Now he understood.  Jesus loved and forgave him.  “Follow me.”
  • One Bread, One Body:  "The 3rd degree":  Three times Jesus addressed Peter not using the name he gave him but "Simon," his original name, and asked "Do you love me?"  If Jesus asked you today to renew your baptismal promises, would he be convinced about your commitment?  Jesus described him as one who "went about as he pleased," but Simon Peter needed to allow himself to lose his life for Jesus.  Am I Jesus' disciple on my terms or his?
  • DailyScripture.net:  "Do you love the Risen Lord more than all else?"  Do you run to the Lord when you meet setbacks, disappointments, and tests?  He's always ready to renew us and give us hope.  The first miraculous fish catch took place at the beginning of Jesus' ministry when the Lord called Peter to "catch people."  Jesus repeats this miracle to remind him he must continue his mission.  Skeptics say the disciples only saw a vision of Jesus, but the gospels vividly paint the risen Lord and recount proofs of his resurrection.  Peter's drawing near to the Lord and professions of love stand in contrast to his previous distancing and denials.  The Lord calls each of us to draw near to him....
Dress legend
  • 'Celebrate teaching' pin (oops; forgot)  "You've filled Jerusalem with your teaching..." (1st reading)
  • 'Blood drop' pin:  "...and want to bring this man's blood upon us" (1st reading)
  • '?' tie pin :-(forgot):  High priest questioned the apostles (1st reading)
  • 'Cross' and 'tree' pins:  "You had Jesus killed by hanging him on a tree" (1st reading)
  • 'Dove' pin:  The Spirit is a witness to these things (1st reading)
  • 'Musical notes with "joy"' pin :-(forgot):  The apostles rejoiced that they'd been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name (1st reading); sing praise to the Lord; with dawn, rejoicing (psalm)
  • 'Hands' pin:  God exalted him at his right hand (1st reading); "you'll stretch out your hands, and someone else will lead you" (gospel)
  • 'Clear' pin:  "Lord, you drew me clear" (psalm)
  • 'Angel' pin:  "I heard the voices of countless angels" (2nd reading)
  • 'Owl' pin:  "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive wisdom..." (2nd reading)
  • 'Lamb' tie bar:  "Blessing and honor... to the Lamb" (2nd reading); "feed my lambs" (gospel)
  • 'Boat' tie bar:  They went out and got into the boat (gospel)
  • 'Fishing pole' tie bar:  "I'm going fishing" (gospel)
  • 'Fishes' tie:  153 fish caught (gospel)
  • 'Fire' pin:  Charcoal fire with fish on it and bread (gospel)
  • 'Silverware' tie bar:  "Come, have breakfast" (gospel)
  • 'Wheat' pin:  Jesus gave them the bread (gospel)
  • 'Heart' pin:  "Lord, you know I love you" (gospel)
  • 'Sheep' tie bar:  "Tend my sheep" (gospel)
  • 'WWJD' pin:  "Follow me" (gospel)
  • White shirt and socks:  Easter season
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May 4, 2019

