FC #424: 6/28/09: The THIRTEENTH of ORDINARY TIME: 1st week of Christian Prayer
Sunday, June 28: The THIRTEENTH of Ordinary Time: Gloria and Creed: Wisdom 1:13-15 and 2:23-24 (By the envy of the devil, death entered the world.); Ps 30:2, 4-6 and 11-13 (I will praise You, Lord, for You have rescued me.); 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9 and 13-15 (Your abundance should supply the needs of the poor.); Alleluia, alleluia! Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel. Alleluia, alleluia!; Mk 5:21-24 and 35b-43 (Little girl, I say to you, arise!)
Theme: Jesus attracts followers in part due to His love in healing.
Last week I spoke about healing for Father’s Day which the Lord told me to do. God was healing our various relationships with our earthly fathers in that none of us are perfect, yet. God as our Father wants to continue His healing and perfection in us.
There are so many healing stories in the early part of St. Mark’s Gospel. These two today are the ninth and tenth of those stories. I especially love these two stories here. It shows the tenderness and compassion of our loving Master. Even with the large crowd Jesus goes off with Jairus to heal his critically ill daughter. On the way to make this "house call," a large crowd is "pushing Jesus" each wanting to "touch Him" because such love and power flow from Him. A poor woman with hemorrhages of twelve years not being cured by doctors manages to fight her way through the crowd to just touch the tassel of His prayer shawl. She was instantly healed.
What about many of us? We have difficulties at times and we go to Jesus with out request. Yet mostly we are not healed as this woman was. It can be many reasons. Often our "faith" is weak. We are trained in school in a scientific method and mentality. Most things in our lives have to be proven and analyzed. Faith in God does not come into the picture. Our medical science deals with sickness. There is the other side of health by doing and eating those things that will keep our body and mind healthy. Jesus, please help our lack of faith and be able to more completely trust You. The more we can receive from Your generosity to us, the more we will have to share with others. Have a happy and very safe 4th of July. Jesus is really our "Big Bang." Blessings, + Fr. Bob Hilz.
Monday, June 29: Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles. Simon was Andrew’s brother and a fisherman from Bethsaida. Jesus changed his name to Peter. With James and John, Peter is present at special times with Christ. Peter was given the keys of Christ’s kingdom to care for and pastor the others. After Pentecost he converted many Jews and Gentiles for Christ. Peter was first Bishop in Antioch, Syria, and then moved on to Rome. King Herod Agrippa had killed James, John’s brother, in 42 and then had Peter imprisoned in 43 but an angel released him. Peter then moved on to Rome, was arrested and crucified upside down on Vatican Hill about 64 during the reign of Emperor Nero. Peter was the first Bishop of Rome and Pope Benedict XVI is his 265th successor. Several years ago I had the honor of celebrating Mass a few feet from where Peter was buried which is directly under the present high altar in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Saul was a Jewish Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin from Tarsus. He went to Jerusalem to be trained as a rabbi after the death of Jesus. Paul never made reference to having met Jesus before His death in Jerusalem. As a zealous Jew Saul was arresting Christians and bringing them for trial and execution to Jerusalem. Jesus converted Saul and changed his name. After some years of penance, prayer and training Paul was commissioned to conduct four major preaching journeys winning Jews and Gentiles to Christ. He is known as the church’s greatest missionary. Paul endured many trials, was imprisoned by the Jews and appealed to the Emperor as a Roman citizen. He spent several years under house arrest in Rome and was finally beheaded outside Rome about 67. He is buried near the place where his head bounced three time now in the Benedictine Basilica of St. Paul’s outside the walls of Rome. My Franciscan community has possession of the house where Paul was under house arrest and preached to the people who came to see him each day in the old granary district of Rome. I attended Mass there back in 1968.) Acts 3:1-10 (What I do have I give you: in the Name of Jesus, rise and walk.), Ps 19:2-5 (Their message goes out through all the earth.), Galatians 1:11-20 (From my mother’s womb, God set me apart.), John 21:15-19 (Feed My lambs, feed My sheep.)
