July 26, 2012 – Matthew 13:16-17 – The Purpose of the Parables

"But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what your hear, but did not hear it."

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne who are parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Father Dan Donovan cited the book “Praying the Mass” which suggests an approach to the celebration of a period of sustained prayers. It is written that prayers involve two aspects: first, the presence of God, and second, an experience of dialogue. In praying, there is dialogue because we speak to God and He speaks to us. Just like the mass, prayer begins with a sign of the cross to become aware of the presence of God. The first form of the prayer is the penitential rite which is an act of humility. We always come before God with empty hands. Another form of prayer is it involves an act of faith, trust, and reverence to almighty God. The message of the book is to live according to Gods’ will and to pray always.  

July 25, 2012 – Matthew 20-20-28 – Treasure in clay jars

St. James the Apostle

"But we have this treasure in clay jars so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us; but life in you."

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. James the apostle who was the first martyred apostle. Father Michael Traher stressed that the Lord works best in our weakness and frailties. Like St. James, let us endure our sufferings for God's glory.

July 24, 2012 – Matthew 12:46-48-50 - The True Kindred of Jesus

"But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And pointing to his disciple, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, sister, and mother."

Father Glenn McDonald relayed that the gospel’s theme is about the role of mothers and brothers. The gospel is telling us how to be a good mother or brother of Christ as members of the church and followers of God’s will. We are invited to reflect on the life of Mary as mother of Christ and know our obligations as a mother of our children in terms of love, forgiveness, trust, and openness.

July 23, 2012 – Matthew 12:38-42 – The sign of Jonah

"Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you. But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation ask for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was for three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster so for three days and three nights the son of man will be in the heart of the earth. The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see something greater then Jonah is here."

Father Michael Busch explained that believing Jesus is not easy as we seek his power and ask for signs that he is God. We sometimes want answers or proof that he is in control. It is good to continue asking Jesus for signs when we are in trouble, when disaster strike or face with crisis. Put our faith in God and not give in to fear which drives us to question His promise. Let us not suffer in silence. The sure way to get God’s attention is to do justice, love, kindness, faith and trust in Him. God has not abandoned us. Do not be like Pharisees or scribes asking for signs. There is no need for signs for the one true revelation. Remember Jesus and ask for strength or food to satisfy our hunger and thirst. Jesus is the bread of life; trust that his promise of redemption will come true.

July 21, 2012 – Matthew 12:14-21 – God’s Chosen Servant

"This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with home, my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles… He will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering with wick until he brings justice to victory and in his name, the Gentiles will hope."

Father Patrick Fitzpatrick said that the persons who gave Jesus the most trouble are the Romans, Pilate, religious leaders like Sadducees, High Priest and temple people. Jesus was homeless, had no permanent place to stay, and depended on welcome and hospitality of the people. He was gentle, different, and unique and annoyed by the priests because of his motto “people first before rules and regulations”. Compassion and not power over others is His trademark.  God made Jesus as his chosen servant.

July 20, 2012 – Matthew 12:1-8 – Plucking Grain on the Sabbath

"At that time, Jesus went through the cornfields on the sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisee saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath… But if you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the son of Man is lord of the sabbath."

Father John Carten spoke about the gospel which challenges us to ask ourselves if we criticize the actions of others or understand the motives of their actions. Are we suspicious when people do things different from the way we do our tasks? Are we compassionate or look for perfection that we do not have for ourselves? Do we look for our own wrong or give thanks for the blessings we received? We should be reminded that Jesus desires mercy and not sacrifices.  

July 19, 2012 – Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus Thanks His Father

Food for thought:

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

July 18, 2012 – Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16 – Arrogant Assyria also judged

"Ah, the rod of my anger-the club in their hands is my fury! Against a godless nation, I send him, and against the people of my wrath, I commend him, to take spoon and seize plunder, and to tread them down like the mire of the street. But this is not what he intends, nor does he have this in mind; but it is in his heart to destroy, and to cut off nations not a few… For he says: By the strength of my hand, I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding; I have removed the boundaries of peoples, and have plundered their treasures; like a bull I have brought down those who sat on thrones."

 
Father Michael Traher cited that the gospel gives us an image of an angry God because of His suffering on the enemies. God does not inflict pain and suffering on anyone but on the choices we make. God wants us to flourish and live, make our own choices and know its consequences. We should look at circumstances around like the survival of the global community due to natural calamities, poverty, unemployment, ill health, etc. Let us ask ourselves how we deal with creation or our problems and not look at it because of God’s anger. Jesus helps us to understand our situation. God is humble and cares for the poor and marginalized

July 17, 2012 – Matthew 11:20-24 – Isaiah Reassures King Ahaz

"And say to him, Take heed, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and the son of Remaliah.…. Therefore thus says the Lord God: It shall not stand, and it shall not come to pass… If you do not stand firm in faith, you shall not stand at all."

Father Glenn McDonald mentioned that the gospel offers an insight on what friends of God do. Jesus intercedes for everyone even for those who do not deserve it and gives His life so that all maybe saved.   

July 16, 2012 – Matthew 10:34-11:1 – Not Peace, but a Sword / Rewards

First Reading: Isaiah 1:10-17 – The Wickedness of Judah

"Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.

Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1 – Not Peace, but a Sword / Rewards

"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.…. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

Whoever welcomes you welcomes me and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple - truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."

Father Michael Busch conveyed the gospel’s theme is about open communication. We are invited to communicate openly and freely our opinions to our family, others and to God. We should discuss our concerns even how difficult it may seems and be available to open dialogue. Jesus’ message is to love your father and mother, bring comfort to children, and impart to them that we need each other. Jesus is the way the truth and the life; he is the first and foremost to any other people. We are communicating to Jesus in a way that whoever welcomes the church in their lives welcome Jesus. Let us continue to love and not abandon one another.

July 14, 2012 – Matthew 10-24-33 – Whom to Fear

"A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master…..so have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven."

In his homily, Father Carmelo Borg’s words of advice is “To have no fear; Do not fear; and Do not be afraid.” The only fear we can have is the fear of God, which is the feeling of awe and reverence to the Mighty Lord who is full of compassion. When you begin to fear, manipulate it and deal with life. Jesus’ message is that fear has to be displaced, dispelled and replaced with something positive. We should overcome fear by total commitment to the Lord.