Opening Prayer Series: Collect for 14th Sunday of Year B

The Collect for the 14th Sunday of Year B reads as follows:

Let us pray,

O God, in the abasement of Your Son,

have raised up a fallen world,

Fill Your faithful with holy joy,

for on those You have rescued from slavery to sin

You bestow eternal gladness.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son,

who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spiirt

one God for ever and ever.

In making this prayer tangible the following reflection questions emerged:

1. What does it mean to me that Christ came on earth to save me?
2. How often do I contemplate the sacrifice that Jesus made by becoming man?
3. What does it mean to me to be raised up from the fallen world?
4. What is holy joy and why do I need to be filled with this holy joy?
5. What area of my life is still bound by slavery to sin?
6. What place does the sacrament of Reconciliation have in my spiritual life? 
7. What steps will I take to use this sacrament effectively?

For a fifth and final miracle, let us travel with Jesus and His disciples from the lakeside up to the Galilean hills to His native town of Nazareth.  Jesus goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath.  His return home is more than a private visit, rather He is offering His own people the gospel of the kingdom of God.  There is a depth in what He says which the people sense and they are confused.  They question:

1. What is the source of His teaching, for they saw Him grow up in the own town and

2. What is the nature of His wisdom for it comes with a divine power to heal and re-create.

This questioning and wonder of the people turns quickly to resistance.  They reject this invitation to believe in the new gospel He brings.  They take offence that He should challenge them so deeply. They are scandalised by the ordinariness of one who has recently lived among them, it seems as a carpenter.They know His mother Mary and his cousins-brothers and sisters.  It is important to remember that in the catholic tradition, Jesus is the only child.  This text often confuses people and some use it as example that Joseph and Mary had other children. This is misunderstanding the word brothers and sisters in that time.  It meant what we would call cousins-relatives.

The point of the story came at the end.  Jesus appears surprised that He can do no real work of power in His hometown, because it seems, they were lacking faith.  The human disappointment in Jesus must have been real, but the proverb quoted by Him about the prophet underlines the need for faith around a prophet, if He is to do the great works of a prophet.

Jesus can do no real work of power there that brings conversion and freedom of heart.  He lays His hands upon a few sick people who come to Him and heals them. 

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-
• Consider my relationship with Jesus  in the light of this Gospel passage.
• Try to enter into the atmosphere among the people of Nazareth when Jesus returns to be with them. Reflect on why they become hostile.
• Compare my attitude to Jesus when He offers me the gospel of the Kingdom of God? Am I like the townsfolk of Nazareth or am I like those who are sick who come to Him?
• Ponder on the effect of lack of faith in those around Jesus upon the the power of the gospel which He brings to the world?  
• Reflect on how or if I reject the teaching of Jesus preached through His Church at times.  What were these experiences and teachings and how did it impact on my relationship with Jesus in my life?
• How do I relate to this story of Jesus offering me the gospel of the Kingdom of 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.
• How do I relate to the sick people who came to Jesus for healing?
• What impact does Jesus’ teaching have on you (6:1-6).
• How has this passage spoken to you- what does it say to you personally?

Following Jesus Series: Being a child of God Part 1

This series called 'Following Jesus' is primarily written with young children in mind.   However, a parent, grandparent or interested adult will be most helpful in accompanying them. God calls us His children and He wants us to become once again like little children- not childish but childlike.  So with this in mind, whether we are a young child or an adult, this series may assist you in some way to follow Jesus.

In today's post, we explore what it means to be God's children and its riches.

Scripture: Firstly let us see how God chose David to be king of His Chosen People. We find this out by reading the Scripture.

Our first task therefore is to turn to the Old Testament section of the Bible and open up at First Book of Kings chapter 16 vs 12-13 ( I Kings 16:12-13)

Meditate: After you have read this scripture, you may wish to stay quiet for a little while (meditate) to see what this passage means to you.  Most importantly, share with Jesus your thoughts and feelings about this story. You may wish to share your thoughts with mum/dad/ grandma/grandpa or your special friend.

Discussion: We may wish to think about the changes that took place in David when he was annointed King and the changes that occur in us when we are baptised and become an adopted child of God. If you were baptised as a baby, find out who were your Godparent/s and what they did on your behalf on your day of your baptism.  Maybe mum/dad or your grandparents have a photo to show you.

Learning the Scripture:

We can know what riches we have by being called a child of God through Scripture.

One important passage from scripture that we can learn and memorize are:

..." Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God, and that is what we are" ( 1 Jn 3:1)

Action:

Knowing about Jesus is important and knowing that we are a child of God is a real blessing. We need to put our desire to follow Him and be a child of God into action.

To be a child of God, we are given special graces so that we know what is right and pleasing to God.

We may put this into action by:

• Thanking God that He has chosen us to be a child of God. We can make this part of our night prayer each night before we go to bed.
• Listening with attention to those who teach you about God.
• Being attentive when we go to Mass each Sunday since we are a child of God.
• Asking God to help us choose what is right and pleasing to Him.  
• Reminding ourselves that we are a child of God especially if we feel sad. If we feel sad or lonely, just say to yourself a few time aloud "' Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be your child or I am a child of God. As you come to understand what it means to be a child of God, affirming yourself in this belief will help you when you feel sad.

My decision: 

Every body's life is different and has different circumstances.  However, why not have a think about how you will appreciate being a child of God during this coming week.  Remember to be specific and keep it simple.For example: I will be a child of God by being pleasing to God.  This is too general and therefore I may not carry out what I want to do.

However, if I am specific about my decision, then I am more likely to carry it out.

For example:  I will be a child of God by being pleasing to God by choosing to be kind to another child in my class and playing with someone in my class who has fewer friends.

Now think about how you will be a child of God and how you will put this decision into action in your life.

It is important to remember that we are not just putting into action our decision to feel good about ourselves. No, we are wanting to follow  Jesus and we want to do what Jesus Himself would do out of love for Jesus. 

Next week, we will explore how Jesus helps us to be a child of God.

Compendium Series: What is the meaning of the name of Jesus?

81. What is the meaning of the name of Jesus? (CCC 430-435)

Compendium states:

Given by the angel at the the time of the Annunciation, the name ''Jesus"  means " God saves".  The name expresses His identity and His mission 'because He will save His people from their sins'. (Mt:1:21) Peter proclaimed that " there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we can be saved". (Acts 4:12). 

What does this mean for me?

1. When in times of doubt, anxiety, fear or uncertainty, I can gently repeat the name of Jesus in prayer, knowing that His name means God saves.
2. I may examine my attitude towards  the name of Jesus being used in an disrespectful manner and pray for those who misuse the name of Jesus.
3. I may examine and reflect upon how I have been saved by Jesus.
   

Questions to consider.

1. Why is the name of Jesus so powerful?
2. Why is the name of Jesus so powerful in my life?
3. What does it mean to me to be saved by Jesus?
4. Why do people misuse the name of Jesus?
5. What action/s can I take to ensure that the name of Jesus is not misused in my company ?
6. What words of correction can I implement to evangelize those who misuse the name of Jesus?

May the meaning of the name of Jesus impact upon you and on those you come in contact.

About the Mass Series Vol 2: Same Mass, new words, deeper meaning and a greater love of the Mass Part 4: Appreciating the poetic texts.

Welcome to my new series called ' About the Mass Series Volume 2-New Translation'

In my fourth section of this series on Same Mass, New Words, Deeper Meaning and Greater Love of the Mass as an overview of why the English speaking world have a new translation of the Mass.

In today's post,we consider how to appreciate the poetic texts.


Just as many Catholic churches were adorned with stained glass and other great works of art to please the eye, so the words for worship were shaped to please the lips and the ear, since the beauty of the language proclaimed the beauty of God.  As a consequence of this desire to please the lips and ear in language when worshiping God, many of the Latin prayers are beautiful because they were crafted with a poetry of vocabularly, rhythm, structure and sentiment.


However, since most people nowadays do not study Latin, this beauty is lost, just as those who know a language can appreciate and recognise its poetry and style of prose. When we consider the revised translation of the Mass, many of us are hampered by this lack of knowledge of Latin.  However, if we consider our own language of English, we know that a more formal tone is used in certain situations (eg business letter vs a letter to a friend) with a different sentence structure.

The new vernacular of the Mass has strived to make the translation better.  Some changes seem small, while others are considerably larger.  The guiding principle was to achieve a translation that better evokes what the Latin says and that the beauty of the translation and languague would proclaim the beauty of God.

Some prayers express a different attitude from the previous translation in that they sound humbler and more modest in the presence of an awesome God, since they acknowledge the majesty of God and that we are the created not the Creator. God is not giving us an inferior complex here, rather the new translation reminds us of our relationship with Him- God is the Creator and we, the created.  This change of attitude expressing some humility and modesty is definitely a timely reminder.


Other changes have music in mind.  Many of the sentences were crafted in a way that their rhythms and words can be sung well in English.


So as we attend Mass, we may become more aware of some of these rhythms, attitudes and style of prose and learn to appreciate the texts as we become more familiar with them.   Unfortunately, sometimes the texts are not proclaimed well by the priest and/or by the people.  It is important therefore to do your own homework when it comes to appreciating the texts.  With this in mind you may:

• Read the prayers aloud a number of times at home in your prayer time and learn to feel their natural rhythm. Use the punctuation to assist you find it.
• Pray these prayers during the week, so that when you hear them the following Sunday, these prayers will resonate with your own spiritual rhythm.
• Exlore why certain words or phrases are used and try and understand and appreciate its beauty.

The new translation of the Mass is not there to make our lives difficult. Change can be challenging, but with effort and an open heart, we will learn to appreciate the texts and pray the Mass in a deeper way. Remember it is the same Mass, new words, deeper meaning but will lead us to a greater love for the Mass.

Next week: Who prepared translation?

Year of Grace Series: My Planning to incorporate diocese

Welcome to my series called Year of Grace.

The Year of Grace is an Australian Bishops initiative inspired by Blessed Pope John Paul 11's Apostolic letter Novo Millenio Ineurate. In this letter the late Pope challenged the Church to' contemplate the face of Christ and to Start afresh from Christ'.

The Year commenced on Pentecost Sunday 2012 and finishes on Pentecost Sunday 2013.

Although it is an Australian initiative from the Bishops, there is no reason why you could not join your Australian brothers and sisters in Christ through prayer for us, and by joining us on this spiritual journey. For example, you could bring the global world to your parish by including this intention of the Year of Grace in the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass, or perhaps use one of the decades of the rosary recited either personally or in your parish. You could even commit to saying the The Year of Grace prayer which I will include in the series, each day/each week.

In today's post, I wish to explore how and why we can be involved at the diocesan level in our planning.

I think it is important as part of my year of Grace to attend as many of the diocesan events that is practical for me that are organized. I say this because it is important to be reminded that we are part of an universal church, not just our parish. I cannot go on a pilgrimage to Rome to be reminded of this, but I remind myself by watching Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and seeing Pope Benedict saying Mass and/or reciting the Angelus and giving his blessing in the many different languages.

So attending diocesan events during the Year of Grace is like a mini pilgrImage for me. It is a time to celebrate both the universality of the Church and recall the eternal banquet to which we are called ( Heaven), which for me attending diocesan events is a reflection.

So, in my personal planning for the Year of Grace, Diocese will be included by:

• Researching the diocese website to see what is on offer. ( This is the for Melbourne archdiocese, but why not google your own area)  All events may not be advertised immediately, so throughout the Year of Grace, I will continue to do my research periodically.
• Praying for those people in the diocese who are organizing these events throughout the Year of Grace.
• Deciding on which events resonate with  me and attend those events.
• Deciding on one or two events which do not resonate with me and pray about these events to discern whether attending them may bring something different/new or moments of grace for me.
• Attending 4 Masses throughout the Year of Grace at my diocesan Cathedral to connect again with the universality of the Church.
• Praying for the archbishop and bishops of the diocese in my own prayer life throughout the Year of Grace.

The Year of Grace for me has to be planned at the three levels- personal, parish and diocese. With careful planning all three levels can be incorporated over these 12 months.  One month has already occurred, so if you are still thinking about it or waiting for something to happen in your parish,  then wait no longer.  Do your own planning at the three levels and make the most of  this Year of Grace.

As I said in the beginning of this post, the Year of Grace is an Australian initiative by the bishops.  However, with personal planning, you can be involved if you live in another country even at the diocesan level.  Sure, there will not be specific events for the Year of Grace, but you can pray for your bishops and archbishop and make a mini pilgrimage by attending Mass at the Cathedral of your diocese.  There may even be events that are held regularly at the Cathedral that you can attend.  

It is all about your mindset.  God will know your heart and its desire to grow in grace.  He will see your efforts and reward you.

 

Gospel of Mark Series: Section 3 Part 12: Jesus visits his hometown of Nazareth (6:1-6).

Welcome to my Gospel of Mark Series. During 2012-13, 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 of Year B.  In today's post, we explore chapter 6:1-6 which is Jesus visits Nazareth.

For a fifth and final miracle, let us travel with Jesus and His disciples from the lakeside up to the Galilean hills to His native town of Nazareth.  Jesus goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath.  His return home is more than a private visit, rather He is offering His own people the gospel of the kingdom of God.  There is a depth in what He says which the people sense and they are confused.  They question:

1. What is the source of His teaching, for they saw Him grow up in the own town and

2. What is the nature of His wisdom for it comes with a divine power to heal and re-create.

This questioning and wonder of the people turns quickly to resistance.  They reject this invitation to believe in the new gospel He brings.  They take offence that He should challenge them so deeply.  They are scandalised by the ordinariness of one who has recently lived among them, it seems as a carpenter.

They know His mother Mary and his cousins-brothers and sisters.  It is important to remember that in the catholic tradition, Jesus is the only child.  This text often confuses people and some use it as example that Joseph and Mary had other children. This is misunderstanding the word brothers and sisters in that time.  It meant what we would call cousins-relatives.

The point of the story came at the end.  Jesus appears surprised that He can do no real work of power in His hometown, because it seems, they were lacking faith.  The human disappointment in Jesus must have been real, but the proverb quoted by Him about the prophet underlines the need for faith around a prophet, if He is to do the great works of a prophet.

Jesus can do no real work of power there that brings conversion and freedom of heart.  He lays His hands upon a few sick people who come to Him and heals them.

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-
• Consider my relationship with Jesus  in the light of this Gospel passage.
• Try to enter into the atmosphere among the people of Nazareth when Jesus returns to be with them. Reflect on why they become hostile.
• Compare my attitude to Jesus when He offers me the gospel of the Kingdom of God? Am I like the townsfolk of Nazareth or am I like those who are sick who come to Him?
• Ponder on the effect of lack of faith in those around Jesus upon the the power of the gospel which He brings to the world?  
• Reflect on how or if I reject the teaching of Jesus preached through His Church at times.  What were these experiences and teachings and how did it impact on my relationship with Jesus in my life?
• How do I relate to this story of Jesus offering me the gospel of the Kingdom of 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.
• How do I relate to the sick people who came to Jesus for healing?
• What impact does Jesus’ teaching have on you (6:1-6).
• How has this passage spoken to you- what does it say to you personally?

Collect for 13th Sunday of Year B

The Collect  for the 13th Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

O God who through the grace of adoption,

chose us to be be children of the light,

Grant us we pray,

that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error,

but always be seen in the bright light of truth.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son,

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

one God for ever and ever.

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

1. Why I have received the grace of adoption?
2. What does it mean to be an adopted child of God?
3. What are the areas of darkness of error that I am presently wrapped in?
4. Why s truth described as a bright light?
5. How does the image of the bright light of truth sit with my life?
6. What is my plan for this coming week to grow in the Year of Grace?

In today's Gospel we explore chapter 5:21-43 which is Jesus heals a woman and Jesus raises a young girl.  In this passage, Mark uses his sandwich technique of placing one story within another.  The story of Jairus and his young daughter at the point of death is begun, but before it is ended, a second story is told of an unnamed woman in the crowd whom Jesus heals her sickness.

Both stories are of cures that no human power could work.  In different ways they each reveal the greatness of the power that is made present to people in Jesus, a power so divine and yet so available to people with faith in God.

Our attention is drawn to an important man in the great crowd that gathers around Jesus after his arrival in the boat.  He is one of the leaders of the synagogue in that place, yet he comes to Jesus in great humility to beg him to come and touch his dying daughter.  At once Jesus goes with him followed by the crowd.

Then our attention is shifted to a woman in the crowd.  She has been hemorrhaging for twelve years, perhaps since her puberty, which would make a woman in her early twenties.  With such an illness, marriage would be impossible, and by the Jewish blood taboo she should not appear in public.  Much less should she touch another person. Secretly she comes to Jesus and touches him.  Jesus feel power going out of him and the woman feels healing. Being human, he need to ask who has be cured by the divine power passing from him.  He does not accuses the woman for breaking the law, but praises her for the faith that drew divine power from Him.

Before continuing with the rest of the Gospel you 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-
• Consider my relationship with Jesus  in the light of this Gospel passage.
• Imagine standing on the shore of the lake and watch Jesus arrive in the boat.  Look at Him as He steps from the boat and watch the crowd gather.
• Reflect on the scene of the woman needing healing. What risk are you prepared to take to receive healing from Jesus?
• Try to share something of the desperation of Jairus for his young dying daughter and the humility he had to ask Jesus. What is my inner need of healing and what is my disposition to ask Jesus for healing?
• What healings has the power of Jesus given me in my life? What was my experience of the power of Jesus in these incidents/events.
• How do I relate to this story of Jesus healing the woman.  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 (5:21-34.
• How has this passage spoken to you- what does it say to you personally?
    
  Then we continue with the rest of the Gospel  as we  explore chapter 5:35-43 which is Jesus raises a young girl.  This passage continue and concludes the story about Jairus and his young daughter at the point of death.  Here, as we noticed earlier, Mark uses his sandwich technique  by placing within this first story a second story about the sick woman in the crowd, who touches his clothes.  In this way Mark intentionally makes a close link between the two narratives.
  
  

  In both stories, some is given new life by contact with the divine power brought by Jesus.  The older woman touches Jesus, the younger woman is touched by Jesus.  In both situations human efforts have failed, but Jesus brings new life, a sure sign that God’s power is being revealed in Him. Notice how dramatically Mark tells the story, preparing us for the climax of the restoration of the young girl to life.  Jesus brings only three of His disciples with Him.  He sees the commotion from outside.  When he enters the house, He shuts out all but the family and his three disciples.  For Jesus, death is only a sleeping.
  
  

  Despair has overtaken the house of Jairus when Jesus arrives.  he tells Jairus to keep trusting in God.  Then he goes into the house and stops the noise of traditional mourning.  His work needs faith not only in Himself but in those around.  He goes to where the death girl lies and restores life to her, and all wonder.  The episode ends with Jesus asking them to tell no one outside the little group of those who showed faith, and to give food to the girl.  

  
  

  For Mark’s first readers, as for us today, the request of Jesus to give the girl food calls up images of the Eucharist which sustains all Christians in the new life given them by Christ in baptism.

  
  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-
  • Consider my relationship with Jesus  in the light of this Gospel passage.
  • Try to feel what Jesu may have felt as the story unfolds in the brief words of Mark.
  • Compare the touch that cured the young girl with the touch that cured the woman in the crowd?
  • Try to share something of the feelings of the parents as their young daughter was dying?  
  • Reflect on how Jesus has raised me to new life in my life?  What were these experiences and how did it impact on my life?
  • How do I relate to this story of Jesus raising the young girl to life.  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 (5:34-43).
  • How has this passage spoken to you- what does it say to you personally?

  
  
  May you receive the grace of healing in your life this coming week and be able to offer it to other s in His name.