Saint Lorenzo Ruiz was born around the year 1600 in Binondo, Manila in the Philippines. He was the son of a Chinese father and a Filipino mother. Both were Christians and took care to raise Lorenzo as a Catholic. He served happily in his parish church as an altar boy and calligrapher.
As a young man, Lorenzo joined the Dominican Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary.
Later, he married a woman named Rosario. The happy couple had three children, two sons and one daughter. By all …
My soul,
dilate thy heart;
thy Jesus can give thee every good gift;
He loves thee ardently.
Hope, then,
for great favours from this Lord,
Who, through an impulse of love,
comes to thee all love.
Yes, my Jesus, my hope,
I trust in Thy goodness,
that in giving Thyself to me this morning,
Thou wilt kindle in my poor soul
the flames of Thy pure love,
and of an ardent desire to please Thee,
that, from this day forward,
I may wish only what Thou wishest.
Amen.
Did you read today’s Gospel? And if so, have you ever been resolutely determined? Do you know what was waiting for Jesus in Jerusalem?
In your heart you do know, it was the cross. Let’s put ourselves in his place and ask ourselves if we were facing what he was facing could we continue that journey? He not only had to face the cross but the agony in the garden, the scourging at the pillar, carrying his cross and being nailed to the tree. Look at your crucifix and ask yourself could you or I go through all that knowing that it was part of our future and something that we really needed to do. Jesus said yes to the Father. There is no greater love than that! He not only did it for His Father but, He did it for us! To save us!
Sometimes we get used to seeing him on the cross and we lose some of the understanding of what he actually did. I am always reminded of what was happening in the movie, The Passion of the Christ. Since that movie came out, several Protestants have said to me that they now have a better understanding of suffering and why Catholics make it a part of our faith practice.
Have you ever thought that the Lord was asking you to do something that you really didn’t want to do? Chances are if that is true, it’s probably what he wants you to do. But you say, there is no way that I could do something like that! Well humanly it probably would be impossible, but with God’s help anything is possible. Remind yourself who he picked in the beginning to do his work. It was a ragtag bunch that never dreamed what they were about to do. The power of Pentecost came over them and they went about the world sharing the good news. God gave them the power and the authority to do many supernatural things. Once they were filled with the Holy Spirit nothing could stop them.
Now, is this the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead? Of course it is! It’s the same Spirit we received at baptism. The Spirit has not changed in the last 2000 years. I think it might be time for us to go deeper and closer to this Holy Spirit so that the next time the Lord asks us to do something impossible we can say with confidence, “Ok, Lord show me the way”!
Serving with Joy!
¿Leíste el evangelio de hoy? Y si es así, ¿alguna vez ha estado decididamente resuelto? ¿Sabes lo que le esperaba a Jesús en Jerusalén?
En tu corazón sí lo sabes, fue la cruz. Pongámonos en su lugar y preguntémonos si estábamos frente a lo que él enfrentaba ¿podríamos continuar ese camino? No solo tuvo que enfrentar la cruz sino la agonía en el huerto, la flagelación en el pilar, llevar su cruz y ser clavado al madero. Mire su crucifijo y pregúntate si tú o yo podríamos pasar por todo eso sabiendo que era parte de nuestro futuro y algo que realmente necesitábamos hacer. Jesús dijo sí al Padre. ¡No hay amor más grande que ese! ¡Él no solo lo hizo por Su Padre, sino que lo hizo por nosotros! ¡Para salvarnos!
A veces nos acostumbramos a verlo en la cruz y perdemos parte de la comprensión de lo que realmente hizo. Siempre recuerdo lo que estaba pasando en la película La Pasión de Cristo. Desde que salió esa película, varios protestantes me han dicho que ahora tienen una mejor comprensión del sufrimiento y por qué los católicos lo tenemos como parte de la práctica de nuestra fe.
¿Alguna vez has pensado que el Señor te estaba pidiendo hacer algo que realmente no querías hacer? Lo más probable es que si eso es cierto, es porque él quiere que lo hagas. Pero dices, ¡no hay forma de que pueda hacer algo así! Bueno humanamente probablemente sería imposible, pero con la ayuda de Dios todo es posible. Recuerda a quién escogió al principio para hacer su trabajo. Era un grupo heterogéneo que nunca soñó lo que estaba a punto de hacer. El poder de Pentecostés cayó sobre ellos y anduvieron por el mundo predicando la buena nueva. Dios les dio el poder y la autoridad para hacer muchas cosas sobrenaturales. Una vez que estaban llenos del Espíritu Santo, nada podía detenerlos.
Ahora, ¿es este el mismo Espíritu Santo que resucitó a Jesús de entre los muertos? ¡Por supuesto que sí! Es el mismo Espíritu que recibimos en el bautismo. El Espíritu no ha cambiado en los últimos 2000 años. Creo que podría ser el momento de que profundicemos y nos acerquemos más a este Espíritu Santo para que la próxima vez que el Señor nos pida que hagamos algo imposible, podamos decir con confianza: “¡Está bien, Señor, muéstrame el camino!”.
¡Serviendo con Alegría!
Deacon Dan Schneider is a retired general manager of industrial distributors. He and his wife Vicki have been married for over 50 years. They are the parents of eight children and thirty grandchildren. He has a degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 2002. He has a passion for working with engaged and married couples and his main ministry has been preparing couples for marriage.
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St. Vincent de Paul was born to a poor peasant family in the French village of Pouy on April 24, 1581. His first formal education was provided by the Franciscans. He did so well, he was hired to tutor the children of a nearby wealthy family. He used the monies he earned teaching to continue his formal studies at the University of Toulose where he studied theology.
He was ordained in 1600 and remained in Toulose for a time. In 1605, while on a ship traveling from Marseilles to Narbone, he was …
O eternal God and Ruler of all creation, You have allowed me to reach this hour. Forgive the sins I have committed this day by word, deed or thought. Purify me, O Lord, from every spiritual and physical stain. Grant that I may rise from this sleep to glorify You by my deeds throughout my entire lifetime, and that I be victorious over every spiritual and physical enemy. Deliver me, O Lord, from all vain thoughts and from evil desires, for yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, …
One day, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the LORD,
Satan also came among them.
And the LORD said to Satan, “Whence do you come?”
Then Satan answered the LORD and said,
“From roaming the earth and patrolling it.”
And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job,
and that there is no one on earth like him,
blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil?”
But Satan answered the LORD and said,
“Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing?
Have you not surrounded him and his family
and all that he has with your protection?
You have blessed the work of his hands,
and his livestock are spread over the land.
But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has,
and surely he will blaspheme you to your face.”
And the LORD said to Satan,
“Behold, all that he has is in your power;
only do not lay a hand upon his person.”
So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
And so one day, while his sons and his daughters
were eating and drinking wine
in the house of their eldest brother,
a messenger came to Job and said,
“The oxen were ploughing and the asses grazing beside them,
and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid.
They put the herdsmen to the sword,
and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
While he was yet speaking, another came and said,
“Lightning has fallen from heaven
and struck the sheep and their shepherds and consumed them;
and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
While he was yet speaking, another messenger came and said,
“The Chaldeans formed three columns,
seized the camels, carried them off,
and put those tending them to the sword,
and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
While he was yet speaking, another came and said,
“Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine
in the house of their eldest brother,
when suddenly a great wind came across the desert
and smote the four corners of the house.
It fell upon the young people and they are dead;
and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair.
He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, and said,
“Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb,
and naked shall I go back again.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
blessed be the name of the LORD!”
In all this Job did not sin,
nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.
An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest.
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child
and placed it by his side and said to them,
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you
is the one who is the greatest.”Then John said in reply,
“Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name
and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company.”
Jesus said to him,
“Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
– – –
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
The readings today describe the beginning of Job’s trials and a lesson for the apostles.
God points Job out to Satan. Job is shown as a faithful servant even when all is taken from him, he blesses the name of the Lord.
In the Gospel, the disciples argued about being the greatest. Jesus knew the intention of their hearts. He invited them to be the least, illustrating His point by placing a child by His side. Jesus challenged them to receive the child in His name and in turn receive the Father, the one who sent Him.
A child is the embodiment of the powerless who own nothing and cannot survive without consistent care. Jesus came into the world as a most beloved infant, not as the greatest or most powerful. Jesus served by teaching about God’s kingdom. He performed miracles. Jesus healed many. He, the Son of Man, came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
Jesus did not claim to be the greatest. He did not claim to be a King. He came as the sacrifice for those who believe so that they can be with Him in heaven.
Help me to remember Lord, that I am not to be the greatest. Allow me to interact with and respect all people as Your servant. Help me to be an example of your Son’s teachings within each situation I encounter today. Amen.
Las lecturas de hoy describen el comienzo de las pruebas de Job y una lección para los apóstoles.
Dios le señala a Job a Satanás. Job se muestra como un siervo fiel aún cuando todo le es arrebatado, bendice el nombre del Señor.
En el Evangelio, los discípulos discutían sobre ser los más grandes. Jesús conocía la intención de sus corazones. Los invitó a ser los más pequeños, ilustrando Su punto al colocar a un niño a Su lado. Jesús los desafió a recibir al niño en Su nombre y a su vez recibir al Padre, al que lo envió.
Un niño es la encarnación de los impotentes que no poseen nada y no pueden sobrevivir sin el cuidado constante. Jesús vino al mundo como un bebé muy amado, no como el más grande o el más poderoso. Jesús sirvió enseñando sobre el reino de Dios. Hizo milagros. Jesús sanó a muchos. Él, el Hijo del Hombre, vino para servir y dar Su vida para rescatar a muchos.
Jesús no afirmó ser el más grande. No pretendió ser un rey. Él vino como el sacrificio por aquellos que creen para que puedan estar con Él en el cielo.
Ayúdame a recordar Señor, que no debo ser el más grande. Permíteme interactuar y respetar a todas las personas como Tu servidor. Ayúdame a ser un ejemplo de las enseñanzas de tu Hijo en cada situación que enfrento hoy. Amén.
Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.
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Sts. Cosmas and Damian were brothers, born in Arabia, who had become eminent for their skill in the science of medicine. Being Christians, they were filled with the spirit of charity and never took money for their services. At Egaea in Cilicia, where they lived, they enjoyed the highest esteem of the people. When the persecution under Diocletian broke out, their very prominence rendered them marked objects of persecution. Being apprehended by order of Lysias, governor of Cilicia, they underwent …
The priest delegated by the Ordinary to perform this office should first go to confession or at least elicit an act of contrition, and, if convenient, offer the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and implore God’s help in other fervent prayers. He vests in surplice and purple stole. Having before him the person possessed (who should be bound if there is any danger), he traces the sign of the cross over him, over himself, and the bystanders, and then sprinkles all of them with holy water. After this he …
“Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
Particularly in this generation’s society, we tend to center ourselves around instant gratification. Tempted by the allure of the newest modern trends that money can buy us on Amazon with a click of the mouse. Yet most are afraid or ignorant of what to expect after death. Today’s reading advises us of the Heavenly treasures that we can expect only if we are not first distracted by false riches we may be exposed to here on Earth. Food, material possessions and earthly comforts are temporary, whereas reliance on Christ provides for eternal salvation. Those who by worldly standards are considered first today will be last tomorrow in Christ’s second coming.
As Christians, we must ask ourselves if we take the time to tend to those most in need. We must live in service to each other. This entails not only almsgiving to the poor, but counseling spiritually to those dearest in our lives: our family and loved ones. We are to care for others just as God cares for us.
1 Timothy states that there are specific virtues as a man of God one must strive for: righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. “Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life.” We must recall the big picture, that as Christians we have the blessing to spend eternity in the presence of God’s great love, if we so choose to emulate that love in the short time we have here on Earth. This is best demonstrated by the love Christ displays for us, poor sinners, by dying on the cross. Instead of seeking comfort and security we are called to depend on God always, following His example of love.
“Jesucristo, siendo rico, se hizo pobre, para enriquecernos con su pobreza.”
Particularmente en la sociedad de esta generación, tendemos a centrarnos en la gratificación instantánea. Tentado por el encanto de las últimas tendencias modernas que el dinero puede comprarnos en Amazon con un clic del mouse. Sin embargo, la mayoría tiene miedo o ignora qué esperan después de la muerte. La lectura de hoy nos informa sobre los tesoros celestiales que podemos esperar solo si no nos distraen primero las falsas riquezas a las que podemos estar expuestos aquí en la tierra. La comida, las posesiones materiales y las comodidades terrenales son temporales, mientras que la confianza en Cristo proporciona la salvación eterna. Aquellos que según los estándares mundanos son considerados los primeros hoy, serán los últimos mañana en la segunda venida de Cristo.
Como cristianos, debemos preguntarnos si nos tomamos el tiempo para atender a los más necesitados. Debemos vivir al servicio de los demás. Esto implica no solo dar limosna a los pobres, sino aconsejar espiritualmente a los más queridos en nuestras vidas: nuestra familia y seres queridos. Debemos cuidar a los demás tal como Dios se preocupa por nosotros.
1 Timoteo declara que hay virtudes específicas por las que uno debe esforzarse como hombre de Dios: justicia, devoción, fe, amor, paciencia y mansedumbre. “Lucha en el noble combate de la fe, conquista la vida eterna”. Debemos recordar el panorama general, que como cristianos tenemos la bendición de pasar la eternidad en la presencia del gran amor de Dios, si así elegimos emular ese amor en el poco tiempo que tenemos aquí en la tierra. Esto se demuestra mejor por el amor que Cristo muestra por nosotros, pobres pecadores, al morir en la cruz. En lugar de buscar consuelo y seguridad, estamos llamados a depender siempre de Dios, siguiendo su ejemplo de amor.
Dr. Alexis Dallara-Marsh is a board-certified neurologist who practices in Bergen County, NJ. She is a wife to her best friend, Akeem, and a mother of two little ones on Earth and two others in heaven above.
Feature Image Credit: Stacey Gabrielle Koenitz Rozells, unsplash.com/photos/kSY5T6js2KE