Tag: Year A

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The Self-Corroding Self

man wearing a gas mask

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Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass Readings

First Reading: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16A
Responsorial: Psalm 89:2-3, 16-19
Second Reading: Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Gospel: Matthew 10:37-42

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062820.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

I really enjoy watching the Sherlock Holmes movies with Robert Downey Jr. In A Game of Shadows, Mycroft Holmes says, “He’s all me, me, me, isn’t he?” I think that gets to the heart of the Gospel message today.

Jesus describes some shocking ideas in the Gospel today. He says, “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,” (Matthew 10:31).

What is Jesus getting at?

He’s not telling us that we shouldn’t love our parents, or our families, or our friends. What he is saying is that we humans have a funny ability to put someone or something at the center of our lives – perhaps without even realizing it. Anything we place in the center – it could be family or material successes like wealthy or authority or some other prize – anything we place in the center has the potential of becoming a god to us.

That’s why our Judeo-Christian faith teaches us about the dangers of idolatry. That is also why in our Catholic faith tradition, we must be very careful to remind ourselves and others that an object like a statue is only a reminder – a signpost if you will on our journey to the Kingdom. Even blessed, it is no substitute for Christ. To put it another way, we can use blessed objects like a church, statue, a rosary, a holy medal, to help us worship Jesus, to sing as our Psalmist suggests, “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord,” (Pslam 89:2), but we never worship the object.

Jesus affirms our understanding by reminding us that our purpose is to know, love and serve God – period. But things can get in our way, which is why he uses the painful and humiliating image of the cross. This is not an easy message!

Consider current events – whether it’s about requirements to wear a face mask or violence provoked by the murder of George Floyd. Both of these are filled with examples that help to illustrate the Gospel message.

Let’s take the case of Mr. Floyd. Here was a man who after being arrested by the police, dropped to the ground just before the officers are able to get him into the police vehicle. For reasons we don’t know, as one of the first responding officers struggles to get Mr. Floyd into the back of the police vehicle, Mr. Chauvin goes to the other side of the vehicle and pulls Mr. Floyd out on onto the ground. He then kneels on Mr. Floyd’s neck – a restraint neither sanctioned nor taught by any police department or police academy in the United States. Why did he do it? Let’s set aside the question of race. We can only speculate, but was it arrogance? Did he believe that he knew better than his instructors or his boss or the department? Was some sort of overinflated self-importance the center of his world? If race was a component, isn’t that also about an exaggerated self-worth over others? Look at how self-corroding this can be.

Why is it that protestors in the wake of Mr. Floyd’s murder believe that they have the authority to destroy property, loot businesses and pull down and destroy statues? I think these violent protests are also examples of putting something other than Jesus at the center with disastrous effect.

Why is wearing a mask during this pandemic so controversial? The medical community has repeatedly suggested the importance of wearing a mask of some sort to impede the spread of the virus. Yet, many people who themselves are not healthcare professionals dismiss the advice. Now let’s be clear – a homemade cloth face mask may not prevent you from contracting the virus, that’s true. But it can reduce the number of droplets that come from the face mask wearer. Scientists believe that these droplets are the most effective transmission of the virus. So, even if you’re not showing symptoms, you might be a carrier. Wearing a mask reduces the chances that you will unknowingly spread the virus to someone else.

Why then is the suggestion of wearing a face mask so controversial? Why is that people believe they know better than trained physicians and nurses and other healthcare scientists? Why is wearing a mask considered to be part of some deep state conspiracy? Is it because these naysayers place themselves and not Jesus at the center of their world?

These are extreme examples, but I hope they help distinguish between a Christ-centered life from a self-centered life. Indeed, self-centeredness in any of its forms can create a noxious and self-corroding life.

Perhaps the Gospel message of putting Christ at our center is more difficult than we realize. Indeed, St. Paul in our second reading gives us some keen insight that through our baptism, we “are empowered by the Spirit to accomplish by grace what is beyond the ability of human nature.” <2>

What can happen when we live a Christ-centered life? The story of the Prophet Elisha and the influential couple in our first reading from Second Kings gives us a clue. In this story, the couple help provide for Elisha’s material needs. He is a traveling servant of God. The couple create a space in their home for him to stay whenever he wants – free room and board. This is an act of selflessness and it is also a sacrifice. Surely the room the gave up for Elisha served some other purpose. Also, the passage doesn’t say the couple were wealthy, only that she was influential. So, there had to be a cost to put Elisha up whenever he needed it. The story helps us see that to shift the focus of our lives away from ourselves and toward God bears much fruit. In this case, they who could not have a child were blessed with a baby.

Sometimes we think sacrifice – to carry our cross – is some great and unreasonable burden. But honestly, that idea is based on our lack of theological imagination. Don’t we hear Jesus tell us how much more generous will our Father be? (Matthew 7:11).

Homework! Nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, I encourage you to reflect on the following questions which come to us from the bishops of the United States: <1>

  1. Whoever does not take up this cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. What cross is Jesus asking me to carry this week? Is there someone I can help to carry his or her cross?
  2. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What people and experiences do I find life-giving? How can I lay down my life to serve God and others?
  3. Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. When has Jesus come to me in disguise? How can I be more attentive to opportunities to encounter Christ?

Our homework helps us understand the path of discipleship. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

Image Credit: Unknown. JPEG file.

Notes:
<1> Lectio Divina Of The Gospels, (Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019), 180-181.
<2> Hahn, Scott W. and Curtis Mitch. Romans, Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academics, 2017), 96.

References:
1. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
2. Hahn, Scott W. and Curtis Mitch. Romans. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academics, 2017.
3. Mitch, Curtis and Edward Sri. The Gospel of Matthew. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2010.
4. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Baptism, to die to self, to live for Christ, 537, 628, 790, 1213, 1226-28, 1694
2. Apostles’ mission, 858
3. Baptism – death and resurrection with Christ, 1214, 1220, 1227
4. Baptism – the sacrament of faith, 1226, 1253-54
5. Anointing of the Sick, 1506
6. Grace justifies through faith and baptism, 1987
7. To follow Christ is the first vocation of the Christian, 2232-33

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mass Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/062820.cfm
Lectionary: 97

Reading 1
2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16A
One day Elisha came to Shunem,
where there was a woman of influence, who urged him to dine with her.
Afterward, whenever he passed by, he used to stop there to dine.
So she said to her husband, “I know that Elisha is a holy man of God.
Since he visits us often, let us arrange a little room on the roof
and furnish it for him with a bed, table, chair, and lamp,
so that when he comes to us he can stay there.”
Sometime later Elisha arrived and stayed in the room overnight.

Later Elisha asked, “Can something be done for her?”
His servant Gehazi answered, “Yes!
She has no son, and her husband is getting on in years.”
Elisha said, “Call her.”
When the woman had been called and stood at the door,
Elisha promised, “This time next year
you will be fondling a baby son.”

Responsorial
Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
R. (2a) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
The promises of the LORD I will sing forever,
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, “My kindness is established forever;”
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;
in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.
At your name they rejoice all the day,
and through your justice they are exalted.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
You are the splendor of their strength,
and by your favor our horn is exalted.
For to the LORD belongs our shield,
and the Holy One of Israel, our king.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Reading 2
Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Brothers and sisters:
Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into his death?
We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death,
so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
we too might live in newness of life.

If, then, we have died with Christ,
we believe that we shall also live with him.
We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more;
death no longer has power over him.
As to his death, he died to sin once and for all;
as to his life, he lives for God.
Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as dead to sin
and living for God in Christ Jesus.

Alleluia
1 Peter 2:9
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation;
announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Matthew 10:37-42
Jesus said to his apostles:
“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 his cross
and follow after me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

“Whoever receives you receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet
will receive a prophet’s reward,
and whoever receives a righteous man
because he is a righteous man
will receive a righteous man’s reward.
And whoever gives only a cup of cold water
to one of these little ones to drink
because the little one is a disciple—
amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

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One Bread One Body

A shadow image of person against a sunlit background with the words now you are the body of christ and each one of you is a part of it on the body

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Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ Mass Readings

First Reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14B-16A
Responsorial: Psalm 147: 12-15, 19-20
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Gospel: John 6:51-58

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061420.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Today we celebrate the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist. We have this incredible gift in the Eucharist which we can receive every single day, so, today we pause to focus on the Eucharist. Just like with anniversaries and birthdays, I think it’s important to step back at least once a year and celebrate the gift of the Eucharist lest we take it for granted.

Now it’s very easy to get lost in an interesting theological or philosophical discussion about the Eucharist. But while I think there’s a time and a place for that, our purpose is to try to understand how the Gospel message applies to us here and now – to do as the Second Vatican Council teaches us – to read the signs of the times.

First, what do we know about the Eucharist? It’s wildly important to Christians. The Eucharist is, as the Catechism reminds us, the “source and summit of Christian life,” (CCC, 1324) Why? Because for Catholics as well as some other Christians, the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. How do we know that? Because Jesus tells us so in today’s Gospel passage from John. This passage where Jesus describes eating his flesh and drinking his blood connects to the Last Supper described in the other Gospel accounts.

But if we believe – I mean if we really believe that what we receive in the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus, then it should change you. It should change me. How?

Well, St. Paul gives us a bit of clue in our second reading from First Corinthians. Paul tells us, “The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. (1 Cor 10:16-17).

When we participate in the Eucharist, we become the one body of Christ.

That’s mind-blowing! We become one. But it is also a sobering idea, especially in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in the U.S. Why is it sobering? Because through our faith in Christ Jesus and the precious gift of the Eucharist, we are united through Jesus to the Father forever. We are united with people of color, with Hispanics, with criminals, with illegal aliens, we are all united through Jesus with the Father.

You see, through the Church’s mission of evangelization, and by “church” I mean you and me and all believers, we are called to bring the message of salvation to everyone so that they might have all their hurts and sins reconciled, just like you and just like me. Through Jesus, there is no “black” or “white” or “brown” or English or Spanish or borders or democrats or republicans or gay or straight or whatever it is that separates and divides us. All disciples of Jesus are united as one body in Christ. When I stop to think about that, it makes all the labels I’ve been taught since I was a child seem silly.

Where do we go from here? I don’t know. But what I can tell you is that as a people of faith, we are called to advocate for the common good. We should actively work through our participation in the electoral process to help bring about a just society where the dignity of the human person created in the image and likeness of God is recognized in all humans – recognized and respected. Working through the electoral process doesn’t just mean voting. We should get to know our elected officials. We should write letters, send emails, make phone calls, etc. Advocating for the common good is every believer’s responsibility.

We are a eucharistic people and that has consequences, not only in how I live my life, but also how I relate to those around me and how I participate in civic life. The Eucharist reminds us that black lives matter – that all lives matter – because we are all united into the one body of Christ to the Father. This is not just an idea, but a core aspect of our faith. The horror of George Floyd’s murder and the outrage that has spilled into our streets is a sad reminder that Christians have a lot of work to do.

Homework! Nourished by Christ present in the Word of God and in the Eucharist, I encourage you to reflect on the following questions.

  1. The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. How can I give of myself more freely and more generously? How can I be more responsive to the needs of those who live far from me?
  2. Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. What religious practices strengthen my faith? What religious practices strengthen my resolve to follow God’s will for me?
  3. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. When do I feel closest to God? When do I feel most distant?

I think doing our homework will help us experience true discipleship. Do you get it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

Image Credit: Unknown. JPEG file.

References:
1. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
2. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright IV. The Gospel of John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015.
3. Montague, George T., SM. First Corinthians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011.
4. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. The Holy Eucharist, 790, 1003, 1322-1419
2. The Eucharist and the communion of believers, 805, 950, 2181-2182, 2637, 2845
3. Real presence in the Eucharist, 1088, 1377-81
4. The Eucharist as spiritual food, 1212, 1275, 1436, 2837
5. Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life”, 1324
6. Signs and institution of the Eucharist, 1333-40
7. The Eucharist as sacrificial memorial of Christ’s presence, 1362-78
8. Fruits of Holy Communion, 1391-98
9. The Eucharist makes the Church one body, 1396

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
Mass Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061420.cfm
Lectionary: 167

First Reading
Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14B-16A
Moses said to the people:
“Remember how for forty years now the LORD, your God,
has directed all your journeying in the desert,
so as to test you by affliction
and find out whether or not it was your intention
to keep his commandments.
He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger,
and then fed you with manna,
a food unknown to you and your fathers,
in order to show you that not by bread alone does one live,
but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD.

“Do not forget the LORD, your God,
who brought you out of the land of Egypt,
that place of slavery;
who guided you through the vast and terrible desert
with its saraph serpents and scorpions,
its parched and waterless ground;
who brought forth water for you from the flinty rock
and fed you in the desert with manna,
a food unknown to your fathers.”

Responsorial
Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
R. (12) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Second Reading
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Brothers and sisters:
The cup of blessing that we bless,
is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?
The bread that we break,
is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
Because the loaf of bread is one,
we, though many, are one body,
for we all partake of the one loaf.

Sequence
Lauda Sion

Laud, O Zion, your salvation,
Laud with hymns of exultation,
Christ, your king and shepherd true:

Bring him all the praise you know,
He is more than you bestow.
Never can you reach his due.

Special theme for glad thanksgiving
Is the quick’ning and the living
Bread today before you set:

From his hands of old partaken,
As we know, by faith unshaken,
Where the Twelve at supper met.

Full and clear ring out your chanting,
Joy nor sweetest grace be wanting,
From your heart let praises burst:

For today the feast is holden,
When the institution olden
Of that supper was rehearsed.

Here the new law’s new oblation,
By the new king’s revelation,
Ends the form of ancient rite:

Now the new the old effaces,
Truth away the shadow chases,
Light dispels the gloom of night.

What he did at supper seated,
Christ ordained to be repeated,
His memorial ne’er to cease:

And his rule for guidance taking,
Bread and wine we hallow, making
Thus our sacrifice of peace.

This the truth each Christian learns,
Bread into his flesh he turns,
To his precious blood the wine:

Sight has fail’d, nor thought conceives,
But a dauntless faith believes,
Resting on a pow’r divine.

Here beneath these signs are hidden
Priceless things to sense forbidden;
Signs, not things are all we see:

Blood is poured and flesh is broken,
Yet in either wondrous token
Christ entire we know to be.

Whoso of this food partakes,
Does not rend the Lord nor breaks;
Christ is whole to all that taste:

Thousands are, as one, receivers,
One, as thousands of believers,
Eats of him who cannot waste.

Bad and good the feast are sharing,
Of what divers dooms preparing,
Endless death, or endless life.

Life to these, to those damnation,
See how like participation
Is with unlike issues rife.

When the sacrament is broken,
Doubt not, but believe ‘tis spoken,
That each sever’d outward token
doth the very whole contain.

Nought the precious gift divides,
Breaking but the sign betides
Jesus still the same abides,
still unbroken does remain.

The shorter form of the sequence begins here.

Lo! the angel’s food is given
To the pilgrim who has striven;
see the children’s bread from heaven,
which on dogs may not be spent.

Truth the ancient types fulfilling,
Isaac bound, a victim willing,
Paschal lamb, its lifeblood spilling,
manna to the fathers sent.

Very bread, good shepherd, tend us,
Jesu, of your love befriend us,
You refresh us, you defend us,
Your eternal goodness send us
In the land of life to see.

You who all things can and know,
Who on earth such food bestow,
Grant us with your saints, though lowest,
Where the heav’nly feast you show,
Fellow heirs and guests to be. Amen. Alleluia.

Alleluia
John 6:51
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord;
whoever eats this bread will live forever.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 6:51-58
Jesus said to the Jewish crowds:
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever;
and the bread that I will give
is my flesh for the life of the world.”

The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,
“How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
Jesus said to them,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood,
you do not have life within you.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
has eternal life,
and I will raise him on the last day.
For my flesh is true food,
and my blood is true drink.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him.
Just as the living Father sent me
and I have life because of the Father,
so also the one who feeds on me
will have life because of me.
This is the bread that came down from heaven.
Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,
whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

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Gifts of the Spirit

Photograph of mural of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and Mary

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Pentecost Mass During the Day Readings

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11
Responsorial: Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3B-7, 12-13
Gospel: John 20:19-23

http://cms.usccb.org/bible/readings/053120-day.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy Birthday, church! This great celebration of Pentecost is in fact the birthday of the Church, so be sure to mark this birthday in some special way today. We’ve been hearing in the Scriptures these past several weeks about the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is here already among Christ’s disciples. We received the power of the Holy Spirit at Baptism which is confirmed on us at Confirmation.

The Spirit comes bearing gifts, as we hear in the second reading from First Corinthians. Now, these are no ordinary gifts. These gifts are manifestations of the life of Trinity (Montague, Loc 4664). These gifts are given to all disciples for the good of the entire community, (Montague, Loc 4578). Why? What’s the purpose of these gifts? These gifts help build up the church in faith, hope, and love, (Montague, Loc 4605). All other virtues flow from faith, hope and love.

Now this is so important for us as the world begins to emerge from isolation. You would think things would start returning to normal. But unfortunately, in some places, people bristle at public health suggestions designed to reduce the likelihood of new hot spots. There is really a stunning amount of disagreement. Tempted as we might, we are called as disciples to help – to help other Christians cope and to reach out to others who are confused, scared, feeling alone or agitated and even those who seem to care less how their actions affect those around them. All disciples are sent out into the world!

But what can we do? What are we supposed to do?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, understanding, piety and looking on God with awe and wonder, are available to all disciples – indeed they are given to all disciples. Paul affirms that and tells us we only need ask for them. Jesus also told us this long before his Ascension. Luke’s Gospel records Jesus saying, “If you…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13).

That we have gifts and that gifts are available to us is not in question. How then do we know which gifts we have or which gifts others have? Well, one of the ways we do that is through a prayerful process we call discernment. Now this is something we hear Pope Francis speak about frequently. There are so many excellent resources out there to help us discern, but here’s the reader’s digest version.

First, have courage. Too many people talk about discernment, but few actually do it. Second, prayerfully consider what ever it is you’re trying to discern. Third, recognize that the Spirit may speak to you through others around you. That is to say, your own friends and family speaking through the gift of good counsel may give you insight into your question. Fourth, get more data. Sometimes you may not have enough information to discern, so you need to collect more data. Maybe that means going on retreat – even a virtual retreat. Or maybe it means taking a class or reading a particular book. Whatever it is, it’s very likely that deep down you know what you should do to collect more data. And that leads me to the final step in the process – do something! Take action! You will never know what gifts you have until you actually try to figure it out.

This time of COVID-19 has been an excellent opportunity for some people’s gifts to manifest. Remember, that’s really what these gifts are all about – being put to the service of the community. I’ll give you an example. I can’t tell you how many times I notice on a social media someone who expresses fear. How can we help people like that even if we’re going to continue social distancing for a while because perhaps you are in a highly susceptible category?

Here’s a great example. A friend of mine from the UK who lives in Switzerland started an online rosary which was prayed twice a week while the churches here were closed. There are people on this call from the UK and Switzerland and all those people are from a variety of countries. So, it’s quite an international collection of people. Bringing everyone together to pray the rosary was not only pious worship of God when we couldn’t get to mass, but it brought an incredible sense of peace during a most unsettling time in all of our lives.

You might think to yourself, “hang on…that’s not a big demonstration of spiritual gifts,” and perhaps you’re right. But God isn’t asking most of us to part the Red Sea. We can exercise our gifts in quite ordinary ways, but the impact could be huge. We may never know the impact we have on others – only God knows. But one thing is clear. Using our gifts for the Kingdom in the ordinary moments of our lives is like throwing a small stone in a still pond. The water ripples and moves and we can’t possibly account for how the water will affect everything it comes into contact with – or even how it will affect us as the ripples echo back from the shore.

No exercise of our gifts can be too small! So, my brothers and sisters, have courage! Don’t be afraid to discover and exercise your gifts. You never know how calming your faith and your gifts might be to someone you know.

Homework! Nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, I encourage you to reflect on the following questions.

  1. Peace be with you. How have I experienced Christ’s peace? How can I share this peace with my family, my co-workers, with the world?
  2. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. How did I discern/am I discerning my vocation? How can I support others in their discernment?
  3. Receive the Holy Spirit. What gifts have I received from the Holy Spirit? How can I place these gifts at the service of the community?

I think doing our homework will help us as disciples to go out and serve all those we encounter. One quick announcement before we part company: this Wednesday is the first Wednesday of the month which means another installment of All Things Catholic! As churches slowly begin to reopen, there are people out there wondering why it’s important to go back to church. Why can’t we just watch church on TV and avoid the crowded parking lots? That’s the topic for this Wednesday for All Things Catholic: why do we need to go to church? Alright, do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

Image Credit: Villarreal, Rudy. “Pentecost,” (personal photograph of the descent of the Holy Spirit chapel, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Lourdes, France). 2020. JPEG file.

References:
1. Kurz, William S. Acts of the Apostles. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013.
2. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
3. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright IV. The Gospel of John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015.
4. Montague, George T., SM. First Corinthians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011.
5. Pope Paul VI. Evangelii Nuntiandi. Vatican.va. December 8, 1975. Accessed May 30, 2020, http://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19751208_evangelii-nuntiandi.html.
6. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

Catechism References: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
1. Discerning revelations, 67
2. Apostolic witness on Pentecost, 599, 597, 674, 715
3. The risen Jesus, 614-46
4. Fire as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, 696
5. Pentecost, 696, 726, 731-41, 830, 1076, 1287, 2623
6. The Holy Spirit and the Church, 737-41
7. The Church, communion in the Spirit, 767, 775, 798, 796, 813, 1097, 1108-09
8. Union in the body of Christ, 789-91
9. Discerning +charisms, 801
10. Communion of +charisms, 951
11. The Mystery of Pentecost continues in the Church, 1152, 1226, 1302, 1556
12. Sacrament of Reconciliation, 1461-67,
13. Theological virtues, 1812-13

Pentecost
Mass during the Day: http://cms.usccb.org/bible/readings/053120-day.cfm
Lectionary: 63

Reading 1
Acts 2:1-11
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,
they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky
a noise like a strong driving wind,
and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.
At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd,
but they were confused
because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
They were astounded, and in amazement they asked,
“Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?
Then how does each of us hear them in his native language?
We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites,
inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene,
as well as travelers from Rome,
both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs,
yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues
of the mighty acts of God.”

Responsorial
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
How manifold are your works, O Lord!
the earth is full of your creatures;
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD be glad in his works!
Pleasing to him be my theme;
I will be glad in the LORD.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
If you take away their breath, they perish
and return to their dust.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 21 COR 12:3B-7, 12-13
Brothers and sisters:
No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.

As a body is one though it has many parts,
and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,
so also Christ.

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,
whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons,
and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

Sequence
Veni, Sancte Spiritus
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
And from your celestial home
Shed a ray of light divine!
Come, Father of the poor!
Come, source of all our store!
Come, within our bosoms shine.
You, of comforters the best;
You, the soul’s most welcome guest;
Sweet refreshment here below;
In our labor, rest most sweet;
Grateful coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.
O most blessed Light divine,
Shine within these hearts of yours,
And our inmost being fill!
Where you are not, we have naught,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away:
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
On the faithful, who adore
And confess you, evermore
In your sevenfold gift descend;
Give them virtue’s sure reward;
Give them your salvation, Lord;
Give them joys that never end. Amen.
Alleluia.

Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 20:19-23
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”