To the Level Path

To the Level Path

June 1, 2013

Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr

When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her until the end, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe. My heart delighted in her, My feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her. Sirach 51:13-15
Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” Mark 11:29-30

Piety

Teach me your way of looking at people: as you glanced at Peter after his denial, as you penetrated the heart of the rich young man and the hearts of your disciples.  I would like to meet you as you really are, since your image changes those with whom you come into contact.  Remember John the Baptist’s first meeting with you?  And the centurion’s feeling of unworthiness?  And the amazement of all those who saw miracles and other wonders?  How you impressed your disciples, the rabble in the Garden of Olives, Pilate and his wife and the centurion at the foot of the cross. . . .

I would like to hear and be impressed by your manner of speaking, listening, for example, to your discourse in the synagogue in Capharnaum or the Sermon on the Mount where your audience felt you “taught as one who has authority.”

—Pedro Arrupe, SJ

Excerpt from Hearts on Fire: Praying with Jesuits, edited by Michael Harter, SJ.

Study

In our first reading from Sirach (one of the books of the Catholic canon that does not appear in the Hebrew Bible), an early devotion to the wisdom of the Lord laid a solid foundation for the challenges of faith later in life. “My feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her. (Sirach 51:15b).
However, that does not make the seeker immune from the challenges of life. Wisdom provides a level of protection from the tests one faces in life. “My soul was tormented in seeking her, My hand opened her gate and I came to know her secrets.” (Sirach 51:19a)

Command of knowledge also is how Jesus protects himself from the trap being laid by the Pharisees. He avoids the trap by setting a counter-mind trap that the temple leaders cannot answer to their satisfaction.

Action

What role does wisdom and knowledge have in building a solid foundation for your faith-life?
Study is an essential leg of our Cursillo tripod. Pope Emeritus Benedict directed us to study church documents like the catechism to enhance our journey in the Year of Faith. How will you resolve to expand your faith with study and action?

Blessed Are You Who Believed

Blessed Are You Who Believed

May 31, 2013

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary


By Melanie Rigney

The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. (Zephaniah 3: 17)

I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. (Isaiah 12:2)

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” And Mary said: “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.” (Luke 1:41-49)

Piety

Lord, thank you for the gift of those in my life who help me recognize the awesome blessings you provide.

Study

Sometimes, we trust because our faith is strong, and sometimes, we trust because we see no alternative, we lack the ability to grasp God’s great love and gifts. Perhaps there was some of that when the angel visited Mary and told her she would bear the Son of God. Let it be done to me, she said.

Sometimes, that trust turns into something so much more beautiful—belief—thanks to God working through more tangible means, such as people we know and love. Perhaps there was some of that in Hebron on that day when Mary arrived to attend to Elizabeth, her elderly relative. Imagine Mary’s relief and joy when instead of castigating the young woman for her out-of-wedlock pregnancy, Elizabeth thanks to the Holy Spirit recognized the situation for what it was and gave thanks.

No longer is Mary the passive, concerned girl of the Annunciation. She’s done with questions about how and why. Rather, she pours forth the beautiful prayer of praise we know as the Magnificat.

Was Mary transformed when she saw Elizabeth? Perhaps that’s an overstatement, as she could have said no to the angel and sent him on his way. Her faith in God was always there. But her appreciation for the unique, world-changing role she would assume, it would seem, blossomed with Elizabeth’s words. May we all be receptive to the same humility and appreciation when the Holy Spirit works through our family, friends, and acquaintances to make us aware of the great things the Almighty has done for us.

Action

Listen to a musical version of the Magnificat, or spread some time in solitude with the prayer. Contemplate the ways in which the Lord has shown you favor that you tend to discount or dismiss.

Penetrate the Heart

Penetrate the Heart

May 30, 2013

Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart; their innermost being he understands.  The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come: He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets.  No understanding does he lack; no single thing escapes him.  Sirach 42:18-20

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”  So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”  He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.  Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”  The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”  Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.”  Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.  Mark 10:49-52

Piety

Father, we have been told to ask and we will receive.  Give us the faith to ask of you what we lack and what we know in our hearts we need.

Jesus, we have been told to seek and we will find.  Give us the eyes to seek what we need to fulfill your mission in life.

Holy Spirit, we have been told to knock and the door will be opened.  Give us the courage to knock on the doors that we fear.  Amen.

Study

Bartimaeus had no reason to be hopeful.  He was blind.  He was outcast.  He had no reason to think anyone would help him.  Yet he persisted and provides for us the hope of prayer. 

Too often we focus on what Jesus asks of us.  Yet, Bartimaeus forces us to confront how audacious our requests are of the Lord.  When Bartimaeus finally got the Lord’s attention, he sprang up and came over to Jesus.  Jesus knew what was in Bartimaeus’ heart long before the encounter occurred.  Granting his request was the easiest decision Jesus needed to make in this encounter. 

Action

Who does the calling in your prayer life?  What is deepest in your heart?  Do you have the courage to ask the Lord to help you assist with that need? 

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

May 29, 2013
Wednesday in the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

 

By Colleen O’Sullivan

 

Come to our aid, O God of the universe, look upon us, show us the light of your mercies, and put all the nations in dread of you! Thus they will know, as we know, that there is no God but you, O Lord. (Sirach 36:1, 4)

 

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” (Mark 10:35-37)

Piety

From the evil foe protect me. -- from Anima Christi (Soul of Christ) prayer

 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. -- from the Our Father

Study

Life is full of temptations, including temptations to:

• aspire to being admired as a pillar of the church in your parish;  
• hope to hear how great your homily was as the congregation leaves after Mass; or even
• desire the choicest seats in heaven on either side of Jesus.

Of course, in today’s Gospel reading Jesus reminds James and John and all of us that the way of the follower of Christ isn’t the glory-seeking path; it’s the way of serving others rather than seeking to be served; it’s the way of being willing to suffer and lay down one’s life for others.

 

In the second chapter of Sirach (Sir 2:17-24), one of the books characterized as wisdom literature and the source of our first reading, the author, writing around the year 180 BC, talks about humility as a virtue connected with wisdom. But whether it’s the words of this sage or the words of Jesus we’re reading, neither one is in sync with the siren song of the world. Humility, seeking wisdom, and serving others are hardly fodder for 21st century marketing sound bites, which go more along the line that “it’s all about you” or that you should “have it your way.” From the days of Adam and Eve in the Garden to this very moment, the Evil One rejoices any time one of us can be convinced we are the center of the universe, because then the wedge has been driven in. The Evil Spirit has succeeded in coming between us and God.

 

The first reading today is part of a prayer of petition that God will save his people from their enemies. The writer has in mind the political situation of his day. But it’s not a bad thing to pray any day of the year, because the world is full of people, attitudes and ideas that can lead us away from the Lord. And anyone or anything that can do that is an enemy.

Action

Who are the people or what are the things that tempt you to detour from the path Jesus has asked us to travel? Following in Christ’s footsteps is often difficult, but God is always there ready to help us when we are weak. However the Evil Spirit tempts you, pray to God to keep you from those temptations and to save you from all evil.

May Your Generous Spirit Pay Homage

May Your Generous Spirit Pay Homage

May 28, 2013

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

By Beth DeCristofaro

In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. (Sirach 35:10-13)

Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now … But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”  (Mark 10:29-30, 31)

Piety

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for not abandoning me when I abandoned you.

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for offering your hand of love in my darkest, most lonely moment.

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for putting up with such a stubborn soul as mine.

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for loving me more than I love myself.

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for continuing to pour out Your blessings upon me, even though I respond so poorly.

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for drawing out the goodness in all people, even including me.

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for repaying our sin with your love.

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for being constant and unchanging, admidst all the changes of the world.

May you be blessed forever, Lord, for your countless blessings on me and on all your creatures.

  ~ St. Teresa of Avila

Study

Don’t you enjoy people who have a truly generous spirit?  There is my friend who drops off flowers when I have had a bad week.  The colleague who delighted in finding a treasure in her favorite thrift shop and brbrought it to me saying “I thought of you when I saw this.”  The neighbor, who while you are standing at the bus stop, picks you up and drives you to work and then offers to make this a daily occurrence because he heads that way anyway. 

But some generosity makes me uncomfortable.  My mother, for example, wants always to give me some food to bring home.  Or my husband’s dear Godmother, Aunt Micki, who (until we were well into adulthood) would press a $5.00 bill into our hands as we hugged good-bye. “Just for any unexpected expenses, dear.”  They give even though both have tight budgets and it makes me feel as if I should not accept rather than be truly grateful for such heartfelt thoughtfulness.

Of course there is generosity with strings attached.  We see all too much of it in the world, generosity not of heart but of power, control, manipulation or even to embarrass.  This is not a generosity of God.  God’s generosity is unlimited, unimaginable.  Rather that generosity with strings attached, God generously created us, man and woman, with strings attached to our hearts.  Those strings pull us ever closer to God.  Our starting place is God and we are incomplete without God -- strings which call for us to place our face, our feet our mind, our hearts toward God.  God, who is Love.  God’s generosity is beyond my ability to fathom but it is vital to my being fully human and holy.  God’s generosity gives me life and direction.

Action

In what ways do I lack in the gratitude which propels generosity?  Give thanks for blessings.  Give thanks for God’s presence in times of trouble or doubt.  Give thanks for the world God gave us.  Let our thanks sink deep into our hearts and share it out with others.

Dwell No Longer In the Error

Dwell No Longer In the Error

May 27, 2013

Memorial Day

Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

To the penitent God provides a way back, he encourages those who are losing hope and has chosen for them the lot of truth.  Return to him and give up sin, pray to the LORD and make your offenses few.  Turn again to the Most High and away from your sin, hate intensely what he loathes, and know the justice and judgments of God, Stand firm in the way set before you, in prayer to the Most High God.  Sirach 17:24-26

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing.  Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”  At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.  Mark 10:21-22

Piety

How great the mercy of the LORD, his forgiveness of those who return to him!

Study

Change is once again the focus of our readings.  It’s nice to know that the Scriptures and the Lord do not give up on us and our immense gift to change the direction in which we look for happiness. The rich young man has many possessions that tie him down to the world.  Jesus says that he must untie himself and his life from these possessions – IN ADDITION – to adhering to the Gospel and the Commandments.

Action

We would certainly like to take the easier path – a path that allows us to follow Jesus and not make changes in our daily routine.  Sirach reminds us that God provides a path to those who are penitent – those who are willing to admit change into their life.

What possessions tie you to this world?  Before we get in to the busy part of summer, take some time to go through your possessions and decide what you can take to the local Thrift Shop, Goodwill or the Salvation Army.  You’ll never miss things you have not touched in more than a year.

In addition, today might also be a great day to consider supporting some causes that aid our veterans.  A column by former Senator Bob Dole in today’s The Washington Post “Veterans Charities Need Scrutiny,” points out some of those groups which he has found worthy of support.  He writes, “I can’t imagine a better way to observe Memorial Day than to support those who have worn their country’s uniform — while denying others who would enrich themselves in the service of greed.”

However, Senator Dole also warns about disreputable charities that try to raise money for veterans but pass little on to the mission that they claim.  His advice about veterans charities could apply to any group you would like to support.

If you want to help servicemen and women in their transition to civilian life, exercise the same due diligence you’d apply to any significant purchase or investment. Don’t hesitate to kick the tires or demand the equivalent of a test drive. If you’re contacted by fundraisers, be prepared to ask some questions in return. Confirm the organization’s tax-exempt status. Find out how much of your gift will go to the intended recipient and how much to administration or fundraising. Better yet, ask the group to put its appeal in writing and then review its financial stats and spending record on Web sites such as Charity Navigator. As Ronald Reagan said in a different context: Trust but verify. Check them out before you write a check.