Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 06-26-16, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 06-26-16 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

Arlington Catholic Herald

GOSPEL COMMENTARY LK 9-18-24

Hold that thought

Fr. Matthew H. Zuberbueler

Jesus loved being with His disciples. He was always teaching them and pursuing an overall goal of preparing them to live in union with Him. In the passage we willingly hear and pray this weekend, we find the Master Teacher accomplishing a "breakthrough moment" with the disciples. While it is of interest to do a poll of what other people might think of Him, what really matters to the Teacher is what these closest followers think. They will be the ones to transmit his life-changing, world-changing teachings to the rest of the people — if they themselves get it right. Peter, in this passage gets it right. Jesus, for reasons deeper than this one of teaching, tells them not to tell anyone the correct answer Peter gave. Paraphrasing Him we might hear: "Yes, I am the Christ. Now hold that thought."

The success of the Teacher opens the way for Him to push for more, to move to more advanced topics, so to speak. If He is the Christ and they are His followers they will need to know some important things. If they are already following Him they will need to know where the road He walks will lead.

The next lesson is taught: The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.

In terms of lessons to teach, that one is among the most important ones ever. It is about what will happen to Him but they most certainly began to "do the math" regarding themselves. We know from other instances in the Gospels that the disciples did not like to hear about the way He would be treated. We also know that they did not know how to make sense of what it might mean to be raised after He is killed. Nonetheless, the Master Teacher is teaching them. Listen to His words. Think about them. Try to apply them. The Disciples' Class requires that. The Master requires it. In this case the obvious lesson is that the breakthrough of recognizing that He is the Christ comes with demands. If He is the one sent by God and if He is God, then any follower of His is involved in big things. "Hold that thought" means to hold on to it and to be ready to add to it. The quiz material (so far) concerns who Jesus is and what will become of Him. Even so, the brightest ones in the class could tell that they were on the same path. Suffering, rejection, death — and being raised up?

The Master lived an impressive life. The disciples were constantly observing the things He did, His disciplined life of prayer, His spontaneous way of interacting, His impressive miracles and, of course, His compelling teachings. The connection he makes next in the "breakthrough class" is one that connects His way of living (and, hopefully someday, theirs) with the prediction He has just given them about the saving events to come.

Class continues: If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

The ideas He expresses here are realities they had seen Him live. His regular way of life included self-denial. This invitation to imitate Him was inspiring to hear, although for some it was, no doubt, intimidating too. Now, they had a clear reason to find it within themselves to live as He lived. In a way, He was offering them a beginning course in the Way of the Cross or His way. Imagine the generosity they began to show in their new efforts to forget their own preferences and to lose their lives for His sake. Imagine in prayer the freedom that we can find if we learn the lessons of what to do once we recognize who He is. Did the sacrifices they made at His invitation make more sense when they saw Him carry the Cross? If not, maybe it was because they had not yet seen Him rise. What might our excuse be, knowing, as we do, the whole story? Hold that thought.

Fr. Zuberbueler is pastor of St. Louis Church in Alexandria.

[Salvation]

http://www.theworkofgod.org/Devotns/Euchrist/HolyMass/gospels.asp?key=73

Year C - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

You don’t know of what spirit you are.
Luke 9:51-62
51 And it came to pass that when the days were approaching for him to be taken up to heaven, he steadfastly took the road for Jerusalem.
52 And he sent messengers before him; and going, they entered into a city of the Samaritans, to prepare for him.
53 And they did not receive him, because his face was of one going to Jerusalem.
54 And when his disciples James and John had seen this, they said: Lord, is it all right with you that we command fire to come down from heaven to consume them?
55 And turning, he rebuked them, saying: You don’t know of what spirit you are.
56 The Son of man came not to destroy souls, but to save. And they went into another town.
57 And it came to pass, as they walked in the way, that a certain man said to him: I will follow you wherever you go.
58 Jesus said to him: The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.
59 But he said to another: Follow me. And he said: Lord, suffer me first to go, and to bury my father.
60 And Jesus said to him: Let the dead bury their dead: but you go, and preach the kingdom of God.
61 And another said: I will follow you, Lord; but let me first take my leave of them that are at my house.
62 Jesus said to him: No man putting his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Great is the power of God and greatly blessed are those who have received it. Moses commanded the sea to open and it obeyed, the prophet Elijah commanded the heavens to pour down rain and they obeyed.

The power of God was always in me, the Son of the Living God, a power that cannot be put in the wrong hands. My power is the power of my Word, it is absolute power that has created everything that has come into existence.

However I did not come into the world to show off my power or to exalt myself with it. I came with a different purpose; I used my power to save the world by denying my self, by taking up my cross and by sacrificing myself.

The power exercised in performing my miracles was the power of God giving testimony of my coming into the world.

I granted my apostles and all those who believe in me a share of my power so that they would be able to heal the sick and to cast out demons. There was a moment when the Apostles were tempted to misuse that power in a moment of pride. I showed them how the spirit of God uses His power not to destroy but to build, not to condemn but to save, not to exalt but to humble.

As children of God, you would all have the same powers that I had here on earth, but because of the pride in your hearts, those great gifts have to be suppressed for now.

The power of God is at home in the hearts of the humble. It is the great power of faith that is given to those who put all their trust in God. It pierces through the heavens and comes straight to my throne; it always receives when it asks. Nothing pleases me more than to answer the petitions of the humble.

Humility is the great lesson that I taught the world. I said, learn from me because I am meek and humble of heart. I tell you now, come to me and become like me so that you benefit from my power that makes you sons and daughters of the Most High.

I explained how the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head. I was saying, here is your King, the Almighty God who having everything has reduced himself to nothing in order to teach you that humility is the way to go, because pride blinds the soul and leads you to sin.

He who desires me must follow me, He who follows me will become like me, but the price he has to pay is detachment from the world and from his self-love.
Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary

[Salvation]

Archdiocese of Washington

Five Disciplines of Discipleship – A Homily for the 13th Sunday of the Year

Msgr. Charles Pope • June 25, 2016 •

The Gospel today portrays for us some disciplines that are important for disciples. They are portrayed in the life of Jesus, but are to be applied in our lives. Let’s look at each of them in turn.

I. Purposefulness – The text says, When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him.

Note that Jesus was resolute. He was heading to Jerusalem to suffer, die, and rise, just as He announced in last week’s Gospel. He is heading there to undertake the great battle, and the great mission entrusted to Him. Everything He did was to be oriented toward this goal.

What about us? Are we as resolute in our determination to seek Christ and head for His Kingdom? Is our direction clear? Have we set our sights resolutely, or do we meander about chasing butterflies? Are we on the highway to Heaven, or do we make easy compromises with this passing world, seeking to serve two masters? Notice how easily we take exits for sin city, vicious village, and injustice junction.

Our goal is to set our face like flint and pursue the Jerusalem of Heaven, as Jesus set His face toward the Jerusalem of this earth to accomplish His mission.

Scripture speaks often of developing a firm and unequivocal resolve, of being purposeful and single-hearted in our determination to follow Jesus and set our sights on Heaven.

This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:13).

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:4).

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (Mat 6:24).

There is one thing I ask of the LORD, this alone I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life and gaze upon the beauty of the LORD (Ps 27:4).

Are you focused? Purposeful? What is the one thing you do? Concentration is the secret of power. Water over a large area is a stagnant pond, but in a narrow channel it is a powerful river.

The first discipline of discipleship is to be purposeful, determined, single-hearted, and focused in our pursuit of the Lord and His kingdom.

II. Perseverance – The text says, On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

Note that James and John are angry and discouraged at the rejection of Jesus and the values of the Kingdom. But Jesus rebukes their desire for retaliation.

Notice how Jesus stays focused on His task. Rejected here, He moves forward. He does not let the devil distract Him or His disciples from the task of persistently proclaiming the Word, in season or out of season, popular or unpopular, whether accepted or rejected. Just persevere. Keep preaching; keep plowing; keep walking. Do not give up; do not grow angry; just keep working. Leave judgment to God. For now, just preach, teach, instruct, warn, and admonish.

Scripture says,

And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. … and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next (Matt 10:14, 22).

Yes, persevere! Remember, we’re called to be faithful, not successful. We need to persevere not just in the face of rejection, but in the face of trials, temptations, setbacks, sorrows, hurts, hardships, failures, and frustrations. Preach, teach, and be tenacious. And remember to trust in Jesus. They killed Him, but He rose.

Many have announced the end of faith. Many have sworn that they will bury the Church. But the Church has buried every one of her would-be undertakers. They dug our grave, but fell into it themselves. Yes, we read the funeral rite over them instead. We have outlived every opponent.

No weapon waged against us will prevail. Long after the current confusion and pride of the decadent West is gone, the Church will still exist, preaching Christ and Him crucified. Persevere! It is a critical discipline of discipleship.

III. Poverty – The text says, As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

Here is another critical discipline of discipleship: following Jesus even if worldly gain not only eludes us, but is outright taken from us. Do you love the consolations of God or the God of all consolation? Do you seek the gifts of God, or the Giver of every good and perfect gift? What if following Jesus gives you no earthly gain? What if, in fact, being a disciple brings you ridicule, loss, prison, or even death? Would you still follow Him? Would you still be a disciple?

In this verse Jesus’ potential disciple seems to have had power, prestige, or worldly gain in mind. Perhaps he saw Jesus as a political messiah and wanted to get on the “inside track.” So Jesus warns him that this is not what discipleship is about. The Son of Man’s kingdom is not of this world.

We need to heed Jesus’ warning. Riches are actually a great danger. Not only can riches not help us in what we really need, they can actually hinder us! Poverty is the not the worst thing. There’s a risk in riches, a peril in prosperity, and a worry in wealth.

The Lord Jesus points to poverty and powerlessness (in worldly matters) when it come to being disciples. Frankly, this is not merely a remote possibility or an abstraction. If we live as true disciples, we are going to find that piles of wealth are seldom our lot. Why? Well, our lack of wealth comes from the fact that if we are true disciples, we won’t make easy compromises with sin or evil. We won’t take just any job. We won’t be ruthless in the workplace or deal with people unscrupulously. We won’t lie on our resumes, cheat on our taxes, or take easy and sinful short cuts. We will observe the Sabbath, be generous to the poor, pay a just wage, provide necessary benefits to workers, and observe the tithe. The world hands out (temporary) rewards if we do these sorts of things, but true disciples refuse such compromises with evil. In so doing, they reject the temporary rewards of this earth and may thus have a less opulent place to lay their head. They may not get every promotion and they may not become powerful.

And thus “poverty” is a discipline of discipleship. What is “poverty”? It is freedom from the snares of power, popularity, and possessions.

Jesus had nowhere to rest his head. Now that’s poor. But it also means being free of the many duties, obligations, and compromises that come with wealth. If you’re poor no one can steal from you, or threaten take away your stuff. You’re free; you have nothing to lose.

Most of us have too much to lose and so we are not free; our discipleship is hindered.

Poverty is an important discipline of discipleship.

IV. Promptness (readiness) – The text says, And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

The Lord seems harsh here. However, note that the Greek text can be understood in the following way: “My Father is getting older. I want to wait until he dies and then I will really be able to devote myself to being a disciple!”

Jesus’ point is that if the man didn’t have this excuse, he’d have some other one. He does not have a prompt or willing spirit. We can always find some reason that we can’t follow wholeheartedly today because we have to get a few things resolved first.

It’s the familiar problem: I’ll do tomorrow!

There is a peril in procrastination. Too many people always look to tomorrow. But tomorrow is not promised. In the Scriptures there is one word that jumps out over and over again; it’s the word now.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD (Isaiah 1:18).

… behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).

Today if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart (Ps 95:7).

Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for you know not what a day may bring forth (Prov 27:1).

That’s right, tomorrow is not promised! You’d better choose the Lord today, because tomorrow might very well be too late. Now is the day of salvation.

There were three demons who told Satan about their plan to destroy a certain man. The first demon said, “I am going to tell him that there is no Hell.” But Satan said, “People know that there is a Hell and most have already visited here.” The second demon said, “I am going to tell him that there is no God.” But Satan said, “Despite atheism being fashionable of late, most people know, deep down, that there is a God, for he has written his name in their hearts.” The third demon said, “I am not going to tell them that there is no Hell or that there is no God; I am going to tell them that there is no hurry.” And Satan said, “You’re the man! That’s the plan!”

Yes, promptness is a discipline of discipleship. It is a great gift to be sought from God. It is the gift to joyfully run to what God promises without delay.

V. Permanence – The text says, And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”

When we accepted Christ, we set our hand to the gospel plow and we left certain things behind. We are not to return to those things, things like harmful habits, ruinous relationships, soul-killing sinfulness, and perilous pleasures.

Yes, there are some things that we used to do that we have no business doing now. We need to give up our former ways and not look back.

Scripture says,

Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart; they have become callous and have given themselves up to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of uncleanness. You did not so learn Christ, assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:17-23).

Therefore, brothers, make every effort to make permanent your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble (2 Peter 1:10).

An old spiritual says,

Hold on, Hold on! If you want to get to heaven let me tell you how, keep your hands on the Gospel plow! Keep your hands on the plow and hold on! Hold on. When you plow that field don’t lose your track, Can’t plow straight and keep a-lookin’ back. Keep your hands on the plow and hold on, Hold on!

Persevere, hold on, don’t let go. Keep a-inchin’ along like a poor old inchworm. Stay, hold, keep walkin’, and don’t look back!

Perseverance is a discipline of discipleship.

Here then are five disciplines of discipleship. Learn about them and seek them from the Lord. Without them we will surely perish.

[Salvation]

Video

[Salvation]

Sunday Gospel Reflections

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21 II: Galatians 5;1,13-18

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Gospel
Luke 9:51-62

⁵¹ When the days drew near for him to be received up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
⁵² And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him;
⁵³ but the people would not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
⁵⁴ And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?"
⁵⁵ But he turned and rebuked them.
⁵⁶ And they went on to another village.
⁵⁷ As they were going along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
⁵⁸ And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head."
⁵⁹ To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."
⁶⁰ But he said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
⁶¹ Another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home."
⁶² Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

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Interesting Details

• This passage begins the journey that leads Jesus to Jerusalem. Luke's journey narrative (9:51-19:27) presents a captivating portrait of Jesus, the faithful and the resolute Son (9:35), who in word and deed teaches the way that leads to life with God.
• (v.51) At the transfiguration, Jesus conversed with Moses and Elijah about his exodus, a reference to the death, resurrection and ascension that he was to fulfill in Jerusalem (9:31). With great solemnity, Jesus now sets out on his journey to Jerusalem, the city that symbolizes the continuity between the old and the new in God's plan; and from there the words will be preached to all the nations (24:47).
• (vv.52-53) Samaria was the territory between Judea and Galilee. The journey from Galilee to Jerusalem in Judea must pass through Samaria. For ethnic and historic reasons, Samaritans were not friendly to the Jews (Jn 4:9), especially when the Jews were passing through their territory on the way to the holy city, Jerusalem. The Samaritans to this day believe that God should be worship on Mount Gerizim and Jerusalem represents a heresy.
• (v.54) "Fire from heaven" alludes to 2Kings 1:10-12 where the prophet Elijah twice called down fire from to destroy his enemies. (v.55) Jesus lives out in deed his teaching about non-retaliation against enemies.
• (vv.59-60) "Let the dead bury their dead" is commonly interpreted as those who do not respond to the Gospel will be spiritually dead; they will have time to bury the physically dead. Jesus' demand even overrides the most important filial obligation to the Jews, which is to bury one's father. At that time the eldest son would stay with his parents, manage their properties, and bury them. This may take almost 30 years. Jesus challenged the people to follow him now, not years later.
• (v.61) Elijah gave permission to his disciple Elisha to bid good-bye to his family (1Kgs 19:19-21), but the call of the reign of God is more urgent.
• (v.62) The farming practice at that time was very primitive. A farmer guided a plow by one hand while his other hand drove the unruly oxen. If he looked back, the new furrow became crooked.

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One Main Point

To be a follower of Jesus, the priority is always the kingdom of God. It supercedes a comfortable life and family relationships without hesitation or regret.

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Reflections

1. What is my reaction when I feel unwelcome in a group, a society or a new land? How do I tolerate diversity? Feel the anger of James and John, but listen to the words and the deed from Jesus.
2. Imagine the journey of Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem as the journey of my life. Do I have a destination? What is it? What is my priority in life? How do I follow the way?

[Salvation]

'Men should not change from a good state of life to another, although it may be better, without taking grave counsel.'

St. Philip Neri

[Salvation]

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).

[annalex]

Luke
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Luke 9
51.	And it came to pass, when the days of his assumption were accomplishing, that he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.	Factum est autem dum complerentur dies assumptionis ejus, et ipse faciem suam firmavit ut iret in Jerusalem.	εγενετο δε εν τω συμπληρουσθαι τας ημερας της αναληψεως αυτου και αυτος το προσωπον αυτου εστηριξεν του πορευεσθαι εις ιερουσαλημ
52.	And he sent messengers before his face; and going, they entered into a city of the Samaritans, to prepare for him.	Et misit nuntios ante conspectum suum : et euntes intraverunt in civitatem Samaritanorum ut parerent illi.	και απεστειλεν αγγελους προ προσωπου αυτου και πορευθεντες εισηλθον εις κωμην σαμαρειτων ωστε ετοιμασαι αυτω
53.	And they received him not, because his face was of one going to Jerusalem.	Et non receperunt eum, quia facies ejus erat euntis in Jerusalem.	και ουκ εδεξαντο αυτον οτι το προσωπον αυτου ην πορευομενον εις ιερουσαλημ
54.	And when his disciples James and John had seen this, they said: Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them?	Cum vidissent autem discipuli ejus Jacobus et Joannes, dixerunt : Domine, vis dicimus ut ignis descendat de cælo, et consumat illos ?	ιδοντες δε οι μαθηται αυτου ιακωβος και ιωαννης ειπον κυριε θελεις ειπωμεν πυρ καταβηναι απο του ουρανου και αναλωσαι αυτους ως και ηλιας εποιησεν
55.	And turning, he rebuked them, saying: You know not of what spirit you are.	Et conversus increpavit illos, dicens : Nescitis cujus spiritus estis.	στραφεις δε επετιμησεν αυτοις [και ειπεν ουκ οιδατε οιου πνευματος εστε υμεις]
56.	The Son of man came not to destroy souls, but to save. And they went into another town.	Filius hominis non venit animas perdere, sed salvare. Et abierunt in aliud castellum.	[ο γαρ υιος του ανθρωπου ουκ ηλθεν ψυχας ανθρωπων απολεσαι αλλα σωσαι] και επορευθησαν εις ετεραν κωμην
57.	And it came to pass, as they walked in the way, that a certain man said to him: I will follow thee withersoever thou goest.	Factum est autem : ambulantibus illis in via, dixit quidam ad illum : Sequar te quocumque ieris.	εγενετο δε πορευομενων αυτων εν τη οδω ειπεν τις προς αυτον ακολουθησω σοι οπου αν απερχη κυριε
58.	Jesus said to him: The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.	Dixit illi Jesus : Vulpes foveas habent, et volucres cæli nidos : Filius autem hominis non habet ubi caput reclinet.	και ειπεν αυτω ο ιησους αι αλωπεκες φωλεους εχουσιν και τα πετεινα του ουρανου κατασκηνωσεις ο δε υιος του ανθρωπου ουκ εχει που την κεφαλην κλινη
59.	But he said to another: Follow me. And he said: Lord, suffer me first to go, and to bury my father.	Ait autem ad alterum : Sequere me : ille autem dixit : Domine, permitte mihi primum ire, et sepelire patrem meum.	ειπεν δε προς ετερον ακολουθει μοι ο δε ειπεν κυριε επιτρεψον μοι απελθοντι πρωτον θαψαι τον πατερα μου
60.	And Jesus said to him: Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou, and preach the kingdom of God.	Dixitque ei Jesus : Sine ut mortui sepeliant mortuos suos : tu autem vade, et annuntia regnum Dei.	ειπεν δε αυτω ο ιησους αφες τους νεκρους θαψαι τους εαυτων νεκρους συ δε απελθων διαγγελλε την βασιλειαν του θεου
61.	And another said: I will follow thee, Lord; but let me first take my leave of them that are at my house.	Et ait alter : Sequar te Domine, sed permitte mihi primum renuntiare his quæ domi sunt.	ειπεν δε και ετερος ακολουθησω σοι κυριε πρωτον δε επιτρεψον μοι αποταξασθαι τοις εις τον οικον μου
62.	Jesus said to him: No man putting his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.	Ait ad illum Jesus : Nemo mittens manum suam ad aratrum, et respiciens retro, aptus est regno Dei.	ειπεν δε ο ιησους προς αυτον ουδεις επιβαλων την χειρα αυτου επ αροτρον και βλεπων εις τα οπισω ευθετος εστιν εις την βασιλειαν του θεου

[annalex]

51. And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
52. And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
53. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
54. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, will you that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
55. But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, you know not what manner of spirit you are of.
56. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

CYRIL; When the time was near at hand in which it behoved our Lord to accomplish His-life-giving Passion, and ascend up to heaven, He determines to go up to Jerusalem, as it is said, And it came to pass, &c.

TIT. BOST. Because it was necessary that the true Lamb should there be offered, where the typical lamb was sacrificed; but it is said, he steadfastly set his face, that is, He went not here and there traversing the villages and towns, but kept on His way straight towards Jerusalem.

THEOPHYL; Let then the Heathen cease to mock the Crucified, as if He were a man, who it is plain, as God, both foresaw the time of His crucifixion, and going voluntarily to be crucified, sought with steadfast face, that is, with resolute and undaunted mind, the spot where He was to be crucified.

CYRIL; And He sends messengers to make a place for Him and His companions, who when they came to the country of the Samaritans were not admitted, as it follows, And sent messengers before his face; and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him.

AMBROSE; Mark that He was unwilling to be received by those who He knew had not turned to Him with a simple heart. For if He had wished, He might have made them devout, who were undevout. But God calls those whom He thinks worthy, and whom He wills He makes religious. But why they did not receive Him the Evangelist mentions, saying, Because his face was as if he would go to Jerusalem.

THEOPHYL. But if one understands that they did not receive Him for this reason, because He had determined to go to Jerusalem, an excuse is found for them, who did not receive Him. But we must say, that in the words of the Evangelist, And they did not receive him, is implied that He did not go into Samaria, but afterwards as if some one had asked Him, He explained in these words, why they did not receive Him. And He went not to them, i.e. not that He was unable, but that He did not wish to go there but rather to Jerusalem.

THEOPHYL; Or the Samaritans see that our Lord is going to Jerusalem, and do not receive Him. For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans, as John shows.

CYRIL; But our Lord, Who knew all things before they came to pass, knowing that His messengers would not be received by the Samaritans, nevertheless commanded them to go before Him, because it was His practice to make all things conduce to the good of His disciples. Now He went up to Jerusalem as the time of His suffering drew near. In order then that they might not be offended, when they saw Him suffer, bearing in mind that they must also endure patiently when men persecute them, He ordained beforehand as a land of prelude this refusal of the Samaritans.

It was good for them also in another way. For they were to be the teachers of the world, going through towns and villages, to preach the doctrine of the Gospel, meeting sometimes with men who would not receive the sacred doctrine, allowing not that Jesus sojourned on earth with them. He therefore taught them, that in announcing the divine doctrine, they ought to be filled with patience and meekness, without bitterness, and wrath, and fierce enmity against those who had done any wrong to them.

But as yet they were not so, nay, being stirred up with fervid zeal, they wished to bring down fire from heaven upon them. It follows, And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, will you that we command fire to come down from heaven, &c.

AMBROSE; For they knew both that when Phineas had slain the idolaters it was counted to him for righteousness; and that at the prayer of Elijah fire came down from heaven, that the injuries of the prophet might be avenged.

THEOPHYL; For holy men who well knew that that death which detaches the soul from the body was not to be feared, still because of their feelings who feared it, punished some sins with death, that both the living might be struck with a wholesome dread, and those who were punished with death might receive helm not from death itself but from sin, which would be increased were they to live.

AMBROSE; But let him be avenged who fears. He who fears not, seeks not vengeance. At the same time the merits of the Prophets are likewise shown to have been in the Apostles, seeing that they claim to themselves the right of obtaining the same power of which the Prophet was thought worthy; and fitly do they claim that at their command fire should come down from heaven, for they were the sons of thunder.

TIT. BOST. They thought it much juster that the Samaritans should perish for not admitting our Lord, than the fifty soldiers who tried to thrust down Elijah.

AMBROSE; But the Lord is not moved against them, that He might show that perfect virtue has no feeling of revenge, nor is there any anger where there is fullness of love. For weakness must not be thrust out; but assisted. Let indignation be far from the religious, let the high-souled have no desire of vengeance. Hence it follows, But he turned and rebuked them, and said, you know not what manner of spirit you are of.

THEOPHYL; The Lord blames them, not for following the example of the holy Prophet, but for their ignorance in taking vengeance while they were yet inexperienced, perceiving that they did not desire correction from love, but vengeance from hatred. After that He had taught them what it was to love their neighbor as themselves, and the Holy Ghost also had been infused into them, there were not lacking these punishments, though far less frequent than in the Old Testament, because the Son of man came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. As if He said, And do you therefore who are sealed with His Spirit, imitate also His actions, now determining charitably, hereafter judging justly.

AMBROSE; For we must not always punish the offender, since mercy sometimes does more good, leading you to patience, the sinner to repentance. Lastly, those Samaritans believed the sooner, who were in this place saved from fire.

57. And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said to him, Lord, I will follow you wherever you go.
58. And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has not where to lay his head.
59. And he said to another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
60. Jesus said to him, Let the dead bury their dead, but go you and preach the kingdom of God.
61. And another also said, Lord, I will follow you; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
62. And Jesus said to him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

CYRIL; Although the Almighty Lord is bountiful, He does not grant to every one absolutely and indiscriminately heavenly and divine gifts, but to those only who are worthy to receive them, who free themselves and their souls from the stains of wickedness. And this we are taught by the force of the angelic words, And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said to him, Lord, I will follow you. First indeed there is much tardiness implied in the manner of his coming. It is next shown that he is filled with too great presumption. For he sought not to follow Christ simply as several others of the people, but rather caught at the honor of the Apostleship. Whereas Paul says, No one takes the honor to himself but he that is called of God.

ATHAN. He dared also to match himself with the incomprehensible power of the Savior, saying, I will follow you wherever you go; for to follow the Savior simply to hear His teaching is possible to human nature, as it directs itself towards men, but it is not possible to go with Him wherever He is; for He is incomprehensible, and is not confined by place.

CYRIL; In another respect also our Lord deservedly gives him a refusal, for He taught that to follow the Lord, a man must take up his cross, and renounce the affection of this present life. And our Lord finding this lacking in him does not blame him, but corrects him.

It follows, And Jesus says to him, The foxes have holes, &c.

THEOPHYL. For having seen our Lord drawing much people to Him, he thought that he received reward from them, and that if he followed our Lord, he might obtain money.

THEOPHYL; Therefore it is said to him, Why do you seek to follow Me for the riches and gain of this world, when so great is My poverty that I have not even a place of rest, and take shelter under another man's roof.

CHRYS See how our Lord sets forth by his works the poverty which he taught. For him was no table spread, no lights, no house, nor any such thing.

CYRIL; Now under a mystical signification He applies the name of foxes and birds of the air to the wicked and crafty powers of evil spirits. As if He said, Since foxes and birds of the air have their abode in you, how shall Christ rest in you? What fellowship has light with darkness?

ATHAN. Or herein our Lord teaches the greatness of His gift, as if He said, All created things may be confined by place, but the Word of God has incomprehensible power. Say not then, I will follow you wherever you go. But if you would be a disciple, cast off foolish things, for it is impossible for him who remains in foolishness to become a disciple of the Word.

AMBROSE; Or, He compares foxes to heretics, because they are indeed a wily animal, and, ever intent upon fraud, commit their robberies by stealth. They let nothing be safe, nothing be at rest, nothing secure, for they hunt their prey into the very abodes of men. The fox again, an animal full of craft, makes no hole for itself, yet likes to lie always concealed in a hole. So the heretics, who know not how to construct a house for themselves, circumscribe and deceive others. This animal is never tamed, nor is it of use to man. Hence the Apostle, A heretic after the first and second admonition reject. But the birds of the air, which are frequently brought in to represent spiritual wickedness, build as it were their nests in the breasts of the wicked, and as long as deceit reigns over the affections, the divine principle has no opportunity to take possession.

But when a man has proved his heart to be innocent, upon him Christ leans in some measure the weight of His greatness, for by a more abundant shedding of grace He is planted in the breasts of good men. So then it does not seem reasonable that we should think him faithful and simple, who is rejected by the judgment of the Lord, notwithstanding that he promised the service of unwearied attendance; but our Lord cares not for this kind of service, but only purity of affection, nor is his attendance accepted whose sense of duty is not proved. For the hospitality of faith should be given with circumspection, lest while opening the interior of our house to the unbelieving, through our imprudent credulity we fall a snare to the treachery of others. Therefore that you may be aware that God despises not attendance upon him but deceit, He who rejected the deceitful man chose the innocent.

For it follows, And he said to another, Follow me. But He says this to him, whose father He knew to be dead. Hence it follows, But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

THEOPHYL; He did not refuse the discipleship, but his wish was, having fulfilled the filial duty of burying his father, to follow Christ more freely.

AMBROSE; But the Lord calls those upon whom He has compassion. Hence it follows, And Jesus said, Let the dead bury their dead. Since we have received as a religious duty the burial of the human body, how is it thus that the burial even of a father's dead body is forbidden, unless you are to understand that human things are to be postponed to divine? It is a good employment, but the hindrance is greater, for he who divides his pursuits, draws down his affections; he who divides his care, delays his advances. We must first set abort the things which are most important. For the Apostles also, that they might not be occupied in the office of distributing alms, ordained ministers for the poor.

CHRYS. But what more necessary than the burial of his father, what more easy, seeing that there would not be much time given to it? We are then hereby taught that it becomes us not to spend even the slightest portion of our time in vain, although we have a thousand things to compel us, nay to prefer spiritual things to even our greatest necessities. For the devil watchfully presses close upon us, wishing to find any opening, and if he causes a slight negligence, he ends in producing a great weakness.

AMBROSE; The performance of a father's burial is not then prohibited, but the observance of religious duty is preferred to the ties of relationship. The one is left to those in like condition, the other is commanded to those who are left. But how can the dead bury the dead? unless you here understand a twofold death, one a natural death, the other the death of sin. There is also a third death, by which we die to sin, live to God.

CHRYS. By thus saying, their dead, he shows that this man's father was not his dead, for I suppose that the deceased was of the number of the unbelieving.

AMBROSE; Or because the throat of the ungodly is an open sepulcher, their memory is ordered to be forgotten whose services die together with their bodies. Nor is the son recalled from his duty to his father, but the faithful is separated from the communion of the unbelieving; there is no prohibition of duty, but a mystery of religion, that is, that we should have no fellowship with the dead Gentiles.

CYRIL; Or else, his father was borne down with years, and he thought he was doing an honorable act in proposing to pay the kind offices which were due to him, according to Exodus, Honor your father and your mother. Hence when calling him to the ministry of the Gospel, our Lord said, Follow me, he sought for a time of respite, which should suffice for the support of his decrepit father, saying, Permit me first to go and bury my father, not that he asked to bury his deceased father, for Christ would not have hindered the wish to do this, but he said, Bury, that is, support in old age even till death. But the Lord said to him, Let the dead bury their dead. For there were other attendants also bound by the same tie of relationship, but as I consider dead, because they had not yet believed Christ. Learn from this, that our duty to God is to be preferred to our love for our parents, to whom we show reverence, because through them have we been born. But the God of all, when hen as yet we e were not, brought us into being, our parents were made the ministers of our introduction.

AUG. Our Lord spoke this to the man to whom He had said, Follow me. But another disciple put himself forward, to whom no one had spoken any thing, saying, I will follow you, O Lord; but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at home, lest perchance they look for me as they are wont.

CYRIL; Now this promise is worthy of our admiration and full of all praise, but to bid farewell to those who are at home, to get leave from them, shows that he was still somehow divided from the Lord, in that he had not yet resolved to make this venture with his whole heart. For to wish to consult relations who would not agree to his proposal because one somewhat wavering. Wherefore our Lord condemns this, saying, No man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. He puts his hand to the plough who is ambitious to follow, yet looks back again who seeks an excuse for delay in returning home, and consulting with his friends.

AUG. As if he said to him, The East calls you, and you turn to the West.

THEOPHYL: To put one's hand to the plough, is also, (as it were by a certain sharp instrument,) by the wood and iron of our Lord's passion, to wear away the hardness of our heart, and to open it to bring forth the fruits of good works. But if any one, having begun to exercise this, delights to look back with Lot's wife to the things which he had left, he is deprived of the gift of the kingdom to come.

GREEK EX. For the frequent looking upon the things which we have forsaken, through the force of habit draws us back to our past way of life. For practice has great power to retain to itself. Is not habit generated of use, and nature of habit? But to get rid of or change nature is difficult; for although when compelled it for a while turns aside, it very rapidly returns to itself.

THEOPHYL; But if the disciple about to follow our Lord is reproved for wishing even to bid farewell at home, what will be done to such as for no advantage-sake frequently visit the houses of those whom they have left in the world?

Catena Aurea Luke 9

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Christ with disciple

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Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem

Rembrandt van Rijn

1630
Oil on panel, 58,3 x 46,6 cm
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

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Christ in the Desert

Ivan Kramskoi

1872
Oil on canvas
180 cm × 210 cm (71 in × 83 in)
Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

[Salvation]

Sunday

June 26, 2016

Setting Your Hand to the Plow

“Jesus said, ‘No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:62)

The words of the Gospel have much to teach us. Please reflect on the following:

“Plowing gets a field ready for planting. In Jesus’ time, a farmer plowed a field by following an ox on foot. The farmer used the reins in his hands to give signals to the ox. If the farmer looked back, he would of course move his body around. Then the reins would jiggle. The ox would think it was a ‘turn signal’ from the reins. The ox would veer from the straight path and the farmer’s smooth straight row would be ruined. Jesus asks us to keep looking straight ahead as we follow him. No looking back to check on how we’re doing! This takes trust.”

For helpful reflections & teachings on many, different, scriptural readings, please visit: http://www.sadlierreligion.com

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Year of Mercy Calendar for Today: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken.” (Isaiah 54:10)

[Salvation]

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Sunday, June 26

Liturgical Color: Green

Pope St. Benedict II became
pope on this day in 684 A.D. He
was pope for less than a year
but spent his time battling the
heresy of Monothelitism. This
heresy denied Church doctrine
that Christ had both a human
and divine will.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: June 26th

Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

MASS READINGS

June 26, 2016 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

O God, who through the grace of adoption chose us to be children of light, grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth. 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.

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Recipes (1)

• Beef with Peppers

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Activities (1)

• Why Celebrate the Liturgical Year?

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Prayers (2)

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

  Old Calendar: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

  "As they were going along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head (Luke 9:57-58).'" Today, Jesus calls us to follow him as he makes his way toward Jerusalem, where the mystery of death and rebirth is to be accomplished to follow these requires wholehearted commitment, the commitment of love. Nothing less is fit for the reign of God.

  The feast of St. Josemaria Escriva, which is ordinarily celebrated today, is superseded by the Sunday liturgy.

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

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  Sunday Readings
  The first reading is taken from 1 Kings 19:16; 19-21. We have here an account of the call of Elisha to the prophetic office.

  The second reading is from Galatians 5:1; 13-18. In this reading, St. Paul tells the Galatians that they were called for freedom. He then makes an important distinction that needs to be reiterated often in our world, and that is the distinction between freedom and license. St. Paul says "do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love." Many people seem to have the idea that freedom is all about doing what I want, when I want, how I want, etc. This is not freedom, but license. License is selfish, the opposite of the love to which St. Paul exhorts us.

  The Gospel is from St. Luke 9:51-62. Among the various incidents gathered together by Luke in these verses of his gospel we have read today, perhaps the lesson that should strike all of us most is his insistence on total dedication on the part of his true followers to his service. We cannot be for Christ and against him at the same time. "He who gathers not with me. scatters," he himself said. We are followers of Christ since our baptism. In theory this is the fact, but in practice how real is this fact for many of us? Are we really following Christ during the twenty-four hours of every day of our lives? Are our eyes always fixed on the true future which awaits us? Are we prepared to plow a straight furrow no matter what snags or obstacles may be on our way? How few of us can answer "yes, we are," to these straight questions?

  We have, of course, explanations ready at hand for our forgetfulness, our laxity, our earthly entanglements. We are tied down by family and a hundred other earthly cares. Our days, our weeks, our year are so fully occupied that we fmd it hard to spare even a short hour on Sundays to give to God. This answer shows a misunderstanding of what Christ demands of us. He knows his followers must live for a few years in this world and must, for the most part, struggle to earn a living for themselves during that period. But it is by living this earthly life properly, by being loyal to spouse and family, by earning one's living honestly, by living not only peacefully but helpfully with one's neighbors, that we are living our Christian life.

  The man who keeps within the limits that Christian law lays down for him, while working his way through this life. is a true follower of Christ and is on the road to heaven, plowing a straight furrow. He may not have much time for prayer, and each morning he may rush off to work. But God understands half-sentences and even single words. At night he needs recreation and relaxation. and God does not expect long prayers from him—if he has worked honestly and has given the example of true Christianity to his fellow-workers, he has honored God all day. He has prayed well. A few words of thanks to God, a request for pardon for all the mistakes made since morning, before lying down to sleep at night, will give such a man nothing to fear should God call him to judgement during the night hours.

  If we only realized how reasonable God's demands are, and how every demand he makes on us is for our own benefit and not his, we would be a little more generous in our. response to his calls. He does not need us—we need him. We could slip in a few more short prayers during the day: we could find more time to take a true interest in the eternal and less in the temporal. We could manage to give a helping hand and a word of encouragement to a needy neighbor. Yes, all of us could do a lot more to show to Christ and to the world that we are following him gladly and honestly. We are not looking back while plowing our Christian furrow.

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

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Galatians 5:1, 13-18

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For freedom Christ set us free. (Galatians 5:1)

Did you know that a battle is going on in your mind right now? That’s what today’s second reading tells us. When Paul speaks of the “freedom” that Jesus won for us, he is telling us that we can win this battle and be free from the attacks of sin and temptation (Galatians 5:1).

What is the battle for the mind? Simply stated, we all have an incredible number of virtues and gifts. We strive to be kind, generous, selfless, loving, patient, imaginative, intuitive, and so on. At the same time, we can also be selfish, prideful, angry, moody, greedy, deceptive, lustful, lazy, jealous, and so on. We all have sinful habits that need to be “put away” and virtuous impulses that we need to “put on” more and more (Ephesians 4:22, 24).

Every one of our decisions is influenced, in some way or other, by a combination of good and bad voices: the Holy Spirit, the devil, our family and friends, our memories, and our imaginations. These voices all offer us different ways to approach how we live and the choices we make. The question we face in every situation is “Who will I listen to? How will I decide?”

If you don’t want to be controlled by the negative influences, you’re going to need to do two things: let the Holy Spirit speak to you, and try your best to “take every thought captive” so that you can emphasize the upright thoughts and reject the negative ones (2 Corinthians 10:5). This means holding fast to everything you experience in prayer, the Eucharist, and Scripture.

Guard your mind as if you are carrying a valuable diamond in your pocket. Don’t let any evil influence rob you of your joy and peace. Try to stay close to Jesus, and you’ll find yourself winning this battle for your mind and becoming more like Jesus. You’ll know the freedom that Christ came to give you.

“Jesus, help me win the battle for my mind. Give me the strength to say no to sin and yes to you.”

1 Kings 19:16, 19-21
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11
Luke 9:51-62

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

VIOLENCE CANNOT BE THE WAY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

(A biblical reflection on the 13^th Sunday in Ordinary Time [Year C] – June 26, 2016)

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:51-62

First Reading: 1Kings 19:16,19-21; Psalms: Psalm 16:1-2,5-11; Second Reading: Galatians 5:1,13-18

The Scripture Text

When the days drew near for Him to be received up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem. And He sent messengers ahead of Him, who went and entered aq village of the Samaritans, to make ready for Him; but the people would not receive Him, because His face was set toward Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do You want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?” But He turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village.

As they were going along the road, a man said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head.” To another He said, “Follow Me.” But He said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow You, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God. (Luke 9:51-62 RSV)

Messengers are sent ahead by Jesus to prepare for His entry into Jerusalem. However, the path to Jerusalem leads through a Samaritan town. The Samaritans refuse to welcome Jesus. James and John, sons of Zebedee, (surnamed: Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; see Mark 3:17) become highly indignant. “Lord, do You want us to bid fire come down from heaven and consume them?” (Luke 9:54). No! St. Luke tells us that Jesus “turned and rebuked them” (Luke 9:55).

Violence cannot be the way of the Kingdom of God. Jesus is going to Jerusalem in order to drink the cup assigned by the Father. He is going to confront the powers of darkness and the focus of violence. Jesus will tell Peter to banish his sword (John 18:11) and tell Pilate that a whole legion of angels could be summoned for His defence (John 18:36), But such is not the way of the reign of God. Jesus will not come down off the cross. Instead, He prays for His executioners and forgives a fellow prisoner (Luke 23:34,43). Jesus, the Crucified and Abandoned One of God, in perfect trust hands over His Spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46). He refuses to join the ever-widening circle of violence. Jesus came to announce the good news of justice, reconciliation and peace. For Jesus to allow “fire from heaven” would be to go against all that has been entrusted to Him by the Father.

There has been much talk in recent years about the Catholic Church being “a Peace Church”. Such labels need to be carefully applied. They are usually associated with political and military issues. However, there must be a peace also “within” our hearts. This inner peace is a gift from Jesus, who freed us from the bondage of sin and from a blind, compulsive observance of the law which is powerless to save. Only the grace which is given through the death and resurrection of Jesus can save. If our hearts are not at peace there can be no peace in our families, schools, churches or among nations. The old compulsions and destructive forces of sin need not have ultimate power over us.

To be a Peace Church means that we must also be a Freedom Church. We cannot adopt the ways of the world in dealing with one another. We must give up the manipulative techniques of fostering guilt and self-hatred. We must be a Church which instead appeals to the Holy Spirit who dwells within its members with dignity and respect. The truth is taught. The witness is given to all. However, no one can be forced to follow Jesus. There is always the possibility that one can refuse to be in Jesus’ company any longer. This is tragic. Yet if we have done our best, there is simply nothing more for us to do. We cannot change our teaching in order to be more attractive. We cannot call down fire from heaven. We must surrender to the power of God’s grace slowly working in the heart of every person. We are to pray a great deal.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, through baptism You call us to follow You. It is indeed easy for us to offer words “I will be Your follower/disciple wherever You go”. Please let the Holy Spirit guide us so we can be sure that we know what is required. We also realize that we cannot force others to follow You, so we pray for a patient love. Amen.

[Salvation]

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

Daily Marriage Tip for June 26, 2016:

“No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:51-52). We are reminded today that by following Christ we desert our old ways. Live fully in the present.

[Salvation]

The Tragedy of the Unseized Moment

Pastor’s Column

13th Sunday Ordinary Time

June 29, 2016

“...and to another he said, ‘Follow Me.’ But the man replied, ‘Lord, let me go and bury my father.’ But he answered him, ‘Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” from Luke 9:51-62

In our gospel this Sunday (Luke 9:51-62), Jesus has an encounter with a man that may sound to us a bit harsh. He has gotten the Lord’s attention. Christ looks at him and says “follow me.” How many of us would love to have been in this situation! And yet this is our moment too – we too are this man or woman whom our Lord is calling.

This man is interested – yet he hesitates. Why does he hesitate? He tells the Lord yes – yes, he would like to follow him. But he has to go bury his father. This seems like a good excuse. Who wouldn’t understand delaying because a relative is dying? But this is probably not what this man meant. This way of putting things indicated that he had long-term obligations that were more important than following Christ right now. His father most likely would have lived for many more years. But the chance to follow Christ while he lived on earth was a brief one. Christ was going to his death. There would be no second chance for this man.

The moral of this encounter, I think, is that there is a certain time in which to do something, and if one misses that moment the chance may never come again. Many times, if we don’t recognize our opportunity when God offers it to us, the thing will never happen at all. God may later offer us other opportunities, and if we have learned from what we lost we may not miss future encounters with God.

What excuse have I had to avoid following God and his will in my life? We like to think that if we saw Christ in the flesh we would have a different response. Christ calls each of us in different ways, and especially at certain moments in our lives. These are the opportunities that have the potential to change our lives forever. Think of the time you met the person that you married – that first encounter; or the chance to be with someone we love before they passed away; or the chance to get a certain job. Our faith is like that also. We have only this moment of life in which to choose Christ – a lifetime of opportunities. But if we live a life filled with excuses and a lack of action, in the and we will have in the end is a life filled with regrets.

Father Gary

[Salvation]

Reflections from Scott Hahn

Taking the Call: Scott Hahn Reflects on the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 20, 2016

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Readings:

1 Kings 19:16-21

Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11

Galatians 5:1,13-18

Luke 9:51-62

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In this week’s First Reading, Elijah's disciple is allowed to kiss his parents goodbye before setting out to follow the prophet's call.

But we are called to follow a greater prophet than Elijah, this week’s Liturgy wants us to know.

In Baptism, we have put on the cloak of Christ, are called to the house of a new Father, and have been given a new family in the kingdom of God. We have been called to leave behind our past lives and never look back—to follow wherever He leads.

Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind and his disciple was given a double portion of his spirit (see 2 Kings 2:9-15).

Jesus too, the Gospel reminds us, was "taken up" (see Acts 1:2,11,22), and He gave us His Spirit to live by, to guide us in our journey in His kingdom.

As this week’s Epistle tells us, the call of Jesus shatters the yoke of every servitude, sets us free from the rituals of the old Law, shows us the Law's fulfillment in the following of Jesus, in serving one another through love.

His call sets our hands to a new plow, a new task—to be His messengers, sent ahead to prepare all peoples to meet Him and enter into His Kingdom.

Elijah called down fire to consume those who wouldn't accept God (see 2 Kings 1:1-16). But we have a different Spirit with us.

To live by His Spirit is to face opposition and rejection, as the Apostles do in this week’s Gospel. It is to feel like an exile, with no lasting city (see Hebrews 13:14), no place in this world to lay our head or call home.

But we hear the voice of the One we follow in this week’s Psalm (see Acts 2:25-32; 13:35-37). He calls us to make His faith our own—to abide in confidence that He will not abandon us, that He will show us "the path to life," leading us to the fullness of joy in His presence forever.