A World without a Stranger

WORLD YOUTH DAY SERIES.

A World without a Stranger

WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS AND ICON.

My desire over these next twelve months leading up to WYD in Madrid is to contribute  through this weekly WYD series by sharing about the experiences of WYD,  highlight  possible difficulties encountered during such a magnificent gathering and most importantly encourage possible pilgrims to prepare, embrace and grow from attending WYD.

Today's post and challenge is about speaking the language, but let us remind ourselves of two scripture passages related to language.  The first is as follows:

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place....
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, 
devout men from every nation under heaven.
 And at this sound the multitude came together, 

and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language...  

we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."  (Acts 2: 1,506,11).

I went to WYD in Rome without being able to speak a word of Italian.  I was billeted with an Italian lady who did not speak English. It was a struggle to communicate, but my basic French helped me, since her neighbour spoke to me in French and translated into Italian.  However, getting around was a different story- a few basic words of Italian would have helped me buy a phone card and a pizza, since it was obvious that others were served who could speak enough of the language.  I survived the experience,  but it drove me nuts not being able to communicate effectively.

For the final Mass, we all had our radios and were given headphones with a channel dedicated to our language.  This was particularly valuable in listening to the homily of the Holy Father-the late John Paul 11.
 

My second WYD was in Sydney- my home country, so speaking the language made life so much easier.

However, our group sponsored an East Timorese group. Making the effort to learn the 'Our Father’ and a hymn we could sing together as part of our welcoming preparation, meant that we were able to pray and be in solidarity with them. I am sure the pronunciation was not accurate, but they appreciated our effort to connect with them at a spiritual level, and later as we travelled with them, at a social level.

WYD is in many ways like a Pentecost experience.  There are a number of official languages for WYD, and parts of the Mass are said in those languages.  There is nothing more delightful waiting in expectation to hear  our Holy Father speak in our own language, as well as enjoying the delight it gives other pilgrims to hear him speak their language as he welcomes us to WYD. 

The second Scripture passage is also worth reflecting upon in the light of the WYD experience.

There are doubtless many different languages in the world, 
and none is without meaning;  

but if I do not know the meaning of the language, 

I shall be a foreigner to the speaker 
and the speaker a foreigner to me. 
So, with yourselves; since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, 

strive to excel in building up the church. [1 Cor 14:10-12]

So now the big count down is on.. twelve months to go.  My WYD challenge this week is to consider learning some Spanish- some basic travelling expressions, as well as perhaps some familiarity with some prayers such as the 'Our Father' or other part of the Mass.  Why not check out this resource 

Preparation at many levels is vital if you wish to get the most from the WYD experience. Language is just one, yet an important one to consider.

I hope that you may consider this week's challenge as part of your preparation.

  

May you experience WYD as 'A World without a Stranger'. 

Genesis Series: Chapter 35-36

JGenesis Series:

Chapter 35-36

Jacob sets up an altar and dedicates it to His God who has helped him in all of his vicissitudes. He encourages his household and all that were with him to turn away from ‘foreign gods’.(vs2) and purify yourself and change. 

Later in the chapter, he is blessed by God, and from this time on he will be called Israel the name which the people born from him will bear.  Jewish tradition recognizes in the sons of Jacob the leaders and the ancestors of the twelve tribes. On Israel’s death, Judah becomes the heir to the promise.  In its consideration of the sacred history, the Book of Ecclesiasticus 44   mentions Isaac and Jacob as follows:

“To Isaac too, for the sake of Abraham his father, he assured the blessing of all mankind’ he caused the covenant to rest on the head of Jacob.  He confirmed him in his blessing and gave him the land for his inheritance; he divided into portions and shared it out among twelve tribes”..

Chapter 36 is the ‘who’s who’ in the family tree of Esau. For us they may seem irrelevant. As we have come to understand, knowing one’s ancestry may provide vital clues of who we are.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Jacob goes back to Bethel (vs 1).  What is like for you to return to a place of an unresolved issue and dwell there- do you get a blessing for ‘sitting with the issue’?
2. What do I dedicate to God for the help He has given me?
3. How does being a Catholic ‘change’ my ‘name’?
4. How do I show our appreciation for God’s blessings to me?
5. How do I encourage others to turn away from ‘foreign gods’ and change?
6. How does the God’s blessing to Abraham impact on my life? What does it mean?

Opening Prayer Series: 22nd Sunday of Year C

OPENING PRAYER SERIES

THE MASS: OPENING PRAYER SERIES. ICON.

The Opening Prayer of 22nd Sunday of Year C reads as follows:

Let us pray,

(that God will increase our faith

and bring to perfection the gifts He has given us)

Almighty God,

every good thing comes from You.

Fill our hearts with love for You,

Increase our faith,

and by your constant care

protect the good You have given us.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

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

1.            What is my understanding of faith and why do I desire God to increase it in me?  

2.            What are the gifts God has given me?

3.            How might I co-operate with God in bringing these gifts to perfection in my life this week?

4.            How would I assess my heart's capacity to love God at this present moment?

5.            What constant care has God given me in the past and recent past- compose a list that you can refer to in the difficult times of life to be assured of God's constant care.

6.            Why do we want God to protect the good He has given us?

As you reflect upon these questions you may wish to research the virtues of faith and love. My 'Virtue Series' under Faith Nurturing Category may assist you as one resource.

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Today's Gospel challenges us to consider our motives carefully and to be generous to those considered by society as less fortunate.  God who is all generous will repay our generosity in the next life. It is important to remember that we are being urged to be generous with those who cannot pay us back.  In fact, we are all in that category, because we are all poor either materially, emotionally and spiritually to a greater or lesser extent compared with someone else.

This also ties in with the concept that God does not have favourites and that we are all equal in God's sight. It seems to me that this truth can be forgotten in our homes, workplace and even, sadly in our parishes, where status and position in the world are held up as the ultimate. Jesus reminds us of the beautiful quality of humility which needs to be harnessed in our lives as Catholics. We are not to operate on the world's values, rather the values of God.

Let us ask Jesus to speak to us personally as we examine our own material, emotional and spiritual wealth and poverty during this coming week. 

Reflection and Prayer Series: A Prayer for Today

Reflection and Prayer Series: 

Christ The Redeemer.

A Prayer for Today

My reflection and prayer series is about sharing reflections and Prayers which have impacted upon me and have provided food for thought. I hope that they will also nurture your soul and spirit.

My post is called:

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Every day I need You Lord,

but this day especially.

 I need some extra strength

to face whatever is to be.

 I need to feel You near-

to fortify my courage

and to overcome my fear.

By myself, I cannot meet the challenge of the hour.

There are times when human creatures need a higher Power-

to help them bear what must be borne.

 And so dear Lord, I pray-

Hold on to my trembling hand 

and be with me today.

  A PERSONAL COMMENT:

This prayer was given out in our parish some years ago. I do not know its author, but what I do know is that this prayer has become a favourite, especially when I have prayed it in times of great anxiety and fear, I know that God has heard and answered my prayer and it has given me great comfort in praying it.  I hope it may assist you at some stage in your life.

Compendium Series: Understanding Apostolic Tradition

Compendium Series:

JESUS THE TEACHER: COMPENDIUM SERIES 

Understanding Apostolic Tradition 

12. What is Apostolic Tradition? (CCC: 75-79,83, 96,98)

Compendium states: 

Apostolic Tradition is the transmission of the message of Christ brought about from the very beginnings of Christianity by means of preaching, witness, institutions, worship and inspired writings. The apostles transmitted all they received from Christ and from the Holy Spirit to the successors, the bishops and through them all generations until the end of the world.

 What does this mean for me?

1. I am able to pray for the bishops as the successors of the Apostles and appreciate their teaching in the light of their position in the Church.

2. I am able to appreciate that the message of Christ is assessable to me via preaching, witness, institutions, worship and inspired writings.

Questions to consider:

1.            How well do I listen to the priest preaching at Mass?

2.            Do I accept his preaching (provided it is authentic) as the message of Christ to me?

3.            Am I interested enough in the relationship with God to explore the message of Christ through inspired writings?

