Gospel Today - Whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me

Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” Luke 10:16 NAB

September 30, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church

• 1st Reading -- Baruch 1:15-22
• Responsorial -- Psalm 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9
  R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us
• Gospel Today -- Luke 10:13-16

Gospel Today - Do you believe because I told you that I saw you

Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” John 1:50 NAB

September 29, 2011 - Feast of Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael, archangels

• 1st Reading -- Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
• Responsorial -- Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
  R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord
• Gospel Today -- John 1:47-51

The Discontented Millionaire

At first I thought this article was another rich man bashing material, but I was wrong. At the end of the article, I was reminded of the rich young man in the Bible who felt sad when Jesus told him to sell his riches and give the money to the poor. I was reminded because, unlike the rich young man, this millionaire went on to sell what he had to serve the Lord; but the Lord forbid him. Read on to find out why ...

Patti Maguire Armstrong
(Photo from CatholicMom.com)

Patti Maguire Armstrong writes: He went at his new mission with all the fervor that had helped him build such successful businesses. He even put his company up for sale, believing he should walk away from the business world. When it did not sell, Fr. James told him that God does not ask everyone to sell all they have—but rather, to put serving God before all else. Mudd feared that his new life would not fit well into the business world. To his surprise, he was wrong. "The crazy thing is that my business is doing better than it ever has," he said.

Now, instead of feeling responsible for entertaining his customers, Mudd feels responsible for being a good example. "I really like to share with men that I learned that I can run a business and try to be a holy man at the same time.

Gospel Today - I will follow you wherever you go

As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Luke 9:57-58 NAB

September 28, 2011 - Wednesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Nehemiah 2:1-8
• Responsorial -- Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
  R. Let my tongue be silenced if I ever forget you
• Gospel Today -- Luke 9:57-62

A Catholic View on Evolution

As a high school student in two Catholic schools in 1981 to 1985, I recall being taught about the Theory of Evolution. I recall those lessons in the academic sense. Little did I know that in other parts of the world, people thought Catholics outrightly rejected evolution. Fast forward a quarter of a century later, such misunderstanding still persists.

While the Book of Genesis describes in interesting detail how God created the world in seven days, Catholic teachers taught us that it was not meant to be a scientific explanation of creation. Rather, it illustrated God's continuing role in the universe. Catholics do not believe that a random process created humans. We believe that God, the Supreme Intelligence behind the universe, has willed it and continues to will it, whether or not through a creation process that took seven days, or an evolution process that took seven billion years.

Ronald Rychlak
(Photo from amazon.com)

Ronald Rychlak, Professor, University of Mississippi School of Law writes: In 1996, Pope John Paul II spoke to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Because he discussed the compatibility of evolution with the Catholic faith, news accounts were filled with reports of a shift in Catholic teaching. The media reaction surprised me, because the pope's statements struck me as nothing new.

Shortly thereafter Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Austria issued a clarification in which he confirmed that there had been no change in Catholic teaching. He explained that, as the church had long taught: "(e)volution in the sense of common ancestry might be true." God's plan may well have taken such evolution into consideration from the very beginning. Only unguided natural selection is truly incompatible with Catholic teachings. Read more...

Gospel Today - Jesus turned and rebuked them and they journeyed to another village

When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village. Luke 9:54-56 NAB

September 27, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, priest

• 1st Reading -- Zechariah 8:20-23
• Responsorial -- Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7
  R. God is with us
• Gospel Today -- Luke 9:51-56

A Pro-Life Culture of Life Has Taken Root Nationwide

This is a very heart-warming article for two reasons. I pray that the Pro-Life Culture would continue to be restored in the USA, where a lot of things -- both good and disastrous -- are being exported to the world. Secondly, I would wish that backers of the RH Bill in the Philippines would take some time off to see that what they seek to introduce in the country is losing momentum in the USA.

Cheerful young family cooking together (From 123RF Parenthood Stock Photos)

Steve Aden, Senior Legal Counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, writes: Last year, for the first time, a majority of Americans described themselves as "pro-life." Supporting taxpayer-funded abortion has become a political death wish, with the U.S. House of Representatives voting to bar the nation's largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, from getting a dime of federal money. Seven states have now stripped Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers of taxpayer funding, including Texas, where the diversion of $35 million in family planning funds forced the closure of six Planned Parenthood clinics last week.

With a million precious lives lost annually to abortion, no one can say that a "Culture of Life" is in full bloom yet. But it's beginning to look a few tender shoots are taking root. Read more...

Gospel Today - Whoever receives me receives the one who sent me

And said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” Luke 9:48 NAB

September 26, 2011 - Monday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Zechariah 8:1-8
• Responsorial -- Psalm 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23
  R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory
• Gospel Today -- Luke 9:46-50

Restoring an All-Male Altar Servers

When I visited Cagayan de Oro City with my whole family in mid-2009, I saw female altar servers for the first time in my 40 years of life. I thought that was strange, only because it has always been boys. But I didn't give it much thought after that. But Dr. William Odie, in his article below, says that having female altar servers is highly detrimental to the priestly vocation, and his flow of thought is very convincing.

Indeed, in the natural environment, most often we realize that something is important to the life cycle of a living thing only after we mess up its habitat. We're messing up something very delicate to the life cycle of priestly vocation by letting females serve in the altar. This isn't about not giving girls a chance to serve. This is about letting boys do that job, because of the priestly vocation that we seek to uphold among the boys. They're the altar equivalent of Pages that attend to the Knights, as their first exposure to chivalric knighthood. The attraction to such roles simply disappear when it is no longer associated with manhood.

altar boys (Photo from google)

Dr. William Oddie, English Catholic writer and broadcaster, writes: According to Fr Lankeit, 80 to 95 percent of priests served as altar boys.

The question is, why shouldn't that happen when there are also girl servers? There are two reasons: firstly because the causal link between servers and priestly vocations is weakened if some or most of the servers in the sanctuary are excluded from it. But secondly because as soon as girls appear, the supply of altar boys tends simply to dry up.

Gospel Reflection - Can Murderers Outpace You to Heaven?

You toiled all your life to be a good man or woman. Then at the gate of heaven, you saw your little brother's murderer dancing his way and outpacing you in getting into heaven. How does that picture feel?

Photo Credit: Keven Law

"Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. Matthew 21:31 NAB

In the context of earthly life, such picture invokes a feeling of betrayal. Perhaps you would say, "Lord, how could you?" But up there in heaven, you would say, with love in your heart, "Lord, I was witness to this man's fall. Thank you Lord for letting me witness his redemption."

Unearthly? Absolutely. But that's our destiny. Let me elaborate.

Gospel Today - Son, go out and work in the vineyard today

What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, Son, go out and work in the vineyard today. He said in reply, I will not, but afterwards he changed his mind and went. Matthew 21:28-29 NAB

September 25, 2011 - Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Ezekiel 18:25-28
• Responsorial -- Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14
  R. Remember your mercies, O Lord
• 2nd Reading -- Philippians 2:1-11
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 21:28-32

Blessed, Raised, Broken, and Shared - A Lay Catholic Missionary's Testimony

Evangelization is a real deal for lay Catholics who are active in lay associations. One of these association is Couples for Christ, a private and international association of the Faithfuls of Pontifical Right. It exists in 163 countries and has its headquarters in Metro Manila, Philippines.

To join this community, a couple has to undergo a 12-week Christian Life Program, punctuated by one-on-one sessions with facilitators every after four talks. Upon becoming a member, a couple is assigned to a 'household' along with 4-5 other couples. Households meet at least twice a month for prayer and fellowship.

A group of households constitute a unit. A group of units constitute a chapter. Each chapter is organized to operate with the standard family and social ministries that allow couples to reach out to the kids, youth, singles, widows and widowers, those who pursue single blessedness and those in complicated situations. Social ministries include the music ministry, prison ministry, work for the poor and many others.

Members of Couples for Christ (CFC) Singapore
on a mission in Darwin, Australia

Sis Yolly Sison of Couples for Christ Singapore writes: All throughout the service, I shared my all. I obeyed the leading of my Savior, my commanding General. Though it was difficult, I knew that GOD wanted me to be an instrument to share His message. GOD used me in many ways possible.

This second time that I was in Darwin, I again witnessed and experienced the warm embrace, generosity, and hospitality of our dear brothers and sisters. You can see happiness in their faces. I was truly inspired with the overwhelming support, great fellowship, and their good service.

Darwin will always be forever in my heart. It will always be a part of my everyday life. I will always remember that for once, that world became part of mine. With this experience, I came to know the deepest meaning of being a missionary. The essence and the grace I got from this experience is incomparable.

