Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
This Sunday’s Gospel reading shows us an example of one of the core elements of St. Ann Parish – bringing people to Jesus. John the Baptist saw the Lord coming and pointed Him out. Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to the Lord. So too, as Christians we are all called to be missionaries to the world – to help people come into a life-saving and life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Yet, all of this has to start with ourselves and our personal encounter with the Lord. At every single Mass, we behold the Lamb of God who was slain for our salvation. We receive His very Body and Blood as our spiritual food and drink. We are changed and commissioned to “Go forth” at the end of every Mass in order to bring what we have received to the world.
As we at St. Ann embark on the Transcend campaign to transform our space of worship, we do so with the hope that it will also transform our hearts – that an environment of elevated beauty will fix our eyes more closely on the Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus Christ who we share with the world.
What is one way Jesus is calling me to bring someone to Him this week?
How is God calling me and my family to support the Transcend campaign, either financially or through prayer?
The Epiphany of our Lord
He stretched out his hands for our gifts. He wanted the pure gold of a heart detached from all earthly goods; the myrrh of a renunciation of all the happiness of this world in exchange for participation in the life and suffering of Jesus; the frankincense of a will that surrenders itself and strains upward to lose itself in the divine will. In return for these gifts, the divine Child gave us himself. ~ St. Edith Stein
The Solemnity of the Epiphany (deriving from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning “intense manifestation or appearance”) emphasizes the mystery of Christmas revealed in the Nativity Scene. God the Father chose to manifest Himself through a weak, frail infant, born in a dark and insignificant cave. Yet, from this dark cave arose an intense, divine light that attracted a peculiar group of people: the poor, Jewish shepherds and the royal, and wise Magi, who were likely non-Jews.
The Gospel declares God's plan for salvation for all by mentioning the "magi from the east," illustrating that Jesus redeems and reveals Himself to both the Jews (shepherds) and the Gentiles (the Magi). Matthew’s Gospel references Isaiah 60 and Psalm 72 and their inclusion of gifts from Sheba and Arabia being brought to the future King and Messiah. He alludes to the Old Testament prophecies and simultaneously points to the time after the Resurrection in Matthew 28:19 when he tells His disciples to go and “make disciples of all nations.” In the infant Jesus, we see that God desires all people to be with Him, and He desires for us to share Him with all people.
St. Edith Stein tells us that “the kings at the manger represent seekers from all lands and peoples.” What the three kings brought to the One True King was more than just gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They brought their old way of life to trade it in for a new life. Hence, they returned home “by another way” (Mt 2:12). We, too, are called to seek Jesus by His divine light—the good, the true, and the beautiful—just like the Magi. Only once we surrender and allow ourselves to be radically transformed by the intense love of God can we then go out to make disciples of all nations.
How can I share the Gospel with those I encounter in 2024?
What fears do I have that are keeping me from trading my old life for a new life?
What are some of my gifts and talents that I can bring to the Lord to glorify Him?
Feast of the Holy Family
This last Sunday of the calendar year we celebrate the Holy Family: Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.
It might be hard to relate to the sinless Mary and Jesus and the virtuous Joseph. But they are our models of courageous faith lived quietly in a culture that was antagonistic to their faith. And they reveal that our God came to save us not through appearing in human history like an extravagant and self-sufficient superhero, but through a humble human family.
Family is a crucial theme in the majority of the best movies and stories that we love. This is no accident! We have been made in the image and likeness of God who is 3 persons but also one—in his image and likeness we have been made and this is shown powerfully in the home: many persons, but one family. Within our bodies and in the image of the family is this call to Communion.
While Mary and Joseph were by no means rich (their offering of turtledoves was an allowance of poorer Temple gifts), they were wealthy in love, tenderness for one another, and faith in the God who would provide for them.
“If you want peace in the world,” Mother Teressa said, “go home and love your family.”
Can it really be that simple? Indeed, God does not demand extravagant signs and works from us. He acts in the normalcy of life and asks for us to do little things with great love. St. John Paul II asserted that as the family goes, so goes the world.
To love our families well is to live out God’s call to holiness in the ordinariness of our lives. Through each sick child cared for late at night, each dirty diaper, or tough conversation with a spouse or parent, we are putting into action the call to love and honor one another.
How can we strive for holiness in our family this new year?
How can I put my love for my family into a small action today?
How can I ask the Holy Family for their intercession for my life and struggles?
4th Sunday of Advent/Christmas
Into the messiness and discomfort of a stable in Bethlehem, the Lord Jesus is born today. So too, into the messiness and darkness of our lives, Jesus comes today. He is not turned away by our weakness and sinfulness. No, that is precisely where He runs to. All of us have walked in darkness in our lives, whether that is because of sin, addiction, family difficulties, or any number of things.
Today the good news is proclaimed to us: we “have seen a great light.” St. Paul tells us that “the grace of God has appeared, saving all.” Today Christ has come, not as a mighty warrior with an army of angels to do battle, but as a weak and humble child. And not just that, He comes to us in the weak and humble appearance of bread in the Eucharist, to save us and heal our hearts. Do not let your darkness prevent you from welcoming Christ. Rather, let us receive Him and rejoice in the good news: “a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.”
How will you welcome Christ into your darkness this Christmas?
What is holding you back from receiving Him and His mercy?
Who is one person with whom the Lord is calling you to share the life-saving good news of Jesus Christ’s coming?
3rd Sunday of Advent
In our everyday lives, it’s easy to think that what Isaiah challenges the Israelites to do isn’t for us. How often do we “bring glad tidings to the poor,” “heal the brokenhearted,” “proclaim liberty to the captives,” or bring “release to the prisoners?” These seem like daunting tasks that don’t seem to fit with the daily demands of taking classes, getting through the workday, raising a family, or making sure dinner gets on the table. Yet God still can find a way to use all of the moments of our life to draw us closer to Him.
St. Teresa of Calcutta famously wrote “Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, and the lonely, right where you are — in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and in your schools.” How often do we see Jesus in the people in the grocery checkout, the kid in class no one talks to, the person panhandling on your daily commute, or the person sitting in front of us at Mass? As members of the Church, we are the bride of Christ, with gifts of the Holy Spirit, God-given talents, and a faith we are meant to practice each and every day. It’s even built into our church — as we leave the Narthex, we walk through the prophets as we go out and proclaim the goodness of God.
Maybe it feels overwhelming to think about what it means to be Christ’s hands and feet here on earth. Breathe. It is God Himself that will make us holy. He is faithful and generous even in our own weaknesses and shortcomings, and that gives us a reason to rejoice. Stay awake. Stay present. Don’t miss Him in the mundane. He is always working, always seeking our hearts. And Holy is His Name.
Who is one person you can be Christ to this week?
How is God drawing close to you this Advent? Have you seen Him working in your daily life?
Take some time this week to intentionally pause and pray a Hail Mary or Our Father this week as you do a routine chore or task to remember to keep God in each moment of your day.
2nd Sunday of Advent
On this Second Sunday of Advent, let's glean wisdom from John the Baptist's life and teachings. Drawing inspiration from John's simple life in the wilderness, let's eliminate distractions, embrace humility, and deepen our trust in God to “Prepare the way for the Lord.” Here are a few lessons we can learn from him:
Faithful Pursuit of Repentance:
John the Baptist's unwavering commitment, epitomized through baptism for repentance, serves as a practical model for our journey of faithfulness in preparing for Christ's second coming. Drawing from John's dedication involves acknowledging shortcomings, seeking forgiveness, and turning from aspects distancing us from God. Our faithfulness mirrors John's, shaping a repentant life aligned with the imminent return of the Messiah.
Simplicity of Life in the Wilderness:
Embracing John's austere wilderness lifestyle, we're urged to cultivate humility and focus on essential values. His simple life guides us to eliminate distractions hindering spiritual growth, positioning us to be receptive to the transformative Gospel message as we await the second coming of Christ.
Bold Proclamation of the Gospel:
John's ministry propels us to boldly articulate our faith in word and deed. Like John, we're called to proclaim the Gospel, echoing his cry to "Prepare the way for the Lord." Preparation for the second coming involves personal transformation and courageous proclamation, reflecting John's resounding call to repentance.
This Advent Sunday, let the missionary spirit of John the Baptist reignite our zeal to proclaim the Gospel as we eagerly anticipate the Second Coming of Christ.
St. John the Baptist, Pray for Us!
If you haven’t been to confession in a while, we will have an Advent Reconciliation Service on December 19th at 7PM. Come and receive the grace of reconciliation!
Who is that someone who proclaimed Jesus to you and have you thanked them?
Considering John the Baptist's fearless approach, how can we boldly share our faith in simple actions and words this holiday season?
1st Sunday of Advent
We have all most likely experienced the panic of our parents or spouse coming home, only to suddenly realize that the chores we were asked to do have not yet been completed. In a mad dash, we run around the house trying to get it all done before they arrive so that we can present ourselves as tidy, and not disappoint our loved ones. It is easy to then project this human experience on the Lord, especially after Jesus tells His disciples in today’s Gospel “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33). Yet what if God has more for us this Advent than a hurried or fearful preparation of His coming?
Jesus already knows the ways that “all of us have become like unclean people,” and He already knows where our hearts have strayed from His love (Isaiah 64:6). And yet He is not surprised or repulsed by our brokenness, for our Creator is more aware of our own mess than we are. Therefore, we have nothing to fear as we begin to prepare our hearts for His coming. In fact, it is the very joy of the Gospel that the King of the Universe chose to enter into humanity by being born into a simple manger. Similarly, the Lord desires to dwell in the messiness and brokenness of our own lives and hearts.
This Advent, we are free to wait and prepare - not in fear - but in joyful anticipation of Jesus’ coming. We can prepare to receive Him, knowing that it is never too late for the Lord to transform the ordinary. There is no heart, no family, no community too broken for Him to enter into, we only need to give Him permission to do so.
When you read the verse - “Be watchful! Be alert!” - do you feel a hurried fear or joyful preparation?
Which area of your mess does Jesus want you to invite Him into this Advent? (Difficult relationships, insecurities, addictions, temptations, etc.)
How can we make space for the Lord to mold us as His clay this Advent? (Time in silence, reading scripture, decreasing the noise in our lives, etc.)
34th Sunday of Ordinary Time
This last Sunday of the Church’s calendar year (before we begin anew with the Advent season) ends with Jesus celebrated as “Christ the King,” a King who rules over the Cosmos and a King who even death could not contain. And our King is always beckoning us to greater intimacy with his kingly heart, a heart that beats for the poor and downtrodden.
It’s so tempting to think that being “a basically nice person” is all God wants from us in order to be with him in Heaven. But Jesus sets the bar quite high, asserting that, “what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me. And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
It’s important to not only believe the right doctrines and dogmas of the faith and then keep to ourselves—we’re called to put our love into action, serving one another and bearing another’s burdens. As our King has been generous to others, he desires our generosity.
There are local and global peoples we can help, in however small of a way. We can’t fall into the paralysis of thinking we have to solve all the issues of the world. That’s up to God. Our job is to do our small part for the stranger, the hungry, the sick, the lonely, and the imprisoned. Our King shows us great mercy and we must pay that mercy forward.
Jesus never asks us to do anything he didn’t undertake himself. He was a King made low and met us in our sin. What’s more, his commands are not orders directed from a tyrannical power on high compelling us to live in servile fear—He calls us as a good King who wants us to imitate his example, to love one another as as he has first loved us (John 13:34).
These are the marching orders of our King. Will we obey them?
What ministry of the parish could I support? (Project Calcutta, Magi Ministry, etc)
How might the Lord be calling me to “think outside the box” to serve those in our local community?
Is Christ the King the center of my life? Do I struggle to trust him and his goodness?
33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
How often have we, in our fears and insecurities, held back from sharing our gifts, expressing love, and embodying virtue? Moments arise when we choose silence over truth to preserve peace or doubt our potential as instruments of God's love and mercy. Spe Salvi resounds, reminding us that we were created for greatness—for God Himself. Though our hearts may seem too small for such destined greatness, they must be stretched.
Throughout the readings, we find echoes of this call to greatness. Proverbs 31 illustrates the transformative power of small, daily acts through the portrayal of a woman of valor. Matthew 25 reinforces the message of faithful stewardship in small things, aligning with the need for our hearts to stretch. As children of the light, we are beckoned to transcend worldly peace and security, recognizing God's desire to work through us (1 Thes 5).
The call to greatness challenges us to move beyond our doubts. The dullness of our hearts can hinder us from living a life of light, transforming societal standards of apathy and the status quo. Embracing this call means allowing God to use our material and spiritual littleness for great things. As we await the unexpected day of the Lord, let us be children of the light, confidently stretching our hearts in even the smallest matters, for it is in these acts that we may find the potential to transform our broken world.
In what ways have your fears and insecurities hindered you from fully expressing your God-given gifts?
How do the readings align with the idea of faithful stewardship in small things and the stretching of our hearts?
How can your small acts of kindness make a positive impact in the world and show love in everyday situations?
32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
In the same way our physical bodies crave water, our souls long for God. Perhaps we don’t even realize it because it is so easy to district ourselves with anything and everything else. But what if it is God that we seek when we spend hours while scrolling on social media, shopping for things we may not even need, or experiencing loneliness or lack of connection like a physical ache? What do we do to satisfy that longing? Maybe we reach for food, technology, entertainment, or relationships that aren’t healthy to temporarily satisfy our desire, but that desire will always come back. Maybe it is because our souls were not made for this world.
St. Augustine famously noted in his Confessions that “you have made us and drawn us to yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” In this our minds, hearts, and souls can feel that same cry of the Psalmist, crying out in thirst for the goodness of God. What can we do to respond to this innate desire for God?
The Gospel suggests that we keep our eyes focused and wakeful on the promise of Heaven. We may not know the day nor the hour, but we know the Bridegroom is coming because just as our souls long for God, He longs for us in return. We can look to Scripture to see all that the Lord has done and let that promise reassure our restless hearts that what God has done, He will do again and again. We may need to take a break from the noise of our hectic schedules, bright screens, and even our own expectations to sit with the Lord in silence and let Him fill our hearts instead with the very thing we were created for—Himself.
What is one practical way you can spend intentional time with the Lord this week?
Is there a habit you and your family can start building to keep God at the center of your daily life?
What is your heart longing for in your current season?
31st Sunday of Ordinary Time
C.S Lewis reminds us that humility isn't about making ourselves small, but about putting others first.
True humility mirrors the love and compassion that Jesus exemplified. It's about being patient, showing kindness, not seeking attention, and being humble. This reflection echoes the sentiment of Mother Teresa, who once said, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." It reminds us that acts of love and humility need not be grand; they can be found in the smallest, most selfless deeds.
Humility encourages us to see the strengths in people before their flaws, to see the goodness in all we meet, and to avoid blaming others for our difficulties. It reminds us that even in tough times, God's goodness is present.
Practicing humility in our daily lives involves practical steps. Try including the "Litany of Humility" in your daily prayers. It helps shift your focus away from your own desires and towards the needs of others. Also, take time for self-reflection to recognize moments where pride may have influenced your actions. This reflection helps you identify areas where you can grow.
Remember that humility isn't about thinking less of yourself, but about thinking of yourself less. By practicing humility with a loving and selfless heart, you not only draw nearer to God's presence but also follow the teachings of Jesus, who urged us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time
We often face a temptation to overcomplicate the spiritual life. We worry about if what we do is pleasing to God and create stress for ourselves worrying about how well we are following His will. This Sunday’s Gospel teaches us that following Christ is actually pretty simple. In the midst of the many commandments, teachings, and precepts of the Church, Jesus teaches that it all boils down to two things: Love God and love your neighbor. St. Augustine once said, “Love God and do what you will.” In other words, if you are truly loving God with all your heart, you don’t have to stress over the specifics.
Though it’s simple, following Christ is not always easy. But praise be to God, we don’t have to rely on our own strength. The responsorial psalm prays, “I love you, O LORD, my strength.” God is the one who pours everything into us so we can in turn pour it back out to Him and to one another. As we do so, we manifest God’s love to the world through our love for our neighbor.
Am I generous in my love for God and my neighbor or do I hold parts of myself back?
What is one concrete act of love I can make for God this week?
What is one concrete act of love I can make for my neighbor this week?
29th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Jesus tells the Pharisees to give Caesar what is his - what bears his image. What bears God's image is something of infinitely more value - us.
How are we giving the king what is his? The Church gives us precepts and commandments to give us guidance on how to love God as He deserves. Among these precepts, there are four characteristics which also define us as members of St. Ann’s: worship, service, giving, and community.
Our whole life should be oriented toward the Lord in a spirit of worship – acknowledging that He is God and we are not. We “give the LORD glory and honor” by our participation in the Mass, by spending quiet time with Him in prayer, by singing His praises, and through the witness of our lives.
As we worship we are called to imitate our Lord who came not to be served but to serve. We are called to go out and be light for the world by setting aside our own desires in order to bring Christ to the world.
The most practical form of service is giving. We have received all we have from the Lord as a free gift, and are called to use our gifts for the good of others, whether that gift is to an individual, a charitable organization, or to the church.
In all things we remember that we cannot do it alone. We are created to be in community with one another and with God. We worship, serve, and give in the context of a community – the Body of Christ, whose image we bear.
Do I worship the Lord in Mass and prayer with all my heart or do I just go through the motions?
Do I imitate Christ and serve others or am I overfocused on my own comfort?
Do I give freely from the time, talents, and treasure I have been blessed with?
Do I acknowledge I need the help of others and invest in the community around me?
28th Sunday of Ordinary Time
For a long time, the world has misconstrued freedom as the right to choose. However, this world — which advocates for the liberty to do as we please—is witnessing a continuous rise in depression, anxiety, and suicide rates. So, why has it become so easy to celebrate creation while neglecting the source and Creator?
The Lord invites us to partake in the grand wedding feast awaiting us in heaven. He desires to remove "the veil that veils all peoples," the barrier preventing us from surrendering our hearts to Him; the barrier that enslaves us and hinders our freedom. As Saint Paul points out, we understand what it means to go hungry and yearn for more than the worldly things that fail to satisfy us. Yet, the God of abundance invites us to dwell in an abundant feast and fulfill our need for Him.
Furthermore, the Gospel encourages us not only to surrender ourselves but also to extend invitations to others for the abundant wedding feast. We are called to recognize those consumed by the despair of sin and invite them to a "feast of rich food and choice wines," a celebration of freedom where we allow ourselves to be loved by the Bridegroom.
In summary, the world has often misunderstood freedom as mere choice, yet it has led to rising levels of depression, anxiety, and suicide. The Lord invites us to a heavenly feast, aiming to remove the barriers that keep us from Him. Let us take this invitation to heart, not only for ourselves but also by reaching out to those in need, and together, embrace the true freedom found in God's love.
What does preparing for the marriage banquet mean to you?
Will you remove your garments of sorrow (worldly pursuits) and don the garments of joy and salvation (surrender to the Bridegroom)?
What do you need to surrender to the One who desires to set you free?
27th Sunday of Ordinary Time
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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
ISAIAH 5:1-7 | PS 80 | PHIL 4:6-9 | MATTHEW 21:33-43
"HAVE NO ANXIETY AT ALL, BUT IN EVERYTHING, BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, MAKE YOUR REQUESTS KNOWN TO GOD. THEN THE PEACE OF GOD THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS. FINALLY, BROTHERS, WHATEVER IS TRUE, WHATEVER IS HONORABLE, WHATEVER IS JUST, WHATEVER IS PURE, WHATEVER IS LOVELY, WHATEVER IS GRACIOUS, IF THERE IS ANY EXCELLENCE, AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING WORTHY OF PRAISE, THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS."
PHILLIPPIANS 4:6 -8
In today's world, anxiety is everywhere. People are feeling overwhelmed more than ever and, so what are we, as followers of Christ, called to do about this pervasive anxiety that engulfs our society?
As followers of Christ, we are called to respond to the pervasive anxiety engulfing our society with deliberate mindfulness in our consumption habits. Philippians 4:6-9 guides us to seek solace in what is good, true, and beautiful, emphasizing the profound impact that our choices in media and content have on our mental well-being.
Our faith teaches us that ultimate fulfillment comes from being faithful to God, recognizing Him as the source of our purpose and contentment. By choosing to anchor our lives in Christ, making Him the cornerstone of our existence, we discover a deep-seated peace that prevails even amidst the chaos of the world. This peace, described as surpassing all understanding, emerges when we surrender our anxieties to God, allowing His presence to work within us. Thus, our response to the pervasive anxiety is to actively nurture our faith, commit to daily faithfulness to God, and trust that as we do so, the "God of peace will be with us." In this way, we become beacons of tranquility in a world yearning for the peace only found in Christ.
Reflection:
What Media Choices Influence Your Mental Well-being?
In What Areas of Life Can You Surrender to God?
How Can You Strengthen Your Faithfulness to God?
26th Sunday of Ordinary Time
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26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
EZEKIAL 18:25-28 | PS 25 | PHIL 2:1-11 | MATT 21:28-32
"IS MY WAY UNFAIR? IS IT NOT YOUR WAYS THAT ARE UNFAIR?"
EZEKIAL 18:25
How many times do we change our plans in a day?
You are not alone - in fact, this is pretty common.
Whether intentional or not, our days do not always end up the way we planned for them to go. It is easy to blame our situation for these changes. While changing plans for practical reasons like taking care of a sick child or using up food about to spoil is fine, we may make less favorable choices like skipping mass for extra sleep or gossiping instead of dedicating time to prayer.
We are all guilty of making these kinds of swaps in our day - much like the son in the Gospel whom the Father tells to "go out and work in the vineyard", who replies, "Yes, sir, 'but did not go" (Matthew
21:28-30). God calls every one of us throughout our daily life to "go and do my will" as well - this does not always mean He is calling us to go and minister in the streets - perhaps it is simply a call to love our neighbor or be more consistent in our relationship with Him through prayer. Either way, what matters most is how we respond to this call.
No matter where you are today, whether you have said yes or said no in the past, the Lord desires your yes. He wants to see you make choices that help you become more like Him. Re-committing to following Christ each day, we ask that He gives us the strength to follow through on our choices that bring us closer to Him and say goodbye to those creating distance.
Reflection:
How often do you find yourself changing your plans? What are some common reasons you change your plans?
• In what ways do you feel your daily choices impact your relationship with God?
Have you ever made a choice that created distance between you and God? How did you work to repair that relationship?
Have you ever felt like God was calling you to do something specific? If so, what was it?
How did you respond?How can you be a witness to others through your choices and actions?
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
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25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
ISAIAH 55:6 - 9 | PS 145 | PHIL 1:20-24,27 | MATT 20:1 - 16
"ABE YOU ENVIOUS BECAUSE I AM GENEROUS?" MATTHEW 20:15
There is beauty in knowing "the LORD is just in all his ways... holy in all his works [and] is near to all who call upon him in truth," as Psalm 145:17-18 reminds us. It is easy to forget that God "made all things good" (1 Timothy 4:4-5); you, as a son or daughter of God, are made in the "image and likeness" of the Holy Trinity (Genesis 1:26-28). Your identity is rooted in love; why do you look at your neighbor through the lens of comparison and judgment?
Instead of dwelling on what we lack, let us celebrate the beauty and marvels present in our fellow believers in Christ, appreciating the unique gift that each one brings. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, St. Paul reminds us that we are many parts but one body in Christ. Take some time to meditate on that passage, looking at the second reading, where St. Paul encourages us to live for the good of others. To live like Christ is our call; sometimes, that might mean suffering, whether in physical illness or through our desire to prioritize unrealistic societal standards.
In those moments of comparison or envy, look to the words of Jesus in the Gospel, "Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go." (Matthew 20:13). You were given particular gifts by the Holy Spirit that can make your unique mission possible: go and do what God created you to do - allow God to transform your broken desires into the freedom of conscience, knowing your worth through the sacrifice of Christ. That is how you will cast out thoughts of pity and negativity, which keep you from being light - to the world - for others to know the Lord.
Do what God asks of you - He will take care of the rest.
Reflection:
Pray with the Litany of Humility and renounce the fears of pride you struggle with. Scan the QR code to pray the Litany of Humility:
Share with someone how their God-given gift has helped you be more Christ-like!
What is a constructive way to counteract those moments of pride and envy? Are you aware of any triggers? Invite the Holy Spirit to show you who He created you to be for His kingdom.
24rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
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24nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
SIRACH 27:30-28:7 | PS 103 | ROMANS 14:7-9 | MATT 18:21-35
Healing takes time, especially wounds of the heart.
Misunderstood, offended, or even betrayed - we all have experienced this by people we trust or even love. This week, take those to the feet of Jesus in prayer.
Forgiveness is not an easy or rapid process. Jesus says in today's Gospel that you must forgive "not seven times but seventy-seven times." Taking time to reflect on a past relationship that caused hurt allows the possibility of forgiveness for an interaction or two, but the more we take time, the more things might come up. Hold space for each hurt, take it to our Lord, and choose to forgive that person for that instance.
Jesus is our Prince of Peace, but our peace comes with a price. Jesus paid it for us with His body and blood on the cross, but it demands our response to lay down our pride and choose forgiveness, not just for the other person's good, but for our own.
Forgiveness is the path to healing the wounds of our hearts - saying no to drinking the poison of bitterness, resentment, and regret - but it doesn't always mean the restoration of a relationship either: you can entrust that person to the Lord and pray for their holiness and goodness as well as your own.
If you struggle to forgive, seek healing by talking to someone you trust, taking that struggle to confession, praying a novena to Mary Under of Knots, seeking counseling, or even doing something that brings you joy. God extends His abundant mercy to each of us, and while we are not perfect, we are called higher. Give Him the hurt you have been carrying in your heart. He desires not only your wellness; He desires for you to live "life to the fullest" (John 10:10).
Reflection:
Is there someone in your life who has hurt you?
How might the Lord be calling you to forgive them? What are some practical steps you take to forgive someone who has hurt you? Take time this week to pray for that person.How do you feel about this statement:
"Forgiveness doesn't always mean the restoration of a relationship"? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to forgive someone without continuing with the relationship?What do you think are some of the biggest barriers to promoting forgiveness in our relationships and communities? How can we work to overcome these barriers?
22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jeremiah 20:7-9 | Psalm 63 | Romans 12:1-2 | Matthew 16:21-27
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”Matthew 16:24-25
Quickly pulling Jesus aside, after a glimpse of the plan for humanity’s salvation, Peter responds the way many of us might in the same situation, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you” (Mt 16:22). The scathing reply of Jesus - “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Mt 16:23) - on the surface, seems harsh - that Jesus would liken Peter to Satan - especially when a few verses prior, He appointed Peter as the rock on which his earthly church will rest!
Following and fulfilling the specific purpose of God was and is the unwavering intent of Christ, a pursuit that was the redemption of people of every age. Reacting hastily, Peter does not allow his eyes time to adjust to the grand vision of God - Whose vision involved Peter as well. The purpose of Jesus was to save us; like Peter, we often need to be reminded to get out of our way so Christ can do what He came to do and not stumble under the perceived difficulty that faith demands nor adopt the thoughts of the world, but rather, "be transformed by the renewal of your mind," so that we are able to "discern what is the will of God.” (Romans 12:2).
In truth, there is not a single person whom God has created without a specific purpose; our honor and duty is to participate in the purpose He has for us. The Christian life looks foolish to the world; it can be difficult to stay faithful to the small, humble, and obedient way that Jesus asks us to follow - an existence that involves ongoing denial even as we hope and await the coming reward that Jesus says God is sure to grant all those who willingly deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him.
Jesus tells his disciples that he will suffer and die. How do you respond to the idea of suffering for your faith? In what ways might we also be thinking “not as God does”, but “as human beings”?
What do you think is the specific purpose that God has for you? How can we help others to find their purpose in life?
What are some ways in which the Christian life may look foolish to the world? What are some perceived difficulties that faith demands and how can we overcome them? How do you stay motivated to continue following Jesus even when it is difficult? How do you approach times of doubt or uncertainty in your faith?
21st Sunday of Ordinary Time
SABBATH GUIDE
21st Sunday of Ordinary Time – August 27, 2023
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082723.cfm
Isaiah 22:19-23 | Psalm 138 | Romans 11:33-36 | Matthew 16:13-20
I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:18-19
God gave King David the ultimate authority to rule over His people, the Israelites. However, as any good king, David was busy protecting his kingdom, referred to as the House of David. He needed a Master of the Palace, or steward, to watch over the people in his absence. This person was to be the king’s right hand - with authority given to represent the king in all matters, including caring for the Israelites, regulating rules as necessary, and maintaining the kingdom in good standing. This position always was supposed to be filled - someone would always take the place of the previous steward to ensure the protection of the house of David. Encountering turmoil, David's house and the people of God were, unfortunately, left with a broken kingdom.
In the Gospel today, we read about Jesus restoring the eternal kingdom and opening its doors to God’s children, even the ones previously not welcomed at the House of David (Luke 2:31-32). But as we know, Jesus would eventually ascend into heaven and needed a steward to look after His people - the Church - on earth.
St. Peter declares Jesus as the one to anoint the world (Matthew 16:16). Through this profession of faith, Jesus institutes the ministry of the steward to the everlasting church of Christ by naming him the rock to build that church.
Echoes of Isaiah in Jesus' Words to Peter:
Matthew 16:15-16: Jesus calls Peter the rock on which He'll construct His church, referencing Isaiah 28:16's promise that God would establish a foundation in Zion.
Matthew 16:17-19: Jesus gives Peter the power to bind and loose on earth and in heaven, alluding to Isaiah 22:22's prophecy that God would grant authority to a steward.
Matthew 16:20: Jesus instructs Peter to keep His identity hidden, invoking the prediction in Isaiah 53:7 that the Messiah's true identity would remain undisclosed.
Time with Jesus: Peter was given the keys to the kingdom after announcing Jesus as Christ. What has God called you to be or do after your profession of faith moment?
Trivia time: What does the word Pope mean? How many Popes can you name?