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 →

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

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This is again posted, copied from last year, but it is a good one to review on this solemnity. I would also note that I was baptized at a Sacred Heart Church, served Parokia Moyo Mtakatifu (Sacred Heart in Kenya) and served the Sacred Heart community of Tampa for many years. There’s a history.

The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a celebration that falls 19 days after Pentecost, on a Friday. The liturgical feast was first celebrated in Rennes, France. The liturgy was approved by the local bishop at the behest of St. John Eudes, who celebrated the Mass at the major seminary in Rennes on August 31, 1670. You’ll notice that the first celebration was not situated in the days following Pentecost. St. John Eudes composed a Mass and a set of prayers for outside the Mass (referred to as an “Office”) that were quickly adopted in other places in France.  Continue reading →

Veils

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In today’s first reading St. Paul makes reference to a veil. Here is how St. Paul develops his thought:

To this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over the hearts of the children of Israel, but whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we are not discouraged. And even though our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled for those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus. For God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 3:15—4:1, 3-6)

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The Commission

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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 post we discussed the summoning and significance of the 12 disciples called “apostles” (this one and only time in Matthew) and later called “the Twelve.” In this post The commission of the Twelve is spelled out in strictly functional terms as an extension of Jesus’ mission described in Mt 8 and 9. Note that the commission and its terms are also found in in Mark 6:7–11; Luke 9:1–5; 10:1–12. Continue reading →

Stingy is as Stingy Does

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With all apologies to Forrest Gump, St. Paul’s message in our first reading might well carry the moniker, “stingy is as stingy does.” In these verses, Paul speaks about the importance of generosity and the blessings that flow from a heart that is open to giving. It starts with a heart that is open to the Word of God and will allow it to guide us in our own lives. Continue reading →

Phone bills and restaurant tabs

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Did you ever look at your phone/mobile monthly bill? There are all kinds of charges that are often listed that are beyond the charges you’d expect for various communications services. And am not talking about “cramming charges.” Those are the charges that your telephone company allow 3rd party vendors to charge to your phone bill. Charges that are explained on your telephone bill in general terms such as “service fee,” “service charge,” “other fees,” “voicemail,” “mail server,” “calling plan” and “membership.” Charges you may have authorized or not. Continue reading →