God Is Gloriously Triumphant

July 19, 2011

Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

By Beth DeCristofaro

Thus the LORD saved Israel on that day from the power of the Egyptians. When Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the seashore and beheld the great power that the LORD had shown against the Egyptians, they feared the LORD and believed in him and in his servant Moses.

Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD: I will sing to the LORD, for he is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot he has cast into the sea. (Exodus 14:30-31, 15:1)

(Jesus said) “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Mathew 12:50)

Piety

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;

worship the LORD with cries of gladness; come before him with joyful song.

Know that the LORD is God, our maker to whom we belong, whose people we are,

God's well-tended flock.

Enter the temple gates with praise, its courts with thanksgiving.

Give thanks to God, bless his name; good indeed is the LORD,

Whose love endures forever, whose faithfulness lasts through every age. (Psalm 100)

Study

In 1979, a TV documentary entitled “Scared Straight” featured a group of juvenile repeat offenders spending time in Rahway (NJ) State prison being shouted at, intimated by and “advised” by a group of hard core offenders serving life sentences. The theory behind this exercise was to “scare” the youth into changing their lives in order to not end up behind bars. I remember watching this show and it sure scared me! The documentary won an academy award and it was repeated in jails across the country although not without controversy and serious questions about its efficacy.

The passage from Exodus made me think of this program. I can just imagine being among the multitude of slow-moving, fleeing Israelites, glancing over my shoulder to see the approaching menace of Pharaoh’s army out to kill or enslave me and my brothers and sisters. Then even as we try to hurry up we are told to set out upon the sandy or muddy trail of what was sea, with water surrounding us. I can imagine being terrified to consider my own and my family’s imminent deaths. And I can visualize the elation, the lifting of terror, the hope returned as I watch the waters swallow and destroy Pharaoh’s warriors. I can imagine dancing with Miriam, singing the lesson learned that God always saves his people. And I can imagine saying with heartfelt commitment, I will serve my God.

Well, there is argument over the recidivism rates of programs like “Scared Straight.” And we know the recidivism rate of the Israelites who shortly down the desert road were whining to Moses and proclaiming that they would be better off back in Egypt. And I know my own recidivism as I make choices out of misplaced priorities or because things are not going my way or even worse, because I am so complacent that God has been left behind somewhere out of my sight.

I must make the choice for God again and again as my very human nature and desires take over. The choice must be renewed each and every day. As a younger person I often thought that were I to meet Jesus face to face as his disciples did, or if I saw a miracle such as the crossing of the red sea then I would be much more faithful than those misunderstanding followers or unreliable Israelites. Now in all honesty I must say that I would not. In Baptism I was welcomed into Jesus’ family. But it is in doing God’s will that I remain Jesus’ sister. The miracle is that each and every day we have the possibility of seeing and saying “yes” to God again.

Action

There is distraction everywhere around us with our electronic gadgets, zooming traffic, global careers. Sometimes making the right choices can feel obscured. We can take the opportunity to see how, in this human-created cacophony, to peek through to God’s presence even using technologies. I was amazed and dumbfounded to see that Catholics (particularly young people who might understand better such tools) are invited to “attend” World Youth Day in Spain right from their own computers using a virtual link. See the explanation and check it out at http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-139.shtml

Ain’t God wonderful?

No Sign Will Be Given

July 18, 2011

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. And you, lift up your staff and, with hand outstretched over the sea, split the sea in two, that the Israelites may pass through it on dry land. But I will make the Egyptians so obstinate that they will go in after them. Then I will receive glory through Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots and charioteers. The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I receive glory through Pharaoh and his chariots and charioteers." Exodus 14:15-18

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." He said to them in reply, "An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Matthew 12:38-39

Piety

Father, help us to set aside our obstinacy. Jesus, grant us the happiness of Jonah with whatever life experiences into which you lead us. Holy Spirit, grant unto us the gifts which will help us to flourish in this life and the next. Amen.

Study

Another trait that we share with the people described in the Bible is our skepticism. We want to have faith just as the Israelites did as they fled into the desert from slavery in Egypt. We want to have faith just as Moses did when he asked the Lord for help while the Pharaoh's soldiers and chariots were in hot pursuit. We want to have faith just as the Pharisees did when they asked Jesus for a sign.

What we have in common is a Lord who tells us not to be afraid. No special sign is needed. No special intercession is coming. We are to hold fast to the life we are leading in piety, study and action. That is its own reward. In it, we will have a closer walk with God than all others.

Action

About what do you cry out to the Lord? Do you share your complaints about secular political leaders? Do you share your complaints about the actions of Church leaders?

Do you cry out about your own illness and weakness? Do you cry out about the conditions in society and the world in which people suffer from poverty, disease, loneliness and destitution?

Today, we are asked to put aside the obstinacy that we share with the Egyptians lest we suffer the same fate as they do. Instead, we are asked to take on the spirit of service and the humility of Christ as we live out our days in this work and prepare for our live in the next. Let us be contented with the simple gifts that have been graced to us in this world. Thy Kingdom Come.

Shine Like The Sun

July 17, 2011

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time A

By Rev. Joe McCloskey, SJ

For your might is the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all. For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved; and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity. But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us; for power, whenever you will, attends you. And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind; And you gave your sons good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins. wisdom 12:16-19

In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will. Romans 8:26-27

Just as weeds are collected and burned (up) with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear. Matthew 13:40-43

Piety

The perfect answer to the problem of evil is the parable of the weeds and the wheat. The Lord allows evil to coexist with evil so that the good do not get hurt in the punishment of the bad. We are caught up all too oft en with the smallness of our work. We rarely see the outcome of our little beginning s. The parable of the mustard see answers the question of how little we are by making our littleness insignificant before the power of God that allows the little things we do to grow into something significant. It is a truism of the kingdom that only the insignificant is significant in the kingdom of God. The Lord is able to make something significant of the littlest thing we do in his name.

Study

We study how the Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness. When our hearts are groaning, our very groans are the voice of the Spirit within interceding for us to the Father. The inexpressible groaning have the intentions of the spirit as their meaning. The little ones have revealed to them the mysteries of the kingdom. Their simplicity of heart expresses the love of God in the voice of the Spirit. No cry for help goes unheeded. We learn from the little ones how to call out to God. God has the care of all.

Action

We try to be kind that all may have grounds for hope. We try to judge with clemency so that leniency governs us. We want to be judged as we judge. We try to let our deeds show the perfection of the power of God. We give God’s greatness the chance to be expressed in the way we show love to one another. We commit ourselves to kindness so that people might be governed by the deeds of God’s love.

Many Followed Him

July 16, 2011

Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Since the dough they had brought out of Egypt was not leavened, they baked it into unleavened loaves. They had been rushed out of Egypt and had no opportunity even to prepare food for the journey. Exodus 12:39

When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many (people) followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. Matthew 12:15-16

Piety

Father, invite us always to walk with you. Jesus, take from us any hesitation we have for the journey. Holy Spirit, help us to properly prepare and then sustain us on this journey together so we may follow the Lord. Amen.

Study

In today's readings, we encounter both Jesus and the Israelites in motion. Moses is leading the Israelites to safety out of Egypt and Jesus is fleeing in secrecy to preserve his safety until the hour comes for his Passion.

The Jews had no time to plan for their flight from Egypt. They did not even bring any unleavened bread. Instead, they had to plan on the run and bake their existing dough into unleavened loaves. Jesus on the other hand was preparing constantly -- from the time his parents found him in the temple as a young boy, he was teaching, preaching and healing those who would come to him.

As Jesus set out, many people followed him. I imagine they were as unprepared for the journey of following Jesus as Moses and his people were when they left Egypt. I imagine they were as unprepared for the journey as we are every day when we turn the keys.

Action

We, too, are a people in motion. Daily we head out to our jobs, our classes, our errands, our social visits, and more. How do we prepare for the journey? Sometimes, it seems it is easy to jump into the car, turn the key and off we go. Yet as the price of gas climbs, maybe we are beginning to have second thoughts about how we plan for these trips.

Often we equate preparation with certain liturgical seasons. Advent is our time to prepare for Christmas. Lent is our time to prepare for Easter. However, our journey does not just happen between midnight Masses. Our journey is as constant and unpredictable as the journey Moses lead through the desert. If our journey is constant, then we must always be in preparation for the next steps.

Lord of the Sabbath

By Melanie Rigney

July 15, 2011

Memorial of St. Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church

Although Moses and Aaron performed various wonders in Pharoah's presence, the Lord made Pharoah obstinate, and he would not let the children of Israel leave his land. (Exodus 11:10)

I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Psalms 116:13)

(Jesus told the Pharisees after they criticized the disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath,) “I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 112:7-8)

Piety

Lord, I love resting in Your arms. Remind me that everyone does… and to leave the judging to you. May I show others the same mercy you show me.

Study

What does the sabbath mean to you?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the biblical commands of solemn rest on the seventh day, and reminds us of God’s own desire to rest and be refreshed. “Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian life,” the Catechism says.

Don’t you just love that special time with God on Sunday? Perhaps it comes when you share in the Eucharist. Or maybe it’s the Great Amen. Or maybe it’s the music or the readings. I attended an early-morning, stripped-down-no-music Mass for several years. Frequently, my special time came during Holy Communion, as I knelt in one of the front rows, hearing the whispering of “The Body of Christ” by the EM and reverential “Amens” by the recipients, accompanied by the soft shuffling of feet and the sound of the baptismal font water burbling in the back.

The problem is that all too often, that moment of awe and wonder ends quickly, sometimes even when the celebration is continuing. We notice who doesn’t bow before receiving the Eucharist. We notice who sits on the pew before it’s time, and who ducks out before the final blessing and song. Then we complain on the way home about the way that young woman in front of us was dressed—certainly not Church-appropriate—and about how noisy the kids behind us were. By the time we change our clothes, we’ve changed ourselves—out of the sabbath’s time of “reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and mediation which furthers the growth of the Christian life.”

In short, we forget just who it is who’s lord of the sabbath.

Action

You’ve got a day or two. Make plans now to observe the coming sabbath in a manner that’s pleasing to God… and truly refreshing to you.

Childlike Faith

July 13, 2011

Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

By Colleen O'Sullivan

An angel of the Lord appeared to (Moses) in fire flaming out of a bush. As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed. So Moses decided, “I must go over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is not burned.” When the Lord saw him coming over to look at it more closely, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses! Moses!” He answered, “Here I am.” God said, “Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. I am the God of your father,” he continued, “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:2-6a)

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. (Matthew 11:25)

Piety

Lord, help me to shed the trappings of adulthood – the self-reliance, the cynicism, the loss of joyful wonder - that keep me from childlike faith in you.

Study

In yesterday’s Gospel reading, Jesus berated the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. He had performed many signs in their towns, but they refused to believe in or accept him. In today’s passage, Jesus talks about those who are his followers. His followers aren’t the learned or the religious “experts” of the day, the Pharisees or the Scribes; his followers, he says, are the childlike.

Working for a trade association, where lobbying is one of the principal activities, I am exposed to very un-childlike behavior every day. A tremendous amount of energy goes into what spin to put on issues, which senator or congressman to use to best get our agenda accomplished, etc., etc. This may be the only way to do business in Washington, but it gets wearing and disillusioning at times. So, over the years I have found myself sometimes going after work to visit one of my best friends, who has three children who consider me their honorary “aunt.” I don’t go so much to talk to my friend as to listen to and interact with her children, who are very childlike, in the sense that Jesus uses that expression.

Little children aren’t like us adults. They don’t come into the world jaded and cynical. They aren’t puffed up with pride on how self-reliant they are. They are totally dependent on their parents and not the least bit ashamed of it. They trust that Mommy and Daddy are there and will kiss and bandage away any hurt. They don’t worry about their next meal or what they’re going to wear tomorrow.

I love to watch their eyes, how they dance with glee or get big with wonder at some new discovery. They are so funny sometimes in their innocence. I remember the five-year-old asking some birds and bees questions one day and being given age-appropriate answers by her mother. She thought about what was said for maybe five or ten minutes and then came back and asked, “So, what was God thinking? Was he making a joke?” I guess she didn’t like what she had heard!

The other thing I love about small children is their sincerity. One night we were all lying on the floor watching cartoons projected on the ceiling. The 2½ year old was snuggled up to me. Out of the blue, he offered to share his most precious possession with me, his tattered blankie. Because he seldom ever went anywhere without it, I knew that he was giving me a gift from his heart.

Moses must have had some childlike qualities. He was full of wonder at the sight of a burning bush not being consumed by the flames. He was inquisitive enough to walk right up to it. He was receptive to the voice of God coming from within the bush, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Action
What “wise and learned” attitudes do you need to set aside to have that childlike faith Jesus talks about in today’s Gospel reading?

See God’s Mighty Deeds Done

July 12 2011

Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

By Beth De Cristofaro

Seeing that he was a goodly child, she hid him for three months. When she could hide him no longer, she took a papyrus basket, daubed it with bitumen and pitch, and putting the child in it,
placed it among the reeds on the river bank. (Exodus 2:3-4)

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. (Matthew 11:20-22)

Piety

Jesus, Your faith was in the Heavenly Father, Your steadfastness being my living model! Kindly grant me the richness of such faith, To embrace Your Father as my true Provider, Having staunch belief in His eminent powers And to remain loyal to Him until my last day. If my faith shifts as temporary waves, Rush to my rescue without any hesitation, Protecting others from my fleeting frailty. May Your Presence always be lively enjoyed, Enabling me to shine as a flame of faith. My faith loyally reaches out to You! ( http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=741 )

Study

On the news yesterday a woman was interviewed who, with her five children, walked days to a refugee camp from Somalia because she could no longer find water or food due to the severe drought. Animals as well as people are dying. In the story of Exodus, a Hebrew mother sets her son adrift on water; the threat is not lack of water but slavery and certain death by the oppressing culture. Parents go to extreme lengths for their children and sometimes that love results in a better life. For Moses, it meant the opportunity to grow up and meet God face to face.

Human parents choose to take extreme risks to save their children, giving us a partial glimpse of what God’s love for us might look like. Jesus is God’s greatest loving gift to us. In the Gospel, in Jesus’ harsh words, I hear not only anger, but also disappointment and sadness that God’s gift is being ignored; God’s presence is being ignored. We can wonder how people could do such a thing but then it never ceases to anger and grieve me to read about a baby shaken to death by a father, or a child left to die by his mother in a locked, hot car. We humans do an awful lot of incomprehensible things. In the midst of those of us who don’t get it, in the midst of famine or oppression, Jesus continues to teach, love and offer us hope if we are open to it. Jesus later says in this same chapter of Matthew: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.”

Action

In what ways am I, the educated, experienced adult, not able to use the childlike eyes of faith to see God and practice repentance each day? Look for old opportunities renewed like support and help for a colleague at work in spite of competition for productivity or time spent listening to the heartbreak of someone even when their hurt comes from bad choices. Be open to God’s presence within you and within them.

Whoever Receives Me

July 11, 2011

Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot

Yet the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread. The Egyptians, then, dreaded the Israelites and reduced them to cruel slavery, making life bitter for them with hard work in mortar and brick and all kinds of field work--the whole cruel fate of slaves. Exodus 1:12-14

"Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward. Matthew 10:40-41

Piety

In the salutation of all guests, whether arriving or departing,
let all humility be shown.
Let the head be bowed
or the whole body prostrated on the ground
in adoration of Christ, who indeed is received in their persons…

In the reception of the poor and of pilgrims
the greatest care and solicitude should be shown,
because it is especially in them that Christ is received;
for as far as the rich are concerned,
the very fear which they inspire
wins respect for them.

Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 53, Paragraphs 3, 5

Study

On the feast day of St. Benedict, our Gospel reminds of the virtue of hospitality that marks the Benedictine order. further in Matthew's Gospel, we encounter a verse which echoes today's reading: "I came as a guest, and you received Me" (Matt. 25:35).

Such hospitality also marks the Catholic Worker movement started by Dorothy Day. One of the cornerstones in their pursuit of the works of mercy is operation of Houses of Hospitality where the poor are always welcome.

The Hebrews in our first reading encounter just the opposite from the Egyptian king -- in their humility, they are enslaved and forced into hard labor. If that was not enough, they are further persecuted with the slaughter of the innocent children.

Action

What stranger or visitor will come into your life today? Welcome them because they are the Christ you will encounter today.

Do My Will

July 10, 2010

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time A

By Rev. Joe McCloskey, SJ

For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23

Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear." Matthew 13:7-9

Piety

The Lord compares himself to the rain and the snow that come down from the heavens and accomplishes their purpose by watering the earth and making it fertile and fruitful. Our piety is our fruitfulness. We see what the Lord is doing in our lives by the good actions we perform. There is no shortcut on piety. The good deeds of our lives are how piety rings true as the good works of the Lord. Our piety is not a static thing. We are always living in the present moment when we are open to the work of the Lord on us. The work of the Lord takes place in the newness of our lives. Only now touches the eternal now of the work of the Lord on us. The word of God comes down on us in the challenges we face by taking on the challenges of the Lord in the hungry, thirsty, sick, naked and imprisoned that we encounter as we move along. There is no living in the past with the Lord’s word working on our hearts. There is just the moment we are in that is the purpose of our whole life. It takes this moment to make our whole life worthwhile. The word of God in our heart does not return to t he Lord void. It is forever speaking out the love of God in the reality that it only takes this moment to make our whole life worthwhile.

Study

The Lord has a purpose for us in whatever we are doing in his name. The value of our lives is not what we are doing, but the how much love we work with in this moment. We study where the seed of the Lord is falling in our lives. We work our soil so that we absorb all the moisture of the rain and snow that is the word of God. It is the heart pierced on the cross that is the source of the stream of life. As we accept each of the Sacraments in our lives, they are the outward signs of the love of the Lord. We study how best to prepare for each Sacrament and how best to receive it. We see with our hearts how the Lord is offering himself to us. We accept each Sacrament to unite ourselves more deeply to the Lord.

Action

How often we receive Eucharist is important. It is the food of life that gives the Lord’s life to those who receive it. Weekly is not enough for one who is serious about living their life in the nourishment of the Lord. Starvation rations are what the people who infrequently receive Communion are living on. Daily Eucharist is for those who can do so because frequent receptions bring untold graces and growth that touches on the hundredfold that the Lord talks about in his parable of the sower. If the seed of the Lord’s word has fertile soil to work with the hundred fold is possible. Our actions are never limited by bringing the Lord into all that we do. The Morning Offering is a good prayer to turn the day over to the Lord. We have to decrease so that the Lord can increase in all that we do.

Speak in the Light

July 9, 2011

Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

But Joseph replied to them: "Have no fear. Can I take the place of God? Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve his present end, the survival of many people. Therefore have no fear. I will provide for you and for your children." By thus speaking kindly to them, he reassured them. Genesis 50:19-21

Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 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. Matthew 10:26-28

Piety

"Take and Receive"

Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty,
my memory, my understanding and my whole will.
All that I am and all that I possess You have given me.
I surrender it all to You
to be disposed of according to Your will.
Give me only Your love and Your grace;
with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.

~St. Ignatius of Loyola

Study

Reassurance. Jesus and Joseph both offer reassurance to their friends.

No matter how bad life became for Joseph when he was sold into slavery, the reunion with his brothers was marked with the surprising forgiveness. The brothers feared that Joseph may have had "an eye for an eye" attitude. Yet, instead, Joseph accepted his position as the will of God and reveled in the reunification with his family. He had surrendered his liberty to the Egyptians and to the Lord. So there was no hatred in his heart for his brothers. The love and grace of God made him rich enough in this life.

Jesus also addresses the fears of his disciples. He encourages them to assume a "Joseph-like" "No Fear" attitude. No matter what happens in the world, your fate is in the hands of God who loves you and takes care of you. Just as God loves the smallest creatures on earth, so does He love His children. That love will protect us in times of trouble. It does not mean we will never face any trials in life. However, when we do, we should not fear that we are facing them alone.

Action

Modeling the reassurance and forgiveness that Jesus and Joseph model for us is difficult. When someone mistreats us, a more human response is to seek revenge, not to offer forgiveness. Who has hurt you in your life? Can you wipe the slate clean and offer to them your unilateral forgiveness?

Whoever Endures to the End Will Be Saved

July 8, 2011

Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

By Melanie Rigney

(God said to Jacob:) “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you a great nation.” (Genesis 46:3)

Trust in the Lord and do good, that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security. (Psalms 37:3-4)

“Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:21-22)

Piety

Lord, help me to put You first in my life—today, tomorrow, and forever.

Study

In two weeks, some people in our diocese will be commemorating the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War’s Battle of First Manassas. Back on July 21, 1861, people from the Washington, D.C., came to Manassas with picnic lunches, settling in to watch an event much as we might do at Wolftrap these days. But instead of a civilized “show,” what they got was the bloodiest battle in our country’s history to that point. Nearly 750 men were dead at the end of the fight, and 1,700 were injured.

War always brings tragedies, but civil wars bring the added pain of brothers fighting against brothers, fathers fighting against sons. Then there are the “cold wars” in our own families, breaks over political issues or lifestyles or addictions or silly little spats for reasons no one can remember anymore that have turned into alienation and betrayal.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus reminds us of Micah’s Old Testament warning to trust in the Lord before all. No other human, even those we profess to love the most and who profess to love us, can provide God’s security—and salvation.

Action

Where do you feel insecure in your relationship with Our Father? Consider talking about this with a trusted friend or spiritual adviser.

The Plan of the Lord Stands Forever

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

July 6, 2011

By Colleen O'Sullivan

(A)ll the world came to Joseph to obtain rations of grain, for famine had gripped the whole world… When Joseph’s brothers came and knelt down before him with their faces to the ground, he recognized them as soon as he saw them. But Joseph concealed his own identity from them and spoke sternly to them… To one another, however, they said: “Alas, we are being punished because of our brother. We saw the anguish of his heart when he pleaded with us, yet we paid no heed; that is why this anguish has now come upon us...” The brothers did not know, of course, that Joseph understood what they said, since he spoke with them through an interpreter. But turning away from them, he wept. (Genesis 41:57; 42:6b-7a, 22-24a)

The Lord brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the Lord stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. (Psalm 33:10-11)

Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. (Matthew 10:1)

Piety

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

(“He Leadeth Me”, Joseph H. Gilmore, 1862)

Study

Life is full of the unexpected. If we look at any ten-year span in our lives, we can see that by the end of that period, many things have happened to us and many people have come into our lives that we never dreamed of in the beginning. When Peter, Andrew, James and John each left their fishing nets to follow Jesus, what did they envision? That the Lord would eventually give them “authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease” would have seemed laughable. But, God had a plan for those fishermen.

And God has plans for you and me. They may not always coincide with the road maps we draw for ourselves. As the psalmist reminds us, God “foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the Lord stands forever.” Often you and I don’t see the hand of God at work until later when we look back over the journey on which the Lord has led us.

I imagine that’s how it must have been for Joseph. Today’s passage from Genesis starts off with Joseph already in his 30’s, but the story begins long before that when he is a teenager. I don’t think there’s ever been a Dr. Phil episode that could begin to rival Joseph’s story for family drama! Joseph is his father’s favorite. He gets a special tunic, which sparks off untold jealously among his brothers. He also reveals dreams in which he rules over everyone, which makes his brothers dislike him even more. They plot to kill him, but instead end up selling him to a trade caravan. Joseph eventually turns up a slave in Egypt. Through various twists and turns, he comes to interpret a dream of Pharaoh about future harvests. There will be 7 good years followed by 7 years of famine. Joseph is put in charge of the entire country and puts aside grain during the good years so that Egypt will have food during the lean times. This is how he comes to be reunited with his brothers – the famine is widespread and they come to the only place known to have grain. The brothers don’t recognize Joseph, but he is moved to tears by hearing their anguish over having treated him so abominably.

I doubt that Joseph would have planned his life the way it unfolded. No one would wish to be despised by their siblings, sold into slavery, imprisoned in a foreign land, separated for years from the old father he dearly loved. Yet, God used this adversity for his own purpose. Joseph became someone who saved the lives of many people through his oversight of Egypt’s food supply in good times and bad. His experiences at the hands of his brothers must surely have scarred him, but the Lord used the famine as an opportunity for Joseph to be reunited with his brothers and to see that they realized how heartless and cruel they had been to him. In tomorrow’s reading from Genesis, you will see how Joseph reacts.

Action
When you have time, read the entire account of Joseph’s life (Genesis 37-50). It’s a very dramatic and moving story. Or pick a ten-year period in your life and reflect on it. Where was your road map taking you at the beginning and where did God’s plan lead you in the end?

Bless Me

Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

July 5, 2011

By Beth DeCristofaro

Then some man wrestled with (Jacob) until the break of dawn. When the man saw that he could not prevail over him, he struck Jacob’s hip at its socket, so that the hip socket was wrenched as they wrestled. The man then said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” (Genesis 32:25-27)

But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.” … At the sight of the crowds, (Jesus’) heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Matthew 9:34, 36-38)

Piety

Dear God. I thank you for the many blessings you have given me, not the first of which is my very existence. I pray for the faith to always ask you for blessings in good times and in bad. May my fear of inadequacies, ill health and death never get between me and you. May I never let you go until you bless me.

Study

When my father was 55, he was diagnosed with leukemia as a very observant doctor said “let me do a blood test, Alex, you look terrible.” Had he not done that and immediately hospitalized dad, my father would have died within a few short weeks. At first his decision was to not agree to harsh chemotherapy because hope for survival was so very low. My dad was certain that God’s love would bring him to a better life – that death was not the worst thing possible. But a dear friend convinced him that my mother and the rest of us needed him to try. As it was, my father fought the disease and every possible painful, itchy, choking and humiliating side effect possible of the chemotherapy available in 1984 for the next 15 months.

We all know how really unfair life can be. Jacob’s struggle throughout the night made him permanently lame. Jesus’ action to cure a man caught in madness caused the leaders to link him to evil. My dad watched what he ate, exercised and was a loving father and devout Catholic.

Jacob did not condemn the attacker but asked for his blessing. My dad tried – and was discouraged at times because of the awfulness of what he went through – but he never despaired. Jesus’ concern was not for himself but for those in need out of his love of them and his love of God. In the stories in Genesis we see dramatic instances of God breaking through into human history. In Jesus we see God choosing to become part of human history. In my dad and countless others who cling to God in spite of illness, adversity, injustice, tragedy, cruelty, addictions, we see God upholding humans in history.

Action

Our faith assures us that God, a God of power and majesty, has overcome sin and death through the place of choosing to be powerless. In moments of our own powerlessness, we can forge a deeper relationship with God who understands and is moved with pity for us.

In what way are we powerless? Pray to turn over that sense of powerlessness to God. Who do we see around us who are powerless? In what way is God asking us to be laborers in God’s own harvest for those in need?

Find Rest

July 3, 2011

Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time A

By Rev. Joe McCloskey, SJ

Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion, shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king shall come to you; a just savior is he, Meek, and riding on an ass, on a colt, the foal of an ass. Zechariah 9:9

Consequently, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:12-13

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." Matthew 11:28-30

Piety

Piety is the closeness we have with the Lord. Christ invites us to intimacy. The burdens of Christ fit our shoulders. A yoke is carved to the size of the person’s shoulder. The invitation to work with the Lord has his companionship in the yoke. He is the stronger one and so he bears the biggest burden. He invites us to find our rest with him. He calls his yoke easy and the burden is light. We go to the Lord to find the meaning of our lives in his work which we share. There is the Spirit of the Lord that dwells in us if we put to death the deeds of the body to live by the Spirit of the Lord. We are told we do not have to be brilliant because these things are hidden from the wise and the learned. They have been revealed to little ones. Our relationship to Christ reveals the Father to us. Christ is the human expression of the mystery of the Father. In Christ we have the perfect expression of the mystery of God. God reveals himself to us by Christ. A just savior is he, meek, and riding on an ass, on a colt, the foal of an ass. There is nothing pretentious about him. He proclaims peace to the nations. His rule shall be from sea to sea. Our Lord is compassionate toward all the works we do in his name. Our task in life is to praise his name for ever. We make him the inspiration of all that we do.

Study

We study the words and the events in the life of Christ because God reveals to us through Christ the Mystery of who we are meant to be. We are all created in the image and likeness of God in Christ. Christ is the deepest meaning our lives for this reason. Whatever we find attractive about Christ reveals something of what we are meant to be in Christ. We do not exist apart from Christ. He gives us our being and becomes for us the meaning of our lives. There is an ongoing revelation of Christ that flows out of our study of the Scripture. Good people give us insight into who Christ is today in our lives. The victory of Christ is won by the Resurrection and the Resurrection of Christ gives the ultimate meaning to all of our lives. When we do something that is beautiful it is an insight into what we are in Christ. Christ is the beauty of all of our lives.

Action

Whatever we do, we need to bring to Christ for our strength to be refreshed when we have given all of ourselves to a task. There is no bypass of the cross of Christ. The tree of glory is what we suffer for the sake of Christ in filling up what is wanting to the suffering of Christ’s body, the Church. Thus we guarantee that we live in the Spirit of Christ. He came to announce the Good news of God’s love for us. We become the expression of God’s love by the good actions of our lives. Each day it behooves us to do something kind, generous and noble for another. Thus we put to death the living according to the flesh to live in the Spirit of Christ. Every need that we reach out to with the love of our hearts makes the meekness and humbleness of heart of Christ ours. We become the Mystical Body of Christ by what we do for the least ones of our daily lives. How we need each other makes us Christ to one another.

In Her Heart

July 2, 2011

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of The Blessed Virgin Mary

"May God give to you of the dew of the heavens And of the fertility of the earth abundance of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations pay you homage; Be master of your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you." Genesis 27:28-29

"Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. Luke 2:49-51

Piety

Father, bless us and spare us the anguish of loss and separation. However, if we must be tested in this manner, Jesus, help us to search for you daily and keep at it until your living presence is revealed to us. Amen.

Study

Mary and Joseph encounter Jesus so clearly and authentically after the search that ended in the temple. This joy following anguish contrasts starkly with the confusion inflicted upon Isaac by the scheming Rebecca and Jacob who at first experiences joy at the meal presented by his "son" only to realize later that he has been deceived.

The New Testament does not give us a detailed biography of Mary. We are introduced to her through various episodes -- episodes that are refreshed in our minds and hearts when we pray and meditate on the Rosary.

Yet these episodes of her close encounters with Jesus provide for us a chronicle of some of the things that she kept in her heart. St. Luke does not tell us what Mary felt about these encounters. Was she puzzled by them? Frustrated by them? Angry?

Why did Jesus not tell Mary or Joseph of his plans to go to the temple? If you have ever gotten separated accidentally from your child in a store or museum, you can share some of the anguish that Mary and Joseph must have experienced in this scene. Here were the only two people on earth who knew the divine nature of this boy in their midst. And they lost him. On top of the parental anguish, did they also share the feeling with eve and Adam that they had somehow let God down? The living Garden of Eden was lost to them. What would they do now?

How do the feelings in Mary's heart at this time compound with the obedience expressed to the angel at the Annunciation and the utter sorrow she feels at the foot of the cross at the Crucifixion?

Action

When have you felt the kind of loss and aguish that must have been weighing on Mary's heart as she search for Jesus? Have you turned that anguish over to Jesus to see how he would react?

When have you had a friend or loved one experience loss and anguish? How can you help them cope with that?