Reflection and Prayer Series:God's love will prevail

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:

GOD'S LOVE WILL PREVAIL

The one promise we can cling to 

When the storms of life assail

Is that God goes through them with us-

And His love will still prevail.

May the Lord who calmed the storm and the sea 

calm any of your storms of life 

this coming week.

The Royal Wedding.

Today is the day of the Royal Wedding.  Whether we are monarchists or Republicans, everyone around the world will be affected in some way by this day.

We can marvel with the glamour and the panache of the pomp and ceremony that the British do to perfection. We can oooh and ahhh at Kate's wedding dress, the other royals outfits and the overall event. All this is great but less us not forget why there is all the fuss and bother- William and Kate love each other. The day is about love- not just for the day but hopefully for the rest of their lives.

Regardless of whether the royal wedding is your cup of tea, I have a suggestion to make to those that are married and those that are in love.. why not mark this day in your marriage in some special way- perhaps restate your vows to one another, make a decision to give the marriage a make-over- mend a quarrel that has been hard to get past or spend some time being committed to each other once again.

For those that are separated or divorced, there may be tinges of pain for you if you are planning to watch the royal wedding. Be gentle with yourself and if it is appropriate you may wish to recall the time that you were in love and celebrate it. Should negative memories surface, ask God to help you in the way you most need to heal those memories.

For those who are single and/or never got married, you too can rejoice in this day with William and Kate. Just because society sees us as not married does not mean that we are not loved. We have the opportunity to love many in a beautiful and appropriate way according to our Catholic commitment of faith and the commandments of the Church.

So whether you are interested in Kate and William's wedding or not, why not offer a prayer for them and for all those who are married or struggling in their marriage and take a step to doing something special on this day with your special someone.

Eastertide Prayer Series: Introduction and The Mass

Welcome to my Eastertide Prayer Series.

During Lent, the Church asks us to turn towards God by Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.  During Eastertide, we are to rejoice that the Lord is truly risen. However, any progress that we may have made during our Lenten effort should not be abandoned. Eastertide is a great time to consolidate our Lenten effort but with joy filled attitude.
In this series 'Eastertide Prayer Series', I wish to focus on 6 different types of prayer, all of which we can use during the year, but may concentrate upon during this time of rejoicing.  The types of prayer are as follows:

1. The Mass
2. Eucharistic Adoration.
3. Stations of the Cross
4. Prayer in the style of Taize.
5. Scripture Meditation
6. Divine Mercy Devotions.

What is the purpose of Devotions? Is not the Mass and the Sacraments enough?  

The purpose of devotions is to help us nurture our relationship with God- Father, Son and Spirit.  In Lent, as we endeavour to spend more time in prayer, we turn our minds towards God and turn away from sin.  In the process, we become strengthened for the journey towards Holy Week and experience the joy of Easter renewed.Now that Eastertide has begun, we can relish the joy of the Easter season and continue to be focused on improving our spiritual growth.

At the heart of all devotions is the Mass.  Obviously so much can be said about the Mass.  If you wish to gain an understanding of the Mass and its structure, you may wish to visit my series 'About the Mass'.During Lent especially many people choose to make the effort to go to daily Mass (or as many times as possible). Perhaps during Eastertide, you may wish to make the effort to attend Mass as often as possible to gain a greater appreciation for the wonderment of the resurrection and the Easter season.  Attending and participating in Mass in body, mind and spirit is the most effective devotion- we hear the Word of God proclaimed and we are able to receive Christ in the Eucharist. The Mass therefore is a prayer from its beginning to its end. The beauty of the Mass is capped off with our lives because we have the opportunity to live it out during the week in our lives, so it is an ongoing prayer.


Whatever devotion or extra prayer that we may embark on, it is important that we remind ourselves what Jesus said about the right attitude towards prayer in the scriptures.  Matthew's Chapter 6 vs 1-6 stated

"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in  heaven.
Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received  their reward.
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward  you.

So as we embark on either continuing our chosen Lenten penance or choosing something special for Eastertide let us endeavour to do what Jesus asks of us. 

Let us grab God's attention. by keep our minds and hearts focused on Him.

Compendium Series: God is Almighy-why?

50. What does it mean to say that God is almighty? (CCC257-268-278)

Compendium states:

God reveals himself as” the strong One, the mighty One” (Psalm 24:8) the One “to whom nothing is impossible” (Luke 1:37). His omnipotence is universal, mysterious and shows itself in the creation of the word out of nothing and humanity out of love, but above it shows that in the Incarnation and the Resurrection of His Son, in the gift of filial adoption and in the forgiveness of sins.  For this reason, the Church directs her prayers to the “almighty and eternals God” (Omnipotem sempiterne Deus…”)

What does this mean for me?

1. I can thank God for sending His Son to become ‘word made flesh and dwelt amongst us”, for saving me through the death and Resurrection, for allowing me to be His child through adoption and for forgiveness of sins.
2. I can also direct my prayer to ‘almighty and eternal God’ in union with the Church and also because I have a greater understanding of what this means.

 Questions to consider:

1. Where do I want the strong One, the mighty One to whom nothing is impossible to act in my life?

2. What is my commitment to the sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation in my life?

3. What is my image of God the Father?

About the Mass: Communion Rite Overview.

‘COMMUNION RITE:  PART 1: OVERVIEW’

The elements of the Communion Rite are:

• Our Father.
• Deliverance Prayer.
• Sign of Peace.
• Breaking of the Host.
• Lamb of God.
• Communion.
• Silence.
• Prayer after Communion.

The rites of preparation for Communion are a structure link between the Eucharistic Prayers and the reception of the Eucharist.  They are to lead directly to the communion of the people.  Their purpose is to prepare the congregation for its participation in the reception of Christ in the Eucharist.  Mutual love and reconciliation are the seeds and the fruits of the sacraments shared in by the priest and the people.

At this part in the Mass, we are invited to prepare ourselves well for our personal encounter with Christ in the Eucharist.  We are encouraged during this Communion Rite to show forth signs of the fruit of the Eucharist which is the unity of the Body of Christ, being loved by Christ and loving Him through our love of one another.

The Church invites us to view the prayers and actions of the Communion Rite in this light, so that we can enter more fully and ever deeper into our personal encounter with Christ in communion and be as well disposed as possible. We are encouraged each time that we participate in Mass to have a growing desire to express such dispositions as mutual love, unity and forgiveness.  These are not things that we just think about in Mass, but we need to make conscious concrete decisions about how we might express them in our lives. 

I hope that we are all able to seize this wonderful opportunity each time we attend Mass.

 

Anzac Day and Mateship

Today is Anzac Day. This day has many meanings but often the Anzac spirit is portrayed as 'mateship'.

It strikes me that mateship in difficult circumstances such as war helps the human spirit to persevere and to know that they are not going through it alone. We remember the ultimate sacrifice of those who served and lost their lives in the battle and those like my late father who served in World War 2 who came home and began their lives anew after giving their best years of their lives in service of their country. Many in later years still carried the scars physically and emotionally from their service with some suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

Anzac Day in our home was important with its tradition. Dad went to the Mass and most years he then marched. Each year the medals came out the night before and placed carefully on his suit jacket which he wore with just pride the next day. My grandfather on both sides were also veterans. Before dad passed away, he had his medals made for myself and my siblings as miniatures. It was indeed a gesture of great love on his part.  Now that dad has passed away, the memory of Anzac day tradition lingers in my mind and I remember what this day meant to him and our family.

However, it has always struck me that mateship is keeping the commandment to love- the veterans loved one another in an appropriate manner to put each other first, watching each others backs in combat, gave their lives in service and some paid the ultimate price of death.   In psychological terms, the whole experience bonded them so that years later, they could still come together and feel that sense of union with each other.

For those of us who have not served in this way, we can commend them and be grateful for their bravery. 

We can follow in their example of mateship, which in essence is keeping the commandment to love in its fullest meaning as Christ specified.

Lest we forget.

Opening Prayer Series: Easter Sunday Year A

The Opening Prayer for Easter Sunday Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(that the risen Christ will raise us up

and renew our lives)

God our Father, 

by raising Christ Your Son 

You conquered the power of death 

and opened for us the way to eternal life. 

Let our celebration today raise us up 

and renew our lives 

by the Spirit that is within us. 

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

1. What does the resurrection of Christ mean for my life?
2. How does Christ's resurrection conquer the power of death when all humanity die?
3. What would eternal life with Christ mean for me and how can I bring something of this eternal life to my world this coming week?
4. What is the way to eternal life?
5. How shall I celebrate today and during this Eastertide to express my renewal of my life?
6. What spiritual plan will I embark on during Eastertide to continue the work of my Lenten effort?

In today's gospel, we experience the bewilderment  and grief of Mary Magdalene and her quick response to tell Peter. We also experience Peter and John's quick response by running to the tomb and John's respect for Peter- 'He saw the cloths but did not go in' and waited until Peter saw everything untouched. Then the disciples understood the scripture' that He must rise from the dead'.  The question that arises for us in this Gospel is who are we in it (Mary, Peter or John) and what does Christ rising from the dead mean to me.  

Thankfully the Church gives us 50 days to ponder this mystery of the resurrection.

May you all enjoy all the blessing and joy of this Easter day.

Reflection and Prayer Series: Forgive us 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:

FORGIVE US LORD
Forgive us Lord,
When we accuse our Suffering Saviour
Of the wrongs this world inflicts.
When we indict the Man of Sorrows
For Satan's evil tricks.


On this Holy Saturday, may we experience the emptiness
and grieve for our Saviour's death
May we experience the loss and anguish
so that we may experience afresh the joy of the Risen Lord.

Compendium Series: How do the three Divine Persons work?

49. How do the three divine Persons work? (CCC257-260,267)

Compendium states:

Inseparable in their own substance, the three divine Persons are also inseparable in their activity.  The Trinity has one operation, sole and the same.  In this one divine action, however, each Person is present according to the mode which is proper to Him in the Trinity.

What does this mean for me?

1. I can pray in confidence to the Trinity knowing in faith that the three divine Persons are inseparable in substance and in their activity and that there is one divine action with each Person present according to the mode which is proper to Him in the Trinity.

Questions to consider:

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

2.  How can I be more aware of the presence of the Trinity in my life?

3. What is mode which is proper to each Person of the Trinity?

 

About the Mass: Eucharistic Prayer Part 8

6. ‘Doxology and Great Amen’.

The Eucharistic Prayer comes to a climax as the priest holds up the consecrated host and chalice and proclaims our thanks and praise with the words: 

‘Through Him, with Him, and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all glory and honour is yours, Almighty Father, for ever and ever’.  To this we respond ‘Amen’ either spoken or sung.

Although this doxology text is Trinitarian in nature, it still has a special emphasis on Christ as the mediator.  The doxology summarizes the Eucharistic Prayer, which concludes, as it began, on an explicit note of praise. The Church offers praise and honour to the Father through Christ who is the High Priest, with Christ who is really present and in Christ who gives himself in the Eucharist to us.  The Church at prayer is united to the Holy Spirit. The priest proclaims the Eucharistic prayer in the name of the congregation. We confirm and approve this action by our response of ‘Amen’, the Hebrew word for ‘So be it’; either in song or loud voice.

Liturgically, it makes sense therefore for the priest to proclaim these words, as this links him in a very real way his ministerial priesthood, as he is the one who is ‘representing Christ the mediator’ in our midst. By our response, we link ourselves to our ‘own baptismal priesthood’.  Both are important and both need to be liturgically respected in the Mass.

 

Sound liturgical practice therefore, is for the priest to proclaim the doxology and for the congregation to respond enthusiastically ‘Amen’, rather than being spoken by both priest and congregation together. The priest is representing Christ the mediator in our midst and is being linked with Christ’s priesthood.

Our ‘Amen’ (known as the ‘Great Amen’) completes the Eucharistic prayer and liturgically should be sung where possible.   

Sound musical and liturgical practice for the Great Amen favours either 4 or 8 Amen's when it is harmonized, repeated or augmented, as it is our ‘Amen’ to each of the three persons of the Trinity, and the final one unites us to our fellow parishioners assembled- the faith community gathered.  

Sound liturgical and theological practice indicates the congregation remain kneeling until the Paten and chalice are placed back onto the altar by the priest, rather than the congregation standing up in the middle of the Great Amen especially when it is sung with 8 Amens.

What an amazing conclusion to the Eucharistic prayer!!             

Gospel of Matthew Series: Chapter 9

Just like in chapter 8, chapter 9 contains a number of stories about healing. However, although these healing stories are important, since they demonstrate the faith of the person desiring healing, chapter 9 seems also to be expressing the lack of faith of the pharisees. It seems that it did not matter what healing was performed by Jesus, whether it be a curing of a paralytic or  the woman suffering a hemorrhage for 12 years or a dumb demoniac, the pharisees had a reason not to believe.

 We too can be like the pharisees at times. We desire to be healed physically, emotionally or spiritually, but we do not truly believe that Jesus will heal us. We ask in prayer in earnest,  but doubt that it will happen either to us personally or for someone we love from whom we are interceding. Perhaps at times we are just like the crowd who laughed at Him.

Another aspect of this chapter, although expressed in passing is the matter of confidentiality.  Jesus asks the blind man not to tell anyone about it, but he ignores the command and tells everyone.  What do we do when someone asks us to keep a confidence?  Do we end up spreading it to others whom have no right to the information? Have you been on the receiving end when your confidence has been broken by the other party involved?


ACTION PLAN FOR CHAPTER 9.
his week as we reflect on chapter 9, we may wish to:

•  Consider our present level of faith and how we might strengthen it
• Consider our ability to maintain a confidence and its impact when it does not occur from both angles of doing and receiving.
• Consider discussing with a spiritual director/confessor your steps towards increasing your faith in a specific circumstance in your life at the moment.
• Consider how we can bring the ministry of healing to others whether through intercessory prayer and/or through the gift of healing that we may possess. How can we continue the healing mission of Jesus?

How does our action plan compare with Jesus?  May Chapter 9 inspire us to consider how we are continuing the ministry of Jesus. Let us pray that we will have faith strong enough to move mountains.

Opening Prayer Series: Palm Sunday Year A

The Opening Prayer of Palm Sunday Mass  Year A reads as follows:

Let us pray

(for a closer union with Christ)

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.

NB On Palm Sunday, there is also an opening prayer in the procession of palms ceremony. The prayer above is the Opening Prayer for the Mass on Palm Sunday.

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

1. What steps will I take to have a closer union with Christ this week ( eg attend the Holy Week ceremonies, spend time at the altar of repose on Holy Thursday, offer up some suffering)?
2. How will I reflect on the meaning of Jesus Christ as Saviour during Holy week?
3. What do I understand humility to mean and how is my definition related to the humility of Christ?
4. How do I fulfill God's will in my life so far and how will I fulfill it during this coming week?
5. What is my attitude to suffering in general and to personal suffering ( myself actually suffering)?
6. How will I bear witness to You during this coming week?
7. Why do I need to suffer the cross/s in my life to share in the Christ's resurrection?

There are many aspects of today's gospel which could be spoken about.  However,  I will not present a gospel reflection on this Sunday, but suggest that during this week, that we spend some time re-reading and reflecting on the passion of Christ presented in today's Gospel of Matthew.

With the end of Lent, we are now about to embark on the holiest days of our journey, Holy Week, culminating in the greatest event in history, Christ’s Resurrection on Easter. .

Together with the faithful we remain united to the suffering Christ in prayer and praise during Holy Week. We seek the hope of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for all of our own suffering as we look to Jesus during these holy days.

Compendium Series: Expressing Trinitarian faith

48. How does the Church express her Trinitarian faith? (CCC 249-256, 266)

Compendium states:

 The Church expresses her Trinitarian faith by professing a belief in the oneness of God in whom there are three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The three divine Persons are only one God because each of them equally possesses the fullness of the one and indivisible divine nature.  They are really distinct from each other by reason of the relations which place in correspondence to each other.  The Father generates the Son, the Son is generated by the Father, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.

What does this mean for me?

1. Even though the Trinity is a mystery, I can profess my belief in the oneness of God in whom there are three Persons each day.

Questions to consider:

1. How can I come to know and deepen my relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
2. How can I profess my belief in the oneness of God in whom there are three Persons?

About the Mass Series: Eucharistic Prayer Part 7

5. ‘Second Invocation of the Spirit and Intercessions’.

During the Eucharistic Prayers, there is a second invocation of the Spirit followed by the intercessions of all its members both living and dead.  The Jewish blessing prayer over the cup included various formulae requesting God to show mercy upon the people of Israel, to send Elijah and the Messiah, and to restore the house of David.  It is natural therefore that the Eucharistic prayer came to include intercessions for various classes of people. Yet these are not part of the earliest tradition of the prayer; they were added only once the main structural elements were in place, since they appear at different places in various liturgical traditions. 

At Antioch these occurred at the end of the prayer, while at Alexandria they were placed before the institution narrative.  In Eucharistic Prayer No 1 (the Roman Canon) there is a preliminary block of intercessions, which mention the Church, the pope, the local bishop, certain members of the living, and those assembled.  These are followed by a list of the apostles and martyrs especially venerated in Rome.  Toward the end of the prayer occurs a second set of intercessory prayers, which remember the dead and invoke the martyrs and saints. The structure of the intercessions in Eucharistic prayer No 1 remains unchanged, although the lists of the saints may be shortened.

Eucharistic Prayers No 2, 3, and 4 follow the Antiochene tradition and place all the intercessions toward the end of the prayer, and links them with the second invocation of the Spirit.  The congregation first requests the fruits of the Eucharist and then prays for more universal intentions.  Although each Eucharistic prayer varies, there is always the supplication for the Church and its pastors, for the immediate community and for the dead. 

The intercessions make it clear that the Eucharist is celebrated in communion with the entire Church of heaven and earth. The offering is made for the Church and all its members, living and dead, who are called to share in the salvation and redemption purchased by Christ’s body and blood. 

As we attend Mass, let us pray in ernest for these intentions of the universal church, both living and dead.

 

Opening Prayer Series: 5th Sunday of Lent Year A

The Opening Prayer for the fifth Sunday of Lent Year A 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 to by His love,

guide us by His example,

who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

One God for ever and ever.

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

1. Reviewing our Lenten effort so far, how has the gift of courage been evident/lacking?
2. What steps will I make this coming week to use the gift of courage in my Lenten effort?
3. Do I know Christ sufficiently to desire to be like Him?
4. How can I be like Christ in my daily life this coming week? ( name one example that will be your focus)
5. How can I be inspired by God's love this coming week and how will I put it into practice?
6. How will I be guided by Christ's example this coming week?
7. If Lent was to start this week, what would I do differently from what I have been doing during this Lent so far?

Martha's berating of Jesus ' If you had been here, my brother would not have died' is not unexpected of her personality.  She was a practical woman. She would not have been impressed knowing that Jesus had stayed two days longer from when she and her sister Mary sent the message.  Mary, her sister too, despite her different personality also berated Jesus in similar words.

Whether we are a Martha or a Mary, we can all at some time say to Jesus 'why were you absent from me when I needed you most'. Whatever of our berating of Jesus, we usually start it with the word why. 

However, Martha showed that despite her frustration, disappointment and confusion, she had faith in Jesus
' whatever you ask of God, He will grant you'.  Have we the same faith as Martha and be able to say the same?

Mary however, cried. It seems that these tears moved Jesus. He felt compassion and He wept.
For many who grieve, the words 'Jesus wept' in this gospel is comforting.

We too can be dead in our soul and need Jesus to unbind us and let us go free.  God frees us each time we are absolved from our sins in the sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us use this sacrament often and well so that we may experience Jesus saying to us

'come out, 

unbind yourself

let yourself go free'.

Reflection and Prayer Series: The Son of Eternity

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:

THE SON OF ETERNITY 

Even with the shadow of the cross ever before Him

Christ managed to look beyond the darkness of Calvary 

to the sun of etenity.

Lord, empower us to do likewise-

to look past our loneliness and loss.

beyond the despair of our cross

and keep our eyes on the Son of Etentiy.

As we travel closer to Holy Week, let us anticipate the joy of Easter dawn.

Compendium Series: who is the Holy Spirit?

47. Who is the Holy Spirit revealed to us by Jesus Christ? (CCC 243-248)

Compendium states:

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Most Blessed Trinity.  He is God, one and equal with the Father and the Son.  He “proceeds from the Father” (John 15:26) who is the principle without a principle and the origin of all Trinitarian life.  He proceeds also from the Son (Filioque) by the eternal Gift which the Father makes of him to the Son.  Sent by the Father and the Incarnate Son, the Holy Spirit guides the Church ‘to know all truth’ (john 16:13)

What does this mean for me?

1. I am able to come to know the Holy Spirit and enter into a deeper relationship with Him.
2. I can pray to the Holy Spirit to help me to know all truth and pray that the Church accept His guidance.

 Questions to consider:

1. What is my relationship with the Holy Spirit?
2. Is the Trinitarian life present in my life? How might I review my life in light of the Trinitarian God?
3. How does the Holy Spirit guide the Church?
4. Do I accept and acknowledge the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life?

About the Mass Series: Eucharistic Prayer Part 6

Part 2: ‘Memorial Prayer and Offering’.

Characteristic of all the Eucharistic Prayers is a statement of offering, which is linked to and in conjunction with the Memorial Prayer. It is an explicit declaration that the Church is offering the ‘bread and cup’ or some other elaborated equivalent.  

Eucharistic Prayer 1 requests that ‘the offering be accepted as were the sacrificial gifts of Abel, Abraham and Melchisedech’.  Eucharistic Prayer 11 speaks of offering ‘this life-giving bread, this saving cup’.  Eucharistic Prayer 111 refers to ‘this holy and living sacrifice,’ while Eucharistic Prayer 1V refers to the offering ‘Christ’s body and blood’.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2007) explains this ‘offering’ as follows:

‘In this memorial, the Church- and in particular the Church here and now assembled- offers the spotless victim to the Father in the Holy Spirit. The Church’s intention is that the faithful not only offer this victim, but also learn to offer themselves and so to surrender themselves, through Christ the Mediator, to an ever more complete union with the Father and with each other, so that at last God may be all in all’. (p.28).

In other words, there is only one offering action in the Mass, and it is celebrated during the Eucharistic Prayer.  It is an offering made by the whole Church, but especially by the community assembled in faith.  In a prayer of praise, the church unites itself to Christ who ‘forever lives to make intercession’ (Heb 7:25).

 Since the Eucharistic Prayer is the pledge of future glory, we also recall the Virgin Mary, the apostles, the martyrs and all the saints who already share in the heavenly banquet announced and prefigured by the Eucharist.  Therefore, the Eucharistic Prayer names only those with whom the ecclesial community share the faith.  

Christ, through the Church in every Mass gives us the opportunity to unite, offer and surrender ourselves, our lives and those whom we love to Him.The Mass is so rich in meaning and provides us with many grace-filled moments throughout.   

Do we fully appreciate the wonderful gift Christ gives us in the Mass for our pilgrim journey?    

Gospel of Matthew Series: chapter 8: Cures and Faith

In Chapter 8, we have a collection of a number of different incidents of cures and how the faith of the person being cured is all important. They are:

•  The cure of the Leper who asks Jesus directly to heal him.
• The healing of the centurion's servant who was not physically present but healed through the faith of the centurion.
• The healing of Peter's mother in law who after her healing was able to wait upon them.
• The healing of the people suffering demonic illness who were brought to Jesus by others.
• The healing of the demoniacs who knew who Jesus was and asked to be freed from it and to place the demons into the swine.
• The calming of the storm- this shows how fear can dissipate faith.

In all of these sketches, the importance of faith to be healed, whether physically present or not is the key. 

We can choose to ask Jesus directly for a healing for ourselves, like the leper or we can have enough faith to ask for a healing for another person who is not physically present, or when the storms of life overwhelm us, we can call out with confidence not with fear that Jesus will calm the storm and give us healing. We must believe.

ACTION PLAN FROM CHAPTER 8

This week as we reflect on chapter 8, we may wish to:

•  Consider how the devil tempts us not to believe in the power of God's healing.
• Consider our ability to pray for healing for ourselves- physically, mentally and spiritually so that our soul is strengthened..
• Consider whether God may be calling you into healing ministry.
• Consider the vocation of healing- pray for those in this ministry- doctors, nurses, surgeons, physiotherapists, chiropractors, psychologists, counsellors, pastoral workers and of course our priests who are a channel of God's healing in the sacraments of anointing of the sick and the sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Consider how we can bring the ministry of healing to others whether through intercessory prayer and/or through the gift of healing that we may possess. How can we continue the healing mission of Jesus?

How does our action plan compare with Jesus?  May Chapter 8 inspire us to consider how we are continuing the ministry of Jesus and to have faith in Him to move mountains.

Opening Prayer Series: 4th Sunday of Lent Year A

The Opening Prayer for the Fourth Sunday of Lent Year A 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 towards Easter 

with the eagerness of faith and love. 

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

1. Why do I need a greater faith and love in my life this coming week?
2. What priority in prayer will I place on this intention?
3. What is the place of Jesus in my life- what relationship do I have with Jesus?
4. What relationship do I have with Father God? How can I improve this relationship?
5. Does my Lenten effort need a total overhaul or just some minor adjustments as I journey in this Lenten season?
   
6. How will my eagerness of faith and love be strengthened during this coming week?

Today's Gospel is a powerful one.  If at Mass you hear the shortened version, then it is well worth reflecting during the week on the complete version of the man born blind.  One important aspect of this Gospel  for us to realize is that we can all be like the pharisees and be judgmental if a person or society members do not fit into our world. If we do not like what we hear, we can close ourselves off to the evidence of our senses. When we do this, we need to come to our senses!!!.

Another important aspect is to realize that God's healing power can be brought to bear whether the illness is from birth or later on in life. God is the healer.  However, it is also worth noting carefully that those who have good intentions in healing ministry must never judge the person with the illness or ailment. For example, to say it is the fault of the parents when a teenager/youth has used drugs is unhelpful for the parents. Casting blame inappropriately is no healing.  Only God can cast appropriate judgment on any situation. We are all born blind in some degree or other. What we need to seek is Christ and ask him 

Lord remove my blindness and let me see.

Reflection and Prayer Series: God's Cross and mine

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:

GOD'S CROSS AND MINE

The cross's shadow fall on me 
From high on Calvary's bitter hill. 
When viewed against Christ's agony, 
My cross looks poor and smaller still.

Do You need a different way to carry your cross this week?