Scripture Series: Exploring Genesis.

EXPLORING GENESIS.

THE BIBLE  EXPLORING GENESIS.

 Chapter 12: The Call of Abraham.

Long ago God called a nomad in Mesopotamia: he had to leave his land accompanied by his barren wife, his family, his slaves and his flocks.  A numerous posterity was promised to this old man, Abraham and his barren wife; there was promised to this nomad a land overflowing with milk and honey.

In obedience of faith Abraham responded to this call of God; he took the risk implied in all true faith. He left his country and threw himself into the uncertain existence.  Without concerning himself whether he was wise in the world’s eyes, he left for the unknown in the obscurity of faith, entrusting himself to God alone who would be his guide,’ hoping against hope in unfailing faith.’ 

It is not only descent from Abraham according to the flesh and circumcision (as the Jews thought), but unconditional trust in God, which makes true sons and daughters of Abraham.  He is not only the ancestor of Israel; he is also the father of a multitude of peoples, both Jews and pagans. Roman 4 supports this view.  Also, in the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass, Abraham is acknowledged as ‘our father in faith’.

We might be tempted to think that this chapter has little relevance to us today. Some might think that to leave everything is not prudent and to trust in God’s promise like Abraham is just plain foolish.  However, this is one of the challenges of the Gospel if we are to be an authentic disciple of Jesus. We are asked to make this act of trust in God each day in every decision we make.  We are called to move from our comfort zones and put our trust in God.  It is not easy, yet essential for our spiritual and temporal well-being. 

The other aspect of this chapter that needs to be highlighted is that Abraham, although he said yes to God’s call, he kept acknowledging God in each part of the journey. He prayed.  Prayer and trust are vital ingredients and both need to be nurtured.  

Putting God as number one in ones life is essential in every way. So also is trust in God, since the power of evil lurks also to distract us, to make us feel discouraged or fearful.  Satan knows our weakness and knows how to manipulate us. God’s power is stronger, so let us stand on the power of God and place our trust and our life to Him.                                              

Opening Prayer Series: Fourth Sunday of Eastertide.

OPENING PRAYER SERIES.

THE MASS- OPENING PRAYER SERIES.

OPENING PRAYER 

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

Let us pray 

(that Christ our Shepherd will lead us through the difficulties of life)

Almighty and ever-living God,

give us new strength from the courage of Christ our Shepherd,

and lead us to join the saints in Heaven,

where He 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. What does the image of Christ as Shepherd impact on my life?

2. In what are the areas of difficulties in my life that I wish Christ our Shepherd to lead me?

3. What areas of my life do I need new strength?

4. What courage does Christ our Shepherd demonstrate?

5. How does Christ's courage impact on my life for this week?

6. What does living with ever living God for ever mean for me?

7. What areas in my life would I like Christ the Good Shepherd to renew in me during Eastertide.

8. How might I live in the joy and hope of my resurrection this week?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Church highlights Christ as the Good Shepherd.  The Pope and the Bishops are the shepherds of the flock of Christ. In this Year of the Priest, it is fitting to acknowledge their special teaching and Pastoral ministry. You may like to

• Pray for the Pope and Bishops of the Church, especially the Bishop of your diocese.
• Send a card to acknowledge and thank the Bishop for his ministry.  If you know a bishop personally, this is indeed fitting.

The Church also highlights on this fourth Sunday of Easter known as 'Good Shepherd Sunday' Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life.  All the baptized have a vocation. We are all called to holiness.  For those called by Christ to the Priesthood and religious life, they are called in a special way and need our love and support for them to carry out the work Christ has asked of them.

May Christ the Good Shepherd encourage and embrace us,

May we listen to the sound of His voice,

Hear His call and follow Him.

.

The Virtue Series: Self Control Part 1

THE VIRTUE SERIES 

THE VIRTUE OF SELF-CONTROL(TEMPERANCE)

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 wisdom and justice and courage over 6 weeks. If you have missed these posts, why not have a look. During the season of Lent, the series was postponed.
During Eastertide, let us continue the journey of exploration on the virtue of Self-Control (Temperance)

WHAT DOES THE CATECHISM OF CATHOLIC CHURCH SAY?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Temperance as follows:

'Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will's mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honourable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: (Para 1809)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also notes:

 'Temperance is often praised in the Old Testament: "Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites." In the New Testament it is called "moderation" or "sobriety." We ought "to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world."

It is interesting to note that unlike the other virtues, self-control is the one virtue that directs our attention inward.  While the other virtues deal with our interactions with others, the virtue of self -control helps us order out personal lives.  Self-control help us as Christians to: 

·        order our desires in keeping with the truths of our faith.  

·    assist us take control on the many drives and desires of our lives that seem so unmanageable.  

The desire to grow in this virtue provides the possibility of being personally challenged when I pose the question and reflect upon:  What negative results have I seen in my personal life when self-control is lacking?   When I answer this question honestly, praying to the Holy Spirit to enlighten and direct me is essential.  

I know that this virtue has been lacking in my life, especially during these last few years when my life's situation is incredibly stressful.  Recently I have been praying earnestly for this virtue, since to rely on my own efforts has proven to be a road of failure.  I am happy to say that in recent weeks, I sense that Jesus is answering this prayer.  I have to admit that praying for an increase in the virtues has not been part of my prayer life before, but as I have been exploring these virtues on my blog, it has opened me up to this possibility.

Well enough about me... What does Scripture offer us in relation to this virtue.

Galatians 5:16-24 highlights that all the works of the flesh can be eliminated by self-control.  The Spirit enables us through self-control to choose what we will think and do rather than be controlled by our passions.  To the extend we have overcome the works of the flesh through the power of the Spirit, we belong to Christ, and to the extent we have not, we are still enslaved to sin and death.

However, it is important here to note that being steadfast is essential, despite our failures.  Through frequent or daily Mass and regular participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance, prayer and fasting (mortification), and in the power of God's grave, putting to death our sinful passions is indeed possible.

Why do we need this virtue?  Self-control is necessary to moderate those things that are good when used to preserve our lives, yet become evil when they are abused.  It is possible to have too much of a good thing.  The three primal areas of life, namely, food, drink and sexuality are necessary for our survival, and are the most difficult to control.  They require the virtue of self-control if they are to be properly and healthfully used for our good.

Next week I will examine further scripture passages that are pivotal to this virtue. Perhaps you may be interested to explore:

·                     Romans 6:11-23.

·                     Isaiah 5:11-12

·                     Romans 13:11-14

·                     Ephesians 5:18

·                     1 Peter 4: 7

You may also wish to ponder this quote by Saint Augustine during the week.

"To live well is nothing other than to love God with all one's heart, 

with all one's soul and with all one's efforts;

from this it comes about that 

love is kept whole and uncorrupted through temperance"

May you blessed with an increase of all the virtues.

Genesis Series: Exploring Genesis

EXPLORING GENESIS.

THE BIBLE  EXPLORING GENESIS. ICON.

The period of the Patriarchs.

From Chapter 12 onwards, the book of Genesis describes to us the history of the patriarchs of Israel and the successive interventions of the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob.  Since we have events of long ago which have come down to us through folk-legends, set down in writing only at a later date, we must not expect to find history in the modern sense of the word.

The history of Israel as it is described to us in the Bible is a very special phenomenon: The Bible is not concerned in relating historical events in a precise way; it is always a religious meditation of the facts of the history of the people chosen by the living God.  The Bible does not present us with chronicles; it describes and at the same time comments on ‘God’s dealings with his people in history’.

The figure of Abraham dominates the early history of the Chosen people. The book of Genesis tells us about this nomad who lived in Mesopotamia about 1800 years before Christ.  God, who promised him numerous descendants and the fertile land of Canaan, called him.  This promise was handed down to Isaac and the to Jacob (called Israel) and to his sons who were the ancestors of the 12 Hebrew tribes. A famine in the land of Canaan forced the nomad tribes to emigrate to Egypt.

The Bible is not a book of morality in the sense of us finding edifying stories of picked men and women as outstanding examples of moral behaviour.  These stories from the patriarchal times give us a living insight tin men and women of flesh and blood, rooted in their milieu and age, men and women to whom no human behaviour is unknown, men and women capable of the most sublime generosity and also of the greatest cowardice.  The history of Israel reflects the manners and the customs of the time.

The crucial aspect however when we reflect on these chapters is to see the saving action of God in the midst of his chosen people, and see how God accepts men and women as they are, how He takes His time in educating them and leading them where He wants.

Can YOU see the saving action of God in your life?

Opening Prayer Series: Third Sunday of Eastertide.

OPENING PRAYER SERIES.

THE MASS: OPENING PRAYER SERIES.

OPENING PRAYER

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

Let us pray 

(that Christ will give us  a share in the glory of His unending life)

God our Father,

may we look forward with hope to our resurrection,

for You have made us Your sons and daughters,

and restored the joy of our youth.

REFLECTION SERIES.

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

1. How might I reflect upon my death and resurrection this week?

2. If I died today/this week, what would be my achievements and great moments?

3. If I died today/this week, what would be unfinished business in my life?

4. What steps does this above reflection invite me to make this week?

5. What does it mean to me to look forward with hope to my resurrection?

6.. What difference does it make to me being a son or daughter of God?7. What areas of my life would I like Christ to renew during Eastertide? 

8. How might I live in the joy and hope of my resurrection this week?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

On the Third Sunday of Easter, the Gospel highlights Jesus feeding his disciples (and us). Jesus is patient when Peter and his disciples go back to the trade they know-fishing. They caught nothing all night, and yet when Jesus tells them 'to throw the nets to starboard', they could not haul it in because there were so many. When they haul it in, the nets are not broken and yet there is a huge haul of fish.

Jesus is patient with us too when we, after having stepped out in faith, retreat to our own comfort zone. and go back to our tried and tested ( and yet failed) ways.  Jesus invites us to throw out our nets to the deep and haul in our catch. He will be on the shore providing our needs, just as He provided the disciples with a charcoal fire and fish already cooking.

Peter learned that being a disciple means also responsibility and service. Peter loves Jesus and accepts the mission Jesus gave him.  Jesus has an unique mission for each of us.  Do I love Jesus to answer His call and accept the mission He asks of me?

Let us step out in faith to fulfill the mission Jesus gives to us. In our moments of fear and failure we can pray the words of the psalm:

"I will praise the Lord for You have rescued me'.

.

Genesis 11; the Tower of Babel.

EXPLORING GENESIS.

THE BIBLE EXPLORING GENESIS ICON.

CHAPTER 11

The author of this narrative has use of an old tradition about a famous tower in Babylon to explain the division of the human race as a result of their sins and the revolt against God.

‘Unanimous in their wickedness, the nations have been thrown into confusion’ (Wis 5).

By His death Christ has gathered together humanity formerly dispersed by sin, and the Spirit of the Risen Lord brings about the unity of all races and all nations in the Body of Christ, the Church.  The Acts of the Apostles gives us the happenings at Pentecost as being among other things the restoration of the unity which had been lost at Babel: ‘for each man heard them speaking in his own language’ (Acts 2:6).

In the book of Revelations, we also find the vision of the Last times, brought in by Christ’s coming. Then will come about ‘the new heavens and the new earth’, which will bring to its final achievement the work of God begun in creation and renewed by Christ’s redemption.  Between the first creation and its definitive fulfilment at the Lord’ return is situation the history of salvation described in the Bible and in which we are involved by our faith in Christ.

Psalm 148 is a cosmic hymn of praise.  Through our alleluias, may the praise of the heavens, the earth and the Chosen People, rise up towards God, our Creator and Saviour. Daniel 3 is also a beautiful text worth pondering in this context.

So how does Genesis 11 impact on us today?  I am sure you can think of countless examples where the sin of pride is still operative- where people want or think they are ‘God’. Do we want to make a name for ourselves? The challenge is to remember that we are created and God is the Creator.

What about our communication with one another? Do we speak the same language as a single people in our families, workplace and Church united in mind and heart?  How can we improve our communication with one another to make this possible?  Perhaps God giving us two ears and one mouth gives us a clue. 

Let us take our lives and its cares and joys to God. Let us listen to Him  and then actively listen to each other. Then we may be on the road to a new heavens and a new earth.

Opening Prayer Series: Second Sunday of Easter

OPENING PRAYER SERIES

THE MASS: COLLECT SERIES ICON

OPENING PRAYER

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

Let us pray

for a deeper awareness of our Christian Baptism)

God of mercy,

You wash away our sins in water,

You give us new birth in the Spirit,

and redeem us in the blood of Christ.

As we celebrate Christ's resurrection

increase our awareness of these blessings

and renew Your gift of life within us.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

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

1. What steps could I take this week to achieve a deeper awareness of my Christian Baptism?
2. Consider how God shows Himself to be a God of mercy in your life?
3. What does new birth in the Spirit mean for you?

4. What does it mean to you to be redeemed in the blood of Christ?
5. What steps will I take during Eastertide to retain the renewal I carried out during Lent?
6. What areas of my life would I like Christ to renew during Eastertide?
7. How might I become more aware of Christ's blessings in my life? 

MERCY SUNDAY

On the Second Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates Mercy Sunday- a feast instituted by the late Pope John Paul 11. The Gospel account of Doubting Thomas highlights the need to have faith, but shows Christ's patience with those of us who come to faith through experience. We all have times when we want something extra..a sign, a direction, a clue from God.  Christ encourages us to walk by faith and not by sight.

As we celebrate Mercy Sunday, let us give thanks to the Lord for his goodness and everlasting love.

He is alive- He is not here

EASTER MEMORY: HE IS ALIVE

RESURRECTION WINDOW.

Easter has many memories associated with it, some of which are connected to the Easter Triduum and its preparations in my work.

However, in more recent years, I am reminded of the special time I had in the Holy Land in 2000. Visiting the holy places, especially those connected to Jesus' journey to Calvary and the tomb are more vivid as the passion is read on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. 

I will never forget the experience I had whist visiting the tomb.  I walked in and it was as though I could hear a voice saying' He is alive- he is not here.  The voice was so clear, so I turned around to see who spoke.  There was a crowd waiting in the queue, but then I realized that it was coming from within me. I will never forget the experience, and each Easter as I hear the Easter story being read, I get a flash back of my trip and feel the certainty that He is alive- He is not here.

Easter begins of course on Easter Sunday and now we enter into the glorious season of Eastertide for 50 days.  As we live out these wonderful days, may we walk with the Risen Lord in our lives.

May Christ be not found in the tomb of our lives but be indeed truly risen- He is alive. Alleluia.

Genesis 9: Noah

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES.

THE BIBLE: EXPLORING GENESIS ICON.

Genesis 9: God’s covenant with Noah and his descendants.

Chapter 9 is a beautiful chapter in that God in His mercy sets His covenant with Noah and his descendants. The words used in some of the verses are reminiscent of the ‘conversation’ that God had with Adam and Eve in the garden. For example: God reminds Noah to ‘Multiply, fill the earth and subdue it’, God gives Noah everything on the earth, but he reminds him that ‘He who sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for in the image of God was man created.’ (Vs 6).

With these similarities, there is a feeling of starting afresh.  In His abounding generosity, God goes even further. God also sets a covenant with Noah and his descendants, (and us), and promises never to destroy the earth again, of which the rainbow will be the sign. (Vs 9-17). 

In these days of drought, we have not privileged to see the sign of the covenant, which God established with Noah very often lately.  Yet, we need to call to mind that relationship with our God and His abundant generosity.

Another couple of aspects also can be reflected upon from this chapter. Verse 6 reminds us of the sanctity of life, and how we are created in the image and likeness of God.  How does this tally with our recent law of abortion on demand or any other law, which does not respect life?

Also, later in the chapter, we see the effect of alcohol has on human behaviour on Noah and his sons.  We may wish to ponder about our behavioural patterns when alcohol is present.  What is our response to someone who has had ‘one too many’? Perhaps the writer is prompting us to remember that we are made in the image and likeness of God.

What are your thoughts on this chapter?               

                 

Easter Traditions

 EASTER EGGS

Easter Eggs: Image by https://pixabay.com/users/Couleur-

The tradition of Easter eggs came from the fact that people did not eat eggs during Lent.  These were saved up and became part of the Easter celebrations. . Decorating the eggs was achieved by first blowing out the contents, but making a small hole at the end of each egg, and then blowing through the contents into a bowl.  The eggs were then decorated according to taste, but most often painted.

The eggs were used in lots of different ways during Eastertide including using the raw egg as shampoo, and later adding it to the shampoo to bring out an excellent shine in the hair and making it healthy.  I have used this suggestion myself and although it is messier than shampoo, it does achieve an excellent shine.

A polish tradition is to take the decorated basket of eggs and other Easter breakfast foods to be blessed by the priest on Holy Saturday.and Easter Sunday.

The Easter egg hunt is a very old custom, and obviously related to the simple reality of free range hens tending to lay their eggs in all sorts of different places.There is also a Christian link in the notion of Mary Magdalen in the garden looking for Christ 'They have taken my Lord, and I know not were to find him'.

EASTER MENU

The traditional dish for Easter Sunday lunch is Roast Lamb, into which spears of rosemary have been stuck. Rosemary is identified with the 'bitter herbs' mentioned in the book of Exodus as part of the Passover meal.

The traditional dessert was Simmel cake associated with Laudate/Mothering Sunday.

In more recent times, people have taken to serving fish/salmon as the traditional Easter meal.   I much prefer Roast Lamb myself.

In Australia, pavlova and/or cheesecake became a traditional dessert, although with people being more health conscious, other alternatives such as fruit salad or Easter biscuits with coffee are served.