Category: Catholic

What a ride!

In my reflection today, I repeated the work of the Sinful Woman — Overwhelm Jesus with Love!

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Psalm 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28; Luke 7:36-50

Summary

The editors of the biblical translation we use use footnotes to clarify, define and extend the sacred script we read each day. Sometimes the notes are brief (a translation or a cross reference) and sometimes the editors give us a paragraph to contemplate. A miniature reflection. Today is such a day.

The Pardon of the Sinful Woman

[7:36–50] In this story of the pardoning of the sinful woman Luke presents two different reactions to the ministry of Jesus. A Pharisee, suspecting Jesus to be a prophet, invites Jesus to a festive banquet in his house, but the Pharisee’s self-righteousness leads to little forgiveness by God and consequently little love shown toward Jesus. The sinful woman, on the other hand, manifests a faith in God (Lk 7:50) that has led her to seek forgiveness for her sins, and because so much was forgiven, she now overwhelms Jesus with her display of love; cf. the similar contrast in attitudes in Lk 18:9–14. The whole episode is a powerful lesson on the relation between forgiveness and love. (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/7?36)

Reflection

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received:
that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures;
that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve (1 Cor 15:3-5)

Credal Beliefs

[15:3–7] The language by which Paul expresses the essence of the “gospel” (1 Cor 15:1) is not his own but is drawn from older credal formulas. This credo highlights Jesus’ death for our sins (confirmed by his burial) and Jesus’ resurrection (confirmed by his appearances) and presents both of them as fulfillment of prophecy. In accordance with the scriptures: conformity of Jesus’ passion with the scriptures is asserted in Mt 16:1; Lk 24:25–27, 32, 44–46. Application of some Old Testament texts (Ps 2:7; 16:8–11) to his resurrection is illustrated by Acts 2:27–31; 13:29–39; and Is 52:13–53:12 and Hos 6:2 may also have been envisaged. (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/15?1=#54015001)

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever (Ps 118:1b).

Personal Reflection

The sinful woman overwhelmed Jesus with love.

Alabaster is a white stone that is translucent and is hollowed out to be used as a vessel to store expensive perfumes or oils. Sometimes you can see into the jar but not see the fluid in the jar. In other words, you might be able to see the level of fluid and a bit about its basic color but to know what the contents are … you have to pour it out. As she did. The alabaster jar is her heart and the perfumed oil is her love which she generously pours out, with tears of gratitude and visible anointing his feet. She anointed my feet with ointment.

She stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.

What do you think people will say about your love for Jesus? Do they have a sense of your love by looking into your alabaster jar and see the fluid level? When you pour out the oil, where does it go? On whom do you pour it?

Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me (Mt 25:40b).

Pour your loving oil upon all those around you, friend and foe. In pouring it upon them, you pour it upon Christ.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091726.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs
Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 12 and 22; Luke 7:31-35

Summary

We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep. But wisdom is vindicated by all her children (Lk 7:33b, 35).

Restorative Hospital
The Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, an institution of the Holy See , is the largest pediatric hospital and research center in Europe. Connected to major international centers in the field, it is a point of reference for the health of children and adolescents from throughout Italy and abroad.

Hospice for the Poor and Dying
We are misunderstood, we are misrepresented, we are misreported. We are not nurses, we are not doctors, we are not teachers, we are not social workers. We are religious, we are religious, we are religious. — Mother Teresa

Reflection

But I shall show you a still more excellent way. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Cor 12:31; 13:13).

I noted above two different but complementary modes of aid and populations being addressed in their needs. Children and poor in need of medical care. The poor and dying in need of hospice care. A dance and a dirge.

To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? (Lk 7:31).

The general observation here is learning to recognize when we are being called to help—and when we are merely finding reasons to criticize the form that help takes. Actions flowing from faith, hope and love are on the strongest foundations.

Even Reconciliation Needed Adjustment – once reframed by love

Saint Cornelius held a synod at Rome in 251 and ordered the “relapsed” to be restored to the Church with the usual “medicines of repentance.” (Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cornelius/)

Personal Reflection

Wisdom is vindicated — in the lives and actions that flow from her.
How many modes and ways the Lord helps us find a pathway to being generous and helpful!

But if we find ourselves rejecting all of them, the problem is in the one who refuses every mode of hospitality, healing and assistance. “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That’s how prayer works” – Pope Francis.

Instead of criticism, a new framework is needed:

Not: Will I love?
But: What does love require here?

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091626.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17

Summary

Whenever the serpent bit someone, the person looked at the bronze serpent and recovered. But he, being merciful, forgave their sin and destroyed them not; Often he turned back his anger and let none of his wrath be roused. For 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. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Num 21:9b; PS 78:38; Jn 3:16; Phil 2:9-11).

Reflection

• The Cross, once a sign of brutal domination, now a sign of love.
• The Cross, once a sign to be feared, now a sign of discipleship.
• The Cross, once a sign of defeat and humiliation, now a sign of victory and salvation.

Personal Reflection

There are moments in a person’s life when we doubt love. OK, maybe you never did, but I think most of us have. And it is always refreshing to see new signs or repeated expressions of love from the Beloved that make afresh the reality of ‘so loved‘. Isn’t that why we formalize Birthdays, Anniversaries, Achievements and our Love Stories retold to young and old alike? Isn’t that why we take photos, make videos and hold onto keepsakes – sometimes for a lifetime?

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.

Today we adore Christ because of this Cross. Because you so love us.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091426.cfm

Earlier reflection on this feast from 2021: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2021/09/14/sign-of-the-cross/

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Sirach 27:30—28:7; Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35

Summary

The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion. None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.(Ps 103:8; Rom 14:7).

Reflection

Each human person is a precious being in the sight of God. Every.one.of.us.

Wrath and anger, these also are abominations, yet a sinner holds on to them. Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times? (Sir 27:30; Mt 18:21).

In Jewish tradition, seven often symbolizes fullness, completion, and covenant.

Peter was thinking he was being very generous. Jesus, I can forgive 7 times. Pretty perfect, huh?

Frankly, he was more advanced than most of us (yes, me too) as he picked a number higher than most of us would have offered. Tell me I’m wrong?

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus prescribes many pathways of forgiveness.
There is no one-size-fits-all. Not all people. Not all circumstances.

There remains the imperative to forgive.
And for us to choose the most helpful pathway to achieve that forgiveness – which will vary according to circumstance.

There is also the arc of time:

• Before the offense
• During the offense
• After the offense

Which correspond to:

• Disposition/Prudence
• Fortitude/Justice
• Horizon/Temperance

The better prepared I am, the less impact the offense has on me, and the quicker I can restore my horizon—and perhaps ours—to what is truly good.

Personal Reflection

So let’s start with Peter’s example. Have you forgiven your him/her seven times? My guess is you did (sorta) or tried (sorta) to or wanted to (sorta) but could not. Instead we turn to the divine aid to get there. You see, if we ask the Lord to help us be like him (PS 103 today), then we can do 7 and then 77 then everything and everyone. Eventually.

Forgiveness is a seed planted within us. Let it grow. Be patient with yourself. It will blossom. You just start with: Lord, I’d like to forgive…

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091326.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; Psalm 116:12-13, 17-18; Luke 6:43-49

Summary

A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks (Lk 6:45).

How shall I make a return to the LORD
for all the good he has done for me?
The cup of salvation I will take up,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
(PS 116:12-13)

Reflection

Is this a thing where you live? Storage shed rentals. They are everywhere!

It’s a very useful tool in managing change (moving transitions, home renovations, temporary expansion of quantity of material goods, kids – not to store the kids (tee hee) but to have space for their stuff).

What’s in your storage unit?

What’s in the Storehouse of your heart?

That is the question of today’s gospel portion and the effect of what we hold onto. What you store is what you give. I’m not sure if you have ever experienced this, but things kept in storage that shouldn’t be usually degrades, rots and get moldy. Just saying. Even the good the Lord gives us, not shared, becomes less than what was given.

It is inevitable.

Personal Reflection

• On a practical basis, if you want to think of this reflection as a call to charity, empty the rental, sell the goods, give the proceeds to the poor. Save the rent.
• On a personal-growth perspective, assess what you treasure and determine if it is true treasure or the remains of the good broken into resentment and regret? Resentment and regret can be spoiled remnants of something once good.

But in gratitude is the best pathway forward.

• In gratitude, give things away.
• In gratitude, replace in the storehouse of your heart the good things the Lord has given you: love, compassion, and community.

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him (Jn 14:23).

Let’s fill our storehouse with love which always refill as we share it and put in the dumpster the trash we pay to keep.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091226.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22b-27; Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6, 12; Luke 6:39-42

Summary

Know this, my dear brothers: everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for the wrath of a man does not accomplish the righteousness of God (Jas 1:19-20).

If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship (1 Cor 9:16-17).

In our readings today, St Paul gives us a marvelous panorama of the Will and Stewardship cross-referenced with personal motivations and divine obligations. In addition, it is a view going backwards and forwards in time. And, finally, it is centered on the Good News of Jesus Christ.

This selection brings great focus to the gospel portion today.

Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person?” (Lk 6:39).

Today is the 25th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and (attempted) on the US Capitol building or the White House.

Three major operating symbols of our society:

1. Commerce.
2. Military.
3. The seat of our governance.

Many died.

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls (Pv 25:28).

In short, we have been stuck in a blind rage ever since. Blind because we do not process the past well. Blind because we are not focused on the primacy of salvation and well-being as our primary governance. Blind because we relate to one another through the lens of rage – for 9/11 and, now, for everything.

Reflection

You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye (Lk 6:42cde).

Personal Reflection

I have read many personal and philosophical reflections on the attacks of 9/11. All beautiful and heartfelt. I too have my own memories having watched its construction, worked in the WTC for many years prior to and after the first of the attacks (on February 26, 1993) and lost friends in the second. But I have no rage. I have this urgent plea.

The buildings were symbols of national power.

The better memorial is to restore the virtues that power is supposed to serve.

No to the reflex of war.
Yes to the hard work of peace.

Peace:

1. Starts with hearts that love – that is – places love (your own and that of others) as primacy rather than gain and loss.
2. Peace is first a Divine gift – when we engage in peace – and the voluntary loss of something for the better good — we imitate the Divine.
3. Peace is built on forgiveness and justice.
4. Peace is the journey and a pathway. A good road.

We need to restore our own three best symbols of our society:

1. Freedom.
2. Justice.
3. Honesty in governance.

Let us be fully trained, like our Teacher, that we may be the blessed peacemakers.
Memory should teach us how to become peacemakers, not give us permission to remain angry forever.

May this be our perpetual memorial to 9/11.
Looking back.
Looking forward.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091126.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Corinthians 8:1b-7, 11-13; Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 23-24; Luke 6:27-38

Summary

Brothers and sisters: Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up. But if one loves God, one is known by him. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (1 Cor 8:1b, 3; 1 Jn 4:12; Lk 6:27-28).

YET

Thus, through your knowledge, the weak person is brought to destruction, the brother for whom Christ died. When you sin in this way against your brothers and wound their consciences, weak as they are, you are sinning against Christ (1 Cor 8:10-12).

Reflection

Quite the collision between the Letter to the Corinthians and the Gospel of Luke in today’s sacred readings. YET, not really.

St Paul is calling out the reality that some actions and conditions are not sin at all because objectively the premise of sin is faulty even as the action or condition does have the appearance of sin but, in fact, is not a sin (the idol itself is nothing). Eating meat that happens to be offered to idols (by others, and remote to the end-user) is not a cause for sin. Paul does say, if someone trips because of it, then try to avoid it — and avoid your own sin of being morally culpable for their distress.

This is an area of faith called: Adiaphora (Matters of Indifference, a Protestant term, but I like it).

Some truths and moral obligations are more significant and must be maintained even when they are difficult to hear or live.

Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

This is an area of faith called: Immutable Truth (Dogma & related – Essential Ethics)

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good (Rm 12:9-10, 21).

Whether an enemy or a weak brother, love them according to the Cross of Jesus.

Now, it is really easy to make Dogma & Essential Ethics out of Matters of Indifference.

Just use the lived experience of an old guy to help you see that maybe, just maybe, we fuss about things in an unhelpful way. I call it… the “I remember” list.

Do you hear me?
Wait, translated into common language of today…. DO you FEEL me?

Personal Reflection

• I remember when desecration of the American flag included any type of apparel made from the pattern of the flag… now we have bikinis of the Stars and Stripes.
• I remember when suit and tie was mandatory business attire for every work day… now we went beyond Dress Down Fridays in summer only.
• I remember when being Long Haired Hippie was a bad thing… now short haircuts are suspicious.
• I remember Bell Bottoms… ok, these are still bad… only good for shipboard wear for swabbing decks LOL.

But seriously folks… the first step in loving the enemy and supporting the weak may be discarding the ridiculous standards we set that have no spiritual value at all. Am I defending something Christ actually requires—or something my generation merely taught me to regard as important?

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091026.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry