Scripture Series: Genesis 5-8.

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES.

THE BIBLE-: EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES.

Scripture Series: Genesis 5-8.Genesis 5 and 6-8The Family Tree and the Flood.

From chapter 4:17 to Chapter 5, God’s word provides for us an account of the family tree of Adam and his descendants before the flood. They may sound unusual names to us, but interestingly enough their names had a meaning or represented their personality.  How are we named? Think of the expectant parents who carefully choose the name for the forthcoming baby. What does your name mean?   God also calls us by name also. ‘And now, thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine.’ (Is 43:1). 

Chapters 6-8 which are parallel accounts of the flood, teach us of man’s wickedness and God’s mercy. God destroys sin, but in His mercy He saves all that that is good, and has pity on all who repent. ‘Noah was found perfectly virtuous, in the time of wrath he became the scion: because of him a remnant was preserved for the earth at the coming of the Flood.  Everlasting covenants were made with him that never again should every living creature perish by flood.’ (Eccles 44)

There are references to the flood in the New Testament also.   Christ, in Matthew 24: 37-39 referred to the episode of the flood when he spoke of his coming and the last judgement.

In I Peter 3, the early Church saw there a clear symbol of Christian baptism, in which guilty humanity is judged from which is born a new humanity of ‘water and the Spirit’.  Also Hebrews 11 exalts the faith of Noah.  The Fathers of the Church saw in the ark an image of the Church.

So what about us? Are we being swept away in the flood of life? Are we like Noah obedient to the voice of God, follow the order He gives us and find favour with the Lord? At times, Chapter 6:1-2 may resonate with us. We may feel like we are drowning in the flood of life, with so much disaster and wickedness around us. 

Let us take heart in the mercy of God, endeavour in the ways God calls us to build the ark of God around us and find favour with our God.                           

Veiled Statues in Holy Week.

Veiled Statues in Holy Week.

 For many years it was the tradition that when someone died at home, the person was laid out and the mirrors and statues were covered over with a cloth.  

During Holy Week, the statues and crucifixes in the church will be covered with veils made from light purple cloth with no decoration. This is a sign that the Church is, in a sense in mourning, rather than the usual beauty and brightness that the statues bring. You will find further accurate information on this tradition  here. 

It should be remembered however that this outward sign of covering the statues and crucifix has a purpose, which is to focus the mind on the passion and death of Christ.  

On a personal note, for many years in my parish the statues were removed altogether. In more recent years they have been covered, although with a change of parish priest, I experienced the former form in more recent times again.  My personal preference is for the statues to be removed as it creates a sense of emptiness and bareness and assisted me to think specifically on the passion and death of Christ.  My usual visit to my favourite saint's statue had to be denied in Holy Week, but it made the return at Easter more delightful.

May you focus on the passion and death of Christ during Holy Week.

Palm Sunday Opening Prayer

OPENING PRAYER SERIES.

THE MASS: OPENING PRAYER SERIES ICON.

OPENING PRAYER

The Opening Prayer of the Mass for Palm Sunday reads  as follows:

Let us pray 

(for a closer union with Christ during this holy season)

Almighty, ever living God, 

You have given the human race Jesus Christ our Saviour 

as a model of humility.

He fulfilled Your will by becoming man and giving his life on the cross.

Help us to bear witness to You by following His example of suffering 

and make us worthy to share in His resurrection.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for my life during this week, the following reflection questions emerged: 

1. How will I follow Christ in closer union during this Holy Week?

2. What is Christ's model of humility?

3. How do I fulfil Your will in my life?

4. How will I bear witness to You in my life this week?

5. What attitude do I have to suffering?

6. How can I follow Christ's example of suffering?

7. What does Christ's death and resurrection mean to me personally?

Christ, the Son of God was willing to obey the will of His Father to die and rise so that the whole human race could be saved. Christ died and rose for ME.  

Let us enter into this holiest of weeks and accompany Christ

on His journey to His death and Resurrection.

 

Palm Sunday: the traditions of the donkey and the palms

Palm Sunday: the traditions of the donkey and the palms

PALM TREE: 

THE DONKEY

Did you know that every donkey has a cross marked on its back?  It is there clearly marked in the fur.  Tradition says that this is because of the donkey that carried the Lord on that first Palm Sunday. 

THE PALMS

On Palm Sunday the palms that are blessed are given out at Mass.  Usually there is a procession, either in the shorter or longer form depending on pastoral considerations.  Where there is the traditional procession, the reading of the Gospel for Palm Sunday is read outside. During that time, palm branches are held to recall the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem. The hymn 'all glory, praise and honour to Christ Redeemer King is traditionally sung during the procession.

When we take the palms home, it is important to remember that they have been blessed, and therefore should be treated as holy objects. Some palms can be created into crosses, and these are excellent for using as a book mark in the missal or our bibles.  It is a timely reminder for the whole year of the start of the Church's holiest of weeks- Holy Week which commemorates the great events of Christ's passion, death and resurrection.

During Mass, the reading of the Passion is read according to the appropriate yearly cycle, whereas on Good Friday, the reading of the passion according to St John is read.  When the passion is read, the whole triumphant mood is changed.  It signifies also the fickleness of the crowd towards Jesus- they were crying out ' Hosanna to the Son of David' and later on Good Friday- 'crucify Him'.

May you enter into this greatest week of the Church's calendar -Holy week- with great spiritual enthusiasm.

Getting to Know You.

INTRODUCTION OF OTHER PEOPLE:

Have you ever gone to a group event-not knowing one person there and come home wishing you knew more about the people you met?

Perhaps you are hosting or leading a great group event coming up and wondering how you will connect these people initially? You desire that everyone feels comfortable- those people who seem to have mastered the art of being’ out there’ but are not really, and those people who prefer to connect with others slowly and feel safe.

Connecting the participants is all important in successfully hosting or leading a group. There are countless approaches, but why not try this approach as it is a great non-threatening way for a group of people to be introduced.

So why not experiment with this approach-it is important not to rush this step.  As the host or leader your aim is for each person to attentively listen as the other person introduces himself/herself. If this aim is achieved, then your group activity is more likely to be successful as people will have connected.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU APPROACH

1. Divide your group into pairs. You may suggest to the group that each person talk about something specific about themselves (e.g. 3 interests in their lives) or you may choose to allow the conversation to unfold naturally.

2 As a pair, each person has 2 minutes each to introduce himself/herself. (i.e. allow at least 4 minutes for the exercise).

3. Then bring the group back together and choose a pair and ask one of the pair to introduce the person to whom he/she has been speaking. After each person of the pair has been introduced, check with the other person for accuracy and any other details that were missed. It is important that you ask the person being introduced if  he/she felt it was accurate introduction as no one wishes to feel misrepresented and you, as the host or leader of the group want your group to get to know each other.

The key to successful introduction is to allow enough time- both as each person introduces himself/herself in a pair and allowing time for checking for accuracy of details. Then depending on how many in your group, each pair  needs an opportunity to introduce and be introduced. No one wants to be left out.

Feast of the Annunciation.

Feast of the Annunciation.

MASS AT CHAPEL OF ANNUNCIATION IN HOLY LAND.

The feast of the Annunciation is on 25th March and it inevitably falls in Lent.  This marks the day when Mary, as described in the Gospel of St Luke, was told by an angel that she was to be the mother of the Saviour. This is the day of the Incarnation, when Christ, the Son of God, arrived in his mother's womb.

Interestingly enough, the old English name for this day is "Lady's Day" and for centuries it was marked as the first day of the New Year: due to the fact the tax year ran from March to March each year.   Of course, the Annunciation is exactly nine months before Christmas, signifying the time spend by Christ in the womb of Mary. On a practical note, for those of us who had promised ourselves we were going to be organized for Christmas next year, why not connect this feast with a start of a Christmas shopping list.!!!! Shock horror, some might think of Christmas-when we have not yet celebrated Easter.

Nevertheless, reflecting on this feast and connecting it with Christmas, may provide a fresh impetus. 

An old tradition says that the first Good Friday was also on 25th March, and so Christ was dying on the anniversary of the day on which he first arrived on earth.

God does not need his creatures because He is God.  Yet, he desired Mary's yes and our yes to make His plan complete. 

Will we be willing to say Yes to God like Mary in what He asks of us?

Genesis 4: Cain and Abel.

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES

THE BIBLE= EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES ICON.

Genesis 4: Cain and Abel.

Another aspect of sin appears in Genesis 4.  After the revolt of humanity against God, we see the struggle of man with man and the discord among humanity. This is compared to Christ’s obedience to His Father in I John 3. The sacrifice of Abel was agreeable to God because it was a perfect exteriorisation of his sincere dispositions of gratitude and adoration.  We also recognise in this a prefiguration of the sacrifice of Christ, renewed unceasingly in the Eucharist.  In Eucharistic Prayer No 1 (Roman Canon of the Mass), it says: ‘And as you were pleased to accept the gifts of your just servant Abel… look on this offering with love’.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

What can we learn from Cain though? Verse 2 is quite specific about both Cain and Abel’s role and mission in life. God has given us our own role so comparing ourselves with others or wishing it is something else can indicate that we know better than God. 

Also, both of them brought to God the ‘produce’ from their ‘employment’.  When God did not look favourably on his offering, note Cain’s reaction- anger and was downcast. God’s advice in Vs 7 ‘If you are doing right, surely you ought to hold your head high! But if you are not doing right, Sin is crouching at the door hungry to get you. You can still master him.' 

Despite killing his brother, God still allowed Cain to dialogue with Him and to realize the consequences for his wrongdoing.  Cain pleaded with God and God, in his mercy, prevented Cain from being harmed, but Cain still had to face the consequence of his actions.

These verses are vital for us too. We are all prone to sin or make mistakes. Can we come to God and face ourselves and name our ‘sin’? Can we also receive in good grace His unbounded mercy in the sacrament of Reconciliation and not walk away from the mission God gives to us?

Chapter 4 tells us to love our brother. What other reflection thoughts do you have on this chapter? Abel’s offering was acceptable to God due to his dispositions of gratitude and adoration.  

When we offer God our life each day in the morning offering, how do you think God would rate our inner disposition? Why not dialogue with God and listen to His response?

Opening Prayer Series: fifth Sunday of Lent

OPENING PRAYER SERIES

THE MASS: OPENING PRAYER SERIES ICON.

OPENING PRAYER.

The Opening Prayer of the Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Lent reads as follows:

Let us pray

(for the courage to follow Christ)

Father,

help us to be like Christ Your Son,

who loved the world and died for our salvation.

Inspire us by His love,

guide us by His example,

who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

one God for ever and ever.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for my life during this week,the following reflection questions emerged: 

1. How will I follow Christ with courage this week?

2. What changes do I need to make in my life in order to follow Christ?

3. What does 'to be like Christ' mean to you?

4. What aspects of my world do I not love?

5. How might these aspects come under Christ's salvation personally?

6. Do I know what Christ's love is to be inspired by it?

7. What is the example of Christ and how might I be guided by it in my life this week?

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

In the second reading, Paul urges us to put Christ first in our lives.  We cannot reach perfection by our own efforts, but that we can run the race by keeping our eyes on our goal- the prize which God longs to give us. He encourages us to live in hope as we strain ahead for what is still to come.

During this season of Lent, let us personally hear the tender and compassionate words of Christ say:

'Neither do I condemn you,

go and don't sin any more'.

 

St Joseph and a hymn to St Joseph.

St Joseph and a hymn to St Joseph.

St Joseph is known of course for being the spouse of Mary and foster father of Jesus. He is also known as

·                     Patron Saint of fathers, and honoured in many countries.

·                     Patron of single women- especially those seeking a good husband.

·                     Patron of the dying- Many pray to him for the gift of a 'happy death'.

One Italian tradition of the Feast Day of St Joseph is to have a 'St Joseph's Table', filled with homemade and donated sweets and delights. The proceeds are given to charity. Items found on 'St Joseph's Table include shortbread, toffee, fudge, coconut ice and flapjacks which are displayed in ribboned boxes.

ST JOSEPH AND LENTEN PENANCE.

Relaxing one's Lenten penance is permitted on the Feast of St Joseph, as is St Patrick (March 17) and The Annunciation, (March 25) should one desire to celebrate it. Other people who prefer to maintain their Lenten penance can buy from 'St Joseph's Table' for family and friends for Easter.  It is one tradition of the Feast of St Joseph that can be revived, as it can bring the parish community together and a charity can benefit from the proceeds. It may be a project that the young people in the parish might consider.

One tradition that I fondly remember is the singing of the Hymn to St Joseph.  I remember learning this hymn whilst I was still in primary school and I fondly remember the nun who taught it ( God rest her soul). I have to say that at the time, I did not appreciate the words- just learning the whole 3 verses from memory was my major effort.  However, as each year passes and I sing it on the feast of St Joseph, I value the simplicity of the words and painted pictures contained in the words.

I hope that by sharing it with you that you too will appreciate and reflect on the life of St Joseph and what he means for your life.

GREAT ST JOSEPH.

Great St Joseph, Son of David,

Foster Father of Our Lord.

Spouse of Mary, ever-virgin

Keeping o'er them watch and ward.

In the stable thou didst guard them

with a father's loving care.

Thou by God's command didst save them

From the cruel Herod's snare.

Three long days in grief and anguish

With His Mother, sweet and mild,

Mary Virgin, thou didst wander

Seeking the beloved Child.

In the Temple thou didst find Him:

Oh what joy then filled thy heart.

In thy sorrows, in thy gladness

Grant us Joseph, to have part.

Clasped in Jesus' arms and Mary's

When death gently came at last,

Thy pure spirit sweetly sighing

From its earthly dwelling passed.

Dear Saint Joseph by that passing

May our death be like to thine.

And with Jesus, Mary Joseph

May our souls for ever shine.

Music: by A. G Stein, died 1852.

Genesis 3: The Fall.

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES

THE BIBLE: EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES ICON.

Genesis 3: The Fall.

The sin of Adam and Eve and its consequences for humanity are depicted in a dramatic way in Chapter 3’s narrative. By eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge, ‘man’ wants to decide for himself and on his own what is good and what is bad and to act accordingly: like the song title sung by Bing Crosby ‘I do it my way’. 

Well, we may wonder what was really the sin here, since God gave humanity free will. The sin is that man refuses to accept an objective law. It appears an outrage against divine sovereignty, as a sin of pride. Mankind does not want to submit himself to the order established by God. All mankind who by its revolt against its Creator loses the friendship of God and sinks into wretchedness, it disturbs the order of the universe.  However, God offers mercy, seen in the promise in Gen 3:15 ‘one of the woman’s descendants will crush the serpent’s head’. 

THE FALL AND THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

How does this passage link with the New Testament?  Obedient even unto the death of the Cross-, Christ, the perfect Servant of God, will make amends for mankind’s disobedience. Risen from the dead, the new Adam is the first born and the head of a new mankind.  Reading Romans 5 seems to be an excellent link passage to Genesis 3 on the fall.  Another useful passage comes from the Preface of the Cross: ‘Father, in love you created man, in justice you condemned him, but in mercy you redeemed him, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

But we must relate this to ourselves. We can be tempted to go into our comfort zones and think that Christ has saved us, the effects of original sin are wiped away at Baptism and all is well. God is indeed generous, but He wants our friendship with Him. 

We need to submit to the divine order daily. A worthwhile friendship needs to be worked at. It does not just happen. During Lent, we have the perfect opportunity to start afresh..  We have to commit ourselves to our relationship with God. 

He knows us and when we do fall, Christ in his divine mercy, through the Church, provides us with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

Perhaps we can reflect on our attitudes towards this sacrament and use it wisely and often to nurture our relationship with God. 

The Virtue Series: Courage Part 2.

The Virtue Series: Courage Part 2.

So far in this series called the Virtues, we have first explored as an overview what the virtues are and how they are important to our lives. Then we have explored the virtues of Wisdom and Justice over 4 weeks. If you have missed these posts, why not have a look.

Last week we began our exploration of the virtue of Courage. Let us continue the journey of exploration of this important virtue for our spiritual lives. 

Enduring suffering for the sake of the Cross is an important part of the Christian way of life.  It is by the virtue of Courage that we face and endure suffering. as well as endurance. Luke 21:10-19 is an enlightening passage, as it provides us with further understanding about endurance and how it helps us gain our lives.

SCRIPTURE AND COURAGE.

The following Scripture passages highlight the purpose of suffering and its corresponding need for bravery.

·                     2 Corinthians 4:16-18:  The need to look beyond what is seen to what is unseen and endure the afflictions that prepare us for eternal glory.

·                     Colossians 1:24: Suffering is redemptive when we offer it for other people.

·                     1 Peter 2: 21: The call to suffer is linked because Jesus suffered and we, as Christians are his disciples and meant to follow Him.

·                     1 Peter 4:12-13: Suffering proves us worthy of Christ and Heaven.

It is vital to realise that courage is the virtue needed to endure the suffering required of us.  If we do not have courage, we will simply shrink away from the suffering offered us for the sake of our salvation. I have noted in my own life that should I shrink away from it, Christ seems to provide another form of the same suffering, until I am ready.  By then, I only wish I had accepted willingly the initial suffering required of me.


The following Scripture passages teaches us about the role of courage in our pursuit of holiness.  All of these scripture passages call us to renounce our earthly lives and pursuits in order to gain eternal life.  The virtue of Courage preserves us from loving this life so much that we lose our eternal souls.  Courage enables us to face the ugliness of our sins and selfishness in order to overcome it for our eternal benefit. 

·                     Matthew 6:14-15: Forgiveness is difficult when the wrong is severe and yet, with the virtue of courage, we are able to forgive and seek forgiveness, since we are called to forgive each other in order for Our Heavenly Father to forgive us.

·                     Mark 9:35: We must be a servant and the last of all if we wish to be great in the eyes of God.  Humility requires courage.

·                     Luke 9:23-26: We must deny ourselves and take up our crosses daily.  We must lose our earthly lives in order to save our eternal souls.  We need courage to trust in God's promise of eternal life.

WHY IS COURAGE SO IMPORTANT.

 Whilst courage (fortitude) will help us conquer difficult situations in our lives, it also has a fundamental role in our spiritual lives. We need the virtue of Courage to persevere in our commitment to Christ despite the daily challenges and fears that confront us.  We are able to overcome the 3 formidable adversaries- Satan, our fallen nature and worldly temptations only through God's grace, coupled with our courageous commitment to Christ.

During this week, as we face another week of Lent, we might like to think about how we might practically put the virtue of courage to work in our lives in the light of these scripture passages.  We might consider

·                     how we can forgive.

·                     how we can serve.

·                     how we can deny ourselves.

May God grant you the virtue of courage in abundance during this Lent.

Opening Prayer Series: Fourth Sunday of Lent

OPENING PRAYER SERIES.

OPENING PRAYER SERIES ICON.

OPENING PRAYER

The Opening Prayer of the Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Lent reads as follows:

Let us pray 
(for a greater faith, and love)
Father of peace, 
we are joyful in your Word,
Your Son Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to You.
Let us hasten toward Easter 
with the eagerness of faith and love.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for my life during this week, the following reflection questions emerged: 

1. How might my prayer for a greater faith and love be different this week?
2. Has my Lenten journey made a difference in my desire of the Kingdom?
3. Why am I joyful in Your Word, Your Son Jesus Christ?
4. What does Christ's reconciling act mean to me personally?
5. How does it affect my relationship with Father God?
5. Why do I want to hasten towards Easter- am I ready to celebrate the Easter Tridiuum?
6. Is my faith and love eager- how might I demonstrate my faith and love this week?
7. How might I prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

GOSPEL REFLECTION.

In today's Gospel, we hear the parable of the Prodigal Son.  There is much to reflect on in this parable, the reactions of the Father, the younger son, the older son and the servants. There is a younger son, older son and servant in each of us at times.

During this season of Lent, let us come home

to the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father

who is willing to forgive us.