Gospel of Matthew Series- Chapter 3: Jesus is baptised.

 Chapter 3: Jesus is baptised.

THE BIBLE- GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SERIES ICON.

At the beginning of the public life of Jesus, Matthew describes the baptism of our Lord in the Jordan. This is the investiture of Jesus as Messiah. He is presented as the Servant of Yahweh, the suffering Servant as foreshadowed in Deutero-Isaiah. 

His baptism in the Jordan symbolises his vocation as Servant until death.  On the beloved son descends the Holy Spirit. In this way Jesus is anointed for his mission of prophet, priest and king.  By the descent of the Spirit and the words of the Father, Jesus’ baptism is given a new dimension and becomes a sign of Christian baptism. 

The Baptism of Jesus is one of His most striking manifestations.  The liturgies of the East and West make use of these accounts for the feast of the Epiphany.  the Gospel of Jesus’ baptism is read on the first Sunday after the Epiphany.

ACTION PLAN FROM CHAPTER 3
This week as we reflect on chapter 3, we may wish to:

·                     Spend time in reflection about our vocation. What is the unique task Jesus asks of me to perform?

·                     Review my vocation- the positives and the challenges in order to be renewed by the review.

·                     Attend a baptism at our local parish to assist our own renewal of our baptism.

·                     Use the baptismal promises as part of our prayer life each day/week or twice weekly to keep them in the forefront of our minds.

·                     Examine how the Lord’s favour rests on you.Write a list and keep it handy to read on 'dark and grey days'.

·                     Explore the sacrament of baptism to understand more fully its significance and symbolism.

May the journey of Matthew's Gospel in chapter 3 bring you blessings.

Opening Prayer Series: 4th Sunday of Advent year A

Opening Prayer Series:

OPENING PRAYER

The Opening Prayer for the Fourth Sunday of year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(for a greater love of God and our fellow men)

Lord our God,

help us to love You with all our hearts

and to love all men as You love them. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible for this week, the following reflection questions emerged.

1.            Do I know what God's love is? Have I experienced it in my life?

2.            Why do I need a greater love of God?

3.            Why do I need a greater love of my fellow men?

4.            How will I obtain a greater love of God and my fellow men this week?

5.            What obstacles/hindrances do I put in the way to loving God with all my heart?

6.            What obstacles/hindrances do I put in the way of loving all men as You love them?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Chapter 5 of Matthew's Gospel is most well-known but is a challenge to put into practice in our lives. With God, we do not need to be totally successful or perfect, since we are a creation in progress, but we do need to try. That is what God asks of us. To do this, we may wish to personalize this text so that it may be concrete for our lives this coming week.  For example: who are in the poor in spirit, who are the gentle, who are those who mourn etc  Let us be practical with our answers- identify these groups of people in our lives- is it our neighbour next door or 2 doors up, a parishioner down the road or a work colleague that other colleagues ridicule or simply ignore?

Then our beatitude may read:

happy my work colleague Mr Smith who is merciful when I do not meet a deadline, 

I will show him mercy when he makes mistakes in his work this week.

Above all the beatitude is made up of 2 words- be attitude. It is the attitude that we need to be that God asks of us in the sermon on the mount.  Let us listen and read this sermon on the mount again during the week and try our best to practice it in our lives.

Reflection and Prayer Series: Forgiveness

Reflection and Prayer Series: Forgiveness

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.

CHRIST THE REDEEMER.

My post is called:

FORGIVENESS

The Christ who forgave the thief on the cross

and promised him Paradise

Is the same Christ who,

even when Peter betrayed Him 

forgave with love in His eyes. 

May God give us the courage to do the same 

          to everyone who is in need of our forgiveness.

The Commandment to Love Series: Others opinions and my own

The Commandment to Love Series:

 

Others opinions and my own.

 

My commandment to love series over the next 10-12 weeks focuses on how I can love myself in a practical manner this week and keep the commandment to love.

In this series I will focus on one idea that we can use in whatever it suits to accomplish a more rounded version of ' as yourself'.  I hope you will journey with me in this series.

So, my third intention for feeling good about myself this week is as follows:

 This week I will not hold others opinions above my own.

How will make my intention tangible?  There are endless ways just as we are all unique.

However, as a starting point, I will first 

·                     spend some time in prayerful reflection on why and when my opinions in my mind do not count in my life. 

·                     Re-read my 'positive list about me' each day in my prayer time and add at least one extra positive each day.

·                     Affirm each day that I am a child of God and remind myself that God does not have favourites. In His eyes, I am equal to every other person in the world.

·                     write down any opinions that others hold and explore the similarities and differences that their point of view express as well as my own.

Why do I want to do this?  I want to make progress with this third intention because: I want to keep the commandment to love more fully. Practicing this commandment means that I love myself as God loves me. Accepting that my opinion is valuable and is equal in God's sight to others  gives me freedom to love myself for who I really am- a child of God.   

Holding my opinion in a respectful way  is not putting myself on a pedestal.  It is accepting my integral part of me.  Holding other peoples opinions above my own is disrespectful of myself . I can live and let live since we are all equal in God's sight. 

Let us keep the commandment to love 'as yourself'  so that we can hear Jesus speak the truth in our hearts. We can always rely on Jesus to tell us the truth and we no longer have to believe the lies that we tell ourselves.

Compendium Series: Why believe in one God?

Compendium Series:

JESUS THE TEACHER: COMPENDIUM SERIES ICON.

 

Why believe in one God?

37. Why does one profess belief that there is only one God? (CCC 200-202, 228)

Compendium states:

Belief in the one God is professed because He has revealed Himself to the people of Israel as the only One when He said,” Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:4) and there “there is no other”

(Isaiah 45:22).  Jesus himself confirmed that God is “the one Lord” (Mark12:29).  To confess that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are also God and Lord does not introduce any division into the one God.

What does this mean for me?

1.            I can look up these references and learn them in context as an aid to strengthening my belief in One God.

 Questions to consider:

1.            Why do I personally believe in the One God?

2.            What is my relationship with Father, Son and Spirit?

3.            Is the Lord our God the one Lord of my life and is there any other?

4.            What are the ‘other gods’ in my life and how will I repent of these gods?

Happy Australia Day

Happy Australia Day

Today is Australia Day-26 January.  there are always plenty of celebrations around the country for its citizens to join and celebrate.

On a personal note, today I played the organ for Mass first, playing of course the 3 verses of the National Anthem amongst other hymns, and then went to the opening day of Government House for a little bit of history, culture and celebration with fellow citizens.

On this Australia day, the people of Queensland and Victoria who have been suffering from the floods have been doing it tough. So in amongst their tragedy, I hope and pray that they can somehow be renewed today and get the courage they need. If you feel like giving a donation, please feel free to click on the donate widget to the right.

My prayer for all my fellow citizens comes from the feast of our patroness- Our Lady Help of Christians, but I like this prayer for today also. I hope that you will pray it with me.

About the Mass Series: Preparation of the Gfits Part 11

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES:

THE MASS: ABOUT THE MASS SERIES ICON.

Preparation of the Gifts Part 11

In the ancient Roman Liturgy, once the bread and wine were placed on the altar, the bishop said a prayer over these gifts and then began the Eucharistic prayer. The Prayer over the gifts was originally said aloud and later, because of the length of the prayer, only the conclusion was said aloud. Nowadays, the prayer’s original name and manner of recitation has been restored.

 The prayer over the gifts concludes the preparation of the bread, wine, altar and congregation.  Unlike the opening prayer of the Mass, which is more expansive and frequently characterizes the mystery of the day or liturgical season, the prayer over the gifts is more concise.  It requests divine acceptance and expresses the congregation’s desire to unite itself with the offering to come. The priest speaks in our name asking the Father to bless and accept these gifts. 

Today’s prayer over the gifts exemplifies these features as well as its brevity.

“God of mercy accept our offering

 and make it a source of blessing for us.”

Our response to this prayer is ‘Amen’, and it is important, as when we use it as a response to prayer, it is used as an adverb meaning either ‘It is so’ or ‘May it be so’ (may that happen).

Although the prayer over the gifts is always used in the context of Mass, we may find it useful to incorporate it into our daily prayer life. Such a short prayer could provide spiritual nourishment for us as we reflect on its concrete meaning for our lives both in times of difficulty and joy.

The preparation of the gifts in the Liturgy of the Eucharist ends with the Prayer over the gifts.      

Feast of the Conversion of St Paul and WYD

Feast of the Conversion of St Paul and WYD

What does the conversion of St Paul and WYD have in common? Let us examine these similarities.

1.            St Paul was God's chosen vessel for carrying His name to the whole world. At WYD the pilgrims have the responsibility to carry His name to their world in whatever way is appropriate to their vocation.

2.            St Paul and WYD follow in the way of Jesus to bring light and joy.

3.            Just as God's power was made perfect in weakness for St Paul, pilgrims find that the whole WYD experience gives them enough of God's grace and they are made stronger.

4.            The grace of God for St Paul and pilgrims is not fruitless and it remains always.

5.            Just as the Church is built on the apostles, WYD pilgrims have the experience of being one body in Christ at each of the events, especially during the vigil and Mass.

6.            Just as St Paul witnessed to his faith, WYD pilgrims have countless opportunities to witness to the truth before other pilgrims, fellow parishioners, family, friends and to all the world.

7.            Just as St Paul learnt the folly of the cross,  WYD pilgrims gain the grace to live for Christ and to glory in the cross of Christ.

8.            Just as St Paul planted the seed of faith in others, WYD pilgrims learn to sow the seed  and reap a harvest of great joy.

9.            Just as St Paul had a conversion experience, many WYD also experience an inner conversion- re-establishing Jesus as no 1 in their lives, which they find as ongoing.

Perhaps as you prepare for WYD, you might like to think of any other similarities that St Paul and WYD have in common. You may also wish to pray to St Paul to ask his help in being a 'light to the nations' .
On this feast of St Paul, may your preparation for WYD be blessed.

Gospel of Matthew Series: Chapter 2: Placing God first and facing the challenges it brings.

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SERIES.

THE BIBLE: GOSPEL OF MATTHEW SERIES.

Chapter 2: Placing God first and facing the challenges it brings.

In Chapter 2, there are 4 stories interwoven into the chapter namely 1. The Visit of the Magi, 2. The flight into Egypt, 3. The Massacre of the Innocents and 4. The return from Egypt.

The Magi were probably wise men who studied astrology, but later tradition portrays them as kings, who because of their knowledge knew that the star that appeared for them was something they had to follow. Their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh symbolized Christ’s royalty, divinity and passion.

They listened to what Herod had to say to them, giving him respect, but were not drawn into his dishonest behaviour, since they seemingly seemed aware of his insincerity and fear.

It is interesting to note the reaction of Herod who was governed by power and who

·                     felt threatened at the possibility there may be another king (someone to threaten his job),

·                     played the game pretending he wanted to worship also (sought out information about the threat and how he might overcome the enemy).

The Magi however stayed focused on what they came to seek- they were guided by the star, which filled them with delight because it helped them find what they came to seek- Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the manger. They were able to do him homage and offer their gifts.

We then encounter the flight into Egypt. Joseph is not a procrastinator.  He does what the angel tells him without delay ' He got up and taking the child and his mother with him left that night for Egypt.' One senses the urgency and the worry and the fear of knowing that Herod wanted Jesus killed- not the type of start to being the foster father of Jesus that Joseph may have hoped for.  Yet, Joseph as we know was a man of faith and believed in God's providence towards him and Mary. His faith and obedience to God sustained him in this difficult journey.

The wise men and Joseph’s fear of Herod is justified as we read the next phase of chapter 2 where Herod has all male children up to the age of 2 killed since he was outwitted by the wise men. He took revenge because he did not get his own way and made as many people suffer because of it.

Then in the final section of this chapter is the story of Joseph returning with Mary and the baby from Egypt after Herod’s death back to the land of Israel.  However, as Herod’s son had succeeded Herod, Joseph was warned in a dream not to go there but settled in the region of Galilee- at Nazareth.

What can we learn for our lives from these 4 connecting stories in this chapter?

ACTION PLAN FROM CHAPTER 2

This week as we reflect on chapter 2, we may wish to:

·      Stay focused and to give the Christ child homage, by bending our knees and offering our gifts to Him. We need to place God first in our lives at all times

·    Be guided by the light of the star of faith just as the wise men followed the signs given to them. God gives us signs to follow through the church and the sacraments.

·   Be attentive to what God is telling us to do. We need to be pro-active and responsive as Joseph. Spend some time in reflection to hear what God is speaking to us.

·  Have compassion for parents who suffer and grieve through loss of a baby/child either through miscarriage, abortion or tragedy. We may wish to learn more about the issue of abortion

·      Be alert and listen to the stirrings of God within us, since He desires the best path for us.

Opening Prayer Series: 3rd Sunday of Year A

OPENING PRAYER SERIES:

OPENING PRAYER SERIES: 

The Opening Prayer for the Third Sunday of Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(for unity and peace)

All powerful and ever-living God,

direct Your love that is within us,

that our efforts in the name of Your Son,

may bring mankind to unity and peace. 

OPENING PRAYER

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

1.            Why should I pray for unity and peace?

2.            What parts of my life this week need unity and peace?

3.            How might I bring God's unity and peace to my family, workplace, parish this week?

4.            How might I get in touch with and rekindle Your love within me this week?

5.            How can I ensure that my effort is in the name of Your Son and not in my name?

6.            How did I progress in my spiritual growth during the week?

7.            What is my goal to grow spiritually this week?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Today's Gospel has two aspects to consider:

1.            The fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah.

2.            The calling of the apostles.

Jesus came on earth with a mission- to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, curing all kinds of diseases and sicknesses and to preach 'Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is close at hand'. Scripture also tells us

  "Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets;
I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. 
For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, 
not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. (Mat 5:17-18)

This is also important for our lives too since we are made up of our past as well as the present and future. We need our past to teach us so that we can move forward, even when our past may not be pretty. The past provides a continuity and like Jesus we need to build on it rather than dismantle it. Our darkness needs the great light of Jesus so that a light will dawn.

It is interesting to note that in the New Testament alone that the word 'fulfils' in relation to fulfilling the scriptures and/or the prophets occurred eighteen times. We may ask ourselves how many times do we fulfil God's law and will for our lives.  We may wish to think about this aspect this week and see how many times we can fulfil God's plan for us during the week.

The second aspect of today's Gospel refers to the calling of Peter, Andrew, James and John- 2 pairs of brothers who were fishermen. Once they heard the call of Jesus, they left their nets at once and followed Him.

We too must follow the call of Jesus, even when it means leaving our safe haven of what we know and living outside our comfort zone. We must hear the call in our hearts and follow Him. Then we can continue the work of Jesus of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom.

May you bring God's kingdom to your world this coming week.