25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Bishop John Dolan of  the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Loving Father,You gave Your Son as a sacrifice for our sins. How can we be unforgiving when we consider what He has done for us? Help us to gaze upon the cross whenever we fail to be loving and forgiving. Amen.

Commentary 

1st Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9

Over these last weeks, we have been challenged to examine the way in which we are loving and forgiving. Our readings this week allow us to continue our theme.Rarely do we fall in love. Falling in love may happen only a few times in a person’s life. More often than not, we must will ourselves to love. Even within the context of marriage, love is work.Our love for God is no different. “Seek the Lord while he may be found,” says Isaiah. This is something that we must do at the beginning of our day, within our day, and at the end of our day. It’s work.Love - even love for God - requires prayer and prayer is work. In fact, the word “Liturgy” means public work. Our Sunday Mass, our Liturgy of the Hours, our gatherings for Adoration all require work. Liturgy doesn’t just happen, because our love for God doesn’t just happen. Love and liturgy require seeking the Lord and calling on Him “while He may be found.” More than anything, our love for God means letting go of our old ways, our anger, our pride, and learning to forgive - to forgive ourselves, others, and God.Turning to the Lord who is loving and forgiving makes our work a little easier. The more we spend time with the Lord who loves us, the more we are able to love and forgive. 

Question

How do I work at loving God, others, and even myself?

2nd Reading: Philippians 1:20-24, 27

Letting go of our old ways, and trusting in the Lord does take work. It is a daily task. Thankfully, we wont have to work at loving forever. When we die and rise with Christ we will live in Eternal love. This thought occupied the mind and heart of St. Paul who longed to be with the Lord. For to Paul, “life is Christ, and death is gain.”St. Paul knew that he had to die to the things of this world in order to live with the Lord in heaven. This was his daily practice, his work, and his liturgy.While he still journeyed on earth, he was caught between a zeal to be in the eternal home of the Lord and a zeal for his ministry to the churches that he had established.Having a zeal for both heaven and the mission entrusted to us while on earth doesn’t just happen. It too takes work. While we dwell here, we must always keep the mission of Christ before us. We must be zealous about it. The temptation is to slow down on our mission and take a rest from our work for the Lord. When we do that, we become complacent and lose our desire for heaven. Moreover, we become too acquainted with the passing things of this world as if this world is our final destination. However, we should ask St. Paul to pray for us on our journey and say with him, “I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better.”

Question

Do I have a zeal to be with God in heaven?

Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

This parable hardly seems fair and just.

Putting in a hard days work in the vineyard and finding that my pay is the same as the person who worked only one hour. Where is the justice in that?

Of course, working for the Lord is an entirely different thing. Love is work. But the benefits remain the same for those who have been on this mission and labor of love for years or even for a few minutes. The Lord himself is our benefit and our inheritance.

It is impossible for our God to give just a little of Himself to some and more of Himself to others. Through His Son, he gives us his entire self.

Of course, anyone on the mission of the Lord and who works hard to be loving and forgiving is joyful when a person comes to the Lord even in their final hour on earth.

It is impossible to labor in the vineyard of love and - at the same time - be envious of those who come late to the Lord.

Question

How long have I been working in the Lord’s vineyard of love and forgiveness?

This Week's Task

This week, our Church celebrates the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul. We remember the Vincentians who are dedicated to serving our brothers and sisters in need.

Many parishes have St. Vincent de Paul outreach centers. You are invited to get involved and assist those who need a hand.

You may also want to visit the following site and learn more about Vincentians:

https://www.svdpusa.org/

Group Prayer

The group prays together the following:

Why do You forgive us?

We sing your praises in liturgy and with the same tongue we curse others.

Why do You forgive us?

We say we love You and still keep sinning.

Why do You forgive us?

We thank You for your blessings and then refuse to bless others.

Why do You forgive us every single time?

Continue with Psalm 103

Response: The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

Every day will I bless you,

and I will praise your name forever and ever.

Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;

his greatness is unsearchable.

R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

The LORD is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger and of great kindness.

The LORD is good to all

and compassionate toward all his works.

R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

The LORD is just in all his ways

and holy in all his works.

The LORD is near to all who call upon him,

to all who call upon him in truth.

R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him.

Conclude with an Our Father

For more information, visit Christ in Our Neighborhood at WWW.CHRIST-ION.COM

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Bishop John Dolan of  the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Loving Father,You gave Your Son as a sacrifice for our sins. How can we be unforgiving when we consider what He has done for us? Help us to gaze upon the cross whenever we fail to be loving and forgiving. Amen.

1st Reading: Sirach 27:30-28:7

“Wrath and anger are hateful things.” These are the first words from our reading of Sirach this weekend. It is very human to be angry and to even have wrathful flare-ups. But to abide in wrath and anger is another thing. In his book, “Anger Kills,” Dr. Redford Williams reminds us that a continued dose of anger is harmful to the body. It is like a “slow-acting poison.” It is one thing to be angry when something severe happens to you. It is another to be angry when someone is driving slowly in front of you.If we know that anger is poison for ourselves, how can we think that it would nourish another? Sirach asks, “Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the LORD?”The alternative to anger and wrath is love and forgiveness. We can spend a lifetime trying to deflect those who have wronged us through our anger and lack of forgiveness. But, we will never grow. We will never reach the Christian ideal.Even when the most ideological people are hell-bent on destroying us or our nation, we can pray for them. Their anger doesn’t have to be my anger. Their wrath does not have to be my wrath. How do you manage your anger?

2nd Reading: Romans 14:7-9

In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul writes, “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.”In this world where we live behind our cell phones and computers, we are becoming more and more isolated from God and others. People aren’t just walking away from Religion. They are walking away from humanity.Thomas Merton wrote: “When a man attempts to live by and for himself alone, he becomes a little ‘island’ of hate, greed, suspicion, fear… This whole outlook on life is falsified. All his judgments are affected by that untruth. In order to recover the true perspective, which is that of love and compassion, he must once again learn, in simplicity, truth, and peace, that ‘No man is an island.’”The Lord Himself chose not to live a solitary life in the heavens. Rather, he became one with us and even died for us so that we could live with him. We were never created to live alone. In the beginning, God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.”To live in communion and in love with each other and with the Lord is the Christian ideal. Living in isolation puts us in a perilous place.Do you know someone who lives in isolation? What can you do to let them live in communion with God and with others?

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Last week, we read Jesus’ words in Matthew to treat those who have wronged us like Gentiles and tax collectors. In our commentary, we were reminded that Jesus treated tax collectors and Gentiles very well. In other words, we can’t ever give up on our mission to be forgiving and loving.

This week, Peter asks Jesus if he is expected to forgive seven times. Seven, in the Jewish culture, is a perfect number. In other words, Peter asks, “Am I to forgive infinitely?” Jesus responds with, “seventy-seven” times - or “beyond infinity.”

In our less than infinite world, we are accustomed to a beginning, a middle, and an end. We think, “There has to be an end to this long saga or drama.” In God’s world, the saga continues, for He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

If we choose to live in the Kingdom of God, we can stop forgiving when God tells us to stop forgiving. Unfortunately for us, Christ does not give us a date or time when our forgiving can cease. Forgiveness must be as endless as He is endless.

Questions

Have I given up forgiving a certain person in my life?

Am I able to offer a prayer of forgiveness for those who threaten to do harm to me, my community, or country?

This Week's Task

Last week, you were invited to reflect on the prologue of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 25. The purpose was to see that the Catechism and the teachings of the Church are not meant to be a hammer to beat people into submission. “In all things charity” reads the prologue.

Often, we become angry - even wrathful - when dealing with those who do not understand our teaching or choose to conform with our doctrine. If we begin our conversations on church matters with charity, love, and forgiveness, we may win a friend. However, we must end our conversations with the same love and forgiveness. Give it a try!

Prayer

The group says together the following from the prologue of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Artice 25:

The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. Whether something is proposed for belief, for hope or for action, the love of our Lord must always be made accessible, so that anyone can see that all the works of perfect Christian virtue spring from love and have no other objective than to arrive at love.

Continue with Psalm 103

Response: The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

Bless the LORD, O my soul;

and all my being, bless his holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

He pardons all your iniquities,

heals all your ills.

He redeems your life from destruction,

crowns you with kindness and compassion.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

He will not always chide,

nor does he keep his wrath forever.

Not according to our sins does he deal with us,

nor does he requite us according to our crimes.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,

so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.

As far as the east is from the west,

so far has he put our transgressions from us.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

Conclude with an Our Father

For more information, visit Christ in Our Neighborhood at WWW.CHRIST-ION.COM

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Bishop John Dolan of  the Diocese of San Diego. For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Prayer

Loving Father,You have given us your Son to watch over us and to Shepherd us. Alone, we are unable to stand. With Him, we can walk. Help us to stand and walk with your Son. Help us to carry on His Mission until we find our place with you. Amen.

Commentary 

1st Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9

This week, Americans remember the tragedy that hit our country on 9-11. The sad occasion prompted the government to be extra vigilant. Homeland Security, bullet-proof doors between airline pilots and passengers, and tightened security at airports, stadiums, and other venues were born from this terrible tragedy. The need to be watchful has never been more important.God speaks to the Prophet Ezekiel in today’s reading and commands him to stand watch over the House of Israel. Standing watch means to warn the Israelites that they must turn from their false ways and return to the Lord. The pressure is on Ezekiel. Should he fail to do this, he himself will be found guilty. However, should he warn the evil doers and they refuse to heed his calling, they will be punished.Standing watch is a hard duty. But, it is necessary to protect us from ourselves. Humans have a habit of getting into trouble and so we need people to help guard us. Parents stand watch over children and teenagers, police are called to protect and to serve, priests and religious leaders stand watch over souls.Standing watch is a 24/7 job. We can never let our guard down. Those who guard our country remind us that they must be right 100% of the time, while those who wish to harm us need to be right only once.Let us pray for those who stand watch over us.

Question

In what way do you stand watch over others?

2nd Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Behavioral psychologists speak of two extreme types of people: Those who have a high internal locus of control and those who have a high external locus of control. Those with a high locus of control are often highly focused leaders with little room for patience. They are often called “know-it-alls.” Those with a high external locus of control are unable to focus and can’t seem to do anything without external forces to help them. They are often called “insecure.”Romans reminds us that we are called to be balanced in our location of control and this balance comes from the basic moral code: “Love your neighbor.”To stand watch, as we heard in the first reading, presumes that we ourselves have some moral compass. It assumes that we stand guard over our own moral behavior first and, should another person fall ethically or morally, we try to help them get back on track.Those who have a balanced moral locus of control know that we are all imperfect and that we are bound to fail to live up to the commandments. We can’t be like the “know-it-alls” who are quick to find the faults and sins in others. Nor can we be so “insecure” as to say, “I’m just a sinner and I can never live up to a moral code.”Love - which is the fulfillment of the law - is the necessary ingredient to keep us balanced. It is our primary moral code for living authentically.

Question

How is love the moral guide for your daily life?

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

Standing watch does not mean running another person’s life. However, it does mean that we have some role in assisting others in their moral development and basic human behavior. This is especilly true among Christians.

In this series on “Loving and Forgiving,” we understand that we have a Christian responsibility to encourage people to remain in Christ.

When a person strays, we lovingly accompany them back to righteousness.

The Gospel offers an example on how to address a sinner; especially if the sin is against you. First, speak to the sinner directly. Then, should he not listen, call for some help. Finally, if you aren’t getting anywhere, solicit the aid of the wider church.

In this example, Jesus shows how patient and loving we must be towards those who harm us. This step-by-step approach toward reconciling with another begins with the moral code that we read from Romans. Loving our neighbor is the prerequisite for helping our neighbor reclaim his moral compass.

Did you notice how Jesus tells us to treat the sinner as a Gentile or tax collector if he or she does not even listen to the church? We might be tempted to think that this is our way to finally dismiss the sinner. We can finally be rid of him or her.

However, we must always remember that Jesus dined with sinners, Gentiles, and tax collectors. Thus, we can never fully draw a line in the sand. To be loving and forgiving means to be loving and forgiving always!

Questions

Have I ever given up on a person who has hurt me?

Do I at least offer a prayer for him or her?