May 4

May 4, 2019:  Saturday, 2nd week, Easter

See a dozen connections with today?Legend below
Listen

For Psalm 33
Read

  • Acts 6:1-7  “Brothers, select 7 filled with the Spirit and wisdom for us to appoint to distribute food.”  They chose them; the Apostles prayed and laid hands on them.  The word of God spread and the community kept growing.
  • Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19  "Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you."  Exult in the Lord; his word is upright and works trustworthy.  The Lord sees, delivers, and preserves those who fear and hope in him.
  • Jn 6:16-21  The disciples embarked in a boat and went across the sea stirred up by a strong wind.  They saw Jesus walking on the sea coming near:  “Don't be afraid.”  The boat immediately arrived at their destination.
Reflect
  • One Bread, One Body:  "When sheep make shepherds":  Early Church leaders placed the responsibility for finding deacons on the community?  This was new:  priests and Levites were born into their positions, and Jesus himself called and chose the apostles.  Watch for people who would make good leaders:  ask God to reveal them to us; point out their gifts to them; encourage and pray for them; help them; present them to church leaders; and make disciples
    Christ at the Sea of Galilee/ Tintorello
  • Passionist:  “Fear not”:  Jesus' disciples were often afraid, and Jesus told them not to be.  We too have fears that could paralyze us, but the Risen Christ assures us too, “Don't be afraid.”  Stay close to him, be open to the Spirit's workings, join with Mary and saints, and we'll be calmed and head the right way.  If we trust the Lord, he'll walk with us and help us spread his message.  Alleluia!
  • DailyScripture.net:  "It is I; don't be afraid":  John described the situation of the apostles alone at sea in a storm as "dark."  These experienced fishermen feared for their lives, and the Lord's appearance and water-walking likely heightened their fear.  We can be like them in our moments of darkness, fear, and trial.  The Lord is present even if he seems distant; he'll "bring us to our desired haven" and place of rest.  The Lord keeps watch over us, especially in our moments of difficulty.  Do you rely on him for strength and help?  Do I respond to trials with faith and hope?
Dress legend
  • NEW 'Grapes, wheat, and chalice' pin:  First Communion at my parish this morning
  • 'Silverware' tie bar:  "It's not right for us to neglect God's word to serve at table" (1st reading)
  • 'Dove' and 'owl' pins:  "Select men filled with the Spirit and wisdom" (1st reading); Confirmation at my parish this afternoon with Bishop-Elect Aclan
  • 'Hands' pin:  The apostles prayed, laying hands on the chosen men (1st reading)
  • 'Boundless mercy' button:  "Lord, let your mercy be on us" (psalm)
  • 'Accordion' pin:  Give thanks to the Lord on harp and lyre (psalm) (I don't have a harp or lyre pin, and Monday is World Accordion Day, and I'm playing accordion at today's 1st Communion Mass :-)
  • 'Scales' pin:  The Lord loves justice (psalm)
  • 'Eyeball' pin:  See, the Lord's eyes are on those who fear and hope in him (psalm)
  • 'Boat' tie bar:  Jesus' disciples embarked in a boat... (gospel)
  • 'Walker' pin:  They saw Jesus walking on the sea (gospel)
  • White shirt and socks:  Easter season
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May 3, 2019

Philip and James

May 3, 2019:  SS. Philip and James, Apostles

  • Crucifix:  Christ died for our sins (1st reading)
  • 'Hand' tie pin:  "I 'handed' on what I received..." (1st reading)
  • 'Olympics' tie pin:  "Their message goes out to all the earth" (psalm)
  • 'Cars on highway' tie:  "I am the Way" (gospel)
  • 'Eyeball' pin:  "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (gospel)
  • '?' tie pin, 'clocks' suspenders:  "Have I been with you so long a time and you still don't know me?" (gospel)
  • 'Blood drop' pin, red in shirt:  Martyrdom of James
  • White in shirt and socks:  Easter season
Listen
For Psalm 19

Pope Francis May prayer intention

May the Church in Africa be the seed of unity among her peoples and a sign of hope.

  • 1 Cor 15:1-8  I am reminding you of the Gospel I preached and you received; you're being saved as you hold fast.  I handed on what I received:  Christ died for our sins, was buried and raised, and appeared to Cephas, the Twelve, more than 500, James, all the Apostles, and me.
  • Ps 19:2-5  "Their message goes out through all the earth."  The heavens declare the glory of God...
  • Jn 14:6-14  “I am the way and the truth and the life....  If you know me, you'll know my Father.  Whoever has seen me has seen him.  I am in the Father and he in me.  Whoever believes in me will do the works I do.  And whatever you ask in my name, I'll do.”
Reflect

  • Creighton:  Many find it hard to ask for help or a favor.  Some feel it's a sign of weakness or inadequacy, conflicting with the view that they don't need anyone's help.  Others fear rejection, that their request will be denied, or that it'll be granted and will expect help in return.  Jesus reminds Thomas, “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do."  Are we at ease asking for God’s help?  It takes courage.  Receiving help has benefits:  partnership, communication, collaboration.  A genuine plea for God’s help can bring us closer to a grace-filled life.
  • One Bread, One Body:  "Lord, I don't get it":  Philip asked Jesus a question he expected he knew the answer to.  I can relate:  often I must hear information several times before I "get it."  Thankfully, Philip wasn't too proud to offer Jesus his lack of understanding; he allowed Jesus to replace it with the Spirit's gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.  The Lord made Philip a powerful apostle.  Jesus can use anything we offer him. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart."  Do you feel too tired, ignorant, weak, or sinful to be of any use to Jesus?  Offer him your all anyway, and he'll transform you; he can do anything.
    SS. Philip and James/ Duccio
  • Passionist:  I think God delights in delighting us; we just need to let ourselves be delighted. Take a stroll, listen to the stream, let the sun open your heart to God’s love. Let Jesus show you the Father. When we take the time to let God in, our hearts expand, and we can better share that love with others.  Open your eyes to see him in each person and marvel in his creative genius.
  • DailyScripture.net:  "Lord, show us the Father":  Knowing God is the greatest thing we can aim for, and it brings joy, contentment, and happiness.  "Let not the wise glory in their wisdom, or the mighty in their might, or the rich glory in their riches; but glory in this, that you understand and know me."  We can know the living God personally by knowing Jesus, the revelation of God.  In Jesus we see God's perfect love; when we pray in his name, he promises the Father will hear our prayer....
  • Universalis:  Philip and James, apostles:  Philip started as a disciple of John the Baptist.  James, a cousin of the Lord, led the Church at Jerusalem, wrote an epistle, lived austerely, converted many Jews, and was martyred.
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May 2, 2019

Athanasius

May 2, 2019:  St. Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor

See a dozen connections with today?
Legend below
Listen

  • Acts 5:27-33 High priest / Apostles:  “You defied our order to stop teaching.” / “We must obey God.  You killed Jesus, but God raised and exalted him; we're witnesses.”  They became infuriated and wanted to kill them.
  • Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20  "The Lord hears the cry of the poor."  Taste and see God's goodness.  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and delivers the just.
  • Jn 3:31-36  The one who comes from heaven is above all and speaks God's word, testifying to what he's seen and heard.  The Father has given everything over to the Son.  Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.
Reflect
  • Creighton:  We're an Easter people; we believe in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.  We have the gift of the Spirit, so we can testify to the truth of Christ, undeterred at the prospect of persecution.  Athanasius was exiled five times for his teachings in defense of the faith and against heresies that diminished the Trinity's significance, but he didn’t give up.  He and others built our strong faith through teaching and witness to the truth.  But we don’t worship our traditions or the saints; we praise a living Lord who takes an active interest in all who call on him.  The saints remind us we must stand firm in faith, identifying with the poor and brokenhearted.  Whatever our troubles and others', we can take them on, trusting that the Lord hears and delivers us.
  • One Bread, One Body:  "There's something about that Name":  After Jesus died, rose from the dead, and sent the Spirit, people began to realize his name was above every other.  The Spirit inspired the apostles to teach about his name and fill Jerusalem with it; the authorities gave orders not to teach about it, but the apostles defied the order and baptized, healed, and delivered in his name. They considered suffering a privilege "for the sake of the Name."  "There's no salvation in anyone else, for there's no other name by which we are to be saved."
  • Passionist:  We can let today's gospel lead us to reflection by reading and re-reading it slowly and prayerfully and repeating the phrases or words that resonate. Or we can focus on one or two points of reflection:  Jesus speaks of his mission:  to come to us and to proclaim the truth on behalf of God, a truth that invites us to accept it.  Jesus' earthly life fulfills his mission; he's God’s witness who speaks God's truth. We respond in faith and seek to make Jesus the center of our lives and his message our compass to guide our actions in reaching out to others.  We can be confident that our faithful God will reward our faith. The apostles' faith strengthened them and opened them to the Spirit's promptings so much so that their preaching filled Jerusalem.  May our lives become a beacon to others and help show them the way to Jesus and eternal life.

    • DailyScripture.net:  "He who believes in the Son has eternal life": The Jews understood that God gave his prophets a portion of his Spirit.  Jesus tells his disciples they can believe his words because the Father anointed him by pouring out his Spirit on him, without holding anything back.  The Spirit reveals God's truth to us, opening our hearts and minds to recognize and understand it.  "I believe in order to understand; and I understand the better to believe" (Augustine).  Faith opens us to receive and obey God's word.  The freedom God gives us carries the responsibility to recognize the consequences of our choices:  belief leading to life and union with God, or rejection leading to spiritual death and separation from God.  Where are my choices leading me?
    St. Athanasius
    Dress legend
    • '?' tie pin:  High priest questioned the Apostles (1st reading)

    • 'Celebrate teaching' pin:  "You've filled Jerusalem with your teaching..."

    • 'Blood drop' pin:  "...and want to bring that man's blood upon us" (1st reading)
    • 'Tree' pin:  You had Jesus killed by hanging him on a tree (1st reading)
    • 'Hand' tie pin:  God exalted Jesus at his right hand (1st reading)
    • 'Dove' pin:  "The Spirit, whom God gave those who obey him, is a witness (1st reading); "He doesn't ration this gift of the Spirit" (gospel)
    • 'Car with mouth' pin:  The Lord's praise shall be ever in my mouth (psalm)
    • NEW 'grapes, wheat, and chalice' tie pin, 'eyeball' pin:  "Taste and see the Lord's goodness" (psalm)
    • 'Pierced hearts' suspenders:  "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted" (psalm)
    • Red and white shirt, white socks:  Red for Holy Spirit, white for St. Athanasius and Easter season
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    May 1, 2019

    Joseph the Worker

    May 1, 2019:  Wednesday, 2nd week, Easter / St. Joseph the Worker

    See over 40 connections with today?
    Legend below
    Listen

    For Psalm 34
    For Psalm 90 (Joseph the Worker)

     The English translation of the penultimate invocation of the Our Father, now “Lead us not into temptation,” could become “abandon us not when in temptation.”  In that invocation, our dialogue with our Father enters the battle between our freedom and the snares of the evil one.  All modern translations of the original Greek are a little lame, but we all agree that God doesn't seek to put temptation in our way.  A father doesn't set traps for his children.

     Tribulation and temptation are present even in Jesus' life; this experience of the Son of God makes him completely our brother.  So many gospel passages, such as Jesus in the desert and in the Gethsemane garden, show us that God never leaves his son alone.  The same goes for us:  he's with us when he gives us life, during our lives, in moments of joy or trouble, in sadness or defeat, when we sin, he's always with us because a Father can't abandon us.

     When evil appears in the life of his children, he fights for their freedom.  He always fights for us; he's never against us. We pray, “lead us from times of temptation,” but when the time comes, “show us we're not alone, that Christ has already taken upon himself the weight of our cross and is calling on us to carry it with him, and help us to abandon ourselves to your Fatherly love.”