4.            How am I able to co-operate with the bishops as the successor of the Apostles in transmitting the message of Christ through my witness of my life?

In the Nicene creed that we recite together at Mass  we say ..'one holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church'...
During the week, why not consider your views in the light of what the Compendium states about Apostolic Tradition and decide how you will appreciate this aspect of our faith.

Being Filled with the Spirit

Being Filled with the Spirit

Have you ever heard the expression 'being filled with the Spirit' and wondered what it means?

God offers each Christian, when they are baptised, the fullness of the Holy Spirit.  The Scripture mentions both Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism.  Water Baptism involves a change of heart and a public declaration by the disciple of his/her desire to be committed to Christ, to surrender his/her life to Christ and importantly to reject the power of evil/works of darkness in his/her life.

 God gives His Spirit to each person who accepts Him, and who allows the Spirit to live in him.  Although the Spirit is received at Baptism, the Spirit does not empower until the person makes a free decision to receive Him and to submit his/her life to Jesus.

When this occurs, a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit is received, whereby His power is released within him/her.  Then God pours out His Spirit in a way that is appropriate to the person i.e. the effects of this new outpouring or infilling may be dramatic or may impact of the person after time has passed. 

'Being filled with Holy Spirit' is an ongoing experience, which a disciple needs to ask for each day.  The benefits of constantly being filled with the Spirit are twofold- from within the disciple and through him/her.  It includes:

1.            Receiving the fruits of the Spirit within, which helps the disciple grow in holiness- i.e. to grow like Christ in character.

2.            Receiving new gifts of the Spirit to enable a new direction to be undertaken in his/her life.

3.            Receiving the gifts of the Spirit through the disciple in service to others, which empowers the disciple for his/her role within the Church and wider community, to enable new roles or works of service to be performed for the building up of God’s kingdom.

4.            Receiving a spirit of enthusiasm for the things of God. 

 In the Catholic Church, Infant Baptism is the norm as compared to adult Baptism.  When infant baptism occurs, the Godparent on behalf of the infant makes the commitment as described above.  The Renewal of Baptismal Promises occurs every Easter and is an opportunity for a ‘infilling of the Holy Spirit’ to occur for all Catholics- children and adults alike.

In the Catholic Church, an infilling of the Holy Spirit is usually received through the grace of the sacrament of Confirmation, which is only received once in the person’s lifetime.  However, a fresh outpouring of the Spirit may be received through prayer by the laying on of hands in, for example, a ‘Life in the Spirit Seminar’ organized by Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement. In the latter method, the disciple may receive a fresh outpouring and it may be ‘renewed’ many times.  In other words, receiving the Spirit is this way may be continual rather than received once. It is important to differentiate between the two methods since only Confirmation is a Sacrament.

As disciples we need to be filled with the Spirit to assist us to be faithful and to live the kind of life that is pleasing to God. God gave us the Holy Spirit to guide, love and support us in our pilgrim journey.  Let us come to know the Holy Spirit as our best friend and 'be filled with the Spirit'

About the Mass Series: Liturgy of the Word: First Reading Part 1

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES: 

the Mass: About the Mass icon.

Liturgy of the Word: First Reading Part 1
‘FIRST READING: PART 1’.

The Liturgy of the Word begins with a posture body change.

Now we sit, not just to give us a rest, but so that we can listen attentively to the Word of God. We sit as one faith community, expressing something of our communal bond we share.  Body posture is important. How we sit can either help or hinder us to being in tune in mind body and spirit to the Word of God.   

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) stated:

‘In human life, signs and symbols occupy an important place.  As a being at once body and spirit, man expresses and perceives spiritual realities through physical signs and symbols.  As a social being, man needs signs and symbols to communicate with others, through language, gestures, and actions.  The same holds true for his relationship with God’. (Para 1146, p.297). 

 From what does the lector read?  It is called a Lectionary.  We listen to the First Reading, taken from the Old Testament.  It is chosen in relationship to the Gospel. But you may wonder- why do we read the Bible when we celebrate the Eucharist? 

The oldest celebrations of the Word according the Bible coincided precisely with the first celebration of the Covenant of Sinai according to Exodus 24:1-11. First there is the proclamation of the Word: Moses took the Book of the Covenant and read it aloud to the people who declared: ‘Everything that Yahweh has said, we will put into practice and we will obey’. (Exod 24:7) Then there is the sacrifice of the Covenant:  Moses took the blood of the victims that had been immolated, sprinkled it over the people and said: ‘This is the blood of the covenant that Yahweh as made with you in accordance with all these words’. (Exod 24:8).

The structure is exactly the same as the Mass of today.  First there is the proclamation of God’s Word, then there is the sacrifice when the priest, at the consecration, repeats the words of Moses: ‘this is the blood of the Covenant’, and the words and action of Christ at the Last Supper.  Finally, there is the meal of communion in the reception of the Eucharist.  

Second Vatican Council (Vatican 11) spoke of the ‘extreme importance of God’s Word’. The Church has always venerated the Divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord. The Council speaks about the ‘real presence of Christ in the Word’.

It should also be noted that there is a 3 year Sunday cycle (Years A, B, and C), so that all 4 gospels and major sections of the Old Testament are reviewed.  Cycles change beginning with Advent of the previous year and end always on the Feast of Christ the King. For example: Year A commenced on first Sunday of Advent 2007 and will continue until Feast of Christ the King (generally the last Sunday in November).  

On weekdays however, there is a two year cycle.  Year 1 is for odd number years and Year 2 for even number years.  These alternating cycles are not used for Lent and Easter as this aids our renewal in these seasons of spiritual growth.

So how well do you listen to Christ in the’ real presence’ of the Word?

WYD-Body, mind and soul experience Part 3

WYD-Body, mind and soul experience Part 3

PILGRIMAGE AND ORGANISATION.

What sort of personality are you? Are you 

·                 an organised type, preparing well ahead of time, or a last-minute stress type- running around at the last-minute expecting others to help you.

·                     able to get to an appointment ahead of time or running late for everything you do.

·                     Able to cope/adjust to changed plans 

·                     feel comfortable/uncomfortable in a crowd-prefer own physical space or able to feel safe in a squeeze.

·                     have any special needs mentally-particularly any fear of crowds or claustrophobia.

These are important questions to ask yourself in relation to WYD, because you will need to find a group that suits your personality.  Now is the time to start that search. Find the group that suits your needs.

·                     Ask questions and monitor the responses.

·        observe closely behaviours of group leaders, since this will give you valuable information.  

·                     Observe if meetings are held on time/finish on time.

·                     What is the overall tone of these meetings how well prepared are they?

·                     What is the group dynamic - is there someone who is attending that would drive you 'nuts' especially when you are tired.

My advice from my experience of 2 WYD is 'beware of a group who

1.            constantly reminds pilgrims that they are on a pilgrimage as the excuse for inappropriate and lack of organization. 

2.            demonstrates disorganization before it leaves its own country and familiar surroundings.  

3.            Encourages pilgrims with mental disabilities to attend without   appropriate support.

4.            Has made little or no effort to provide a cohesive group by different activities before leaving its own country.

As you prepare yourself physically and spiritually, you also need to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for WYD. People inevitably have some sort of a meltdown during WYD- it is a wonderful but exhausting week. By the end of the week, people are running on reserves if they have prepared themselves or empty if they have not.  The parable of the 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins is so appropriate in this context.

So now here is the WYD challenge for this week How can I prepare mentally?

1. Monitor your emotions especially when you are tired- how do you react to something you do not like?

2. Test yourself in a crowd and see how you feel when your personal space feels violated.  This is particularly important for pilgrims coming from countries such as Australia, where open space and freedom is the norm.

3. Write down in your journal what behaviours you find irritating, intolerable and  rude in yourself and in others.

5. Work out your mental strategies to overcome these.  Test your strategies and revise as required.

WYD is a wonderful event provided as a prospective pilgrim you are prepared-

You have now just 12 months to go. 

Prepare physically,

Prepare mentally and emotionally,

  Prepare spiritually.