Blog

Beyond the limits of empirical and intellectual knowledge

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
A white dove flying with spread wings against a background of stylized yellow flames.

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

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Metal monument depicting two hikers with backpacks, symbolizing pilgrims, located in Reidecilla del Camino, date inscribed as 03-10-2022.

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”)

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Open book titled Magnifica Humanitas with papal coat of arms, ring, and keys on ornate wooden table
The encyclical letter ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ with a ring and keys on a carved wooden table

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.

Coat of arms featuring a blue shield with a fleur-de-lis, a heart, and a book, adorned with a papal tiara and keys, and a ribbon with the motto 'IN ILLO UNO UNUM'.
wp-1779708843444Download

Peace be with you,

Deacon Gerry

Everyone, Everywhere

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Pentecost
A white dove flying with wings spread above a soft orange flame background.

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

by Gerry Palermo, posted in ATNOBO26, Catholic
Ornate mirror reflecting church altar with golden candlesticks, crucifix, and seated worshippers
Mirror reflection. The Church I see.

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?

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Ascension, Catholic
A serene landscape featuring a mystical figure against a backdrop of vibrant clouds and a bright sun. The foreground shows dark silhouettes of evergreen trees on rolling hills, reflecting a peaceful and ethereal atmosphere.

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

Deepest Desire

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
A young child kneeling in prayer beside a bed, with their face buried in their hands, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 18:23-28; Psalm 47:2-3, 8-9, 10; John 16:23b-28

Summary

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

Reflection

Today is the last day before the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord.
He ascends with our deepest desires, our prayers and our hopes. Then, seated at the Right Hand of the Father, brings the divine relief, specific and real.

Personal Reflection

For king of all the earth is God;
sing hymns of praise.
God reigns over the nations,
God sits upon his holy throne.

Share with the Father your deepest desire. Like Apollos in our first reading today, he knew the Baptism of John. He spoke up and got the help he needed to know more fully the Lord, and the Way. Speak up. The Lord knows what you need, it is we who need to sift through all we think we need to get to our deepest desire.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051626.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Coming and Going

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
A gold-tone brooch featuring the word 'Mother' with floral accents and a heart-shaped charm with a rose design.
Pain and New Life

Greetings on this the Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 18:9-18; Psalm 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; John 16:20-23

Summary

When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world (Jn 16:21).

Reflection

In our sacred scripture today, Jesus uses the analogy of a woman in labor pains to describe the intense feelings his followers will have about his Crucifixion and Ascension which is to be followed by the birth of the Church at Pentecost. I find this one quote of Jesus to be most profound. Jesus is validating every Mother and bringing their experiences into the Divine Plan of Salvation. What women know, men must approximate. Jesus, for his part, sanctifies pregnancy, labor and love of the Maternal unto the very bosom of God – He Ascends with the birthing pains of women and at Pentecost the joy of childbirth.

  • Anguish and pain – the the Lord is taken away, first in Crucifixion and then to His Glorious Ascension to the Right Hand of the Father.
  • Followed by joy – that the Church has been born.

Personal Reflection

Life is filled with transitions. There are little transitions, moderate transitions and major transitions. All of them (minor and major) should be “held in suspense” for the greater purpose of the Return to the Lord. Each of us will go through Death and New Birth. And let us also have a renewed awe of our Mothers, Sisters and all women who give birth to new life. Jesus did.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051526.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Chose, Choose, Chosen

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
A wooden door with three carved symbols: a shell, a chalice, and a cross, featuring a decorative handle and keyhole.
Peregrino, Holy Eucharist, the Church – Journey, Bread for the journey, Church as community

Greetings on this the Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle
Readings: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; John 15:9-17

Summary

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, it is necessary that [we choose] one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us. Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry. Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles (Jn 15:16; Act 1:15b, 21, 24-25a, 26).

Reflection

He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor
To seat them with princes,
with the princes of his own people.
(PS 113:7-8)

Choosing Popes

Jesus chooses us, we choose from among us and the casting of lots (today by voting) to assure the Holy Spirit mystically makes the pick just as Peter did in the beginning. We are always remembering we are a lowly lot of no special inheritance but for the Lord . As the saying goes:: God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.e beginning of the Ch

Apostolic Succession is the name of the process and the criteria (a sacred continuity with visible methods).

Personal Reflection

The name Matthias means “gift of Yahweh” I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord (Jn 15:16). In our own humble ways, we are chosen too. To witness what God has done for us!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051426-Thursday

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry