Category Archives: The Cross

March 30, 2015 · 4:47 pm

Fickle Sunday

Holy Week begins with “Hosannas” on Sunday and ends with “Crucify Hims” on Friday.

What fickleness!  What fecklessness!

We are all like this when it comes to following Jesus.  We try to avoid sin, ask forgiveness when we do sin, and accept grace.  However, we vacillate between wanting Him and rejecting Him.  We can’t make up our minds whether we hold Him in regard or if we are going to sin regardless of the consequences to our relationship to Him and the state of our immortal souls.

Then, there’s the whole focus on the Cross this week.  We hate to be reminded that Jesus tells us that we must pick up our cross and follow Him.  Jesus didn’t just pick up His cross though.  He embraced it.  He kissed it.

And what do we do when God sends us a little bit of suffering.  ( I truly believe that there is no comparison with our sufferings and the brutality of being crucified; not even mentioning the cruelty of the scourging and crowning with thorns.)  We whine and ask Him to take our suffering away as quickly as possible.   Holy Week should remind us that we all are going to have our crosses to bear.  How do we accept them?  Do we embrace our suffering with all the love for Christ that we can because we know that Easter Sunday always follows Good Friday?

I leave you with a wonderful quote from the Cure de Ars, St. John Vianney.  I plan on using this all week long to remind me of what the the Christian life is really all about.

“There is no doubt about it: a person who loves pleasure, who seeks comfort, who flies from anything that might spell suffering, who is over-anxious, who complains, who blames, and who becomes impatient at the least little thing which does not go his way–a person like that is a Christian only in name; he is only a dishonour to his religion, for Jesus Christ has said so: Anyone who wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross every day of his life, and follow me.” ~St. John Vianney

 

 

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April 14, 2014 · 5:15 pm

Desolation

During any reading of the Passion, there are two things that touch my heart.  Yesterday, was no different.

First, I always cringe when we are “the Crowd” and I have to read the part that says “Crucify Him.”  Second, I am always struck by the utter desolation that is in the cry of Jesus.  “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?”

About the first:  my sins crucified my Lord.  And that is part of the reason that I cringe.  I might not have been there, on the scene, but I was there.  When His arms were stretched out, He saw me and He saw every sin I would ever commit.  Yes, He died for me. Personally.

About the second:  Life is a spiritual roller coaster.  We are either in a period of Consolation or in a period of Desolation or somewhere in between at any given point of our lives.  The periods of Consolation are awesome and a time of great spiritual joy.  The periods of Desolation are dry and sterile.  Sometimes when I am there, I don’t think I will ever experience great spiritual joy again.  Then I remember Jesus on the Cross.  “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?”  And, that gives me strength to begin the ascent again, up the hill of the roller coaster, to a period of Consolation.

I am going to be making my weekend Ignatius Retreat: Consoling the Heart of Jesus beginning on Thursday evening.  & I will not be back on here again until Easter Monday.

I hope this Holy Week is a time of great consolation to you.  That’s my plan for me.

 

 

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April 24, 2013 · 4:38 pm

I Once Was Blind; But Now I See!

Then God goes on to say, “I invite you to a relationship of love: your love of me, my love of you.”  Yes, God comes to us as an invitation to love. . .

At this moment love surges in our heart like a tremendous sea that takes us in and lays us in the arms of God whom we haven’t seen but in whom we believe.  Across the waves we hear, “Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believe” (Jn 20:29).  Now I walk in the darkness of faith and I see.  I see more clearly than is possible with my fleshly eyes.

–Servant of God Catherine de Hueck Doherty

Bartimaeus (Mark 10: 46-52)

Bartimaeus’ eyes are opened by Jesus in two ways.  The obvious opening is the physical one.  The second opening is in Bartimaeus’ response to his healing.  Even though Jesus told him to go his way, Bartimaeus chose to follow Jesus.

Bartimaeus is a model for the process of conversion.  He had a strong faith.  He called out to Jesus, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:48)  This means that he believed Jesus was the Messiah.  And this belief added to what he had heard about Jesus stirred up a great trust.

When asked what he wanted, Bartimaeus replies, “Master, let me receive my sight.” (Mk 10:51) What boldness!  What confidence!  What faith!

Jesus affirms how important trustful faith is to Him when He replies to Bartimaeus, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.”  (Mk 10:52)

This convert stays with Jesus to know His teachings and to be formed by them.  He stays with Jesus, trusting in His wisdom.  He stays with Jesus at the cross so that he finds the forgiveness of his sins through Jesus’ suffering.  He stays with Jesus because the Resurrection promises new life.  He stays with Jesus to be nourished and given hope.

Our prayer today and always:  Let us stay with you, Lord.  Let us walk in your light so we may truly see!

(FYI: Tomorrow, Thursday, April 26th is the feast day of St. Mark the Evangelist.)

BartimaeusNext time:  the woman at the well

Meditation:  Have we been through our own conversion process?  Are we using this Easter season to really know Jesus through His word?

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April 3, 2013 · 3:45 pm

Road to Emmaus–Our 50-day Walk with the Risen Lord

On the Road to Emmaus

On the Road to Emmaus

“Two of them that same day were making their way to a village named Emmaus seven miles distant from Jerusalem, discussing as they went all that had happened.  In the course of their lively exchange, Jesus approached and began to walk along with them.” — Luke 24: 13-15

Points to Consider

  • In the Gospels, Jesus makes repeated demands for an act of faith in the person of Jesus, Himself.  He claims to be the object of human faith.
  • A Christian makes an act of faith in Jesus that draws the believer into a personal relationship with Jesus.  We trust and love Jesus no matter what; when things are going well and when things don’t go well.
  • It was not an embarrassment for the early Christians that their Savior died like a slave and criminal on the cross and they did not cover it up.  Instead it became a central theme of their faith as they spread that faith all over the ancient world.
  • Faith in Jesus Christ also requires faith in the Resurrection.  This was not easy; even for the Apostles and the holy women who followed Jesus.  Remember, the holy women were on their way to the tomb to anoint a corpse.  Mary Magdalene thought Jesus was a gardener that had moved her Lord’s body.  Because he wasn’t there, Thomas doubted that Jesus appeared to the apostles in the upper room.  He had to be shown.  All of the Resurrection narratives are conversion stories to faith in Jesus’ Resurrection.

Investigation

In the narrative that begins this blog post, identify the occasion of conversion in the Resurrection of Jesus.  Who converts?  What convinces them?

Ask the same questions after reading Matthew 28; Mark 16; and John 20-21.

Meditation

Why does it make a difference to me that Jesus rose from the dead?  (1 Corinthians 15: 12-28)

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March 27, 2013 · 5:38 pm

No Matter What the Consequences!

“Hear as Jesus heard; speak as Jesus spoke; suffer as Jesus suffered; die as Jesus died; rise as Jesus rose.”–One Bread One Body for Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

I have been sitting here with pen poised trying to visualize what this day would have looked like for Jesus and His disciples.  Was there an aura of intrigue about the temple and were they aware of it?  Had the disciples relaxed a bit because of the Hosannas ringing out when Jesus entered Jerusalem a few days before?  Were they watchful and anxious or just “hanging out” with Jesus?  Beginning Thursday evening, they will fall asleep, betray, flee, deny, despair, and hide.

I think I’m “hanging out” with Jesus after this post until Saturday afternoon.  I’m praying that I won’t fall asleep, betray, flee, deny, despair, and hide.  What about you?

Well, today, we study the final 9 verses of the Sermon on the Mount:  Matthew 7: 21-29.  I have learned much during this study.  Hope you have, too.

Concerning Self-Deception

Matthew 7:  21-23

7: 22 on that day:  This is the Day of Judgment on which Jesus will be the Divine Judge.  God’s sanctifying grace makes our soul fit for heaven.  We manifest it when we conform ourselves to the Father’s will, by knowing and obeying Jesus.  Sanctifying grace is conclusive evidence of our personal sanctity and membership in the family of God.  Charismatic graces, while heaven sent, are not.  (CCC 2003)

Hearers and Doers

Matthew 7: 24-29

7:24 like a wise man:  true wisdom puts Jesus’ teaching into practice and prepares for the future.  his house:  Physically, this parable alludes to building in New Testament Palestine.  Mud-brick houses were generally built in dry season.  Only a house with a solid foundation would resist erosion and destruction when torrential rains came.  Jesus’ reference to a wise man and his house is a reference to King Solomon who built the temple upon a great stone foundation.  Morally, the enduring house is the soul that is maintained only through labor and the materials of prayer and virtue grounded on Christ.

7:29 One who has authority:  Jesus delivered “new teaching “(Mk. 1: 27).  This teaching excelled over Mosaic Law in perfection.  (Matthew 5: 21-48)  Later, Jesus would denounce traditions that are incompatible with God’s word.  (15: 3-6; CCC 581)

The Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 25:  these are all part of Jesus’ blueprint for Holy living.  I know that I will continue to read and ponder them often during this pilgrimage to heaven.

“Save us, save us, Savior of the world, for by your cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.”

Bloch-SermonOnTheMountNext time:  Easter Monday

Have a blessed and holy Triduum and a Joyous Easter!

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March 25, 2013 · 4:27 pm

The Race to the Empty Tomb Begins

“Mary brought a pound of costly perfume made from genuine, aromatic nard, with which she anointed Jesus’ feet.  Then she dried His feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the ointment’s fragrance.”–John 12: 3

I love this passage from John.  It makes me think.  “Am I willing to give everything I have and everything I am to Jesus without counting the cost?”  Good question to think about during Holy Week.

Now to the second last section of the Sermon on the Mount.

Ask, Seek, Knock

(Matthew 7: 7-12)

7: 7  Ask. . .given you:  Jesus advocates perseverance in prayer.  Answered prayers stem from faith-filled intentions.  (CCC 2609)

CCC 2609 “Once committed to conversion, the heart learns to pray in faith. . .the beloved Son gives us access to the Father. . .He can tell us to “seek” and to “knock” since He Himself is the door and the way.”

7: 11 you then, who are evil:  Jesus indicates the pervasive sinfulness of man.  good things: the material necessities of life as well as the grace to live as God’s children.

7: 12 do so to them:  Jesus states the Golden Rule positively. (CCC 1970)

CCC 1970 “the entire Law of the Gospel is contained in the ‘ new commandment’ of Jesus, to love one another as He has loved us.”

The Narrow Gate

(Matthew 7: 13-14)

Cities surrounded by a fortified wall had both wide and narrow gates for access.  Main, wide gates were big enough for whole caravans to pass through.  Small, narrow gates permitted only pedestrians.  Jesus is telling us that many will pass through this “easy” gate to “destruction.”  The “few” must exert some effort to make it to “life.”

False Prophets

(Matthew 7: 15-20)

These so-called prophets appear harmless, yet their ministry breeds error, division, and immorality.  (2 Peter 2: 1-3)

2 Peter 2: 1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.  And many will follow their licentiousness, and because of them the way of truth will be reviled.  And in their greed they will exploit you with false words; from of old their condemnation has not bee idle and their destruction has not been asleep.”

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Wednesday:  Matthew 7:  21-29

Study Question:  In Catholic Tradition, what is sanctifying grace?

Meditation:  Am I ready to carry my small sharing in the Cross of Jesus?

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March 22, 2013 · 3:47 pm

“Judge not, that you be not Judged.” Matthew 7:1

Today is the last Friday of the 40 days of Lent.  Are you preparing yourself for the holiest week of the year?  I suggest that everyone spend an hour this coming week in front of the Blessed Sacrament in preparation for the Triduum.  What a wonderful heavenly climate to realize that Jesus is God.  As you “fix your eyes” on the eucharistic Jesus (Heb. 3: 1) let Him fill you with “eucharistic amazement.”  (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II, 6.  Let’s make Holy Week a priority!

Judging Others

Matthew 7: 1-6

Jesus’ teaching on judgment has two sides.  1) He condemns judging others’ faults.  (7: 1-2)  We can’t judge others with fairness and accuracy because we can’t see another’s heart like God can.  He alone know the heart.  2) However, Jesus commands us to exercise critical discernment (7: 6, 15-19.)  Otherwise, we might profane what is holy (7: 6) or embrace what is false. (7:15)

7:2  you will be judged:  We set the standards of our personal judgment (by God) by our own conduct toward others.  (cf 18:35)

7: 6 dogs. . .swine:  The Jews would call pagans, dogs and swine.  Jesus uses these insulting labels to describe anyone who is inhospitable to the Gospel–both Jew and Gentile.  what is holy: In Judaism, holiness characterizes anything consecrated for covenant worship.  To treat holy things, then, in a common manner would profane them.  (Ex 29: 37; Lev 22: 10-17)  Jesus is applying this notion in the New Covenant.  The Early Church used this statement to rightly withhold the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist from the unbaptized.

Next time:  Chapter 7:  7-20

Study Question:  The Gospel for Palm (Passion) Sunday:  Luke 22: 14-23:56)

Meditation:  In heaven, the saints stand “before the throne and the Lamb, dressed in long white robes and holding palm branches in their hand.”  (Rev. 7:9)  Some Palm Sundays last forever.  Yours can as well.—One Bread One Body for Sunday, March 24, 2013.

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March 20, 2013 · 4:47 pm

Do Not be Afraid for Anything!

Today’s study will conclude Chapter 6 of Matthew’s Gospel and we are two-thirds of the way through the Sermon on the Mount.  I can’t speak for any of you, but I am having a great Lent so far.

What plans have you made for Holy Week?  On here, I plan on finishing Chapter 7 in Matthew by next Wednesday.  Then, I will begin a two day do-it-yourself Ignatius retreat with the book “Consoling the Heart of Jesus.”

That means I will spend the Triduum off-line.  When we return on Easter Monday, we will begin a bible study using “The Year of Faith: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics” by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.  Hope you all join me for that journey.  It will be a great way to celebrate the Easter Season.

Concerning Treasures

Matthew 6: 19-21

“For where you treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

The Sound Eye

Matthew 6: 22-23

6:22  the eye is the lamp:  this is an ancient metaphor.  Jesus uses this metaphor to advocate generosity.  According to the passage, if we have sound eyes, we are filled with light and generous with our belongings.  Those who are evil are filled with darkness and are stingy.

Serving Two Masters

Matthew 6: 24

6:24  mammon:  this is an Aramaic word meaning “wealth” or “property.”  Jesus is warning that anything that comes between us and God is idolatry.  (CCC 2113)

CCC 2113  “. . . Idolatry rejects the unique Lordship of God; it is therefore incompatible with communion with God.”

Do Not Be Anxious

Matthew 6: 25-34

6: 28-30  Jesus teaches using the logic of a rabbi.  He tells us that God supplies our physical needs to signify His great concern for our spiritual needs.  He desires to clothe us with glory and immortality in heaven.  (cf. 1 Cor 15: 15-55; Rev. 19: 7-8)

6:33  seek first His kingdom:  The pursuit of holiness must be a priority for us.  We can’t be lazy in practical matters, but we must trust our Father’s care.  (CCC 2608)

Jesus is My Lifeguard!

Jesus is My Lifeguard!

Next time:  Chapter 7: 1-29

Study Question:  List some ideas that you have thought about during reading the Sermon on the Mount.

Meditation:  “Judge not, that you be not judged.”

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March 8, 2013 · 5:51 pm

Conclusion of Chapter 5: 33-48 Probably the Toughest!

Next week, we will pick up the Sermon on the Mount in Chapter 6.  We are moving right along as we are over half-way through Lent.  It’s “gut-check” time.  Is our Lent helping us to get holy?  Are we praying, fasting, and giving alms (practicing works of mercy?)  Are we rushing less and reading more?  Are we getting to know Jesus; so we can better know the Father?  Are we attending Mass more often?  Have we gone to the Sacrament of reconciliation, yet or planning to go soon?  Or is it time for a course correction?  There’s plenty of opportunity to turn things around.

Concerning Swearing Oaths

(5:33) not swearing falsely:  Jesus forbids private oath swearing.  In the context of a public oath, God’s Holy Name is invoked to bring blessing to the upright and curses to those who violate their oaths.  Evidently, during Jesus’ time, people swore by heaven, hell, and Jerusalem (5: 34-35) for their own personal advantage and therefore, did not take their oaths seriously.

(5: 37)  Let what you say be simply “yes” or “no”; anything else is from the Evil One.

Concerning Retaliation

(5:38)  an eye for an eye:  Jesus forbids the misuse of Mosaic Law to justify private vengeance.  Exodus 21:24 was meant to limit retribution; (cf. Lev. 24-20; Deut 19: 21)  The punishment had to fit the crime and not exceed it.  Jesus eliminates a policy of retaliation from personal life.

(cf. Rom 12: 17)  Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.

(5: 41) if any one forces you:   Roman soldiers in NT Palestine could recruit and compel Jews into temporary service. (i.e. Simon of Cyrene in 27: 32)  Jesus wants ungrudging generosity beyond the call of duty.

Love for Enemies

(5: 43)  Jesus considers this one of the two great commandments of Mosaic Law.  Unfortunately, the Jews had a very narrow definition of “neighbor.”  It had to be someone exactly like them.  (CCC 1933)  hate your enemy:  Israel’s warfare laws were meant to wipe out Gentiles so the Jews wouldn’t imitate their idolatry.  Jews in NT Palestine disdained the Gentiles that lived among them.  Jesus broadens the definition of neighbor to include the Gentiles; even the Romans.

(5:48)  You. . .must be perfect. . :  New Covenant righteousness has a standard of mercy.  Jesus calls us to imitate God’s perfect compassion.  Our Father is kind and merciful to good and evil alike; so we must extend mercy even to our enemies.  (CCC 1968; 2842)

(Lk 6: 36)  Jesus gives holiness a new focus, defining it as mercy that reaches out to others.

(CCC 2842)  . . .it is impossible to keep the Lord’s commandment by imitating the Divine Model from outside; there has to be a vital participation, coming from the depths of the heart. . .

So there you have it: chapter 5 of the Sermon on the Mount.  This is Jesus’ recipe for a good and holy life here on earth and an eternity with Him in Heaven.  Let us pray that we will hold Him and His precepts in our hearts and live the two greatest commandments as He explains them in St. Matthew’s Gospel.

Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan

Next week:  Begin Chapter 6: 1-15

Study Question:  (CCC 1933)  How does this explain our duty to expand our definition of who is our neighbor?

Meditation:  Chapter 5: 46-47

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March 4, 2013 · 2:53 pm

You Have Heard that it was said: But I say to you

Before we get into today’s verses, I’d like to relate something very humorous that happened in my fourth grade religious ed class.  We read Sunday’s Gospel about the parable of the fruitless fig tree together.  Then, I gave them two coloring sheets related to this Gospel and parable.  I hadn’t really looked at them closely because I had printed them off a Catholic mom’s web site.

The first sheet was a picture of Jesus speaking in the synagogue.  When the girls began to color the second sheet, they began giggling.  When I looked at the sheet, there was the fig tree, the gardener, and (drum roll, please) a chainsaw.  We all had quite a time and laugh about that.

My husband suggested that it could have been water powered.  The deacon suggested that it could have been a “steal.”  However, I was just impressed that the girls understood that they probably did not have chainsaws when Jesus was living.

Concerning Adultery (Matthew 5: 27-30)

(5:27)  Jesus forbids adultery as does the Mosaic Law.  However, He extends the prohibition to impure and lustful thoughts even if they aren’t acted upon.  (CCC 2380)

(CCC 2380) The sixth commandment and the New Testament forbid adultery absolutely.  Jesus condemns even adultery of mere desire.  The prophets see it as an image of the sin of idolatry.  (Hos 2:7; Jer 5: 7; 13:27)

(5:29)  Pluck it out: this is NOT a literal command for self-mutilation.  Jesus uses alarming images because sexual sin is so severe.  Extreme measures are needed.

  1. to avoid occasions of sin
  2. to avoid the sins themselves
  3. to avoid the eternal punishment they lead to

Concerning Divorce (Matthew 5: 31-32)

(5: 31)  a certificate of divorce:  the Old Covenant permitted divorce and remarriage because of Israel’s sinfulness (19:8; cf Deut 24: 1-4)  In the New Covenant, divorce and remarriage leads to adultery.  Matthew adds an “exception clause.”:  (CCC 2382)

(CCC 2382)  The Lord Jesus insisted on the original intention of the Creator who willed that marriage be indissoluble.  He abrogates the accommodations that had slipped into the Old Law.

figtree Next Time:  Jesus on Marriage and Divorce

Study Question:  If possible, read about matrimony in the preaching of Jesus.  (CCC 1612-1617)  What questions come to your mind regarding this teaching?

Meditation: Prayerfully consider the following questions:

  1. Have I been faithful to my marriage vows in thought and action?
  2. Have I engaged in sexual activity outside the bond of matrimony?
  3. Have I used artificial birth control?
  4. Have I respected people of the opposite sex?
  5. Have I been guilty of impure actions?
  6. Do I dress modestly?
  7. Do I practice the virtue of chastity in all my thoughts and actions?

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