Daily Gospel & Reflection, Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Isaiah 55:10-11, 1st Reading Psalm 34 Matthew 6:7-15 Entrance Antiphon: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. From all eternity you are God. (Psalm 89:1-2) Worship Song: The Lords Prayer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84nd7o1zjjA Verse before the Gospel: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4b) The Lords Prayer This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread; 12and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; 13and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one. 14 If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.15But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. Reflection This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name ~ Jesus in v.9 Once a kid asked me, How does God hear all the prayers prayed by all the people all at the same time? I had shaped my mouth to deliver a theologically correct and pastorally sensitive response when the kid speculated an answer: Does he have like, prayer waiting? that sounded way better than what I was going to say, so I gave him the ol Bing Crosby smile and a friendly hair tousle and sent him on his way with a suggestion that he consider becoming a theologian. People unsure of the love of God look for ways of distinguishing their petitions so that theyll win a hearing from their target deity like littering the church with eighty-one copies of a prayer will somehow work better than with just nine. Jesus teaches that praying to God is like sitting at the family dinner table asking Mom or Dad to pass the bread. It is Gods desire to serve you (See Mark 10:45). Prayer Response O Lord, you choose my body for your heaven and your holiness dwells within me. Care for me and forgive me this day. Fill me with grace that I may be forgiving to others. Protect me from evil. Action Response Compose a very short prayer of less than ten words and memorize it. Recite it whenever you need Gods help. Credits: Fr. Paul Boudreau, Between Sundays The Lords Prayer may be committed to memory quickly, but it is slowly learned by heart.~ F. D. Maurice

Daily Gospel & Reflection, Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Jonah 3:1-10, 1st Reading Psalm 51 Luke 11:29-32 Entrance Antiphon: Remember your mercies; Lord, your tenderness from ages past. (Psalm 24) Worship Song: My Life is in you Lord! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0M0NALW7EM Verse before the Gospel: Even now says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful. (Joel 2:12-13) The Demand for a Sign 29While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them, This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.30Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.31At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. 32At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here. Reflection The people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth. ~ Jonah 3:5, 1st Reading The Dallas Morning News carried a photo showing prisoners on a work-release program, restoring an old house on the citys west side. Several days later one of the prisoners wrote a letter to the editor, saying that the last time he had pictures in the paper was taken when he was sentenced. He wriote: It was a real joy to see my picture in your paper doing something good When I entered prison 18 months ago, I was a lot like the house we remodeled But God took charge of my life and has made me a new creation in Christ. To what extent have we let God take charge of our life? What prevents or keeps us from turning our life over to him completely? Reflection Credits: Mark Link, SJ; Daily Homilies Prayer Response Dear Lord, take charge of our lives. We surrender our wills and our lives to you. Reign in us. Action Response Fight evil by doing something good. When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being, the old is gone, the new has come. ~ St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:17

Daily Gospel & Reflection, Friday, March 2, 2012

Ezekiel 18:21-28, 1st Reading Psalm 130 Matthew 5:20-26 Entrance Antiphon: Lord, deliver me from my distress. See my hardship and my poverty, and pardon all my sins. (Psalm 24:17-18) Worship Song: On Eagles Wings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvpjxfWrjzY&feature=related Verse before the Gospel: Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. (Ezekiel 8:31) Teaching About Anger I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 21You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.22But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, You fool, will be liable to fiery Gehenna. 23Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you,24leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.25Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.26Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny. Reflection The Gospel periscope is the first of six Matthean antithesis. The first part of the formula refers to the hearing of Scriptures, especially in the synagogue service, and the interpretation of the Scripture reading on the part of the rabbis. The rabbis may disagree in their opinions, but never is the interpretation of a teacher placed in contrast with the Torah. But when Jesus says, But I say to you, he is opposing the commandment itself, not just interpreting it. He places his I on par with the name of God which is contained in the divine positive formula. It was said meaning, God said (ordered). The word of Jesus brings a new interpretation to the will of God. What was said before is no longer valid; it should be understood in a new way. And the word of Jesus is to be decisive for his disciples. In the first antithesis, Jesus accepts the Mosaic Law but deepens it. While the Law forbids killing, he pursues the evil to its very roots in the human heart, where it begins as anger and hatred. Jesus forbids even entertaining hatred and giving vent to it through abusive and insulting language. Matthew retains the Aramaic word Raqa to preserve its force. It probably means fool, imbecile, blockhead a term of abuse. Indeed, a person can be killed softly when we cut his or her soul through unkind words, silent treatment, or ignoring him or her completely. Reflection Credits: Fr. Gil A. Alinsangan, SSP; Treasures New and Old Prayer Response Dear Lord, open our eyes and our hearts to our sinfulness. Help us acknowledge them. We also want to be reconciled with our friends and close relations. Grant us the grace to do so. We ask this in the name of your Son. Action Response Do you have a problem handling your anger? If you do, you should keep an anger journal. Record the occasions when you lost control of yourself. The journal will help you identify your anger triggers. The most important person I must be honest with is myself. ~ Mark Link, SJ

Daily Gospel & Reflection, Saturday, March 3, 2012

Deuteronomy 26:16-19, 1st Reading Psalm 119 Matthew 5:43-48 Entrance Antiphon: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; his commandments are the wisdom of the simple. (Psalm 18:8) Worship Song: Prayer of St. Francis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9-FlrMTLn8 Verse before the Gospel: Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the time of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2b) Love of Enemies 43You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.44But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 46For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same?48So be perfect,* just as your heavenly Father is perfect. Reflection But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. ~ Jesus in v. 44 I really hate my mother-in-law, and I dont know what to do about it. Shes cruel to me and says bad things about me to my husband and my children. I cant stay away because shes Daves mother and the childrens grandmother and we live in the same town! I just feel bad about it. Kathy was really struggling with the relationship. The painful feelings were building up inside her and it was beginning to play on her mind and keep her awake at night. Her pastor, Thomas, opened up the gospel for today and they prayed together. Then Thomas said a little prayer of blessing for Kathys mother-in-law, which made Kathy think. You know, she said, Maybe my negative feelings have been fueling the fires. Maybe what I should do is pray for her like you did. It couldnt hurt. And it might help. Prayer Response Lord Jesus, you teach me to pray for those who cause me pain, knowing that the goodness I generate with my prayer will overcome the evil caused by my persecutor. You teach me wisely, Lord. Action Response Who is your enemy? Write down his or her name or a piece of paper and put it in your pocket. Try to think kindly of that person throughout the day. Credits: Fr. Paul Boudreau, Between Sundays Always forgive your enemies. Nothing annoys them so much. ~ Oscar Wilde

Daily Gospel & Reflection, Sunday, March 4, 2012

Genesis 22:1-2, 9a-13, 15-18, 1st Reading Psalm 116 Romans 8:31b-34, 2nd Reading Mark 9:2-10 Entrance Antiphon: Remember your mercies, Lord, your tenderness for ages past. Do not let our enemies triumph over us, O God, deliver Israel from all her distress. (Psalm 25:6, 3,22) Worship Song: I Offer My Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0ar5EfvAcU Verse before the Gospel: From the shining cloud the Fathers voice is heasrd: This is my beloved Son, listen to him. (Matthew 17:5) The Transfiguration of Jesus 2After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. 4Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. 5Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. 6He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. 7Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, This is my beloved Son. Listen to him. 8Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. 9As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.10So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant. Reflection This is my beloved Son. Listen to him. ~ God in v. 9 Each of us is required to make Abrahams sacrifice, (First Reading). We all must face the inevitability of letting go our most beloved person, task, accomplishment, joy. Everything dear to us, everything given to us by God is subject to death: its own and ours. The essence of the story is this: Is God good? And will God keep his promises? Abraham is our father in faith because he embodies the final act of faith that all of us must make. We all face the sacrifice. We all stand before the terrible relinquishment of everything we hold most dear. And our very God does the same. This is my beloved Son. Gods only begotten, one of our own kind, will go through our passages even the passage of death. God has made the promise not only to Abraham and to us. God has made the promise to Gods very self. Is it possible that God, who did not spare his only Son but handed him over for the sake of us all, will not grant us all things besides? Reflection Credits: Fr. John F. Kavanaugh, The Word Encountered, excerpts Prayer Response Lord Jesus, Son of God, open our eyes to see your glory. Give us a sure faith in our own transfiguration to which you call us. So that we can follow you more faithfully. Let us also learn to relinquish the things we hold dear. Action Response When our children were kids they relied on us totally and unconditionally. Today, reflect on how you can grow a childlike faith. Take the first steps to grow this faith. Saints are persons who make it easier for others to believe in God. ~ Nathan Soderblum

Daily Gospel & Reflection, Monday, March 5, 2012

Daniel 9:4b-10, 1st Reading Psalm 79 Luke 6:36-38 Entrance Antiphon: Redeem me, Lord, and have mercy on me; my foot is set on the right path, I worship you in the great assembly. (Psalm 25:11-12) Worship Song: Come, Let us Worship and Bow Down http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEK9u51ofZE Verse before the Gospel: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life. (John 6:63c, 68c) Judging Others Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful. 37Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.38Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you. Reflection Stop judging and you will not be judged. ~ Jesus in v.37 A young businessman began dating a charming young actress. The relationship developed to the point that the businessman was pondering marriage. So he hired a detective agency to investigate the actress. He wanted to make absolutely sure that there was nothing in her past that would embarrass him. The agency assigned to the case an agent who was told of the clients identity. When the agent filed his report, it read: The lady is a tremendous young woman, except for one blemish. Recently she has been keeping company with a businessman of questionable reputation. Do we tend to consider ourselves to be better than most other people, when, in fact, the opposite is true? Reflection Credits: Mark Link, SJ; Daily Homilies Prayer Response Dear Lord, we have been absorbed in judging others when we ourselves are no better than them. Give us the grace to be more forgiving and patient of peoples weaknesses. Action Response Make a list of people who have hurt you the most. Pray for healing from those hurts, and then take the first steps to forgive them. How can you say to your brother, Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye, when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brothers eye. ~ Jesus in Luke 6:42

Daily Gospel & Reflection, Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20, 1st Reading Psalm 50 Matthew 23:1-12 Entrance Antiphon: Give light to my eyes Lord, lest I sleep in death, and my enemy [evil] says: I have overcome him. (Psalm 12:4-5) Worship Song: His Strength is Perfect http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC_lld_vUCY Verse before the Gospel: Cut away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. (Ezekiel 18:31) Denunciation of the Scribes & Pharisees 1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2saying, The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4They tie up heavy burdens [hard to carry] and lay them on peoples shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 5All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation Rabbi. 8As for you, do not be called Rabbi. You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.10Do not be called Master; you have but one master, the Messiah.11The greatest among you must be your servant.12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Reflection They tie up heavy burdens [hard to carry] and lay them on peoples shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. ~ Jesus in v. 4 This is a scary gospel for priests. At least it ought to be. Here Jesus is saying that people need to watch out for the guys who like to wear marks of respect in public, claim titles, sit at head tables, and enjoy the chief seats in places of worship and we put them in charge! Dont call them Father, he says. And have you ever noticed that the burdens of Catholicism marriage, divorce, sex, birth control, abortion, being single, being a woman are all things other people carry while priests rarely help with those loads? If you are a priest, this should scare you. Im a priest and it scares me. When this gospel comes up at church, I like to share my fears with the people Im called to serve. They sympathize and ask me how to help me change things, which is what I need because change is the heart of Lent. Prayer Response O Lord, hear my prayer. You call men to serve your people as leaders, preachers, and ministers of your grace. May they always serve humbly, remembering your example of selfless giving. Action Response Do you hold a title? How do you feel when people call you by your title? Try dropping it from your name and see what happens. Credits: Fr. Paul Boudreau, Between Sundays When we try to make an impression, thats the impression we make. ~ Anonymous