reflection on the Gospel for Feast of Holy Family

 REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL FOR FEAST OF HOLY FAMILY

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 symbolised 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 are 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.

The Light of Jesus

REFLECTION AND PRAYER SERIES.

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.

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST 

My post is called:

                                                              THE LIGHT OF JESUS.

God spoke 

and Light broke through the darkness  

God came

and Love broke through the Light

God be praised

For the lgiht and Love of Jesus. 

May the Light of Jesus in you shine forth this Christmas season.

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas to all my readers.  

Thank you for visiting my blog throughout the year, even though this year I have written a lot less posts.  I will try and do so much better next year.

As we enter into the Christmas season, I wish to draw your spiritual awareness and attention to the angels.   A priest friend of mine pointed out to me that the angels had a role to play.  He also drew my attention to the fact that the angels appear to highlight both the incarnation and the resurrection of Jesus- the two most important events of salvation and not at any other time in the Gospels.

I was surprised actually because I had not noticed that point- I had noticed the role of the angels at Christmas and Easter but not that they are not mentioned during the year in the Gospels.

So I thought that I would pass on this thought to you.  You might like as part of your Christmas awareness follow these angels throughout their role in the Christmas story.

May you receive all the blessings of this holy season.  Remember Jesus is the reason for the season.  Christmas is not just one day, but we have a liturgical season to help us ponder this mystery in our hearts. Christmas is meant to be lived every day.

Happy Christmas.

Rejoice in the Lord Always- Gaudate Sunday

REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS

Advent Wreath-symbol of Advent.

Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent in the Christian calendar. It can fall on any date from 11 December to 17 December. The term Gaudete is broadly translated from Latin as Rejoice, a word that appears in the entrance antiphon (introit) of Masses held on this day: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near. (Roman Catholic Rite years A, B and C).

On Gaudete Sunday rose-coloured vestments may be worn instead of violet, which is prescribed for every day in the season of Advent. A rose coloured candle is included in the Advent wreath. 

During the otherwise penitential season of Advent, the readings on the third Sunday emphasize the joyous anticipation of the Lord's coming. 

So on this rejoicing Sunday let us really feel and see and sense it.  

We may wish to sing this hymn throughout the day

'Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice'

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.

Rejoice, Rejoice, again, I say rejoice.

Rejoice, Rejoice, again I say rejoice.

Happy New Year- a liturgical New year.

Happy New Year- a liturgical New year.

Advent Wreath- symbol of Advent

 

Happy New Year- well a liturgical New Year.

I know that during this year I have had a difficult time for all sorts of personal reasons, and I have allowed my own problems to get in the way of blogging.  I am sorry that I have not continued to contribute to the blog. I really am.

WHY IS A NEW LITURGICAL YEAR IMPORTANT?

However with a liturgical New year, there is hope in the season of Advent.  I look forward to Advent because with the start of Advent and a new liturgical Year, the Church provides us with the opportunity to start again. I can ask God to help me start again.  It really is a case of ’'Just give me another year Lord and I will dig and manure it...."

I can close the door on the past and start again.  The problems may not go away, but the difference is that I have Jesus by my side again- I have hope again and I can, through His grace continue the struggle of life with the hope that someday, things will be better.

Perhaps if you are in a good place emotionally and spiritually, then at least be grateful. Use this Advent well to be grateful, or at least to stop and think and decide to change something in your life that needs attention- be on the alert- is your life really in keeping with God's plan for you?  I hope it is, but if not, start to make the adjustments through this season of hope.

I want to create again a spiritual new Year goal.  I know I can’t change myself without God’s help and I can’t change it all in a day.  I have another year to use wisely. So, instead of wanting to change the world within myself, I will choose one aspect. just one and sincerely ask God to help me change that this year.  I sure don’t want to be in the same place this time next year.

So Happy New Year- I hope you have a think about your spiritual goals and hope, with Jesus, that you will act on them.  We can act on them one day at a time, one hour or one minute at time, knowing that God loves us in our hope, loves us when things are going well and we are happy, and  loves us when we fail too and come to Him.

Let us prepare for the coming of Jesus and allow Him to be born in our hearts again this Christmas. Stay awake and be alert.  Happy New Year. 

Need a new focus for the month of November

The feasts of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, when Catholics are encouraged to offer Masses and prayers for our deceased family members and relatives, were the living expression of a doctrine which stretched back to the earliest era of Christianity, and which is embodied in the Apostles' Creed.

The origin of All Saints Day is to be found in the prayers made to the martyr saints of the persecuted Church in the early centuries.  All Souls Day reflects the constant teaching of the Church, stretching back into the Old Testament period where it is record in the Book Maccabees, " It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to prayer for the dead, that they may loosed from their sins'.

It seems a tragedy that All Saints Day is less recognised that Halloween, now a secular celebration of what was once the day before All Hallows (Saints) Day.

In Australia in 2001, the Australian bishops made a decision to reduce the number of Holy Days of Obligation, with the great feast of All Saints Day and All Souls Day (albeit an unofficial Holy Day of Obligation) disappearing from the awareness of even practising Catholics. As a consequence of that decision, a diminished awareness of the doctrine of Communion of Saints has resulted, a doctrine which teaches that believers on earth are united in a spiritual fellowship with the saints in Heaven and the souls in Purgatory.

These beautiful feasts days are both a source of inspiration and a consolation that we, in the world as the pilgrim Church can aspire to be reunited with our families and friends who are the Church triumphant in the joyful perfection of Heaven.  We can also give the souls in purgatory- great consolation by our prayers and Masses since we can pray for them, but they cannot pray for themselves. 

Let us assist them by our prayers, works of charity, offering up our day and trials for them and attending Mass for their souls not only on these great feasts, but also during the month of November.

Let these great feasts touch our spiritual consciousness this year.

Remind me Lord.

REFLECTION AND PRAYER SERIES

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:

                                                              REMIND ME LORD.

Remind me often Lord, 

that You are more interested in what I am 

than what I do.

Whatever draws me away from You 

is not the ''better thing''.

May God remind us of our true identity in Him in this coming week.

Companions for the journey

REFLECTION AND PRAYER SERIES

 

Light in our life. Reflection and Prayer Series Icon

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:

                                                 COMPANIONS FOR THE JOURNEY.

In the midst of my loneliness, 

let me remember Lord

that thought, prayer and work 

make good companions for my journey.

May God be with us in our thought, prayer and work throughout this coming week

Sacred Heart of Jesus

FEAST OF SACRED HEART OF JESUS.

Sacred Heart of Jesus 

St Margaret Mary was born in 1626 in France. She joined the Visitation Sisters at Paray le-Monial. It was through her progress in the spiritual life that God granted her mystic revelations regarding the Sacred heart of Jesus. It was through her efforts and trials that the veneration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was accept in the Church. She died on 16 October 1690.

I have a special spot for her as she is 'my confirmation saints', 

                                        IN GOD'S FATHER-HEART OF LOVE

In the midst of the world's turmoil

and life's incessant demands,

we are like children, 

seeking shelter from the storm.

In God's Father-heart of love,

we find haven and peace for our souls.

May the love of Jesus sustain you us during this week.

the meaning of Anzac day and traditions.

the meaning of Anzac day and traditions.

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

It strikes me that mate-ship 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.

Mum was also up early on Anzac morning. She always got a couple of batches of Anzac Biscuits in the oven before Mass so that we could enjoy them warm whilst we were watching the March on the TV and trying to pick out dad.  This morning I got up and made the biscuits. I wish I could make them like mum.  Just have not got her same knack.!!!!

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 mate-ship, which in essence is keeping the commandment to love in its fullest meaning as Christ specified.

Lest we forget.

 .

The Lord has truly risen

RESURRECTION WINDOW  IN ST JOSEPH'S CHAPEL 

HAPPY EASTER TO MY READERS.

May the blessings of Easter day and Eastertide be yours.

Alleluia.

Holy Week: The Holiest Week of the Year

Christ, the Son of God 

was willing to obey the will of His Father

 to die and rise 

so that the whole human race could be saved. 

Christ died and rose for ME.  

Let us enter into this holiest of weeks in the Church's Year
and accompany Christ on His journey to His death 
and Resurrection.

Ash Wednesday: Ashes and Sackcloths.

ASHES: Do you know what Ash Wednesday is?

I wonder what young children would think Ash Wednesday is?  Perhaps they would answer (a) Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 in South Australia and (b) Test Cricket series between England and Australia or perhaps they would not be able to answer at all.

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense.  It is not only the Church being 'green and environmentally friendly', but it links us to our past Lenten Season and reminds us of the ongoing pilgrim journey of repentance. 

On Ash Wednesday, the priest or extraordinary minsters of the Eucharist distribute the ashes on our foreheads saying ' Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return' or Repent and believe the Good News'. At Baptism we are sealed on our foreheads. The ashes sign of the cross connects us again to our Baptism, and the words remind us to that we are a pilgrim people- our homeland is with God in Heaven and that the Church provides us with the opportunity during Lenten season to review our lives and turn again to God with prayer, fasting and alms giving.

This simple ceremony to mark the beginning of Lent occurs in every Catholic Church throughout the world including St Peter's Basilica where the Pope both distributes and receives the ashes. As we receive the ashes, we are unity with the whole Catholic Church throughout the world. Everyone is following this same Lenten journey of repentance 'from the greatest to the least' as scripture tells us.

SACKCLOTHS:

Sackcloth was originally a coarse hessian style of cloth used to make sacks or a coarse cloth resembling sacking. Sackcloth is mentioned in scripture at least 60 times in both Old and New Testament   It was a physical and visual reminder to all the community of an interior disposition of of mourning.repentance and remorse.

A few Lents ago, I decided to buy my own 'sackcloth' -something simple to wear in Lent.  The simple purple twinset purchased from an opportunity, shop which I wore mainly at home, was a physical reminder of my Lenten observances. I felt I was wearing my Lenten armoury to fight the temptation of the fridge and pantry, and wearing it was physical reminder of the Lenten season. 

This Lenten season has been hot so my simple twinset is inappropriate. However, going through the wardrobe, I found another purple top, suitable for this hot Australian weather in Lent. It is now become my summer sackcloth!!!

May your Ash Wednesday be blessed

Gospel of Mark Series: Feeding four thousand for the way ( 8:1-10)

GOSPEL OF MARK SERIES.

 

THE BIBLE: GOSPEL OF MARK SERIES

Welcome again to my Gospel of Mark Series. I have not written for this series since mid-September 2012, so as I start another year, I am determined to finish this series during 2013, not just to complete it, but hopefully gain a fuller understanding of Mark's Gospel.

During 2013, each week, I will write a post about the Gospel of Mark as I review and explore each of the 16 chapters and how it may be applied in our daily lives. My goal is to understand and pray the Gospel of Mark.  I hope you will join me on this journey as we travel through the liturgical season.  In today's post, we explore chapter 8: 1-10 which is called Feeding four thousand for the way.

FEEDING FOUR THOUSAND FOR THE WAY.

Mark's second version of the loaves and fish, like the first ( 6:30-44), concerns a huge crowd of people, mentions the huge quantity of food left over, and takes place in the desert.  Again the central Christian action of the Eucharist is implied by the use of the three key phases: took, gave thanks over, and broke the bread.

Both stories conclude with a journey across the lake.  The context in Mark also suggest that whilst the first meal was in Galilee by the lakeside, this second meal was in a neighbouring Gentile region, where people also need the food that the Messiah brings ( 7:27-28).

There are difference too.  Five thousand eat from five loaves and two fish, and twelves baskets are filled with food left over in the first story.  In the second story, four thousand people eat from seven loaves and a few fish, and seven baskets are filled with the food that remained.

In the first story the compassion of Jesus was underlined by his readiness to teach the people, but in this story his compassion is shown by his desire to given them food to eat.  This second meat in the desert draw out attention to the need of this food for people who journey with Jesus in mission.  The people have been with him for three days.  Without this food people will become faint-hearted along the way.

An allusion to the Eucharist is more pronounced, since there is no mention of the few fish until after the people have eaten the bread.   This highlights bread, part of the central symbol of the Eucharist from the earliest Christian times.

The seven large baskets, each of which could be large enough to hold a a person, suggest that here is something for all the Gentile world, since the number seven in the Bible usually suggest completeness and universality.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In our journal and/or our discussion group we may wish to reflect on this passage as follows:

• Name the key points that you have learnt about the person of Jesus in this passage of scripture?
• Reflect on the keywords in this passage for they contain the substance and purpose of all the things Jesus said and did-?  
• Imagine that you are in the crowd when Jesus orders people to sit down knowing there are seven loaves.  What do you see and hear and feel?
  What can I learn from this?
• Imagine that you yourself are the one of the disciples. What do you feel and wonder about what Jesus can do with seven loaves?  
• How would you feel if I were one of the disciples and were asked by Jesus to share my food with others?
• Reflect on my relationship with Jesus and this teaching in the light of this gospel passage. What are my experiences of trusting God for my needs?
• What are some areas in my life that need feeding from God?  Make a list of areas in my life that need a change of heart and develop an action plan on how this change of heart might occur. (eg name an area and name one/two changes that you will implement with God's help.
• What impact does Jesus’ teaching have on you (8:1-10)?
• How has this passage spoken to you- what does it say to you personally?

Opening Prayer SeriesL Collect for the Feast of the Epiphany 2013

COLLECT SERIES

THE MASS: ICON OF COLLECT SERIES.

COLLECT

The Collect for the Feast of the Epiphany reads as follows:

O God, who on this day revealed Your Only Begotten Son to the nations

by the guidance of a star,

grant by Your mercy, that we, who love You already by faith, 

may be brought to behold the beauty of Your sublime glory. 

Though our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son, 

who lives and reigns, with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit 

one God for ever and ever.

GOSPEL REFLECTION

 In Chapter 2 of St Matthew's Gospel, 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.

It should be noted that in today's Gospel we hear only the first part of the story- the visit of the Magi. However, since today is also the closing of the Christmas season, I have chosen to reflect on the whole  of chapter 2 to present the 4 interwoven stories to give a complete picture. After all the visit of the Magi are our last Christmas characters to emerge.

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 symbolised 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.

REACTIONS OF HEROD AND THE MAGI 

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?

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

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.

May the Feast of the Epiphany give you some special blessing today and throughout this coming week.