Thursday, February 28, 2008

Sunday Readiing Reflections:


Sunday, March 2, 2008
Fourth Sunday of Lent


READING 1: 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13a
Reading 1 Reflection:


God sends the prophet Samuel on an important mission. Samuel is to find and anoint the future king of Israel. But when Samuel finds the man he thinks is just right for the job, God tells him that he has made a mistake. God's advice is: Don't judge by how important a person might seem, for I look into the heart. The prophet listens to God's advice. He chooses the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem. This shepherd boy is athletic and handsome. Yet only God sees in David the potential to be Israel's greatest king and the ancestor of the Messiah.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

Have you ever heard the saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover"? What do you think it means? How does this saying relate to what God says about not judging by appearances?

Do you find yourself judging by appearances at times? Why? When? Can you think of a time when your prejudice (pre-judgment) was later proven wrong? Have you ever been "judged by appearance"? Tell about it. How will you follow God's advice to Samuel?


READING 2: Ephesians 5:8-14
Reading 2 Reflection:


As we move forward to Easter during this Lenten season, we have thought about the meaning of Baptism. This reading reminds us of the courage we need to have as followers of Christ. The world is not an easy place to share the good news, but it needs to see the light of Christ's truth in us.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

One of the meanings of Baptism is "enlightenment." At Baptism, we receive a lighted candle as a symbol of Christ's light in our lives. With Christ, we stand against the darkness. Can you give names to the "darkness" you face in your world or in the larger world that we share? How will you let the light of Christ shine through you?



Gospel: John 9:1-41 or John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
Gospel Reflection:


John's story of the man born blind weaves together the themes of light, sight, and insight. Jesus heals the man so that he can see. However, the Pharisees remain blind because they refuse to see who Jesus really is. They are more concerned about the Sabbath laws than they are about a fellow human being in need.

The blind man gains not only his sight but also insight. When Jesus identifies himself as the Son of Man, a title for the Messiah, the man says, "I do believe, Lord." And he worships Jesus. As we worship Jesus in the Eucharist, our eyes are opened to see Christ in others.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

The first verse of the hymn "Amazing Grace" reminds us of this gospel passage. Why? Here are the words:

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now I'm found,
Was blind but now I see.

Who are the "truly blind" people in this gospel story? How can you keep from going through life "blind" to the reality of Jesus and his love in your life? How will you stay alert to really see and care for those who need Jesus' healing touch?

Reflection by:
CYBERFAITH "Catholic resources for the People of Faith"

Friday, February 22, 2008

Sunday Reading Reflections:


February 24, 2008
Third Sunday of Lent








READING 1: Exodus 17:3-7
Reading 1 Reflection:


After the Israelites escaped from slavery in Egypt, God took care of their basic needs. God gave them Moses for their leader, and manna and quail for their food. In today's reading, we hear them complaining about the lack of water at their campsite. Think how important water is, especially in the desert. Moses turns to God in desperation. And God hears his prayer. When Moses strikes a rock, water gushes forth. The early fathers of the Church saw this as a reminder of Baptism. Through Baptism, we have been given the gift of God's life.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

We cannot live without water. It is a basic need. Can you think of some other needs that we have? Now think of some things you want, but can live without. You might want to make a list of Needs and Wants. Sometimes we think we need something when we really only just want it. Why is it a good idea to remember the difference? How does remembering this difference help you to be grateful for what you have?

In Baptism, we received the gift of God's life. Most of us were baptized as infants, before we even asked for it! We were given the gift of faith. How has this gift helped you in your life? Are there people in your parish preparing for Baptism now? How can you help them this Lent?


READING 2 Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
Reading 2 Reflection:


God's love for the Israelites was made visible in the desert by water flowing from a rock. But God's love was made even more visible for all people at all times through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Like a river that never dries up, the love of God is "poured out in our hearts."

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

How do you know someone loves you? How do they show it by their actions? How do you show your love for someone? How did Jesus show his love for us? How is God's love poured into your heart? How do you pour God's love out on others? How do others pour God's love out on you?

Pray this prayer together for those preparing for Baptism in God's outpouring love: "Spirit of God, help us to pour out your love on those who most need it. In the name of Jesus." Amen.


Gospel: John 4:5-15, 19-26, 39, 40-42
Gospel Reflection:


In this wonderful story from John's Gospel, Jesus gives the Samaritan woman at the well the "living water" of truth. A foreigner, she is hospitable to Jesus and honest with him. In return, he chooses to reveal to her the truth about his identity. The woman rushes off to tell everyone the good news that the Messiah has come. And she is so convincing that the Samaritans come to believe in Jesus on her word.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

So many people are searching for and "thirsting for" the right answers to life's questions. Will you share with them the "living water" of truth that you have received from Jesus? How?

The living water reminds us again of Baptism. The living waters are the fountains of eternal life within us. We are reminded of this at funerals. At the door of the church, the priest sprinkles holy water on the coffin and says, "In the waters of Baptism, N.(name) died with Christ and rose with him to new life. May he/she now share with him eternal glory." How does holy water remind you of Baptism? When do you use holy water?

Reflection by:
CYBERFAITH "Catholic resources for the People of Faith"

Monday, February 11, 2008

Sunday Readings Reflections:


February 17, 2008
Second Sunday of Lent








READING 1: Genesis 12:1-4a
Reading 1 Reflection:


The first reading is another story of a beginning. This time we see Abram, who was later called Abraham, as an old man answering God's call to "go forth." God promises that Abram's descendants will become a great nation in a new land that will be blessed by God. Although Abram has no children and no idea where God is sending him, he packs up and leaves his homeland. Thanks to Abram and his wife Sarai, God's people will one day enter the Promised Land.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

Have you come from your original country to a new country? Have you ever moved from one home to another? Then maybe you have an idea of how Abraham felt. It is sometimes hard to move and start over. But it may be exciting, too. Describe your experience. But God calls everyone to obey and trust him, whether we actually move from one place to another or not. He calls us in our everyday lives, each day . . . to listen, to share his word, to help, to care. Each one of us is a son or daughter of Abraham, "our father in faith," as we hear in the eucharistic prayer. What is your journey of faith like today? How are you listening to God along your way? How are you answering God's call?

READING 2: 2 Timothy 1:8b-10
Reading 2 Reflection:

The second reading gives us a good Lenten reminder: God has saved us and called us to be holy. But to be holy we have to "hang in there" even when it is tough. Being a faithful disciple is a challenge and can carry a price. What will you do during Lent to meet that challenge?

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

"It's not fair!" Probably many unfair things happen to you. You may not get the biggest piece of cake. Your new bike may be stolen. You have to work hard for a good grade while your best friend sails along with very little effort. In this letter, Timothy tells his Christian friends to "bear your share of the hardship" of living by the gospel. One of the saints, Saint Therese of Lisieux, made what she called "the little way of spiritual childhood" the central practice of her life. When something unfair happened to her, or something made her unhappy, she gave it as a gift to Jesus. She called it "spiritual childhood" because even a child could do it. However, this does not mean it was easy!

When bigger hardships came, like the death of her father, she offered that to Jesus, too.

She knew, like Saint Paul, that Jesus had robbed death of its power. When life is unfair, how can you be like Saint Therese? Ask for the grace to trust in Jesus, and in the power of his resurrection, no matter what.


Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
Gospel Reflection:


Three of Jesus' closest friends arrive at a new understanding of him in today's gospel. They are allowed to get a glimpse of him as he will be after his passion, death, and resurrection. Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the Law (represented by Moses) and the Prophets (represented by Elijah) of the Old Testament. He is Son of God and Messiah, in whom we experience God's presence and in whose image we will be transfigured.

We read today's story of the transfiguration so that we, too, might be led to a new understanding of Jesus. He is greater than we could ever have thought, and tells us, "Do not be afraid. Keep your eyes on me."

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

How are you like Peter in this gospel? Seeing Jesus transfigured was so wonderful, he wanted to stay there always. In New Orleans there is a happy slogan, "Let the good times roll!" We want good times to keep going, and never to end. Of course, this will not happen until we get to heaven! Here on earth, we may meet Jesus in the glory of a beautiful liturgy, or a peaceful time of prayer, or in the love of parents, friends, spouse.

But we also see him, if we have eyes to see him, as we walk down the mountain and back to everyday life. Jesus still leads us. How can you keep your eyes on Jesus in works of justice and mercy, in help for those less fortunate? Who or what can help you seek Jesus here?


Reflection by: CYBERFAITH "Catholic resources for the People of Faith"

Friday, February 08, 2008

Sunday Reading Reflections:


February 10, 2008
First Sunday of Lent

READING 1: Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Reading 1 Reflection:

As we begin the season of Lent, the first reading takes us back to the biblical story of the beginnings of the human race. In poetic images the author gives a picture of God modeling a clay figure, forming it into the shape of a human being and breathing into its nostrils life-giving breath. Then God plants a beautiful garden in which the first two human beings can be perfectly happy. But the serpent, a symbol of evil, tempts Adam and Eve to be "like gods" in their knowledge of good and evil. They choose to disobey God's will, and at that moment their innocence vanishes.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

This is the story of the first sin, symbolized by the eating of the forbidden fruit. Lent is a time to look at sin and its consequences. How would you describe sin? Here it is described as disobedience to God. There are also other ways to think of it. One that comes to mind is "quick fix." We want something in an easy way, or something for ourselves, or something to be smoothed over, or perhaps something hard to be avoided, and a sinful solution appears, compliments of the "Adversary." (Adversary means someone who is against you. This name refers to Satan, the devil.) Thoughts like this come to mind: "This is only a little bit wrong. It will somehow turn out all right later." However, the quick fix usually turns out to have some kind of painful consequence that may, with God's grace, take a long time to make right. Without naming names, can you think of some examples?


READING 2: Romans 5: 12, 17-19
Reading 2 Reflection:

Paul says that just as sin and death came through Adam, salvation and life came through Christ. If Christ had not come into the world, the Genesis story would have had a tragic ending. But Jesus is the "new Adam" whose grace is always more abundant than evil in the world. Thanks to Jesus, sin is never a hopeless situation.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

Thanks to Jesus, our sinful situations can be made right again. Jesus brought us God's forgiveness and God's peace. Think now of some "hopeless situations" you know of. Take time now to pray for the forgiveness and peace that Jesus Christ has brought to us. Bring these broken situations to Jesus, and pray to be an instrument of his peace in every situation of pain. Pray together: Lord, your grace is always stronger than sin and death. We place our hope in you. Amen.


Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
Gospel Reflection:


As Jesus prepares to begin his ministry, he enters a kind of spiritual "training camp." Alone in the desert, he fasts and prays for forty days. When the devil tries to ambush him with three temptations to disobey God's will, Jesus is well armed. He defends himself with the word of God by quoting from the Book of Deuteronomy. He refuses to be tricked by false promises of power and glory.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

Lent can be a spiritual training camp for us today. It is a time to practice using God's word as our defensive weapon against temptation. What spiritual training plans will you put into practice during Lent? Prayer and fasting are traditional. Today's passage from the gospel might suggest that we spend a few minutes each day in reading Scripture. Or are we trying to live on bread alone?

Reflection by: CYBERFAITH "Catholic resources for the People of Faith"

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
Parents of Priests' Day

PARENTS AND FAMILY OF PRIESTS
(On the Year for Priests)

Archdiocese Recognizes Parents of Priests

Photogallery
*************************************************** Source: www.rcam.org

LITURGICAL NEWS:

Ministry of Liturgical Affairs
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ON-GOING FORMATION FOR EMHC 2010

ON-GOING FORMATION FOR LECTORS AND COMMENTATORS

ALC CIRCULARS


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POSTER on Proper Attire in Church


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About Us:

Philippines
"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.