Weekly Catholic Bible Study

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 758: Joy and Rejoicing : (Isaiah 35 : 1-6a, 10 & James 5 : 7-10 & Matthew 11: 2-11)

 

[Isaiah]

The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

 

[James]

Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

 

[Matthew]

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" Jesus said to them in reply,
"Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out?  To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

 

 

Fellow pilgrims, the 3rd Sunday of Advent is traditionally called the Gaudete Sunday, following from the Latin translation of the 1st word of the antiphon at the introit: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice” (Phil 4:4). As it was, the word ‘rejoice’ sets the tone of the readings and the liturgy, reminding us of the joy we will have at the coming of Jesus. Last Sunday, Isaiah announced that Christ’s coming would bring peace and harmony among warring animals, and this Sunday Isaiah proclaimed that Christ’s coming will bring Joy to parched lands and deserts.

 

Jesus comes to us at our various encounters with him: like in prayers, in the word of God, in the sacraments, in the activities of a Christian community, etc.; and at each of these encounters with him there is a tremendous joy and peace we experience. The rose-colored candle in the Advent wreath is lit this Sunday, and rose-colored vestments can also be used at Mass. These show the joy we experience at the coming of Christ, which transcends the pains and trials of life, as St Paul understood when he wrote the words of the introit, calling on the Philippians to rejoice, even as he himself was in prison: for he knew that the Lord’s nearness and his coming is a reason for rejoicing (Phil 4:5).

 

As the 1st reading tells us, this joy and rejoicing, which is even experienced by the desert and mountains, will follow the healing and salvation brought to the blind, the lame, the deaf and the oppressed, by the coming of the Anointed One of God (Is 35:1-6,10). In other words, in our daily life trials, with our challenging traits and prisons of afflictions and addictions, we have to focus on the nearness and presence of the Lord, to assist us in overcoming those situations, even when he seems delayed. This is why the 2nd reading exhorts all waiting for the Lord’s coming to have faith, be patient and hopeful, and not to lose heart (James 5:7-10); knowing that this does not mean a passive waiting, but an active Christian living out of the values that Jesus’s mission concretized.

 

Now, this living out of the Christian virtues is important as it also identifies us as the disciples of Jesus waiting in faith and hope for his coming. Thus, in answer to the messengers John sent to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah (Matt 11:2-11), Jesus’ answer reminds us that our deeds often identify us, since “by their fruit we shall know them” (Matt 7:16). Jesus explained this further in relation to how he manifested his own mission among the people, healing and saving them from sin (Matt 11:4-5). Jesus equally employed his description of the person of John the Baptist and his mission to explain the relationship of one’s identity to the sum total of one’s vocation (Matt 11:7-10).

 

Through our birth by water and spirit (Baptism), we become Christians, meaning that we are called to be Christ’s followers. However, we can only be truly identified as Christians if our deeds are as that of Christ. And today the mission of Christ was set as curing the blind, healing the lame, etc. (Matt 11:4-5); and this mission brought joy to the people. Thus, as Jesus’ coming and encounter with people brought them joy, so it is expected that as Christians, our encounter with people should help in bringing healing and salvation to them, and in filling them with inner joy. We pray to experience this joy with our own numerous encounters with Jesus so that in the same vein we can bring joy to those that encounter us. We are to be the channel of Christ’s light and joy to the world. May we then encounter God today in his word and sacrament, to be empowered as the instrument of his joyful coming to the world!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

 

Prayer: “Dear Lord, In the quiet of my heart, I seek the light of inner joy. Help me to release burdens and embrace the beauty of Your creation. May Your love fill my spirit, guiding me to find happiness in the simple moments. Grant me the wisdom to recognize the blessings around me, and let my soul radiate joy to others. Amen.”

Quote from a Saint: “God made us for joy. God is joy, and the joy of living reflects the original joy that God felt in creating us.” St. Pope John Paul II

 

Questions for reflection:

1. Does the Advent season bring you joy? If it is not joyful, what can you do to focus your Advent more on Christ and bring more joy to it?

2. Is there anything that you do during Advent to help foster a feeling of joy at the coming of our Lord at Christmas?

3. Are you able to find joy in your daily life like Saint Paul tells the Philippians to do in the introit?

4. Have you had an encounter with Jesus in your life?

5. Do you make time in your day to encounter Jesus?

6. Are you able to practice your faith as “an active Christian living out of the values that Jesus’s mission

concretized”?

1. Do you help to fill the people that you encounter in your day-to-day life with joy?

--Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 757: Advent Spiritual Cleaning : (Isaiah 11 : 1-10 & Matthew 23: 1-12)

 

[Isaiah]

On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, but he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land's afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. On that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, the Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.

 

[Matthew]

John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.

When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.
And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

 

 

Fellow pilgrims, the theme of this 2nd Sunday of Advent revolves around repentance and peace, especially as we read in the gospel about the baptism of repentance given by John the Baptist (Matt 3:1-12). So, the readings present more features of Advent, focusing on repentance, change of heart, reconciliation, and peace. As the gospel says, the desert of the heart is where the Lord enters first: “In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’. It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: ‘A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths’” (Matt 3:1-3). He knocks at the door of our heart and will eat with those who hear and open their hearts to let him in (Rev 3:20). Thus, we need to clean up the heart, which sometimes get clogged with a lot of unnecessary materials we acquire or allow to enter and take up space in the home of our heart. As usual, Confessions are offered [at churches] and for all to attend the Advent Penance [services]. It is an opportunity for us to encounter God’s mercy, blessing, and peace, as those who have harkened to the exhortation to repent.

 

Another focus today is on self-mortification, as seen in the people who went to the desert to hear John (Matt 3:5). They left the comfort of the house for this, thus calling us to leave off some comfort at this period in order to give God a chance into our heart, where he directs us on the good we can do. Even the Baptist himself symbolized this attitude of mortification in his food and clothing as the gospel described (Matt 3:4). This could also mean leaving our comfort zones that encourage sins or prevent us from reaching others with love, kindness and goodness. It could also mean quieting down a bit for more prayer and refection on the meaning of Christ’s coming, for the call to repentance also involves a change in our perspective about life and about others.

 

Thus, one needs to know what positive and Christian value Christ’s coming is demanding that we pursue and express, like justice, righteousness, generosity, forgiveness, love, acceptance, and peace. As seen from Isaiah who used a poetic description to present the meaning of Christ’s coming to us (Is 11:1-10), Christ’s coming creates the situation where all will live together in harmony and peace. Hence St Paul exhorts: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy” (Rom 15:7-9). This again calls us to prepare for his coming by repenting of our sins and by working for harmony both in our own lives and with our fellows. At times, we need to create a quiet time around us, for we may not hear His knock with all the noise in our society and in our heart. We do not have to wait for some life crises to be thrown at us to draw our attention to the right actions and goods we have to do. As we know, God speaks to our souls and hearts, and at times when we don’t have time to listen, he ‘allows’ some crises we pursue unwittingly to get us to listen.

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

 

Prayer: “Dear Lord, I humbly seek Your divine guidance and the ability to hear Your voice clearly. Grant me the discernment to understand Your will for my life and the courage to follow it. In my prayers, may I find the answers I need and the strength to trust Your plan for me.”

Quote from a Saint: “We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.”

- Saint Teresa of Calcutta

 

Questions for reflection:

1. “[W]e need to clean up the heart, which sometimes get clogged with a lot of unnecessary materials we acquire or allow to enter and take up space in the home of our heart.” What have you allowed to take up space in the home of your heart? What are some ways that you can clean things up?

2. How does going to Confession allow you to clean up your heart?

3. How do you feel after you go to Confession? Does it bring you a sense of peace?

4. Do you practice self-mortification? Why or why not?

5. How comfortable has your life gotten? Are there comforts that you have become attached to that have made you less dependent upon the Lord?

6. Would you give up some of your comforts in order to become more dependent upon the Lord?

7. Do you ever leave your comfort zone to either get out of a bad situation or to help other people out?

8. How can you create a quiet time around you so that you can hear the Lord?

--Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 756: Lord, What Do You Want to Teach Me? : A reflection on the Gospel of Luke(Luke 17 : 11-19)

 

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."

 

 

When Jesus entered the village, we can be sure a crowd followed and a crowd welcomed Him. His reputation had spread - no one spoke with such authority as He did and no one did the wondrous deeds as He did by a touch, a word. Gathered around Him were the blind, lame, paralyzed, diseased anxiously waiting and pleading to touch Him or be touched. Such were the ten lepers standing at a distance and raising their voices “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” They stood at a distance - those words aptly describe their lives - shunned, feared, cursed they knew only misery with the bleakest future of a slow death. Surely, with the noise of the crowd, they cried out more than once and as loud as they could trying to get Jesus’ attention. And Jesus heard and saw them.

 

And because of the distance Jesus loudly said, “Go show yourselves to the priests!” I wonder if, at first, these men were not disappointed that He did not cure them immediately but sent them on their way. However, on their way the miracle unfolded. Can we imagine the wonder these lepers experienced as the ravages of their disease disappeared, as they were restored to human life? With wonder beyond words they saw, felt healing, wholeness in their bodies and spirits. Despair disappeared with the disease. One of them, only one, a Samaritan returned and Jesus is surprised at the lack of gratitude of the other nine, but notice - not lack of gratitude to Himself but to God His Father. “Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God!” Then Jesus, with love and joy said to him, “Stand up and go, your faith has saved you.” And Jesus gazed on him with gratitude, greatly thankful for the gratitude he had shown the Father. This passage offers a number of things for our reflection and benefit - gratitude to God for all the graces of our lives is surely number 1. However, there is a sentence, a word of Jesus that has caught me: “Go show yourselves to the priests!” - not the words so much as the fact that it would take time to find a priest wherever he might be. There is something of a

wait involved - a call to trust in Jesus. I wonder - did Jesus, in sending them, pray that they would trust? I believe He did!

 

What does all this say to us? In our prayers, petitions, in our needs and concerns, as men and women of faith, we, too, cry out, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us - hear my concern, be present to my need” These are not trivial things - about health, forgiveness, mercy, ours and the future of our loved ones and of others, peace in our world so divided, so wounded by violence. The list is long and serious. And often there seems to be no answer; doesn’t God who is mercy care? Where are you, Lord?

 

The question is heard in the psalms; Psalm 55 begins with - “O God, listen to my prayer, do not hide from my pleading, attend to me and reply; with my cares I cannot rest!” Has that thought, question ever arisen in your heart? Perhaps you’ve shared it with another and perhaps, you’ve held it in your heart - fearful that you even thought it. God always hears our prayers and His response, answer comes in different ways according

to His wisdom - sometimes it comes immediately, often in time when we least expect it as we wait and perhaps, the answer will come only in Eternal Life. In the meantime, as we wait, as we hope and pray, there is a prayer as we wait: “Lord, what do You want to teach me, what do I need to learn about You, about myself, about my relationship in faith with You?

 

And perhaps, we might hear in our hearts; “Trust Me! Do not give up! Remain steadfast in your faith, faith is always a gift as is trust. You are not forgotten!” Where trust is lacking, there is always the darkness of self-pity, of despair, of hopelessness lurking - all of which are a kind of prison with no parole. To trust is never a small thing – it is a kind of surrender, never a surrender of defeat rather a surrender of self into God’s embrace. The bottom line is: Is God’s embrace, is His presence to you, me important? Do I desire to trust? Living trust, living faith in daily life is not always easy. For all of us, whatever our vocation, there is struggle, there is challenge, doubts arise because we are human. Some struggles are trivial and a waste of time and some are not and are worth the effort. The struggle of coming to deeper faith and more profound truth is worth the struggle because of the reward, the greatest reward that no one can take from us.: Life on high in God, Father, Son
and Holy Spirit.

 

by Fr. John Denburger

  

Prayer: “My God, You are faithful and just in all that You do. Your Word is true. Your promises are unbreakable. Your Work is trustworthy. Help my heart keep and foster these truths that I may confidently persevere through my struggles with strength from Your promises and assurances. Steer me away from my doubts and my tendency to impatiently take charge of things. Keep me from relying on mere human understanding and capabilities. Teach me to focus on You and find full confidence in You. Amen”

Quote from a Saint: “Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him.'” – Saint Francis de Sales

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Questions for reflection:

1. When you encounter prayers that seem to go unanswered, do you ever pray, “Lord, what do You want to teach me, what do I need to learn about You, about myself, about my relationship in faith with You?

2. Thinking back on prayers that you either had to wait on answers for or were “not answered", are you able to see the good that God worked through your waiting?

3. Which of the lepers to do identify with? Do you thank the Lord for answered prayers or healing or by even just saying a simple prayer of thanksgiving after your meals or do you go on about your life without saying thank you to the Lord?

4. Do you find yourself falling into the trap of self-pity and despair? How can you increase your trust in the Lord so that you do not fall into hopelessness?

5. Is God’s embrace, is His presence to you important? Do you desire to trust?

6. Do you trust God and the plans that He has for you?

7. Do you struggle with trusting people in general? Does this have any influence on your ability to trust God?

8. In what ways do you live trust and faith in daily life?

9. In what ways have your struggles lead to a deeper faith?

10. Is there something in your life that you need to have healed by the Lord? Have you asked for His healing or help in overcoming what you are facing? Why or why not?

--Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 755: Christ the King (2 Samuel 5:2-5 & Colossians 1 : 12-20 & Luke 23 : 35-43)

 

[2 Samuel]

In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said: "Here we are, your bone and your flesh. In days past, when Saul was our king, it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back. And the LORD said to you, 'You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.'" When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron, King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD, and they anointed him king of Israel.

 

[Colossians]

Brothers and sisters: Let us give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

 

[Luke]

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God." Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." Above him there was an inscription that read, "This is the King of the Jews."

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us."
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

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This last Sunday of the Church’s calendar year is the solemnity of Christ the Universal King, established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI to diffuse the nightmare of the Great War that saw the whole of Europe in an explosion of hatred, tyranny, materialistic pursuit, corruption, and a torrent of bloodshed that had enveloped much of the population. The Pope initiated the feast as a way the church can proudly take the worship of Jesus from the privacy of the heart back to the public proclamation of Christ’s message of peace, justice, communion and love.

 

The solemnity reminds us of “...Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the First-born from the dead, the Ruler of the kings of the earth. He loves us and has washed away our sins with his blood, and made us a line of kings, priests to serve his God as Father...” (Rev 1:5-6). As it was, being of the lineage of King David anointed by God, Jesus is king (2 Sam 5:1-3). Thus, it is a reminder that Christ rules over all creation, and his kingdom is that of justice, righteousness, light and peace. Interestingly, his throne is the tree of the cross, and his crown is the reed of thorns. And from that throne, he gave salvation and paradise to a repentant thief as we read in the gospel (Lk 23:40-43); for the man opened up his doors to receive him. It is through this cross of Christ that we have been redeemed and rescued from the power of darkness and brought into his kingdom of light (Col 1:12-13).

 

Now, as Jesus says that “the kingdom is within you” (Lk 17:21), it means that it begins and arises from within and flourishes to full growth in its manifestation in our words and deeds. This means that he has to rule in our hearts first, and that is why he stands at the door of our hearts knocking for us to open and welcome him into our home (Rev 3:20), in order to drink his cup (Matt 20:22). And “those who prove victorious I will allow to share my throne, just as I was victorious myself and took my place with my Father” (Rev 3:21). Now, to be victorious is to assist the establishment of the kingdom of Christ, which actually means a better human society - a society ruled by love. This is why the kingdom of God is here and at the same time not here. It has been

established through the coming of Christ, but it will be fully realized at the end of time with the final coming of Christ, with the coming of the new heaven and new earth (Rev 21:1; CCC nn.1042-1050).

 

So, how can we help bring about the kingdom of Christ today? One way is to remember that as the kingdom of God progresses, we are called to be open to the promptings and teachings of the Holy Spirit in us and then witness and manifest this in the good we do in our own small corner of the society, thus bringing the reign of Jesus not only to us but also to our families, our parish and the society. And I think that was what St. Francis prayed when he said: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon, Where there is doubt, faith, Where there is despair, hope, Where there is darkness, light, And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand; For it is in giving that we receive; It is in

pardoning that we are pardoned; And in dying that we born to eternal life – Amen.”

 

By Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

 

Prayer: O Jesus Christ, I acknowledge you as universal King. All that has been made has been created for You. Exercise all Your rights over me. I renew my Baptismal Vows. I renounce Satan, his pomps and his works; I promise to live as a good Christian. And, in particular do I pledge myself to labor, to the best of my ability, for the triumph of the rights of God and of Your Church. Divine Heart of Jesus, to You do I offer my poor services, laboring that all hearts may acknowledge Your sacred kingship, and that thus the reign of Your peace be established throughout the whole universe. Amen.

 

Quote from a Saint: “Christ’s kingdom is not just a figure of speech. Christ is alive, He lives as a man, with the same body He took when He became man, when He rose after His death, the glorified body which subsists in the person of the Word together with His human heart. Christ, true God and true man, lives and reigns. He is the Lord of the universe. Everything that lives is kept in existence only through Him.” St Josemaria Escrivá (1902-1975)

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Questions for reflection:

1. In what ways to we need the solemnity of Christ the Universal King as much as when it was first established in 1925?

2. Does Christ rule in your heart?

3. Have you answered Christ’s knocking on the door of your heart or is he still patiently standing on the porch of your heart asking to be allowed in?

4. Do you keep your faith hidden and private or do you proclaim it loudly? How does this celebration of the church inspire you to proclaim Christ’s message of peace, justice, communion and love?

5. What does a world ruled by love look like?

6. How can we help bring about the kingdom of Christ today?

7. Do you feel that you are open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit?

--Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 754: Loving as God Loves (Malachi 3:19-20a ; 2 Thessalonians 3 : 7-12, 16-17 & Luke 21 : 5-19)

 

[Malachi]

Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,  and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the LORD of hosts.  But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.

 

[2 Thessalonians]

Brothers and sisters: You know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you,
nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.

 

[Luke]

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, "All that you see here-- the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

 "Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

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Fellow pilgrims, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time is designated by Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter Misericordia et Misera of Nov.20, 2016, as the ‘World Day of the Poor’. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on ways we can care for our poor and vulnerable neighbors, as declared by the Holy Father when he wrote: “It will be a day that will help communities and each baptized person to reflect on how poverty is at the heart of the Gospel, and on the fact that, as long as Lazarus lies at the door of our homes (cf. Lk 16:19-21), there can be no justice or social peace” (no.21). The USCCB has always guided and reminded us that the Catholic social teaching is the development of how the Christian can follow Christ in caring for the poor and vulnerable through works of charity and social justice, as taught by the sacred scriptures and sacred tradition. The basic idea here is that the topics and themes addressed under the Church’s social teachings are based on our belief that every single person is created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26-27) and so has inherent human dignity. This dignity is not earned and cannot be taken away, and every person around the world deserves to live in conditions that respect their human dignity. 

 

Today, we read that there will be judgment on whether we accepted or rejected the love and graces of God while here on earth. Then reward and punishment will follow (Lk14:14), for when one dies, one is judged (particular) and sentence is passed for heaven, hell or purgatory (Heb 9:27). These states persist until the final (general) judgment when purgatory ceases to exist since judgment will then be passed for only heaven or hell (Rev 20:11-15; CCC nn.1030-1033).

 

So, the readings remind us that the kingdom of God is still in the process of becoming until the 2nd coming and final judgment, which is referred to as the Parousia. This is why Jesus says that the kingdom of God (himself, and the joys gifts of his presence) is already among us (cf. Mk 1:15; Lk 17:21), yet the scripture says it is still to come (cf. Lk 12:40; Matt 25:31-46; Dan 12:1-3; Rev 22:7). Thus, we continue to pray for the dead who may still be on their journey to paradise (fullness of joy and beatific vision); for we might still be uncertain unless one is officially declared a Saint; meaning that God had confirmed one’s holy life through some verifiable miracles (Heb 4:13).

 

For us still on pilgrimage here on earth, we must persevere in faith and good works, since to be in the communion of life and love with the Trinity, the BVM, the angels and the saints in heaven (Lk 21:19), is the reward for only those who die in God’s friendship and grace, and who have been perfectly purified, for nothing imperfect will enter heaven (Rev 22:3). We cannot conceive the beatific vision fully (1Cor 2:9), but the scriptures tell us that it is a place of light, life and peace.

 

Finally, as we read prophet Malachi’s description of the situation between those who served God and those who refused to serve him (3:13-21), let us remember that God has no intention for anyone to be lost (Ezk 18:23; 2 Pet 3:9). This is why the readings especially the 2nd reading and the gospel (2Thes 3:7-12; Lk 21:19) are exhorting and calling us to persevere in daily putting into practices the gifts we have from God, while we wait for the coming of Christ (Mal 3:13-21), in spite of the difficulties of the times described in the gospel (Lk 21:5-12). Life is a perseverance in faith, hope and charity, knowing that not a hair of the faithful ones will be lost (Lk 21:18). Peace!

 

By Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

 

Prayer: Prayer for the Poor “God of Justice, open our eyes to see you in the face of the poor. Open our ears to hear you in the cries of the exploited. Open our mouths to defend you in the public squares as well as in private deeds. Remind us that what we do to the least ones, we do to you. Amen.”

 

Quote from a Saint: “When the poor are starving, Christ too hungers.”  St. Caesarius of Arles, bishop (468-542 A.D.)

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Questions for reflection:

1. How have you lived out the social teachings of the Church?

2. What have you done to show your love and care for the poor and vulnerable in our society?

3. What is your gut reaction when you see a homeless person on the street or on the side of the road? Is this how Christ would have reacted?

4. Have you ever given something to those who are in need? Why or why not?

5. Have you ever volunteered at a homeless shelter or food pantry?

6. Have you ever gotten to know someone who was in need?

7. Do you pray frequently for the poor and vulnerable in our society and those that you come across in your day-to-day life?

8. How have you reflected the love and care of Christ to others today?

--Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 753: The Universal Church (Ezekiel 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12 ; 1 Corinthians 3 : 9-11, 16-17 & John 2 : 13-22)

 

[Ezekiel]

The angel brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the façade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar. He led me outside by the north gate, and around to the outer gate facing the east, where I saw water trickling from the southern side. He said to me, "This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah, and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh. Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary. Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine."

 

[1 Corinthians]

Brothers and sisters: You are God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it,

for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ. Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.

 

[John]

Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace." His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.

 

Fellow pilgrims, instead of celebrating the liturgy of the 32nd Sunday of the year we celebrate the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, which is the Cathedral Church of Rome, serving as the seat of the Bishop of Rome, with the Pope is the bishop. It is the oldest of the five ancient major Basilicas of the Catholic Church in Rome. The celebration of dedication of the Lateran Basilica expresses the communion of the local churches (diocese) with the universal church built on the apostles with the Pope as head of the college of bishops. As it is our unbroken tradition as Catholics flow from the Apostles, the early church, generations of Catholics down the centuries, all of which are embodied in the Pope and the Lateran basilica as our Mother church. Like the

river that flows outwards from the sanctuary and the threshold of the temple (cf. Ezk 47:1-2,8- 9,12), the teachings of the Pope as head of the college of Bishops (apostles) feed the faithful.

 

In other words, the Lateran Basilica as our mother church represents our roots, safeguarding our understanding of the unity and tradition found in the one Catholic church, even with our different races, nations, cultures, and languages. As we know, one can always enter any catholic church in any part of the world and comfortably follow the Mass even if one does not understand the language. In this also is the backdrop for our understanding that what happens to the church in any part of the world, good or bad, is actually shared by the whole universal Catholic world.

 

As we celebrate this Basilica’s dedication, we note that it is a church, which also recalls to us through the readings of the different senses of the church. The 2nd reading speaks of God’s coworkers, God’s field, God’s building and God’s temple, where God’s Spirit dwells (cf. 1 Cor 3:9-11,16-17). All these remind us of the senses of the Church as a building, as the temple of the Holy Spirit (each member), as a local or particular church (diocese), as the family (domestic church), and as the universal church (Body of the faithful). We read from St Paul that the church is the body of Christ, and the community of the faithful (cf. Eph2:20-22), as also enunciated by the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (cf. Lumen Gentium, nn.5-9).

 

In all this we are reminded to have reverence for the church, whether it is the building, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the universal body of Christ, the family, or the local church, as Jesus demanded from those in the temple area doing their business (cf. Jn 2:13-22). We are called to participate in the building and construction of the Church in all the sense we have outlined, so that she is able to fulfill her mission of bringing life and growth (cf. Ps 46:5). As the reading says: “This water flows out into the eastern district, runs down into the Arabah and empties into the polluted waters of the sea to freshen them. Wherever it flows, the river teems with every kind of living creature; fish will abound. Where these waters flow they refresh; everything lives where the river goes…Along each bank of the river every kind of fruit tree will grow; their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fresh fruit because the waters of the river flow out from the sanctuary. Their fruit is used for food, and their leaves for healing” (cf. Ezk 47: 8-9,12). This is the mission of the church and we ourselves, who are the members of the church today, who must preserve unity and stability in our growing polarized, diverse, and ever-changing world, which this celebration symbolizes. Peace!

 

By Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

 

Prayer: “O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful, look favorably on your servant Leo XIV, whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd; grant, we pray, that by word and example he may be of service to those over whom he presides so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to everlasting life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

 

Quote from a Saint: “I follow no leader but Christ and join in communion with none but your blessedness [Pope Damasus I], that is, with the chair of Peter. I know that this is the rock on which the Church has been built. Whoever eats the Lamb outside this house is profane. Anyone who is not in the ark of Noah will perish when the flood prevails.” – St. Jerome, A.D. 396

Questions for reflection:

1. In what ways have you been fed by the teachings of the Holy Father?

2. What might happen if the traditions of the church were not safeguarded?

3. Is it comforting to know that you can go into any Catholic church anywhere in the world and follow along even if you do not know the language? How does this make it a more universal church?

4. Have you ever been to Mass in a different language? What was that experience like?

5. How do you, your family and your local church fit into the Church? How do they preserve unity and stability?

6. Have you considered that you are, in a sense building. a church out of your life as you progress through the spiritual life?

7. What have you been doing in order to build yourself into a church?

8. Is there more that you could be doing in order to build yourself into a church?

--Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 752: A meditation upon Purgatory and praying for the dead. (Wisdom 3 : 1-9 & John 6 : 39-40)

 

[Wisdom]

The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.

 

[John]

Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”

 

 

Fellow pilgrims, instead of the 31st Sunday we celebrate this Sunday the Commemoration of All Faithful departed, usually called All Souls’ Day (Nov.2) We recall here the important aspects of our faith expressed in the 4 final articles of the Creed: that the Church recognizes three states of her members - those who are pilgrims on earth (Church pilgrim), those who have died and are being purified (Church suffering), and those who have entered God’s presence contemplating him in glory (Church triumphant). This includes our belief in the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and in life everlasting.

 

Now, November is the month we remember the dead and pray for the faithful departed in a special way. Today, we are reminded that it is a good and noble thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins (2 Macc 12:44-45). As the scripture says, the faithful are called to live love and life worthy of ones’ call, in preparation for the day of the Eternal Judge of the living and dead (2 Thes 1:11). Those who fail a little in this call prior to death will be purified in purgatory (cf. Lk 12:47-48; Lk 16:19-31), for nothing imperfect will enter the kingdom of God (Rev 21:27). The Church helps these faithful by offering her suffrages for them; meaning that we assist them with our Masses, sacrifices and prayers, to gain indulgences for them (cf. CCC

nn.1471-1479).

 

Here we recall that “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints…An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin”; (CCC n.1471). The faithful can gain indulgences for themselves or apply them to the dead (cf. CCC n.1471), knowing that “since the faithful departed now being purified are also members of the same communion of the saints, one way we can help them is to obtain indulgencies for them, so that the temporal punishments due to their sins may

be remitted” (CCC n.1479). Here, one applies the satisfaction performed by others based on 3 realities: the communion of saints, the fact of vicarious satisfaction, and the abundant treasury of the Church.

 

Usually, to gain a plenary indulgence on Nov.2, one visits the cemetery or a church, makes a sacramental confession, receives Holy Communion, and prays for the Holy Father’s intentions (one Our Father and one Hail Mary, or any other suitable prayer). The conditions may be met several days after performing the work of the indulgence. So, let us remember our departed loved ones, parishioners, and others, through prayers and Masses, for the repose of their souls, not only today but throughout the month. As usual, remember to write their names in the Book Of the Dead. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace – Amen!

 

By Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

 Prayer: “O gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on them. Be not severe in Your judgments, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames. And, Merciful Savior, send Your angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.”

 

Quote from a Saint:  "We must empty Purgatory with our prayers.” – St. Pio of Pietrelcina

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Questions for reflection:

1. Do you have a devotion to the Holy Souls in Purgatory? Why or why not?

2. Do you regularly visit cemeteries in order to pray for the dead? If you do not, would you consider starting to do so?

3. Do you think that you will need to experience Purgatory after you die?

4. Has the concept of Purgatory ever been an issue for you in relations to your faith?

5. Are there people who will pray for you after your death? If not, ask people to do so and make sure they know that you would like them to pray for your soul. Arrange for it to be mentioned at your funeral or during the homily of your funeral Mass.

6. Are you in the habit of gaining indulgences when you can?

7. Have you ever applied the indulgences that you have gained to the dead?

8. While reading this meditation did you remember anyone who has died that you have not been praying for? If so, stop and pray for them now and try to keep them in your prayers.

 

--Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 751: Pray with humility (Sirach 25 : 12-14, 16-18 ; 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18  & Luke 18: 9-14)

 

[Sirach]

The LORD is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.  The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.
 

[Timothy]

Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

[Luke]

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity -- greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.' But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

 

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Fellow pilgrims, we read about the prayer of the poor, oppressed and vulnerable, in the 1st reading (Sir 35:12-14, 16-18), where Ben Sirach wisely stated “…For he is a God of justice, who shows no partiality. He shows no partiality to the weak but hears the grievance of the oppressed. He does not forsake the cry of the orphan, nor the widow when she pours out her complaint…The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal. Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right. God indeed will not delay…” (Sirach 35:15-17,21,22).

 

The gospel also talks about humility in prayer (Lk 18:9-14), and the Psalm says: “This poor one cried out, and the Lord heard…” (Ps 34:7). In other words, God does not answer the prayer of the proud, or prideful prayer as the Pharisees prayed in the gospel. Thus, today we are invited to reflect on pride, and prideful traits and behaviors which hurts our prayer. We know that pride is actually a mask that covers our weakness and fear of vulnerability. This mask is like a tool one employs to protect oneself from any pain that would come from rejection, or from being hurt or humiliated. This is not good for any relationship especially our relationship with God.

 

We must try to remove the mask of pride and self-righteousness, accept our vulnerability and weakness, and humbly pray to God who hears the prayer of the weak and wipes the tears of the oppressed, which was the grace and healing that eluded the proud Pharisee (Lk 18:14). We are also reminded that although we face challenges of faith fighting the good fight of faith, as pilgrim journeying to heaven, we are made holy and righteous by God’s grace and not just by our own power, as St Paul noted (2 Tim 4:6-8, 16-18); a tendency seen with prideful people (Lk 18:11,12).

 

Now, this ties into the solemnity of All Saints we celebrate this Saturday (Nov.1), when the Church celebrates with those who have entered God’s presence contemplating him in glory (Church triumphant). Although it is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year, we thank God for the numerous wonderful and blessed men and women who have be washed in the Blood of Christ and are now united with him in heavenly bliss (Rev 7:2-4, 9-14), as we read: “After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.” (Rev 7:9). And these include people of all professions and vocations, the rich and the poor, the healthy, the sickly, the religious, the reformed sinners, Queens, Kings, the worldly intelligent and the worldly dumb, officials, the kitchen servants, etc., but each still lived humbly.

 

So, heaven is for the humble, and it has room for each of us, who lived as God’s humble sons and daughters, who St John noted must make ourselves pure to truly see God as he is and become like him: “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God… Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be, has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure” (1Jn 3:1-3). God wants us to strive humbly to reach out for the glory he has prepared for us. This is what makes

saints, as Jesus reiterated at his sermon on the mount (Matt 5:1-12). To practice the beatitudes is challenging, but those who persevere, have washed their cloth in the Blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:13-14). Peace!

 

By Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: “Heavenly Father, I thank You for showing me the true meaning of humility. Please remove any arrogance or pride within me, and replace it with a heart of gentleness and humility. Guide my actions so they may reflect the grace You have bestowed upon me. Let my life be an example of humility to others, always seeking to serve rather than be served. Help me, Lord, to put others before myself and seek Your approval above all else. Amen."

 

Quote from a Saint: "There is something in humility which strangely exalts the heart.” --Saint Augustine

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Questions for reflection:

1. Have you ever found pride getting in the way of your prayer? What did that look like?

2. Have you ever considered that your prayer could be hampered by pride?

3. What are some ways that you can “remove the mask of pride and self-righteousness”?

4. Do you think of yourself as being a humble person? Would those closest to you say that you are humble?

5. Do you find it easy to pray the Litany of Humility? If you have not prayed it before, look it up and give it a try.

6. What is it about humility that is so important?

7. “…we are made holy and righteous by God’s grace and not just by our own power.” If we realize this, how does it change our prayer life? Our relationship with God?

8. “And these include people of all professions and vocations, the rich and the poor...” Does this description of who is in Heaven comfort you?

--Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP