Tag: faith

Exploring a New Way of Life After Encountering Jesus

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, christmas
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

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

The Importance of Self-Possession in Faith

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, christmas

Think

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church
Readings: 1 John 2:22-28; Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; John 1:19-28

Know Yourself in Truth

Polonius was right. A person really needs to know and own himself (spiritual people call this self-possessed). Being calm and level headed can only come about if you understand your motivations and methods cross referenced to your affect attitude. Our actions flow from within us. They are a window into the soul.

Today we celebrate the memorial of two men who seeking the truth was paramount, Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, at the cost of great suffering, slander, insults, and even personal violence (see https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-gregory-nazianzen/)

Who is the liar?

Our first reading today asks the question, Who is the Liar?

So many and varied heresies abounded in and around the early Church. The most important thing to remember is that heresies are deviations from and by degree undermine the gospel. Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the Antichrist. This portion from 1st John is not about people outside of the faith. This observation is particular to those who are baptized in Christ but denying Christ anyway.

But knowing who you are in truth allows someone to place the self and ego aside.

They asked John: “Who are you?”

Who are you?

He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.”
Are you Elijah?
Are you the Prophet?

No and no.

Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?

John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”

John was self-possessed.

Self-possession begins with full acceptance of what is. It requires us to lay out the facts of our history without attaching to how things “should” have been, and to regard the facts of our present without attaching to what “should” be now. (See: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/staying-sane-inside-insanity/202108/why-self-acceptance-leads-self-possession/)

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking (CT) is a mainstay for knowing thy self. Training in CT reinforces techniques and strategies to not fall into logical fallacies, confirmation bias and the over-use of intuitive thinking in regards to things we are uncomfortable with or newly exposed to.

Here is an article to the 15 biggest logical fallacies: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/rhetorical-devices/logical-fallacies/

It is imperative that Christians walk carefully with the gospel. It is both powerful and fragile (to turn a phrase). How we use the gospel and how it is accepted within the body of believers really does matter. The critical part isn’t if you understand theology, have great training, or even a Doctor of the Church. Before all this, know yourself. We are not the center of the universe. We are not the sole possessors of truth and right as individuals.

We are people on a journey of choosing good and rejecting evil – in ourselves first and foremost.

[About Gregory Nazianzen] Returning to Nissa, he devoted himself above all to writing, and left a copious collection of spiritual verses. “Everything is hard for mortals,” he wrote, “everything is ridicule, shadow, appearance – and that everything should be unstable, O Word, which hast created us, we owe to Thy wisdom, that we might learn to turn our love to that which is stable and firm.”

See: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/01/02/sts–basil-the-great-and–gregory-nazianzus–bishops-and-doctors.html

Personal Reflection

Being honest with yourself is difficult, especially in a world filled with people operating at a base level of humanity. Being honest allows for truth to flourish within us and out pours to the world as a healing balm. Finally, being self-possessed allows us to think clearly about difficulties and pathways forward. Consistently operating at a level of intuition and instinct without the maturing effects of critical thinking is deadly.

John knew who he was and who he was not. Ditto, Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen. Jesus then is known and can be known. I am on the same journey as you: learn to turn our love to that which is stable and firm.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010225.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Blessings for the New Year: Hope and Renewal

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, christmas
Time is a gift. Use it as a precious gift. A New Year and Renewed Hope.

Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
The Octave Day of Christmas
Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

Summary

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2025!

We are reminded by the blessing for all in our first reading today and with this I bless you.

The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon
you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and
give you peace!

Amen!!

Reflection

We celebrate the Queen of Peace as she is the Mother of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The shepherds tell of their encounter and praise God.

All mothers want a new beginning for their children.

  • Fall down? Get up.
  • Make a mistake? Say you’re sorry, move on, do better.
  • Get sick? Be patient, take good self-care.
  • Opportunity to be helpful? Take it!

You are blessed by the Lord. Difficulty does not define you, love, love defines you.
Take courage, my brothers and sisters. Take courage. Keep all these things in your heart!

Brothers and sisters:
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,
born of a woman, born under the law,
to ransom those under the law,
so that we might receive adoption as sons.
As proof that you are sons,
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
crying out, “Abba, Father!”
So you are no longer a slave but a son,
and if a son then also an heir, through God.

Personal Reflection

My New Years (Eve and Day) is/was a mixed bag. I persevere because I have hope in the Lord and in our Blessed Mother’s care and intercession.

  1. Violent attack by ten thugs who wanted to use our common property at night without permission.
  2. Verbally attacked by homeowners who are not well formed or informed.
  3. Consoling a mother who lost her infant son three years ago and needs reassurance.
  4. Preparing for a funeral tomorrow.
  5. Preparing for officiating a wedding in February.

I am blessed. When I fall, I get up. When I …

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010125.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Reflecting on Anna: A Model of Devotion and Worship

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, christmas

Greetings on this the Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Readings: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10; Lk 2:36-40

Summary

There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

Reflection

We have many Anna’s in the Church. Women who dedicate their lives to the Church. They prepare the altar, aid the priest prepare for Mass. They clean the sanctuary, cook special meals for the clergy and organize just about any parish festival except for occasional help from the men. These women, and in defiance of their own difficulties, find a way to make the temple a home for themselves and for all who come to worship.

Personal Reflection – Remembering Gloria

My friend Gloria. She was a saint. And she is the Anna of our day. She fasted, she prayed, she welcomed. She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child [Jesus] to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

Obituary: https://www.palmswestfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Gloria-Van-Brocklin/#!/TributeWall

Be an Anna.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123024.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Finding Home: Reflections on Jesus’ Journey in the Temple

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, christmas
Journey path

Greetings on this the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Readings: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5.; Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17; Lk 2:41-52

Summary

The Boy Jesus in the Temple portion today is in the gospel of Luke and is also the 5th and final Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary. How this is a joyful mystery as the story of Mary and Joseph is one of anxiety and frustration?

After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”

Parents worry about their children and want the best for them. His father and mother had reasonable concerns for their son but not the fullness of their concerns. The parents of Jesus didn’t always get it right. Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?

No doubt Jesus’ response was both reassuring and disconcerting. Reassuring as he has found a home in the Church. Disconcerting because we though we are his only home. Yet, we have many homes. Our birth home. Our town home. Our Church home. And happily for many, Our marriage home.

Home, then, is where the heart is. The story is a joyful mystery as know the Lord cares for us and makes a home for us with him wherever we are.

The temple story brings another important point. It completely skips the ordinary needs of Jesus. I mean, where did he sleep? What did he eat? How was he able to bathe, where was the latrine, was he safe, was he cold at night, and the questions go on and on.

But they did not understand what he said to them.

Children are a wonder. Their thinking process is very different from fully mature persons. But they thrive nonetheless.

Jesus was ‘at home’ at home and in the temple.

At Home

He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

At Temple

In the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.

Reflection

If home is safe and loving, then the world is too. Here is an old story illustrating the point.

Two Brothers On a Journey

There were twins on a journey

and they walked at different paces but were together throughout.

As the first twin approached a city he asked local man, “What are the people like in the city?”
The man answered, “What are they like from the city you came from?”
He replied, “They are mean, disrespectful and greedy.”
The man answered, “I’m afraid that is what you’ll find the same there too.”

A short time later, the second twin approached the same city and asked the same local man, “What are the people like in the city?”
The man answered, “What are they like from the city you came from?”
He relied, “They are kind and generous.”
The man answered, “I’m happy to say that is what you’ll find the same there too.”

Personal Reflection

The Feast of the Holy Family is full of behavioral advice, yes? This is good and worthy to be followed! How we behave is how we perceive things. That can be liberating if not a bit eye opening! Who am I more like: the first twin or the second?

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122924.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Celebrating the Birth of Jesus: A Christmas Reflection

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, christmas

Greetings on this the The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Mass during the Day
Readings: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6.; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18

Summary

Merry Christmas! The Savior is born!

and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.

Reflection

Today we memorialize and celebrate the birth of Jesus. During the octave of Christmas – an eight day celebration – we recall our universal need for the divine presence. Today we marvel of this innocent baby, his mother and Joseph, Pater Putativus (Step-Father).

Through the week

  1. Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr
  2. Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist
  3. Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs
  4. Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
  5. The prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
  6. John [the Baptist] testified to him and cried out.
  7. Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God The Octave Day of Christmas.

We celebrate as a family, united as adopted children of God.

Personal Reflection

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. Our journey of faith is to allow our mind of faith to flow into our heart of faith. Jesus has come and it is a wonder in our eyes.

A holy day has dawned upon us.
Come, you nations, and adore the Lord.
For today a great light has come upon the earth.

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122524-Day.cfm

Friends

Chag urim sameach! Happy Festival of Lights! My Jewish friends celebrate tonight as well.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Reflecting on God’s Promises This Advent Season

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

The Nativity

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Mass in the Morning
Readings: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; PS 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29; Lk 1:67-79

Summary

Advent is but a few hours remaining now. By 4:00 PM we enter the night-watch for the birth of Jesus. A spiritual welcome for him. In our first reading today, King David is settled in, comfortable and safe all around. In some ways David thought this was the end of turmoil and strife. The Lord had fulfilled all He promised. As far as he could tell. But the Lord has a more wonderful plan. To David he said, “And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors” the Lord is not done but will continue to build up the Kingdom of God.

I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his Kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

This heir is Jesus.

Reflection

Tuesday – A Song of Thanksgiving and Mission (today’s reflection). The Canticle of Zechariah is said every morning in the Church. It is a reminder of thanks and mission.

Promises Made (What)

  1. To be set free.
  2. Save us from enemies and those who hate us.
  3. Show Mercy to our fathers.
  4. Remember the Holy Covenant.
  5. Free to worship, and act rightly in all things.
  6. Knowledge of salvation.
  7. Forgiveness of Sins.
  8. To Shine on us and Guide us in the ways of peace.

Promise Kept (Who)

  1. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David [Jesus].
  2. [John] You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, to go before the Most High.
  3. The herald who points us to the Christ.

Personal Reflection

Hours before we celebrate Jesus’ birth we celebrate the promise. The Lord has made promises he will keep. Always and forever. Let us make our final preparations for the coming of the Lord.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122424.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Refiner’s Fire: Lessons from Zechariah

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic
https://medium.com/@keithmcgivern/and-he-shall-sit-as-a-refiner-and-purifier-of-silver-and-he-shall-purify-the-sons-of-levi-and-b89ee10578ca
Refining Silver. From Medium.com

Greetings on this the Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Readings: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Lk 1:57-66

Summary

The Birth of John and the Canticle of Zechariah are our celebrated gospel portions for today and tomorrow morning (Tuesday evening is the Vigil of Christmas). It is one story given in two parts. It is one story about two persons. It is presented by Zechariah who was refined like gold or silver, that they may bring offerings to the LORD in righteousness.

Monday – Fulfillment of the Promise

He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. John means “Yahweh has shown favor”.

But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

Zechariah waited a long time to say that! To be exact, he waited nine months since the Angel visited. He was being refined as like our reading from Malachi. He also is referring to John in his life to be lived.

Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Tuesday – A Song of Thanksgiving and Mission (tomorrow’s reflection).

Reflection

Zechariah went through his own purification and given a silent retreat of nine months to consider his faith or lack thereof. His seclusion yielded a beautiful song of praise. The song speaks of the Messiah and the Herald intertwined is praise and mission but always for the redemption of Israel.

He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant.

Personal Reflection

It is a slow process to appreciate what is happening in sacred scripture. In the awaiting for the Messiah the family of people each given a part and parcel of the salvation story. None more closely related than John and Jesus. The Canticle of Zechariah weaves their story together as one story, one song, inseparable.

And so it is with us. The story is not over. Your life and your good will are gifts from the Lord and also individual expressions of the Lord among the people. May your journey in this life be intertwined with Jesus as John’s life was. It will be a truly blessed journey. It will be a marvelous song to sing in heaven.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122324.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Embracing the ‘You-Me’ Concept in Advent Reflections

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

AI Generated. Mary is too tall and Elizabeth is too young. AI – fizzle

Greetings on this the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Readings: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

Summary

By way of the cycles and the calendar year the gospel reading for Saturday of the Third Week of Advent and for the Fourth Sunday of Advent are identical. The reading differences are in the First & second reading and Psalm responsorial.

Reflection

Yesterday I described the reflection as a call to love in the book Song of Songs. While the lovers in the Song are clearly human figures, both Jewish and Christian traditions across the centuries have adopted “allegorical” interpretations (NABRE Commentary).

Today the supporting theme to the Visitation is the power of God to make real the promises he has made to us and the method by which the promise is fulfilled (who and how). With an ending thoughts for “you-me”.

Regarding the Christ as the WHO promise:

He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
he shall be peace.

And from the Letter to the Hebrews the HOW:

Then he says, “Behold, I come to do your will.”
He takes away the first to establish the second.
By this “will,” we have been consecrated
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

So together Saturday and Sunday harmonize the reason, the person and the method of salvation.

Love, in Christ, by redemption.

In our gospel portion is the “me” point of the gospel. Yes, the direct persons are Mary and Elizabeth of course and we delight in praising them and praising the Lord for this marvelous dialog. But here is the part for the you-me. Yes, a new phrase, you-me. You are the Me of Elizabeth.

And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Well, she does. To you-me.

And from our Alleluia verse, you are the me (in your own way):

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.

YOU-me. Mary and Elizabeth invite you to experience the Lord as ‘me’.

Personal Reflection

From time to time I also get confused and can fall into the trap of the you is not me but someone else more worthy.

No, the you is me – you-me. Me and you. No carve out exceptions.

Come share Mary’s and Elizabeth’s JOY. You. I mean Me. All us Me-ees.

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122224.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Embracing Seclusion: Spiritual Reflections for Advent

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25

Summary

After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived,
and she went into seclusion for five months, saying,
“So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit
to take away my disgrace before others.”

Reflection

It is good to have alone time with the Lord. Elizabeth wasn’t hiding in shame (actually the opposite -So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others). She could have ran around showing off her beautiful belly!

But no, she went into seclusion. To a sheltered or private place. In thanksgiving.

Similarly, Mary, And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

Personal Reflection

I must remember to carve out alone time with the Lord. In prayer, of course, but also in friendship. In a common recollection and reflection on his marvelous love. I put a screen shot of an Advent retreat that just passed. Maybe next year? But even now, carve out the time.

Prescription

Please carve out some seclusion. You and the Lord. Marveling the wonderful things he has done for you, me and everyone. So many examples.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121924.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry