The Role of Dignity in Modern Politics

Abraham Lincoln

Bosnian post.

Seems my friend’s advice would work here too. Then a reflection on Pope Francis 2015 speech to Congress further down to bring these two thoughts together. Let’s demand politicians act like grown, mature men and women.

Translated below to English:

In an atmosphere where public space is increasingly contaminated by intolerance, politicians in high positions, instead of being models of dignity and responsible behavior, often resort to arguments, curses and inappropriate statements. Their rhetoric, instead of being a tool for dialogue and problem solving, becomes a tool for deepening divisions and causing scandals.

Such behavior not only ruins the reputation of the institutions they represent, but also sends a message to citizens, especially young people, that insults and aggression are legitimate means of communication. In a country that faces numerous challenges, from economic insecurity to social divisions, politicians should be an example of maturity, responsibility and willingness to cooperate, and not protagonists of the circus that fills the front pages every day.

The role of public officials is not only to make decisions, but also to preserve the dignity of public discourse. When those, who should be role models, themselves violate the norms of decent behavior, the question arises – what kind of society are we building? It is up to the citizens not to put up with such standards and to demand responsibility from those in power. Because politics is not only a reflection of society – it shapes the future.

Politics – Once an Honorable Role

Pope Francis, 2015 (nearly ten years ago).

Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility. Your own responsibility as members of Congress is to enable this country, by your legislative activity, to grow as a nation. You are the face of its people, their representatives. You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics. A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk. Legislative activity is always based on care for the people. To this you have been invited, called and convened by those who elected you.

Reference: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2015/september/documents/papa-francesco_20150924_usa-us-congress.html

The actual split

Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
Readings: Ti 2:1-8, 11-14; PS 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29; Lk 17:7-10

Summary

In our reading portions today, we have two sets of admonition, one for all Christians and one for the Apostles. The first broken down by age category and the second by the servant role of the clerical state. They are critical for us in our age too.

Christian Behavior

Saint Simeon with Jesus – devout old man

Christian behavior begins with the older men and older women. We should know better given our age and supposed wisdom. We are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance. Even more so, reverent in our behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, and teaching what is good. When we start there as older men and older women, younger men and younger women have the example to find their own virtues and integrity.

Saint Anna – devout old woman

Transformation of Life

For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires.

For Clerics (which includes the admonitions to all Christians)

Beginning with the Apostles, we must have the Attitude of a Servant. The Sacramental system clerics are given to provide and preside must be considered the obedience of the commandment of the Lord, and we ourselves unprofitable servants. Unprofitable is the sense of the worldly things and done in humility and personal integrity. It is dominus supple, the master provides. For it is by the grace of God that all good things come.

Reflection

Today is the memorial of Saint Josaphat. It is wise to consider the Franciscan reflection which includes in part this entry: The seeds of separation were sown in the fourth century when the Roman Empire was divided into East and West. The actual split came over customs such as using unleavened bread, Saturday fasting, and celibacy. No doubt the political involvement of religious leaders on both sides was a large factor, and doctrinal disagreement was present. But no reason was enough to justify the present tragic division in Christendom.

Reference: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-josaphat/

Personal Reflection

We are facing a new split in the Church. The split comes over customs such as using (place your petulant items in this list. A list that comes only from personal prayer and reflection). No doubt the political involvement of religious leaders on all sides is a large factor, and doctrinal disagreement results. Partly because we hyper-examine the opinions of others and brush aside the same of our own thoughts.

Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111224.cfm

First Reading

Christian Behavior and Transformation of Life.

Live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ.

Responsorial

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation (see Jn 14:23)

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.

Gospel

Attitude of a Servant.

So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Embracing Unity: Lessons from Saint Paul

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop
Readings: Phil 2:1-4; Ps 131:1bcde, 2, 3; Lk 14:12-14

Summary

There are many calls for unity these days. Some by identifying an enemy. Others by lifting up those with less. True unity is described by Saint Paul differently.

In our first reading today, Saint Paul reflects on what brings JOY: UNITY. That is, being of the same mind informed and moved by the same love. If we have the courage of Christ (encouraged by Christ) we should be able to achieve JOY.

Unity

  1. Love brings solace (comfort in distress).
  2. Spirit brings participation (inclusion of everyone).
  3. Compassion and Mercy brings Chesed (loving-kindness).

Paul says, comfort, inclusion and loving-kindness bring unity. Joy is it’s reward.

These are distinctly contrasted to the acts that are selfishly motivated or the products of vainglory. Many would say if we sum up our self-motives and acts of vainglory together, we can have unity. This is a false hope and doomed to failure. Unity is inclusive of the needs of others not an expression of our wants.

In our gospel portion today, Jesus says the same thing. When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.

Our motivation is our reward.

