Tag: faith

Lessons from Sheep: Shepherding Insights

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Sheep

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mark 6:30-34

Sheep Herding Comments on Reddit

  1. As a shepherdess, you have to be ready to throw down against coyotes, cougars, and eagles, then turn around to see a lamb has drowned itself in a water bucket.
  2. Taking good care of sheep can be a dirty, exhausting business. Trimming hooves, shearing, health issues, lambing, even just setting up and taking down paddock fences in July is dirty, sweaty work. It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked, and easily the most physically demanding work I’ve done on a consistent basis.

The Need

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them,
for they were like sheep without a shepherd;
and he began to teach them many things.

The Action

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have;
God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.

Reflection

The Responsorial Psalm (means “sacred song“) today is Psalm 23. a widely accepted, reassuring-reflective psalm on the benevolent care of the Lord. The LORD is my shepherd. He does the dirty, exhausting business of caring for us.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose.
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.

The Apostles, after being sent out two by two, returned to share the wonderful healing stories and to rest in the Lord.

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."

Come to Mass and rest a while. Rest in Jesus.

Tomorrow, the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we encounter Jesus calling Simon, as well as, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Calling them. As sheep first and then as to-be Shepherds.

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020825.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Understanding Theophany: Jesus and the Twelve Disciples

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic

Theophany of Jesus

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
Readings: Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24; Psalm 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 9, 10-11; Mark 6:7-13

Nothing to it

He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick
–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

From Fear to Joy

In our first reading today, in the Letter to the Hebrews, the distinction is made between the Moses’ experiences in the great theophany of Sinai and the experience of the “The Twelve’s” theophany of Jesus Christ. Theophany is a visible manifestation to humankind of God. The fear of Sinai was of two types: Awe at the magnitude of the presence and the fear of the environment.

For Moses and his people

  1. You approached that which could be touched
  2. A blazing fire and gloomy darkness
  3. A storm and a trumpet blast
  4. A voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them.
  5. Indeed, so fearful was the spectacle that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.”

It is important not to prescribe a difference in the people. People are people. We pretty much haven’t changed since Adam and Eve blamed each other for sin. So it isn’t a quality of us that is different. It is the delivery of the message. The message is the same: God Saves. God is present. God loves. The closeness, the voice and the tenderness are the changes. Moses was facing a desert wasteland. The Twelve faced a desert spiritual wasteland.

For those in the time of Jesus experiencing Jesus

  1. You have approached Mount Zion
  2. The city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem
  3. Countless angels in festal gathering
  4. The assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven
  5. God the judge of all
  6. The spirits of the just made perfect
  7. and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled Blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.

Jesus Summons and Dispatches

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits. The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Miracles Abound

Moses, Aaron and the people were saved by the Lord. Jesus all the more.

Jesus sent them out two by two to change the world. Free people from demons, heal their illness and share the divine joy to all they encounter. And all they had was a tunic, walking stick and sandals.

And what they had most of all was Jesus.

Now that’s trust.

Trust brings forgiveness

From fear to forgiveness

Brother Paul Miki, a Jesuit and a native of Japan, has become the best known among the martyrs of Japan. While hanging upon a cross, Paul Miki preached to the people gathered for the execution: “The sentence of judgment says these men came to Japan from the Philippines, but I did not come from any other country. I am a true Japanese. The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I certainly did teach the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason I die. I believe that I am telling only the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you to become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ’s example I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.”

From the Franciscan Writing on the Japanese Martyrs: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-paul-miki-and-companions/

Conclusion

Trust Jesus to get you through the desert of spiritual dryness. You don’t need a lot and you are empowered to heal and forgive.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020625.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Healing Power of Jesus for Women

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Synonyms for Healing

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 12:1-4; Psalm 22:26b-27, 28 and 30, 31-32; Mark 5:21-43

Introduction

In today’s gospel portion we encounter the Marcan writing style of intercalation – stories nested within stories. This style allows for deeper and immediate insights into the Divine Love. We encounter two females in distress (burdened), one a young girl (prepubescent) and the other an old woman (post menopausal). In the Greek world, the dominate culture, only a fertile woman has value (overstatement but instructive).

A young girl and an old woman are nearly invisible and not valued as persons in the modern world too. The healing Jesus provides is direct contact, i.e., If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured; and He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”. The invisible and ‘not valued’ are highly valued in the sight of God worthy of his blessing and his direct and personal intervention.

The other part of the intercalation is the story of the healing of the old woman is inside the story of the healing of the young girl. The healing of the old woman of hemorrhages (debilitating but not fatal) is inside the healing of the young girl who was at the point of death or actually dead – Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?. Whatever the burden the LORD wants to provide relief – long enduring pains and sharp sudden illness).

Jesus addresses the old woman as daughter and the girl as little girl which are both endearing and loving expressions of person-hood. YOU are my daughter. YOU are my little girl.

Finally, the reference to twelve years. The girl (12 y/o) the hemorrhage (12 years duration). AI summary: In Judaism, the number 12 is a symbol of perfection, wholeness, and divine order. It appears in many aspects of Jewish life, including the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 months of the year, and the 12 hours of the day. So we can conclude the perfect healing love of Jesus is for all women!!

The gospel story: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/5?21 (‘and following’ that is what ‘ff’ means when you see a reference like MK 5:21ff).

Rid Ourselves of the ‘Less than”

Brothers and sisters:
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us.

Burdens and sin are less than holy, less than divine and less than the life we are meant to live. Baptism, Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation are the Sacramental gifts of restoration.

Come Lord Jesus, heal me

One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward.
Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying,
“My daughter is at the point of death.
Please, come lay your hands on her
that she may get well and live.”
(She …) touched his cloak.
She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.”
Immediately her flow of blood dried up.
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you.
Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”
He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,”
which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”

Personal Reflection

From the moment of conception to a natural death the Lord is with you.

Always and in All Ways.

  • Go in peace.
  • Be cured of your afflictions.
  • Arise!

Let the Divine Love -> love you.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020425.cfm

Special 33 DAYS OF AFFIRMATION prayers for women: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/05/28/thirty-three-days-of-affirmation-for-women-journey-of-spirituality-and-empowerment/

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Understanding Jesus’ Healings: Chains to Freedom

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic

Chains and Shackles

Greetings on this the Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 11:32-40; Psalm 31:20, 21, 22, 23, 24; Mark 5:1-20

Summary

Sometimes the acts of Jesus result in the fear of Jesus. The healing of the Gerasene Demonic is an example. Understanding the actions of God take time and reflection to reveal the fullness of the blessing provided. We re tempted to think the chains and shackles are the better option.

The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac – Fear

And they were seized with fear.
Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened
to the possessed man and to the swine.
Then they began to beg him to leave their district.

The man healed – who none could approach – was restored to his right mind and body. Their fear was two fold. The miracle was beyond their expectations of what is possible. They lost a herd of about two thousand swine into which the demons entered and drove off the cliff.

Witness of the Healing Love of God

But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead,
“Go home to your family and announce to them
all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”
Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis
what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

The man told his story. A story from oppression and possession to liberation. The people began to understand that commerce (2,000 head of swine is a lot of valuable livestock) is nothing in comparison to the state of one human soul. The healed man was told to announce the good news.

The Healing of a Deaf Man – Acceptance

(Sometime later…) Again he left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him (Mk 7:31-32). In this case the healed deaf man was told to not tell the story.

Reflection

The difference between the first and second visit of Jesus to the region is very significant. The first healing brought fear and a certain amount of loss. Yet the reflection upon the events and the miracle given the single man became a realization of a blessing to the entire region. One they wished to share at the next opportunity.

  • Pigs are not as important as people. Not a comment to be taken to extremes, please!
  • Witness is the first step in discernment.
  • Nothing we possess is as important as the people in our lives.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020325.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Meaning Behind Lifting the Lintel in Faith

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic

Pray for us (ora pro nobis)

Greetings on this the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Readings: Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

The Lord Comes

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Jesus’ parents bring Jesus to the Temple. Fulfilling the law of consecration, they present the Christ of the Lord.

When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord.

Revelation of the Christ of the Lord

And suddenly there will come to the temple
the LORD whom you seek,
And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.

The Passive Heart

Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!

In ancient times to lift up the gate means you must reconstruct the gate structure – the lintel (the horizontal beam of the gate itself and extend the posts). We let the Lord in in small ways but the Christ Event – the Presentation – requires a different opening. An opening of hearts to the wonder of the majesty of the Lord.

Receptive Heart

The faithful witness of Simeon and Anna are so very beautiful. These two lifted up their lintel to allow the Christ to enter their hearts and praise God for their salvation and hope.

Nijiriguchi (crawling-in entrance)

Japanese tea houses use a Nijiriguchi entrance. It is described to enforce a certain humility to crawl through to enter the tea house – both big/small, wealthy/poor all enter the same way. Humility is the goal. This lintel lifting is not that.

Instead the lifting up the lintel is to open the gates of our hearts full and wide that the abundant graces of the Christ may enter our hearts.

Advice from the Psalmist

Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020225.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Calming Life’s Storms: The Role of Faith

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
The Other Side – Faith

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19; Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75; Mark 4:35-41

Faith is Trust

By faith is our topic.

By faith the world is recreated and the Spirit renews the Face of the Earth. Faith is simply put trusting the Lord God is truthful in his promises of help and able to do the same.

Good reference on Faith: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/catechism/index.cfm?recnum=232

  1. By faith Abraham obeyed.
  2. By faith he sojourned.
  3. By faith he received power.
  4. By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac.

All these (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah) died in faith.

The Calming of a Storm at Sea

A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

Faith and the Test of Faith

A proper study of faith would compare and contrast the single question of Zechariah (LK 1:18) and the question of Mary (LK 1:34). Perhaps from the exterior you cannot find a difference?

  • “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”
  • But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”

The Angel Gabriel could tell the difference.Don’t worry, the Lord favored both of them, we are comparing and ranking responses.

Answer: To KNOW or to BE.

To know is limited faith in the face of trouble. To be is the wonder of what is to come in the right ways.

Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every kind of evil (1 Thess 5:21-22).

Tomorrow is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (LK 2:22ff). Read/listen carefully to the words of Simeon and Anna. See how their difficulty and sorrows are not chains of imprisonment. Rather, in faith, they look forward to the promises with a full heart.

Conclusion

Have faith. The Lord is here journeying with us. Since the very beginning. The Garden of Eden was closed and guarded (Gen 3:24). But remember, the LORD left the garden too! It is empty!! He left with Adam and Eve and they journeyed together. As we do now.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020125.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Age of Knowledge: Trusting God’s Design

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Uncategorized

We sow what we do not know how

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest
Readings: Hebrews 10:32-39; Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40; Mark 4:26-34

Summary

Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

Information Age

We live in the Information Age. Maybe that title is outdated now. The Internet Age? Even that title is too tame. Age of Discovery? Nah, already used previously. Maybe let us call these current times: the Age of Knowledge.

Of all the things that can be known, we know. A click and a search. Even more, with AI assisting, discover vectors, correlations and causation not previously known. Scientifically it is known as the Anthropocene Age (human domination), alternatively geologically called, Cenozoic (“new life”) era. But wanting to know and knowing are not the same. Sometimes we jut have to accept: he knows not how.

We want to know – Now!

This knowledge appetite is insatiable. We pour billions into the sciences and arts to discover the next thing and the next. Of itself it is fine and good. Of only itself it is a disaster. Lost in all this impulse and discovery is the person and person-hood.

For Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 COR 1:22-25).

Trusting by design

Commit to the LORD your way;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make justice dawn for you like the light;
bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.

We trust the seed will grow. We know, without knowing how, that things will order themselves aright. We have faith in the natural environment we are born into and a we are a part of naturally.

Faith in the person of God

By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm,
and he approves his way.
Though he fall, he does not lie prostrate,
for the hand of the LORD sustains him.

We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and will possess life.

The salvation of the just is from the LORD;
he is their refuge in time of distress.
And the LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013125.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Dangers of Gossip: A Spiritual Perspective

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Gossip

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 10:19-25; Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Mark 4:21-25

Summary

For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear.

Gossip

Gossip is so corrosive. Unrestrained comments are from a well of deep-seated emotional wounds of the speaker. The gossiper has the sin. The listener bears the burden.

Measure

The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

Carpentry

Measure Twice, Cut Once

In carpentry there is a saying. Measure twice, cut once. Simple advice. Profound effect.

You are obligated to measure what you hear and repeat only truth. Truth that is helpful not hurtful.

Generative AI says

How to speak the truth in love?

  • Be truthful in all dealings with others.
  • Avoid lying, cheating, or deceiving others.
  • Communicate the truth in a loving way.
  • Act in accord with all that is true.
  • Live a life of integrity and truthfulness.

Catholic Church Says

CCC 2505 Truth or truthfulness is the virtue which consists in showing oneself true in deeds and truthful in words, and guarding against duplicity, dissimulation, and hypocrisy.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013025.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Remembering Our Loved Ones and God’s Will

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Jesus claims his family – today is not a feast day but it’s a perfect illustration

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Hebrews 10:1-10; Psalm 40:2, 4ab, 7-8a, 10, 11; Mark 3:31-35

Family

But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Consecrated

We have been consecrated through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Consecrated Life

The state of consecrated life is thus one way of experiencing a “more intimate” consecration, rooted in Baptism and dedicated totally to God. In the consecrated life, Christ’s faithful, moved by the Holy Spirit, propose to follow Christ more nearly, to give themselves to God who is loved above all and, pursuing the perfection of charity in the service of the Kingdom, to signify and proclaim in the Church the glory of the world to come. Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church 916.

Family

Remembering

Lately I have been assigned to preside over many funerals. Four this week alone.

It is in these moments people express their initial or deepest reflection about the deceased depending on circumstances. Sometimes the remembrances are amazingly beautiful and sometimes that are shockingly stark. As is often the case, it takes a little time and prayer to bring forward the memories stunned into silence by the death of the loved one.

But the one thing in common is the message of family. He was/She was/They were family. From the deepest urges of the heart an attempt to remember the good the deceased has done. Using different language than today’s gospel, I always encourage people to remember the ways in which he/she/they did the will of the Father.

Jesus claims us as family. Jesus remembers the good we have done in fulfilling the Father’s will to love one another as we love ourselves. He remembers. He loves. He claims.

Going Forward

Let us in small and big ways, remember love, remember family and remember the good God has done.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012825.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Understanding the Danger of Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Love sacrifice

Greetings on this the Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 9:15, 24-28; Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6; Mark 3:22-30

Accusation

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan?

Judgment

Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Heart Set on Evil

It wasn’t enough to see Jesus heal Simon’s Mother-In-Law, cleanse a leper, heal the paralytic, cure a withered hands, and all manner of diseases for many people. They hated Jesus for that.

In the gospel of Mark the FIRST miracle is the cure of the demonic – Mark 1:21f. Among the other healings early in his ministry he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him (Mk 1:34).

Both times telling the demons not to testify to who he was.

They hated Jesus for that, too. For worst of all reasons. Not because they can’t see with their own eyes the good he is doing but because Jesus interferes with their evil plans.

Ah! Those who call evil good, and good evil, who change darkness to light, and light into darkness, who change bitter to sweet, and sweet into bitter! (Isa 5:20).

And Again

For the fool speaks folly, his heart plans evil: Godless actions, perverse speech against the LORD, Letting the hungry go empty and the thirsty without drink. The deceits of the deceiver are evil, he plans devious schemes: To ruin the poor with lies, and the needy when they plead their case. (Isa 32:6-7).

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit

Is a persistent rejection of truth and in particular the rejection of truth with the intention of advancing evil schemes. Is is no wonder that the witness evidence from Isaiah says it all cited above Isa 32:6-7.

Putting (fill in the blank) First

What you put FIRST will be what is remembered in the LAST.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012725.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry