Remember Me always

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 Scripture reflection is 

'Do not fear, I am with you,

Do not be dismayed for I am Your God”’ 
(Isaiah 41:16)

Christ the Redeemer Reflection and Prayer Series Icon.

 

My post is called:

                                                              Remember Me always.

In the midst of human loneliness and fear,

There comes the voice

I’m still here remember Me?

I’ve been with you all along,

Right from the start.

Tenth Promise I will give power to priests to touch the most hardened of hearts.

PROMISES OF THE SACRED HEART

Sacred Heart of Jesus

PROMISES OF THE SACRED HEART SERIES. 

In this series, there will be posts on the Promises of the Sacred Heart on each First Friday.  I may add further posts on other Fridays as well but for now as it is a new series, let us focus on each promise each month.

THE PROMISES OF OUR LORD.

"I promise you, in the excessive mercy of my heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Friday for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance; they shall not die in my disgrace nor without receiving the sacraments; my divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in that last moment." 

TENTH PROMISE

I will give power to priests to touch even the most hardened hearts.

Today is the first Friday in October.  Let us consider this tenth promise by Jesus and make it our intention during October.’’

‘At first glance, this promise might seem irrelevant for most of us since many of us are not priests. It could be tempting to consider that this promise is for priests only.  In one sense that is true, since they are given the power to absolve in Christ’s name through ordination.  A hardened heart has to have come to that point when they want to be absolved.

So, this is where. I think. this promise could be used.  Before many of us  attend the sacrament of Reconciliation, there has been an emotional and spiritual process we have been going through. We may or may not be aware of it.  The hardened heart is crusty if you like, so that crust has to be broken. The more hardened it is, the crustier it is initially. Sometimes the crust comes off in pieces and then crumbles.

When a priest or lay person helps in breaking some of that crust/hardened heart, they are working in the power of Christ. Christ wants to save every one. He came to save.  This may be through well-chosen words in a conversation, a silence, a loving smile- all these can be times of the power of God to break the crust of the hardened heart. 

So we all have a role to play in helping others soften their hearts.  Even when our hearts are not hardened, there will be for all of us a part that needs softening- a blind spot in our lives or an attitude. We all can, if we are truly honest can give our lives a thorough look and know that there are areas that need our attention and, have the potential to become hardened if we do not take action. We need our priests to be there for us and through ordination be the hand and voice of Jesus for us.

The other important point to consider is the role of lay people in praying for priests. Priests really need our prayers if they are to be Christ to those whom they meet. They are human too- get tired, need a holiday, feel stressed and the like.  They need to know that they too are supported.  In this day and age when the priesthood has had a battering from media and from those who have failed in their behaviours as priests, we need to remember that there are many good priests- those good priests far outweigh those who have done wrong. It is sad that many of us, even unwittingly can easily put good priests into that wrong category.  This is hurtful to priests who are good priests and doing their very best in their ministry.

We, as lay people can do our part in helping them by praying daily for them. During this month of October, may we not only examine our own lives in the light of this promise but also minister with them through the power of God by praying for our priests- not only generally but more specifically- we may ask God to give them the words or the smile or the interested silence that speaks to the person whose heart is hardened.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1.    Bring the family together for a meeting in how each individual and as a family may put this into practical application for this month.

This may be a good opportunity for each member of the family to consider the state of their own heart and what are the blind spots that need to be overcome. We as a family have the opportunity to provide God’s grace to other family members- a genuine listening, a kind word spoken sincerely, an interested silence can all be moments of grace for each family member regardless of age. It can help families to be more aware of each other’s vulnerabilities and to genuinely support and  to be Christ like to each other.

 

2.    Remember to get each member to be specific so that the process of practical application is viable and able to be managed.
For example, instead of saying that we will pray for priests this month, be specific such as I will pray one decade of the Rosary after dinner each evening/before I watch TV.

3.    Think about how you might apply this promise not only In your own life and family but in your parish and extended world.

The Crucifixion of Jesus Mk 15 21-41.

GOSPEL OF MARK SERIES.

The Bible: Gospel of Mark icon.

During 2019, each week, I will write a weekly 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. If you are following this series for the first time, you will find this series under Scripture- New Testament- Gospel of Mark. 

Click here to read the first post in the series. I have written this series in different years (2012, 2015, 2018) with some irregularity, but am determined to complete this series this year since I am more than half way through this Gospel.

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 15:21-41 1 which is called the crucifixion of Jesus.

THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS.

 The death of Jesus is the final climax of his revelation to the world of the power of God.  With the identification of Jesus as the Son of God by God Himself at the river and on the mountain, by Himself in His passion and now, by a Gentile at the cross, the four great pillars of Mark’s Gospel are in place.

In the journey to Golgotha, about 500 metres, a stranger forced to carry the cross after Jesus emphasises his aloneness. The crucifying begins about nine in the morning. A humanitarian offering of wine, drugged with myrrh to reduce pain is made, but Jesus refuses it.  He hangs naked on the cross, for His clothes are divided among His executors.  He is called king, the charge again Him put about His head, as He hangs on a cross between the two thieves.

The two thieves, the passers-by, the priests, and the scribes mock Jesus as one who can destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days and who saves others but not himself.  They taunt Him to do what He cannot- to be king without the cross.  The truth is spoken in the malice and blindness of those who speak it.

The darkness at midday aptly symbolises how none see what is really happening.  At three, when Jesus calls out, someone from compassion, or curiosity to see if Elijah will come, offers him vinegar.  But Jesus with a cry of strength breathes out his life. This cry of strength and breathing is last is significant because for all other human beings, when it comes to die, the person breathes his last not by choice. The time has come and the breath leaves the body. In the case of Jesus, He literally breathes his last by choice and shows that He is God.

The tearing open of the temple veil dramatically symbolises that the power of God is no longer separated and hidden from the world, but is made accessible to through the death of Jesus.  The centurion before Jesus, proclaims Him Son of God at a time he appears hardly human, while the faithful women from Galilee watch everything from a distance.

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?

• Imagine that you are these solders.  What do you see and hear and feel? What can I learn from this?
  
  
• Are there any present-day situations which have all the hallmarks of a similar execution (e.g. the assault on the beliefs of the Church and its constant persecution by the media or when Judges do not speak up for the right outcome out of fear of the crowd?
  
  
•  Imagine being Simon of Cyrene carrying the cross unwillingly. What questions do I want to bring to Jesus?  

•  Imagine being one of the people offering Jesus the wine drugged with myrrh . What would you want to say to Him when you realise who it was, you have ‘drugged’.?  In what ways do we offer wine with myrrh in our lives?
  
  
• Imagine being the Centurion who speaks the truth about God in a hostile environment.  When am I like the Centurion or why do I fear being like the Centurion?
  
  
•  What is reading the Gospel passage with the eyes and ears of disciple mean to me?
  
  
• How does Jesus make clear His teaching to me in this passage?
  
  
•  Consider a situation in your life today where the teaching of Jesus needs to be applied.
  
  

• Consider how much my faith means to me and what does my faithfulness/unfaithfulness to my church/parish mean to me and others?

• What are the areas in my life I need to bring to Jesus in the light of this teaching?
  
  
• Am I willing to look into myself with honesty and ask how much do I grasp what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus in the light of this teaching? 

Collect for 26th Sunday of Year C

COLLECT SERIES

The Mass: Collect Series  Icon.

The Collect for the 26th Sunday of the Year C is as follows:

O God, who manifests your almighty power above all

by pardoning and showing mercy,

Bestow, we pray, Your grace abundantly upon us

 and make those hastening to attain your promises 

 heirs to the treasures of Heaven.

Through 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.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

                                       
In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflections questions emerged:

1.    What are the characteristics/traits of God’s pardon and mercy?

2.    What scripture passages exemplify God’s pardon and mercy?

3.    How have/ will I experience God’s pardon and mercy?

4.    What graces do I need to be poured on my life abundantly?

5.    What graces can I pour on others I meet this coming week through God’s help?

6.    Why do I wish to be an heir to the Kingdom of Heaven?

GOSPEL REFLECTION.

Today’s gospel is the parable of the rich young man and Lazarus.  Both in life were given different lifestyles- the rich man sadly did not help Lazarus, who was not only a beggar but a beggar outside his own gate.  Scripture tells us ‘’’He would have gladly eaten the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table’’

The rich man had the means to help but did not because he was too interested in his own life. His heart was hardened to seeing the need of other people less fortunate and he did not acknowledge that the blessings he had received ultimately came from God not him.   Added to that, his example caused his brothers to follow a lifestyle similar.

On the other hand, Lazarus although poor and a beggar did not scoff at God for his predicament but accepted the blessings that God had given him. 

The contrast between the two men is stark.   Both experienced the mercy of God in their own way, although the rich man still wanted more. He was not satisfied to admit his own selfishness completely, still had to complain when things were not to his liking.  However, he did want to save his own brothers from a similar fate.

Lazarus experienced the mercy of God in the after life. Despite his life being difficult as a poor beggar, he remembered God in his life and the importance of who he was in relation to God.  He knew that God in his mercy would care for him because he experienced it every day in his life. Although a beggar and poor he managed his life with God’s help. He kept in his own way a sense of balance and he knew his priority- God was no 1 in his life.

We may might not be poor or rich, but the questions we wish to ponder include

1.            Who do we identify with most here- the rich man or Lazarus?

2.             If we died today/tonight, are we ready to be co-heirs with Jesus?

3.            Are we blind to those closest to us in need (physical, emotional and spiritual need)?

4.            Is God first place at any given moment in my life?

There is a lot to ponder in this Gospel.  We need to both ponder and take action. 

Jesus is 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 Scripture reflection is 

“At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow

And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”
(Philippians 2 10-11 )

Christ The Redeemer.

My post is called:

                                                              Jesus is Lord.

The Saviour will not be denied

,           though scorned and scourged and crucified

The sad, lost world for which he died

Will one name Him Lord.

No 113 What were the accusations by which Jesus was condemned to death?

COMPENDIUM SERIES.

JESUS THE TEACHER: COMPENDIUM SERIES ICON.

No 113.  What were the accusations by which Jesus was condemned to death? (CCC 574-575)

WHAT DOES THE COMPENDIUM SAY?

Compendium states:

Some of the leaders of the Jews accused Jesus of acting against the law, the temple in Jerusalem and in particular against faith in the one God because He proclaimed to be Son of God.  For this reason they handed Him over to Pilate so that he could condemn Him to death.

What does this mean for me?

1.            I can thank God every day for His saving plan of redemption for all of humanity and that my redemption came at a great price- the suffering, death and resurrection. My redemption came through His blood.

2.            I can be thankful that Jesus, in His humanity did not deny who He truly is- the Son of God.

3.            I can draw inspiration from Jesus to stay true to my own identity as a child of God through adoption.

Questions to consider.

1. 1. How can I appreciate the saving plan of God- the Paschal Mystery in my life every day? 
   
2. How do I build up the Church – what contribution do I make?
   
3. Why is important to understand why the Jewish leaders handed Jesus over to Pilate?
   
4. How can I be true to the truth when I am accused by other people or when my reputation is sullied by idle, untruthful gossip?

Liturgy of the Eucharist Introductory Dialogue.

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES VOL 2 

THE MASS: ABOUT THE MASS ICON.

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST INTRODUCTORY DIALOGUE. 

In the previous translation of the Mass, the Introductory dialogue was as follows:

Priest: ‘The Lord be with you.

Congregation: And also with you.

Priest: Lift up our hearts.

Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

Congregation: It is right to give Him thanks and praise’.

The current translation of the Mass for the introductory dialogue is as follows:

Priest:  ‘The Lord be with you.

Congregation: And with your spirit.

Priest: Lift up our hearts.

Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

Congregation: It is right and just’.

This can be entered into either as recited dialogue between priest and people  or chanted. In either case, it is there to help us enter into dialogue.

This is called the Introductory Dialogue and begins the next section of the Mass-Liturgy of the Eucharist.  All the Eucharistic Prayers begin with the Introductory Dialogue, possibly a custom from the Jewish tradition. The oldest example of this dialogue is read in the Eucharistic Prayer of Hippolytus. 

According to this tradition, the priest enters alone into the Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass, but the entire congregation prays it with him in spirit. Therefore, the Introductory Dialogue from its earliest times attests to the unity of the Congregation.  Saint Cyprian, around 251-252 in his prayer treatise said:

 “When we rise for the orison, we must watch and apply ourselves with all our hearts to prayer. Let all carnal and worldly thoughts be cast aside, let the soul think of nothing other than praying”.

These thoughts still hold true for us today every time we participate in the Mass as we enter into the Introductory Dialogue with the priest.  He encourages us to enter into the sacrifice of the Mass as fully as we can by preparing us saying ‘Let us lift up our hearts’ and we respond ‘We lift them up to the Lord’.

If your mind has wondered, or you have lost your focus, the words of the Introductory Dialogue in the Mass give us another opportunity to refocus and to give God thanks and praise since it is right and just.