Compendium Series: Sacred Scripture

 COMPENDIUM SERIES.

Jesus the Teacher.

We continue the faith journey and explore what the Compendium teaches us about Sacred Scripture and why it is so important for our lives.

18. Why does Sacred Scripture teach the truth? (CCC104-108,135-136)

  

Compendiums states:

Because God Himself is the author of Sacred Scripture.  For this reason, it is said to be inspired and to teach without error those truths which are necessary for our salvation.  The Holy Spirit inspired the human authors who wrote what He wanted to teach us, The Christian faith, however is not a “religion on of the Book, but of the Word of God”, not a written and man-made word, but incarnate and living. (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux).

What does this mean for me?

1. Because God is the author of the Sacred Scriptures, I need to take care to learn the truths which He wants to teach me for my salvation.

2. I am able to thank the Holy Spirit for inspiring the Evangelists and for teaching me in Sacred Scripture?

Questions to consider:

1. What place and how important is Sacred Scripture in my prayer life?
2. What are the truths that are necessary for my salvation?
3. What truths do I learn from the Holy Spirit through Scripture each day?
4. Why Sacred Scripture is relevant for all times and seasons?
5. How does the Holy Spirit inspire me to teach the truth to others?

About the Mass Series: Liturgy of the Word: Gospel Acclamation

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES:

The Mass: About the Mass Series. Icon

 Liturgy of the Word: Gospel Acclamation

 ALLELUIA.

‘Alleluia’, from the Hebrew means ‘Praise Yahweh’, or ‘Praise God’. In the Old Testament this joyful cry appears at the beginning or end of Psalms 146-150, intended for use in the temple liturgy.  In the New Testament, the alleluia’s only occurrence appears in the Book of Revelation (19:1-9), where it forms part of the victory hymn sung by the redeemed in Heaven. It is the second time-after the Gloria that the earthly liturgy borrows its song from the angels, who will return again in the singing of the Sanctus (Holy Holy). So, in our liturgy, we are surrounded by the angelic multitudes each time Mass is offered. What does this mean to You at Mass?

The Gospel Acclamation’s simple order Rite is nevertheless most significant. The deacon takes the Book of the Gospels (Gospel book), the Word of Christ from the altar, which represents Christ, and he carries it to the lectern, the place of the Word of God. In most parishes, there is no deacon, so the priest moves to the lectern, where the lectionary is already placed. The altar servers move, collect their candles symbolically reminding us of Christ as the light.  To hold a candle correctly, the left hand goes under the base; the right hand is around the knob (or about 60 cm above the right hand).  This places the right hand about opposite the breast.  When candle-bearers go in pairs, the outside hand goes above and the inside hand at the base. Candles should be held at a right angle to the floor. It is important to keep them straight. 

We, as the congregation, praise Christ who comes to proclaim the good news of salvation.  The Gospel Acclamation is normally expressive of Pascal joy, a reflection upon the Word of God already proclaimed, and a preparation for the Gospel accompanies the Gospel procession.  At St. Augustine’s, the ‘Gospel book’ is carried through the church reflecting the Gospel Acclamation Rite.

The Gospel Acclamation’s structure is as follows: The choir or cantor intones the alleluia, which is then repeated by congregation. Then the verse, taken from the Gospel, is sung followed by a repeat of the alleluia.  We greet Christ with Alleluia to remind us that we celebrate on Sunday the Lord’s Resurrection.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION DURING LENT AND ADVENT

However, although the Gospel Acclamation’s structure remains unaltered, there are no alleluias sung or said during Lent or Advent. Instead, one of the following phrases are used to replace the word ‘alleluia’

 Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless Glory.

 Glory and praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

 Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ.

POSTURE FOR GOSPEL ACCLAMATION.

The change of body posture is important, and as a congregation that we are now standing.  Just as we stand in respect when introduced to an important person, we also stand when meeting Christ in the Gospel as a sign of reverence.

WHEN A DEACON IS PRESENT

When a deacon (a man usually 6-12 months from ordination of priesthood, or a permanent deacon) reads the Gospel, he asks the Bishop or Priest for a blessing who says:

‘the Lord be in your heart and on your lips 

that you may worthily proclaim his Gospel’,  

The Bishop or Priest  blesses him with the sign of the Cross.  The deacon answers Amen. 

Perhaps, this could be our prayer too- that we too will worthily proclaim the gospel worthily in our lives.                                   

Food Glorious food at WYD!!

WORLD YOUTH DAY SERIES.

WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS: 

Food Glorious food at WYD!!

Scripture tells us that ' No one lives on bread alone...'. Forgive the cherry picking of scripture to start my post- but I wish to enlighten you about a practical consideration for WYD- food.

Depending on what country you are from, many of the packages with the travel agents include the option of all-inclusive meals.( or most at least). 

So, the first thing to ask yourself before booking your WYD pilgrimage is 

·                     What is my expectation of the food?

 If you are expecting the food to be home cooked meals, then you will be miserably disappointed and may even feel cheated that you did not get value for money.

If, however you know before you leave your country to go to WYD that the inclusive meals are simple, healthy and basic-eg can of tuna, roll if there are enough, small piece of cake and piece of fruit for lunch for example, then you will not be disappointed.  

More importantly, if you prepare yourself spiritually for this aspect, then you can be engaging in a mini lent or a week of penance.  It is a matter of attitude and how you prepare for it that either makes or breaks your mind and spirit.

When you arrive in Madrid, you will be given a WYD pack.  In that pack will contain your food vouchers which will be swapped for the food at the appropriate time.  Usually the group leader will gather the vouchers and then collect the food from the drop off point allocated.  If you are a forgetful type, you will need to make sure that you place your vouchers for the day in an easy assessable spot for you. Otherwise you will miss out

The other aspect of the food vouchers is that you learn to be social in your group- sharing what you have with other pilgrims from your group.  This in itself is a beautiful experience if it is lined up with an inner spirituality.

The other alternative is to buy your own meals.  At the moment, whilst you are in your own country- this seems simple enough.  The reality of WYD is very different. Why am I saying this? 

1.            There are the millions of pilgrims expected at WYD.

2.            Shops are not always close to the venues.

3.            Some group leaders prefer the group to stay together so going off for food is not an option at a time when you might be hungry.

4.            Language skills may prevent you from being able to order the food you wish or other people getting served first, as was my experience in Rome since I spoke no Italian. 

5.            Cost of food can be expensive especially if you have saved every penny to get to WYD and/or have been sponsored but do not have extra spending money.

So when you consider joining your group, you need to know what the group rules are and how this may affect your choice of whether to buy your own food or choose what is provided for WYD.

From a personal perspective, I chose to eat the WYD food provided, so that I could fully enter into the WYD experience.  I prepared physically, emotionally and spiritually.  I have to say that in Sydney WYD-my home country, on the night that the Pope arrived, we went out to celebrate and had a restaurant meal. Food never tasted so good.!!!!  This meal became special in its own right because it  was the celebration of the Holy Father arriving in our own country.  Madrid pilgrims may experience the same feeling of excitement. The meal also replenished our beings to help us continue with the WYD experience. I highly recommend this possibility of having one meal out during WYD- you are supporting the locals as well as replenishing yourself on many levels. 

My WYD challenge for this week is to prepare a simple and basic meal plan and eat it for a week. Prepare yourself spiritually- make it a mini Lent.  At the end of the week, see how you feel. For example: Are you able to eat basic food for a week- the same every day? Are you able to be grateful that you have food to eat?

One other reminder:  Remember too to pack a small bible with you to WYD- since 

'Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'.

 

Genesis Series: Chapter 39

EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES:

THE BIBLE: EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES.

Chapter 39: POTIPHA

Potiphar made Joseph the overseer of his house. Joseph was righteous in his position ‘…and the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hands’ (vs 3) Potiphar’s wife had other ideas and saw that Joseph was ‘handsome and good-looking’ and makes advances towards him. Joseph refused her advances, letting her know the reason for his refusal (vs8-9).  

She feels slighted by the continual refusal so sets him up and later unjustly accused the young Hebrew of seduction. When she repeats the lying story to her husband, he believes her and Joseph was flung into prison, without being able to defend himself .

We may be inclined to feel sorry for Joseph since he was unjustly accused by Potiphar’s wife, but vs 21-23 highlights God’s faithfulness to Joseph by providing ‘favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison’.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION FOR TODAY.

Chapter 39 therefore highlights the following aspects that are important for our lives.

1. When we are faithful and have a right attitude to doing right in our work, God will assist us and help our work to prosper.

2. Adultery is not acceptable, nor is lying to cover one’s own wrong desire.

3. It is always important to listen to both sides of a story and get the facts, even if it means finding out something unfavourable about one’s husband/wife.

4. In times of trial and when injustice has been committed, it is essential to remember the loving faithfulness of God towards you. God will provide you help and right the wrong that has been committed, even when it is not always immediate.

5. Always trust in the faithfulness of God and behave according to His commands

Opening Prayer Series: 26th Sunday of Year

OPENING PRAYER SERIES:

 

THE MASS: OPENING PRAYER SERIES ICON.

OPENING PRAYER

The Opening Prayer for the 26th Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

Let us pray

(for God's forgiveness and for the happiness it brings)

Father,

You show Your almighty power in Your mercy and forgiveness.

Continue to fill us with Your gifts of love,

Help us to hurry toward the eternal life You promise,

and come to share in the joys of Your kingdom.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible the following reflection questions emerged.

1.            What does God's forgiveness mean to me?

2.            Why does God's forgiveness bring happiness to me?

3.            How will I experience God's forgiveness this week? (e.g. receive  
           sacrament of Reconciliation)

4.            Why does God's mercy and forgiveness show His power in my life?

5.            What hinders me from being filled God's gifts of love? (Name one area
           that I will work on this coming week).

6.            Why do I need to hurry towards the eternal life God promises me?

7.            If God called me home to Heaven today/this week, will I be ready?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

In today's Gospel we meet with the tragedy of the Rich man's situation.  God had blessed him with material wealth, but ignored to use his wealth for the betterment of others- in this case, Lazarus the poor man who ‘longed for the scraps that fell from the rich man's table'. When he died, he was not prepared to acknowledge his wrongdoing, but was audacious enough to want help from the very person he had failed to help in life, when he was in the position to do so.   Abraham speaks not only to the rich man to us also. We are not to neglect those whom we can help. We must do our best in our life, since we cannot try to swap places and ‘cross to the other side' after we have died.

It seems that he had learnt some of his lesson. To the rich man's credit, he did think of his brothers, since he did not want them to suffer also. However, he was asking for extraordinary means, rather than following the way God had provided (eg prophets).  Many of us can fall for the same trap.  We want something extraordinary to happen so that we may believe/believe more fully.  Human nature will find a way to discount it or just not believe anyway. Faith is a gift which we accept or reject and it is not a gift to be manipulated.

Let us take this gospel to heart and realize that our training is now.  If the cards of life have been dealt well for us, then use them to help others. If we are not so fortunate, make the most of the cards we are given and be grateful.  

We need to live good Catholic lives according to the commandments and precepts of the Catholic Church.  We need to follow the way God has given us through the Church, making use of the sacraments frequently and all other helps that the Church provides. This is not a time for cherry picking. we need to take on board fully and wholeheartedly what the Church teaches. 

Let us follow the example of Christ as the gospel Acclamation states:

'Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor to make you rich out of His poverty'

Reflection and Prayer Series: Give me Lord

REFLECTION AND PRAYER SERIES:

Christ the Redeemer

Give me Lord

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:

GIVE ME LORD

Give me Lord a kindness 

that goes beyond a friendly smile,

Give me a caring spirit,

Willing to share another's trial.

Give me a tender patience 

Only Your mercy can impart,

Combined with understanding 

and discernment of the heart. 

Let us continue to pray for each other 

as when two or three are gathered in my name, 

there am I in the midst of them.

Practical Theology Series: Role of Solitude in the life of the Disciple.

Practical Theology Series:

 

Role of Solitude in the life of the Disciple. 

Solitude is a necessary and essential ingredient in the healthy disciple’s life.  It is essential because:

1.            It helps the disciple to centre himself/herself on the teacher- Christ and be regularly renewed in Him. 

2.            It promotes healthy active ministry. 

3.            It provides the disciple with rest, which is essential to growth and sanctification. 

4.            It helps the disciple to maintain a healthy awareness of self (strengths/weaknesses). 

5.            It helps the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being the disciple. 

6.            It nurtures an intimate relationship with God.

The word Solitude may sound foreboding to some people and may be confused with loneliness.  The Oxford Dictionary encapsulates the difference- “1. Solitude is the state of being alone, or remote from society; 2. A lonely place- a desert.  Solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or compulsion from one’s neighbours, friends and family”.

Solitude must be sought in the disciple’s life every day –some quiet time to be in God’s presence. However, extended regular periods of solitude is also advisable such as a day alone with the Lord or a retreat (7-10 days each year). 

Speaking personally, I have found monthly ‘retreat days’ and an extended retreat each year an absolute essential to my spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing.  Whenever I have neglected this aspect, I have ‘paid the price’ of shifting my emphasis from Christ as teacher.  Many other less desirable qualities creep in when I am not vigilant in this regard.

For those Christian who say I am too busy to have a retreat day/week, I pose the following thoughts:

o        Are you too busy for Christ? Who is the teacher, Christ or yourself? 

o        What is the quality of your ministry? Is it healthy or unhealthy? 

o        Do you wish to continue in healthy active ministry?   

o        Jesus himself needed and took ‘time out’ to be with His Father and to pray intensely when decisions were to be made (eg choosing His disciples). 

o        Are you afraid of being alone with yourself?  How can you be alone when Christ is with you in that desert place/lonely place?

Receiving the sacraments, journal and bible reading are nourishing tools in solitude, but there also need to be flexibility so that the disciple allows the Lord to speak and he/she listens.  Applying it to our lives, I see its potential and value- (perhaps rest from study or work, but also an opportunity to gain fresh insight into the work we are doing

Above all, solitude is time for the disciple and teacher -Christ.  We can be like Mary and sit at our master’s feet and listen to Him.