With God at my side, I was victorious and triumphant. I was able to stand up against all the oppressions that I faced. I will keep on holding to His promise as GOD says "I will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus14:14) Read more...

Gospel Today - The Son of Man is to be handed over to men

Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying. Luke 9:44-45 NAB

September 24, 2011 - Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a
• Responsorial -- Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12ab, 13
  R. The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock
• Gospel Today -- Luke 9:43b-45

In Philippines, Muslim pilgrim urges peers to join next WYD

Building respect for the Church appears to be more fundamental than directly converting someone to the Catholic Church. One may not necessarily convert, but if such person develops a sincere respect for the Church, such respect would contribute significantly to world peace. The Holy Spirit works in ways we do not fully understand. All we know is that the Holy Spirit reaches out to the entire humanity, Catholic or otherwise.

Today, following the dictates of the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church, through the leadership of Pope Benedict XVI, is reaching out to all humanity to build mutual respect, defend life and make this planet a place for everyone to be. Thinking globally and acting locally, we extend our salutes to the Archdiocese of Davao for letting Yussef Paglas join their WYD delegation.

Yussef Paglas, 17

A Muslim Filipino who joined this year's World Youth Day in Spain is encouraging fellow Muslims to go through the same experience he had.

Yussef Paglas, 17, the lone Muslim in the Philippine delegation, said he "meaningfully" fulfilled his Muslim traditions during the "Catholic" WYD event.

"Even though I was with the Catholic community, I was still able to practice Ramadan because of the long walking that we endured. And despite the busy schedule, I still pray and bring the Qu'ran with me always," he said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site. Read more...

Gospel Today - Who do the crowds say that I am?

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Luke 9:18 NAB

September 23, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, priest

• 1st Reading -- Haggai 2:1-9
• Responsorial -- Psalm 43:1, 2, 3, 4
  R. Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God
• Gospel Today -- Luke 9:18-22

Santorum's Defense of Life is 'Perverse Religious Thinking'?

Even granting that Santorum draws inspiration from Catholic teachings, to call it 'perverse' is simply completely out of place. But to further see Santorum's arguments in the context of the US Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution would compel us to look at Santorum's detractors and say, 'Look who's talking!'

It is very difficult to ignore debates like this in the US. After all, the US is now seen as an exporter of the 'culture of death.' The role of the US in the RH Bill being debated in Philippine Congress today has a 40-year history, or so Wikileaks has exposed. Will the US overcome the 'culture of death' in the foreseeable future? That's a question that only God can answer - IN GOD WE TRUST. In the meantime, we see that the likes of Rick Santorum can help US society return to a culture of life. May his tribe exponentially multiply.

Rick Santorum
United States Senator from Pennsylvania
Image from Wikipedia

(Rick) Santorum campaigns very strongly on the basic moral principles upon which America was founded. These basic moral principles are found, he notes, in the Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution. It is the Declaration that Santorum points to consistently in his defense of the right to life, not to his particular religious faith, because it is in our founding documents that all Americans — Catholic or non-Catholic, religious or non-religious — should be able to find common ground. Read more...

Gospel Today - "Who then is this about whom I hear?"

But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him. Luke 9:9 NAB

September 22, 2011 - Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Haggai 1:1-8
• Responsorial -- Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
  R. The Lord takes delight in his people
• Gospel Today -- Luke 9:7-9

9/11 Provided Difficult Test For Vatican-Muslim Relations

The Roman Catholic Church is using whatever spiritual leadership and diplomatic strength it can muster to initiate peace among countries and religions. It is not an easy task. But it is a task made possible by the example of Jesus in allowing himself to be crucified without retaliating in kind to the violence that he had to bear. We know that in the end peace will reign, but we also know the price it takes to get there. Only leaders with the purest intentions would bring us there.

Pope Benedict XVI with Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak
 (Photo from Huff Post Religion)

Francis X. Rocca of Religion News Service, Huffpost, writes: Mohammad Sammak, secretary of the Christian-Muslim Committee for Dialogue in Beirut, Lebanon, said the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq was seen by many Muslims as another crusade by the Christian West against Islam. That perception was reinforced, Sammak said, by the arrival of Christian "evangelical missionaries" on the heels of invading troops.

No world leader was more outspoken or tireless in his opposition to the Iraq war than John Paul, but the pope's position went underreported in the Arab media, Sammak said, leaving the Vatican guilty by association in the minds of many Muslims -- including an extremist minority inclined to violence. Read more...

Gospel Today - I did not come to call the righteous but sinners

He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13 NAB

September 21, 2011 - Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist

• 1st Reading -- Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13
• Responsorial -- Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5
  R. Their message goes out through all the earth
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 9:9-13

Gospel Today - My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word

He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.”He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Luke 8:20-21 NAB

September 20, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Andrew Kim Taegõn, priest and martyr and Saint Paul Chõng Hasang, martyr and their companions, martyrs

• 1st Reading -- Ezekiel 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20
• Responsorial -- Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
  R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord
• Gospel Today -- Luke 8:19-21

Gospel Today - There is nothing hidden that will not become visible

For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17 NAB

September 19, 2011 - Monday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Ezekiel 1:1-6
• Responsorial -- Psalm 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
  R. The Lord has done marvels for us
• Gospel Today -- Luke 8:16-18

Gospel Today - Are You Envious that God is Generous?

Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous? Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:14-16 NAB

September 18, 2011 - Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Isaiah 55:6-9
• Responsorial -- Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
  R. The Lord is near to all who call upon him
• 2nd Reading -- Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 20:1-16a

Gospel Today - When they have heard the word, embrace it

But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance. Luke 8:15 NAB

September 17, 2011 - Saturday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- 1 Timothy 6:13-16
• Responsorial -- Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
  R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord
• Gospel Today -- Luke 8:4-15

Gospel Today - Proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God

Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve. Luke 8:1 NAB

September 16, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Cornelius, pope and martyr and Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr

• 1st Reading -- 1 Timothy 6:2c-12
• Responsorial -- Psalm 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20
  R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs
• Gospel Today -- Luke 8:1-3

Anthroposophy/Waldorf and Catholic Homeschooling

This is absolutely interesting. I have two friends (they don't know each other) who send their kids to Waldorf and they're proud of it. In fact one of them mentioned Anthroposophy to me. I have forgotten about it, but I'm reminded of it by this article. You can read more about that philosophy here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthroposophy

Johnnette Benkovic
(Photo from Catholic Family Conference)

Johnnette S. Benkovic, Founder and President of Women of Grace writes about 'Anthroposophy/Waldorf and Catholic Homeschooling':

Having said that, I can now state without a moment's hesitation that Catholic homeschoolers should have nothing to do with Rudolf Steiner, anthroposophy or the Waldorf education system.

Thinking we can "pick and choose" parts of Waldorf methods that seem "safe" is a perfect example of the trend among many Catholics to apply subjective reasoning to assumptions about whether or not something is okay (i.e., how they feel about it) rather than on objective realities (Church teaching, science, etc.). This problem has also resulted in many Catholics walking around with improperly-formed consciences even though they claim to "personally feel okay" about violating Church teaching in their personal lives. Read more...

The author, Johnnette Benkovic, is a prominent personality in EWTN. I have reason to believe she has the faith and morals of the Church in mind with this article. Let us indeed stay clear of what the Church has condemned.

Gospel Today - Woman, behold your son

When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” John 19:26 NAB

September 15, 2011 - Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

• 1st Reading -- 1 Timothy 4:12-16
• Responsorial -- Psalm 111:7-8, 9, 10
  R. How great are the works of the Lord
• Gospel Today -- John 19:25-27

Irish bishop reiterates apology, offers to meet with abuse victims

Forgiveness is one thing. Penance is another. This is one of the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church. One day we would understand why a few people's misdeeds, compounded by one man's omission, should cause a serious disarray among the faithfuls. Granting forgiveness liberates the soul of the aggrieved. Penance frees the sinner of the burden of his guilt. See http://youtu.be/iv50xrsFNdU

Bishop John Magee
(Photo from The Catholic Sun)

Cian Mollow writes at Catholic Sun: DUBLIN (CNS) -- Six weeks after a government report found that his diocese had failed to implement the Irish hierarchy's child protection guidelines and had covered up allegations of clerical child abuse, retired Bishop John Magee of Cloyne reiterated his apology and offered to meet with the victims.

"I feel there is nothing I can say now which will ease the pain and distress for victims," said Bishop Magee, who served as personal secretary to three popes before being named to Cloyne. "I fully understand why they are angry -- I let them down, by not fully implementing the guidelines which were available to me. I deeply, deeply regret not ensuring that the guidelines, which were my responsibility to implement, were complied with, and I ask for forgiveness for the way in which I have carried out this critically important aspect of my work." Read more...

Gospel Today - Fear seized them all, and they glorified God

The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” Luke 7:15-16 NAB

September 13, 2011 - Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church

• 1st Reading -- 1 Timothy 3:1-13
• Responsorial -- Psalm 101:1b-2ab, 2cd-3ab, 5, 6
  R. I will walk with blameless heart
• Gospel Today -- Luke 7:11-17

Take heed, young Catholic leaders are showing the way

Looking beyond the wisdom of organizing World Youth Day every two years, it is time to zoom in on what's swelling up from the ground. There is an army of youth leaders in parishes and Catholic communities who are showing the rest of their peers the Gospel. For adults who have somehow grown weary, just look at the young and hear the truth of Jesus Christ coming out of their mouths. The article below, news about World Youth Day, and the activities of the youth that I see with my own eyes paint a picture of Jesus who makes all things new. The beautiful sight melts all my hesitations like wax.

Stacy Trasancos with her children
(Photo from Why I'm Catholic)

Stacy Trasancos, Ph.D. writes at patheos: See, while grown-ups like me have been fretting ourselves to misery about how we may be failing to educate youth properly, bemoaning the apocalypse to come as our little children grow up in a scary world, there actually are real leaders and talented young adults out there who simply—tremendously—love the Church. As one of our contributors, Steven Lawson of Why I'm Catholic, wrote, "The truth is young adult Catholics don't need watered down teaching. They don't need laser light shows after communion accompanied by Bon Jovi's 'Living on a Prayer.' Young adult Catholics need peers they can relate to, living the Gospel authentically and sharing the truth, goodness, and beauty they find there." Read more...

Gospel Today - Say the word and let my servant be healed

Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. Luke 7:7 NAB

September 12, 2011 - Monday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary time

• 1st Reading -- 1 Timothy 2:1-8
• Responsorial -- Psalm 28:2, 7, 8-9
  R. Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard my prayer
• Gospel Today -- Luke 7:1-10

Gospel Reflection - Forgive and be forgiven

As his whole body cried out in pain and as nails pierced through His flesh, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." 2,000 years later, the gospel of forgiveness is as foreign to us as it has been.

Tribute In Light - NYC September 11, 2007
by sizeofguam

"Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?" Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” Matthew 18:33-35 NAB

Exactly ten years ago, hateful people crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City. How could you forgive such brazen display of hate?

Someone said that "Not forgiving someone is like drinking poison expecting the other person to die." Well, the fact is, the master mind of 9/11 is very dead. But where are we?

Making Children Pray

My wife and I have both acknowledged the negative side effects of forcing habits on kids. The homeschooling system that we have made ourselves part of teaches parents to show the proper example in every way -- primarily because, in a homeschool, the family comprises the child's dominant source of influence. A few nights ago, our 8-year old son voluntarily joined us in our Rosary, for the second time. It was an absolutely heart-warming affirmation.

Family Praying
(Photo from google)

Simcha Fisher writes at National Catholic Register: As one reader said, "praying was just something my family did. It was expected, but didn't feel more forced than anything else we 'just did.'"

Such an attitude shows both a healthy family life and a healthy faith. The commonplace nature of family religious life is a lesson in itself, one which will stay with children in the best way: We are trying to train our children, for instance, to feel weird if they eat without saying grace. And so our younger kids (starting at about age 4) are explicitly required to say prayers with us, even if they're grumpy or bored. They shouldn't be content with habit as adults, but habit is a good place to start. Read more...

Gospel Today - Forgive, and be forgiven

Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” Matthew 18:34-35 NAB

September 11, 2011 - Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Sirach 27:30-28:7
• Responsorial -- Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
  R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion
• 2nd Reading -- Roman 14:7-9
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 18:21-35

Promoting the New Evangelization in a World Hungry for Gospel Witness

To evangelize is to witness, much like telling people about our excitement about the movie we recently saw. If such excitement does not exist, then we cannot evangelize. Such excitement draws its power from regular encounters with Jesus through daily prayer, fellowship with Catholics in the same path of holiness, sacraments, studies about the faith and the Church, as well as service to fellowmen. While we, Catholics, recognize the Holy Mass as the supreme form of worship, we consecrate ourselves to be fertile grounds for the Word and worthy of the Eucharist by living each day with an active relationship with Jesus Christ.

Fr. Gregory Gresko, OSB

Fr. Gregory Gresko, OSB writes: In confronting the significant moral challenges of our time, our active relationship with Jesus Christ - including our regular encounters with the living Lord sacramentally, especially in the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation - provides a firm foundation for any effort to share our Faith with others. If we do not pursue holiness first in our own lives, why should people around us believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ leads to genuine joy and fulfillment in life? The vocation of Christian life is a calling to authentic relationship with God, Who sanctifies believers as they encounter His holiness and discover His divine love as the only drink to quench their thirsty souls. Read more...

Gospel Today - Every tree is known by its fruit

A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. Luke 6:43-44 NAB

September 10, 2011 - Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- 1 Timothy 1:15-17
• Responsorial -- Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5 and 6-7
  R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever
• Gospel Today -- Luke 6:43-49

Vocations demand generosity of heart

The confession box was an open room, and the priest saw that my son was waiting for me outside the door. Before I started my confession, the priest asked, "If God were to ask him from you, would you let him?" I remember saying, "Yes I will, Father," with a smile. But I also remember what felt like a knife slicing my heart in two as I said those words. Until now, I couldn't explain why I felt that way. But the article by Fr. Christopher Martin, highlighted below, explains it.

Marriage is a vocation too, something not to be taken lightly. It is the vocation that works with God in the beautiful act of Creation. Being a parent, raising a family, leading young people at home and getting out of their way requires a generous heart. Such generosity isn't easy to give. Oftentimes parents feel totally squeezed up. But by the grace of God water flows profusely from rocks in unexpected moments. In such moments, we know that we rejoice about God's presence in our lives.

Father Chris Martin
(Photo from Online Catholic Network)

Fr. Christopher Martin writes at stltoday: At my parish this past weekend I gave a blessing to two seminarians who were returning to their studies as well as to a young religious sister who was about to begin a new assignment for her community. As I saw the three of them standing there, I was moved to reflect not only on the generosity of their own hearts, striving to find God's will in their lives and responding with their whole self, but also at the unseen but very real generosity of their parents hearts. Mothers and fathers often want to see their children live the life that they envision for them. To let go of those visions that they had in mind is a death to self for them as well. But true, authentic joy and happiness can only be found when such things are put to death. For unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Jn. 12:24

So how do we begin to develop and foster a "culture of vocations"? It begins by praying that we may be individuals, families, schools, and churches that have a generous heart of love for God. If we begin there, all else will follow. Read more...

Gospel Today - Remove the wooden beam from your eye first

How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye. Luke 6:42 NAB

September 9, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, priest

• 1st Reading -- 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14
• Responsorial -- Psalm 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 11
  R. You are my inheritance, O Lord
• Gospel Today -- Luke 6:39-42

The state should keep its nose out of the Catholic Church’s confession boxes

After hearing your confession, priests don't go out telling people about what they heard. The profound opposite is true. Priests have a vow to protect the secrecy of your confession with their lives. This is one of the most sacred traditions of the Catholic Church. No ruler on earth can bend it, even if the Catholic Church has to suffer for it, as it already does.

Brendan O'Neill
(Photo from guardian.co.uk)

Brendan O'Neill writes at The Telegraph: it just isn't true that Catholic priests sit back and listen as penitents wax lyrical about their criminal antics. Often, a priest will tell those who confess to criminal activity that absolution depends upon them handing themselves over to the secular authorities. Priests don't simply hear penitents talk about child sexual abuse and then tell them: "Say 10 Our Fathers." Read more...

The Pope Defends Liberal Education

The word education comes from the Latin word e-duco. It is more about drawing out than pouring in [ē- ("from, out of") and dūcō ("I lead, I conduct") ~ see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education]. Thus, the ability to ask questions, to question assumptions and to draw out answers is the ultimate legacy of education in a person. The word of the Pope and the thousands of Catholic educational institutions around the world testify to the Catholic stand on liberal education.

Theresa Civantos of The Weekly Standard writes: The mission of the modern university professor is not merely "forming competent and efficient professionals capable of satisfying the demand for labor," Pope Benedict XVI said in a speech in Madrid on Friday [The pope's speech was part of the World Youth Day]. Instead, professors and students should be "looking for something more lofty and capable of embracing the full measure of what it is to be human."

"We know that when mere utility and pure pragmatism become the principal criteria, much is lost and the results can be tragic: from the abuses associated with a science which acknowledges no limits beyond itself, to the political totalitarianism which easily arises when one eliminates any higher reference than the mere calculus of power. The authentic idea of the University, on the other hand, is precisely what saves us from this reductionist and curtailed vision of humanity." Read more...

Gospel Today - She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 NAB

September 8, 2011 - Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

• 1st Reading -- Micah 5:1-4a
• Responsorial -- Isaiah 13:6ab, 6c
  R. With delight I rejoice in the Lord
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

Gospel Today - Behold, your reward will be great in heaven

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. Luke 6:23 NAB

September 7, 2011 - Wednesday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Colossians 3:1-11
• Responsorial -- Psalm 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab
  R. The Lord is compassionate toward all his works
• Gospel Today -- Luke 6:20-26

Gospel Today - Those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured

Came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured. Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all. Luke 6:18-19 NAB

September 6, 2011 - Tuesday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Colossians 2:6-15
• Responsorial -- Psalm 145:1b-2, 8-9, 10-11
  R. The Lord is compassionate toward all his works
• Gospel Today -- Luke 6:12-19

Gospel Today - Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven

Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. l Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. Matthew 18:18-19 NAB

September 4, 2011 - Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Ezekiel 33:7-9
• Responsorial -- Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
  R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts
• 2nd Reading -- Romans 13:8-10
• Gospel Today -- Matthew 18:15-20

Why the Church Must Humbly Atone for Sins

Perhaps it would take an Irishman to understand the pain that the Irish people are undergoing. News of sexual abuses by members of the clergy in the past decades reverberate in the press today, especially after the stunning speech by the Prime Minister Enda Kenny. It is clear that the leadership of the Church has some explaining to do.

The article written by the Father Brian D'Arcy below points that out. He's a hurting Irishman, a hurting Catholic faithful and a hurting Catholic priest. One day, these wounds would heal, but only in the light of Truth. Let us pray for the victims. Let us pray for Ireland. Let us pray for the Vatican. Let us pray for the Church.

Father Brian D'Arcy
(Photo from google)

Clerics must become less arrogant to rebuild trust

In Ireland, Father Brian D'Arcy writes: It is the Church leaders themselves who have fractured trust. It's not fair to blame survivors, journalists and others who speak the truth.

The blame for the sorry state of our Church today lies directly at the hands of the leadership, as well as the obviously too docile clerical foot soldiers, who by their silence are part of the problem.

Worldwide, Enda Kenny's accusations against the Vatican have been welcomed as both timely, accurate and appropriate. Once again, whatever the truth of the matter is, the Vatican State's reaction has been seen as petty and lacking in humility. Read more...

Amnesia about God?

If publicity was what the authorities of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) was after, they got what they wanted. Such publicity led them however to notoriety, rather than popularity, and they dragged the respectable name of the CCP along with them.

Art works, just like movies, are expressions subject to censure. Clearly, the authorities of the CCP do not see CCP as an institution that upholds what the Filipino people considers an expression of their culture. Instead, these authorities hosted what the Filipino people consider a debasement of our values. Leaving this incident behind, may the country pick up the lesson.

Cultural Center of the Philippines
Theatre for the Performing Arts
(Photo from Wikipedia) 

Ricky Poca of Cebu Daily News writes: Pope Benedict XVI  lamented that people  had “amnesia” about  God. This condition persists even  our country.  The latest manifestations were the artworks  of  images of Jesus Christ with a phallus displayed at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Some artists tried to justify the display as freedom of expression. But freedom of expression is not absolute; it must be tempered with responsibility and consider the sensibilities and beliefs of people. Read more...

Gospel Today - The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath

[How] he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions. Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.” Luke 6:4-5 NAB

September 3, 2011 - Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the church

• 1st Reading -- Colossians 1:21-23
• Responsorial -- Psalm 54:3-4, 6 and 8
  R. God himself is my help.
• Gospel Today -- Luke 6:1-5

Gospel Today - The new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled

And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. Luke 5:36-37 NAB

September 2, 2011 - Friday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time

• 1st Reading -- Colossians 1:15-20
• Responsorial -- Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
  R. Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
• Gospel Today -- Luke 5:33-39