Tag: god

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

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

Embrace God’s Reconciliation Today

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Uncategorized

Be Reconciled

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Hebrews 8:6-13; Psalm 85:8, 10, 11-12, 13-14; Mark 3:13-19

Summons and Reconcile

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:19-21)

and again…

Summons

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He wants us to participate in the sharing of divine mercy.

Reconcile

  • God reconciles.
  • God calls us to reconcile and share the Good News.
  • God calls us to benefit from the Good News.

Reflection

Brothers and sisters: Now our high priest has obtained so much more excellent a ministry as he is mediator of a better covenant, enacted on better promises.

Psalmist Describes in poetry the Promises of the Lord through this High Priest Jesus

Show us, O LORD, your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.

Jesus Summons

  • He summons men and women to share the message of reconciliation the best example are the Apostles.
  • He summons men and women to benefit from the saving graces of God the best example is the conversion from evil to good..

AI Overview – search was for ‘define summons theology’

The Theology of God’s Providence – Marvin Williams
Summons theology is the idea that God calls people to live in obedience, love, and service. It’s also known as the divine summons, a call to holiness, and a call to joy and peace.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012425.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Hear the Heartbeat of Your Beloved

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic

Hear the heartbeat of your beloved

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 7:25—8:6; Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17; Mark 3:7-12

Personal Note

Sorry no blog post yesterday, crazy day. BTW, any feedback on this new very truncated, brief and staccato writing style for the reflections? Always experimenting….

Central Gospel Message

as presented by our gospel acclamation verse today…

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

and from the first reading…

Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him,
since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
It was fitting that we should have such a high priest:
holy, innocent, undefiled.

and from the Gospel portion today (people coming from all over the region, far and wide)…

He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases
were pressing upon him to touch him.

Reflection

Confidence. Have confidence in the living God who saves us from all manner of problems. Not just problems, but actual alignment and harmony with the divine love. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. Press upon him.

I often ask couples to relax in a certain way. Taking turns, not to fall asleep, not to be aroused, but to place your ear upon the chest of your beloved to hear, really hear, their heartbeat. The exercise completes when the heart rate is at its slowest. For science buffs, quantum observer effect is a way to describe it. My observing your heartbeat, changes you. It is a certain type of reception. Intimate without Eros. It is the same with the Lord.

Our Promise Back

With all the promises the LORD makes for his human family, we/you/I make a promise back… Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012325.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Discerning Fasting: A Reflection on Relationship with Jesus

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Feast or Fast?

Greetings on this the Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 5:1-10; Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4; Mark 2:18-22

Not so Fast

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. Jesus’ disciples did not yet have a fast.

From the gospel of Luke: The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.

We always have to be careful and not try and discern the thoughts and motivations of others as sport. Sometimes we must discern as a necessity.

What were they thinking?

Here is the NABRE commentary on this topic of fasting.

Can the wedding guests fast?: the bridal metaphor expresses a new relationship of love between God and his people in the person and mission of Jesus to his disciples. It is the inauguration of the new and joyful messianic time of fulfillment and the passing of the old. Any attempt at assimilating the Pharisaic practice of fasting, or of extending the preparatory discipline of John’s disciples beyond the arrival of the bridegroom, would be as futile as sewing a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak or pouring new wine into old wineskins with the resulting destruction of both cloth and wine (Mk 2:21–22). Fasting is rendered superfluous during the earthly ministry of Jesus; cf. Mk 2:20. See: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/2?22=#49002022

Sorrow

“Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.

Presence

When in the presence of Jesus there is cause for Joy. When we are right with God, fasting is superfluous. It is the case that when we prepare to be in Jesus’ presence fasting is in order. This is one of our Season of Lent practices, to fast.

My Inventory Question

Here is how we can take on the question of fasting.

  • How is my life with Jesus? Is it a joyous and peaceful relationship? Then don’t fast.
  • Is my relationship with Jesus and others filled with contention? Then consider fasting and confession.

This is an over-simplification of the question of fasting. But it is quite useful place to start.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012025.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Hearing God: Overcoming Selective Hearing

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic

Ephphatha “be opened”

Greetings on this the Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 3:7-14; Psalm 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11; Mark 1:40-45

Hearing the Lord

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

I’m sure at one point or another you and I have been accused of Selective Hearing. I say that in jest as it is a common complaint at home, work and in the Church. Makes me giggle.

Selective Hearing is wonderful in the right context.

Selective hearing, also known as selective auditory attention, is the ability to focus on a specific sound while ignoring other sounds. It’s a cognitive function that helps people concentrate on what’s important to them, even in noisy environments. Provided by Google’s Generative AI.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice,
“Harden not your hearts as at the rebellion
in the day of testing in the desert,
where your ancestors tested and tried me
and saw my works for forty years.

The days of Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert, were noisy days. Meribah: lit., “contention”; the place where the Israelites quarreled with God. Massah: “testing,” the place where they put God to the trial (NABRE Commentary on Ps 95:7).

In that place, water from a rock, the Quail and the Manna. In that place, victory in battle with Amalek. How did we not hear him in these things? Did we listen to our appetite instead?

Does He hear us?

Is the LORD in our midst or not? (Ex 17:7). Yes, he is, always.
The problem is really, why do we listen to everything else? How is it the worries, noise and problems of the world have a higher receptivity in us than the quiet, reassuring and effective love of God? He hears us. Let us hear him. If we must have selective hearing, let us hear his voice.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Hearing Individual Prayer

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said,
“If you wish, you can make me clean.”
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand,
touched the leper, and said to him,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”

He hears us in community and as nations and each of us as persons.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011625.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry