Monthly Archives: June 2023

Force multiplier

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Our parish is located next to Marine Corp Base Quantico, headquarters of the US Marine Corp. And as you’d expect we have lots of military families and members that make up the parish. They are quite familiar with the term “force multiplier.” In military terminology, the expression refers to any factor or capability that enhances the effectiveness and overall combat power of a military force beyond its basic capabilities. It denotes a tool, strategy, or resource that amplifies the impact of a military force, enabling it to achieve greater results or exert more influence on the battlefield. Examples can include advanced technology, air superiority, logistics, specialized units, e.g. recon, and more.

“The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Cor 9:10)

The grace of God: the divine force multiplier.

Martyrdom’s Possibility

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This coming weekend is the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the previous post we discussed that there will be all manner of people who will not receive the evangelizing message, but may actively threatened your safety. Jesus tells them not to be afraid (v.26) and now He repeats this message: 28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Continue reading →

The Grace of Generosity:

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In today’s reading from the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, we have a wonderful message about the transformative power of generosity. Paul shares the example of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own hardships, overflowed with abundant generosity in support of the Church in Jerusalem. The reading is an opportunity for us to reflect on our perception of generosity and its place in our life of faith. Continue reading →

Fear and Proclamation

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This coming weekend is the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our gospel reading opens with the ominous, “Therefore do not be afraid of them.” Of course that just raises the question about the identity of “them.” There are verses that are not included in the Sunday gospels, notably Matthew 10:9-25, in which the actions of “them” are described. A summary might include:

  • those who do not receive the Twelve and their message of redemption (v.14)
  • the ones who “hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues” (v.17)
  • governors and kinds (v.18)
  • family members who turn against you (v.21)

“Don’t be afraid” prepares for the sayings about whom the disciples should fear in vv. 28 and 31, a part of our Sunday gospel in which the admonition to not be afraid is repeated. Continue reading →

2nd Corinthians

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Last evening I was rummaging around a folder labeled “Potential Musings.” It is a place were draft posts are worked on and often languish unfinished for one reason or another. Often I have to open the file to remember the contents as the working title does not ring a bell, e.g., “no single issue saints” or “303 v. Elenis.”  But I did come across a file: 2 Corinthians. I was pretty sure I knew what was inside – and given that most of last week and all of this week, the first reading for daily Mass is taken from the Second Letter to the Corinthians – maybe it was time to dust that one off and see if was something to post.  It is more of a scripture-study kind of post and it is long, but I think it is interesting.  Here’s the teaser: how are Paul’s letters to the Corinthians like a Bob Newhart sketch? Continue reading →

Context for this week

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This coming weekend is the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Last week (2023), with the celebration of the 11th Sunday, we returned to Ordinary Time in the liturgical sense. Depending on the year (leap year or no), the phase of the moon (seriously – that is in part how Easter is determined) and some other celebrations you may or may not have encountered the readings from the 9th, 10th or 11th Sundays in Ordinary Time. Here is a quick overview and context. Continue reading →

Compassion

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“At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them.” “Moved with pity” …not exactly the way I think it should be translated into present day American English. Miriam Webster says that pity is (1) a: sympathetic sorrow for one suffering, distressed, or unhappy b: capacity to feel pity 2: something to be regretted, e.g. it’s a pity you can’t go.  There is something soft and passive about the way we understand “pity” in our modern milieu. Not exactly a clarion call for action. Yet that is exactly Jesus’ immediate reaction. Continue reading →

Being a worthy temple

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Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The closing prayer in today’s Liturgy of the Hours offers, “Father, you prepared the heart of the Virgin Mary to be a fitting home for your Holy Spirit. By her prayers, may we become a worthy temple of your glory.” There’s something to contemplate. Are we mindful that we are called to be temples where the Holy Spirit dwells? Are we mindful of the implications of living a life worthy of that indwelling? …. and a whole lot more packed into that short closing prayer.

I thought it might be helpful to provide some background on the symbolism/meaning of Scripture’s use of “temple” and “indwelling” of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading →

Honoring Mary

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Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is one of many Marian celebrations throughout the liturgical year. At first blush you might wonder what is the difference between this memorial celebration and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary? They are two distinct celebrations that honor different aspects of the Virgin Mary’s life and role within Christian faith. Continue reading →

The Mission

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This Sunday is the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time. The gospel is from the opening verses of the Matthean Missionary Discourse. In the previous two posts we explored the intention and meaning of the geographical limitations placed on the Twelve’s commissioning. In this post we examine two simple verses that provide the framework for the mission itself: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” (Mt 10:7-8) Continue reading →