20 Sunday A: Jesus and the Canaanite Woman: Faith, Healing and Universality of Salvation

Gospel Text: Matthew 15:21-28

Michel DeVerteuil 
General Comments

This Sunday’s gospel passage is in two sections,
– an introduction in verse 21.
– the main story in verses 22-28
To get the significance of verse 21 we must look at the preceding passage which tells of the Pharisees’ continued hostility to Jesus. It was because he was rejected by the religious leaders then that Jesus decided to “leave that place” and “withdraw” to  a foreign environment, “the region of Tyre and Sidon”, ending up experiencing  a radically new dimension to his mission. So often  an experience of rejection leads to new possibilities being opened up. Our “region of Tyre and Sidon” turns out to be a place of new beginnings.

Nigerian Catholics in Strong Affirmation - I believe

27 Sunday C: Faith at least as large as a Mustard Seed

20 Sunday A: Jesus and the Canaanite Woman: Faith and Healing

Gospel Text: Matthew 15:21-28

Michel DeVerteuil
General Comments

This Sunday’s gospel passage is in two sections,
– an introduction in verse 21.
– the main story in verses 22-28
To get the significance of verse 21 we must look at the preceding passage which tells of the Pharisees’ continued hostility to Jesus. It was because he was rejected by the religious leaders then that Jesus decided to “leave that place” and “withdraw” to  a foreign environment, “the region of Tyre and Sidon”, ending up experiencing  a radically new dimension to his mission. So often  an experience of rejection leads to new possibilities being opened up. Our “region of Tyre and Sidon” turns out to be a place of new beginnings.

Little Iraqi Girl's Moving Christian Faith

The God Question - A little Girl's Question

Amazing Woman of Faith and Skills with Arrows

Spielberg Movie actor Mark Wahlberg heads to church while filming Transformers

Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg took a break from his busy filming schedule to attend Mass at a Northumberland church.

The actor, who was in the North East shooting the fifth Transformers movie, the Last Knight, was at St Aidan’s Church in Seahouses and stayed for the full Sunday morning service.

God in My Life

20 Sunday A - Canaanite Woman: Faith and Healing

Thomas O’Loughlin
Introduction to the Celebration

When we gather each Sunday to celebrate being the People of God, we address Jesus as ‘ our Saviour’. But we often forget that the basic image of ‘saviour’ is that Jesus came to bring healing. We are addressing Jesus as the one we look to for healing, health, and wholeness. This aspect of the ministry of the Christ is brought out in today’s gospel when a woman calls on him as ‘Lord’ and ‘Son of David’ asking him to heal her daughter.

So just like that woman long ago who asked Jesus for healing, during our gathering today we shall keep our need for healing in mind in our prayer.

We all need, in one way or another, healing for our bodies when afflicted with pain, we need healing for our minds when they are distressed or embittered, and we need healing for our spirits which become damaged by sin. To encounter Jesus is to encounter the Father’s gift of wholeness. Let us pray now that we shall share in it through this Eucharist.

19 Sunday A - Storms and Faith

From Fr. Donald Planty:

The world’s attention is unfortunately, but understandably, regularly focused on the destructive force of natural events like hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, as well as on the violent human forces contending in conflicts in Central Europe, in the Middle East, in Africa, and in Latin America.  In addition, we cannot help but be disturbed by so many forces intimately at odds with us:  the aggression of temptation and sin, the debilitation of illness, the pain of emotional wounds, the intensity of the passions, and the assaults of demons.  Indeed, the three enemies of our human nature–the world, the flesh, and the devil–are forces at war with us, striving to turn us away from Jesus and his saving Gospel.  Yet, these negative forces are no match for the positive power–the Good News of Jesus.  Yes, his grace, his presence with us, his provident love for us, is the greatest power in the universe–and no evil force can overcome him.  That is the consoling message of the readings our Mother the Church offers for our meditation this Sunday:  “Take courage, do not be afraid!”  The power of God’s gentle mercy is greater than any opposing force.
We see this in the experience of the prophet Elijah:  God’s presence is not revealed to him in the forceful wind, earthquake or fire, but in the power of his gently whispered word.  In contrast to natural, worldly, damaging forces, God’s power is supernatural, otherworldly, life-giving, and so is manifested in tenderness, in calm, in peace. (more down below)

Communion on the Moon - 1969

 

The First Communion on the Moon

(July 20th, 1969)

 

 

 

The Apollo 11 crew: Neil Armstrong, commander (on left); Michael Collins, command module pilot (mid); and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, lunar module pilot.

Does Evil Exist? Ppt

Pope Francis says atheists can do good and go to heaven too!

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Pope Francis has good news for atheists. Jesus died and was raised for them as well. His redemptive embrace was for all, not just a chosen few.The choice to accept its reach is our own. The Holy Father was not teaching anything new. In fact, this hope that all who do not yet know God are not only capable of doing good - but will progress toward that knowledge of God by doing good - is ancient. The Church wants all men and women to be saved.

Pope Francis calls us to love one another more clearly.

 

A little girl’s trust -Story

” A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter:
“Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don’t fall into the river.”
The little girl said: “No, Dad. You hold my hand.”

Confess and Say with faith....

 

The God of Joseph is my God:: He will bring me out from pit and prison into a palace



 

The God of Jabez is my God:: He will turn my misfortunes, curses and sorrows into fortune, blessings & joy

Faith in humanity Restored - In Pictures

http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity

Abby's Dog died and God's Reply

Letter from the post office

 

Our 14-year-old dog Abbey died last month.
The day after she passed away my 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her.
I told her that I thought we could so, and she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much.

20 Unsolved Mysteries of All Time

Top 20 Unsolved Mysteries of All Time

This list comprises the most famous unsolved mysteries known to man that really defy rational explanation or are just outright strange...

1. Shroud of Turin

A Penny on the Sidewalk

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc.

This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story.

Gives you something to think about.

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home.