Tuesday, June 30: (optional memorial of the Martyrs of the Church of Rome. The reformed Roman Calendar has suppressed most of the ancient martyr’s feast. Thousands from all walks of life were martyred for some 200 years. This memorial has been inserted into the Calendar in honor of the first martyrs of the Church of Rome who were put to death at the Vatican Circus under the persecution of Emperor Nero in 64.) Gen 19:15-29 (The Lord God rained down sulphurous fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah.), Ps 26:2-3 and 9-12 (O Lord, Your mercy is before my eyes.), Mt 8:23-27(Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea and there was great calm.) Or (TOR Franciscan optional memorial of Blessed Raymond Lull, martyr, 1235-1315. He was born in Palma on the Island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean Sea. Divesting himself of all worldly possessions he joined the Third Order. In his zeal for souls he was instrumental in founding a college to give suitable training for missionaries. Because of his writing on almost all branches of human learning he was called the Enlightened Doctor. At age 79 he went to North Africa in 1314 as a missionary himself. An angry crowd of Muslims stoned him in the city of Bourgie. Genoese merchants took him back to Mallorca where he died.)
Wednesday, July 1: (optional memorial of Blessed Junipero Serra, Franciscan friar priest and California missionary, 1713-1784. He was born in Petra on the island of Mallorca, Spain. He entered the First Order of Franciscans in Palma, was ordained a priest and taught philosophy and theology at the University of Padua for twelve years. At 37 he went to Mexico City in 1749, from where he spent the rest of his life working for the conversion of the peoples of the New World. He entered California July 1, 1767, founding 21 missions up the western coast of California from San Diego to San Francisco. Fr. Junipero introduced the Native Americans to more effective agricultural methods and showed them how to domesticate the animals needed for food and transportation. He converted thousands to Christ and is the only Catholic missionary in the Hall of Fame in the U.S. Capitol. He was beatified by our John Paul II in 1988.) Gen 21:5 and 8-20a (No son of that slave is going to share the inheritance with my son Isaac!), Ps 34:7-8 and 10-13 (The Lord hears the cry of the poor.), Mt 8:28-34 (Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?)
Thursday, July 2: Gen 22:1b-19 (The sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith.), Ps 115:1-6 and 8-9 (I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.), Mt 9:1-8 (They glorified God Who had given such authority to men.)
Friday, July 3: (Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle, died about 72. He probably was born in Galilee and surnamed Didymus (the twin). He was chosen by Jesus to be one of the 12 apostles. He is noted most for his doubting that Jesus had really risen from the dead until he touched Jesus. Thomas left Jerusalem to preach in Parthia and then in 42 went on to the "Province of Kerala" in India. He was martyred and buried at Mylapore near Madras.) Ephesians 2:19-22 (Built upon the foundation of the Apostles.), Ps 117:1bc-2 (Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.), John 20:24-29 (My Lord and my God.)
Saturday, July 4: (In the U.S. A. Independence Day. In line with this civil holiday a special Mass text was prepared for our bicentennial year in 1976. This day celebrates the inalienable rights of all people to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These 3 rights are divine principles and were taught by Jesus in John 10:10; Mt 5:2-12 and 8:32, 36. There is a natural affinity between our independence and the Jewish memorial of their freedom from Egyptian bondage in the Passover. God guided that chosen band of His people into a promised land. God also guided our forebears, first from Spain and France and then England with many countries to follow, into making the United States "one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.") Outside of the U.S. there is an optional memorial of St. Elizabeth of Portugal, 1271-1336. She was born into a royal family. She was given in marriage to the King of Portugal and had 2 children. After her husband’s death she joined the Third Order Franciscans and gave her belongings to the poor. She continued her life of prayer and ministry to the sick and poor.) Many various readings can be used for Independence Day yet here are the normal daily readings. Amos 8:4-6 and 9-12 (I will send famine upon the land: not a famine of bread or thirst for water but for hearing the Word of the Lord.), Ps 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 131 (One does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.), Mt 9:9-13 (Those who are well do not need a physician; I desire mercy, not sacrifice.)
Sunday, July 5: FOURTEENTH of Ordinary Time: Gloria and Creed: Ezekiel 2:2-5 (They are a rebellious house but shall know that a prophet has been among them.); Ps 23:1-4 (Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for His mercy.); 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (I shall boast in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell in me.); Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He sent me to bring gad tidings to the poor. Alleluia, alleluia!; Mark 6:1-6 (A prophet is not without honor except in his native place.)
Sunday, June 28: The THIRTEENTH of Ordinary Time: Gloria and Creed: Wisdom 1:13-15 and 2:23-24 (By the envy of the devil, death entered the world.); Ps 30:2, 4-6 and 11-13 (I will praise You, Lord, for You have rescued me.); 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9 and 13-15 (Your abundance should supply the needs of the poor.); Alleluia, alleluia! Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel. Alleluia, alleluia!; Mk 5:21-24 and 35b-43 (Little girl, I say to you, arise!)
Theme: Jesus attracts followers in part due to His love in healing.
Last week I spoke about healing for Father’s Day which the Lord told me to do. God was healing our various relationships with our earthly fathers in that none of us are perfect, yet. God as our Father wants to continue His healing and perfection in us.
There are so many healing stories in the early part of St. Mark’s Gospel. These two today are the ninth and tenth of those stories. I especially love these two stories here. It shows the tenderness and compassion of our loving Master. Even with the large crowd Jesus goes off with Jairus to heal his critically ill daughter. On the way to make this "house call," a large crowd is "pushing Jesus" each wanting to "touch Him" because such love and power flow from Him. A poor woman with hemorrhages of twelve years not being cured by doctors manages to fight her way through the crowd to just touch the tassel of His prayer shawl. She was instantly healed.
What about many of us? We have difficulties at times and we go to Jesus with out request. Yet mostly we are not healed as this woman was. It can be many reasons. Often our "faith" is weak. We are trained in school in a scientific method and mentality. Most things in our lives have to be proven and analyzed. Faith in God does not come into the picture. Our medical science deals with sickness. There is the other side of health by doing and eating those things that will keep our body and mind healthy. Jesus, please help our lack of faith and be able to more completely trust You. The more we can receive from Your generosity to us, the more we will have to share with others. Have a happy and very safe 4th of July. Jesus is really our "Big Bang." Blessings, + Fr. Bob Hilz.
Monday, June 29: Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles. Simon was Andrew’s brother and a fisherman from Bethsaida. Jesus changed his name to Peter. With James and John, Peter is present at special times with Christ. Peter was given the keys of Christ’s kingdom to care for and pastor the others. After Pentecost he converted many Jews and Gentiles for Christ. Peter was first Bishop in Antioch, Syria, and then moved on to Rome. King Herod Agrippa had killed James, John’s brother, in 42 and then had Peter imprisoned in 43 but an angel released him. Peter then moved on to Rome, was arrested and crucified upside down on Vatican Hill about 64 during the reign of Emperor Nero. Peter was the first Bishop of Rome and Pope Benedict XVI is his 265th successor. Several years ago I had the honor of celebrating Mass a few feet from where Peter was buried which is directly under the present high altar in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Saul was a Jewish Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin from Tarsus. He went to Jerusalem to be trained as a rabbi after the death of Jesus. Paul never made reference to having met Jesus before His death in Jerusalem. As a zealous Jew Saul was arresting Christians and bringing them for trial and execution to Jerusalem. Jesus converted Saul and changed his name. After some years of penance, prayer and training Paul was commissioned to conduct four major preaching journeys winning Jews and Gentiles to Christ. He is known as the church’s greatest missionary. Paul endured many trials, was imprisoned by the Jews and appealed to the Emperor as a Roman citizen. He spent several years under house arrest in Rome and was finally beheaded outside Rome about 67. He is buried near the place where his head bounced three time now in the Benedictine Basilica of St. Paul’s outside the walls of Rome. My Franciscan community has possession of the house where Paul was under house arrest and preached to the people who came to see him each day in the old granary district of Rome. I attended Mass there back in 1968.) Acts 3:1-10 (What I do have I give you: in the Name of Jesus, rise and walk.), Ps 19:2-5 (Their message goes out through all the earth.), Galatians 1:11-20 (From my mother’s womb, God set me apart.), John 21:15-19 (Feed My lambs, feed My sheep.)
Tuesday, June 30: (optional memorial of the Martyrs of the Church of Rome. The reformed Roman Calendar has suppressed most of the ancient martyr’s feast. Thousands from all walks of life were martyred for some 200 years. This memorial has been inserted into the Calendar in honor of the first martyrs of the Church of Rome who were put to death at the Vatican Circus under the persecution of Emperor Nero in 64.) Gen 19:15-29 (The Lord God rained down sulphurous fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah.), Ps 26:2-3 and 9-12 (O Lord, Your mercy is before my eyes.), Mt 8:23-27(Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea and there was great calm.) Or (TOR Franciscan optional memorial of Blessed Raymond Lull, martyr, 1235-1315. He was born in Palma on the Island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean Sea. Divesting himself of all worldly possessions he joined the Third Order. In his zeal for souls he was instrumental in founding a college to give suitable training for missionaries. Because of his writing on almost all branches of human learning he was called the Enlightened Doctor. At age 79 he went to North Africa in 1314 as a missionary himself. An angry crowd of Muslims stoned him in the city of Bourgie. Genoese merchants took him back to Mallorca where he died.)
Wednesday, July 1: (optional memorial of Blessed Junipero Serra, Franciscan friar priest and California missionary, 1713-1784. He was born in Petra on the island of Mallorca, Spain. He entered the First Order of Franciscans in Palma, was ordained a priest and taught philosophy and theology at the University of Padua for twelve years. At 37 he went to Mexico City in 1749, from where he spent the rest of his life working for the conversion of the peoples of the New World. He entered California July 1, 1767, founding 21 missions up the western coast of California from San Diego to San Francisco. Fr. Junipero introduced the Native Americans to more effective agricultural methods and showed them how to domesticate the animals needed for food and transportation. He converted thousands to Christ and is the only Catholic missionary in the Hall of Fame in the U.S. Capitol. He was beatified by our John Paul II in 1988.) Gen 21:5 and 8-20a (No son of that slave is going to share the inheritance with my son Isaac!), Ps 34:7-8 and 10-13 (The Lord hears the cry of the poor.), Mt 8:28-34 (Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?)
Thursday, July 2: Gen 22:1b-19 (The sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith.), Ps 115:1-6 and 8-9 (I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.), Mt 9:1-8 (They glorified God Who had given such authority to men.)
Friday, July 3: (Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle, died about 72. He probably was born in Galilee and surnamed Didymus (the twin). He was chosen by Jesus to be one of the 12 apostles. He is noted most for his doubting that Jesus had really risen from the dead until he touched Jesus. Thomas left Jerusalem to preach in Parthia and then in 42 went on to the "Province of Kerala" in India. He was martyred and buried at Mylapore near Madras.) Ephesians 2:19-22 (Built upon the foundation of the Apostles.), Ps 117:1bc-2 (Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.), John 20:24-29 (My Lord and my God.)
Saturday, July 4: (In the U.S. A. Independence Day. In line with this civil holiday a special Mass text was prepared for our bicentennial year in 1976. This day celebrates the inalienable rights of all people to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These 3 rights are divine principles and were taught by Jesus in John 10:10; Mt 5:2-12 and 8:32, 36. There is a natural affinity between our independence and the Jewish memorial of their freedom from Egyptian bondage in the Passover. God guided that chosen band of His people into a promised land. God also guided our forebears, first from Spain and France and then England with many countries to follow, into making the United States "one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.") Outside of the U.S. there is an optional memorial of St. Elizabeth of Portugal, 1271-1336. She was born into a royal family. She was given in marriage to the King of Portugal and had 2 children. After her husband’s death she joined the Third Order Franciscans and gave her belongings to the poor. She continued her life of prayer and ministry to the sick and poor.) Many various readings can be used for Independence Day yet here are the normal daily readings. Amos 8:4-6 and 9-12 (I will send famine upon the land: not a famine of bread or thirst for water but for hearing the Word of the Lord.), Ps 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 131 (One does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.), Mt 9:9-13 (Those who are well do not need a physician; I desire mercy, not sacrifice.)
Sunday, July 5: FOURTEENTH of Ordinary Time: Gloria and Creed: Ezekiel 2:2-5 (They are a rebellious house but shall know that a prophet has been among them.); Ps 23:1-4 (Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for His mercy.); 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (I shall boast in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell in me.); Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He sent me to bring gad tidings to the poor. Alleluia, alleluia!; Mark 6:1-6 (A prophet is not without honor except in his native place.)