    Read


     Easter weekday
    • Acts 5:17-26  The Sadducees jailed the Apostles, but an angel opened the prison doors and led them out.  They went to the temple and taught.  After the Sanhedrin sent for them, the officers returned to say," We found the jail locked and the guards stationed, but no one inside,” then someone reported, “They're teaching at the temple.”  Then the officers brought them, but without force because they feared being stoned.
    • Ps 34:2-9  "The Lord hears the cry of the poor."  Glorify the Lord; he answered and delivered me.  Look to him and be radiant with joy; the angel of the Lord delivers those who fear him.  Taste and see how good the Lord is.
    • Jn 3:16-21  God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so everyone who believes might have life.  God sent his Son to save, not condemn, the world.  The light came, but people preferred darkness; whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so their works may be seen as done in God.
    • Gn 1:26-2:3  "Let us make human beings in our image."  God said to them:  "Have dominion over the fish, birds, and all crawling things."  God found everything he made very good.  God completed the work he had been doing; he rested on the seventh day.  God made the seventh day holy....
      "Prosper the work of our hands"
      (Animate)
    • Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24  Put on love, and let Christ's peace control you.  Whatever you do, in word or deed, do in the Lord Jesus' name from the heart, knowing he'll repay you; be slaves of the Lord Christ.
    • Ps 90:2-4, 12-14, 16  "Lord, give success to the work of our hands."  Fill us with your mercy,that we may sing for joy.  Show your deeds to your servants.
    • Mt 13:54-58  He came to his native place and taught in the synagogue.  Astonished, they said, “Where did he get such wisdom and deeds?  Isn't he the carpenter’s son?  Isn't Mary his mother? They took offense, but Jesus told them, “A prophet is without honor in his native place....”
    Reflect
    • Creighton: God trusts us and wants us to be saved, but his gift runs counter to an achievement oriented, work obsessed society.  Though sometimes we prefer darkness, we must accept God's gift and strive to live in light....
      Liberation of St. Peter
      a la ter Brugghen [More]
    • One Bread, One Body:  "Set free in the open":  The apostles were set free from prison by the angel and were also freed from the fear that had kept them hidden before receiving the Spirit.  They "took their place" in public, preached, and taught about life in Jesus and in the Spirit.  The Lord set them free in the open; they were iron and brass against their opponents.  In Jesus, we need not live in fear.  "They shall turn to you" for consolation.  In the freedom of the Spirit, we can walk in light and the joy of the Lord and overcome the world.  "Light shines on in the darkness that didn't overcome it."  We began Easter Vigil in darkness, received the light of Christ from the Easter candle, and soon the dark Church was illuminated.  "Let your light shine."  In Jesus, you're the light of the world.
      Liberación de San Pedro/ Murillo
      [more]
    • Passionist: The creation account describes in beautiful rhythm God’s creation, with the creation of people as the climactic point in this outburst of God’s love.  Because we're made in God's image, we share God’s responsibility for creation.  Care for creation is a moral issue.  The Church lifts up Joseph as a model worker, who used his craft to protect and nourish the Holy Family and enhance nature's beauty.  Today many countries honor the dignity and contribution of human labor to our well-being.  By reminding us of the creation story and the place of human life and labor, we remember that each of us should work to enhance and respect our common home.
    • DailyScripture.net:  "God so loved the world...":  True lovers hold nothing back from their beloved.  God proved his love for us by giving us his best, his only Son, who offered his life for us.  Abraham's sacrifice of his only son prefigured Jesus' offering; it showed a redemptive love that embraces the whole world, and a personal love for each person God created.  God can't rest till his children have returned to him.  God loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love (Augustine).  God gives us the freedom to choose whom and what we'll love.  We can love the darkness of sin and unbelief or we can love the light of God's truth, beauty, and goodness.  If our love is guided by what's true, good, and beautiful, we'll choose for God and love him above all....
    • Universalis: St. Joseph the Worker:  The Christian view of work is not materialist; workers are people created in God’s image, and creation is an activity of theirs.  Our work echoes God's glorious work; it must not be wasted, abused, improperly paid, or directed to wrong ends.  An economic system shines when it gives many the chance to build something worthwhile; its shame, when people are coerced, by greed or poverty, into being “lumps of labor.”   See Wikipedia on Catholic social teaching."
    Dress legend*
    • 'Key' tie pin:  "The jail was securely locked, but no one was inside" (1st reading E)
    • 'Clock' tie bar:  I will bless the Lord at all times (psalm E); 1,000 years in your sight are as yesterday (psalm J)
    • 'Car with mouth' pin:  His praise shall be ever in my mouth (psalm E)
    St. Joseph the Worker
    • 'Caged lion' pin:  Cage bars look like prison bars (1st reading E)
    • 'Hands'pin:  Jealous Sadducees laid hands on the apostles and jailed them (1st reading E)
    • 'Stone' tie pin:  The officers didn't use force because they were afraid of being stoned (1st reading E)
    • 'Angel' pin:  The angel of the Lord led the apostles out of prison, delivers those who fear the Lord (1st reading E, psalm E)
    • 'Eyeball' pin:  "See the Lord's goodness; look to the Lord and be radiant..." (psalm E); God looked at what he made and found it very good (1st reading J)
    • 'Musical notes with "joy"' pin:  "...with joy" (psalm E); that we may shout for joy all our days (psalm J)
    • 'Phone' tie bar:  When the poor 'called,' the Lord heard (psalm E); the peace you were called to (2nd reading J)
    • 'Hearts' tie:  God so loved the world... (gospel E); put on love; whatever you do, do from the heart (2nd reading J); gain wisdom of heart (psalm J)
    • 'Crucifix':  ...that he gave his only Son (gospel E)
    • 'Street lamp with dark background' tie bar:  The light came into the world, but people preferred darkness.  Come to the light.... (gospel E)
    • 'Fish,' 'bird,' 'cow,' '[caged] lion' pins:  "Let people have dominion over fish, birds, and cattle" (1st reading J)
    • 'Abacus' tie pin:  "Be fertile and multiply" (1st reading J)
    • 'Plant' pin:  "I give you seed-bearing plants..." (1st reading J)
    • 'Tree' pin:  "...and every tree with seed-bearing fruit" (1st reading J)
    • 'Peace sign' tie bar:  Let Christ's peace control your hearts (2nd reading J)
    • 'Alps' pin:  Before the mountains were begotten... you are God (psalm J)
    • Dust-colored suspenders:  "You turn men back to dust" (psalm J)
    • Owl:  Teach us... that we may gain wisdom (psalm J); where did this man get such wisdom? (gospel J)
    • 'Sun' pin:  Fill us at daybreak with your kindness (psalm J)
    • 'Celebrate teaching' pin:  The apostles, freed from jail, taught (1st reading E); teach us to number our days aright (psalm J); Jesus taught the people in their synagogue (gospel J)
    • 'Hammer' and 'nail' pins:  "Isn't he the carpenter's son?" (gospel J)
    • 'Mary' pin:  Isn't Mary his mother? (gospel J)
    • '?' tie pin:  Questions in gospel (J)
    • White shirt and socks:  St. Joseph the Worker, Easter season
    *E:  Easter weekday; J: St. Joseph the Worker
    Special greetings to and prayers for the community at
    St. Joseph the Worker Parish and School
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