This Week's Task

In response to this week’s readings and in preparation for next Sunday, take some time to reflect on the prologue of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 25.

Group Prayer

The group prays the following prayer:

Father, please forgive us for not being

forgiving.

Forgive us for thinking evil thoughts, and seeking revenge against people who have offended us.

Forgive us for hatred and for not walking in love.

Forgive us for gossiping, lying and for rehearsing in our minds what was said or done to us.

Lord, remind us of those persons we need to forgive, and help us to forgive.

Continue with Psalm 95

Response: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;

let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;

let us kneel before the LORD who made us.

For he is our God,

and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:

“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,

as in the day of Massah in the desert,

where your fathers tempted me;

they tested me though they had seen my works.”

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Conclude with an Our Father

For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Deborah Stenger of St. Micahel's in Poway, CA  (Diocese of San Diego) For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Commentary

Opening prayer

Loving and Generous God, You call us by name and ask us to follow You. Help us grow in the love and service of our Church. Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its future. Grant us faith-filled leaders who embrace Christ’s Mission of love and justice. Inspire us to know You better and open our hearts to hear Your call. Amen.

1st Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23

Eliakim was divinely called and appointed. He was gifted the key of the House of David. Not literally a key, John refers to the same “key” in Revelation 3:7, “The holy one, the true, who holds the key of David, who opens and no one shall close, who closes and no one shall open.” This powerful key signifies the stewardship of God’s kingdom on Earth.Stewardship involves supervising and managing a superior’s goods, finances, or affairs. A good steward is chosen for his honesty, integrity, and work ethic. Throughout history, God chose many stewards to His kingdom. His selections were often surprising because of traits like youth (the prophet Jeremiah), gender (the judge Deborah), occupation (the poor shepherd King David), or inept speech (Moses, whose brother Aaron was his spokesman).When Jesus began His public ministry, the main duty of the steward shifted from heralding the future Messiah to a missionary task of spreading His word throughout the world. Jesus personally selected this first group of New Testament stewards from an unlikely group of uneducated laborers. He “summoned those whom He wanted and they came to Him. He appointed twelve [whom He also named apostles]” (Mk 3:13-14). Today, our bishops follow directly from these men in the line of apostolic succession.

Questions

Have you heard God’s call in your life? 

To what vocation or ministry do you think He calls you?

2nd Reading: Romans 11:33-36

St. Paul reminds us that God is generous, wise, just, all-knowing, and all-around perfect. Who are we to question His ways? We can imagine sitting on the edge of His ocean of love and goodness, gazing in awe at its limitless depths. What else can we do but offer praise and gratitude? This is exactly what God desires from us.How can we offer praise and gratitude in a way that seems worthy of the blessings God has poured out on us? Put His gifts to good use! God blesses each of His children with unique gifts and talents to help us excel in the path He has laid out for us. We are called to be stewards of these gifts, putting them to good use to further the glory of our generous God.In order to ensure that these gifts bear fruit, they must be nourished, pruned, and tended regularly. Our gifts are nourished by receiving the Sacraments, which build us up by helping strengthen and express our faith in God. Our gifts can be pruned by constantly striving to learn and seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to find ways to perfect these talents. Tending to our gifts requires putting them to use consistently, as well as working to extend the reach of their fruits.When we offer our own gifts and talents as praise, through God’s grace, they take on a life and meaning beyond our own understanding in the conversions that they generate in other’s lives.

Questions

What are some of the gifts that God has blessed you with? 

How have you put those gifts to use? 

Have you helped others recognize their talents?

Gospel: Matthew 16:30-20

Jesus sent the apostles to share the Good News throughout the world: God has conquered death and sin. They received the Holy Spirit and went out to preach the resurrection. This duty is still fulfilled daily by the Pope, bishops, priests, and lay ministers of the Church. Although the message has not changed since the time of Christ, the Church herself is a living being, constantly renewing and growing. It requires constant effort to uphold the teachings of Christ while integrating with the changes in the world. The Church “is upheld infallibly in the truth: Christ governs her through Peter and the other apostles, who are present in their successors, the Pope and the college of bishops.” (CCC 870)

The Church leaders, called the Magisterium, consist of Peter’s successor, the Pope, in union with the bishops, the apostles’ successors. The Magisterium has the authority and responsibility to establish guidelines and release proclamations in persona Christi in order to preserve the teachings of the faith. Each of these men has been called and appointed by the Church to teach Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The teachings of the Church are not optional, and cannot be followed in fragments, because they offer the fullness of Christ’s teachings. These teachings, as a whole, offer help and safety, not undue restriction. Consider the analogy of driving on a steep, narrow road. The danger of sliding off the edge would cause you to proceed slowly and cautiously. The presence of a guardrail inspires confidence to drive faster, though still with caution. The teachings of the Church offer a guardrail of sorts for our spiritual journey, still allowing us to drive, but keeping us from sliding off of the road.

Questions

Do you know and fully follow all Church teachings? 

Are there any that you struggle with?

This Week's Task

Offer a rosary for the health and intentions of the Pope and for the health and intentions of the bishop(s) in your diocese.

The group prays the following prayer for the Pope, all bishops, all priests, all ordained religious:

O God, who hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son to be the eternal High Priest for

the glory of Thy Majesty and the salvation of mankind; grant that they whom He hath chosen to be His ministers and the stewards of His mysteries, may be found faithful in the fulfillment of the ministry which they have received. Through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

Continue with Psalm 138

Response: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,

for you have heard the words of my mouth;

in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;

I will worship at your holy temple.

R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

I will give thanks to your name,

because of your kindness and your truth:

When I called, you answered me;

you built up strength within me.

R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,

and the proud he knows from afar.

Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;

forsake not the work of your hands.

R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

Conclude with an Our Father

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop john Dolan  (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Deborah Stenger of St. Micahel's in Poway, CA  (Diocese of San Diego) For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Commentary

Opening prayer

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me so, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. Amen.

1st Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

In this reading, God doesn’t ask us to be holy, he commands it: Observe what is right, do what is just! This sounds like a pretty tall order. But God commands us to be holy, not to be perfect or sinless. To be holy means that we openly receive the grace of God through the Sacraments, which help us to grow closer to Him through our daily thoughts and actions. To grow in holiness means striving unceasingly to conform our lives to His will through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It requires us to actively seek to determine what is right, and then do it!From the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Christ, the Son of God, who with the Father and the Spirit is hailed as ‘alone holy,’ loved the Church as His Bride, giving Himself up for her so as to sanctify her; He joined her to Himself as His body and endowed her with the gift of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God.” (CCC 823) As the Bride of Christ, with Christ as the head of our household, we are called to live out His teachings and follow the example that He set for us in the Gospels. Christ is the source of all holiness, and as members of His holy Church, we are called to lead others to holiness through our loving example.The work may be hard, and it requires effort every minute of every day. But the reward promised in this reading is priceless: joy. Deep and healing joy that permeates every corner of your being, even in times of challenge or sadness. That’s worth some effort!

Question

Think of someone who strikes you as holy. What traits, characteristics, or actions of that person demonstrate holiness to you?

2nd Reading: Romans 11:13—15, 29-32

The gifts and call of God are irrevocable for the Israelites as a nation. As members of the Church, we also have an irrevocable call to continue the mission of Christ. God does not break promises and does not alter His plans for us because of our sins and failures. Disobedience doesn’t cancel the benefits of God’s promises, but it could delay them as we stray farther from the path to holiness. Mercy is a gift we don’t earn or deserve, it is a grace from our loving and forgiving God. Although we may stumble and lose our way, God’s mercy is more powerful than our disobedience, and ultimately calls us back to the path to salvation.St. Paul mentions that although he mainly ministers to the Gentiles, he hopes his work will cause jealousy for his own people (the Jews). How could jealousy help them? Imagine a young child with no interest in a toy until another child wants it. The first child suddenly wants nothing else. Paul hopes the Jews will be jealous of the Gentiles’ new faith in Christ, and desire faith in Him as the Messiah themselves.“All members of the Church, including her ministers,must acknowledge that they are sinners. In everyone, the weeds of sin will still be mixed with the good wheat of the Gospel until the end of time. Hence the Church gathers sinners already caught up in Christ’s salvation but still on the way to holiness” (CCC 827). As we strive to find the path to holiness, we are blessed with beautiful examples in the lives of the saints. Christ’s holiness shines forth through their example and lights the path to follow.

When have you had a difficult time loving something about yourself? 

Did you try to change yourself or change the way you felt about that characteristic?

Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

In the Old Testament, the Holy of Holies was where the blood sacrifice was offered. In the New Testament, the blood sacrifice was offered on the Cross, the new Holy of Holies. To be holy does not mean to simply avoid sin, it means to be at the holiest of places, at the foot of Christ’s cross. To be out among the suffering people in our broken world, who Christ brought to salvation by sacrificing Himself.

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus healed the Canaanite woman because she was suffering, and because she had complete faith in His ability to save her. We are called to holiness by following this example and ministering to all who suffer, no matter how difficult. “Charity is the soul of the holiness to which all are called: it ‘governs, shapes, and perfects all the means of sanctification.’” (CCC 826)

The lives of the saints are excellent models to follow to grow in holiness: St. Teresa of Calcutta’s work with the poor; St. Elizabeth of Hungary’s feeding of the hungry; St. Joseph’s protection of Jesus and Mary; St. Paul’s travels to spread the word of God; St. Francis of Assisi’s tireless work to convert the hearts of the people; and St. Therese of Lisieux’s “little way” which has led many to a life of holiness.

The Blessed Mother, greatest of all saints, is a perfect example of holiness and service. She stood by her son in complete faith through every blessing and challenge. She knew when to speak up (at the Wedding at Cana) and when to keep silent (at the foot of the cross) for Jesus’ mission to be fulfilled through her service. Following Mary as a model of humility, service, and love is one of the surest paths to holiness.

Questions

How does your church support the suffering? 

How could you participate and pour yourself out by doing God’s work today?

This Week's Task

Spend five minutes each day this week reading about the life or teachings of a saint.
Write down one idea from each saint to help you on your journey to holiness.

Group Prayer

The group prays the Magnificat of Mary Most Holy:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for He has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is His Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

He has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich He has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for He remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise He made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children forever. Amen

Continue with Psalm 67

Response: O God, let all the nations praise you!

May God have pity on us and bless us;

may he let his face shine upon us.

So may your way be known upon earth;

among all nations, your salvation.

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May the nations be glad and exult

because you rule the peoples in equity;

the nations on the earth you guide.

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

May the peoples praise you, O God;

may all the peoples praise you!

May God bless us,

and may all the ends of the earth fear him!

R. O God, let all the nations praise you!

Conclude with an Our Father

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop john Dolan  (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

22nd Sunday in ordinary Time

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Deborah Stenger of St. Micahel's in Poway, CA  (Diocese of San Diego) For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Commentary

Opening prayer

Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by Your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to Your service, and live this day in love to one another and to You; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen

1st Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9

The third Mark, catholic, does not refer specifically to the Roman Catholic Church. In this case, catholic means universal, in the sense of totality and fullness. This fullness comes from the uniting of Christ’s body with its head, and also from the shared mission of being sent out by Christ to all of humanity.Jeremiah was called to an unpopular mission that had never been part of his own dreams for himself. But he quickly learned that fighting against God’s plan for him was futile. God’s plan was bigger and better than Jeremiah could see. He tried to hold in the word that God meant to be sent out to the people, but it nearly exploded forth on its own. We are all called to this same mission as part of the catholic Church.At the end of every Mass, the priest or deacon offers a rite of dismissal, issuing a command, such as, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” When taken as intended, these words are not an ending, but a beginning. We receive our marching orders.The word Mass comes directly from the Latin phrase “ite, Missa est”, which now translates “go, Mass is ended,” but originates from “go, she is sent.” The entire liturgical and Eucharistic celebration is named after the dismissal. Strange? Not if we remember our call and the purpose of Mass. We gather to be fed and nourished by His Word and by His Body and Blood. Then, we are sent out to return to our mission (also rooted in the Latin missa) with renewed vigor.

Questions

Have you ever felt duped by God? How did you respond?

2nd Reading: Romans 12:1-2

St. Paul advises us to avoid conforming to this age and the ways of the world, and to discern the will of God instead. The laws, social trends, political majorities, and moral standards are in constant flux. They change with the times and can sway quickly with the influence of the media or outspoken individuals or groups.The teachings of the Church, however, do not change with the times. They are not whims or fads. They are based solidly in the Truth. This Truth does not change. The way that we apply this Truth to interact with the contemporary world causes some flexing and growth, but not systemic change. The Church is catholic (full) because She is sent to all people, calls all people to unity in Her, and encompasses all times.The Church is not like a one-size-fits-all garment that doesn’t really quite fit anybody, but tolerably covers everybody. The Church is perfectly tailored for each and every person, in every way, and in every age. In our modern world of international corporations and industrial globalization, it is easy to mistakenly view the Church as one huge conglomerate presiding over many smaller disparate churches. But the Church is much more than the sum of Her parts. The Church does not dispose of the richness of variety in order to create unity through forcing all members into indistinguishable, identical entities. Her unity lies in having a single head, not in having identical parts. The richness and diversity of the different cultural influences, all unified in Christ and the Magisterium, creates a unique, living being that is unequalled in its appeal to diverse groups over thousands of years

What current laws, social trends, political agendas, or moral standards have sparked doubt or tempted you to stray from the teachings of the Church?

Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27

Jesus’ prediction of His passion must have come as a shock to the apostles. They still envisioned a Messiah of worldly power who would overthrow their oppressors, not a suffering lamb who had to sacrifice Himself in death for their salvation. Satan recognized this confusion and tried to use it to his advantage. Satan had tried this same tactic in the desert when he tried to tempt Jesus away from His mission three times (Luke 4). Satan used Peter to try to tempt Jesus away from His most supreme act of love: His crucifixion. Satan works in men by tempting them to deviate from God’s plan.

Satan was able to use Peter because Peter was fearful of the pain and shame of the cross. Jesus says that to be with Him, we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. Human nature urges survival, not death to self. We cannot expect denying ourselves to be an easy path. To take up the cross means certain death, and as part of the catholic Church, our hope does not come from avoiding this death, but lies in the power of the resurrection.

The Church is the only place of true safety amid the sinfulness of the world. St. Augustine proposed that the Church is analogous to the ark in the time of Noah’s flood. Only a select few have chosen to gather together and take refuge in this place of safety amid the mighty storms. The Church is the world reconciled and called back into unity and guided by the breath of the Spirit to navigate safely. The Church is the only means of true salvation.

Don’t fear the cross, embrace it! The one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church is our lifeboat. Do you want to be saved? Get onboard!

Question

How has Satan tried to tempt you away from your crosses?

This Week's Task

Treat the rite of dismissal as a prayer and as a commandment.
Take it to heart and follow the command to go on mission.

The group prays the following prayer:

Lord, God,

We adore you,

We praise you,

We thank you.

Through our Baptism,

You call us each by name for a special purpose.

Grant us the wisdom to be

Your instruments of peace and love.

Fill our hearts with the enthusiasm and desire

to carry on the mission of Jesus in spreading

the Good News wherever we go.

Amen.

Continue with Psalm 63

Response: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,

for you have heard the words of my mouth;

in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;

I will worship at your holy temple.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

I will give thanks to your name,

because of your kindness and your truth:

When I called, you answered me;

you built up strength within me.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,

and the proud he knows from afar.

Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;

forsake not the work of your hands.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Conclude with an Our Father

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop john Dolan  (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

19th Sunday in ordinary Time

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Deborah Stenger of St. Micahel's in Poway, CA  (Diocese of San Diego) For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Commentary

Opening prayer

Eternal Father,we praise You for sending Your Son to be one of us and to save us. Look upon Your people with mercy, for we are divided in so many ways, and give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in love. We ask this gift, loving Father,Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

1st Reading: 1 Kings 19:19, 11-13

Elijah was hiding from his enemies in a cave on the very mountain where God handed down the Law to Moses. God announced that He Himself would be passing by for a visit, but Elijah was not comforted by this announcement. His work had not been going well, and the Boss was on His way to meet with him. Would He be coming to help or to judge?First, the tearing wind, crushing earthquake, and raging fire indicated judgment. But God was not in these frightening signs. Instead, He came in a tiny whispering sound. Although Elijah was frightened enough to hide his face, he was drawn out of the cave to God. Why? Because God did not come in judgment. He spoke gently to his faithful servant from His throne of mercy. Consequently, Elijah was graced with the courage to continue in his calling.When we are truly open and receptive to the messages and movements of the Holy Spirit in our own lives, like Elijah, we are likely to be greatly affected and moved by our loving God. Our most profound encounters with God begin in tiny stirrings discovered in quiet intimate moments shared with Him. The Holy Spirit slips in quietly in these moments and, with remarkable power, takes possession of our hearts.

Questions

Have you set aside time to be still and truly listen to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit? 

How can you tell whether the whisperings you hear are from God?

2nd Reading: Romans 9:1-5

Like Elijah, Paul struggled with ministering to a stubborn, difficult audience. He shows a deeply emotional concern for the future of his own people.Paul lived in a time when Jews, Christians, and Gentiles comingled, working their way through differences in faith, traditions, language, and culture. Paul depended on the Holy Spirit to guide his conscience and his words. Led by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, he realized that these very different groups were part of the same family and that they could all claim a share in the inheritance promised to Abraham. Even with their differences, the very same Holy Spirit who guided Paul’s teachings was leading each of God’s faithful on the path to salvation. St. Paul wrote, “there is one body and one spirit…one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”(Eph 4:4-6).Whether in Europe, in Africa, or in the Caribbean, the structure of the Mass is the same, but each place has its own atmosphere because it lends its unique language, culture, and music to the celebration. Our unity in faith is not weakened by our diversity, it adds a richness that enlivens it and makes it whole.We stand together in Christ as one faith family, called by His grace into community where we pray “Our Father” in unity as one Church.

Questions

Has there been a time when worry for someone you care about has brought you closer to God? 

Closer to your faith family?

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

Why was Peter the only disciple to step out of the boat? 

He had grown more 

in faith and love. His firm belief in Jesus’

identity as the Son of God gave him courage to trust Christ

enough to risk his life. Once Jesus got

into the boat and the storm ceased, the

other disciples found enough faith to

state without a doubt, “Truly, you are

the Son of God.”

When we allow our focus to shift from

God to our problems or fears, we

weaken our connection with Him. This

could lead us astray from His purpose

for our lives. The power we receive

from the Holy Spirit is far greater than

worldly problems. By focusing on His

power instead of our problems, we

invite Him to work miracles in and

through us, as He did for Peter.

Peter’s path is exemplified in the Latin

phrase “lex orandi, lex credendi, lex

vivendi” (how we worship reflects what

we believe, and determines how we

live). Our worship, through the guidance

of the Holy Spirit, leads us to our faith

and trust in God, and ultimately to our

mission as part of the one Church.

The more we believe, the more we respond to His call, and

the more intimately we experience His exquisite love. And

the more we experience His love, the more we trust Him and

His perfect plan for us.

Questions

In the storms of life, how long do you wait to call on Jesus?

Do you try to think your way out of problems or rely on

rescue from others before turning to Jesus?

Week's Task

• Reflect intently at Mass as we pray:

“I believe in one, holy, catholic, and

apostolic Church.”

• Set aside 10 minutes each day this week to

invite the Holy Spirit into your heart.

• Seek a way to grow in “oneness” with the

Church: Join a ministry in your own parish

Group Prayer

The group prays the following:

Lord Jesus Christ, at your Last Supper

you prayed to the Father that all should be

one.

Send your Holy Spirit upon all

who bear your name and seek to serve you.

Strengthen our faith in you,

and lead us to love one another in humility.

May we who have been reborn in one baptism

be united in one faith under one Shepherd.

Amen.

Continue with Psalm 85

Response: Lord, let us see your kindness,

and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims;

the LORD — for he proclaims peace.

Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear

him,

glory dwelling in our land.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your

salvation.

Kindness and truth shall meet;

justice and peace shall kiss.

Truth shall spring out of the earth,

and justice shall look down from heaven.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your

salvation.

The LORD himself will give his benefits;

our land shall yield its increase.

Justice shall walk before him,

and prepare the way of his steps.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your

salvation.

Conclude with an Our Father

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop john Dolan  (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

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