Wednesday, December 26, 2007

SUNDAY READING REFLECTIONS: DEC. 30, 2007

December 30, 2007
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph


READING 1 :Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14
Reading 1 Reflection:


Families today come in many varieties. But whether we have two parents or one, foster parents or guardians, Sirach's wise advice is for all of us. God requires us to honor, respect, and care for those who parent us. We never outgrow this responsibility. Sons and daughters who are faithful in honoring their parents will be reward by God. God will bless them and forgive their sins.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

Parents and guardians have the responsibility to care for their children. Children "of all ages" have the responsibility to honor their parents and those who care for them. Why do you think God would want this? Why is it good for parents to care for children? Why is it good for children to honor and respect and obey parents in all that is not sinful?

Have I, as a parent or a child, been neglecting my responsibility in any way? How can I begin to be a better parent? How can I begin to be a better son or daughter?

One way might be to try for a little TLC at home: Talk, Listen, Compromise! Of course, basic values cannot be compromised or negotiated! But sometimes we can find a middle ground on an issue that both parents and children can agree on.

Another good rule is "Never say never," especially in accusations: "You never listen to me," or "You never let me do anything," or "You never help around the house." Try to leave the past in the past. We are each a part of a family and must contribute to it. Think ?from now on." "We need to get the chores done on time from now on," "We need to set a time for you to be home from now on," or "Homework is priority from now on."


READING 2 :Colossians 3:12-21
Reading 2 Reflection:


Families come in many sizes. There is the "little" family into which we were born. And there are many larger families we belong to like the parish, the community, the Church, and the human family itself. In all of these families we can find happiness by practicing the virtues listed in our second reading. These include compassion, gentleness, forgiveness, and patience.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

People who live closely together can give one another much happiness, or cause one another much misery. The writer of this letter seems to know this. He writes of peace, love, and wisdom. He also warns against bitterness and nagging. We express all of these attitudes through our words. Think about your words in the past few days. Have they been words of peace, love, and wisdom? Have they been bitter words, nagging words,
teasing-to-upset-someone-on-purpose words, sarcastic-to-put-someone-down words?

Current culture gives us the idea that insulting others, or making mean remarks about people, including family members, is funny. "It's just a joke. Lighten up." As a follower of Christ in today's world, what do you think? What does it mean to be a good family member today?

Gospel:Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
Gospel Reflection:


Today it is common for families to move many times. So we can imagine how Joseph felt when an angel suddenly warned him to pack up his family and move to Egypt. But Joseph did not argue or complain. He listened, and out of love he obeyed God's will. Then, when danger was past, God called the Holy Family out of exile. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph finally had a permanent home in Nazareth.


Discussion Questions for Gospel:


The word obedience comes from a Latin word meaning, "to listen." Some of us have developed what is called "selective hearing." We select, or choose, what we want to hear. When God (who is working through our parents and others in authority) says, "Go on vacation," or "Take a ride together and stop for ice cream," we listen! At other times, it might be harder to listen to God and to our parents. What are those times? Why do you think listening and obeying is hard at times? What makes it easier at these times?

Why do you think Joseph listened to God? What might have happened if he had taken it easy and not bothered? Have you ever been like Joseph and obeyed and then were very glad you did?

Monday, December 24, 2007

CHRISTMAS READING REFLECTIONS:


December 25, 2007
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) solemnity, holy day of obligation



READING 1: Isaiah 52:7-10
Reading 1 Reflection:


Is there anyone who would be more welcome at your door on Christmas morning than a messenger who had come to tell you that your fondest dream had come true? Whatever the messenger looked like, he or she would look beautiful to you!

That's the way it was for the prophet when he looked ahead to the great day of Israel's salvation. The best news God's people could possibly receive was that God would lead them home out of captivity. And through them, God would be honored as King of all the nations. At the very thought of that day, the people clapped and shouted and sang for joy.


Discussion Questions for Reading 1:


When we read the Scriptures, we must always remember that this is the word of God for us today. In the tradition of the Church, the city of Jerusalem (or Zion) means God's people, the Church itself, US. Knowing this, now when you hear or read, "The Lord is restoring Zion," what do you think? When you hear or read, "Break out in song, O ruins of Jerusalem," what do you think or feel? What is the messenger's message to you this Christmas Day?

READING 2:Hebrews 1:1-6
Reading 2 Reflection:


How beautiful and powerful is God's word to us! This reading proclaims that God has spoken to us through the Son of God. Jesus is the Word of God. He has saved us from sin and death. He lives and breathes in us. Let all the angels and all created beings worship him!

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

You may have heard these sayings: "Actions speak louder than words" and "Your actions are speaking so loudly that I cannot hear what you are saying." God knew that the time for words alone was over. He decided to act, to send the Word himself, his Son.

(Someone once said, "Love is a verb." "a verb is an action word?perhaps we can say today, of all days, "Jesus is THE verb!?THE action Word, love in action!)

When someone's actions match his or her words, we say that person has integrity. We can depend on them. When they say something, they will do it. Do you know someone like this? How can you become a person of integrity? Christmas Day is a good time to thank God for sending his Son, and also for sending persons of integrity into our lives. How will you thank God today? How will you thank the people in your life that you can depend on?

Gospel: John 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14
Gospel Reflection:


The Word of God has come into the world. He is light and life, grace and truth. In the flesh of a tiny baby, God gives us his very Self. Jesus makes his home with us who accept him and embrace him as the Son of God. Christmas is a call to accept Jesus fully, and in accepting him, accepting all of God's children. When we excitedly say at Christmas, "Here comes Jesus!" what we are really saying then is, "Here comes everybody!"

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

How will you help make Jesus feel "at home" in your Christmas celebrations? How will you welcome him in the tiny baby, the excited child, those near and dear, those in sorrow or pain, the guest, the neighbor who may be alone, the inconvenient or unexpected happenings, the "black sheep" of the family? How will you remind yourself and others of the presence of Jesus in our midst this day? How will you keep Jesus at the center of your celebration?

Monday, December 17, 2007

Reading Reflections: December 23, 2007


December 23, 2007
Fourth Sunday of Advent


READING 1 Isaiah 7:10-14
Reading 1 Reflection:


Does your name have a special meaning? Today's reading tells us the special title, or name, of the Messiah. His virgin mother will call him Emmanuel, which means "God with us."

We have the joy of knowing that Mary was the virgin mother who gave birth to Jesus, Emmanuel.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

Today's readings bring us into the historical event of Jesus' coming among us, and we never forget that he came to us through Mary. This is why we honor her. In the Eastern Church, an icon called "Our Lady of the Sign" reminds us of this great event and of these verses from Isaiah. Our Lady is shown with her arms raised up in prayer, and in front of her is Jesus, drawn in a round circle, a symbol of her womb. Mary represents all of us, the Church. Jesus now comes to the world through us.

How can you bring Jesus to the world? How is the Church a sign that Jesus is with us today? How are you a sign that Jesus is with us?

READING 2 Romans 1:1-7
Reading 2 Reflection:


Paul was a master letter writer who had a great gift for opening people's minds and hearts to God. In this opening of his letter to the Christians at Rome, he identifies himself and his mission. He is an apostle sent by God to preach the good news to all nations. The apostle reminds us that we are called "to belong to Jesus Christ." We are called "to holiness."

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

The liturgy gives us one last push to get ready for Christmas and the celebration of the coming of Christ to our world! Ask yourself: Am I ready to welcome the Son of God into my life in a deeper way? What do I need during these last two days to be really ready in mind and heart? How can I help someone else get ready for Christmas? Take a moment to ask Jesus for the gift of readiness for all he wishes to give you this Christmas. Holiness does not mean perfection. It means being ready for Jesus, being willing to live in "obedient faith." What does this mean for you this year?

Gospel Matthew 1:18-24
Gospel Reflection:


Although Saint Joseph usually remains in the shadows of the gospels, in today's reading he emerges into the sunlight. We can see him clearly as a man who clearly loves Mary. When an angel assures him in a dream that Mary's child was conceived through the Holy Spirit, Joseph dares to believe.

Joseph's faith is richly rewarded. He becomes the foster father of Mary's child. And he receives the honor of naming the child Jesus, a name that means "Yahweh saves."

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

There is an old saying, "The path of true love never runs smooth." This may not be true for everyone, but it seemed to be true for Mary and Joseph. However, they could be true and faithful to each other because they were true and faithful toward God. And God made the rough ways smooth! What makes for rough times in a relationship?between parents and children, husband and wife, friend and friend? What can smooth things out? Look at Joseph for an example?what did he have to do before he could move forward in a confusing situation?

Take a moment and pray: Spirit of God, help us to be ready to celebrate Christmas. Help make all rough ways in each of our relationships smooth. Help us to be like Joseph, who dared to listen, to believe, and to love. Amen.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Sunday Reading Reflections: Dec. 16, 2007



READING 1: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10

Reading 1 Reflection:


Sometimes when we are in trouble or in danger, our hands shake and our knees feel like jello. But if we could hear a firm and friendly voice saying, "Be strong, fear not! Here is your God," we would be better able to endure whatever came our way. The prophet in today's reading wants God's people to know that God will deliver them from their troubles. Sorrow and sickness and fear will all be left behind as the people joyfully follow the Lord.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

It is very tempting to give in to fear, and there seem to be no lack of good reasons for being fearful. However, Jesus told us many times, "Do not be afraid." Why do you think he told us this many times? What is Jesus calling us to? (Note: lack of fear does not mean being reckless with our lives or the lives of others.) Imagine yourself going through life full of fear. What would you be like as a person? How would you act? Now imagine yourself going through life with trust in God. What would you be like? How would you act? Does trust in God mean that nothing sad or tragic would ever happen to you or to someone in your family? What does it mean for you?

Is there someone you know who might need to hear this Advent message, "Be strong, fear not! Here is your God!" today? How could you share this message?


READING 2: James 5:7-10

Reading 2 Reflection:

If you have ever planted a garden, you know how patient a farmer must be. Once the seed is planted, the farmer can only tend it carefully and wait. Complaining about the weather or judging the people who sold him or her the seeds will not make the harvest come any faster.

As we celebrate Advent and look forward to Christ's coming again, we, too, must be patient and avoid judging one another. The kingdom of God grows slowly, day by day, around us and within us.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

The word "patience" comes from a word that means "to suffer." This gives us the idea that patience is not always easy! Here the apostle James urges us to be patient with ourselves ("Steady your hearts"), others, and even with the Lord. It is, after all, his kingdom that seems so slow in coming! How are you called to be patient with yourself this Advent? with others? with God? You might also reflect on ways God and others are being patient with you!

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

Gospel Reflection:


When he wants to assure John the Baptist that he truly is the Messiah, Jesus quotes passages from the book of Isaiah. These passages picture the time of the Messiah as marked by the same kind of works that Jesus is doing. Jesus heals the blind, the lame, the deaf, and the lepers. He raises the dead and proclaims the good news to the poor. These loving deeds are proof of his identity.

Because John has opened people's hearts to the Savior's coming, Jesus says that John is the greatest of the prophets. We, too, can be like John, and as Jesus said, even greater than John, when we share Jesus' mission of making God's kingdom come.


Discussion Questions for Gospel:


In our American culture, we have all kinds of heroes. We have sports heroes. We have movie stars and TV stars. We might even say we have pretend heroes and real-life heroes. The people of Jesus' time were looking for heroes, too. So they asked Jesus, "Are you the real one?" The Gospel lists some actions of Jesus, the actions of a real-life hero. What are the actions you look for in a real-life hero? How are these actions like the actions of Jesus?

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Reflections for Sunday Reading: Dec. 9, 2007


December 9, 2007
Second Sunday of Advent


READING 1: Isaiah 11:1-10

Reading 1 Reflection:


If a nature show on TV depicted wolves playing with lambs, cows and bears living next door to each other, and a little baby romping with a deadly serpent, what would you think? These unnatural events might make you think you had tuned into a science fiction program! Or you might wonder whether you were dreaming.

Isaiah describes the peace that the Messiah will bring by reversing the hostile elements of nature. The prophet dreams of the day when God's reign of justice and peace is established over all creation. That blessed event will become a reality at the end of the world when Jesus comes again in glory. Consider how you will begin to share now in Isaiah's vision by helping enemies to become friends.

READING 2: Romans 15:4-9

Reading 2 Reflection:


Just as the first reading painted a picture of harmony, this reading reminds us that Jesus came to unite all people under God's mercy and love. Sometimes we find it easier to wall people out than to welcome them in. But Paul points out that we can find encouragement and guidance in God's word.

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

Gospel Reflection:


John the Baptist was one of those preachers who did not mind stepping on people's toes?even those of the rich and powerful. His mission was to get people to repent and be baptized before the Messiah arrived. John warns the religious leaders of his time that they must produce good fruit as proof of their conversion.

Discussion Questions for Gospel
John the Baptist seems to be a believer in the saying, "Actions speak louder than words." He tells the religious leaders of his day, "Give some evidence that you mean to reform."

John wanted everyone to be ready for the Messiah: no excuses!

How are you getting ready for the Messiah? Are your actions of justice, peace, and love speaking loud and clear as you prepare for Christmas? Are you really a follower of Christ or are you just jumping on the Advent-Christmas bandwagon? (A bandwagon is a wagon or "float" that carries the band in a parade. Someone who "jumps on the bandwagon" wants to be in the parade but doesn't want to do the hard walking. He or she just wants to ride along with the band and enjoy the music!) Take a few quiet moments and ask Saint John the Baptist to suggest something just, peaceful, and loving that you could do to prepare to celebrate Christmas as a true follower of Christ. Give some evidence that you mean to be ready! (You may want to join with a partner to do something special. The more the merrier!)

MESSAGE FROM THE HOLY FATHER: POPE BENEDICT XVI

The Holy Father's Monthly Intentions for the year 2010:

http://www.hyscience.com/archives/Pope20Benedict20XVI_1.jpg

SEPTEMBER 2010


The Word of God as Sign of Social Development

General: That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.

The End of War

Missionary: That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

RCAM NEWS:

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CELEBRATION OF THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
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PARENTS AND FAMILY OF PRIESTS
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Archdiocese Recognizes Parents of Priests

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"IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD ..." (John 1:1) The Word service proclaims, not only the contents of the readings, but also the bigger reality that God speaks continually to his people that we are called to a dialogue with God and with one another. To proclaim their inspired content in the midst of the worshipping community is a ministry entrusted to a few. The manner of proclamation is important for the delivery of the message in order to enable the community to enter into the spirit of the Word. The magnificence of this ministry cries out for the excellence that the Word of the Lord deserves. As lectors at the Mass we transmit that Word to human hearts and minds. The readings remind the people of the vision of the Christian community . . . of the things that truly matter.