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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 787: Humility (Zechariah 9: 9-10 ;  Romans 8: 9, 11-13 ; Mathew 11 : 25-30)

 

[Zechariah]

Thus says the LORD: Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion, shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king shall come to you; a just savior is he, meek, and riding on an ass, on a colt, the foal of an ass. He shall banish the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; the warrior's bow shall be banished, and he shall proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

 

[Romans]

Brothers and sisters: You are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you. Consequently, brothers and sisters, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

 

[Matthew]

At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

 

Reflection

 

Fellow pilgrims, the readings remind us of the Christian virtues of humility and peace. As it is, the 1st reading says that the Messiah will come, not riding like a mighty king, but riding on a donkey as one who serves; and all who lives by the precepts of this humble Messiah will experience his peace: “Behold: your king is coming to you, a just savior is he, humble, and riding on a donkey… and he will proclaim peace to the nations” (Zec 9:9-10). St. Paul saw this humble life as the life in the spirit, which is at tension with the life in the flesh (Rom 8:9,11-13). But as Jesus said, God loves this humble or lowly living, hence he lifts up the humble by revealing his knowledge, power, and peace to them (Mt 11:25-30). God does not treat the proud the same way (Lk 1:51-52).

 

While answering that humility is a virtue, and explaining the type of virtue it is, St Thomas said that two virtues are necessary with regard to the difficult good; and these are the virtues of humility and magnanimity. And, while it belongs to humility to temper and restrain the mind, lest it tend to high things immoderately, it belongs to magnanimity to strengthen the mind against despair and urges it on to the pursuit of great things according to right reason (cf. Aquinas, T., S.T., II-II, Q.161, art.1). By this he places the importance of humility as the virtue that must manifest in one’s life and in all of one’s activities.

 

Now, when Jesus said the prayer of thanksgiving for the success of the disciples’ mission, thanking God the Father for hiding the truth of the kingdom from the learned and clever and revealing it to mere children (Mt 11:25), it does not mean that God wants us to be stupid and intellectually naive. He is not condemning intellectual pursuit but rather he condemns intellectual pride and arrogance. He is not linking faith with ignorance, but he is linking faith with lowliness and humility, which are associated with openness, trust and simplicity, as exhibited by children (Mt 18:4). This kind of life and attitude was what Jesus showed as God’s Son who humbled himself and became obedient to the will of the Father, even to dying on the cross (Phil 2:6-11). It is when we possess those childlike qualities that we are able to come to Jesus as we labor and feel burdened, so that we may enter into a personal relationship with him and thus experience the peace which the world cannot give (Jn 14:27). Thus, Jesus is asking us to become his disciples, who are moved and motivated to do only the will of the Master as he did the Father’s will, by living in the spirit and not in the flesh.

 

So, Jesus invites us to follow him in humble obedience, with our material and spiritual wealth, just as he, the Word, manifested the Father, his love, and his kingdom, in a humble and obedient way. This is how we gain true peace. True peace does not always come with money and material things, not because money is evil, since the scriptures say that it is the love of money that is the source of all kinds of evil (1 Tim 6:10), rather true peace of mind comes with the complete humble obedience to the word of God, trusting the loving presence and care of God for us.

 

Hence, Paul reflected that when we live in the spirit according to the precepts of God, we possess the Spirit of God and we then belong to Jesus; and this is when we gain the peace that the world cannot give (Rom 8:9&11).

Finally, we note again that God will never abandon us as we undergo life trials and challenges, especially when we united them to the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus invites us to bring our burden and yoke to him, yoke ourselves to himself, and then he will help us carry them (Mt 11:28-30). He knows that we are not able to navigate this world and its vicissitudes alone. We need the help of another person who is yoked together, to help carry the demands of life, especially as we know that sorrow and pain shared is sorrow and pain reduced. So, we are reminded to bring to God our difficulties and struggles, and those of our loved ones in prayer. He is kind, gracious, merciful, and compassionate towards all his works, as the psalm says (Ps 145:8-9). Again, let us be

humble and seek God’s help, as well as the help of others; remembering the important lesson of humility noted in the words of the Psalmist: “I will run the way of your commands when you give me a docile and humble heart” (Ps 119:32). Peace.

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: “O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved...
From the desire of being extolled...
From the desire of being honored...
From the desire of being praised...
From the desire of being preferred to others...
From the desire of being consulted...
From the desire of being approved...
From the fear of being humiliated...
From the fear of being despised...
From the fear of suffering rebukes...
From the fear of being calumniated...
From the fear of being forgotten...
From the fear of being ridiculed...
From the fear of being wronged...
From the fear of being suspected...

