Tag: christianity

Exploring a New Way of Life After Encountering Jesus (Redux)

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, christmas, Epiphany
A green road sign with two arrows pointing in different directions, labeled 'MY WAY' and 'HIGHWAY,' against a blue sky with clouds.
The ways of life change with an encounter with the Lord

Greetings on this the Monday after Epiphany
Readings: 1 John 3:22–4:6; Psalm 2:7bc-8, 10-12a; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Summary

Re-reading this reflection years later, I am struck by how little the call has changed—and how much the world around us has. The invitation to “go another way” remains perennial, because it is not first a change of direction, but of desire.

Yesterday in the gospel portion the Magi having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Another way. A different way. A changed way. These days between the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord, we too having encountered Jesus, are challenged to go a new way. The gospel portions this week speak to this new way. Ways we can imitate Christ in accordance with our time, talent and resource.

  1. Monday (today) – The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry. [Jesus] He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
  2. Tuesday – The Feeding of the Five Thousand. He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.”
  3. Wednesday – The Walking on the Water. “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down.
  4. Thursday – The Rejection at Nazareth (begins with his mission statement). The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
  5. Friday – The Cleansing of a Leper. “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.”
  6. Saturday – Final Witness of the Baptist. [John speaks in regards to Jesus] So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.

Reflection

The mini summary of the gospel portions this week (from Epiphany to Baptism) can be thought of as a road map. A new way.

How can we imitate Jesus this week?

  1. Monday – Proclaim the gospel by our actions. Aiding the sick in some fashion.
  2. Tuesday – Feed the hungry.
  3. Wednesday – Have courage. encourage others to face life with hope.
  4. Thursday – In our own way declare the Spirit is upon us and we are anointed to likewise.
  5. Friday – Make the outcast clean. The ostracized welcomed.
  6. Saturday – Realize (in the end) it is Jesus who empowers and provides. Our egos cloak the Lord from being seen by others.

Personal Reflection

This very week is our journey home again. A renewal because of a renewed encounter. And wonderfully on Sunday next, a heartfelt renewal of the Baptismal promise. For those in Christian formation, the promise ahead made present!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010625.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Lent Reflections: Justice and Light in the Story of Susanna

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
Recommended Reading.

Greetings on this the Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Readings: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; John 8:12-20

Summary

I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live (Ezekiel 33:11).

It is remarkable and therefore my remarks! Isn’t it impactful and critical to recall that for two days running our sacred readings deal with the maltreatment of women.

  • One the Fifth Sunday of Lent – A Woman Caught in Adultery.
  • One the Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent – The Story of Susanna.

Worthy we are to learn and be corrected by the Lord! Light scatters the darkness of our souls!

In our reading from the Prophet Daniel is the story of Susanna. It ends well but it is a chilling narrative.

The themes are so similar it is amazing the warning we are receiving.

  1. In both stories these are Men of Authority.
  2. In both stories they wished to ‘use’ the woman (singular) for personal benefit (as they see it, not as reality).
  3. In both stories they use the LAW as a way to justify their sin.
  4. In both stories they use sexual ethics as a weapon.

Yesterday’s homily is here: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2025/04/06/law-vs-mercy-lessons-from-the-gospel/

Susanna – picked out some key sentences

That year, two elders of the people were appointed judges, of whom the Lord said, “Wickedness has come out of Babylon: from the elders who were to govern the people as judges. (Dn 13:5)”. When the old men saw her enter every day for her walk, they began to lust for her. They suppressed their consciences; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments (Dn 13:8-9). “Look,” they said, “the garden doors are shut, and no one can see us; give in to our desire, and lie with us. If you refuse, we will testify against you that you dismissed your maids because a young man was here with you. (Dn 13:20-21)”. [Confrontation and Escape, now a trial] In the midst of the people the two elders rose up and laid their hands on her head. Through tears she looked up to heaven, for she trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly (Dn 13:34-35). [They lie] “We testify to this.” The assembly believed them, since they were elders and judges of the people, and they condemned her to death (Dn 13:41).

It gets better! What a wonderfully written story and how it invokes in me the desire to say – Enough!

(See link below for the readings).

There are differences between the stories of course. Yesterday, they dropped their stones and walked away knowing they are sinners. In today’s reading they doubled-down (in our current idioms). This insistence in being evil brought them a horrible end.

In both stories, the Lord saved the women from the men. Period. End. Too important to miss especially in the season of Lent, a period of self-reflection.

Reflection

For the women reading: Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side (PS 32:4ab).

Pray and Insist – the Lord will come to your aid

Pray and insist with the Lord your safety and dignity given you in your very creation. The Lord knows your worries and will always come to your aid. I cannot speak to every instance and circumstances (we are all under the pain of death), but the divine will is most favorable to you, femininity of God, half of all the human population in the world!

But Susanna cried aloud: “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things with which these wicked men have charged me. (Dn 13:42-43)”

Personal Reflection

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (Jn 8:12).”

To know Jesus is to know light and truth. Light and truth bring a brilliant awareness of the distance between holiness and the human condition as my own. May we be inspired like Daniel, (God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel), to know and want true justice and restoration. Now and forever! Have the Light of Life!

Affirmation Prayer for Women

See link: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/05/28/thirty-three-days-of-affirmation-for-women-journey-of-spirituality-and-empowerment/

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040725.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Law vs. Mercy: Lessons from the Gospel

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
Law v Mercy

Greetings on this the Fifth Sunday of Lent
Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6.; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11

A Woman Caught in Adultery

Law is a guide, Mercy is a cure.


The gospel reading today is difficult to traverse in heart and mind. The woman caught in adultery invokes in everyone a different response and instinctual reaction. It is a story that can keep the wonder of grace and mercy ever before our eyes. And to avoid the worst choice – to condemn is to be condemned.

Just prior to the encounter with the mob and the woman, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. It is on the Mount of Olive that some sacrifices were made. It is this mount Jesus Ascended into Heaven and to the same Mount the Messiah will return. In a very real way, this coming down from the Mount and the encounter of these men and the one woman is a recapitulation of the central theme of Jesus’ ministry, salvation. And immediately to the story, the weight of law in comparison to mercy. Which we can conclude, Law is a guide, Mercy is a cure.

Writing (to enroll) in the ground by Jesus is an invocation of the prophet Jeremiah: The rebels shall be enrolled in the netherworld; they have forsaken the LORD, source of living waters (Jer 17:13).

Judgement

  1. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?.
  2. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.
  3. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
  4. Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.
  5. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders.

Mercy

  1. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
  2. She replied, “No one, sir.”
  3. Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.
  4. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.

Reflection

Jesus comes down from the mount to encounter the human weakness where we declare ‘This one is worse than me’. Jesus responds, then which of you is righteous (in right relation)?

They all walked away. It cannot be over emphasized that the men, if they stoned her, would be enrolled in the netherworld – Hades, Hell. Jesus was trying to SAVE EVERYONE in this story, in the first instance from personal error and the second instance the misapplication of law.

Here then is the problem. How do we read the law and what is the law good for? The Good News of Jesus Christ is that forgiveness and forbearance are higher order principles. The law is perfectly fine to describe what shouldn’t be. But the prescription of resolution has been moved to mercy. The work of knowing the difference is that of the Holy Spirit enlightening us as Jesus did that day.

Personal Reflection

Being merciful is work. Hard work sometimes depending on the degree of offense. But it is Holy work. We will always struggle with the injustices visited upon us. We must learn the way of Jesus guided by the Holy Spirit.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040625-YearC.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Encountering Jesus: The Challenge of Preformed Opinions

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
This guy could help us think better!

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 7:2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12; John 7:40-53

Summary

Could even Jesus be believed by you in your current state of mind?

Jn 7:53 – Then each went to his own house. Perhaps we can understand this as Then each RETREATED to his own preformed OPINION.

In today’s gospel portion we can see clearly the same problem as of today. Failure to dialog honestly and encounter things as they are and as they might be. So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” (Jn 7:45-46).

The leadership was intent on making sure all viewed Jesus as a fake and they sent guards to arrest him.

  1. Have you also been deceived? [logical fallacy: Appeal to Ignorance] How can you even know the truth because you are but a guard.
  2. Have any of the authorities believed in him? [logical fallacy: Appeal to Authority] How can you believe anyone other than the leadership.
  3. This crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed. [logical fallacy: Ad Hominem] People are not accursed.
  4. They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee. [logical fallacy: Strawman Argument] Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Given the current public discourse here in the USA it is hard to imagine Jesus can be viewed as anyone except through a political lens.

Reflection

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance (LK 8:15). Do me justice, O LORD, because I am just, and because of the innocence that is mine. Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but sustain the just, O searcher of heart and soul, O just God (PS 7: 9-10).

Personal Reflection

Encountering Jesus requires a certain type of innocence (absence of any sly or cunning intelligence) in the encounter itself. A true and real expression of who we are and how we are – warts and all! Only then can we begin to see the magnificence of his dwelling among us and the salvation he brings! Otherwise, Then each will go to his own house.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040525.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Understanding Jesus: Knowable Nature and Meaning

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
In the end, faith.

Greetings on this the Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Readings: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; Psalm 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Summary

When the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” (JN 7:27).

So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” (Jn 7:28-29).

The wicked rely upon a very narrow understanding of the Priesthood of Melchizedek whom we know nothing of his ancestry, birth, or death. They assumed that the Messiah would be just as unknown ancestry and birth. Yet, we do know. He is King of Salem (Hebrew word for Peace, also alternate name for Jerusalem). Salem is tent. On Salem is God’s tent, his shelter on Zion (PS 76:3). But the divine logic is to be known. In a very sensate and sensible way to be known.

Jesus’ dialog helps us know his divinity as knowable. As in Psalm 76, Jesus is the Tabernacle of the Father. Rejecting Jesus is a function of the logic of the wicked. Not a judgmental statement. Falling into the logic is a pitiable situation.

Reflection

The logic of the wicked is encapsulated not so much by WHAT they do as WHY they do what they do. The Lament of Evil in the Book of Wisdom sums it perfectly in the first verse.

For, not thinking rightly, they said among themselves: “Brief and troubled is our lifetime; there is no remedy for our dying [the WHY], nor is anyone known to have come back from Hades. Come, therefore, let us … [the WHAT] (Wis 2:1, 6).

For the wicked, death has no remedy. Misery has no remedy except doing all the things we can to please ourselves as the lament continued.

Let Us (in our despair… in our unbelief… in our sense of isolation and insignificance)

  1. Let us have our fill of costly wine and perfumes.
  2. Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds.
  3. Let no meadow be free from our wantonness.
  4. Let us oppress the righteous poor.
  5. Let our strength be our norm of righteousness.
  6. Let us lie in wait for the righteous one, because he is annoying to us.
  7. Let us put him to the test.
  8. Let us condemn him to a shameful death.

These were their thoughts, but they erred; for their wickedness blinded them (Wis 2:21).

Our psalmist paints a far different picture. The Lord is knowable in the 34th Psalm.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted (PS 34:19a).

Divine Care (from the psalm)

  1. The LORD confronts the evildoer.
  2. When the just cry out, the LORD hears them.
  3. From all their distress he rescues them.
  4. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted.
  5. Those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
  6. Out of [trouble] all the LORD delivers him.
  7. He watches over all his bones.
  8. The LORD redeems the lives of his servants.

Personal Reflection

You know me and also know where I am from (Jn 7:28).

Yes, Lord Jesus, I do know. And I refuse to fall into the trap of the wicked despair, unbelief and feeling of insignificance.

Your very appearance at the Feast of the Tabernacles reminds us you journey with us throughout the course of our life, our personal Exodus to the Promised Land and the Eternal HIlls. The Psalmist reminds us of the loving care you have for us. And that you will rescue us from the grave on our last day. Jesus, the ‘I AM’ of the Father, gives us a portion of his significance to be enjoyed together as family.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040425.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Offering Your Face: Spiritual Insights for Lent

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
Offer your face not your back

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
Readings: Jeremiah 7:23-28; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Luke 11:14-23

Summary

Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, for I am gracious and merciful (JL 2:12-13). Which do we offer Jesus: our back or our face? Whatever we offered in the past, Jesus offers to meet us face-to-face in love not fear.

Reflection

Whoever does not gather with me scatters (LK 11:23).

In our gospel portion today, Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed (LK 11:14).

There were three distinct responses.

  1. Amazement. The crowds were amazed (v14b).
  2. Spiteful Accusation. Accusation is to claim you did something illegal or wrong. By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons (v15).
  3. Testing him. Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven (v16).

Personal Reflection

How do we respond to Jesus?

The prophet Jeremiah gives so hints to the underlying causes.

  1. They walked in the hardness of their evil hearts and turned their backs, not their faces, to me (Jer 7:24).
  2. Yet they have not obeyed me nor paid heed; they have stiffened their necks and done worse than their fathers (Jer 7:26).

The skin of the back is very thick (3 to 4 millimeters thick). It can sustain much pressure to penetrate. The face (1.2 mm) and chest (0.5 to 2 mm), not so much. It is easy to penetrate the face of a person. Of course we are speaking of spiritual things. To turn one’s back to the Lord is to not wanting his word nor his person to penetrate you spirit.

Which do we offer Jesus: the back or the face?

Let’s face him with trust. Let’s face him with love. And let love and trust penetrate us.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032725.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Jealousy: A Barrier to Love and Salvation

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
Jealousy is like shooting arrows at yourself

Greetings on this the Friday of the Second Week of Lent
Readings: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Summary

In today’s readings we encounter the reality of our rejection of God by way of rejecting his beloved. In our first reading Joseph betrayed by his brothers because ‘dad loves him more’. In our gospel reading, they coveted the property and inheritance of the son. This jealousy kills both victim and victimizer. Thankfully the Lord looks beyond such weaknesses and brings restoration and salvation to all.

Joseph Betrayed by His Brothers

They then sat down to their meal. Looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum, balm and resin to be taken down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers: “What is to be gained by killing our brother and concealing his blood? Rather, let us sell him to these Ishmaelites, instead of doing away with him ourselves. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh.” His brothers agreed. They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver (Gen 37:25-28a).

Jesus betrayed by His Brothers

[As taught by way of the parable] But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him (MT 21:38-39).

The Lord will Not Abandon His Beloved

Joseph

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Look, I put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” With that, Pharaoh took off his signet ring* and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck (Gen 41:41-42).

Jesus

Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? (MT 21:42).

Personal Reflection

Jealousy is an angry beast. Joseph was loved by his father and his brothers jealous of this special consideration. Jesus was beloved of the people and his father and the leadership / powerful were jealous of this special consideration. How we are impoverished by our jealousies! How we covet love beyond the amazing love already ours!

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son; so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life (Jn 3:16).

Change of Heart

In this time of Lent shall we not focus otherwise?

  1. On the fact that you are invited to a beautiful life in love of the begotten one?
  2. Is not this love enough for us that comparisons are not the basis of our awareness?
  3. Is not this divine love a marvel for our human family?

Generative AI Helpful Explanation

See image here which outlines How to Avoid Jealousy.

Avoiding Jealousy

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032125.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Teamwork

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent

communication is communion

Greetings on this the Friday of the First Week of Lent
Readings: Ezekiel 18:21-28; Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8; Matthew 5:20-26

Summary of Teamwork

The Prophet Ezekiel captures the teamwork necessary to become righteous. Our Job: Cast away your sins and create for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. The Lord’s Job: I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit. It is the mystery of the divine logic. We must choose right living, work for right living and be right living even as the Lord provides the divine aid to choose right living, work for right living and be right living.

Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the LORD, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 18:31).

I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).

Reflection on the Psalm

Again the Psalmist brings us clarity of the issue, teamwork: If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand? To which we must find trust. I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word. For with the LORD is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption (PS 130:5, 7).

Change is a team effort

Jesus puts the question to its very core. Half-truth v truth. You have heard that it was said to your ancestors (incomplete)… But I say to you (complete). The list below is dealt with in the conclusion of the teaching of Jesus: going to court – i.e., judgment. So his teaching has two levels: (a) the effects of our errors and (b) the shared responsibility of our errors.

The ‘a’

  1. whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment (i.e., shunning).
  2. whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin (i.e., law).
  3. whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna (i.e., hell).

The ‘b’

In a plot twist much like the Jonah story of Wednesday, Jesus gives us the the truth of our blindness and guilt even as we accursed another (the ‘b’).

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny (Mt 5:23-26)”.

Who is guiltless before the Lord? Nobody. Who should we be merciful to? Everyone.

Prescription

The Lord’s Work

  • Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication (PS 130: 2).
  • But with you is forgiveness (PS 130: 4).
  • I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word (PS 130: 5).
  • For with the LORD is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption (PS 130: 7).

My Work

  • Let my ears be attentive to the supplication of others.
  • Let me be forgiving.
  • Let me learn to trust people again.
  • Let me be kind and help restore proper order among men.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031425.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

How Pope Francis Inspires Compassion in Times of Crisis

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Chair of Saint Peter

Greetings on this the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle
Readings: 1 Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6; Matthew 16:13-19

Chair of Saint Peter

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Our Shared Responsibility

Peter as head of Church has a job to do. He is to be the foundation on which to build the kingdom on the ‘territory’ of the netherworld. He/we/us are to bind the wounds and loosen the fetters. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners (Lk 5:32). It is Christ, the Son of the living God, who is the master builder.

We are in the midst of contested territory. The hearts and souls of humanity. Wounded, chained in a sort of prison. This will not stand. We call out to hear one another to find each other. We dedicate our life to the restoration of this chosen race, humanity.

Mode of Operation

Saint Peter in his first letter describes the mode of operation.

Tend the flock of God in your midst,
overseeing not by constraint but willingly,
as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly.
Do not lord it over those assigned to you,
but be examples to the flock.

The Church has no need to align with fascists and dictators. Only the poor. Stand up to Caesar. Stand up to the Emperor.

Pray for Pope Francis

Pope Francis is a person who puts the relational model ahead of all other understandings of the Church and her role to bind and loosen. So often he teaches us to step into (compassion means to enter into the passion of another) the reality of another and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fashion a freedom not even considered before – a solution not designed by men but by God.

Pope Francis came in an Age of Rage and a Season of Emotions. He counsels us to stop deciding based on our instinctive, guttural feelings but on the objective reality of the Subject. Humans are the subject of all endeavors. Objectively understanding them and in context of divine love is what loosens and binds.

Offer your compassion! Are you not or will you not be old one day? Are you not or will you not be sick one day? How can it be that we have eyes but cannot see? Or have ears but cannot hear?

In the midst

We are in the midst. Let us be first and foremost be com-Passionists.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/262353/pope-francis-is-fragile-and-not-out-of-danger-say-doctors

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022225.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Understanding the Warning of Leaven in Scripture

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Leaven can be defined as to permeate and modify or transform.

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10; Psalm 29:1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b & 9c-10; Mark 8:14-21

Leaven Warning

Leaven can be defined as to permeate and modify or transform.

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread,
and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.
Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out,
guard against the leaven of the Pharisees
and the leaven of Herod.”
They concluded among themselves that
it was because they had no bread.

Jesus’ caution to us is to be wary of what we allow to permeate and modify or transform us.

Disciples Misunderstand Jesus

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread,
and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.
They concluded among themselves that [the warning]
was because they had no bread.

Jesus reminds the disciples that his warning is not about going hungry for bread for the belly. Rather for that question he reminds them of the superabundant events of the feeding miracles.

And do you not remember,
when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand,
how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?”
They answered him, “Twelve.”
“When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand,
how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?”
They answered him, “Seven.”

Twelve is the number of tribes of Israel and Seven is the number of nations – meaning the blessing is for all people.

Understanding

When he became aware of this he said to them,
“Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread?
Do you not yet understand or comprehend?
Are your hearts hardened?
Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?
And do you not remember?
He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

The Wary Leaven

  • What does the leaven of the Pharisees give you? The Tradition of the Elders being more important than the commandments. Empty and controlling without good purpose.
  • What does the leaven of Herod give you? The senseless execution of John the Baptist had already occurred.

The Divine Leaven

  • From our first reading, the Ark of Noah, to protect us from the ravages of the world. We have the rainbow to remind us.
  • From our gospel portion, the feeding of the five thousand and the feeding of the four thousand. We have the Eucharist to remind us.
  • We know of so many other examples just outside of our reading portions today. We have the sacred Gospels to remind us.

Remind us that: Good leaven changes you in the best ways.

Leaven Choices

In the end, Jesus leaves us with a choice of two types of leaven:

1. Leaven of death. Murder and empty worship.

2. Leaven of life. Love and fullness of blessings.

What will we allow to permeate and modify or transform us?

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021825.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry