6-30-2012 Gospel Mt 8:5-17

Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/063012.cfm

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven, but the children of the Kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour his servant was healed. 

Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him. 

When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick, to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet: He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases. 

When we say these words in Mass, I wonder if Jesus would say the same thing about my faith? He was a man in authority who recognized the healer and leader in Jesus. Am I as observant as this centurion? You passed the power to heal to your apostles. We still have that power today. Do I believe and use it? Am I as humble and sure as the centurion? You still take away our infirmities and bear our sin and disease – when we let you.

 Prayer: Holy Father, help me to let Jesus take my sin and sickness from me. Guide me as I seek to have the humility and strong belief that the Centurion had. My faith is strong, but I ask that it be strengthened more. I know you love me as I am Jesus, but I want to grow daily in you. 

Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.

6-29-2012 Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles

Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062912-mass-during-the-day.cfm

Reading 1 Acts 12:1-11 

In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. “It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.” He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. He intended to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God on his behalf. 

On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter recovered his senses and said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.” 

Reading 2 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18 

I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen 

Lord, these two readings show that when we have faith and obey your laws you will rescue us. They confirm the power of prayer and how when we pray for others we can rescue them from danger. You listen! They listened! Do I listen closely enough? Am I as close to you as they were? Can I ever be that close?  

Prayer: Holy Father I pray that I may I have the faith of Sts. Petere and Paul. I know there are times when like Peter I speak before I think and like Paul I have persecuted those who believed in you. I pray Father that I continue to be like Peter and Paul and grow in your love, faith and have the strength to defend your truth when you call. May my strength always be in you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen 

The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

6-28-2012 Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, bishop and martyr Gospel Mt 7:21-29

Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062812.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ 

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” 

When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. 

Why are we astonished with the authority you show when you speak? Why can’t we see the truth as you proclaim? Why do we have to water it down and make it more about feeling good than about you? How can we build our house on a rock? By listening to your words and doing as you say. Not listening to those who do not speak with your authority. How can I be sure? 

Prayer: Holy Father, I want to build my house on the solid rock of your word. Help me to only hear your true message and not the weak ones that so many proclaim. May I always hear the words you speak that keep me in your truth and light. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

 

6-27-2012 Gospel Mt 7:15-20

Link to today’s readings:   http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062712.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.” 

How can I tell today Jesus who are the false prophets? So many people claim to know what you want, but when I go to your word, I don’t find what they promise. What you promised us Lord was eternal life, not prosperity. You told us to leave it all and follow you. How can I do that if they promise the opposite? False fruit? Your message gets turned around and watered down so I wonder if you would even recognize it? Your word speaks the truth, calls us to repentance and sacrifice, not prosperity and free love. Don’t they know that eternal life with you is all that matters? 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to recognize the false prophets in my life. May I recognize those teachers who do not teach your true word so I do not become the wood that is thrown into the fire. May the fruits I bear be good and true and honest in you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.

6-26-2012 Gospel Mt 7:6, 12-14

Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062612.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets. 

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” 

I have to treat others as I want to be treated? What happens when they mistreat me? I still have to treat them as I would like to be treated. Why? Is it because it is the narrow road that leads to life? I have to do the harder things if I am to have eternal life? How do I maintain my sacredness and not give it to be trampled underfoot. How do I stay on that road? 

Prayer: Heavenly Father: Being your daughter is all I want to be and that is hard in today’s world. So many distractions, so many temptations, so many things that try to keep me from you. Help me to be one of the few to find and stay on your narrow path. Holy Spirit guide my feet and speak the words I long to hear. Amen. 

God upholds his city forever.

6-25-2012 Gospel Mt 7:1-5

Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062512.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” 

If I see someone sin are you saying I should not say anything? Or are you saying that I have to be careful to see the sin but not judge the person. If I do, will I be judged in the same way by you? How do I get rid of the wooden beam in my eye?  How do I point out the sin without being seen as judgemental?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to see clearly as I go through my life. I do not want to wrongly judge someone, but help me to see the difference between judging and chastising. You will hold me accountable if I ignore sin and do not call my brother accountable. Help me to be wise and live your word. Through your Son and my Savior Jesus Christ. 

Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.

6-24-2012 Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Gospel Lk 1:57-66, 80

Link to today’s readings:

 http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062412-mass-during-the-day.cfm

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?”For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel. 

How can I be like Elizabeth? She never lost faith when she didn’t have a child, and God rewarded her – in HIS time. She and her husband honored what God told them by naming their child John, They said yes as I need to say yes. How can I gain their wisdom? How do I recognize you in what is happening as their neighbors did? 

Prayer: Lord, help me to gain the wisdom I need to be able to say yes to you. May I be patient and wait upon your time. Help me Lord to learn that you know better than I do, what I need and when I need it. I praise you Lord for all that you have done for me, and pray that I may remember that you are the treasure I seek. Amen

I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.

6-23-2012 Gospel Mt 6:24-34

Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062312.cfm 

Jesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” 

Why can’t I remember this? Why do I stress over car payments, clothes, food when you tell me you will take care of me? You have created a beautiful world, and the birds don’t stress! They fly with abandon and sing your praises! Lord, seeking the kingdom of God – and you – has to become my first priority. How do I do that? How do I not worry about tomorrow? I think I know – prayer? Is that the answer? Is that how I do it? 

Prayer: Holy Father, help me to remember that prayer is the answer to everything. I do not need to stress over man made things. Help me to trust in you completely, to place all my cares in your loving hands. When I get worried, help me Father to take it to the cross of your Son¸ and leave it there. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!!!! 

For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

6-22-2012 Gospel Mt 6:19-23

 Links to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062212.cfm

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.” 

How do I store up treasurers in Heaven? I know the folly of having too much “stuff”. When that happens I become lazy and lax and rejoice in my “stuff”. Am I storing treasurers when I pray? When I do good works? When I listen to you and follow your word? Can I have lightness that doesn’t come through my eyes? My eyes are fading but I want to keep the light of you alive in my soul. Can I do that with prayer and your word? Will you be the light of my life? I want to be rich in your love! 

Prayer: Father, help me to remember to acquire your love, wisdom and knowledge instead of the “stuff” of the earth. I want to have treasure but I want them to be your treasure not man’s. Help me to keep my light burning for you, even as my sight dims. In Jesus’ name I ask all this, Amen. 

The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.

Rest in Peace Fr. Barry McLean, may you see all things new.

6-21-2012 Gospel Mt 6:7-15

Link to today’s readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062112.cfm 

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 

“This is how you are to pray: 

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” 

“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” 

Lord, are you telling me I need to be short and to the point when I pray? I try Lord, I try so hard to not just keep talking and repeating my request. Sometimes it is hard though Lord. I feel you understand our heart better than we do and we need to just ask once and then be quiet? Is that why Jesus taught us this prayer? So we will go to you for all our needs? Father, I sure hope I have forgiven all I need to forgive because I really need your forgiveness. How do I know? 

Prayer: Holy Father, help me to remain focused on you and not my needs. When I ask, help me to not keep talking when I need to be quiet and listen to you. Help me to know if there are still others I need to forgive and show me how to do it. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

Rejoice in the Lord, you just!