That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I...
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease...
That others may be chosen and I set aside...
That others may be praised and I unnoticed...
That others may be preferred to me in everything...
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should...

 

 

Quote from a Saint: “The spirit of humility is sweeter than honey, and those who nourish themselves with this honey produce sweet fruit.”--St. Anthony Padua

 

Questions for reflection:

1. Is humility a virtue that you struggle with?

2. Do you struggle with pride?

3. Have you ever considered that you need to be magnanimous? Would you consider yourself a magnanimous person?

4. How can you better practice the virtue of humility?

5. Are “moved and motivated to do only the will of the Master as he did the Father’s will, by living in the spirit and not in the flesh”?

6. Do you experience true peace in your life? Are you trying to live your life in a way that will lead you to the true peace that Jesus makes available?

7. Have you ever struggled with feeling like God has abandoned you?

-Benjamin and Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 786: Acts of kindness (2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16) ;  Romans 6: 3-4, 8-11 ; Mathew 10 : 37-42)

 

[2 Kings]

One day Elisha came to Shunem, where there was a woman of influence, who urged him to dine with her. Afterward, whenever he passed by, he used to stop there to dine. So she said to her husband, “I know that Elisha is a holy man of God. Since he visits us often, let us arrange a little room on the roof and furnish it for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp, so that when he comes to us he can stay there.” Sometime later Elisha arrived and stayed in the room overnight. Later Elisha asked, “Can something be done for her?” His servant Gehazi answered, “Yes! She has no son, and her husband is getting on in years.” Elisha said, “Call her.” When the woman had been called and stood at the door, Elisha promised, “This time next year you will be fondling a baby son.”

 

[Romans]

Brothers and sisters: Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.

 

[Matthew 10]

Jesus said to his apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple— amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

 

Reflection

 

Fellow pilgrims, we read today of the rewards of acts of kindness, generosity and hospitality, as well as the fact that one who loses one’s life by carrying one’s daily cross will gain life in Jesus Christ (Mt 10:39). This calls us to acts of kindness and generosity towards all, including, a) those who bring God to us, like our teachers, catechists, parents, priests and religious, as exemplified by Elijah (2 Kg 4:8-10) and God’s messengers noted in the gospel (Mt 10:41), b) those who help us realize our full humanity and the best version of ourselves, noted in the gospel as prophet, righteous man, disciple (cf. Mt 10:41-42), c). those who are poor, homeless, sick, needy and ‘the least of Jesus’ followers (Mt 10:42), and d). those who are not even kind and generous to us: “…I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you…” (Mt 5:44). This is because we have grown in our humanity and spirituality and know better as the salt of the earth (Mt 5:13).

 

Secondly, we note that performing acts of kindness and generosity certainly take some toll on us, since they challenge our mere human ways. Thus, our selfless gifts and our kind acts are our daily martyrdom, for they involve great sacrifices on our part. Think of this: “Those…who do not take up their cross and follow in my footsteps are not fit to be my disciples” (Mt 10:37-38). So, we sacrifice for others’ benefit and die to sin daily, for we are incorporated into Christ by our baptism: “If then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him…Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin and living for God in Christ

Jesus” (Rom 6:8-11).

 

Thirdly, we note that we are rewarded for our acts of kindness and generosity, which entail giving of ourselves in some ways, like the many worthy projects we embark on selflessly, the forgiving and compassionate ways we act towards others, the encouraging way we speak to and engage others, the generous and charitable way we think about others, and so on. Now, not only are material rewards bestowed to us, but the generous and kind persons will be rewarded with the innermost desires of their heart, as experienced by the woman from Shunem (2 Kg 4:11-17). They are also rewarded with God’s constant presence, as Jesus said: “whoever welcomes you

welcomes me and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me” (Mt 10:40); and they are rewarded with eternal life which Jesus referred to as the prophet’s, the righteous man’s, and the disciple’s reward (cf. Mt 10:41-42). Thus, hospitality is always rewarding to both the giver and the receiver.

 

Fourthly, we note the priority of the gospel over and above our loved ones. It is an example of the paradox in Christian life, because when we focus on the work of God and our discipleship, God usually focuses on our loved ones and our heart’s desires. Jesus knew how important and sacred the family bonds and relations were to the culture of his people, yet he told the disciples: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me…” (Mt 10:37). This is a hard demand, as the instruction not to place our life and safety over our Christian mission (Mt 10:38). So, Jesus

reminds us that our relationship with God is the most important thing for he is the author and sustainer of our life, and relationships.

 

Finaly, we are also reminded to express our appreciation and thanks to those who have been kind to us, first to God from who all good things come, and then to those who have been generous to us. The responsorial psalm says: “…Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord” (Ps 89:1), and the golden rule of Christian life, says: “do for others what you want them to do for you” (Mt 7:12). So, we express our profound gratitude to God for all his generous and kind blessings to us. We equally express our profound gratitude to all of you for all your generosity, kindness, and gifts to our parish, with your time, talent and treasure. Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: “Dear Lord, We come before You seeking a heart filled with kindness and compassion.
Help us to see the needs of others and to respond with love and grace. May our words and actions reflect Your goodness, and may we be instruments of Your peace in a world that often lacks empathy. Fill us with Your spirit of kindness, today and always. Amen.”

 

Quote from a Saint: “Let us more and more insist on raising funds of love, of kindness, of understanding, of peace. Money will come if we seek first the Kingdom of God - the rest will be given.” – St Teresa of Calcutta

 

Questions for reflection:

1. Do acts of kindness, generosity and hospitality come naturally to you?

2. Do you find that it is easier to practice acts of kindness, generosity and hospitality with certain groups of people?

3. Is there a kind of person that you would find it difficult to practice acts of kindness, generosity and hospitality with?

4. Are acts of kindness, generosity and hospitality a part of your family life? Do they need to become a standard practice in your family life?

5. How well do you suffer? Do you willing embrace the cross that God puts before you?

6. Are you willing to embrace a daily martyrdom by practicing acts of kindness, generosity and hospitality?

7. Have you experienced the sense of being rewarded for your acts of kindness, generosity and hospitality?

8. Do you prioritize the Gospel and its message over your family?

9. Do you receive acts of kindness, generosity and hospitality well?

 

-Benjamin and Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 785: Be not Afraid (Jeremiah 20:10-13 ;  Romans 5: 12-15 ; Mathew 10 : 26-33)

 

[Jeremiah]

Jeremiah said: "I hear the whisperings of many: 'Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!' All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. 'Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him.' But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. O LORD of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. Sing to the LORD, praise the LORD, for he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!"

 

[Romans]

Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned— for up to the time of the law, sin was in the world, though sin is not accounted when there is no law. But death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin after the pattern of the trespass of Adam, who is the type of the one who was to come. But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many.

 

[Matthew]

Jesus said to the Twelve: "Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father."

 

Reflection

 

Fellow pilgrims, the Lord reminds us today to trust him with our fears and worries in the mission. He knew what the disciples would experience in their time, as would Christians of each epoch - the great challenges resulting from the forces of evil, as well as from the hardships, injustices, rejections, and violence that come with living out our Christian faith. This certainly causes some fear, anxiety and worries. Meanwhile, Paul noted that what evils we see in the society then and today are the consequence of man’s choice from the beginning of time, which continues in the free choices we make, either for or against God’s commands. Thus, we read of Adam’s disobedience, through which sin and death entered the world (Rom 5:12). And the consequence of this death (spiritual death brought about by sin), is that we have become captives of fear.

 

Also, the scriptures had made it clear that as we share a lot with Christ as Christians, like his love of the Father (Jn 15:13-15), and his mission and power to heal (Mt 10:5-10), we are ultimately destined to share his pains and suffering (Mt 10:16-24) before we can finally share his glory (Jn 17: 24-26). As Jesus said earlier in the gospel, “Everyone will hate you because of me. But whoever holds out to the end will be saved” (Mt 10:22). Now, this ominous warning equally becomes the cause of our fears, especially when we recall that those who had followed God as Jeremiah did, experienced ‘torments and persecutions’ even from unexpected quarters (Jer 20:10).

 

Today however, we are reminded that God has not left us in our natural tendency to sin, or in our trials as Christ’s followers, but has given us the gift of his grace, so that if we chose for him, we will be set free from our evil tendencies and be accompanied by his Spirit on our Christian mission. Thus, Jesus said: “…those who declare publicly that they belong to me, I will do the same for them before my Father in Heaven” (Mt 10:32). Also, we read: “…he rescues the oppressed from the power of evil people” (Jer 20:13). Now, when one knows that one is loved, one’s fear reduces and confidence is built up. For the Christian this confidence is strengthened by a constant effort to live a pure life - the constant and sincere effort to avoid evil and do good. Thus, the gospel pericope exhorts us not to be afraid (Mt 10:26, 28, 31), but to trust the God of our life and mission.

 

Now, with this exhortation, we should respond with a prayer of thanks to God for his steadfastness and his continued fulfillment of his promise of taking care of even the hair on our head during the moments of trials (Mt 10:30). Another response should be our constant and fervent plea to God who cares, provides, protects, and defends us as we faithfully acknowledge Jesus before the world (Mt 10:32); for he loves us more than all sparrows put together (Mt 10:29). Yet, a third response should be our continued commitment to encouraging and strengthening others who worry about their life, relationships, health, material and spiritual well-being, as well as those who fear to make Jesus known on the housetops due to persecutions (Mt 10:27). Worries and fears can truly imprison us, seize our movement towards righteousness, and even stunt our capacity for good, unless we realize God’s presence and care for us. Thus, reflecting on Adam’s sin in the light of the mystery of redemption brought by Christ, St. Paul reminds us that Jesus Christ the 2nd Adam, is the source of the grace of salvation at the disposal of all of Adam’s children (Rom 5:12-15). To choose to live and abide by Jesus’ words is what will set us free from the bondage of sin and fear. Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: “Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.” -- St. Teresa of Avila.

 

Quote from a Saint: “Lay all your cares about the future trustingly in God’s hands, and let yourself be guided by the Lord just like a little child.” – St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (St. Edith Stein)

 

 

Questions for reflection:

1. How do you react to Christ saying, “do not be afraid”? Are you ever afraid? Does the Gospel reading allay any of your fears?

2. Do you feel that God takes care of you?

3. Does fear ever hold you back from proclaiming the truth of Christ?

4. Do people ever hate you for your devotion to God? How do you react to that?

5. How has fear stunted your ability to do good?  How can you overcome this tendency to fear?

6. In what ways has living and abiding by Jesus’ word set you free from the bondage of fear?

7. Do you pray about your fears? Does that help with them?

8. Where do you see fear causing discord in the community around you?

 

-Benjamin and Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 784: Love like Jesus (Exodus 19: 2-6a ;  Romans 5: 6-11 ; Mathew 9 : 36-10:8)

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[Exodus 19: 2-6a]

In those days, the Israelites came to the desert of Sinai and pitched camp. While Israel was encamped here in front of the mountain, Moses went up the mountain to God. Then the LORD called to him and said, “Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob; tell the Israelites: You have seen for yourselves how I treated the Egyptians and how I bore you up on eagle wings and brought you here to myself. Therefore, if you hearken to my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my special possession, dearer to me than all other people, though all the earth is mine. You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.”

 

[Romans 5: 6-11]

Brothers and sisters: Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath. Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life. Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

 

[Matthew 9:36 -10:8]

At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

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Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

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Reflection

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Now, the gospel reminds us of Jesus’ love and compassion to all (Matt 9:36-10:8), just as God was compassionate to the Israelites and bore them up on eagles’ wings (Exod 19:4). Hence Jesus asked the disciples to pray for laborers that would be disposed to love the harassed crowd. At this, we recall that this universal love and compassion of Jesus was manifested directly in various places in the gospel. Think of the time he felt compassion for the crowds and then went on to feed them with five loaves and two fish (Matt 14:13-21). Think of the woman of Nain whom he felt pity for as she went to bury her only son (Lk 7:11-17). Again, think of the fact that it was his love for us that made him die for us even when we were sinners, as St. Paul wrote (Rom 5:6-11). His heart is always reaching out to those who are suffering and struggling with life vicissitudes. Now, we are the chosen people, a holy nation (Exod 19:6), and the apostles of today, called to go out to all peoples to bear witness to God’s reign, and the presence of his kingdom (Matt 10:1); even amidst the difficulties that the disciple and each Christian would experience at each epoch and age (Matt 10:5-8). Jesus gave the apostles his authority, and commissioned them to care for the crowd, having looked at the crowd and seen their need of leadership and direction in order to bear the required fruit for the kingdom: “At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt 9:36).

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However, there is need for the workers to have the love that resembles Jesus’s own love that led him to feel for the troubled and abandoned people of the whole world; who are the harvest that will be gathered. In essence, the universal empathetic love of Jesus, which is at the heart of his mission, must also be the essential quality of the heart of the disciple, in order to be effective in the mission of bearing fruit of the kingdom. This makes sense because the work is the Lord’s work, as Jesus said: “…ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Matt 9:38).

 

It is interesting that Jesus asked the disciple ‘to pray’ for laborers with hearts like his. Also, we recall that he exemplified praying at different times and occasions. Now, this would mean that we who are called to be the workers in the vineyard today can only be the workers with the heart of Jesus and love for all, through the conversion that comes from God through daily conversation with God, attention to the word of God, and the sanctification by the sacraments. In fact, it is this daily attention to the owner of the vineyard that actually opens our eyes to the needs of the vineyard in our daily encounters as we read of Jesus: “Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness” (Matt 9:35). True prayer helps us to see in the society today, the many that are still wounded by sin and its consequences, who yearn for God’s love, mercy, compassion, healing, and assistance through us. It also empowers and encourages us with empathetic resources utilized to assist their situation. It also shows us the authentic ways to offer to our brothers and sister that love, mercy and compassion we have received from God and from other also. Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: General Prayer Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer:

"O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with a lively sorrow for my sins. I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure, and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessings on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Within your heart, I place my every care. In every need let me come to you with humble trust saying, Heart of Jesus, help me. Amen."

 

Quote from a Saint: “Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey. They must have the Passion of Christ deeply embedded in their minds and hearts, because only from it can they derive peace, grace, and truth.”—Saint Anthony of Padua

 

Questions for reflection:

1. When was the last time that you were moved by compassion?

2. Do you regularly pray for more “laborers for the vineyard”? How often do you pray for vocations?

3. If you encounter the homeless, are you moved by compassion to interact with them?

4. Do you regularly interact with people at your parish who are new or new to you? Does your parish have a method of welcoming newcomers and getting them plugged into the activities at your church?

5. Have you ever considered getting involved or starting a ministry that bring the Eucharist to those who are homebound or unable to get to Mass?

6. How does your love measure up to the love of Jesus?

7. Does it trouble you that souls could be lost to Hell in part because you failed to model Jesus’ love? Think of the person who you most do not like: have you attempted to reconcile with them? Do you pray for them?

8. Do you have a prayer life? If so, what does it look like? Do you make time for silent mental prayer? Do you intentionally have a quiet time in your time of prayer that gives the Lord a chance to speak to you?

-Benjamin and Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 783: Corpus Christi (Deuteronomy 8 :2-3, 14b-16a; 1 Corinthians 10 : 16-17 ; John 6 : 51-58)

 

[Deuteronomy]

Moses said to the people: "Remember how for forty years now the LORD, your God, has directed all your journeying in the desert, so as to test you by affliction and find out whether or not it was your intention
to keep his commandments.  He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your fathers, in order to show you that not by bread alone does one live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD.  "Do not forget the LORD, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery; who guided you through the vast and terrible desert with its saraph serpents and scorpions, its parched and waterless ground; who brought forth water for you from the flinty rock and fed you in the desert with manna, a food unknown to your fathers."

 

[1 Corinthians]

Brothers and sisters: The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one,
we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

 

[John]

Jesus said to the Jewish crowds: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."

 

Reflection

 

Fellow pilgrims, we celebrate the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. It is the mystery of the Blessed Eucharist, which is the source and summit of all Christian life (cf. Lumen Gen um, 11); for the Eucharist is the hinge of all the sacraments, containing the sum of all the spiritual good of the Church–Jesus Christ himself (CCC, 1324). Every sacrament is bound to it, and every Christian living is oriented towards it: “…It is the culmination both of God’s action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship men offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit” (CCC, 1325). Thus, after the multiplication of the loaves (Jn 6:1-15), when the Jews returned for more, Jesus told them of the bread from Heaven that gives eternal life (Jn 6:22-35); and revealed that he is that bread of life, saying: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh or the life of the world…” (Jn 6:51-57). Thus, the Eucharist is Christ, and it is the sign and cause of the union and communion between God and Christ’s faithful. Now, knowing its importance in the life of the disciples, Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper as what gives them life and unites them with himself forever (cf. Ma 26:26-30; Mk 14:22-26; Lk 22: 14-20; Jn 13: 1-20; 1 Cor 11: 23-26).

 

Hence, at Mass, the Eucharist is always made present for our spiritual nourishment and eternal life, as Manna was given to the Israelites in the desert (Dt 8: 2-3, 14-16). Thus, the Mass is a sacrifice, and the Eucharist is a holy meal, for in it we eat of the real Body and Blood of Christ. Christ the new Melchizedek, transforms the bread and wine offered by the old Melchizedek (Gen14:18-20), as to enrich us with God's blessings. At the words of Consecration at Mass, there is a change of the bread and wine into Christ’s Body and Blood. This is Transubstantiation– the substance changes but the appearance remains. Thus, when we receive the Eucharist worthily, it (1) transforms us into Christ with the strength to love as Christ (2) becomes food and sustenance for the journey to Heaven (3) helps us to fight the urge to commit sins (4) assures us of the fulfillment of promise of eternal life. The readings stated these truths, and exhort us to partake of the Eucharist, for our sustenance, strength and life. The Eucharist is a communion (1Cor10: 16-17) and a sacrament of love; to remind us that our love must reach beyond our natural (blood) bonds, and other divisive trends of cultures, peoples, etc.; and assist each other on the journey. This was already exemplified by God whose providence is shown in the Eucharist, which reaches across all borders and all humanity, as he did with Manna (Dt 8:14-16); given as food for the journey in a foreign land and through some foreign instruments of God (Ex 16:1-35). No one can then be a true disciple unless one is the source of strength and flavor to the life of others (Mt 5: 13). No one who has experienced God's love remains unaffected and idle. So, the feast not only reminds us of the love of Christ who gave his life for us to have eternal life, but also of our call to die to self, out of love, so that all others can have life; since it is by loving as Jesus loves us are we known as his disciples (Jn 14: 34-35). This is our willingness to be transformed from natural bread and wine into spiritual strength and light for others in genuine concern.

 

Thus, the Eucharist is not only a thanksgiving but also a sacrifice as Jesus did; a spiritual good “…offered in reparation for the sins of the living and the dead and to obtain spiritual or temporal benefits from God” (CCC, 1414). Finally, as Jesus is really present in the Eucharist, usually on this solemnity, there is the exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the form of Eucharistic procession around the vicinity, to honor and adore Christ who loved us and gave himself for our salvation and eternal life (cf. CCC, 1418). Join a Eucharistic procession and also consider Eucharistic adoration at your parish to thank Jesus for his sacrifice, and to ask that he continues to transform us as Christians and give us the courage to make sacrifices required of us in our daily encounter with others and the world. Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, I come before You with an open heart. You are the Bread of Life who satisfies every hunger. On this Corpus Christi, awaken in me a deeper faith, a purer love, and a burning desire for You. Amen”

 

Quote from a Saint: “The Eucharist is the sacrament of love: It signifies love, it produces love.” --St. Thomas Aquinas

 

Questions for reflection:

1. In what ways do you think that the other Sacraments are bound to the Eucharist?

2. Have you ever thought that the Eucharist was not the true body and blood of Christ? How did you resolve that misunderstanding?

3. What are some ways that you can defend the truth about the Eucharist to those who do not believe it to be the true Body and Blood of our Lord?

4. Why is it important to not receive the Eucharist unworthily? How does one get into a state of worthiness?

5. Have you seen benefits from receiving the Eucharist on a regular basis?

6. Have you ever participated in a Eucharistic procession? What was that experience like?

7. Why do you think it is important for Catholics to have Eucharistic processions? What witness do you think it gives to the local community?

8. How often do you go to Eucharistic adoration? Do you know when adoration is at your parish or at another parish near you?

 

-Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 782: The Trinity (Exodus 34 :4b-6,8-9 ; 2 Corinthians 13 : 11-13 ; John 03 : 16-18)

 

[Exodus]

Early in the morning Moses went up Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him, taking along the two stone tablets. Having come down in a cloud, the LORD stood with Moses there and proclaimed his name, "LORD." Thus the LORD passed before him and cried out, "The LORD, the LORD, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity." Moses at once bowed down to the ground in worship. Then he said, "If I find favor with you, O Lord, do come along in our company. This is indeed a stiff-necked people; yet pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own."

 

[2 Corinthians]

Brothers and sisters, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy ones greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

 

[John]

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

 

Reflection

Now we celebrate the Most Holy Trinity, the mystery of One God but Three persons, which is central to our faith and life: “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life…the mystery of God in himself…the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them…the fundamental and essential teaching in the hierarchy of the truths of faith” (CCC, n.234).

 

This mystery is revealed to us in the Scriptures. For instance, in the OT, God is revealed as ONE: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Dt 6:4). And God is revealed also as THREE persons in God, as seen at creation (cf. Gen 1:26; Gen 1:2-3; Prov 8:27-31). Now, in the NT, God is also revealed as ONE and as THREE distinct persons. For instance, Jesus revealed God as one and as three distinct persons especially in the Last Supper Discourse in John’s gospel (Jn 13-17). There was also the unique manifestation of the three persons at the baptism of Jesus (cf. Mt 3:16-17), and at the conclusion of the gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructed his disciples to baptize those who believe, in the name of the Trinity (Mt 28:18-20). Equally, three persons are distinguished in Acts, and NT Epistles, as read in the conclusion of the 2nd reading (cf. 2 Cor 13:13).

 

Now, we must acknowledge that the idea of three persons in one God is not a concept to be fully understood by we who are finite beings; hence the notion of mystery, which is a truth that must be approached and appreciated with faith. And the truths that stand out about this mystery are that: (1) The Trinity is One but three Persons fully God, (2) That the Divine Persons are distinct from each other, though not 3 Modes or Appearances, and (3) That they are in relation (communion) with one another. Now, the important thing today is not for us to try to understand fully the mystery of the Three-person-in-One-God, but to reflect on the import of ‘their three-personal-life’ for us.

 

Now, one import is the great truth of their unity, even in their individual distinctiveness. It truly talks to us about unity in diversity, which our world needs to understand. As the scriptures tells us and as Jesus revealed of the Trinity in the Last Supper Discourse, the Father is Almighty, for he created all things, and He begot the Son who is divine as the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself is the Son of the Father, who is the Word by which all were created and who became man to redeem man from sin and death. And the Holy Spirit is the Love and Spirit of the Father and of Jesus, who is the teacher, guide and comforter of created beings (cf. Jn 13-17; 16:12-15; Heb 1:1-4; Gal 4:4). The Catechism articulated: “Inseparable in what they are, the divine persons are also inseparable in what they do. But within the single divine operation each shows forth what is proper to him in the Trinity, especially in the divine missions of the Son’s Incarnation and the gift of the Holy Spirit” (CCC, n.267). As it is, God the father is the creator, God the Son is the redeemer and God the Holy Spirit is the guide; yet each is present in the operations of the others as clearly shown in the work of creation (Gen 1:2-3), and in the work of man’s redemption when the three persons appeared at the baptism of Jesus (Mt 3:16-17).

 

Now, we are created in the image and likeness of the Trinity, with our uniqueness, distinctiveness, individualities and personalities (Gen 1:26-27). But we are born anew (Jn 3:5) and are incorporated into the family of God by our baptism (Mt 28:18-20). Thus, we have been drawn into communion and unity of the Trinity for all ages and must therefore operate like the Trinity in uniqueness and unity. As each one manifests his distinctness in and with the others, yet without interfering in the other’s person and role, this form of love they communicated to us should exist between the distinct members of every family, parish and community, as we build up each other with our gifts. Also, join the U.S. Church from June 3-11 in praying the Novena to the Sacred Heart, which will conclude with the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

 

Quote from a Saint:  “When One of the Three Persons communicates with a soul, by the power of that one will, it finds itself united with the Three Persons and is inundated in the happiness flowing from the Most Holy Trinity, the same happiness that nourishes the saints. This same happiness that streams from the Most Holy Trinity makes all creation happy; from it springs that life which vivifies and bestows all life which takes its beginning from Him.” —St. Faustina

 

Questions for reflection:

1. How to you understand the reality that the Trinity is three persons in one God?

2. Do you find yourself troubled when contemplating the Trinity? If so, have you brought what troubles you to prayer?

3. Has the concept of the Trinity been a stumbling block in your faith life? How did you overcome it?

4. Does it bother you that the Trinity is a mystery that we cannot understand? How can accepting the mystery of this reality help build your faith?

5. Does the Trinity play an explicit role in your spiritual life?

6. Do you find yourself praying more often to a distinct person of the Holy Trinity? If so, have you ever wondered why that is?

7. Do you see the Trinity being reflected in your family life, parish and community?

8. Will you be joining the U.S. Church in the novena to the Sacred Heart?

 

-Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

​

Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 781: Holy Spirit (Acts 2 :1-11 ; 1 Corinthians 12 : 3b-7, 12-13 ; John 20 : 19-23)

 

[Acts]

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

 

[Corinthians]

Brothers and sisters: No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

 

[Matthew]

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

 

Reflection

Fellow pilgrims, we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost 50 days after Easter, which tells of the day when the Risen Lord fulfilled his promise to the apostles (Jn 14:16;15:5-15; Acts 1:4-8) by sending the Holy Spirit from the Father, as their Defense, Comforter, Paraclete, Teacher, Counsel, Strength and Power; and to inaugurate the Church and fill her with the power to live and fulfill her destiny and mission - as the sacrament of Christ and salvation. 

 

The Catechism noted that at Pentecost, there was the full revelation and recognition of the Holy Spirit; but the Spirit of God had been active in the Old Testament, in creation, in the prophets and life of Christ (CCC, n.732). Both the Hebrew and Greek word for the Spirit meant a breath, air or wind; thus, highlighting the Spirit’s manifestation as the source of inspiration, life and movement of God’s people. So, today as then, the Holy Spirit (1) comes to us as teacher of the meaning and depth of revelation, (2) gives us grace and power to understand Church teachings and to know Christ, (3) gives us the wisdom to see how to apply the teachings in our lives, and (4) gives us courage to witness to believers and unbelievers alike about God’s love and salvation. the Holy

Spirit aids us with our relationship with God and in our ministry to others (cf. Rom 8: 26-27; 1 Cor 12:3-7).

 

At the vigil, we read of the ‘Tower of Babel’, where the people intended to build a city and Tower to make a name for themselves (Gen 11:4). It reminded us of the sin of our first parents who were deceived as the serpent said: “You certainly will not die…when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods…” (Gen 3:4-5). As Adam and Eve failed, so were the Tower builders, who were then scattered; for they pursued independence from God. God intervened in a dramatic way so that the evil of selfishness, self-centeredness and human independence from God was prevented. Now, in the events on Pentecost, the scattered nations and languages came together to understand the one language that focuses on the great news of God’s love and salvation brought by Jesus. This was accomplished by the Spirit who gifted the apostles to speak that one language of creation’s dependence on God’s love, as those present said: “…we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God” (Act 2:9-11). We can only overcome in life if our lives and all we do are rooted in the one true God and not in our ‘own-self-made-god’.

 

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles in the form of flames of fire (Acts 2:1-4) and imparted on them gifts and charisms for the mission of witnessing to the gospel and for service to the community; for no one desires them just for personal sake (1Cor 12:4-7). The 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit are: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Courage, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of God, already noted in Isaiah (11:1-3). Thus, imparted with these gifts, the apostles boldly went out and witnessed the gospel as Jesus commanded (Mt 28:16-20), bearing the fruits of the Spirit; usually listed as 12: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Modesty, Faithfulness, Self-Control, and Chastity (cf. Gal 5:22-23). This is the life lived according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh (Rom 8:8-17). Also, living out the fruits of the Spirit is the way we manifest the tongue of fire enkindled in us by the Holy Spirit; and thus, participate in renewing the face of the earth, and positively affecting people’s life as Jesus’ disciples. St Cyril of Jerusalem said of the Holy Spirit, “...he acts differently in men while himself remaining unchanged …To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good... he comes to save, to heal, to teach, to admonish, to strengthen, to console, to enlighten the mind, first of the man who receives him, then through him the minds of others also” (Instruct. to Catechumens, 16). Finally, with the feast of Pentecost, the Easter Season comes to an end, and we resume the Ordinary Time of the year, continuing from week 8. Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: Prayer to Receive the Holy Spirit “O King of glory, send us the Promise of the Father, the Spirit of Truth. May the Counselor Who proceeds from You enlighten us and infuse all truth in us, as You have promised. Amen.”

 

Quote from a Saint: “Come, Holy Spirit. Spirit of truth, you are the reward of the saints, the comforter of souls, light in the darkness, riches to the poor, treasure to lovers, food for the hungry, comfort to those who are wandering; to sum up, you are the one in whom all treasures are contained. Come! As you descended upon Mary that the Word might become flesh, work in us through grace as you worked in her through nature and grace. Come! Food of every chaste thought, fountain of all mercy, sum of all purity. Come! Consume in us whatever prevents us from being consumed in you.” —St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

 

Questions for reflection:

1. Where have you seen people building the equivalent of the Tower of Babel in our culture?

2. Do you feel that your life and all you do are rooted in the one true God and not in your ‘own-self-made-god’?

3. Which gifts of the Holy Spirit do you see within yourself?

4. Where have you seen the fruits of the Spirit in the community around you?

5. Where have you seen the fruits of the Spirit in your own life?

6. Do you pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit the nine days leading up to Pentecost every year? Why or why not?

7. Do you have a devotion to the Holy Spirit?

8. Do you have a favorite season of the liturgical calendar?

 

-Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP