June 17-22: Weekday Reflections

June 17-22: 17 Monday: Mt 5:38-42: “You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40 and if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; 41 and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.

The context: During their captivity in Egypt, the Jews became familiar with the crude tribal law of retaliation called Lex Talionis (=Tit-for-Tat) given by the ancient lawmaker Hammurabi during the period 2285-2242 BC. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus rejects even the concession of milder retaliation allowed by Moses. In its place, Jesus gives his new law of love and grace and no retaliation.

Fathers' Day 2019

As A Life's End Draws Near, A Father And Son Talk

"For me, dying — it's very enlightening and certainly rewarding," David Plant (left) tells Frank Lilley. "Look at the opportunity to talk, for example. It's just incredible."

In 2010, David Plant was diagnosed with skin cancer. The cancer has since metastasized to other parts of his body, and David is now contemplating the end of his life. So, just before his 81st birthday, he sat down with his stepson to talk about their life together.

As Frank Lilley explains, "David is my stepfather, but I certainly consider him my father."

Confusions & Vagaries of English Language

Six great confusions still unresolved 😄😂

1. At a movie theatre, which arm rest is yours?

Jun 10-15: Weekday Reflections

June 10 Monday (Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church): Gen 3:9-15, 20; Acts 1:12-14; Jn 19:25-34): One of the most recent architectural additions to Saint Peter’s Square is the mosaic of Mary “Mother of the Church,” with the inscription Totus Tuus, yet another sign of Saint John Paul II’s great love for our Lady. On Saturday, March 3, 2018, Pope Francis declared that, henceforward, the Monday after Pentecost Sunday will be celebrated as the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. The Memorial will be observed annually and has been added to the General Roman Calendar, the Roman Missal, and the Liturgy of the Hours with the Holy Father’s wish that this new feast day foster Marian piety and the maternal sense of the Church. Pentecost was the birth of the Church – the Mystical Body of Christ.

7th Week of Easter, Thursday, 06-06-19

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 / John 17:20-26

Jesus continues to pray: “May I live in them as you live in me.”

Christians are four things. First, they’re a body in which Christ lives. Paul writes, “I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2.20

7th Week of Easter, Wednesday, 05-06-19

Acts 20:28-38 / John 17:11-19

Jesus prays for his disciples: “As the Father sent me, so I send you.”

A legend says that when Jesus ascended into heaven, the angel Gabriel asked him if all the people on earth knew about God’s love for them. “Oh, no!” said Jesus, “just a handful of people do.” Gabriel was shocked and replied, “But, Lord, what if this handful of people let you down? What if they meet with opposition and become discouraged? Don’t you have a back-up plan, just in case?” “No,” said Jesus, “I’m simply counting on them not to let me down.”

Easter 7th Week, Tuesday - Liturgy

Seventh Week of Easter 

CARRYING OUT ONE’S MISSION 

Introduction

In strikingly parallel ways, both Paul and Christ speak of their mission they have carried out – Christ with absolute certainty, Paul, knowing his limitations, to the best of his abilities. Paul knows that trials are awaiting him, but led by the Holy Spirit who guided his life, he will go ahead, even when he does not know what is awaiting him. Jesus has given the best of himself to make the Father known to all. He prays that they may all be one. 

7th Week of Easter, Tuesday: Reflection

Acts 20:17-27 / John 17:1-11

Jesus prays:  Jesus looked up to heaven while he prayed.

Three preachers were discussing the best posture to use while praying. The first said, “I’ve tried them all, and kneeling is still the best posture.” The second said, “That may be true, but most Eastern mystics recommend sitting cross-legged on the floor.”

Jun 3-8 Weekday Reflections

June 3-8: June 23 Monday (St. Charles Lwanga and companions, Martyrs): John 16: 29-33: His disciples said, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. 30 Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.”^* 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? 32 Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered^* to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 3I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” 

7th Week of Easter, Monday, 03-06-19

Acts 19:1-8 / John 16:29-33

Jesus speaks plainly: “You will have trouble, but take courage.”

Jesus probably noticed the fear on the faces of his disciples when he told them that both they and he would have to suffer.

But this did not alarm him. Jesus knew that fear is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a good thing, if rightly accepted.