June 5, 2012 – 2 Peter 3:14-18

"You therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error of the lawless and lose your stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

Fr. Glenn Mcdonald emphasized the value of decision-making based on the reading. He said that decision involves great deal of regrets like when we choose a job or go under operation if we are sick. It could also pertain to going on a relationship like marriage or friendship. What we need to do to escape regret is to develop humility. We have to pray to the Lord for humility and turn over to Him all our regrets. There are many ways to do things in life, which involves decision-making, but the best way is God’s way. God can change our wrong decision, transform our lives, and be a better person. The way out of a regretful situation is humility.

June 4, 2012 – Mark 12:1-12 – The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

The gospel speaks about the parable of the owner of the vineyard and his tenants. The owner sent his son but was killed by the tenants and threw him out of the vineyard. Jesus mentioned that the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Fr. Nino Cavoto explained  that the cornerstone pertains to Jesus as the  foundation of the church. He was rejected but became important to the building of the church.

June 2, 2012 – Jude 17-23

"But you, beloved, build yourselves up on you most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies."

Fr. Patrick Fitzpatrick advised ways to the building of our faith - to pray to the Holy Spirit, to continue to love God, to let God love us and ask His mercy.

June 1, 2012 – 1 Peter 4:7-13 - Good Stewards of God’s Grace

"The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ."

Fr. Paul Cusack mentioned that we could be a source of inspiration to others, preach the gospel, and let our faith shine to others.

May 30, 2012 – Mark 10:42-45 – The Request of James and John

"Therefore, Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their ruler’s lord it over them and their great ones are tyrants over them. But, it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.”"

Bishop Richard Greco told about Jesus’ message that greatness and authority in the kingdom of God are to be redefined in terms of service. James and John, the disciples of Jesus, desired recognition. But Jesus wanted his disciples to realize to look at life not at the top downward rather to share the point of reference to look not up but down to those who are poor, needy, and suffering. We should offer service to others with compassion, humility, respect, and dignity. He mentioned that there are different kinds of services to build Christian community:

1. Service of holding one’s tongue – to prevent criticisms
2. Service of humility – to honor opinion for the well-being of another before oneself
3. Service of listening – to listen carefully; to use our ears for the Lord and not to what others will say
4. Service of bearing one another’s burden
5. Service of proclamation – communicating consolation or admonition about speaking the truth

In summary, the authority given to us in the kingdom of God is to be humble, speak words that give life, ask to be helpful, bear the burden of others, and speak the words of love to others.

May 27, 2012 - Mark 10:23-27 – The Rich Man

"But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortal it is impossible, but not for God, for God all things are possible.”"

Fr. Michael Busch spoke about the three things why possession can take things out of our life. The first is self-indulgence when a person asks for more. The second is control and the third is self-centered which is to focus on our talents, rights and privileges.

We should change our focus of attention from materials things to Jesus who is the basis of our faith. Instead of worrying things when we encounter difficulties, we should think of what we can do to serve others. Life is a battleground, win or lose, we should be strong even we have weaknesses because the control of power is in our hands. We have to follow Christ, whether we are rich or poor, by being God-centered and not self-centered.