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9:00 AM
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Father Bob wanted to share the Friary Chapel photos. So wonderful. I did not know of this.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Author: Gerry Palermo
Roman Catholic Deacon.
Humble Love
Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Readings: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a; Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; John 6:51-58
Summary
If we use the metaphor of a photographer’s camera in thinking about the liturgy as we have experienced it through these past few Sundays. We could say…
- Pentecost opened the lens wide to the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Holy Trinity focused us on the deepest truth that: God loves.
- Corpus Christi brings that focus to a single point: Jesus gives Himself to us.
Because we are a Franciscan community, perhaps we can be more specific about the spirituality of Saint Francis and his deep love of the Eucharist.
This is from a Letter of Francis of Assisi:
O wonderful loftiness and stupendous dignity! O sublime humility! O humble sublimity! The Lord of the universe, God and the Son of God, so humbles Himself that for our salvation He hides Himself under an ordinary piece of bread! – from his Letter to the Entire Order, St. Francis of Assisi.
- He hides Himself under an ordinary piece of bread!
- The Lord of the universe making Himself small enough to be received.
A divine humility so deep as to defy description – although we must try.
A sublimity so amazing that we are left in awe at the depth of the gifting of his Divine Self.
This awe deeply formed Francis’ reverence for the priesthood through which Christ continues to give Himself to His people.
So, what are we to make of our participation in the Divine Life?
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?
The witness of Francis can be found in our Responsorial Psalm today – a manifestation of the Law of Love.
He brings peace to your borders,
and satisfies you with finest wheat.
He sends his command to earth;
his word runs swiftly!
(PS 147:15-16)
- If Christ humbles Himself to come to us, how can we refuse to humble ourselves before one another?
- To wit:
- Francis was driven to share the finest Wheat of Jesus.
- Francis was moved to help us share and embody Jesus’ command to love so as to run swiftly throughout the world.
We have been given the gift of Reverence.
For more than twenty years this parish has been blessed by Franciscan priests who taught us, above all, reverence for the Eucharistic Lord. Said another way, the Franciscan contribution may be less about what to do, or how we do it, and more about how to see.
Personal Reflection
Let us then “see” and accept the gift of Jesus, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, given with Incarnate humility… that we might respond…
Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
Prior Corpus Christi reflection: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/a-short-teaching-on-corpus-christi.pdf
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060726.cfm
Next Friday is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.is celebrated on the Friday following the Second Sunday after Pentecost and also the Friday after the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood.of Christ. These are so arranged as to allow us to contemplate and adore the Gift and the Gift Giver, the exterior and the interior in sequence. If I am able to, I will write on that day as well.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
But you, be self-possessed
Greetings on this the Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Psalm 71:8-9, 14-15AB, 16-17, 22; Mark 12:38-44
Summary
He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances. But I will always hope and praise you ever more and more. My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation (Mk 12:41-44; 2 Tim 4:5a; PS 71:14-15AB).
Reflection
The widow in out gospel portion today was a self-possessed person. She knew who she was, what she believes, how she should act and what her possessions are worth.
To the Lord her gift meant everything. She was not measuring herself against the rich and their large offerings. She ignored those who ignored her, not in a selfish way, but in a way of self-possession – in words – “I do not get my dignity from you, my dignity comes from the Lord”. She found her praise for the Lord. She knows the Lord is just and he saves.
Personal Reflection
The world makes a lot of noise. The world carries its power as if a club to oppress others.The world even claims injustice in order to devour the poor.
Be like the widow. Know who you are. Know what you can do. Ignore the rest.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060626.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Beyond the limits of empirical and intellectual knowledge
Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Readings: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9; Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18
Summary
We are always limited in our reliance upon empirical and intellectual knowledge. Nicodemus was stuck there. If left in that condition, we would be lost to the warmth, love and affection the Lord has for us made most explicit by the Triune revelation. We are to have relation with the Lord through the Holy Spirit. He brings enlightenment — the fire of God’s love — that simple physical measurements and philosophical constructs cannot provide. We should not think this knowing is merely an extension of our own capacity but a foundational rebirth, a closeness and intimacy with the divine that is not possible without trust. Holy Trinity Sunday, coming after the celebration of the Gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, is our shared overshadowing.
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (Jn 3:16-18)
And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her (Lk 1:35, 38).
Reflection
For our gospel selection today, the Church provides us the center of the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus, that is, the necessity of a new birth from above. In a way similar to the Blessed Mother, we too experience a variation of the Salvation Promise, Incarnation and Trinity. As Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit so that Christ might dwell within her, we too are overshadowed by the Spirit so that Christ may dwell within us. God gave his Son by the holy Spirit to save all peoples and to dwell within us.
Even Moses understood the Presence of God and our need converge in necessity – pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own (Ex 34:9c).
Personal Reflection
Today we celebrate the Holy Trinity. The personal encounter with the Lord.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the holy Spirit be with all of you (2 Cor 13:13).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/053126.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Go… together
Greetings on this the Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12; Psalm 100:2, 3, 4, 5; Mark 10:46-52
Summary
The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way. (Mk 10:51-52)
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to go back and abandon you!
Wherever you go I will go,
wherever you lodge I will lodge.
Your people shall be my people
and your God, my God. (Ruth 1:16)
Reflection
People change you in marvelous ways.
Personal Reflection
The Gospel changes not only where we are going, but who we become together.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052826.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”)
NOTE: I asked AI to generate an image for the encyclical and Pope Leo. It first gave me an image with Pope Francis’ likeness, and when I complained, it adjusted to be an image amalgamation of Popes Francis and Leo. We finally agreed to an image without the person. So, what a perfect experience to begin wondering of the usefulness and dangers of AI. Wrong seal, too. Below is the correct one. LOL. Sorry, AI, not picking on you.
Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV on this Memorial Day. Appropriate for our times.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Pentecost Love 2026
Everyone, Everywhere
Greetings on this Pentecost Sunday
Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 ; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23
Summary
The first imperative of love is perfectly paired with the primal human need to be heard, understood, and responded to, Everyone, Everywhere.
A very simple example is that all infants communicate basic needs from the moment they are born. These are universal, pre-cry, reflex sounds. Loving parents immediately begin trying to “translate” what their newborn is communicating (especially before the crying begins). In a similar way, Pentecost is not merely “miraculous speech.” – for Star Trek fans – not merely a universal translator – It is divine love making itself intelligible. “To see me” and “to hear me” is an act of love. Speaking to someone in their own language is recognition of unique personhood.
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. 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 (Acts 2:1, 3-4).
Pentecost is first and foremost a gift, a gift Proceeding from the Father and the Son. A gift of gathering in, personally abiding on all of them, and making possible again true communication damaged since the ancient story of the Tower of Babel. Pentecost is also the revelation of the Person of the Holy Spirit. The Church wisely celebrates the Holy Spirit for two Sunday Celebrations: Pentecost and Trinity Sunday (which is next week).
- What proceeds most fully from the Father and the Son? The Pentecost of communication (communion) and knowing the Lord as well as each other.
- How very sorely we need to listen and understand each other with the Holy Spirit because he illumines, guides, unites, reveals, and sanctifies.
Everyone and Everywhere.
The Church calls this “synodality” — learning again to walk together, listen to one another and hear the Holy Spirit speaking through the lived experiences, languages and gifts of the People of God. Pentecost is the divine foundation of that reality. Pentecost arrives (and is renewed) before humanity collapses entirely into fragmentation.
Reflection
- From every nation under the Sun, the devout Jews gathered, converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs.
- Everyone from Everywhere.
- All different languages, different customs and different worldviews.
- Each of them blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit – among the gifts – Communication. True relation.
From different places and self-identified as citizens of different countries:
- Parthians
- Medes
- 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.
Personal Reflection
Pentecost is a spiritual reversal of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9, Tower of Babel). Gathering again the people in one place, retaining the beauty of the variety of languages but removing from them the pride and vanity that causes division and strife. In this great movement of the Holy Spirit, we are now able to hear God and one another. Each in his own language and frame of reference. Clearly and specifically the divine message comes through the lips of others.
Even our Holy Eucharist, which we will celebrate shortly, is made fully known in the Spirit of God.
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 (1 Cor 12:13).
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth (PS 104:30).
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052426-Day
Sequence — Veni, Sancte Spiritus – here: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2022/06/05/veni-sancte-spiritus/
The five Pre-Cry sounds of babies – The 5 sounds, spelled phonetically, are “NEH” – “EH” – EAIRH” – “HEH” and OWH” – Here: https://www.dunstanbaby.com/
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Sunday Reflections
A message to my Readers. This is in advance.
As I continue preparations for the Appalachian Trail final push beginning in mid-June, I will be simplifying the rhythm of the blog for a season.
For the next few months I expect to post primarily Sunday reflections and occasional major feast reflections as time and circumstances permit.
Thank you for reading, praying and journeying with me through these daily reflections. The writing practice has been a blessing to me personally and spiritually, and I hope also for you.
I’ve added the category: ATNOBO26
This will be for the trail photos and stories as they occur – ordinary trail memories.
For the spiritual focus will be The Luminous Mysteries.
In any event, there are 2,410 blog entries to read if you get bored 🙂
You’ll be able to search using that keyword for photos. Nothing there yet, but will be 🙂
Be well. Drop a line from time to time.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Why are you standing there looking at the sky?
Greetings on this The Ascension of the Lord
Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20
Summary
The Commissioning of the Disciples
Then Jesus approached and said to them,
“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Reflection
I wish to propose a thought.
Jesus commissioned the Apostles on Ascension which is a week before the arrival of the gift of the Holy Spirit – Pentecost.
The work comes before the gift. Don’t be looking up to the sky for Jesus to ‘do something’. He has already commissioned you to do many things.
Faith is a journey with a growing familiarity and comfort. We act first in obedience, obedience to love then eventually love as the animating force.
The time between Ascension and Pentecost is a period of growth.
Act in faith in fulfilling the commandment to love one another.
By Pentecost, the Spirit Himself, will bring the breath of love.
Personal Reflection
Let us pray…
Brothers and sisters:
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory.
(Eph 1:17-18)
In Christ’s name we pray.
Amen.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051726-Ascension
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry