Is God Only in Heaven
Gospel Reflections by: Rev. Fr. Gerry Pierse, C.Ss.R.
Dodong went from the provinces to work in Manila. He got a job painting the white line in the middle of the road. On his first day he painted fifty meters, twenty on the second day and only ten on the third. The foreman was rather surprised. He called him in and said, "Dodong, how come you painted fifty meters on the first day, twenty on the second and only ten today?" "Sir," answered Dodong, "can't you see that the can of paint was getting to be farther and farther away!" Poor Dodong's progress was limited by his thinking that the can of paint could only be in one place to which he had to continue to go back. It improved immensely when he found that he could move it along or even bring it with him all the time.
Our spiritual progress is also inhibited if we have a limited perception of where God is. For many, God is "up there" in heaven and religion is an effort to attract his attention so that he will visit us here on earth. Liturgy becomes an effort to capture the distant God and make him present to us. People whose God is in heaven only, are ever looking for miracles and signs of God's presence. Mention a dancing sun or a weeping Madonna and they will travel thousands of kilometers to see it.
Non Christians have also been led to believe that our God is only in heaven. While attending the Dalai Lama Seminar in London, I was in a group discussion. A Buddhist lady psychiatrist said, "I pity you Christians. Your Deity is so far away. For us the Buddha nature is close, it is reverenced within ourselves and within each person." Later, I was a little self conscious in our liturgy and I could see how she got that impression. There was indeed a lot of prayer to the "heavenly" or "almighty" Father. One could easily not notice that it always ended "through the Son in the Holy Spirit."
The wonderful thing about Christianity is that we have very rich paradigms, or frameworks, that reveal to us different modes of God's presence. We have the doctrine of the Trinity, which we celebrate today. According to this teaching our God is not only a transcendent one in heaven but also a God who became incarnate, who took human flesh and became one of us. This God not only came into the world but continues to journey with us today in the world through his Holy Spirit. He is a God who indwells in every human heart. So our sense of the divine presence is threefold and more complete and rich, rather than less complete than the paradigms of other religions.
We know very very little about God, so the little we know should be reverenced and valued. The fact that God is Trinity tells us that our God is above us, around us and within us. If we are to relate to God as fully as possible we should be relating to all modes of his presence as fully as possible. If a person is to be healthy the brain, the heart and the stomach must all be functioning and inter-functioning well. We cannot be healthy if one is neglected. So, too, if we are to be spiritually well we must be relating healthily to God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
For many centuries the emphasis has been on God as Father and our Church had become a medium of relating to that God in heaven. Praise and worship, and asking help from a distant God were seen as the main reasons for prayer. Since the Second Vatican Council in the mid 1960's, the Church has redefined itself as the People of God. People are now the main sign of God's presence in the world. Our scriptures tell us of how God dealt with his people in times gone by. We now pray by listening to what is happening in our own lives and in the world around us through the words of the Bible. This is listening to the signs of the times. This listening puts us in touch with the Spirit within. This leads us to meditation, to prayer by being still, being present to the Presence within us which is Life itself.
Each of these ways of prayer, like the functions of the body, have their place and their value. Through them we relate to the Trinity, God one and three. To emphasize one way of prayer, or person of the Trinity, at the expense of the others would be, like Dodong, to believe that the can of paint can only be in one fixed place.
Taken from Sundays into Silence - A Pathway to Life. Copyright © 1998 by Claretian Publications
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunday Reflection: By Rev. Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD
MOMENTS
Ordinary
By Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD
Inquirer
Last updated 02:44am (Mla time) 08/26/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The story is told about a farmer’s wife who had twin daughters. The first one was named “Kate.” And the second one was just named “Duplikate.”
* * *
In today’s Gospel (Lk. 13, 22-30) the Lord reminds us that God’s standards and measures are beyond our limited and often shortsighted standards and measures. “Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” In God’s eyes, there are no duplicates or copycats.
* * *
Indeed, God’s ways are not man’s ways. That which we consider ordinary may be extraordinary in God’s eyes, and vice versa. There is no way we can put God in a box, neither can we make Him according to our own image and likeness. Let God be God, let man be man.
* * *
Fr. Vicente Manuel, SVD was just an “ordinary” student in Christ the King Seminary by worldly standards. This shy probinsiyano from Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro had no chance to excel in a class that was studded with gifted and talented personalities. In fact, he literally had to go through the “narrow gate” to make it to the priesthood because of academics. But in 1983, this ordinary student became local ordinary of the Vicariate of San Jose Occidental Mindoro, the first bishop from their class.
* * *
Bishop Manuel, SVD, D.D. died last Aug. 18, 2007. He was then an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Cebu. But more than the office, we remember the person. More than achievements, we remember moments. Because God’s ways are not man’s ways, whenever we look at people, we must not judge; neither must we just throw accolades. In the end, we leave everything in God’s mercy and love.
* * *
By the way, a bishop is called the “ordinary” of a place. Bishop Manuel was an ordinary “ordinary” in the sense that he was not exceptional or unusual. But he was very personal. In the words of his classmate Fr. Willy Villegas, SVD, he was a very positive and supportive person. Come to think of it, that’s all we ask of people who lead us.
* * *
God sees the heart. This is our consolation. For if God only sees the looks, the plaques, the medals, the wallets, etc., then most of us will be discouraged and dismayed. Most of us live ordinary lives, but it is heartening to know that God judges us not by our achievements or by our plans, but by the love we have shared while doing ordinary things, living ordinary lives.
* * *
Why is it that we have the tendency to inspect and suspect a person while he/she is still around, and respect him/her when he/she is gone? Instead of judging, instead of comparing, instead of condemning, let us all work out our salvation.
* * *
There is a story about a skydiving student who asked his instructor: “Sir, what if I dive, and the parachute does not open?”
“Son, that is what we call jumping to conclusion,” the instructor replied.
Don’t we all play that deadly game sometimes?
* * *
There is a beautiful line in the “Desiderata” that says: “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always, there will be lesser or greater persons than yourself.” How true. We spend a lot of energy on useless imaginings and fruitless bickerings.
* * *
And what do we say to those who think they are exceptional and extraordinary, and who expect to be treated accordingly? You’re not! It’s just your illusion. You too will grow old, you too will fade, you too will die. Death is the great equalizer and we all will have a final reckoning, and we all will pass through the final and ultimate Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Immigration at the gate of heaven. Sorry, no blinkers, no sirens will be allowed there.
* * *
Let me end with a story I heard about a conceited politician (aren’t most of them?) who visited an old folk’s home. He was welcomed by everyone except by an old man in a corner sitting on his wheelchair.
The politician stopped and asked him “Don’t you know who I am?”
The old man just stared at him.
For the second time the politician asked him: “Don’t you know who I am?”
This time the old man looked at him and said: “No, but you can ask the nurses. They have a file on each one of us.”
In the end, it’s not who we think we are, or who others think we are, but who we are to God that matters. He has the final say, the final file.
* * *
Inviting you to a pilgrimage to Akita, Japan and Naju, Korea on Oct. 17-27. For particulars, please call 5238581 to 88.
There will be another pilgrimage to Naju, Korea on Nov. 14-20. For more details, please call 9130388, 9111394, 09202866810.
* * *
A moment with the Lord:
Lord, remind me that there is peace and beauty in being simple and ordinary. Amen.
Ordinary
By Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD
Inquirer
Last updated 02:44am (Mla time) 08/26/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The story is told about a farmer’s wife who had twin daughters. The first one was named “Kate.” And the second one was just named “Duplikate.”
* * *
In today’s Gospel (Lk. 13, 22-30) the Lord reminds us that God’s standards and measures are beyond our limited and often shortsighted standards and measures. “Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” In God’s eyes, there are no duplicates or copycats.
* * *
Indeed, God’s ways are not man’s ways. That which we consider ordinary may be extraordinary in God’s eyes, and vice versa. There is no way we can put God in a box, neither can we make Him according to our own image and likeness. Let God be God, let man be man.
* * *
Fr. Vicente Manuel, SVD was just an “ordinary” student in Christ the King Seminary by worldly standards. This shy probinsiyano from Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro had no chance to excel in a class that was studded with gifted and talented personalities. In fact, he literally had to go through the “narrow gate” to make it to the priesthood because of academics. But in 1983, this ordinary student became local ordinary of the Vicariate of San Jose Occidental Mindoro, the first bishop from their class.
* * *
Bishop Manuel, SVD, D.D. died last Aug. 18, 2007. He was then an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Cebu. But more than the office, we remember the person. More than achievements, we remember moments. Because God’s ways are not man’s ways, whenever we look at people, we must not judge; neither must we just throw accolades. In the end, we leave everything in God’s mercy and love.
* * *
By the way, a bishop is called the “ordinary” of a place. Bishop Manuel was an ordinary “ordinary” in the sense that he was not exceptional or unusual. But he was very personal. In the words of his classmate Fr. Willy Villegas, SVD, he was a very positive and supportive person. Come to think of it, that’s all we ask of people who lead us.
* * *
God sees the heart. This is our consolation. For if God only sees the looks, the plaques, the medals, the wallets, etc., then most of us will be discouraged and dismayed. Most of us live ordinary lives, but it is heartening to know that God judges us not by our achievements or by our plans, but by the love we have shared while doing ordinary things, living ordinary lives.
* * *
Why is it that we have the tendency to inspect and suspect a person while he/she is still around, and respect him/her when he/she is gone? Instead of judging, instead of comparing, instead of condemning, let us all work out our salvation.
* * *
There is a story about a skydiving student who asked his instructor: “Sir, what if I dive, and the parachute does not open?”
“Son, that is what we call jumping to conclusion,” the instructor replied.
Don’t we all play that deadly game sometimes?
* * *
There is a beautiful line in the “Desiderata” that says: “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always, there will be lesser or greater persons than yourself.” How true. We spend a lot of energy on useless imaginings and fruitless bickerings.
* * *
And what do we say to those who think they are exceptional and extraordinary, and who expect to be treated accordingly? You’re not! It’s just your illusion. You too will grow old, you too will fade, you too will die. Death is the great equalizer and we all will have a final reckoning, and we all will pass through the final and ultimate Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Immigration at the gate of heaven. Sorry, no blinkers, no sirens will be allowed there.
* * *
Let me end with a story I heard about a conceited politician (aren’t most of them?) who visited an old folk’s home. He was welcomed by everyone except by an old man in a corner sitting on his wheelchair.
The politician stopped and asked him “Don’t you know who I am?”
The old man just stared at him.
For the second time the politician asked him: “Don’t you know who I am?”
This time the old man looked at him and said: “No, but you can ask the nurses. They have a file on each one of us.”
In the end, it’s not who we think we are, or who others think we are, but who we are to God that matters. He has the final say, the final file.
* * *
Inviting you to a pilgrimage to Akita, Japan and Naju, Korea on Oct. 17-27. For particulars, please call 5238581 to 88.
There will be another pilgrimage to Naju, Korea on Nov. 14-20. For more details, please call 9130388, 9111394, 09202866810.
* * *
A moment with the Lord:
Lord, remind me that there is peace and beauty in being simple and ordinary. Amen.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Gospel Reflection: Aug. 26, 2007
Do not risk being shut out
Scripture: Luke 13:22-30
22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And some one said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, 24 "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, `Lord, open to us.' He will answer you, `I do not know where you come from.' 26 Then you will begin to say, `We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27 But he will say, `I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!' 28 There you will weep and gnash your teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves thrust out.
29 And men will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
Meditation:
What does the image of a door say to us about the kingdom of God? Jesus' story about the door being shut to those who come too late suggests they had offended their host and deserved to be excluded. It was customary for teachers in Jesus' time to close the door on tardy students and not allow them back for a whole week in order to teach them a lesson in discipline and faithfulness. Jesus told this story in response to the question of who will make it to heaven. Many rabbis held that all Israel would be saved, except for a few blatant sinners who excluded themselves! After all, they were specially chosen by God when he established a covenant with them. Jesus doesn't directly answer the question, however; but his response is nonetheless unsettling on two counts. First, Jesus surprised his listeners by saying that one's membership as a covenanted people does not automatically mean entry into the kingdom of God. Second, Jesus asserts that many from the gentile nations would enter God's kingdom. God's invitation is open to Jew and Gentile alike. But Jesus warns that we can be excluded if we do not strive to enter by the narrow door. What did Jesus mean by this expression? The door which Jesus had in mind was himself. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved (John 10:9). Through the cross Jesus opens the way for us to enter into his kingdom. But we must follow Jesus in the way of the cross. The word strive can also be translated agony. To enter the kingdom of God one must struggle against the forces of temptation and whatever would hinder us from doing the will of God (even apathy, indifference, and compromise). The good news is that we do not struggle alone. God is with us and his grace is sufficient! As we strive side by side for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27) Jesus assures us of complete victory! Do you trust in God's grace and help, especially in times of testing and temptation?
"Lord, help me to always trust in your saving grace, especially when I am tempted and put to the test. Help me to be faithful to
you and give me the courage and strength to resist temptation, especially temptation to compromise or to be indifferent to your word."
Scripture: Luke 13:22-30
22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And some one said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, 24 "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the householder has risen up and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, `Lord, open to us.' He will answer you, `I do not know where you come from.' 26 Then you will begin to say, `We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27 But he will say, `I tell you, I do not know where you come from; depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!' 28 There you will weep and gnash your teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves thrust out.
29 And men will come from east and west, and from north and south, and sit at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
Meditation:
What does the image of a door say to us about the kingdom of God? Jesus' story about the door being shut to those who come too late suggests they had offended their host and deserved to be excluded. It was customary for teachers in Jesus' time to close the door on tardy students and not allow them back for a whole week in order to teach them a lesson in discipline and faithfulness. Jesus told this story in response to the question of who will make it to heaven. Many rabbis held that all Israel would be saved, except for a few blatant sinners who excluded themselves! After all, they were specially chosen by God when he established a covenant with them. Jesus doesn't directly answer the question, however; but his response is nonetheless unsettling on two counts. First, Jesus surprised his listeners by saying that one's membership as a covenanted people does not automatically mean entry into the kingdom of God. Second, Jesus asserts that many from the gentile nations would enter God's kingdom. God's invitation is open to Jew and Gentile alike. But Jesus warns that we can be excluded if we do not strive to enter by the narrow door. What did Jesus mean by this expression? The door which Jesus had in mind was himself. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved (John 10:9). Through the cross Jesus opens the way for us to enter into his kingdom. But we must follow Jesus in the way of the cross. The word strive can also be translated agony. To enter the kingdom of God one must struggle against the forces of temptation and whatever would hinder us from doing the will of God (even apathy, indifference, and compromise). The good news is that we do not struggle alone. God is with us and his grace is sufficient! As we strive side by side for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27) Jesus assures us of complete victory! Do you trust in God's grace and help, especially in times of testing and temptation?
"Lord, help me to always trust in your saving grace, especially when I am tempted and put to the test. Help me to be faithful to
you and give me the courage and strength to resist temptation, especially temptation to compromise or to be indifferent to your word."
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Gospel Reflection: Aug. 19, 2007
The Gospel of Luke: a commentary & meditation
"I came to cast fire upon the earth"
Scripture: Luke 12:49-53
49 "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; 52 for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; 53 they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
Meditation:
Jesus shocked his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind? Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2). The image of fire was also used to symbolize God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), his holiness (Deut. 4:24), righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9), and his wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16). It is also used of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11 and Acts 2:3). God's fire both purifies and cleanses, and it inspires a reverent fear of God and of his word in us. Jesus regarded the coming of the kingdom of God as a time of judgment. His word of judgment was meant to help people take seriously the consequences of their choices -- either for or against God. Our response to the judgments of God has serious repercussions, both for the present and the future. Jesus states that even family loyalties would be challenged on the basis of whether people accepted the kingdom of God or not. The essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ, a loyalty that takes precedence over every other relationship. When Jesus spoke about division he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6). The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship (or anything else) above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies, if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?
"Lord, may your love consume me and transform my life that I may truly desire nothing more than life with you. Make me strong in love and fidelity that nothing may hinder me from doing your will."
Source: http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings/luke1249.htm
Friday, August 10, 2007
Daily Reflection
August 12th, 2007
by Larry Gillick, S.J.
Deglman Center for Ignatian Spirituality
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
PRE-PRAYERING:
Fears usually indicate areas of injury to ourselves and or others. Fearfulness can be often a free-floating awareness that accompanies the realization that everything seems to be going too well.
Fears basically tell us what is very important to us. Our bodies and lives, our families and relationships, our possessions, all can be so important to us and our fears can at times cloud our experiences of them. This week, as we pray toward the celebration of the central prayer of the Church, it might be helpful to check the “fear-list” and pray with what important gift in our lives is surrounded with fear-folds. Those fears might linger and not vanish like clouds, but the reception of the true nature of those persons and possessions which bring about fears, might put warmth into our prayer and the Eucharist.
REFLECTION:
The study of history lends itself to a process known as “revision” or interpretation in the light of new research. Revision can put a better or less better light on past events.
Our First Reading today is a continuation of the final chapters of the Book of Wisdom in which God’s creation and care of Israel as God’s Holy People is celebrated. God and the people of Israel all look very good and Egypt, the “slave holders” are justly punished and are celebrated as those having no light at all.
The Reading opens with a reflective statement that the very night of the Passover had been promised by God to Abraham long before and the leaders trusted. The reflection continues glorifying God Who had given them the Law and instructions on just how they were to live during the suffering times. They kept these traditions and observed the rituals. The people are glorified as well as the “summoned” who trusted and by this were given freedom from their adversaries. In short, God has been very good to Israel and the Israelites were very good in their own right by being faithful to promises made.
Last weeks’ Gospel had a little parable about a man whose barn was so full that he had no room for God’s fullness. In Luke’s Gospel the ten verses after that contain the famous passage of The Lilies of the Field and how we should not be afraid, because we are very more valued by God than the beautiful flowers or the birds of the sky.
What we have in today’s Gospel continues the theme begun last week and which runs through the ten verses omitted from this reading.
We have a long Gospel with various pictures of servants of whom Jesus is one as well. The leaders of Israel were known as servants of the Lord who protected the holiness of the people by urging execution of the traditions and customs. Jesus is speaking to and about them in these verses as well as the disciples to whom God is giving the “kingdom”.
To those servants who wait patiently for the “master’s” return are those who faithfully live the teachings of Jesus concerning such things as the freedom from greed and possessiveness. The “Master” upon His return will become the Servant of the servants. They will recline at table and be served. Jesus will return to this very theme in Luke 22, 24.
I would imagine that we blinked or flinched when hearing all about the beating various servants would receive. This does not sound like words or images reflecting a “Servant” who tends to the needs of others. The servant, who beats his companions, because the master is delayed, gets his just reward. The servant, who knew his master’s will, but did nothing about it, gets the lash as well. Ignorance apparently is not a total excuse, and so a slight beating will be given them if they acted in similar ways to the others. In which group do you find yourself? We are told not to fear and then we hear about beatings!
Jesus is speaking to the disciples and they have been given much of Jesus’ teaching and the much that will be expected is to be lived as being servants of those teachings. Fidelity to the teachings is what the Jewish leaders were called to and Jesus is asking the same of His disciples. Beatings are a part of the parable guaranteed to get the attention of all. Listening and putting what is heard into actions is a most severe requirement of being a true servant.
Well, as for me, I would rather hear about how valuable I am compared to the beautiful flowers and fluttering birds. I’d like to hear about my not being afraid, because I am loved so much as to already have received the kingdom. I do like the part of having been “entrusted” with much, but this much’s being even more “demanded”; that sounds severe right there.
This is a dangerous reading for all who are guilt-tilting anyway. What is the “more” which will be demanded? How will we know how we are doing? Where is the scoreboard or spiritual thermometer? As for me, I will let Jesus be the Servant, the Savior, the Master, and the One who does the inviting. I am ending this Reflection knowing full well that I have not done enough, or all I could, or even what you, the reader, would expect. As someone once said when asked what do Catholics do, “Catholics try.” This trying is our being faithful; our imperfections are also a praise of the Master and a plea to the Servant.
“Be true to your covenant; forget not the life of your poor ones for ever.” Ps. 74, 20
August 12th, 2007
by Larry Gillick, S.J.
Deglman Center for Ignatian Spirituality
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
PRE-PRAYERING:
Fears usually indicate areas of injury to ourselves and or others. Fearfulness can be often a free-floating awareness that accompanies the realization that everything seems to be going too well.
Fears basically tell us what is very important to us. Our bodies and lives, our families and relationships, our possessions, all can be so important to us and our fears can at times cloud our experiences of them. This week, as we pray toward the celebration of the central prayer of the Church, it might be helpful to check the “fear-list” and pray with what important gift in our lives is surrounded with fear-folds. Those fears might linger and not vanish like clouds, but the reception of the true nature of those persons and possessions which bring about fears, might put warmth into our prayer and the Eucharist.
REFLECTION:
The study of history lends itself to a process known as “revision” or interpretation in the light of new research. Revision can put a better or less better light on past events.
Our First Reading today is a continuation of the final chapters of the Book of Wisdom in which God’s creation and care of Israel as God’s Holy People is celebrated. God and the people of Israel all look very good and Egypt, the “slave holders” are justly punished and are celebrated as those having no light at all.
The Reading opens with a reflective statement that the very night of the Passover had been promised by God to Abraham long before and the leaders trusted. The reflection continues glorifying God Who had given them the Law and instructions on just how they were to live during the suffering times. They kept these traditions and observed the rituals. The people are glorified as well as the “summoned” who trusted and by this were given freedom from their adversaries. In short, God has been very good to Israel and the Israelites were very good in their own right by being faithful to promises made.
Last weeks’ Gospel had a little parable about a man whose barn was so full that he had no room for God’s fullness. In Luke’s Gospel the ten verses after that contain the famous passage of The Lilies of the Field and how we should not be afraid, because we are very more valued by God than the beautiful flowers or the birds of the sky.
What we have in today’s Gospel continues the theme begun last week and which runs through the ten verses omitted from this reading.
We have a long Gospel with various pictures of servants of whom Jesus is one as well. The leaders of Israel were known as servants of the Lord who protected the holiness of the people by urging execution of the traditions and customs. Jesus is speaking to and about them in these verses as well as the disciples to whom God is giving the “kingdom”.
To those servants who wait patiently for the “master’s” return are those who faithfully live the teachings of Jesus concerning such things as the freedom from greed and possessiveness. The “Master” upon His return will become the Servant of the servants. They will recline at table and be served. Jesus will return to this very theme in Luke 22, 24.
I would imagine that we blinked or flinched when hearing all about the beating various servants would receive. This does not sound like words or images reflecting a “Servant” who tends to the needs of others. The servant, who beats his companions, because the master is delayed, gets his just reward. The servant, who knew his master’s will, but did nothing about it, gets the lash as well. Ignorance apparently is not a total excuse, and so a slight beating will be given them if they acted in similar ways to the others. In which group do you find yourself? We are told not to fear and then we hear about beatings!
Jesus is speaking to the disciples and they have been given much of Jesus’ teaching and the much that will be expected is to be lived as being servants of those teachings. Fidelity to the teachings is what the Jewish leaders were called to and Jesus is asking the same of His disciples. Beatings are a part of the parable guaranteed to get the attention of all. Listening and putting what is heard into actions is a most severe requirement of being a true servant.
Well, as for me, I would rather hear about how valuable I am compared to the beautiful flowers and fluttering birds. I’d like to hear about my not being afraid, because I am loved so much as to already have received the kingdom. I do like the part of having been “entrusted” with much, but this much’s being even more “demanded”; that sounds severe right there.
This is a dangerous reading for all who are guilt-tilting anyway. What is the “more” which will be demanded? How will we know how we are doing? Where is the scoreboard or spiritual thermometer? As for me, I will let Jesus be the Servant, the Savior, the Master, and the One who does the inviting. I am ending this Reflection knowing full well that I have not done enough, or all I could, or even what you, the reader, would expect. As someone once said when asked what do Catholics do, “Catholics try.” This trying is our being faithful; our imperfections are also a praise of the Master and a plea to the Servant.
“Be true to your covenant; forget not the life of your poor ones for ever.” Ps. 74, 20
Monday, August 06, 2007
Imploring creation’s master – Cardinal calls on church to pray for rain to stave off crisis
Imploring creation’s master – Cardinal calls on church to pray for rain to stave off crisis
8/3/2007
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
MANILA, Philippines (Catholic Online) – A cardinal in a drought-ravaged region has called on Catholics to offer prayers “to the master of all creation” for rain to stave off crisis power shortages, health threats and loss of millions of acres of farm land.
Advertisement
In an Aug. 1 circular sent to all parish priests, shrine directors, chaplains and school officials, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, of the Archdiocese of Manila, directed that prayers after Communion and at the Intercession be offered at all Masses beginning with the Aug. 3 First Friday liturgies.
“It is the time for our rainy season and yet the rains have not come,” the cardinal said in the correspondence to church leaders.
“People tasked with managing our water/power resources have warned that we face a crisis in those areas. Our relief will come from nature,” he said.”
“We implore the master of all creation, God, our father, at whose command the winds and the seas obey, to send us rain,” Cardinal Rosales said.
The circular included intercessory prayers and an “oratio imperata ad petendam pluviam” (obligatory prayer to request for rain). An oratio imperata is a prayer for a special intention besides those prescribed by ritual that the pope or a bishop of a diocese may require to be said at Mass.
The cardinal’s “oratio imperata” acknowledges “all the wonderous elements of nature that sustains your living creature,” before asking God to “send us the rain that our country needs so badly at this time, to irrigate our fields, to stave off a power shortage, to provide water for our bodily health, and to refresh our parched lands … so that crisis may be averted.”
It called on God to “teach us to be wise stewards of your creation so that we may always use them responsibly and protect them from abuse and exploitation.”
“Move us to share more, to serve more and to love more,” it adds.
The intercessory prayers notes that God’s help is needed to avert “damage to crops and other livelihood and an impending power shortage,” and “to inspire us in this time of crisis to share … what we have and to take responsibility for one another and for the environment and resources you have generously provided us.”
UCA News reported that Cardinal Rosales issued his directive the day the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported that 80,060 hectares of land planted with crops in the northern Philippine provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan lacked water.
The NDCC report also says 52 million pesos ($1,136,000 USD) worth of rice and corn in Quirino province, some 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) northeast of Manila, and 267 million pesos worth of the crops in Isabela province, north of Quirino, were damaged. Some 42,000 hectares of fishponds in Isabela reportedly "dried up."
On July 25, UCA News reported, some places in the Manila region and surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal were without electricity for up to two hours. The National Power Corporation announced in a statement that the hydroelectric plants of San Roque, Binga and Magat in northern Luzon and Angat and Pantabangan in central Luzon had low water levels.
Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila also issued an “Oratio Imperata” in 1998 at the height of the El Niño phenomenon.
8/3/2007
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
MANILA, Philippines (Catholic Online) – A cardinal in a drought-ravaged region has called on Catholics to offer prayers “to the master of all creation” for rain to stave off crisis power shortages, health threats and loss of millions of acres of farm land.
Advertisement
In an Aug. 1 circular sent to all parish priests, shrine directors, chaplains and school officials, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, of the Archdiocese of Manila, directed that prayers after Communion and at the Intercession be offered at all Masses beginning with the Aug. 3 First Friday liturgies.
“It is the time for our rainy season and yet the rains have not come,” the cardinal said in the correspondence to church leaders.
“People tasked with managing our water/power resources have warned that we face a crisis in those areas. Our relief will come from nature,” he said.”
“We implore the master of all creation, God, our father, at whose command the winds and the seas obey, to send us rain,” Cardinal Rosales said.
The circular included intercessory prayers and an “oratio imperata ad petendam pluviam” (obligatory prayer to request for rain). An oratio imperata is a prayer for a special intention besides those prescribed by ritual that the pope or a bishop of a diocese may require to be said at Mass.
The cardinal’s “oratio imperata” acknowledges “all the wonderous elements of nature that sustains your living creature,” before asking God to “send us the rain that our country needs so badly at this time, to irrigate our fields, to stave off a power shortage, to provide water for our bodily health, and to refresh our parched lands … so that crisis may be averted.”
It called on God to “teach us to be wise stewards of your creation so that we may always use them responsibly and protect them from abuse and exploitation.”
“Move us to share more, to serve more and to love more,” it adds.
The intercessory prayers notes that God’s help is needed to avert “damage to crops and other livelihood and an impending power shortage,” and “to inspire us in this time of crisis to share … what we have and to take responsibility for one another and for the environment and resources you have generously provided us.”
UCA News reported that Cardinal Rosales issued his directive the day the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported that 80,060 hectares of land planted with crops in the northern Philippine provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan lacked water.
The NDCC report also says 52 million pesos ($1,136,000 USD) worth of rice and corn in Quirino province, some 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) northeast of Manila, and 267 million pesos worth of the crops in Isabela province, north of Quirino, were damaged. Some 42,000 hectares of fishponds in Isabela reportedly "dried up."
On July 25, UCA News reported, some places in the Manila region and surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal were without electricity for up to two hours. The National Power Corporation announced in a statement that the hydroelectric plants of San Roque, Binga and Magat in northern Luzon and Angat and Pantabangan in central Luzon had low water levels.
Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila also issued an “Oratio Imperata” in 1998 at the height of the El Niño phenomenon.
Gospel Reflection: August 5 2007 Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C
August 5, 2007
Read Sunday's Gospel, Luke 12:13-21.
Gospel Summary:
From the crowd, a man called out to Jesus asking for help in a family matter. The man wanted his share of the family inheritance from his brother. Jesus first made it clear that he was not the man's arbitrator and refused to enter the quarrel. But Jesus did use the opportunity to teach the crowd that placing too much emphasis on the acquisition of material wealth would lead to greed and greed would lead to conflicts in families. Jesus continued by making the point that true security did not exist in a surplus of goods when he relayed a parable about a man who had a bumper crop. So huge was the harvest's yield that the man decided to tear down his storage buildings and build new ones to hold all his grain. Once everything was stored, the man would have no worries and could spend his life without care. But God demanded the man's life that night and we are left to wonder what good did all the abundance do the man?
Reflection for Families:
How many families do we know about, sadly maybe our own, who have been injured and separated by financial issues. One person expects a portion of an inheritance but doesn't receive it. Maybe some unexpected person benefits from a family member's generosity and leaves a brother, sister, or child feeling neglected or overlooked. As parents we want to make the lives of our children comfortable and so we go about accumulating wealth and materials possessions, but the Gospel today cautions us to beware of placing importance in the wrong places. We have no idea what will happen to our accumulations, but we do know God's promise that if we are prepared at the moment our lives are recalled, we will have wealth beyond measure in heaven.
Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family:
Make a list of all the ÒextraÓ things your family has. Most likely the list will be extensive. What things on this list bring your family security? (Remember there's nothing wrong with taking care of our families and building security!) Now imagine that a great disaster has been predicted for tomorrow and there's a good chance you won't be here the next day. Which of these things are now important? Is there anything you would alter on the list knowing that you only have a couple days left on this earth? When you have finished, ask each person what changes he/she might make in his/her life because of this exercise and then help or support one another in those changes.
Discussion Starters:
1. The riches I store up for heaven include ...
2. I am especially greedy when it comes to ...
3. The richest person I know in the sight of God is ... because ...
August 5, 2007
Read Sunday's Gospel, Luke 12:13-21.
Gospel Summary:
From the crowd, a man called out to Jesus asking for help in a family matter. The man wanted his share of the family inheritance from his brother. Jesus first made it clear that he was not the man's arbitrator and refused to enter the quarrel. But Jesus did use the opportunity to teach the crowd that placing too much emphasis on the acquisition of material wealth would lead to greed and greed would lead to conflicts in families. Jesus continued by making the point that true security did not exist in a surplus of goods when he relayed a parable about a man who had a bumper crop. So huge was the harvest's yield that the man decided to tear down his storage buildings and build new ones to hold all his grain. Once everything was stored, the man would have no worries and could spend his life without care. But God demanded the man's life that night and we are left to wonder what good did all the abundance do the man?
Reflection for Families:
How many families do we know about, sadly maybe our own, who have been injured and separated by financial issues. One person expects a portion of an inheritance but doesn't receive it. Maybe some unexpected person benefits from a family member's generosity and leaves a brother, sister, or child feeling neglected or overlooked. As parents we want to make the lives of our children comfortable and so we go about accumulating wealth and materials possessions, but the Gospel today cautions us to beware of placing importance in the wrong places. We have no idea what will happen to our accumulations, but we do know God's promise that if we are prepared at the moment our lives are recalled, we will have wealth beyond measure in heaven.
Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family:
Make a list of all the ÒextraÓ things your family has. Most likely the list will be extensive. What things on this list bring your family security? (Remember there's nothing wrong with taking care of our families and building security!) Now imagine that a great disaster has been predicted for tomorrow and there's a good chance you won't be here the next day. Which of these things are now important? Is there anything you would alter on the list knowing that you only have a couple days left on this earth? When you have finished, ask each person what changes he/she might make in his/her life because of this exercise and then help or support one another in those changes.
Discussion Starters:
1. The riches I store up for heaven include ...
2. I am especially greedy when it comes to ...
3. The richest person I know in the sight of God is ... because ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
The Holy Father's Monthly Intentions for the year 2010:
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.