Reflection

Borrowing from the Babylonian Talmud, “The reward for charity depends entirely upon the extent of the kindness in it.” Charity based on a exchange has a very low spiritual value. Charity based upon need and with no expectation of return is to be encouraged. Remember to be encouraged is to be given the strength to have courage to do the right thing.

Personal Reflection

I vow to do a examination of conscience that considers acts of kindness by the measures of unity, joy, selfishness and vainglory. The rewards of the righteous are profoundly better than anything I can make for myself.

Sacred Readings of the day

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110424.cfm

First Reading

Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.

Responsorial

In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

Gospel Acclamation (see Jn 8:31b-32)

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.

Gospel

Jesus said,

Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Is this worth losing heaven?

The weeds in question are about 5 ounces in weight and a sandwich bag in volume.

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Eph 6:1-9; Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14; Lk 13:22-30

Summary

Define Strive make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.

He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough (LK 13:24).

In all the communities which the LORD, your God, is giving you, you shall appoint judges and officials throughout your tribes to administer true justice for the people. You must not distort justice: you shall not show partiality;l you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes even of the wise and twists the words even of the just. Justice, justice alone shall you pursue, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD, your God, is giving you (Deut 16:18-20).

The city gate is often where the matters of justice are discussed, revealed and decided. The gate: in the city walls. This open space served as the forum for the administration of justice. Cf. 22:15; 25:7; Ru 4:1, 2, 11; Is 29:21; Am 5:10, 12, 15 (NABRE Commentary, https://bible.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/21?19=#05021019).

Reflection

Jesus wants us to strive (make great effort) to achieve justice between peoples.

Our first reading states with justice between family members and it expands to people we work with and are responsible for/to.

  • Children – honor and obey your parents.
  • Fathers – do not provoke your children.
  • Slaves – know your true Master and Consolation.
  • Masters – know your true Master and Judge.

Jesus says strive for justice (right relation) with everyone. Make it your life’s work. Your life’s goal.

Personal Reflection

My neighbor has decided to get petty about nearly everything. I was weeding and left some pulled weeds on the water cutoff. Crisis. Why? Because he didn’t get the roof he wanted approved at the Architectural Board meeting. He is seeking his justice. Or Is he seeking his revenge? Many, I tell you, will attempt to enter (by force) but will not be strong enough. We must recognize that revenge and pettiness will never achieve peace nor is it the gate to heaven.

I ignore the parallel things he does with his trash, etc, consistently for a decade or more.

I’m pretty sure neither of these things are the justice Jesus is referring to in his dialog. After all, he is more worried about our entry into heaven not some petty nonsense.

And that is the point, always ask first before responding:

Is this worth losing heaven? Rather let me strive (resist, in this case) the nonsense.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103024.cfm

First Reading

Stop bullying, knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven and that with him there is no partiality.

Responsorial

The Lord is faithful in all his words.

Gospel Acclamation (See 2 Thes 2:14)

God has called us through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel

And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Gift of Faith: Choosing Between Two Prisons

Apostles freed by an Angel

Greetings on this the Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Eph 4:1-6; PS 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; LK 12:54-59

Sidebar

A friend of mine told me that I write the best titles for reflections. Not the best reflections, but the best titles for reflections.

Summary

Saint Paul wishes us to be imprisoned like him in the ways of unity.

Imprisoned means:

A. to be confined within/into.
B. to be limited in behavior and liberties.
C. to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge [relation with] of God.

Why Prison?

Why did he speak thus? Because of suspicions about his character. It seems, nobody trusts someone who does not take a portion for themselves. Yet Paul sees things differently. Yet we have not used this right. On the contrary, we endure everything so as not to place an obstacle to the gospel of Christ (1 COR 9:12b).

Seven Unities

Saint Paul urges us to live in the ‘seven unities‘ which are (the basis of the Creeds to follow in time):

  1. Church
  2. Spirit
  3. Hope
  4. Lord
  5. Faith in Christ [Eph 1:13]
  6. Baptism
  7. One God

Reflection

Prison as Gift

Paul describes his way of life a form of imprisonment not as an imposition made but as a gift given by him for us. He limits his rights that there be no obstacle for salvation for others.

Prison as Consequence

Jesus speaks of another type of imprisonment. The imprisonment of hypocrisy and obstinate ignorance. Read these words again and consider: Who is the guilty party?

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.

We are so ready to throw other people in jail for every offense (personal, social, political) but Jesus warns us quite clearly WE are the guilty ones. We do not live the life of unity but of division. Eek!

Personal Reflection

Which prison is better? The prison of faith, hope and love with the Pauline Self-denial of our own rights seems to be what way of life we should follow.

The prison of hate has a very long prison term: I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny. BTW, it is a sum unobtainable to me.

Pick One

It seems we need to pick one. Jesus gave the warning about the one and Paul the freedom of the prison of the other. Which do you pick?

Sacred Readings References

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102524.cfm

First Reading

[I] urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace; one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Responsorial (See Mt 11:25)

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Gospel

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Gird your loins and light your lamps

A dwelling place of God in the Spirit

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: EPH 2:12-22; PS 85:9AB-10, 11-12, 13-14; LK 12:35-38

Note

Back from the Appalachian Trail. Photo Collection (partial): https://deacongerrypalermo.blog?s=SOBO
(SOBO = South Bound)

Reference

Good read on peace and justice: https://millennialjournal.com/2013/11/26/pope-francis-evangelii-gaudium-work-for-justice-at-heart-of-discipleship/

Summary

In our readings today we are given the divine goal in a distinct word: Peace. In the entire liturgical reading for the day, 10 instances. Peace is the imperative of the divine love. Man constantly divides the human family into clans, families, tribes, dominions, and countries. The division among us is deep, real and from time immemorial, that is, as early as the fall from grace.

Jesus came to (1) break down the dividing wall of enmity; and (2) abolish the law with its commandments and legal claims by way of the sacrifice of his Flesh. Uniting us as one flesh, not two, much as the gift of marriage offers but this time for all and at once. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” Genesis 2:24.

We have become fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God.

Reflection

Peace is work. A particular work of vulnerability and acceptance. We struggle so mightily with these quotes: Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.

Jesus, Prince of Peace.

Why? Because kindness and truth are very difficult for us to co-express in our behavior side-by-side. We often consider them to be opposites. Yet, in the divine logic, Truth without kindness is cruelty. Kindness without truth is patronizing.

Peace for those who know nothing but pain.

Why? Justice and peace are very difficult for us to co-exist in our behavior side-by-side. We often consider them to be opposites. Yet, in the divine logic, Justice without peace is revenge. Peace without justice is slavery.

Divine Justice is subordinate to Mercy

To which Jesus says: hey, “Gird your loins and light your lamps”. To gird means to encircle yourself with a belt and to prepare is to do something difficult.

The belt is to surround yourself with the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together. The preparation is to grow into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Jesus promises that those who work together for peace: Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. You become the peace you work for. OR. You can continue to be a source of division.

Personal Reflection

The work I do for the kingdom can only be truly fruitful if it is built on/in/with the belt of the Church and impelled in the gift of the person of the Holy Spirit. Only then, with divine inspiration, can I imagine kindness and truth coexisting in me and justice and peace living in harmony in my proximity. It’s work. In the heart. It’s work. In the body. But it’s the work of the Father. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work (Jn 5:17).

Call to Action

Light your lamp! Let’s go! Consider ways to bring truth in kindness. Imagine ways you can be peace with justice.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102224.cfm

First Reading

For he is our peace, he made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his Flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one Body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it.

So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

Responsorial

The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

Gospel Acclamation

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

Gospel

Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

How many divisions has he got?

Colors of the Church. Today is Red.
  • Green – Ordinary abundant blessings of the Lord
  • Purple – Kingship of Jesus. Repentance o f Heart.
  • Red – Total giving of self.
  • Rose – Joy of faith
  • White – Our Future and our Hope.

Greetings on this the Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
Readings: 2 COR 9:6-10; PS 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9; JN 12:24-26

Diakonia

Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

Autocrats

Papal influence has been a problem for many dictators and autocrats who have tried to reduce it by, for instance, translating it into military terms. Stalin’s rhetorical question is well known: “The Pope! How many divisions has he got?” (Souce: The International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS))

Reflection

Diakonia service is not a battle of territory but of hearts. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? (Matt 26:53).

Personal Reflection

Happy Feast Day, Brothers!

Food delivery during COVID

According to the latest edition of the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae, or Statistical Yearbook of the Church, there were 49,176 permanent deacons worldwide in 2021. Source: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/where-in-the-world-are-permanent

A division has 15,000 troops. So 3 and 1/2, but whos counting?

Saint Lawrence
  1. to administer baptism solemnly
  2. to be custodian and dispenser of the Eucharist
  3. to assist at and bless marriages in the name of the Church
  4. to bring Viaticum to the dying
  5. to read the Sacred Scripture to the faithful
  6. to instruct and exhort the people
  7. to preside over the worship and prayer of the faithful
  8. to administer sacramentals
  9. to officiate at funeral and burial services.”

Source: Lumen gentium

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081024.cfm

First Reading

Brothers and sisters: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Responsorial

Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Gospel Acclamation

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life, says the Lord.

Gospel

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Earthen Vessels and the Way of Saint James: A Gospel Reflection

The Way of Saint James

Greetings on this the Feast of Saint James, Apostle
Readings: 2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6; Mt 20:20-28

Summary

Saint James, Apostle. Ossuary – what he had – he could not contain within as a prison but shared forever.

St Paul says we hold holiness in earthen vessels, that is, ourselves. Not as if we can contain or constrain the will of God. Yet we are honored to hold the message of salvation inside us to be given out to all of us.

Reflection

The sons of Zebedee wanted their reward for the work they are doing, now and later. What were they seeking? If we understand Jesus’ teaching immediately afterwards the answer would be power.

Personal Reflection

How do we handle the grace and mercy given us from the Lord?

  • Does it entice us to consolidate power?
  • Does it encourage us to become servants?

But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.

Sacred Readings

Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072524.cfm

First Reading

Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels.

Responsorial

Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Gospel Acclamation

I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.

Gospel

Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

‘Rise and Walk’: Reflecting on Authority, Forgiveness, and Justice

Judge Rightly

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Am 7:10-17; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Mt 9:1-8

Amos the Shepherd and Dresser of Sycamores

Amos was a regular guy and he had a tough job. He was given the task to warn Israel of its errors and be a voice of reason to get back to right relations.

His climactic denunciation for Israel, whose injustice and idolatry are sins against the light granted to her. Israel could indeed expect the day of the Lord, but it would be a day of darkness and not light (5:18) … Amos’s message stands as one of the most powerful voices ever to challenge hypocrisy and injustice. He boldly indicts kings, priests, and leaders (USCCB commentary).

Summary

It is a popular thing to discuss free-will and the divine patience – derided by some as constraining! and by others too patient!

  • Justice now – if it is for me.
  • Free Will – only for me, not him.

Amos shatters that by reminding everyone that hypocrisy and injustice are the true sins. In our gospel portion today, we are given an even more marvelous truth! If Amos is given the task of reminding us to keep right relations, then Jesus is reminding us that the LORD has given every power under heaven to build the righteous kingdom (absence of hypocrisy and injustice). Read these words again when Jesus heals the man with a withered hand. He forgave his sin and he cured his body.

When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Reflection

For those who rail at Gos fail to recognize He has turned over every power and duty to us. Amos is one example. Jesus another. Here these words as well: Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? (Jn 10:34).

Personal Reflection

We just need to own our responsibility, power and duty this Fourth of July. I am in awe that we have been given the power to forgive, to heal and to be just and avoid hypocrisy. Seems to me that is the right relation.

Sacred Readings

Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070424.cfm

First Reading

Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now hear the word of the LORD!”

Responsorial

The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

Gospel Acclamation

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

Gospel

Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Heart, Soul and Strength (love with)

2022 Feast Guatemala Maya

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Tm 2:8-15; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Mk 12:28-34

Notes

Yesterday I did not post as I was attending the PBC Food Bank grand opening of a new kitchen and dining room for the food insecure. I made a Wordless Wednesday out of it which will publish in two weeks time. Here is the news report. At 1:17 Guillermo and I are walking out of the kitchen toward the dining room for the homeless. We are two old men! I’m the hunched over one.

Guillermo Carrasco
Deacon Gerry

Summary

In our sacred readings today we learn the great lessons of faith.

Early Saying (x-ref Creedal values)

  1. Die to live.
  2. Persevere to reign.
  3. Remain faithful and do not deny Christ.

Argumentative and Unproductive Talk

  1. Wordiness and minor theological disputes are worthless.
  2. Topics that are not concerned with salvation useless and unworthy of our time.

Present Yourselves

  1. To God without disgrace.
  2. As a workman for righteousness.
  3. With truthful speech and no add-ons, deviations, conjecture, idle secular inserts.

The Psalmist helps us further

  1. All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy.
  2. Keep his covenant and his decrees.
  3. Act with friendship of the LORD in awe.
  4. Allow the New Covenant in Jesus to give its instruction.

Gospel says it succinctly

  1. God is One.
  2. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
  3. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Reflection

The sacred Scripture portions today remind us to act rightly toward God and our fellow man. These two commandments are inseparable and the greatest.

  • Love with your heart – do right things with love. Love as noun and verb (affection and interest).
  • Love with your soul – with the most interior nature of yourself. Go deep!
  • Love with your strength – employing all you have of time, talents and treasures.

Personal Reflection

I rely upon the psalmist promise: Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. I stumble through as often as I am deliberate in action and thought. Often the stumbling and bumbling have the best outcomes.

Scripture Readings

Full readings here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060624.cfm

First Reading

Stop disputing about words. Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.

Responsorial

Teach me your ways, O Lord.

All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction.

Gospel Acclamation

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Gospel

Which is the first of all the commandments?

Jesus replied, “The first is this:

  • The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
  • The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
  • There is no other commandment greater than these.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry