In the Pope’s letter Familiaris Consortio, John Paul explains that the Church must be vitally concerned for the pastoral care of the family beginning with the spousal family of husband and wife. It is here, at the core of the life of the family that we find also the seeds of the Church which is the Spouse of Christ.

It is not easy for husbands and wives to build and nurture a family in these hard times. Difficult decisions have to be made about securing a lifestyle that is practical and sensible. Many times, there are no support systems to help them build a secure and safe environment in which to stabilize a good network of family and friends. Societal expectations and peer pressure present options for couples that do not support the unity of the family or communion with the Church.

Without a good foundation, many temptations and a lack of direction can lead to confusion, a loss of commitment and an unwillingness to persevere in what can appear to be an impossible task.

Continue reading “Help young families become bearers of the Gospel” →

Mark writes out a one line mission statement for us who seek to be faithful followers of Jesus.

“Whoever wants to be first, must be servant of all.”

It is not so much a ‘what to do’ but rather a ‘how to do,’ It is an attitude Jesus seeks in us.

If my actions and my thoughts can conform to those of Jesus Who washed the apostle’s feet, then I can properly withstand the deceptions and the false appeal of those who do not hold on to the One Truth, Who is our only hope for freedom and peace.

My friends, when you get home, read the Gospel again and hear for yourselves the Word of God. Consume it and make it a part of your everyday life so you can articulate for others the joy and freedom you experience through Jesus Who possesses your heart.

“Whoever wants to be first, must be servant of all.”

Isaiah proclaims: “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God He comes to save you!”

Saint James tells us that God chooses the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom that He promised those whom He loves.

The Gospel says that the poor are those who can open their hearts to God. They are not enslaved to the things of this world, because they have nothing to offer Jesus but themselves.

Material things and constant busyness can contribute to a sense of alienation in the human person who is by nature social and relational. We only grow with other people, not in isolation.

Continue reading “‘Be strong, fear not! Here is your God He comes to save you!’” →

‘Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.’ Paul gives us a difficult lesson today. It relates back to the Gospel of Matthew when He said the first shall be last and the last shall be first.

For the Christian, this attitude toward others is paramount in establishing the humble spirit necessary to have a relationship with God.

Small practices of humble servitude are important in conforming ourselves to the servant ideal that Jesus demonstrated at the Last Supper.

I must become less that others can become more does not seem like something attractive in today’s society, especially in the Holy Sacrament of Marriage which is a call to become mutually self-giving without counting the cost.

A truly meek person is not one who allows himself to be humiliated however. They do not allow others or even themselves to be treated with disrespect. Every human person has a dignity directly bonded to the Body of Christ.

To become last is a way to be sensitive to the needs and the accomplishment; the dignity of others so we can learn more deeply the love God dispenses to all his children.

May our hearts always be fixed here, where true gladness is found.

 

When I was a curate at Old Saint Mary’s, sometimes St. John’s Hospice would close because of a fight. The homeless used to come to our door and ask for food. Erma our cook would give out plain white sandwiches in paper bags every afternoon at 5:00. After getting their sandwich some people ate it at once. Others ate only a half and saved the rest for later.

But you always had a few who grumbled at the plainness of the bread or the quantity of the meat or who liked mustard instead of mayonnaise. Some even threw their sandwich away or in the street.

The Gospel today is a reflection on the Bread come down from heaven; the Bread that we receive in our hunger for truth and eternal life. What we do with this Bread is important and defines our own life with God.

Pope Saint Leo the Great once wrote: The effect of our receiving the body and blood of Christ is to change us into what we consume.

As you take your portion of this Bread today, be conscious of your worthiness to receive this great Gift. Am I truly pure of heart; free from grave sin? Have I fasted one hour before receiving? Is it my intention to share with others the grace I do receive?

Above all, be conscious of your imitation of Jesus and how, through this holy consumption, we become Eucharist for a hungry world.