20th April, 2008 5th Sunday of Easter, Year A
(P Save a tree. Don't print this e-mail unless it's really necessary)
****(At this point I will ask our collectors to please take up the ordinary first collection for support of the Priests of the Archdiocese. The special Archbishop's appeal will be at the 'preparation of the gifts' time). ****
As this first collection is being taken up I will say a few words about the appeal and the scriptures today…. which are very fitting, especially the first reading. In the "Acts of the apostles," we see that the early Christian community becomes aware of its need to offer practical assistance to people in need…. to help those who are struggling… so they established the ministry of deacons to help the poor and the widows and the orphans… the church has continued to set up organisations and resources so at to meet its practical needs of people – and in this archdiocese one of these 'arms of the local church's ministry of service and assistance' are the Centacare ministries…..
hence, this weekend's "Archbishop's centacare appeal." There are four official archdiocesan appeals in a year, and this is the first of them for a major outreach arm of the archdiocese – Centacare ministries. There are seven Centacare Pastoral Ministries that offer faithful and faith filled services to a wide range of disadvantaged and marginalised people across the Brisbane Archdiocese. Your contributions to the Archbishop's Centacare Appeal enable these ministries to continue meeting the needs of our community. In the most down to earth settings, from hospital wards to prison cells, in Indigenous communities and aboard ships, in Catholic, Private & Independent schools and the courts, growing numbers of people in desperate need, are served by Centacare's Seven Pastoral Ministries. Every year over 150,000 individuals and families are assisted by Centacare. Financial support is provided by several Government agencies but more and more the gap between what is provided from Government sources and what is needed is widening. In following Catholic social teaching, Centacare continues to provide support for individuals or families who need assistance irrespective of social, religious or financial background. Centacare reflects the face of Jesus in today's world. Centacare cares for those people in our community that are suffering the effects of youth homelessness, poverty, depression, family breakdowns, unemployment, drug and alcohol addictions, child abuse, loneliness and many other social evils that are all too common in our world today. No one is refused assistance!
In 2007 the Archbishop's Centacare Appeal raised $441,287 but the constant and increasing demand for the services provided by these seven ministries means that expenditure for the next 12 months is going to be well in excess of this amount.
- there are envelopes in the pews for you to use, donations $2 or more are tax deductible. IF you like, you are invited to take an envelope home and bring it back with you next week if you aren't able to donate this week.
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The second reading and the gospel speak about HOUSES… but these are not houses built in dead stone…. but we are called to be living stones, built up into a spiritual house….. built upon Jesus Christ who is the living stone that the builders rejected. Wonderful images….. elsewhere in the scriptures we are reminded that "in vain does the labourer toil if it is not God that does the building."
We are called to be built up into a Spiritual house… and God gives us very special gifts, spiritual materials in order to become living stones, building up God's house…. Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit who gives life and effectiveness to everything we do….. and this Spirit gives us special gifts to help us to achieve what God is wanting to build in our lives and our world.
In our sacraments, there is a special sign of the giving and descending of the Spirit upon us and that is the sign of the 'laying of hands.' where the priest or bishop holds his hands over the person or object to be blessed and prays that the Spirit may come down upon them to give them the effectiveness to do what they need to do, the become what they are called to be….
Each sacrament of the church has this sign of the 'laying of hands, and the calling down of the spirit, and I do invite the young people to watch for when these signs occur in our prayers…. in confirmation, Bishop Finnigan will place his hands on your head… and pray that the Holy Spirit be poured down upon you, and give you special gifts… spiritual building blocks to help you live as good disciples of Jesus…. traditionally, the church sees that there are seven gifts of the holy spirit, and the young ones preparing for confirmation and first holy communion are learning about them:
the spirit gives the gift of :
wisdom - the gift of being able to see things the way God sees them. To accept my life from God and be able to learn and grow through all that happens to me.
understanding - the gift of being able to capture the meaning of God's message. To listen, to think things through and to be able to put myself in others' shoes
right judgement - the ability to see what to do in a given situation. to be able to choose and act for what is right and good and true.
courage - the ability to be able to keep doing something we know to be right and good even when it is difficult. to accept difficulties and challenges in my life cheerfully and firmly and strongly.
knowledge - the gift of knowing that God is the Father and that Jesus is his son, and knowing about what God teaches us. to willingly learn about and develop my relationship with God and other people.
reverence - a deep respect, gentleness and care shown towards God, God's creation and people.. To have respect and care for myself, all people and all things of our world.
wonder and awe in God's presence. Gift of being able to appreciate and enjoy and be aware of all the amazing beauty that is in our world and the ability to see that God is at work still in our world.. to be deeply impressed and in amazement about all the wonders God has done for me, and for others and for the world and for the things that happen in life, big and small.
May we all be open to the gifts of the Holy spirit, and say 'yes' to God building us up into living stones in God's house of kindness, practical action and love…
****(Distribute sashes to the Young people who are preparing for their Confirmation, First Holy Communion). ****
(Description of the seven gifts of the Spirit, adapted from a couple of different sources).
WEEKDAY REFLECTIONS:
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Fifth Sunday of Easter
The view from here
People say the darnedest things when someone dies. They say, "God took him from us" or "God must've had a reason." But according to our faith, Jesus promised to rescue us from death. When, because of age or illness or injury, our mortal bodies can no longer sustain God's precious gift of life, Jesus promised to "come again" and snatch us from the jaws of death. The Bible says, "In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died" (Wisdom 3:2). God had a reason for giving us life. And Jesus has a reason for saving us from death. Death is not part of God's plan for us. Only life.
Today's readings: Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12
"I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."
Monday, April 21
Easter weekday; Feast of Anselm, bishop, doctor of the church
Faith seeking understanding
Anselm of Canterbury, one of the few to be called a doctor of the church, was influential in rejuvenating the philosophical rigor of Catholic thought in the Middle Ages. Though Anselm's scholastic approach toward Christianity suffered criticism from those who felt he tried to replace faith with reason, the bishop always held that his inquiries into the nature of God sprung from an abiding love and desire for God. Anselm said, "I do not seek to understand in order that I might believe, but seek to understand because I believe." That's what people in love do. They ponder all the rare and unique qualities of their love for the sheer joy of the exercise. Follow Anselm's lead and devote your thoughts to God today.
Today's readings: Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26
"The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send, will teach you everything."
21: ANSELM
On a day the readings speak of manifestations of God and Jesus' dwelling with those who believe in him, the church celebrates Saint Anselm, the medieval archbishop of Canterbury and theologian, who wrote, "Lord, I do not presume to fathom the depths of your truths, for my understanding is not equal to the task. Nevertheless, I desire to learn your truths in some measure—those truths that I believe and love. I do not seek to gain knowledge so that I can believe; rather, I believe so that I may gain knowledge."
Apr. 21 Isn't it lovely?
(285) Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26
LOVE IS THE BEST and only genuine catalyst for faithfulness, whether to another person, a cause, or a set of beliefs. No other motive will see us through for the long haul. In Jesus' final meal with his disciples, he talks at length about love. "Those who love me will keep my word," he says matter-of-factly. Love has a power to inspire a level of faithfulness that coercion or mandates never could. We comply and fulfill what is asked of us by the Lord not because we are forced to but because we want to, with all our hearts. Such is the power of love and why it is at the center of the two greatest commandments, to love our God and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Tuesday, April 22
Easter weekday
Look for the open door
Saint Paul had reason to suspect his attempt to bring Christ's good news to the Greeks was ill-fated. Even after making a cripple walk again and astounding the crowds, the Jews stoned Paul and left him for dead. All we are told at that point is that he simply stood on his feet and proceeded into the city of Derbe to continue preaching. Perplexingly, when Paul and Barnabas then return to the church in Antioch, they celebrate the door of faith now open to the Gentiles. That is a peculiar "open door" indeed that leaves one stoned and left for dead! But when failure appeared nearest at hand, Paul found opportunity. Today, find in each of your failures and misfortunes an opportunity for God's grace to fill in.
Today's readings: Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a
"Paul and Barnabas called the church together and related how God had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles."
Apr. 22 A new policy
(286) Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a
WE TAKE OUT insurance policies on everything from cars to homes to our livelihoods because everything in this world is at risk. Anything we possess can be stolen. Anything we buy can be repossessed. Anything given to us can be lost. So it goes with the treasures of this world but not with the gifts of God. "I do not give as the world gives," Jesus promises, assuring us that the peace he gives will not be stolen, lost, or repossessed. When it comes to interior peace, Jesus' Word is all the assurance—or insurance—we need.
Wednesday, April 23
Feast of George, martyr
The original dragon-slayer
Old maps would indicate the end of the known world with the phrase, "There be dragons here." It was a way of saying, "It's probably not a good idea to go there." In a legend of Saint George, he did not shy away from doing battle with a dragon. In the only story of a canonized saint fighting such a creature, he not only killed this menacing animal an army could not slay but also saved a princess, preached to the grateful people, distributed his reward money to the poor, and went on his way. Not a bad day's work.
What dragons of the unknown—of ignorance and the fear that accompanies it—can you slay? What good word or gift can you pass along as you go your way?
Today's readings: Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8
"Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing."
23: GEORGE; ADALBERT
Saint Adalbert became bishop of Prague in 983 while not yet 30 years old. He met opposition from the Prague nobility, went into exile, and eventually became a missionary in Poland, Hungary, Russia, and Prussia, where he was martyred. "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."
While much of the story of the fourth-century Saint George is from legend, he did exist, and the Greek church venerates him as the greatest of martyrs.
Apr. 23 Branch out
(287) Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8
THERE IS NO WAY around it: Spiritual growth is often painful. It involves a process of letting go, particularly of those aspects of our life and personality that hold us back—the attitudes, behaviors, and habits that are less than wholesome. These are the "branches" that bear no fruit and must be pruned away in order for us to grow and flourish and bear good fruit. Though the process is painful, we have a gardener we can trust. And if we are attentive to the words and ways of Jesus, maybe some of our less-than-healthy branches will fall off of their own accord.
Thursday, April 24
Feast of Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest, martyr
A bono idea
Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622) was martyred during a time of great strife between Calvinists and Catholics in Switzerland. Fidelis had a special love of the poor, often giving away his warm clothing in winter. He studied law and was known as "advocate for the poor" because he took on the cases of people who had no one else to represent them. The "pro bono" tradition of free legal aid continues to this day. Legal aid societies in many communities help needy clients find lawyers who will represent them without charge. Consider supporting such a worthy cause in your community, in the name of Fidelis. Visit www.findlegalhelp.org, a website of the American Bar Association, for more information.
Today's readings: Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11
"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love."
24: FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN
Turning from being a tutor of nobility and a law career, in which he gained a reputation as an advocate of the poor, Saint Fidelis joined his brother in the Capuchin Franciscan community. He preached in Switzerland against the Zwinglian reformers and was martyred for his efforts in 1622.Apr. 24 A room with a view
(288) Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11
ABIDE" IS A LOVELY VERB, filled with warmth, comfort, trust. It is the perfect word to describe the kind of love Jesus shared with his disciples, and it perfectly describes God's constant, loving presence in each of our lives. Abiding in God's love is like having a warm and secure dwelling place prepared for us wherever we go in this world. God's love is a shelter from every storm, and there is room at every inn, no matter where our life journey takes us. A room has already been prepared for each of us, the door stands open—we simply need to enter.
Friday, April 25 (Australians and New zealanders remember the ultimate sacrifice of our servicemen and women on this anzac day).
No Greater love has a person than to lay down their life for a friend.
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Saturday, April 26
No worries
Worry: It's one of the hallmarks of the human condition. We worry about money and our jobs and whether our children will grow up to be happy, faith-filled adults. Or maybe we're anxious about a war, or the economy, or what's happening in the developing world. We know worry never helped a thing. It has never changed the course of events or averted a disaster or benefited our children. Why do we bother? "Habit" is one answer. "If we don't, who will?" is another.
We have to admit that there really are no good reasons to worry. Today, let's consider Peter's suggestion to "Cast all your worries upon [God] because he cares for you." Hmm. What would our day be like if we did just that?
Today's readings: 1 Peter 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20
"Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you."
Apr. 25 Be creative
(555) 1 Pet. 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20
PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS to the whole creation," we hear in today's gospel. In a literal sense, our call to witness to the good news extends beyond the human community to all of creation. In practical terms, we might ask how we are supposed to proclaim the gospel to other creatures. We can begin by ensuring that they have the means and the habitat they need in order to survive and thrive. As species disappear at an alarming rate and global warming threatens the very future of life on the planet, being good stewards of creation is indeed a gospel value.
Popularity can be fatal
While it's nice to hear that this country is a Christian country, for Jesus' face to be on the cover of Time or Newsweek occasionally, for a film about his passion to be a hit—all of these things are ultimately superficial. For a while the crowds pursued Jesus like we pursue rock stars today, but religious and political intrigue and jealousy turned that same popularity against him. Jesus says the world will hate us, too, if we are clearly his disciples who take the part of the excluded, challenging power, speaking out against violence, and standing with those who have no one to speak for them. Feeling a little too much love? Maybe I'm headed in the wrong direction.
Today's readings: Acts 16:1-10; John 15:18-21
"If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you."
Apr. 26 Enthusiastic support
(290) Acts 16:1-10; John 15:18-21
WHAT DOES IT MEAN for the world to "hate" you? Does it mean you can expect a streak of really bad luck or perhaps public flogging and humiliation? More likely Jesus is referring to the vague sensation most of us feel of not quite belonging, fitting in, feeling at home. We turn on the evening news or pick up the daily paper and the world seems mostly to be filled with violence, betrayal, greed. Of course there is more, but it can make us a bit world-weary. Fortunately, we have another source to turn to, one who brings hope, energy, and enthusiasm—the last word literally meaning "in God." Whenever the affairs of the world leave you weary, turn to the Source for regeneration.
©2008 by TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. Phone: 800-942-2811; e-mail: mail@takefiveforfaith.com; website: www.TakeFiveForFaith.com. Licensed for noncommercial use. All rights reserved. Scripture quotes come from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.
Contributors: Father Paul Boudreau, Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, Ann O'Connor, Sean Reynolds, Joel Schorn, and Patrice J. Tuohy
