The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs

December 28, Christmas Season

Who are the holy innocents?

Every December 28, during the Christmas season, a Eucharistic feast is celebrated in honor of the Holy Innocents. These were the infant boys who were ordered to be slain by King Herod. The gospel passage of the feast is found in Matthew 2:13-18: "When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Rise, take the child [Jesus] and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt...When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi."

A feast to remind us of protecting the unborn

In some areas of the world, modern society has evolved without respect and protection to the life being nurtured in a mother's womb. The feast of the Holy Innocents reminds us how important life is, especially those who are innocent or powerless, like the unborn in a mother's womb. The massacre of the infant boys is a gruesome story of how power can be abused and misused by men like Herod. We do not know the exact number of infant boys massacred by Herod. But according to estimates of bible scholars, if Bethlehem during the time of Jesus had a population of about one thousand people, then the infant boys who are two years and younger may have numbered about twenty. These were the ones killed and murdered, and whom the prophet Jeremiah spoke about:

A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be consoled,
since they were no more.

Patrons of choirboys and martyrs

The Holy Innocents are also honored as patrons of choirboys. They were given the title Martyrs by the early Fathers of the Church like St. Augustine and St. Irenaeus. They bore witness to the Messiah not by words but by their death. These innocent infant boy martyrs triumphed over the world and won their crown without experiencing the evils of the world and the devil.

A parallel to the story of Moses

The story of the Holy Innocents can be found only in the gospel of Matthew. It is not found in the other three gospels. When we look to the Old Testament for a parallel story, perhaps their (the Holy Innocents) story can look backward to the birth of Moses. In the Old Testament story of Moses, when Moses was born, he was hid by his mother and sister in a basket and made to float on a river. They did this because there was a law in ancient Egypt that Jewish boys are to be killed. Pharoah, the king of the Egyptians, had ordered the massacre of all Hebrew boys (cf. Exodus
1:16). Moses however survived, because he was discovered by Pharoah's daughter, who found him floating inside a basket on the river. She decided to adopt the baby Moses and made him to live and grow in the Egyptian royal court.

A feast to remind us to pray also for those innocently killed in war

This feast of the Holy Innocents reminds us also to pray for all those innocently killed in war. In the many wars that human history has recorded, there are recorded statistics of people who have died - millions of civilians and those who are not involved in war, like medical personnel and clerical members of various Christian denominations. They have been victimized by ethnic cleansing, wars from border disputes, and religious wars. There are many killings from wars recorded in the history of human civilization, but one that is still near to the memories of older generations is the holocaust of World War II. Those who have lived during the War (especially the Japanese) know that the destruction of both lives and property with the bomb dropped at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, should not be repeated. It is a direction to extreme destruction and self-destruction. As we enter into the new year, we can intensify our efforts to influence others to prayer in general, and to pray specifically for peace for all. For "a world at prayer, is a world at peace". St. John Paul II intensified these efforts with the World Day of Peace celebrated every January 1.

St. Peter Canisius, priest and Jesuit

St. Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church: 1521-1597 A.D.

Feast day, December 21

Birth, family and education

St. Peter Canisius, whose Dutch name was Petris Kanijs, was born on May 8, 1521, in the city of Nijmegen, Holland. He was the son of a wealthy Dutchman, the nine-times-elected burgomaster of Nijmegen. His mother, Aegidia van Houwenigen, died shortly after his birth. Peter was reared by a step-mother. When Peter was fifteen, he was sent by his father to the University of Cologne to study literature and law, with the objective of making Peter a lawyer. Peter received his master of arts degree from the University of Cologne university when he was only nineteen.

Entering the Jesuit Order

While at the Cologne university, Peter came under the influence of some pious men and decided not to be a lawyer. This spoiled his father's plans who wanted him not only to be a lawyer but to also marry a wealthy young lady. Peter wanted to devote his life to serving God in the Church. In 1543 A.D., while Peter Faber (part of the original companions of St. Ignatius) was preaching in Mainz, Germany, Peter Canisius made St. Ignatius of Loyola's "Spiritual Exercises" under Peter Faber's spiritual direction. As a result, Peter Canisius made the decision to become a Jesuit. He was received into the Society of Jesus on May 8, 1543. Continuing his studies in the University of Cologne, Peter Canisius opened the first Jesuit house in Germany. He was ordained a priest in June of 1546 A.D.

Worked successfully for the revival of Catholicism

Peter Canisius gave his inheritance to the poor and became noted for his preaching. He attended two sessions of the Council of Trent and was sent to teach at the Jesuits' first school at Messina by St. Ignatius of Loyola. In 1549 A.D. he went to Ingolstadt at the request of Duke William IV of Bavaria to combat Protestantism and revive the faith of Catholics. Peter served as rector and then as vice chancellor of the university at Ingolstadt, effected a religious revival among the people. In 1552 A.D., he was sent on a similar mission to Vienna at the request of King Ferdinand.

The Second Apostle of Germany

In 1555 A.D., St. Peter Canisius published the first edition of his Catechism. It was enormously successful, with hundreds of printings in some fifteen languages. He was sent to Prague in 1556 A.D. to help found a new college. While in Prague, he was appointed provincial of a new province of the Jesuits consisting of southern Germany, Bohemia, and Austria. These were parts of the beginnings of a work that would lead Pope Leo XIII to call St. Peter Canisius the Second Apostle of Germany - with St. Boniface being the first. Peter Canisius continued in his mission, teaching and preaching at Augsburg from 1559-1566 A.D., and at Innsbruck and Munich from 1571 to 1577 A.D. He established Jesuit colleges at Munich, Innsbruck, Augsburg, Vienna, Wurzburg, and Dillingen. St. Peter Canisius' influence was felt throughout the German Empire, even in places where he did not appear personally.

A prolific writer-saint and Doctor of the Church

In 1580 A.D., St. Peter Canisius founded a college at Fribourg. His preaching and work made the college a university and kept the Fribourg college Catholic. Even when he suffered a stroke in 1591 A.D., he continued his work by dictating his writing until his death at Fribourg on December 21. Peter Canisius was a prolific writer, editing the works of St. Cyril of Alexandria and St. Leo the Great. He created an edition of St. Jerome's letters, a martyrology, a revision of the breviary, and a Manual of Catholics. It was mainly due to St. Peter Canisius' works that the Counter-Reformation was successful in southern Germany. He was canonized in 1925 A.D. and at the same time declared a Doctor of the Church.

References of this article

• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney
• The Doctors of the Church vol 2, by John F.
  Fink
• A Year With the Saints, by Don Bosco Press,
  Inc.

4th Sunday of Advent (A)

Sunday reflections for liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

December 22, 2013
Liturgical readings

Isaiah 7:10-14
Psalm 24
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-24

"Joseph received Mary into his home as his wife."

Last Gaudete Sunday, the spirit of joy and anticipation filled all Eucharistic celebrations - signaling that Christmas is near. The symbol that represents that joyful anticipation is the third Advent candle, which was lit and colored rose or pink. And that joy was expressed in the gospel: 'the blind see, cripples walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, dead men live again, and the poor receive the Good News. Now, that joy of Gaudete Sunday magnifies as we listen to the readings of this fourth Sunday of Advent. The Lord Jesus, the Word made flesh, will enter our lives and our work again. As we thank God for the blessings of the Season, we are encouraged to love God more, be kind to others (and to ourselves), and to see justly with the eyes of Christ. For He is to come for all humanity.

This 4th Sunday of Advent brings us nearer to the image of the Nativity, as we listen to the story of Mary and Joseph. Joseph wanted to initially to divorce Mary quietly when he found her with child. Joseph was a just and righteous man. But when an angel revealed to him in a dream that Mary's Child would be the Savior of his people, Joseph heeded what the angel of God told him in that dream. He did God's will through the message God sent. Joseph did not pursue his intention to divorce but received Mary into his home. So the word of the prophet Isaiah has been fulfilled: Isaiah 7:14, 'the birth of Immanuel' -meaning 'God-with-us' or 'God-is-with-us' is to be born of Mary and under the guardianship of St. Joseph. The God we believe in is a God who will be with Mary and Joseph, and also with us in our journey as a people.

Never in the history of human civilization has man been privileged to be visited by a God who took human flesh. Although God was incarnated in the Jewish ancestry and culture, He really is meant for all. Whatever the angels revealed to Mary and to Joseph truly changed the direction of human civilization. The "yes" of both Mary and Joseph to God's will has began the process of saving - the saving plan of God that both Mary and Joseph understood through the unfolding events written in the gospel. If you read "Life of Christ" by Bishop Fulton Sheen, he writes that history is full of men who claim to have come from God (Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, Lao-tze, and many others). But only Christ's birth was pre-announced: by the Jewish prophets; Tacitus of ancient Rome; Chinese chroniclers; the Greek Aeschylus; Cicero; Suetonius; and Virgil. Even the gospel attests to this by mentioning the Magi of the East. We have to admit the greatness of Mary's and Joseph's faith and obedience to God's will. It is to their intercession that we also owe our Christian faith and obedience.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
The Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child (Isaiah 7)
He whose heart is clean shall receive a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 24)
Jesus Christ our Lord was descended from David according to the flesh but was made Son of God in power, according to the spirit of holiness (Romans 1)
Joseph, son of David, it is by the Holy Spirit that Mary has conceived this child (Matthew 1)

3rd Sunday of Advent (A)

Sunday reflections for liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)
 
December 15, 2013
Liturgical readings
Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
Psalm 146
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11

"Go back and report to John what you hear and see."

St. John the Baptist and Jesus the Messiah. Both of them prophets. Both were martyred. John prepared the way for Christ. And Christ prepared and continues to prepare the Way for us through the Church.  After John finished his mission to baptize in the river Jordan, he now decreases in stature; and it is Christ's mission which is in the forefront - to build the Kingdom of God by healing and preaching. As Jesus enters the forefront, He commends John the Baptist for his great role in preparing the people Israel in salvation history.  Two great men in their own right. They call us to follow in their footsteps. We too are called to bring others back to God by the witness of our work and life.

Christ began His mission by performing many healing miracles and by preaching the Good News to the poor. He continues the prophetic mission of John the Baptist. The baptisms performed by John and our own baptism in the name of Christ makes us share in the prophetic mission of John and Jesus. How are we to understand our prophetic vocation as Christians?  A prophet is one who speaks in behalf of God to the people. He announces the Good News. And he denounces the evil of his times. nbsp;This was what John the Baptist and Christ did. We know that both their announcement of God's Kingdom and the denouncement of the evil of their times have cost them their life. We may not be called to be martyrs like John and Christ, but we have a responsibility to be the "salt of the earth and the light of the world".

How can we specifically be "salt of the earth and the light of the world"?  Like John the Baptist and Christ, we can witness to what they stood for: Life in all its fullness as a right of all persons, whatever their political stature or socio-economic level. Prophetic witness can be as simple as opting to follow the stance of the Church with regard to the culture of life. This culture of life was emphasized and made clear to everyone in the world during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II.  By simply respecting life in all its stages (from womb to tomb), we stand with Christ and the Church in the mission to value life as sacred, a gift from God, and a responsibility to defend and protect in the very secular contexts of family life, work, and charitable works in the parish or neighborhood.


Verses from this Sunday readings:
Say to those whose hearts are frightened; be strong fear not! (Isaiah 35)
The Lord gives food to the hungry; He sets captives free (Psalm 146)
Steady your hearts because the coming of the Lord is at hand (James 5)
History has not known man born of woman greater than John the Baptizer (Matthew 11)

2nd Sunday of Advent (A)

Reflections for liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)
December 8, 2013  
Liturgical readings
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72
Romans 15:4-9
Matthew 3:1-12

"I baptize you in water. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire."

John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ by baptizing the people Israel in the Jordan river. His message is a message also for our present age: to prepare for Christ's coming into our lives.  John calls us to look deep into our work and life, and to act in a direction of repentance and amendment of life - that God's light may shine upon us. God's light will help us follow the right path, so that guided by His Spirit, we can unlearn bad habits and do what is right in the eyes of both God and man. In Christ Jesus, we will see the essential: God, His love for us and His commandments. This second Sunday of Advent is another opportunity to reflect well on John's message to prepare ourselves well to receive the Lord.

Three centuries after this baptizing of John the Baptist in the Jordan, St. Augustine of Hippo, a bishop and doctor of the Church, wrote in his Advent sermon that John's baptism was meant to prepare God's people for the Savior. That was John the Baptist's baptism. Now, it is Christ's baptism that we are called to celebrate.  Christ's baptism, unlike John's baptism, is a baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire.  In Christ's baptism we receive "a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, and a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord".  In this baptism, we are called to share in the Church's mission to build God's Kingdom in the very circumstances of work and life.

This second Sunday of Advent's message on the theme of baptism helps us reflect on the meaning of our own baptism. The baptism we received gifted us with membership in the community of the Church. As members of the Church, it asks us to fulfill a task and a responsibility: to participate in Christ's mission in this present generation. We are commissioned to make our baptismal consecration bear good fruit in our lives, as well as in the lives of others. This can be done one day at a time, and Advent is the liturgical season that reminds us of this. Advent reroots all our work and life in the context of our initial commitment to Christ. In this rerooting, we can take time to pause and ask ourselves: "What have I done for Christ?" "What am I doing for Christ?" "What can I do for Christ?"


Verses from the Sunday readings:
The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him (Isaiah 11)
For he shall rescue the poor man when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him (Psalm 72)
God the source of all patience and encouragement enables us to live in the spirit of Christ Jesus (Romans 15)
A herald's voice in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.' (Matthew 3)

1st Sunday of Advent (A)

Sunday reflections for liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)    
December 1, 2013
Liturgical readings
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:37-44

"The Son of Man is coming at the time you least expect."

Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical season in the Church. It is a sign that Christmas is near.  It is a time of preparation, and remembering the return of the Son of Man. If the Advent season calls us to prepare, what can the readings this Sunday reveal about preparing? In the reading from the book of Isaiah, the passage wants us to prepare by working for peace: 'to turn our swords into plowshares, and not to train for war again'. In the reading from St. Paul to the letter to the Romans, Paul wants us to prepare by living honorably and not to indulge in vice and excess.  Finally, in the gospel according to Matthew, we are reminded to keep a watchful eye and not to be unconcerned about what is happening.

During Advent we anticipate the remembrance of the Lord's birth in a poor Bethlehem stable, and at the same time His return at the end of the world. It is at this end that He comes to bring justice in splendor and glory.  St. Cyril of Jerusalem, a doctor of the Church in the early history of the Church, depicts well this twin remembrance of birth and second coming in one of his catechetical instructions:

"We do not preach only one coming of Christ, but a second as well, much more glorious than the first.  The first coming was marked by patience; the second will bring the crown of a divine kingdom...At the first coming, He was wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. At His second coming He will be clothed in light as a garment." (St. Cyril of Jerusalem)

Material preparation for Advent may be easy, but the spiritual preparation takes more effort. If we take our spiritual preparation to heart, it can be done in the context of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confession. Preparing ourselves spiritually requires entering into the spirit of the season - through the liturgy and our own prayer. The color purple expresses well this spirit of the season. We can prepare externally, but the ideal is to prepare ourselves also for Christ - in acts of charity to the poor and the needy. We are to prepare our minds, hearts, souls and strength for the coming of the Lord into our work, our lives and our homes.  It is a call we respond to every year. Let us therefore take this wonderful opportunity to prepare: in the responsibilities to our parish, neighborhood, and home.

Verses from the readings:
He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples (Isaiah 2)
To Jerusalem the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord (Psalm 122)
Wake from sleep, for our salvation is closer than when we first accepted the faith (Romans 13)
The coming of the Son of Man will repeat what happened in Noah's time (Matthew 24)

Solemnity of Christ the King (C): Colossians 1:12-20

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Christ the King, November 24, 2013

Liturgical readings
2 Samuel 5:1-3
Psalm 122
Colossians 1:12-20
Luke 23:35-43

"In the Lord, all were created through him, and for him."


Give thanks to the Father
for having made you worthy
to share the lot of the saints


        in light.


He rescued us from the power of darkness
and brought us into
the kingdom of his beloved Son.


Through him we have redemption,
the forgiveness of sins.


He is the image of the invisible God,
the first-born of all creatures.

In him everything in heaven
and on earth was created,


        things visible
        and invisible,


        whether thrones
        or dominations,
        principalities
        or powers;


all were created through him,


        and for him.


He is before all else that is.


In him everything continues in being.


It is he who is head of the body,
        the church;


he who is the beginning,
the first-born from the dead,


so that primacy may be his in everything.


It pleased God to make absolute fullness
reside in him and,


by means of him,


to reconcile everything in his person,


        everything,


I say,


        both on earth
        and in the heavens,



making peace
through the blood of his cross.



Verses from the Sunday readings:
"David shall shepherd his people and shall be commander of Israel." (2 Samuel)
"To Jerusalem the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord." (Psalm 122)
"God has rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into His kingdom." (Colossians)
"Lord, remember us when you enter upon your reign." (Luke 23)

Solemnity of Christ the King (C)

Gospel Text for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Christ the King, November 24, 2013

Liturgical readings
2 Samuel 5:1-3
Psalm 122
Colossians 1:12-20
Luke 23:35-43

"In the Lord, all were created through him, and for him."


Give thanks to the Father
for having made you worthy
to share the lot of the saints


        in light.


He rescued us from the power of darkness
and brought us into
the kingdom of his beloved Son.


Through him we have redemption,
the forgiveness of sins.


He is the image of the invisible God,
the first-born of all creatures.

In him everything in heaven
and on earth was created,


        things visible
        and invisible,


        whether thrones
        or dominations,
        principalities
        or powers;


all were created through him,


        and for him.


He is before all else that is.


In him everything continues in being.


It is he who is head of the body,
        the church;


he who is the beginning,
the first-born from the dead,


so that primacy may be his in everything.


It pleased God to make absolute fullness
reside in him and,


by means of him,


to reconcile everything in his person,


        everything,


I say,


        both on earth
        and in the heavens,



making peace
through the blood of his cross.



Verses from the Sunday readings:
"David shall shepherd his people and shall be commander of Israel." (2 Samuel)
"To Jerusalem the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord." (Psalm 122)
"God has rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us into His kingdom." (Colossians)
"Lord, remember us when you enter upon your reign." (Luke 23)

33rd Sunday of the Year (C): 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Liturgical readings
Malachi 3:19-20
Psalm 98
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Luke 21:5-19

"Paul and his brethren present themselves as an example for us to imitate".


You know how you ought
to imitate us.


We did not live lives
of disorder
when we were among you,


nor depend on anyone for food.


Rather,


we worked day and night,


laboring to the point of exhaustion


so as not to impose
on any of you.


Not that we have no claim
on you,


but that we might
present ourselves
as an example for you to imitate.


Indeed,
when we were with you
we used to lay down
the rule that


anyone who would not work
should not eat.


We hear that some of you
are unruly,


not keeping busy
but acting like busybodies.


We enjoin all such,
and we urge them strongly
in the Lord Jesus Christ


to earn the food that they eat
by working quietly.



Verses from the Sunday readings:
"There will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays." (Malachi 3)
"The Lord will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity." (Psalm 98)
"Paul exhorts his brethren in Christ Jesus to earn the food they eat by working quietly." (2 Thessalonians)
"The Lord says: 'I will give you words and a wisdom which your adversaries cannot contradict.'" (Luke 20)

33rd Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Liturgical readings
Malachi 3:19-20
Psalm 98
2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Luke 21:5-19

The Lord says to us: "By patient endurance, you will save your lives."



Some were speaking
of how the temple was adorned
        with precious stones
        and votive offerings.


Jesus said,


"These things you are contemplating


- the day will come
when not one stone
will be left on another,


but it will all be torn down."


They asked him,


"When will this occur, Teacher?


And what will be the sign
it is going to happen?"


He said,


"Take care not to be misled.


Many will come in my name,


saying,


'I am he'


and


'The time is at hand.'


Do not follow them.


Neither must you be perturbed
when you hear
        of wars
        and insurrections.


These things are bound
to happen first,


but the end
does not follow immediately."


He said to them further:


"Nation will rise against nation
and kingdom against kingdom.


There will be great earthquakes,
        plagues,
        famines in various places


        - and in the sky
        fearful omens
        and great signs.


But before any of this,


they will manhandle and persecute you,


summoning you to synagogues
        and prisons,


bringing you to trial
        before kings
        and governors,


all because of my name.


You will be brought
to give witness
on account of it.


I bid you resolve
not to worry
about your defense beforehand,


for I will give you words


and a wisdom


which none of your adversaries
can take exception to
or contradict.


You will be delivered up
even by your parents,
        brothers,
        relatives
        and friends.


and some of you


will be put to death.


All will hate you
because of me,


yet not a hair
of your head will be harmed.


By patient endurance
you will save your lives.



Verses from the Sunday readings:
"There will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays." (Malachi 3)
"The Lord will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity." (Psalm 98)
"Paul exhorts his brethren in Christ Jesus to earn the food they eat by working quietly." (2 Thessalonians)
"The Lord says: 'I will give you words and a wisdom which your adversaries cannot contradict.'" (Luke 20)

32nd Sunday of the Year (C): 2 Thes 2:16 - 3:5

Sunday Readings for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Liturgical readings
2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
Psalm 17
2 Thessalonians 2:16 - 3:5
Luke 20:27-38


"Not everyone has faith; but the Lord, however, keeps faith."



May our Lord Jesus Christ himself,


may God our Father


who loved us
and in his mercy


gave us eternal consolation


and hope,


console your hearts
and strengthen them


for every good work
and word.


For the rest, brothers,


pray for us


that the word of the Lord
may make progress
and be hailed by many others,


even as it has been by you.


Pray that we may be delivered


from confused
and evil men.


For not everyone
        has faith;


but the Lord,
however,


        keeps faith;


he it is
who will strengthen you
and guard you against
the evil one.


In the Lord
we are confident
that you are doing
and will continue
to do whatever we enjoin.


May the Lord rule your hearts
in the love of God
and the constancy of Christ.



Verses for reflection:
"The king and his attendants marveled at the young man's courage." (2 Maccabees)
"Hide me in the shadow of your wings." (Psalm 17)
"Paul prays: 'May our Lord console your hearts and strengthen them for every good work and word." (2 Thessalonians)
"The Lord says: 'God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.'" (Luke 20)

32nd Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Liturgical readings
2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14
Psalm 17
2 Thessalonians 2:16 - 3:5
Luke 20:27-38

The Lord: the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob.



Some Sadducees came forward


(the ones who claim
there is no resurrection)


to pose this problem
to Jesus:


"Master,
Moses prescribed
that if a man's brother dies
leaving a wife and no child,
the brother should marry the widow
and raise posterity to his brother.


Now there were seven brothers.


The first one married
and died childless.


Next,
the second brother
married the widow,


then the third,


and so on.


All seven died
without leaving her
any children.


Finally
the widow herself died.


At the resurrection,
whose wife will she be?


Remember,
seven married her."


Jesus said to them:


"The children of this age marry
and are given in marriage,


but those judged worthy of a place
in the age to come
and of resurrection from the dead
do not.


They become like angels
and are no longer liable to death.


Sons of the resurrection,
they are sons of God.


Moses in the passage about the bush
showed that the dead rise again
when he called the Lord


        the God of Abraham,
        and the God of Isaac,
        and the God of Jacob.


God is not the God of the dead
but of the living.


All are alive for him."

Verses from the Sunday Readings:
"The king and his attendants marveled at the young man's courage." (2 Maccabees)
"Hide me in the shadow of your wings." (Psalm 17)
"Paul prays: 'May our Lord console your hearts and strengthen them for every good work and word." (2 Thessalonians)
"The Lord says: 'God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.'" (Luke 20)

Reading the Lives of the Saints

Reading the Lives of the Saints

Introduction

The Saints have similar life-patterns in praying, performing penance and conversion experiences in the history of the Church. Though few are gifted with spiritual maturity at a very young age (like St. Catherine of Siena), many began with worldly or sinful lives in their youth. But after a conversion experience they followed a way of life that was virtuous and exemplary - one rooted in the love of Christ and His Church. Their conversion experience was a turning point experience that often is unforgettable, and very memorable because of a personal encounter with God. This experience began their spiritual journey to a greater love of Scriptures, the Sacraments and the members of the Church, especially the sick, the poor, the uneducated, and the homeless.

The study of the lives of the Saints is called hagiography. Two definitions in Microsoft Encarta Dictionary define hagiography as: [1] biography dealing with the lives of saints; and [2] biography that shows undue reverence. In the early centuries of Christianity, it was the monks who studied the lives of the Saints; many of them were hagiographers. But now, in our modern age, there are scholars who make analytical studies of the Saints' lives - using the social sciences, such as depth psychology (as in the study of the life of St. Benedict of Nursia). They also consider socio-historical methods as tools to understand extraordinary spiritual phenomenon, or literary form analysis to study the Saints' mystical writings.

In the stories of the Saints, especially those that have been written traditionally, it must be noted that many of these were written for pious reasons (to engender faith in its readers), thus being judged by modern readers as having no historical basis in fact. That is why we may be surprised if what was written about them were really true - in the scientific sense or context we have been trained to think. But, we have to respect the piety of the historical era in which that Saint lived and did his mission. Also, we are called to respect the same piety by which the writers have recorded the Saints' biographies. In our modern society, where we are already educated with scientific knowledge and technological tools, we are called understand this pious context of the past with an educated faith and reason that gives also space for mystery and the powers of a soul gifted by God. For even in the age of machine learning and artificial intelligence, there is still so much to be known and cannot be known (as ML and AI has not fathomed the entire universe yet, nor the depths of the human soul till the end of time). Science and mystery is a gift God gives to us so that we can balance our way of work and life (giving attention also to the spiritual needs of humanity). Miracles happened in the past. They happen now. And they can still happen in the future. Concrete examples of miracles in the past are the stigmata of St. Pio of Pietrelcina (died 1968) and St. Francis of Assisi. Also to mention are the aerial flights of St. Joseph of Cupertino and bilocations of St. Martin de Porres. And not to mention the many Saints who have been the sources of many healings, exorcisms, and conversions.

But it is not the Saints' miracles that are primary for faith. It is the way they lived the charity and mercy of Christ in their lives. And also the justice of Christ, as in the life of St. Thomas More. The Saints' miracles are only supplementary to the miracle and the mystery of God in His Son Jesus. What we are called to believe is that each Saint exemplified a pattern of prayer, or ministry, which Christ Himself first did - as recorded in the gospels. The Saints applied Christ's way of praying and mission to their particular historical period and culture. Some Saints were given by the Lord with extraordinary spiritual gifts because they are to be instruments of His healing power, miracles and supernatural wonders. Our attention must go beyond the seemingly impossible feat that a saint can do, and look deep within to a God who made that Saint's life-story the "face", the "body", the "hands", the "feet" of Jesus for his or her time, or country (like Mother Teresa of Calcutta). God calls the Saints in order that the Church may grow in faith and charity not only for their particular historical period, but especially after their earthly life when they are elevated to the altar in canonization. They embody "Jesus" for the whole Church, the world and for all time.

Common life patterns among the lives of the saints

Every saint has his or her own unique story, but in reading their life histories, one will discover these common traits:

• 1. a conversion experience where there is a turning away from a former life;
• 2. a period of intense prayer and solitude accompanied often by a withdrawal from the busy world;
• 3. a period of intense apostolic activity that involves great works of charity - with some performing miracles and wonders;
• 4. experiences of persecution and suffering as a result of this apostolic work;
• 5. death by sickness, consumption, exhaustion due to penances or martyrdom

1. Conversion experience

There are inspiring conversion stories that line up our history of Christian heroes. Think of St. Francis of Assisi who went home sick from battle with a fever. After his terrible fever, he suddenly changed his behavior to the Poverello of Assisi. Think also of St. Ignatius of Loyola who was a soldier hit by a cannonball on his right knee. While convalescing in the castle of his family, he was given Thomas a' Kempis "The Imitation of Christ" and a volume of Voraigne's on the life of the saints. From then on, he resolved to turn away from his earthly soldier life to become a soldier of Christ the King. Think also of St. Augustine of Hippo. How he turned away from his pursuit of worldly wisdom and his life of unchastity to a life in Christ - inspired by the leadership of St. Ambrose and the incessant prayers of his mother, St. Monica. Not to forget St. Teresa of Avila who began as a 'worldly' religious before she became a reformer of her Order. Also consider St. Thomas a Beckett who was fond of wine, women and song, before he took seriously his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury. From then on, he lived an austere monastic life and often wore a hairshirt for penance.

2. Prayer, solitude, withdrawal from the busy world

St. Benedict of Nursia is reported to have entered a cave in Subiaco to live a life of solitude and prayer. St. Ignatius of Loyola also entered a cave in Manresa where he discovered the movements of the Spirit and wrote a book for discerning the movements of the spirits in our spiritual life. Then there is St. Anthony Abbot, a.k.a. St. Anthony of the Desert. He entered an empty castle for 20 years and then when he came forth from the castle, people exclaimed how he had not changed a bit in those 20 years. He had such a remarkable calm and equanimity in him that could not be disturbed by the noise around him. After their conversion, many of these Saints continued their life of prayer and founded communities who also valued prayer and work. They formed communities in the desert or on the top of the mountains.

3. Apostolic and missionary activity

After encountering God, withdrawing into solitude, and learning to be in union with Him in prayer and work, the majority of these saints returned to the world with a remarkable zeal and burst of energy to evangelize others. St. Ignatius of Loyola founded the Jesuit Order for the purpose of Catholic education. St. Benedict of Nursia founded the great monasteries of Europe that influenced many to follow his Rule up to now. St. Francis of Paola, the wonder-worker hermit, also founded an association of hermits called Minims. St. Teresa of Avila was a zealous reformer of the Carmelite Order.

4. Experiences of persecution and suffering

As a result of their zealous works, some of these saints had political conflicts with the Church's authorities or with the members of their own religious communities. St. Ignatius of Loyola was put under the Inquisition because what he wrote in his book, The Spiritual Exercises, was new and not yet part of the tradition of the Church. St. Teresa of Avila suffered the rebukes from some Church authorities because she wanted to improve the spirit of her Order, making it stricter. Other saints suffered in different ways. St. Alphonsus Liguouri was expelled as the superior general of the congregation he himself founded! St. John of the Cross was imprisoned by his own community of brothers! These stories attest to the fact that as they chose Christ, they also shared in the Cross of Christ in their lives.

5. Death

We do not have to go into the many details of how some of the saints have died a martyr's death. The martyrology of the Church gives witness to the gift of courage and fortitude that many of these saints have shown. Although martyrdom is the best witness to Christ, the majority of the saints simply suffered by patiently enduring whatever opposition or sickness they received from preaching the gospel. The deaths of many these saints were remarkable. Those who were martyred were figures of great Christian courage. People rushed to grab the bones of these early Christian martyrs because they believed that those relics have the power of God in them to heal and to grant intercession.

Summary

The common life pattern we see in the lives of the saints is due to the truth that they have followed faithfully the life and mission of Jesus. We are called to respect and revere them because they help us to see what was important in Christian evangelization during the era in which they lived. They truly applied the life and mission of the Lord in the time and culture they were called to evangelize. As we read more into the lives and biographies of these Saints we will discover how each one particularly emphasized a charism of Jesus that is needed for their specific generation, for the historical period and culture in which they were called to embody the values of the gospel.

St. Martin de Porres (feast November 3) and Other Missionary-Saints to the Americas

Introduction

This blog post features five missionary saints to the New World: St. Martin de Porres and St. Turibius de Mogrovejo in Lima, Peru; St. Peter Claver in Colombia; St. Marguerite Bourgeoys in Montreal, Canada; and St. John Neumann in the United States of America.

St. Martin de Porres

Canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1962, St. Martin de Porres was a humble black Dominican lay brother born in Lima, Peru, on November 9, 1579. He was the illegitimate son of John de Porres, a Spanish knight, and Anna Velasquez, a freed black slave from Panama.

At fifteen years of age, Martin became a Dominican tertiary, and then nine years later, he took the vows of a Dominican lay brother at the Convent of the Rosary. After his vows, Martin embarked on an incredible mission of charity to the poor in Lima, Peru. Thousands thronged to him for spiritual counseling and prayer. Miracles, visions, and penitential practices were attributed to him. He is reputed to have been gifted with many supernatural gifts: bilocation and aerial flights. Stories also abound that he was so kind even to rats. When Martin de Porres died at Rosary Convent on November 3, 1639, the people already acclaimed him a saint. His formal canonization, however, took place centuries later. He is known as the patron saint of interracial justice.

St. Turibius of Mogrovejo

St. Turibius was the first archbishop of Lima, Peru. Born at Mayorga in Spain, he died in Peru on March 23, 1605, and was canonized in 1726. Turibius was a lay professor of law at the University of Salamanca. It was quite unusual at the time that he was appointed first a principal judge of the Court of the Inquisition at Granada, and then named archbishop of Lima. Despite his objections, and the fact that he was a layman, he was ordained and consecrated, and sent to Peru in 1581.


St. Turibius was also called the "Bishop on Horseback". It is estimated that he baptized five hundred thousand and confirmed eight hundred thousand people. His twenty-five years as archbishop were full of many accomplishments: numerous churches built, religious houses founded, schools, hospitals, and roads built during his administration. In 1591, he also founded the first seminary in the New World.


After many years of unremitting missionary work, St. Turibius fell ill at Pacasmayo. When he knew he would soon die, he wrote his will, gave his personal belongings to his servants, and the rest of his property he distributed to the poor. He died at the age of sixty-eight.

St. Peter Claver, SJ

Peter Claver was born at Verdu in Catalonia, Spain, in 1580. After studying in Barcelona, he took his vows as a Jesuit in 1600 at Tarragona. After being sent to the Jesuit College in Parma at Majorca, he began to doubt his vocation. However, the saintly old hall-porter of the College, St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, gave him wise counsel and helped him overcome his nervousness at being a priest. St. Alphonsus spoke to him of the need for missionaries in the New World.


In 1610, St. Peter Claver was sent to Cartagena, a seaport in what is now Colombia. Ordained a priest in 1616, he began a thirty-three year heroic career of caring for the spiritual life of the black slaves. These slaves suffered incredible cruelties and indignation from the profitable slave trade that exploited them. But Peter Claver would distract those who exploited them, made them stand back, as he bustled among the slaves with fruit, bandages, medicine, and brandy. He would do this for many years: waiting for the slave-ships to come into port, attend to the needs of the slaves, baptize the dying, and wash and feed the sick.


By 1650, St. Peter Claver had become old. There was a plague that ravaged Havana and the nearby areas. Peter and the other Jesuits helped many who were struck down. Unfortunately, Peter also caught the disease. Though he recovered, he was weakened by the effects of the illness. After four years of physical deterioriation, Peter Claver died on September 8, 1654, the feast of Mary's birth, in Cartagena. He was canonized in 1888 and named the official patron of those who bring the Gospel to the black race.

St. Marguerite Bourgeoys

St. Marguerite Bourgeoys was canonized in October 31, 1982 by Pope John Paul II. She was the foundress of the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal. Born in 1620 in the Champagne district of France, Marguerite was first a member of a congregation of women who taught poor children in Troyes. However, one day, at a direct invitation of the governor, she migrated to Montreal, Canada on June 20, 1653. After arriving in Montreal, she founded a few houses and a fort to guard the colonists against the Iroquois Indians. Her work led to the establishment of a school system that eventually extended to the whole country. She also organized a group of women who taught in the colony and formed it into the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1653.


There is a story that tells how St. Marguerite passed away. On the night of December 31, 1699, the sisters of her congregation were called to pray at the deathbed of a young mistress of novices. Marguerite was said to have uttered a prayer: "Lord, why not take me instead of this poor sister who can still do great things for you?" That night, St. Marguerite became critically ill with a high fever. Twelve days later, she died. The young mistress of novices, who was on the verge of death, however survived.

St. John Neumann

St. John Neumann was born in Bohemia, the Czech Republic, in 1811. He earnestly desired to dedicate himself to the missions in America, and so was sent to the United States while still a seminarian. It was in New York in the year 1836 where he was ordained a priest. He worked for four years among the German immigrants in the area near Buffalo. In 1840, he entered the Redemptorist Congregation and became a travelling preacher. He was also appointed Bishop of Philadelphia - establishing new seminaries, churches, and schools. Each year, he visited the parishes and mission stations of his diocese, expressing well his pastoral concern for the spiritual welfare of his people.


St. John Neumann is the first North American male saint. He ministered to the sick, was kind to the poor, became a friend to sinners, and known to symbolize well the love for the poor mentioned in the Beatitudes. At first, after examining his candidacy for sainthood, his cause was put on hold in 1912. Many doubted his "heroic virtue": he was "too ordinary" to be a saint. But in 1921 Pope Benedict XV and a board of cardinals listened again to the pleas for his elevation to sainthood. And a story tells that before this meeting of the pope and the cardinals, the main opponent to Neumann's candidacy to sainthood collapsed and died in a barber's chair.


This case of St. John Neumann set a precedent for the future judgment of possible saints. Pope Benedict XV said: "Even the most simple works, performed with constant perfection in the midst of inevitable difficulties, spell heroism in any servant of God."

31st Sunday of the Year (C): Wisdom 11:22 - 12:1

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Liturgical readings
Wisdom 11:22 - 12:1
Psalm 145
2 Thessalonians 1:11 - 2:2
Luke 19:1-10

"The Lord spares all things, because they are His."



Before the Lord
the whole universe
is as a grain from a balance


or a drop of morning dew
come down upon the earth.


But you have mercy on all,
because you can do all things;


and you overlook the sins of men
that they may repent.


For you love all things that are
and loathe nothing
that you have made;


for what you hated,
you would not have fashioned.


And how could a thing remain,
unless you willed it;


or be preserved
had it not been called forth by you?


But you spare all things,
because they are yours,
O Lord and lover of souls,


for your imperishable spirit
is in all things!



Verses from the Sunday readings:
"The Lord overlooks the sins of men that they may repent." (Wisdom 11)
"The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness." (Psalm 145)
"Paul exhorts his brethren not to be easily agitated or terrified by a rumor that the day of the Lord is here." (2 Thessalonians)
"Salvation has come to Zacchaeus' house for the he had done what it means to be a son of Abraham." (Luke 19)

31st Sunday of the Year (C): 2 Thessalonians 1:11 - 2:2

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Liturgical readings
Wisdom 11:22 - 12:1
Psalm 145
2 Thessalonians 1:11 - 2:2
Luke 19:1-10

"Paul prays that the Lord God may fulfill by his power every honest intention and work of faith."


We pray for you always
that our God may make you
        worthy of his call,


and fulfill by his power
every honest intention
and work of faith.


In this way
the name of our Lord Jesus
may be glorified in you
and you in him,


in accord
with the gracious gift


of our God
and of the Lord Jesus Christ


and our being gathered
to him,


we beg you,


brothers,


not to be so easily agitated


or terrified,


whether by an oracular utterance


or rumor


or a letter
alleged to be ours,


into believing
that the day of the Lord is here.



Verses from the Sunday readings:
"The Lord overlooks the sins of men that they may repent." (Wisdom 11)
"The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness." (Psalm 145)
"Paul exhorts his brethren not to be easily agitated or terrified by a rumor that the day of the Lord is here." (2 Thessalonians)
"Salvation has come to Zacchaeus' house for the he had done what it means to be a son of Abraham." (Luke 19)

31st Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Liturgical readings
Wisdom 11:22 - 12:1
Psalm 145
2 Thessalonians 1:11 - 2:2
Luke 19:1-10

"Zacchaeus descended from the tree and welcomed the Lord to his house."



Jesus
upon entering Jericho,


passed through the city.


There was a man there
        named Zacchaeus,


        the chief tax collector

        and a wealthy man.


        He was trying to see
        what Jesus was like,


        but being small of stature,
        was unable to do so
        because of the crowd.


        He first ran on in front,
        then climbed a sycamore tree
        which was along Jesus' route,
        in order to see him.


When Jesus
came to the spot


he looked up and said,


"Zacchaeus,


hurry down.


I mean to stay
at your house today."


        He quickly descended,
        and welcomed him with delight.


When this was observed,
everyone began to murmur,


"He has gone
to a sinner's house
as a guest."


        Zacchaeus stood his ground
        and said to the Lord:


        "I give half my belongings, Lord,
        to the poor.


        If I have defrauded anyone
        in the least,
        I pay him back fourfold."


Jesus said to him:


"Today
salvation has come to this house,


for this is what it means
to be a son of Abraham.


The Son of Man has come
to search out
and save what was lost."


Verses from the Sunday readings:
"The Lord overlooks the sins of men that they may repent." (Wisdom 11)
"The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness." (Psalm 145)
"Paul exhorts his brethren not to be easily agitated or terrified by a rumor that the day of the Lord is here." (2 Thessalonians)
"Salvation has come to Zacchaeus' house for the he had done what it means to be a son of Abraham." (Luke 19)

30th Sunday of the Year (C): Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14, 16-18

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Liturgical readings
Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm 34
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14

"The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds."


The Lord is a God of justice.


who knows no favorites.


Though not unduly partial toward the weak,


yet he hears
the cry of the oppressed.


He is not deaf
        to the wail of the orphan,


        nor to the widow
        when she pours out her complaint.


He who serves God willingly


is heard;


his petition reaches the heavens.


The prayer of the lowly
pierces the clouds;


it does not rest
till it reaches the goal,


Nor will it withdraw
till the Most High
        responds,
        judges justly
        and affirms the right.


Verses from the Sunday readings:
"He who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens." (Ecclesiasticus 35)
"From all distress the Lord rescues the just." (Psalm 34)
"Paul fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith." (2 Timothy)
"O God, be merciful to me, a sinner." (Luke 18)

Reform in Benedictine Spirituality: Cluny and the Cistercians

The spirit of reform

It was a spirit of reform that inspired the monastic revival at the Benedictine monastery at Cluny, France. We will see that this spirit of reform continued even among the members of Cluny as it grew into a very influential force in Europe. After the abbacy of its fifth abbot, St. Odilo, St. Hugh succeeded him. He expanded Cluny even more throughout the rest of Europe. But maybe because of Cluny's connections with the secular world, a number of monks in Cluny wanted to follow a stricter observance of Benedictine poverty.

St. Hugh, sixth abbot of Cluny

St. Hugh was only fifteen when he entered Cluny. At 20 years he was ordained, was made prior shortly after, and then at 25, succeeded St. Odilo as abbot of Cluny. It was at this time that all monasteries of Europe were under the central authority of the motherhouse at Cluny. St. Hugh had a lot of involvement in the politics of Europe at the time - both in the secular matters and in the Church. He was able to continue his close relations with the Holy See when Hildebrand, a monk at Cluny, was elected Pope, and came to be known as Pope Gregory VII. Because he was abbot of Cluny for sixty years, St. Hugh served nine Popes, was adviser of Emperors, Kings, bishops, and religious superiors. St. Hugh died at Cluny in 1109 A.D. and was canonized by Pope Callistus III in 1120 A.D.

The Cistercians

The Cistercians started as a group of monks who wanted more spiritual fervor in Cluny (since Cluny became more involved in the politics of Europe). So St. Robert, the abbot of Molesmes, received the inspiration to lead this group of monks that was in favor of renewed fervor in the Benedictine monastic spirit. Together with Prior St. Alberic, Subprior St. Stephen Harding, and four other monks, they obtained permission from Archbishop Hugh of Lyons, to leave Molesmes and renew the spiritual fervor of poverty in their group. They were able to gather other monks until they founded the community at Citeaux in 1098 A.D. It was only under the leadership of St. Stephen Harding when the Cistercian Order at Citeaux was fully founded and established.

Blessed Peter the Venerable

Peter the Venerable was from a noble Auvergne family. He was educated at Sauxillanges, one of the monasteries under the central authority of Cluny. He was 20 years old when he was elected and made prior of Vézeley. At 30, he was elected abbot of Cluny in 1122 A.D. In 1125 A.D., he was faced with an armed force, when Pontius, who took over Cluny while Peter was away, wanted to seize control of Cluny from him. Both Peter and Pontius were summoned to Rome where Pope Honorius II reprimanded Pontius and restored Cluny's leadership to Peter the Venerable. Peter led Cluny for 34 years. He died at Cluny on December 25, 1156 A.D. and is venerated in the diocese of Arras on December 29.

Conclusion

This study reveals that the spirit of reform in Benedictinism did not end with the great abbots of Cluny. It continued on, and produced the Cistercian Order. The Cistercians however acknowledge their spiritual roots in Cluny. Both Benedictines and Cistercians share in the celebration of Cluny's five abbots - Sts. Odo, Majolus, Odilo, Hugh and Blessed Peter the Venerable on May 11. Pope Benedict XVI mentioned Peter the Venerable in one of his addresses from the Vatican. Peter the Venerable's contribution to the revival of Benedictinism was his addition of studies to the traditional elements of prayer and manual labor ("ora et labora").

Sources of these blog posts

• A History of the Church, by Franzen and Dolan
• A Concise History of the Catholic Church, by Thomas
  Bokenkotter
• Lives of the Saints, by Richard P. McBrien
• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney

30th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Liturgical readings
Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm 34
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14

The Lord humbles the exalted and exalts the humble.



Jesus spoke this parable


addressed to those who believed
in their own self-righteousness
while holding everyone else
in contempt:


"Two men
went up to the temple


to pray;


one was a Pharisee,


the other a tax collector.


The Pharisee
        with head unbowed
        prayed in this fashion:


'I give you thanks,
O God,
that I am not like
the rest of men


        - grasping,
        crooked,
        adulterous


        - or even
        like this tax collector.


I fast twice a week.
I pay tithes on all I possess.'


The other man,
however,


kept his distance,


not even daring
to raise his eyes to heaven.


All he did
was beat his breast
and say,


        'O God,
        be merciful to me,
        a sinner.'


Believe me,
this man went home
from the temple justified


but the other
did not.


For everyone
who exalts himself
shall be humbled


        while he
        who humbles himself
        shall be exalted."


Scripture verses from the Sunday readings:
"He who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens." (Ecclesiasticus 35)
"From all distress the Lord rescues the just." (Psalm 34)
"Paul fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith." (2 Timothy)
"O God, be merciful to me, a sinner." (Luke 18)

St. Majolus, St. Odilo, and St. Hugh: Benedictine Abbots of Cluny

Overwhelming influence of the Benedictine tradition

In the history of the Church, the monastic movement at Cluny owed its brilliant rise and overwhelming influence to both its dynamism and its internal stability. Free from the control of secular magnates, their monastic life was able to develop depth. The monks were much known in the Western community for their emphasis on prayer. Common prayers with other monasteries and concern for all of Christianity contributed to their overwhelming influence. This concern for all Christians gave the monks of Cluny a certain openness towards the world. They pursued scientific studies, were interested in political developments, and maintained contacts with emperors and kings. St. Majolus, the fourth abbot of Cluny was highly esteemed by Otto I.

St. Majolus

Also known as Mayeul, Majolus was born at Avignon, France. Because of the marauding Saracens, he fled to his relatives at Mâcon, Burgundy. He studied under abbot Antony of L'Isle Barbe, then was named archdeacon upon returning to Mâcon. Later on he was named bishop of Besançon. He did not want this post, so he went to Cluny to be one of its monks. In 965 A.D., he was elected Cluny's fourth abbot. The monasteries of Germany were entrusted to him by Emperor Otto I. St. Majolus was noted for his scholarship and was held in great esteem by other rulers of the time. He appointed St. Odilo as his coadjutor in 991 A.D. and devoted himself to prayer and penance. He died on May 11.

St. Odilo

St. Odilo succeeded St. Majolus, and under his leadership, Cluny became the most important abbey in Western Europe. It was he who instituted the feast of All Souls (November 2). He practiced great austerities and sold much of Cluny's treasures to feed the poor during a famine in 1006 A.D. He increased the number of abbeys under Cluny, and together with Abbot Richard of Saint-Vanne was responsible for the rule guaranteeing sanctuary to those seeking refuge in a church. St. Odilo led Cluny for more than fifty years. During the last five years of his life, he became ill and passed away on January 1, 1048 A.D.

A stricter observance

The next abbot to succeed Odilo was Hugh. We will learn that under St. Hugh's abbacy, the prestige of Cluny reached its highest point, as new houses were opened all over Europe. Because of this, the Cluny monks acquired extensive tracts of land. Towards the end of St. Hugh's abbacy, a more fervent idealism arose within some monks of the order (those who wanted to follow a stricter observance of poverty). This group moved out of Cluny and went to Citeaux. This marked the beginning of a new monastic order, the Cistercians. Their third abbot, St. Stephen Harding drew up the rule for the Order. St. Stephen combined his exceptional gifts of administration with his passionate love of poverty.

Sources of these blog posts

• A History of the Church, by Franzen and Dolan
• A Concise History of the Catholic Church, by Thomas
  Bokenkotter
• Lives of the Saints, by Richard P. McBrien
• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney

A Deeper Prayer Tradition from the Monastic Movement in Europe

A Deeper Life of Prayer and Work

Becoming too active in work and life can make us miss the balance that is needed to obtain both health of body and soul. This is where the practice of meditation and contemplation can help restore that balance. Meditation is simply reading the Scriptures. The Sunday or weekday readings are the best as you can also integrate the homilies given by the priest-presiders at the Mass. After meditation, all that is needed is to stay before an image you are devoted to: the Sacred Heart, our Mother of Perpetual Help, or the best - the Blessed Sacrament in the parish. Meditation and contemplation can restore that balance we need from the activities that involve us in the world. It will help us see "through Heaven's eyes", and ground our souls back in God. If one has opportunity to read the lives of Benedictine saints and their writings, these can also help in understanding how to meditate and contemplate. Foremost among these Benedictines are the abbots of the Benedictine Monastery at Cluny.

The Great Abbots of the Monastery of Cluny

Monasticism began in the early centuries of the Church. These monasteries championed a way of life based on prayer - especially meditation and contemplation. But as with all things that exist in the world, sometimes secular influences can dilute, so to speak, the purity of the monastic spirituality. So, everytime this happens in monasticism there is always a return to the original spirit of St. Benedict. When many monasteries in Europe began to lose their autonomy and started to be controlled by powerful secular leaders, certain leaders, both secular and religious usually come to the forefront to restore the purity of the monastic spirit. One of these leaders was Duke William of Aquitaine. William of Aquitaine founded a monastery at Cluny, France. This monastery became the beginning of the reform movement in monasticism. Through Cluny and its spiritual influence, monasteries regained their autonomy and independence from influential secular rulers. Cluny's spirit of reform was led by seven great saintly abbots who also acted as peacemakers and negotiators in the politics of Europe at the time. The first three of these saintly abbots were St. Berno, St. Odo and St. Aymard.

Sts. Berno, Odo and Aymard, Benedictine Abbots of Cluny

St. Berno

After Duke William of Aquitaine founded the monastery of Cluny in ca. 908-910 A.D., he chose St. Berno to be its first abbot. St. Berno came from a wealthy family. Born in Burgundy, he joined the Benedictines at Martin's, Autun, and then became abbot of Baume-les-Messiers. He reformed Baume-les-Messiers and then founded a monastery at Gigny. As Duke William established St. Berno as Cluny's first abbot, Berno led the monastery well from ca. 909-927 A.D.

St. Odo

St. Odo was known as a reformer and was widely respected throughout Europe. He succeeded St. Berno as the second abbot of Cluny. Born near Le Mans, France, he was raised in the household of Duke William of Aquitaine. He received his tonsure at age 19, a canonry at St. Martin's at Tours, and then spent several years studying in Paris. St. Odo was a monk under St. Berno at Baume-les-Messiers. When St. Berno was transferred to Cluny, St. Odo was named director of the Baume MOnastery school. Odo eventually became abbot of Baume in 924 A.D. When St. Berno passed away, St. Odo succeeded him at Cluny. He continued St. Berno's work of reformation and was also authorized by Pope John XI to reform the monasteries of northern France and Italy. St. Odo was a peacemaker and negotiator in the politics of his time. After successfully persuading secular rulers to let monasteries be independent, he died at Tours on November 18, 942. St. Odo had written hymns, treatises, and a biographical sketch on the life of St. Gerard of Aurillac - a count who built a church and abbey at Aurillac.

St. Aymard

St. Aymard succeeded St. Odo and became the third abbot of Cluny. He worked to continue St. Odo's reforms. In 954 A.D., St. Aymard became blind and took Majolus as his coadjutor. St. Aymard eventually resigned because of his blindness and spent the last years of his life in Cluny until his death in October 5, 965 A.D.

Sources of this blog posts

• A History of the Church, by Franzen and Dolan
• A Concise History of the Catholic Church, by Thomas
  Bokenkotter
• Lives of the Saints, by Richard P. McBrien
• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney

29th Sunday of the Year (C): 2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:12

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Liturgical readings
Exodus 17:8-13
Psalm 121
2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:12
Luke 18:1-8

"Sacred Scripture, the source of wisdom"


You must remain faithful
to what you have learned
        and believed
because you know
who your teachers were.


Likewise,
from your infancy
you have known the Sacred Scriptures,


        the source of wisdom
        which through faith in Jesus Christ
        leads to salvation.


All Scripture is inspired of God


and


is useful for teaching
        - for reproof,
        correction,
        and training in holiness


so that the man of God
may be fully competent
and equipped for every good work


In the presence of God
and of Christ Jesus,


who is coming to judge
the living and the dead,


and by his appearing
and his kingly power,


I charge you to preach the word,


to stay with this task


whether convenient
or inconvenient


- correcting,
reproving,
appealing


- constantly teaching
and never losing patience.




Scripture verses for reflection:
"The Lord is your guardian...he is beside you at your right hand." (Psalm 121)
"Timothy must remain faithful to what he has learned and believed." (2 Timothy)
"All Scripture is useful for correction and training in holiness." (2 Timothy)

29th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Liturgical readings
Exodus 17:8-13
Psalm 121
2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:12
Luke 18:1-8

"On the necessity of praying always and not losing heart."



Jesus told his disciples a parable
on the necessity of praying always
and not losing heart:


"Once
there was a judge
in a certain city
who respected neither God
        nor man.


A widow
in that city
kept coming to him
saying,


'Give me my rights
against my opponent.'


For a time
he refused,
but finally he thought,


'I care little
for God or man,
but this widow
is wearing me down.


I am going to settle
in her favor
or she will end
by doing me violence.'"


The Lord said,


"Listen
to what the corrupt judge
has to say.


Will not God
then do justice
to his chosen
who call out to him
day and night?


Will he delay long over them,
do you suppose?


I tell you,


he will give them
swift justice.


But when the Son of Man comes,


will he find
any faith on the earth?"

Scripture verses from the readings:
"The Lord is your guardian...he is beside you at your right hand." (Psalm 121)
"Timothy must remain faithful to what he has learned and believed." (2 Timothy)
"All Scripture is useful for correction and training in holiness." (2 Timothy)

28th Sunday of the Year (C): 2 Timothy 2:8-13

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Liturgical readings
2 Kings 5:14-17
Psalm 98
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Luke 17:11-19

If we have died with Christ, we shall also live with him.


Remember that Jesus Christ,
a descendant of David,
was raised from the dead.


This is the gospel I preach;
in preaching it
I suffer as a criminal,


even to the point
of being thrown into chains


- but there is no chaining
the word of God!


Therefore
I bear with all of this
for the sake of those
whom God has chosen,


in order that they may obtain
the salvation to be found
in Christ Jesus
and with it eternal glory.


You can depend on this:


If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;


If we hold out to the end
we shall also reign with him.


But if we deny him
he will deny us.


If we are unfaithful
he will still remain faithful,


for he cannot deny himself.



Scripture verses from the readings:
"Naaman's flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy." (2 Kings 5)
"He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel." (Psalm 98)
"If we hold out to the end we shall also reign with him." (2 Timothy 2)

28th Sunday of the Year (C): 2 Kings 5:14-17

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Liturgical readings
2 Kings 5:14-17
Psalm 98
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Luke 17:11-19

The Samaritan came back praising God in a loud voice.



On his journey to Jerusalem
Jesus passed along the borders
of Samaria and Galilee.


As he was entering a village,
ten lepers met him.


Keeping their distance,
they raised their voices


and said,


"Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"


When he saw them,
he responded,


"Go and show yourselves to the priests."


On their way there
they were cured.


One of them,
realizing that he had been cured,
came back praising God in a loud voice.


He threw himself on his face
at the feet of Jesus
and spoke his praises.


This man was a Samaritan.


Jesus took the occasion to say,


"Were not all ten made whole?
Where are the other nine?
Was there no one to return and give thanks to God
except this foreigner?"


He said to the man,


"Stand up
and go your way;
your faith has been your salvation."

Scripture verses from the readings:
"Naaman's flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy." (2 Kings 5)
"He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel." (Psalm 98)
"If we hold out to the end we shall also reign with him." (2 Timothy 2)

27th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Liturgical readings
Hebrews 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Psalm 95
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10

"We have done no more than our duty."



The apostles said to the Lord,


"Increase our faith."


and he answered:


"If you had faith
the size of a mustard seed,
you could say to this sycamore,


'Be uprooted
and
transplanted into the sea,'


and it would obey you.


"If one of you had a servant
plowing or herding sheep
and he came in from the fields,
would you say to him,


'Come and sit down at table'?


Would you not rather say,
'Prepare my supper.
Put on your apron
and wait on me
while I eat and drink.
You can eat and drink afterward'?


Would he be grateful
to the servant who was only
carrying out his orders?


It is quite the same
with you who hear me.


When you have done
all you have been commanded to do,
say,
'We are useless servants.
We have done no more
than our duty.'"

Scripture verses from the readings:
"Let us kneel before the Lord who made us...for he is our God." (Psalm 95)
"With the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails." (2 Timothy)
"The just man, because of his faith, shall live." (Hebrews 1)

27th Sunday of the Year (C): Hebrews 1:2-3, 2:2-4

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Liturgical readings
Hebrews 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Psalm 95
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10

"The vision still has its time and will not disappoint...wait for it."



How long, O Lord?


I cry for help
but you do not listen!


I cry out to you,
"Violence!"
but you do not intervene.


Why do you let me see ruin;
why must I look at misery?


Destruction and violence
are before me;
there is strife,
and clamorous discord.


Then the Lord answered me
and said:


Write down the vision
clearly upon the tablets,
so that one can read it readily,


For the vision still has its time,
presses on to fulfillment,
and will not disappoint;


If it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come,
it will not be late.


The rash man has not integrity;
but the just man,
because of his faith,
shall live.


Scripture quotes from the readings:
"Let us kneel before the Lord who made us...for he is our God." (Psalm 95)
"With the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails." (2 Timothy)
"The just man, because of his faith, shall live." (Hebrews 1)

27th Sunday of the Year (C): 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Liturgical readings
Hebrews 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Psalm 95
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10

"The Spirit God has given us is...a strong, loving and wise spirit."


I remind you to stir into flame
the gift of God bestowed
when my hands were laid on you.


The Spirit God has given us
is no cowardly spirit,


but


rather one that makes us


strong,
loving
and wise.


Therefore,
never be ashamed
of your testimony to our Lord,


nor of me,


a prisoner for his sake;


but with the strength
which comes from God


bear your share of the hardship
which the gospel entails.


Take as model of sound teaching
what you have heard me say,
in faith and love in Christ Jesus.


Guard the rich deposit of faith
with the help of the Holy Spirit
who dwells within us.




Scripture verses from the readings:
"Let us kneel before the Lord who made us...for he is our God." (Psalm 95)
"With the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails." (2 Timothy)
"The just man, because of his faith, shall live." (Hebrews 1)

26th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Readings for Your Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Liturgical readings
Amos 6:1, 4-7
Psalm 146
1 Timothy 6:11-16
Luke 16:19-31

"Eventually...the soul of the beggar Lazarus...was carried by angels to the bosom of Abraham."



Jesus said to the Pharisees:


"Once there was a rich man
who dressed in purple
        and linen
        and feasted splendidly
        every day.


At his gate lay a beggar
        named Lazarus
        who was covered with sores.


Lazarus longed to eat the scraps
that fell from the rich man's table.


The dogs even came
and licked his sores.


Eventually the beggar died.


He was carried by angels
to the bosom of Abraham.


The rich man likewise died
and was buried.


From the abode of the dead
where he was in torment,
he raised his eyes
and saw Abraham afar off,
and Lazarus resting in his bosom."


"He called out,


'Father Abraham,
have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip
the tip of his finger in water
to refresh my tongue,
for I am tortured in these flames.'


'My child,'


replied Abraham,


'remember that you were well off
in your lifetime,
while Lazarus was in misery.


Now he has found consolation here,
but you have found torment.


And that is not all.


Between you and us
there is fixed a great abyss,
so that those who might wish to cross
from here to you cannot do so,
nor can anyone cross from your side to us.'


"'Father,
I ask you then,'


the rich man said,


'send him to my father's house
where I have five brothers.


Let him be a warning to them
so that they may not end
        in this place of torment.'


Abraham answered


'They have Moses and the prophets.
Let them hear them'.


'No, Father Abraham.'
replied the rich man.


'But if someone would only go
to them from the dead,
then they would repent.'


Abraham said to him,


'If they do not listen to Moses
and the prophets
they will not be convinced
even if one should rise from the dead.'"


Scripture quotes from the Sunday readings:
"The fatherless and the widow he sustains." (Psalm 146)
"Seek after integrity, piety, faith, love, steadfastness, and a gentle spirit." (1 Timothy)
"The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Sion, through all generations." (Psalm 146)

25th Sunday of the Year (C): 1 Timothy 2:1-8

25th Sunday of the Year (C), September 22, 2013

Liturgical readings
Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Luke 16:1-13

"Prayer of this kind is good."


I urge that petitions,
        prayers,
        intercessions,
        and thanksgivings


be offered for all men,
        especially for kings
        and those in authority,


that we may be able to lead
        undisturbed
        and tranquil lives
        in perfect piety
        and dignity.


Prayer of this kind is good,
and God our savior is pleased with it,
for


he wants all men to be saved
and come to know the truth.


And the truth is this:


"God is one.


One also is the mediator between God and men,


the man Christ Jesus,


who gave himself as a ransom for all."


This truth was attended at the fitting time.


I have been made its herald and apostle,


(believe me
I am not lying
but speak the truth)


the teacher of the nations in the true faith.


I is my wish, then,
that in every place
the men shall offer prayers
with blameless hands held aloft,
and be free


from anger


and dissension.


Scripture quotes from the readings:
"High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens is his glory." (Psalm 113)
"God wants all men to be saved and come to know the truth." (1 Timothy)
"Petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be offered for all men, especially for kings and those in authority." (1 Timothy)