9-28-2014, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading  Ezekial 18:25-28
We can change our ways!  We can turn from Sin!

Responsorial Psalm Ps. 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

I am just hopeful that God will be merciful with me!
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.

Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not;
in your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.
 I have made many mistakes - especially in my youth and I pray that when I stand before my heavenly Father that He will not remember those!!!!
Remember your mercies, O Lord 

2nd Reading Philippians 2:1-11
The goal is to be more like Christ and less like me:

Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory;
rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
each looking out not for his own interests,
but also for those of others.
Have in you the same attitude
that is also in Christ Jesus.

Depending on when I am called home, may God see the path I am seeking, the journey I am on and Remember your mercies, O Lord!

Gospel  Matthew 21:28-32
How many times have I proclaimed I am a Catholic Christian and not lived it?
How many tines have I been all talk and no walk?

This scripture  reminds me to live my faith...not just talk about it!
Be transparent!  Be real!  Be honest!  Be Trust Worthy!  Do what I say I am going to Do!
God be with me!  I believe!

Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you,
tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness,
you did not believe him;
but tax collectors and prostitutes did.
Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him."
I do believe - and I have changed - at least I am in the process of changing!  With the help of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharist - I am able to continue to journey in the right direction!

Have a Blessed Day!

9-21-2014- 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 55:6-9

Seek the LORD while he may be found,
call him while he is near.
Let the scoundrel forsake his way,
and the wicked his thoughts;
let him turn to the LORD for mercy;
to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
As high as the heavens are above the earth,
so high are my ways above your ways
and my thoughts above your thoughts.

Such a beautiful scripture....so rich and so deep with meaning.  
Let hi turn to the Lord for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
for my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. 
As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my 
thoughts above your thoughts.

I will never understand how God can possibly know each and everyone of us so intimately or how He can continuously have so much mercy on me and you.    But just knowing that He does is so comforting to me.  

Responsorial Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
R/ The Lord is near to all who call upon him.
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.


Philippians 1:20C-24, 27A

Sometimes I feel like Paul,  I just want to be in Heaven.  I want to be in God's presence.  But I know that God has me here for a reason.  So I must conduct myself worthy of Christ.  I want to be transparent in all I do.  Honest and a person of integrity.  So that when it is my time to join God in heaven, He will be saying "Good and Faithful Servant, Welcome Home!"

Gospel Matt 20:1-16A

This Gospel reminds me not to compare myself to other people.  What God decides to give each of us for our faithful deeds is up to Him.   The bottom line is that I just want to be with God in Heaven...
if there are layers of Heaven, I don't care which layer I am in.   If there is a legion of angels and I am in the back of the legion - I will be fine with that.  As long as I can sing my praises!  God is generous beyond measure.  His ways are above my ways.  I trust Him.

Have a blessed week!
Nancy

9-14-2014 - Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Numbers 21:4B-9
We want to be free from Slavery, We want to be free from Slavery.  God please save us!
So, God sends Moses to set His people free!   Then the people, worn out by the journey, complain against God and Moses - Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water?  (God did provide food for them) - But they complained about that -

God got fed up with His people...sent saraph serpents to bite his complaining people.  Many died.
Then the people cried to Moses...We have sinned against God - take the serpents from us...

God had Moses create a bronze saraph and mount it on a pole - whoever had been bitten -could look at it and they would live.

This makes me chuckle.  How fickle we humans are.  I am so much like this myself.  I complain about something....that becomes fixed and now I am complaining about something else.  Will I ever be happy?

It does seem the older I get, the more patient and content I get with my circumstances....no matter what happens, I have more trust in my God.   Perhaps I just need more experiences of His providing for me - to know that "All things will work to Good for those who love God" (Romans 8:28)

What does it take for us as humans to really Trust in Jesus total love for us?

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 78:1BC-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38

Do not forget the works of the Lord!
The fourth verse is so beautiful - But he, being merciful, forgave their sin and destroyed them not;
Often he turned back his anger and let none of his wrath be roused.

No matter how many times I act like a spoiled brat and turn from Him....he is merciful!  How blessed am I!

Philippians 2:6-11

This is a beautiful verse, full of great meaning for me.  How could Jesus, fully human, fully God (I still cannot get my head around that one!) - totally surrender His fully God side, for love of me and all of human kind....especially seeing how ungrateful and fickle we are?   His love is so totally amazing.  It is something I can reflect on in AWE and WONDER and just Praise Him for the ultimate sacrifice and love He gave for us!   Amazing Love!  Amazing Grace!

Gospel - John 3:13-17

God is so wonderful and AWESOME!  He provided for us in our sin.  He gave us free will.  He saw that we didn't know how to handle it.  Yet, He loves us so much and YEARNS and Thirsts for us to be in Heaven with Him forever, that He would sacrifice His only Son to carry our sin, selfishness and fickleness - so that we could also be worthy of Heaven.   Amazing Grace.  Amazing God!  I am so thankful.  I Praise you, Lord for your provision for us!  We are blessed!   let us reflect on this and be thankful!

Sept 7 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ezekiel 33:7-9
Harsh reading.   We are our brothers keeper, at least to God we are.  Real Love - God's love is to help each other get to Heaven.  When we ignore each other's sin - how are we showing love?   God could hold us responsible for our neighbor's sin, because we didn't try to get him to turn away from sin and toward God.  

Responsorial Psalm
Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

Rom 13:8-10
This reading reminds us again - it's all about love.  All the commandments boil down to Love.  If we are loving each other - we will not be sinning against each other.  Pretty simple!  Why do we make it so difficult?

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

Background on the Gospel Reading

Today's Gospel reading is taken from a chapter of Matthew's Gospel, which is sometimes called the “discourse on the Church” or the “church order” discourse. In this part of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus speaks more directly about matters of Church discipline and order. In today's reading we find one of only three instances in which Jesus uses the word church in Matthew's Gospel. In Matthew's record of Jesus' teaching, we can hear echoes of the kinds of issues faced by the early Christian community.

In the first part of the "discourse on the Church" (Matthew 18:1-14), Matthew addresses the Christian community's concerns about rank. Jesus responds to the disciples' question about who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus indicates that those who wish to enter the kingdom of heaven must be like children, and he cautions those leaders who might lead these "little ones" astray. He also responds with the parable of the lost sheep, indicating how God will seek out and bring back those "little ones" who have strayed.

In today's Gospel reading, Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus addresses a common occurrence in the Christian community: a dispute between two members of the Church. Jesus outlines a procedure for settling such matters fairly. The victim should privately address the offender and attempt to resolve the dispute without outside involvement. If that fails, then the victim should bring two or three witnesses and confront the offender again. If the dispute is still unresolved, the matter should be brought to the attention of the entire community. If the offender refuses to adhere to the reparations prescribed by the community, then Jesus suggests that the offender may be expelled from the Church.

Jesus does not discourage disagreement within the community of the Church; he acknowledges the reality of conflict and error and offers his disciples a means for addressing such matters. It is in the conclusion to this teaching that the message of hope is found: Jesus is present with the community and will guide the community in its relations. If decisions are taken in prayer, then the community can be assured of God's assistance.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name,  there am I in the midst of them.”   

Aug 31 - 22 Sunday in Ordinary time

Jeremiah 20:7-9
If Jeremiah lived in today's world - I am sure he would be saying much the same thing!  When we share the love of God to those around us - we are mocked and made fun of!  The movie recently released on DVD God is NOT Dead is a perfect example!    The society we live in seems to not need God at all.  He is irrelevant. Soccer, baseball, football, extracurricular activities, money, fun, internet - so many of these things have become more important than God to most of us.   So when we proclaim the love of God burning in our hearts to a world who is not only deaf to Him, but resistant to Him - we are rejected!    But I am like Jeremiah...I try to keep it inside - so that I won't be seen as a "Jesus Freak" - but it becomes like a fire burning in my heart and I cannot contain it - I must share the Good News - because it has brought so much joy to my life - I have to share!


Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
My Soul is Thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
How beautiful is this Psalm!  You are my help, in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy!
My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me!


Romans 12:1-2
Do not conform yourselves to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Just reflect on that one line for a week.....where in your life are you putting the world above God?
I have done this many times in my journey.   This reflection is very revealing and not often very comforting.  The world is such a "fun" place to be in, right?!!  There are so many distractions and things to chase after!
But none of them bring "lasting" peace, love and joy.    And that is what our heart yearns for.

Did you ever watch Sesame Street?  When my children were little - I was addicted, I loved it!  But someone pointed out how they change the subject and the topic every few minutes - to keep the children's attention.
Our children have grown up with that same brain-attention span....we just can't seem to spend longer than a short time on anyone thing.  I call it multi-tasking and am very adept at it.  Actually, I am quite proud of my ability to multitask!  However.....when it comes to worldly things versus Godly things, I am not so proud of it.  My goal is to spend more time on Godly things and less time on worldly things.

Some of the ways I do this is by reading scripture, spending time in silence, saying the rosary, going to daily mass, reading great devotionals - trying to get God's perspective into my brain!  I want to form my brain to God's thoughts, not the world's thoughts.   But since I have been molded by the world for so long, it is taking time.

But, I know John the Baptist's prayer - "less of me, Lord - More of You" - and giving God more and more of my time - (even if it's not all at once) - I am on the right track!

I want to do the will of God - what is good and pleasing and perfect to God - not what I think is good and  pleasing and perfect.  There is a difference....and I am not God.

Matthew 16:21-27
I love Peter!  He and I are like soul mates.  One day I think I have this discipleship thing all worked out and then BOOM - I stick my foot in my mouth!   I hear Jesus saying "Get behind me, Satan!"  You are thinking NOT as God does, but as human beings do!  (just as I was saying above!!!)

The two lines I reflect on the most in this gospel recently are:  You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do and What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life"

Am I doing things to please people?  or to please God?

If I please people and I die - what is the end result?   There might be lots of people at my funeral and people will think what a wonderful person I was.....but where will my soul be?

If I please God - what is the end result?  - Entrance into HEAVEN!!!!  That's where I want to be.
I want to hear God say at the pearly gates - Well done, good and faithful servant, Welcome Home!

What do you want at the end of your life?  Then let's be transformed by God's beautiful Word and the Eucharist!   Take advantage of confession - and be refreshed and renewed!!!

Have a blessed week!

Aug 24 - 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading Isaiah 22:19-23

In the first reading, God is speaking to Shebna, an official in the king's palace. Shebna has been more concerned with building up his own power than in serving God. He exercises his authority over others rather than for them. So he will be replaced by Eliakim, who will hold the "key of the House of David on his shoulder." This key is a symbol of authority that comes from God. A good leader places his or her trust in the Lord. (Sadlier)

What "keys" have you been given to exercise authority, at home, at school, in your parish or neighborhood? What ways will you try to serve, lead, and influence others in order to further God's kingdom here on earth?

Responsorial psalm 138: 1-2, 2-3, 6-8

These are the words that touched my heart this week: 

I will give thanks to your name,
because of your kindness and your truth:
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.

Sometimes, being a leader is often challenging and overwhelming...yet I know that God is in control.  

2nd Reading Romans 11:33-36

Sometimes I cannot figure God out....I am confused on the direction that God is leading me...this scripture is so beautiful!  It is not about me understanding him at all....it is about me giving Glory to Him - who is the creator of all things and knows the ultimate reason for everything....'I trust in you, Jesus!"

For who has known the mind of the Lord
or who has been his counselor?
Or who has given the Lord anything
that he may be repaid?
For from him and through him and for him are all things. 
To him be glory forever. Amen.

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

Who do you say that Jesus is?  Peter got it right (in this gospel - next week he blows it!).  However, this week, Jesus gives Peter the keys to the kingdom and builds His church on Peter the Rock.  Our whole church hierarchy is built on this.  Again, it is a great question.   Who do you say that Jesus is?

I say He is my redeemer, my friend, my God!  I do trust in Him, even though I do not understand fully what or why things happen the way they do.  

May God take all the Glory!   I am the handmaiden of the Lord!  

Have a blessed week!

Nancy

August 17 - 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading:  Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

Responsorial Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
2nd Reading: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

The First Reading is an encouraging reading for me!  I know God is faithful.  I am not living my faith to be a robot.  It actually brings me life every day.   But this reading also assures me that if I keep trying to live the faith and find joy in my relationship with God, He will be faithful and bring me to Him in the end!
"I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer!"  Doesn't that sound wonderful?!?

Responsorial Psalm follows - O God, let all the nations praise you!  I do want to praise God!  Our God is so GREAT!!!!  He does have pity on us.  He rules us with equity (actually - more than fair in my humble opinion!) So, let the ends of the earth know and love him!  Praise Him!

The 2nd Reading God's mercy is so great!  Even in my disobedience, He still calls me and has mercy on me! and He wants the same for everyone!

The Gospel is also an inspiration to me!  The persistence and tenacity of the woman to believe so much in Jesus, that even when he tries to ignore her and send her away - she stays in his face and challenges Him.
Because of her great face, Jesus gave her what she wanted!   I want to remember that in my prayer!  Persistence.  Never give up.  Even if I don't see results.  God will answer my prayer.  I have faith that He will.  I will not be discouraged or sent on my way!  I believe!  I am encouraged that God listens to us!

What a great God we have!  let us Praise Him and never stop!  What is your deepest desire?  Take it to God.  Have faith that He will answer you!

Have a blessed Week!