July, 2018

The Holy Father's Prayer Intention

Evangelization – Priests and their Pastoral Ministry, That priests, who experience fatigue and loneliness in their pastoral work, may find help and comfort in their intimacy with the Lord and in their friendship with their brother priests.

Gospel Commentary: The new normal

Fr. Stanley Krempa | For the Catholic Herald

7/11/18

Every generation has its favorite sayings, short-hand phrases and images. One of the shorthand phrases, originally from the world of finance, in common use today is the "new normal." It refers to a previously unusual situation that is now perceived as routine. It is like a person looking in a mirror every day not noticing any perceptible changes until a friend who has been gone for a while notices the change immediately.

The same thing can occur in societies and communities. That is what happened in the northern kingdom of Israel. Not only was there a huge disparity between rich and poor, but there was an indifference to the plight of the poor that triggered the condemnation of Israel by Amos. In a series of verbal snapshots, he gives searing pictures of the national vices of people all around Israel. But his major focus is on the northern kingdom of Israel. He even travels to the king's residence and temple and there issues his calls to repent, to look at what is happening to the community of Israel, how hearts are being hardened as rampant individualism infects the lives and minds of the people. The leaders of the people don't want to listen to Amos. The king's chaplain Amaziah tells Amos to make himself scarce. Indifference to the poor had become the "new normal."

The church today is sent like the 12 Apostles in the Gospel to call people to look at themselves in the mirror of the Gospel, to see what is happening to them, to call them to Christ, to repentance and back to a sense of community. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, quoting the Second Vatican Council, "The human person needs to live in society. Society is not for him an extraneous addition but a requirement of his nature. Through the exchange with others, mutual service and dialogue with this brethren, man develops his potential; he thus responds to his vocation." (No.1879)

In other words, a community of faith is not a luxury but a means of realizing our dignity and worth. We are called to build such a culture of compassion. Such a culture is not built from above but from below, especially through local churches.

If these words seem too idealistic to us, then maybe we have succumbed to the "new normal" of indifference and complacency about the needs of those "left behind."

The letter to the Ephesians speaks of the dignity of those blessed by God with faith in Jesus Christ, who were chosen to be believers and adopted children of God. But we were chosen also to bring others into the family of Christ. We are chosen, as Pope Francis repeatedly reminds us, to bring to the Lord people who are on the peripheries, peripheries that are not only geographical but social and psychological.

Perhaps an indifference to the missionary work of the church, to people on the peripheries and to those in distress is becoming "the new normal" for us. If so, we may need an Amos today.

That Amos may be you and me.

Msgr. Krempa is the retired pastor of St. Bridget of Ireland Church in Berryville.

https://www.theworkofgod.org/Devotns/Euchrist/HolyMass/gospels.asp?key=17

Year B - 15 th Sunday in ordinary time

And he called the twelve; and began to send them in pairs, and gave them power over unclean spirits.
Mark 6:7-13
7 And he called the twelve; and began to send them two and two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.
8 And he commanded them that they should take nothing for the way, but a staff only: no haversack, no bread, nor money in their purse,
9 But towear sandals, and that they should not put on two coats.
10 And he said to them: Wherever you shall enter into a house, there abide till you depart from that place.
11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you; going forth from there, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony to them.
12 And going forth they preached that men should do penance:
13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus
My apostles received the important mission of carrying my testimony; something that characterized them very specially, was the power to cast out evil spirits. They also had the gift of praying over the sick, which would in turn be cured.

Today’s world is plagued with evil spirits, the perversion is collective and evil is like a black cloud that covers all humanity. During the ministry of the apostles, many demons were horrified before those who were filled with God.

Demons still feel terror when they meet with a person who is filled with God. But, oh, so few are filled with God.

How can someone be filled with God, when they fill themselves voluntarily with the corruption of the world? How can a temple of the Holy Spirit open its senses which are the doors of the soul to the perversion that exists, how can a human being who wants to find God, fill himself of all the rubbish of the world and contaminate in such way that in the end, he can not really be filled with God, but with the world. This is why it is so easy to lose the perception of the evil spirits, when the spirit is not united to God’s Spirit.

My words continue to be valid for mi believers, in my name they can cast out evil spirits, they can pray over the sick and they will be healed. But to believe in me, is to accept my yoke of perfection, to surrender in obedience to my call, to fulfill my will, to practice charity and to desire to be holy as I am holy.

He who follows me receives my peace, this accompanies him and becomes the tool that allows him to open hearts and fill them with God. My word strengthens him and gives him confidence to speak; my Spirit guides him and takes him through my luminous path to extend my love everywhere he goes.

Where there are two or more gathered in my name, I am there in their midst, I listen to them, I instruct them and entrust them with my desire to fill the world with my love. Get together in prayer groups and ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you. I reward faith, I instruct those who wish to be instructed, I console the afflicted, strengthen the weak, heal the sick and fill the soul with virtue, so that it can carry my cross and live exemplarily.

Faith is like a little flame that burns in the heart, he who wishes to have more faith must provide the necessary fuel to make his flame grow to become a radiant sun; this can be achieved through prayer, the sacraments and good deeds. He, who wishes to have much faith, will receive much faith, he who searches will find, but he who sleeps will miss out on my visitation, because I rejoice meeting with those who are eager to meet me.

In order to grow in the faith, you must grow in desire to live in me and not in sin, many people desire ardently to sin and end up living in sin, I ask you, burn with great passion for me and live in my Love.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary

Archdiocese of Washington

Five Fundamental Freedoms for the Christian Evangelizer

Msgr. Charles Pope • July 14, 2018 •

One of the biggest reasons why most Christians have difficulty evangelizing effectively is that most lack the requisite freedom and simplicity of life to carry forth the task consistently and coherently. In Sunday’s Gospel, the Lord offers some counsel on what is required for effective evangelization.

As we read a Gospel like this, it is tempting to think that it speaks only of specialists such as missionaries, religious, priests, or deacons, but doing so ignores the fact that everyone is called to evangelize: clergy to people, parents to children, elders to youngsters, siblings to siblings, friends to friends, neighbors to neighbors.

This Gospel is for all of us, and it summons us to a greater freedom that will equip, empower, and enable us to evangelize more effectively. Let’s look at the Lord’s counsels.

I. The Freedom of SUMMONS – The text says, Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.

It may not be immediately obvious how a summons is freeing but consider that when we know we are called to do something by someone in authority, we are often more courageous and diligent in doing it, even if it is hard. A commanding officer may have to ask his troops to engage in a difficult battle, but because he knows that his own commanders have ordered it and that it is part of a wider strategy, he tries to rally his troops. He speaks not only with his own authority but that of others, and thus he is courageous, and his words have weight. Even if his troops protest or seem unenthusiastic, he remains strong because he understands his duty and knows that he is doing what is right.

Yes, being under a summons is freeing and empowering. If we know that the Lord has summoned us and sent us to evangelize (and he surely has (cf Matt 28:19)) we can go forth with courage to rally God’s people and summon them to the Lord’s team. Even when people react poorly we need not be discouraged, for we know that we are under the orders of God Himself and that what we speak is right.

As a priest, I am often called upon to speak on topics that some do not want to hear. Yet, to the degree that I know I have been called to speak it, I do so with courage. When the Lord and His Church bid me to address something, I speak not only with my own authority but with that of God. Some may grumble that they don’t want to hear me talk about money, abortion, religious liberty, or sexual sin. Yet to the degree that I know that I am called to speak on these things, I still do so and do so with courage. Yes, I am summoned. I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! … for God has given me this sacred trust (1 Cor 9:17).

Do you know that you have been summoned? Have you experienced this call? Do you see it as a mandate, as something you have been summoned to do? Priests and deacons need to recognize our call to preach the Word of God unambiguously. We are under orders from the Lord. As Scripture says, In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction (2 Tim 4:1-2). Can any of you who are parents not see that you are called to do the same for your children? Who of us can say that any but perhaps the youngest are exempt from the summons to preach, to declare the Word of God?

Knowing and experiencing that you have been summoned is freeing!

II. The Freedom of SIMPLICITY – The text says, He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick— no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.

One the fundamental reasons that people do not evangelize is that they have way too much baggage. What kind of baggage? Consider that our lives are

CLUTTERED – We have too much stuff, and stuff needs attention, maintenance, and money; it takes up space and ties us down. We also have the baggage and clutter of too many commitments. We’re overscheduled and overbooked. We have many wrongful priorities such that we spend too much time worrying about things that don’t matter all that much in the end, and what does matter gets put on hold. Read Bible stories to your children? No time for that; we’ve got to get to soccer practice! Yes, our lives are cluttered with distractions. What is a “dis-traction”? It’s something that gets you off track and makes you lose traction in what really matters.

COMPLEX – Most of our lives are so cluttered and choked with excess baggage that we don’t even know where to begin to simply it. We don’t know how to break the cycle, how to say no. We end up becoming enslaved to the many demands.

COMPROMISED – All of this extra baggage weighs us down and entangles us with the world. In this way, our values are not the values of the gospel. Instead, we are tied down to the world, loyal to it, invested in its thinking and its ways.

We need to be free to preach the Gospel and to evangelize. The Lord says, simplify! Obsession with money, food, clothes, possessions, and popularity will hinder you.

Think of a runner in a race. He does one thing only and carries nothing extra that would weigh him down. Travelers, too, do not take all their possessions with them, only what is necessary. Remember, in terms of this world, we are just traveling through.

Most of us just have too much stuff. Because of this, we are tied to this world and lack the kind of freedom necessary to witness prophetically to what is beyond it. Ask the Lord to help you gently but persistently simplify your life so that increasingly it becomes centered on the one thing necessary.

III. The Freedom of STABILITY – The text says, He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.”

Stability is the freedom to accept what is and work with it rather than to be constantly looking for something better. It is the freedom to bloom where you are planted and to use what God has given you rather than waiting for something better.

There’s a real freedom to staying put and developing the deeper relationships that are usually necessary for evangelization to be effective and lasting.

One of the bigger problems with handing on the faith today is that there is very little stability in families, communities, and parishes. When things and people are passing and ephemeral, how can values rooted in lasting things be inculcated?

Preaching the gospel often depends on well-founded relationships, patience, perseverance, and taking the long view of life. Running here and there and living life only on the surface will not cut it. Shallow soil does not sustain taller growth. Only deep roots can do that.

Ask for the freedom to stay put and to be less anxious about the possibility that there may be a better job, a better community, a better deal out there somewhere. There is value in being grateful for what you have and working with that, in setting down deep roots and lasting relationships. This is the deeper and richer soil in which evangelization can happen.

IV. The Freedom of SURETY – The text says, Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.

Here is one of the greatest freedoms of all: the gift to be free of our obsession with being liked, approved of, and popular. We care too much about what others think of us, at the expense of the truth of the gospel.

Jesus implies here that rejection will surely happen, and He counsels that when it does we should shake it off, let it pass over us. Speak the truth and don’t worry about rejection; expect it! This is a very great freedom.

Too many parents are desperate to have their children like them. They avoid discipline and difficult teachings. It is necessary to be free of this “need.” The Lord can give that to you.

We are not talking here about becoming sociopaths, caring not one whit what others think. This is not an invitation to be impolite or to fail to groom ourselves and be presentable. Rather, it is an invitation to be free of our obsession with popularity so that we can shake off the rejection of the gospel that we will inevitably experience. The Lord can give that to us.

V. The Freedom of SUBSTANCE – The text says, 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.

There is freedom in knowing what to say and what to do. This freedom flows from the substance, for we do not preach ourselves, but Christ crucified. This is freeing, for we cannot be compelled to change or adapt the message that has already been set for us. There is a freedom in sticking to the message proclaimed once and for all. The world demands compromise, insists that certain passages of Scripture be modified. We, who in no way can do this, are free of such compulsion.

Only those who are enslaved to the times and to the mentality of this world can be so compelled. To the degree that we know we are summoned, sent, and given the substance of what to preach, we are free to announce, and free from coercion to compromise.

Substance was “repentance.” The Greek word μετανοῶσιν (metanoosin) means more than simply to clean up one’s behavior. It means “to come to a new mind,” or “to change one’s thinking.” Hence, the evangelizer seeks to appeal to the whole person. It is not only a person’s behavior that is important, but also how he thinks and what is taking place in the deepest part of his soul.

The Lord seeks to heal the whole person from the inside out. Thus, the apostles and those of us free enough to be true evangelizers are not seeking merely to inform but to transform.

Note that the text describes them as driving out demons and curing the sick. Is this merely some exotic ability of the early apostles? No. By this proclamation, we too drive out the demons of sadness, meaninglessness, ignorance, misplaced priorities, atheism, agnosticism, worldliness, materialism, and so forth. We also bring healing and peace to those who accept the power of the Word of God into their lives. These healings are very real. I know them in my own life and have seen them in the lives of others.

Are you free enough to evangelize, to preach the gospel, and to bring healing and peace to others? Are you free enough to be a means of God’s transformative Word??

Video I

Video II

Sunday Gospel Reflections

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Amos 7:12-15 II: Ephesians 1:3-14

Gospel
Mark 6:7-13

⁷ And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.
⁸ He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts;
⁹ but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.
¹⁰ And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place.
¹¹ And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them."
¹² So they went out and preached that men should repent.
¹³ And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.

Interesting Details

A purse can hold a lot of money. A belt can hold a little. Jesus mentioned both to emphasize that no money should be taken . Traveling without money was common in that hospitable world.
Mark allowed for a walking stick (for self defense) and sandals (a must on rocky roads), though Matthew and Luke forbade them. Such unrealistic instructions in the latter Gospels had the symbolic meaning of trusting in God, entering in interdependent relationships with others, staying vulnerable, and practicing non-violence.
The instruction to travel light can also indicate urgency: preach the Word of God now without further delay or preparation.
"Whatever house you find yourself in, stay there until you leave the locality" is an instruction against social climbing, moving to richer and richer houses as one's influence grows.
Shaking dust of rejecting town: this symbolic and non-violent gesture makes clear that the inhospitable town rejects others, so they will also be rejected.

One Main Point

The disciples are to extend Jesus' ministry in words and in deeds, while minimizing their dependence on material concerns. Jesus taught the disciples how to deal with both hospitality and rejection.

Reflections

Jesus sent the disciples to heal those with unclean spirits. Who are those with unclean spirit? What would Jesus want me to do with them?
Am I ready to start extending Jesus' words and deeds right now, traveling light, or am I beefing up my financial security first? How do I deal with hospitality and rejection while doing God's work?
Have I accepted or rejected those who bring the Word of God to me? Or both?

'If you want with a few words to benefit one who is eager to learn, speak to him about prayer, right faith, and the patient acceptance of what comes. For all else that is good is found through these.'

St. Mark the Ascetic

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28)

"Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb"
(Lk 1:42).

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/3616898/posts?page=3

Saint of the Day — Saint Bonaventure!

St. Bonaventure, Bishop & Doctor of the The Church: Biography and Selected Writings
St Bonaventure 1217-1274 - Seraphic Doctor
Saint Bonaventure 1221-1274 AD
St.Bonaventure 1221-1274

Information: St. Bonaventure

Feast Day: July 15

Born: 1221, Bagnoregio, Province of Viterbo, Latium, Papal States (now modern-day Italy)

Died: July 15, 1274, Lyon, Lyonnais, Kingdom of Arles (now modern-day France)

Canonized: April 14, 1482, Rome by Pope Sixtus IV

Holy Spirit Interactive Kids: A Saint a Day

St. Bonaventure

Feast Day: July 15
Born: 1221 :: Died: 1274

St. Benedict was born at Narsia in Umbria, Italy. Coming from a rich Italian family, his life was full of adventure and wonderful events. As a boy, he was sent to Rome to study in the public schools but was troubled by the bad behavior of the other students. When he was a young man, he became disgusted with the terrible lifestyle of pagan Rome (Romans who believed in false gods).

Benedict left the city and went looking for a place where he could be alone with God. He found the right spot. It was a cave in the mountain of Subiaco. Benedict spent three years there alone. The devil often tempted him to go back to his rich home and easy life. But Benedict prayed and did penance and did not give in to these temptations.

One day, when the devil sneakily tried to tempt him with bad thoughts and Benedict almost gave in to the temptation. Then he felt so sorry for the sin he would have committed that he threw himself into a bush of long, sharp thorns. He rolled around in the thorns until he was covered with scratches. From then on, his life was calm. He did not feel powerful temptations like that again.

After three years, people started coming to Benedict. They wanted to learn how to become holy. He became the leader of some men who asked for his help. But when he tried to make them do penance, they grew so angry that they even tried to poison Benedict. He made the Sign of the Cross over the poisoned wine and the glass shattered to pieces.

Later, Benedict became the leader of many good monks. He started twelve monasteries. Then he went to Monte Cassino where he built his most well-known monastery. It was here that St. Benedict wrote the wonderful rules for the Benedictine order. He taught his monks to pray and work hard. He taught them especially to be humble always.

Benedict and his monks greatly helped the people of their times. They taught them how to read and write, how to farm, and how to work at different trades. St. Benedict was able to do good because he prayed all the time. He could read minds, could tell the future and drive out demons. He destroyed many pagan statues and altars where they worshiped the false gods. He died on March 21, 547. The pope proclaimed him the patron of Europe.

Reflection: "Put Christ before all else."-the Rule of St. Benedict

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Sunday, July 15

Liturgical Color: White

Today is the Memorial of St. Teresa of
Jesus, virgin and Doctor of the Church. St.
Teresa helped reform the Carmelite Order,
founding 17 convents. She died in 1528.

Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: July 15th

Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

MASS READINGS

July 15, 2018 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

O God, who show the light of your truth to those who go astray, so that they may return to the right path, give all who for the faith they profess are accounted Christians the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ and to strive after all that does it honor. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

show

Recipes (1)

Breakfast Burritos

show

Activities (1)

The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy

show

Prayers (1)

Book of Blessings: Blessing Before and After Meals: Ordinary Time (2nd Plan)

Library (0)

» Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!

Old Calendar: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them (Mk 6:7-11)."

Today is the feast of St. Bonaventure which is superseded by the Sunday Liturgy.

Click here for commentary on the readings in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the Book of the Prophet Amos 7:12-15. When he foretold the murder of Jeroboan and the exile of Israel Amos was denounced by Amaziah, the priest in charge of the sanctuary of Bethel, and was expelled from Israel.

The second reading is from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10. This letter was written from Rome to remind St. Paul's converts to continue to be faithful to the teaching he had given them while in Ephesus.

The Gospel is from St. Mark 6:7-13. That Christ the Son of God could have spread his Gospel of peace and love, his message of eternal salvation, to the whole world without human help need not be proved. He could, for instance, have written the Gospel in the sky-over each country in its own language. He could have gone to every part of the earth, after his resurrection, and taught his doctrine to all peoples, confirming his words with extraordinary miracles. Yet he chose the weaker but the more human way of evangelizing men—he sent their own fellowmen to bring them the message. This choice showed his divine love and understanding of weak human nature, much better and much more effectively than the use of any of the supernatural means which he could have employed.

God, and Christ is God, gave man the gift that we call freewill. Man is able to choose between alternatives. God wants man to choose heaven as his eternal home, but he wants him to choose it without compulsion or coercion. He will have volunteers in heaven not conscripts. The man who chooses heaven must choose the means for going there. If you choose a holiday resort for your summer vacation, you must buy travel tickets, book a hotel and save up the expenses necessary for the holiday. By appointing mortal men to bring the news of salvation, the news of heaven, and the means of getting there to all of us, Christ has given us the chance of exercising our freewill and therefore of meriting heaven. Refusal to accept would hardly be possible if Christ informed us miraculously or taught us in person. If some extraordinary individual could persist in refusing, his refusal would be utterly inexcusable.

God's mercy and love can reach into the darkest corners and produce fruit from the most unlikely and apparently most neglected of orchards.

While we thank God from our hearts today for having been put on the road to heaven, let us remember in our prayers our fellowmen, God's other children, who are trudging along through the fields and hedges. May God continue to show his mercy and divine understanding toward them!

Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Ephesians 1:3-14

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

He chose us in him, before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4)

In June of last year, the United Nations estimated that there were 7.6 billion people living on Earth. In an even more jaw-dropping statistic, the Population Reference Bureau has estimated that approximately 108 billion people have lived on Earth since the beginning.

So can you imagine that before God created the world, in the midst of these 108 billion people who would live in it, he knew you perfectly and chose you to be with him?

When we hear that God chose us before the foundation of the world, it can sound so theoretical. We think of “us” as a universal group: God’s people. And while we are all part of this large group, we are not just anonymous members of the crowd. God’s love for us is not generalized. It is personal and specific. He loves you for who you are. He loves you in the best way you can be loved.

As overwhelming as this may sound, let this truth sink in today. Even if there were 100 trillion people, it doesn’t matter. You—with all your quirks and idiosyncrasies—were in God’s mind and in his heart from the beginning. He created you with a specific purpose, and he longs for you to be with him forever!

Here’s one way to ponder this amazing truth: take today’s second reading, and wherever you see the word “us,” substitute your name. For example, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed [your name] in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose [your name] in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him” (Ephesians 1:3-4). Reread the whole passage slowly a couple of times. Proclaim it out loud. Let God expand your understanding of how much he loves you. Then bask in that love today.

“Father, I am so amazed to know that I am in your heart. Help me to trust and rely on your personal love today and every day.”

Amos 7:12-15
Psalm 85:9-14
Mark 6:7-13

Daily Gospel Commentary

Saint Cyril of Alexandria (380-444)
Bishop, Doctor of the Church
Commentary on the gospel of John, 12:1

"He began to send them out"

Our Lord Jesus Christ ordained the disciples to be guides and teachers of the world, and to be “stewards of God’s mysteries” (1Cor 4:1). He also bade them… like lights to illuminate and give light, not merely to the Jewish people… but everywhere under the sun and to peoples scattered over all the earth (cf. Mt 5:14)…

For if he desired to send out his disciples even as the Father had sent him (Jn 20:21), was it not necessary for those who were destined to imitate his mission to ascertain what it was that the Father sent the Son to do? In various ways, then, he expounded the character of his mission. And on one occasion he said: “I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Lk 5:32); and again: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me” (Jn 6:38); and yet once more: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (Jn 3:17).

By saying that he is sending them as the Father has sent him, therefore, he summarized in a few words the character of the apostles’ mission. In this way they would know that they were bound to call sinners to repentance, to heal the sick, whether of body or soul, and in all their dealings as stewards not by any means to follow their own will but the will of him who sent them and, finally, to save the world insofar as it received the teachings of the Lord.

A Christian Pilgrim

THEY CAST OUT MANY DEMONS, AND ANOINTED WITH OIL MANY THAT WERE SICK AND HEALED THEM

(A biblical refection on THE 15th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME [YEAR B] – July 15, 2018)

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:7-13

First Reading: Amos 7:12-15; Psalms: Psalm 85:9-14; Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14

The Scripture Text

And He called to Him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. And He said to them, “Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them.” So they went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them. (Mark 6:7-13 RSV)

The story in today’s Gospel begins with Jesus sending the apostles out in pairs to preach and to heal. There were probably two reasons why Jesus did not want the apostles to go out alone.

Cities were far apart and a person going from one city to the next journeyed over long stretches of desert roads that were not heavily travelled. This meant that anyone foolish enough to embark on a journey by himself was an easy prey for the many gangs waiting in ambush to rob and beat those who came along.

There was also a Jewish law which said a judge could not find an accused person guilty if there was only one witness to the alleged offense. The purpose of this law was to protect an innocent person from a neighbor or acquaintance who might make up a story for revenge or blackmail. Therefore, under no circumstances could a judge consider the testimony of only one person sufficient.

The Jews applied the above mentioned law not only in cases involving someone’s guilt or innocence, but also in other everyday matters as well. If Jesus had sent out the apostles individually to testify that the reign of God was indeed here, they would have covered twice as many cities but the people who heard them could have challenged their testimony because the required second witness would not have been present. They would have questioned if what the apostles were saying was fact or fiction. By going out in pairs, the apostles verified each other’s testimony and those who heard would have accepted it as the truth.

The Gospel story ends with the apostles expelling demons and anointing the sick with oil. Ancient people used oil as a symbol of healing and strength. Athletes rubbed it all over their bodies before competing in sporting events and doctors prescribed it for a variety of illnesses. Today, many Christian denominations continue to use blessed oil for sacraments and prayer. This oil is symbolic of the spiritual strength and the spiritual healing Jesus gives us through the Christian community in our time of need.

For personal reflection: Jesus told the apostles not to stay where they were not welcome. Do those who visit your church feel welcome by your parish community? How can you make them feel more at home?

(Adapted from Jerome J. Sabatowich, Cycling Through the Gospels – Gospel Commentaries for Cycles A, B, and C, pages 186-187.)

Short Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray that You will continue to call Your disciples/followers of today to preach the Gospel and for those whom You call, that they will respond wholeheartedly. We thank You, Jesus, for letting each and every one of us to share in some way in the works of Your mission. Amen.

Gospel Slideshow

Doctors of the Catholic Church

Saint Bonaventure of Bagnoregio

Also known as

Seraphic Doctor of the Church
the Devout Doctor
Doctor Seraphicus

Memorial

15 July

Profile

Healed from a childhood disease through the prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Bonaventure joined the Order of Friars Minor at age 22. Studied theology and philosophy in Paris, France, and later taught there. Friend of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Doctor of Theology. Friend of King Saint Louis IX. General of the Franciscan Order at 35. Bishop of Albano, Italy, chosen by Pope Gregory X. Cardinal. Wrote commentaries on the Scriptures, text-books in theology and philosophy, and a biography of Saint Francis. Doctor of the Church. Pope Clement IV chose him to be Archbishop of York, England, but Bonaventure begged off, claiming to be inadequate to the office. Spoke at the Council of Lyons, but died before its close.

Born

1221 at Bagnoregio, Tuscany, Italy

Died

15 July 1274 at Lyon, France of natural causes

Canonized

14 April 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV

Patronage

Representation

cardinal‘s hat
ciborium
Holy Communion
cardinal in Franciscan robes, usually reading or writing

Storefront

medals and books

Additional Information

Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Catholic Encyclopedia
Lives of the Saints, by Father Alban Butler
Lives of the Saints, by Father Francis Xavier Weninger
Miniature Lives of the Saints
New Catholic Dictionary
Holiness of Life, by Saint Bonaventure (also available in EPub format)
Saint Bonaventure, by Father Laurence Costelloe, OFM (also available in EPub format)
Journey of the Mind into God, by Saint Bonaventure (also available in EPub format)
Prayer of Saint Bonaventure
Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Saint Bonaventure
Pope Benedict XVI
- General Audience, 3 March 2010
- General Audience, 10 March 2010
- General Audience, 17 March 2010
books
- Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints
other sites in english
- Big C Catholics
- Catholic Fire
- Catholic Herald
- Catholic Ireland
- Catholic News Agency
- Catholic Online
- Catholic-Pages
- Communio
- Cradio
- Encyclopedia Britannica
- First Things
- Franciscan Archive
- Franciscan Media
- Independent Catholic News
- Katherine Rabenstein
- Key to Umbria
- Olga’s Gallery
- Parish of Saint Bonaventure, Bagnoregio, Italy
- Prayer Calendar
- Regina Magazine
- Saint Peter’s Basilica Info
- Saints Stories for All Ages
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
- uCatholic
- Vultus Christi
- Wikipedia
images
- Wikimedia Commons
audio
- Alleluia Audio Books: Holiness of Life, by Saint Bonaventure
video
- YouTube PlayList
e-books
- Life of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
- Life of Saint Francis
- Three Treatises from the Writing of Saint Bonaventure
- Virtues of a Religious Superior
sitios en español
- Martirologio Romano, 2001 edición
- YouTube PlayList
sites en français
- Abbé Christian-Philippe Chanut
- Documenta Catholica Omnia
- Fête des prénoms
- Jesus Marie
fonti in italiano
- Filosofico
- Santi e Beati
- Vita di San Bonaventura
notitia in latin
- Documenta Catholica Omnia
nettsteder i norsk
- Den katolske kirke
తెలుగులో వెబ్సైట్లు
- YouTube ప్లేజాబితా

Readings

A man of eminent learning and eloquence, and of outstanding holiness, he was known for his kindness, approachableness, gentleness and compassion. – Pope Gregory X on hearing of the death of Bonaventure
Mary seeks for those who approach her devoutly and with reverence, for such she loves, nourishes, and adopts as her children. – Saint Bonaventure
When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than that proceeding from the mouth. – Saint Bonaventure
Christ is both the way and the door. Christ is the staircase and the vehicle, like the “throne of mercy over the Ark of the Covenant,” and “the mystery hidden from the ages.” A man should turn his full attention to this throne of mercy, and should gaze at him hanging on the cross, full of faith, hope, and charity, devoted, full of wonder and joy, marked by gratitude, and open to praise and jubilation. Then such a man will make with Christ a “pasch,” that is, a passing-over. Through the branches of the cross he will pass over the Red Sea, leaving Egypt and entering the desert. There he will taste the hidden manna, and rest with Christ in the sepulcher, as if he were dead to things outside. He will experience, as much as is possible for one who is still living, what was promised to the thief who hung beside Christ: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” – from Journey of the Mind to God by Saint Bonaventure

Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip FOR July 15, 2018:

“He instructed them to take nothing for the journey.” (Mark 6:8) It is easy to get caught up in our material possessions and worldly desires. Do not allow yourself or your family to become consumed by them. There is nothing that we can buy that would compare to the blessings of eternal life.