Reflections on Our Faith

Take Five for Faith

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow - a day at a time. Look up the daily passages from the New American Bible online at www.usccb.org/nab/bible. Download Take Five for Faith by clicking on the date below: Week starting Sunday, July 12, 2009 Sunday reflections available in Spanish! DOMINGO, 12 DE JULIO DE 2009 Invierte sólo cinco minutos al día, y tu fe se intensificará y crecerá-un día a la vez.

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2009
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

"It’s a miracle!"

When something good happens but we don’t know how, we often say it’s a miracle. The word derives from the Latin mirari, “to wonder at.” The earliest believers in Jesus were in wonder at the healings he performed, healings that were inexplicable except through divine power. Not only that, Jesus called the believers themselves to heal others. And they did! They were ordinary people, just like you, doing the extraordinary. Jesus’ power of miracles attracted many people to his ministry. People likely were drawn by the sheer magnificence of Jesus’ deeds, then discovered how deeply fulfilling it was to be of service to humanity. Small wonder that the Latin word for miracles is also related to the word “smile.”

TODAY'S READINGS: Amos 7:12-15; Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10; Mark 6:7-13

"He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits."

DOMINGO, 12 DE JULIO DE 2009
DECIMOQUINTO DOMINGO EN TIEMPO ORDINARIO

"¡Es un milagro!"

Cuando algo bueno sucede pero no sabemos cómo, a menudo decimos que es un milagro. La palabra deriva del latín mirari, “maravillarse en.” Los primeros creyentes de Jesús estaban maravillados en las curaciones que él realizaba, curaciones que eran inexplicables excepto a través del poder divino. No solo eso, Jesús llamó a los mismos creyentes a que sanaran a otros. ¡Y ellos lo hicieron! Ellos eran gente ordinaria, así como tú, haciendo lo extraordinario. El poder de los milagros de Jesús atrajo a mucha gente a su ministerio. Probablemente la gente se sentía atraída por la pura magnificencia de los hechos de Jesús, después descubrían cuán profundamente satisfactorio era servir a la humanidad. Sería una pequeña maravilla que la palabra latina para milagros también se relaciona a la palabra “sonrisa.”

LECTURAS DE HOY: Amos 7:12-15; Efesios 1:3-14 o 1:3-10; Marcos 6:7-13

"Él llamó a los doce y comenzó a enviarlos de dos en dos, y les dio autoridad sobre los espíritus impuros."

MONDAY, JULY 13
FEAST OF HENRY

Serve God right here, right now

Henry was Holy Roman Emperor from 1002 until his death in 1024. During his reign he founded schools, protected borders, worked to establish peace throughout Europe, helped to reform the church, and was unfailingly kind and generous to the poor. After the death of his wife, Henry decided to become a monk. The abbot of the monastery declined his application, however, noting that Henry could do the most good for God and humanity by remaining emperor. Sometimes we think we have to move—to another job or even to another country—to live a life of service. It’s not true. Opportunities abound wherever we are.

TODAY'S READINGS: Exodus 1:8-14, 22; Matthew 10:34-11:1

"Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me."

TUESDAY, JULY 14

What floats your boat?

You know the story: Pharaoh ordered all the male Hebrew children to be cast into the Nile to check the burgeoning Israelite population. One mother followed his command but with a twist: Trying to save her little boy, she floated him out onto the river in a basket. Pharaoh’s daughter, at the river to bathe, saw the little boat, gave the baby back to the mother, whom she paid to nurse and raise the child, until she was able to adopt the child as her own. She called him Moses, which means “drawn out.” A tragic tale for the rest of the unlucky babies, but also one that shows how God’s care shows itself in small ways. Where are the little signs of God’s love floating through your life?

TODAY'S READINGS: Exodus 2:1-15a; Matthew 11:20-24

"She named him Moses, ‘because,’ she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.' "

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
FEAST OF BONAVENTURE, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Useful gifts

So gifted with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, our saint of the day has numerous colleges and high schools named after him, plus a starship, the USS Bonaventure (NCC-2977), in Star Trek: The Animated Series. Is it any wonder that we’ve still got his right arm and hand that he used to write his famous Commentary on the Four Books of Peter Lombard on display at his home parish in Bagnoregio, Italy? But all those smarts are simply the gifts of the Holy Spirit, given to all for the sake of all. Saint Bonaventure put his to work for the church. What are you doing with yours?

TODAY'S READINGS: Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12; Matthew 11:25-27

"All things have been handed over to me by my Father."

THURSDAY, JULY 16
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL

Protect yourself

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is also known as the Feast of the Scapular, in honor of the protection the Virgin Mary is said to have given the Carmelite order in a vision to one of its early leaders, Saint Simon Stock. Scapulars, whether in the form of a religious habit, a neck ornament, or even a simple pin, are outward signs of the truth Jesus speaks in today’s gospel: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” The protective comfort Jesus provides is not through barriers he builds up around us but rather through the ways of meekness and humility he teaches us. Get some rest today.

TODAY'S READINGS: Exodus 3:13-20; Matthew 11:28-30

"I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves."

FRIDAY, JULY 17

Image matters

The Bible is replete with various images of God, from God as a judge and executor (Exodus 12:12) to God as a woman baking bread (Matthew 13:33). Often these images seem contradictory—a violent God killing firstborn children versus a God who nourishes with patience and care. Frequently these likenesses are used to describe some kind of attribute of God or the experience of a people’s encounter with God. How do we understand God in the 21st century? What images might we use to describe our experience of God? In a world more interconnected and interdependent than ever before, how does what happens in the Middle East or India affect us and our experience of God? What about the beauty and plight of God’s earth and creatures?

TODAY'S READINGS: Exodus 11:10-12:14; Matthew 12:1-8

" ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ "

SATURDAY, JULY 18
FEAST OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Ready or not!

There are few things more Jewish than matzo, and nothing more Catholic than the Eucharist. In both cases it’s odd to remember that the unleavened bread was purely unintentional. The bread was flat on the day of the great Passover because there was simply no time for it to rise. God doesn’t mind making use of what’s available, no matter how untimely it seems to us. So God later chose a young girl, Mary, not yet married, to be the mother of the world’s great passover from sin, Jesus. When it comes to salvation, there’s no time like the present.

TODAY'S READINGS: Exodus 12:37-42; Matthew 12:14-21

"The dough . . . was not leavened, because they were driven out of Egypt and could not wait."

---

Contributors: Father Paul Boudreau, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, and Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

©2009 by TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. PHONE: 800-942-2811; E-MAIL: mail@takefiveforfaith.com; WEBSITE: www.takefiveforfaith.com. Licensed for noncommercial use. All rights reserved. Scripture quotes come from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

Reflections on Our Faith

OBSTACLES

The prophet Ezekiel, Saint Paul, and the Lord Jesus share something in common in today’s scripture readings. They all experience obstacles to their ministry. Ezekiel is summoned to prophesy to the Israelites, who are “[h]ard of face and obstinate of heart” (Ezekiel 2:4). Saint Paul recounts how he has been given a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). The Lord Jesus is unable to perform many signs in his native place. The Gospel tells us that “[he] was amazed at their lack of faith” (Mark 6:6). We, too, sometimes encounter obstacles as we travel along the journey of faith. So often we experience weakness on this journey. Let the words of the Lord to Saint Paul encourage us today: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Take Five for Faith

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow - a day at a time. Look up the daily passages from the New American Bible online at www.usccb.org/nab/bible. Download Take Five for Faith by clicking on the date below: Week starting Sunday, July 5, 2009 Sunday reflections available in Spanish! DOMINGO, 5 DE JULIO DE 2009 Invierte sólo cinco minutos al día, y tu fe se intensificará y crecerá-un día a la vez.

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2009
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Practicing faith

Did you ever go searching all over the house for your car keys only to find them right where you left them on the kitchen table? We tend to expect what we believe. When we’re looking for those keys, there’s a little voice in our heads chanting the mantra: I have to find my keys, I have to find my keys. And so it is. Faith is to believe despite all evidence to the contrary. Our single task as Christians is to practice our faith, to train our minds to believe, even when the evidence suggests otherwise. “I will find my keys” is a good start.

TODAY'S READINGS: Ezekiel 2:2-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Mark 6:1-6a

"And he could do no deed of power there . . . . And he was amazed at their unbelief."

DOMINGO, 5 DE JULIO DE 2009
DECIMOCUARTO DOMINGO EN TIEMPO ORDINARIO

Practicando la fe

¿Alguna vez estuviste buscando las llaves de tu carro por toda la casa solo para encontrarlas justo donde las dejaste sobre la mesa de la cocina? Tendemos a esperar lo que creemos. Cuando buscamos esas llaves, hay una pequeña voz en nuestra cabeza cantando el mantra: tengo que encontrar mis llaves, tengo que encontrar mis llaves. Y así es. La fe es creer a pesar de toda la evidencia en lo contrario. Nuestra única tarea como cristianos es practicar nuestra fe, entrenar nuestras mentes para vivir, aún cuando la evidencia sugiere lo contrario. “Encontraré mis llaves” es un buen comienzo.

LECTURAS DE HOY: Ezequiel 2:2-5; 2 Corintios 12:7-10; Marcos 6:1-6a

"Y él no pudo hacer allí ningún hecho poderoso… Y estaba asombrado en la incredulidad de ellos."

MONDAY, JULY 6
FEAST OF MARIA GORETTI, VIRGIN, MARTYR

Forgiveness lives on

One of the marks of sanctity is that it inspires radical change in the lives of those who encounter it. Such was the case with Maria Goretti, murdered in 1902 by a would-be rapist when she was only 11 years old. She forgave her killer, Alessandro Serenelli, on her deathbed. Serenelli, however, was unrepentant until he had a dream in which Maria gave him lilies that immediately burned his hands. After his release from prison decades later, Serenelli visited Maria’s mother and begged her forgiveness. They attended Mass together the next day, receiving Communion side by side. On June 24, 1950 the repentant Serenelli was present for Goretti’s canonization. Change someone’s life today through forgiveness.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 28:10-22a; Matthew 9:18-26

"My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live."

TUESDAY, JULY 7

Wrestlemania

When you think of an encounter with God, what’s the first image that comes to mind? Wrestling? Maybe not, but it’s a powerful biblical image. Think of Jacob, who grappled with the angel of God. At the time, Jacob feared for his life because he was in dangerous territory. Would God remain with him in his hour of need? For Jacob, a crisis of faith followed. So did a wrestling match. How often do we wrestle with God? In illness, financial hardship, and other troubles, we may wonder if God is with us. Jacob reminds us that holding fast to God in a crisis can be difficult. We may feel bruised and battered but also emerge with greater self-knowledge and stronger faith.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 32:23-33; Matthew 9:32-38

"But Jacob said, 'I will not let you go, unless you bless me.' "

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8

Hardly your dream job

We tend to think that the word apostle—which means “one who is sent”—appears only in the gospels, yet the term is also used in Saint Paul’s letters to mean “one who has seen the risen Lord and has been commissioned to proclaim the resurrection.” However they are defined, the 12 apostles had no easy task before or after Christ died. They were scoffed at, scolded, beaten, and tortured for delivering a message that frightened and confused many even as it liberated and heartened a few. Try spreading a little Good News yourself, but be prepared to be reviled more often than embraced.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 21:5, 8-20; Matthew 8:28-34

"I will make a great nation of him."

THURSDAY, JULY 9
FEAST OF AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG, PRIEST, MARTYR, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS

God’s ways are mysterious

Grace doesn’t move in a straight line. It’s more like the Yellow Brick Road to spiritual success, winding through both friendly cornfields and haunted forests and adding companions to the journey along the way. So Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, was sold into slavery by his brothers and later rescued his family from famine as a result. Evil intent turns to good in God’s hands. So Chinese soldier Augustine Zhao Rong once accompanied a bishop to his execution. As a result of that encounter, the soldier became a Christian, priest, and martyr himself—later on down the road.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5; Matthew 10:7-15

"And now do not be distressed . . . for God sent me before you to preserve life."

FRIDAY, JULY 10

Lead us into temptation?

The third-century theologian Origen once asked a very important question about the Lord’s Prayer: “How is it that our Savior commands us to pray not to enter temptation, since God somehow tempts everyone?” Indeed temptation appears to be the hallmark of many biblical trials, coming even to Jesus himself. If being put into the midst of harm can be a sign of God’s loving will, we can understand that entering into temptation means to become part of it. So Origen says that what one prays for is the strength and discipline to withstand temptation without sinning. Consider what temptations are before you today.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30; Matthew 10:16-23

"See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves."

SATURDAY, JULY 11
FEAST OF BENEDICT, ABBOT

A good rule to follow

Saint Benedict’s famous Rule was originally written as a guide for those living in monastic communities he had founded or had gathered around him. Ever since, though, the Rule of Benedict has been a source of guidance and inspiration for many kinds of people seeking to live a better and more faithful Christian life. “To you,” Benedict wrote in the Prologue to the Rule, “. . . my words are now addressed, whoever you may be, who are renouncing your own will to do battle under the Lord Christ, the true King, and are taking up the strong, bright weapons of obedience.” Many paths can lead to holiness. Which path are you on?

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a; Matthew 10:24-33

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul."

---

Contributors: Father Paul Boudreau, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, and Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

©2009 by TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. PHONE: 800-942-2811; E-MAIL: mail@takefiveforfaith.com; WEBSITE: www.takefiveforfaith.com. Licensed for noncommercial use. All rights reserved. Scripture quotes come from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

Reflections on Our Faith

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

As Independence Day draws near, we think of the men and women of the military who serve with courage and competence, some far from home. How does the Church accompany them? In 1939, Pope Pius XII created an independent jurisdiction of the Catholic Church called the “Military Vicariate.” In 1985 Pope John Paul II created the “Archdiocese for Military Services, USA.” Spanning the globe and serving nearly one and a half million Roman Catholics, more than one thousand priests minister in hospitals, on military bases of all the armed forces, on ships at sea, and on the battlefield. The AMS does not ordain priests, but accepts priests on loan from religious orders and dioceses.

In 1824 a Jesuit priest named Adam Marshall enlisted in the Navy and died at sea in 1825. He was assigned as a “schoolmaster,” but he sought out and ministered to Catholic sailors. Twenty years later, President Polk was worried that the war with Mexico was seen as anti-Catholic, so he recruited two Jesuit priests to serve in the army as chaplains. At the time of the Civil War, only about ten percent of Americans were Catholic. Military policies forced Catholic soldiers to attend Protestant services. The Church protested this rule, and many priests volunteered to become chaplains. Their witness and the courage of the “Nuns of the Battlefield” (several orders of sisters who assisted Civil War victims) helped temper prejudice against Catholics and pave the way for the life and ministry of this vigorous and unique archdiocese.

Take Five for Faith

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow - a day at a time. Look up the daily passages from the New American Bible online at www.usccb.org/nab/bible/index.html. Download Take Five for Faith by clicking on the date below: Week starting Sunday, June 28, 2009 Sunday reflections available in Spanish! DOMINGO, 28 DE JUNIO DE 2009 Invierte sólo cinco minutos al día, y tu fe se intensificará y crecerá-un día a la vez.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2009
THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In the beginning

Did you ever wonder why God created the world and everything in it? It seems to beg the question: Obviously it’s an accomplished fact, so why ask why? But asking why tells us something about God. Did God need to create the world, because God was lonely or something? No: God—being God—doesn’t need anything. What did happen is that God’s love overflowed, and that happy flood produced creation. Yes, there were some flaws, which led to some much bigger problems such that divine intervention has been required. Remember, though, that all creation and creatures—and the latter includes you—were born in love. And so the only proper thing to do is give that love back to the world around you, and so ultimately back to the One who made it all.

TODAY'S READINGS: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15; Mark 5:21-43

"God created all things so that they might exist."

DOMINGO, 28 DE JUNIO DE 2009
DECIMOTERCER DOMINGO EN TIEMPO ORDINARIO

En el comienzo

¿Alguna vez te preguntaste por qué Dios creó al mundo y todo lo que hay en él? Parece pedir la pregunta: Obviamente es un hecho llevado a cabo, entonces ¿por qué preguntar el por qué? Sin embargo el preguntar por qué nos dice algo sobre Dios. ¿Acaso Dios necesitaba crear al mundo, porque Dios estaba solo o algo así? No: Dios—siendo Dios—no necesita nada. Lo que sí sucedió es que el amor de Dios se derramó, y esa inundación feliz produjo la creación. Sí, hubo algunos errores, que dieron pie a problemas más grandes para que esa intervención divina haya sido requerida. Sin embargo, recuerda, que toda la creación y las criaturas—y ésta última te incluye—nacieron del amor. Así que la única cosa correcta que hay que hacer es dar ese amor de regreso al mundo que te rodea, y así al final regresar al Único que lo hizo todo.

LECTURAS DE HOY: Sabiduría 1:13-15; 2:23-24; 2 Corintios 8:7, 9, 13-15; Marcos 5:21-43

"Dios creó a todas las cosas para que pudieran existir."

MONDAY, JUNE 29
SOLEMNITY OF SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL, APOSTLES

Unlocking the doors of hope

When Jesus gave Saint Peter the keys of the kingdom, he encouraged him to use them to set people free and give them access to the grace of God. But we can set them free. For this reason Saint Paul wrote that he was being “poured out like a libation.” Saint Paul devoted everything he had—his money, his time, his energy, every resource including his life—to the work of freedom. As the Year of Saint Paul comes to a close today, the church rededicates itself to the work of the gospel: that all people may be released from the bondage of poverty, violence, and oppression to enjoy the freedom of God’s children.

TODAY'S READINGS: Acts 12:1-11; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom."

TUESDAY, JUNE 30

Have a little faith

One of the most famous of Jesus’ miracle stories is his calming of the waves. You remember: He and the disciples are out on a lake and a big wind comes along and starts to swamp the boat. The disciples panic and go to Jesus—who’s sleeping peacefully. You’d think these men, some of whom are fishermen and presumably have been through storms before, would keep their nerve a little better. “Lord, save us!” they cry nonetheless, and Jesus, before settling the storm, chides them for their fragile faith. Christ has faith-building power over the sea, and by implication over the chaos people frequently encounter. This tale tells its hearers that Christ will protect his own. Have some faith in his care today.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 19:15-29; Matthew 8:23-27

"Why are you afraid, you of little faith?"

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
FEAST OF JUNÍPERO SERRA, PRIEST

The zeal of approval

Zeal is a complicated thing, and Junípero Serra was both a zealous and complicated man—which belies his religious name, taken for one of Saint Francis’ first companions: Brother Juniper, known for childlike simplicity! While some contemporary critics correctly remind us that Serra’s 18th-century efforts at disciplining Native Americans were sometimes brutal, there is no doubt about his enormous personal sacrifices on their behalf and his stance to protect them against punitive military expeditions. While we may look at zealots today with suspicion, the opposite is complacency, which is no virtue. Though you may be wary of excess, ask yourself: Is there any zeal in me? For what will I sacrifice comfort, even heroically? For whose benefit beyond my own family and inner circle will I extend myself only because they are in need of help that I can give?

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 21:5, 8-20; Matthew 8:28-34

"I will make a great nation of him."

THURSDAY, JULY 2

Worth the sacrifice

Commentaries on the Genesis story of Abraham’s binding of Isaac usually focus on Abraham’s great faith in God, demonstrated by his willingness to sacrifice his son on God’s command. But what about Isaac’s faith? In modern times Isaac is typically portrayed as a young boy, but most traditional sources claim he was full grown at the time of the incident, certainly old enough to resist or at least flee from his elderly father. Abraham was, after all, 100 years old when Isaac was born. So perhaps today we can reflect on the great faith Isaac displayed in his willingness to trust his father, even to the point of a sacrificial death.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 22:1-19; Matthew 9:1-8

"Take your son, your only son Isaac . . . and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I shall show you."

FRIDAY, JULY 3
FEAST OF THOMAS, APOSTLE

Have you seen the Lord?

It can be lonely to listen to your friends talk about their spiritual experiences if yours are of the more mundane variety. Not everyone has apparitions in a grotto or hears voices in empty churches (and it’s not always a good thing if you do). If your friends levitate, weep with ecstasy during prayer, or rave about their insights from spiritual direction, be happy for them. But also remember good apostle Thomas, who missed out on the big spiritual moment—being one of the first to see the risen Jesus—but made up for it later with the biggest, most whopping profession of faith in all of scripture: my Lord and my God!

TODAY'S READINGS: Ephesians 2:19-22; John 20:24-29

"So the other disciples told [Thomas], 'We have seen the Lord.' "

SATURDAY, JULY 4
FEAST OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY; INDEPENDENCE DAY

A day of celebration

Quick: What are the days the church especially celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary? The Assumption in August. Yes. The Immaculate Conception in December. Good. And January 1. Right—Mary the Mother of God. There are some other ones, too, but in the church’s calendar almost every Saturday also celebrates the mother of Jesus. Today is Independence Day and a Saturday. How then to remember Mary between the barbecues and the fireworks? Maybe think about some of the values she lived—openness to God, selflessness, courage—and then put them into practice today yourself. They’re good things for someone of any country to do.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29; Matthew 9:14-17

"New wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved."

---

Contributors: Father Paul Boudreau, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, and Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

©2009 by TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. PHONE: 800-942-2811; E-MAIL: mail@takefiveforfaith.com; WEBSITE: www.takefiveforfaith.com. Licensed for noncommercial use. All rights reserved. Scripture quotes come from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

Reflections on Our Faith

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

In harbor towns throughout the world, seafarers will hear today’s Gospel with profound awareness of the power of a storm at sea. In Gloucester, Massachusetts, a community of fishermen has gone down to the sea in ships for centuries, some never to return, as recounted in the book and film The Perfect Storm. In the late nineteenth century, a stranded fisherman in the North Atlantic broke an oar. Adrift, he begged Mary for help, and when he returned his story inspired the building of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Over the years, grateful sailors have surrounded the pews with models of their ships. Between the twin towers, a statue of Our Lady holds a vessel in her upraised hand as a symbol of a safe voyage. It is visible to homecoming sailors from the harbor’s entrance. For centuries, sailors have looked to Mary as Stella Maris, “Star of the Sea.” Indeed, that is possibly the most ancient title of Mary. In Aramaic, the language of Jesus, the words “Our Lady” sound similar to the word meaning “pilot” or “leader,” someone who could lead one to safety. Certainly, a treasure of our tradition is how Mary points the way to her Son, the one who calmed the seas and accompanies us to safe harbor.

TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Miracles
My mother was a miraculous cook. By that, I don’t mean that she was a practitioner of haute cuisine. There’s not much haute to a cuisine that’s being spread out among eight kids, seven of whom are rather large and ravenous males—just a lot of cuisine. No, by calling my mother a miraculous cook, I’m simply reflecting on something she often murmured while in the midst of preparing a new recipe: “If this turns out edible, it’ll be a miracle.” Guess what? It always turned out. Why? My mother had faith that it would. And faith, after all, is the prime ingredient of miracles.

Comment
Throughout the Book of Job, its anguished protagonist calls upon God to speak to him. Today’s first reading records God’s initial response. God’s reply, however, is not what Job had expected or hoped for. God assaults Job with a battery of unanswerable queries. Job got more than he bargained for: He wanted solutions from God; instead, he got mystery— that God’s ways are not his (or any other creature’s, for that matter).

The queries in God’s response concern themselves with the sea, a standard scriptural image for primeval turmoil or chaos. The rowdy sea would do what it wills but for the limits the much more powerful word of God has set upon it. Remember, the expansive word of God was the instrument of creation. Here, the word of God is restrictive. It limits the sea (and all else) that would seek to undo creation. God will not be tested, not by the mighty sea, not by poor old Job.

The Gospel finds Jesus at sea, asleep during its raging, seemingly oblivious to the terror of his followers, who call to him for rescue. When Jesus finally responds, he calms the sea with a word. Then, like God in the first reading, he turns to question those who called upon him. He reproves his disciples, asking them why they are so short on faith. For their part, the disciples also have a question: “Who can this be that the wind and the sea obey him?” This query already contains at least the beginnings of some understanding and growth in that greatest of miracles, faith.

The members of the Church who read Mark’s Gospel surely understood the image of the sea as a sign of chaos. They also recognized the boat as an image of the Church, a boat in which they sailed under the watchful eye of Jesus, who shipped with them. Jesus ships with us as well, standing firm at the helm. A good image to remember when the seas get choppy, when the wind is wild.

The reading from Second Corinthians speaks of the new creation brought about by Christ. “New things have come.” These are words of power. Just as the sea is limited by God’s word, just as the tempest is calmed by Jesus’ words, these words remind us that even death itself is limited and becalmed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is, indeed, a miraculously new creation.

Reflection
All of Jesus’ miracles, even his so-called “nature miracles,” are bound up in faith. A miracle is not the power to do something superhuman. It’s the power to do good. Miracles are signs of faith. Thus, faith can work miracles. Jesus’ miracles were faith-filled, compacted, diamond-like salvation events that flashed forth the reign of God. In God’s dominion, all things were subject to God’s word, and people were healed in body and soul and were brought into the community. Jesus’ miracles were signs that God’s reign had arrived and all who had faith would find themselves in the same boat, safe with Jesus.

Jesus’ miraculous actions show us that our faith in the coming of the reign of God means the coming of God’s powerful and miraculous action on our behalf. That’s why we Christians can and do believe in miracles. That’s why we Christians can work miracles.

Think about it. Jesus cured a smattering of people. As faithful followers of Jesus, we can join with others to support programs that bring healing to multitudes. Jesus fed a few thousand. We faithful followers of Jesus have it within our power to feed the world. Jesus raised a handful of people from the dead. As faithful followers of Jesus, we can join together in generosity to grant life to countless millions. Yes, we can do all this, if we refuse to be “lacking in faith,” and if we but remember that we’re all in the same boat.

Take Five for Faith

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow - a day at a time. Look up the daily passages from the New American Bible online at www.usccb.org/nab/bible/index.html. Download Take Five for Faith by clicking on the date below: Week starting Sunday, June 21, 2009 Sunday reflections available in Spanish! DOMINGO, 21 DE JUNIO DE 2009 Invierte sólo cinco minutos al día, y tu fe se intensificará y crecerá-un día a la vez.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2009
TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Growing pains

One of the challenges of becoming an adult is getting your family and childhood friends to see you in a new light—as a grown-up capable of expressing differing and evolving opinions and making decisions that are not in line with the ones everyone thought you would or should make. Extricating yourself from pigeonholes is not easy, but the resulting freedom is worth the effort. Maturing in your spiritual life holds the same challenges. Once you commit to following Christ, you face the struggle of establishing yourself as one who chooses wisdom, moral courage, and compassion over folly, expediency, and selfishness. As you grow in faith, the old confining temptations pass away and the new way of life becomes second nature—or rather your true nature finally set free.

TODAY'S READINGS: Job 38:1, 8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Mark 4:35-41

"So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come."

DOMINGO, 21 DE JUNIO DE 2009
DUODÉCIMO DOMINGO EN TIEMPO ORDINARIO

Dolores crecientes

Uno de los retos de convertirse en adulto es lograr que tu familia y los amigos de la infancia te vean de una manera diferente—como un adulto capaz de expresar opiniones distintas y cambiantes y tomar decisiones que no se adecuan a las que todo el mundo pensó podrías o deberías tomar. El liberarte del encasillamiento no es fácil, pero la libertad resultante vale el esfuerzo. El madurar en tu vida espiritual tiene los mismos retos. Una vez que te comprometes a seguir a Cristo, enfrentas la batalla de establecerte como uno que escoge la sabiduría, el valor moral, y la compasión sobre la locura, la conveniencia, y el egoísmo. Mientras creces en la fe, las viejas tentaciones recluidas mueren y el nuevo modo de vida se vuelve segunda naturaleza—o más bien tu verdadera naturaleza finalmente se vuelve libre.

LECTURAS DE HOY: Job 38:1, 8-11; 2 Corintios 5:14-17; Marcos 4:35-41

"Así que quienquiera que esté en Cristo es una nueva creación: las cosas viejas han muerto; deténganse, las cosas nuevas han llegado."

MONDAY, JUNE 22
FEAST OF THOMAS MORE, MARRIED MAN, MARTYR

A well-seasoned saint

Thomas More (1478-1535) was canonized in 1935, and Pope John Paul II declared him patron saint of politicians and statesmen in 1980. He is fairly well-known today, in part because of A Man for All Seasons, Robert Bolt’s award-winning play later made into a highly acclaimed movie. In his own time More was a noted author. His most popular and controversial work was Utopia, a model for utopian literature that describes what the “ideal society” might look like. Take a moment today to read up on this most creative, courageous, and talented figure. We can all be inspired by More to do a bit more in service to the highest ideals.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 12:1-9; Matthew 7:1-5

"The measure you give will be the measure you get."

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

Can you find peace?

It is estimated that in all of recorded history there have been only 230 years of worldwide peace. Sometimes it seems as though we will never learn to resolve our disagreements diplomatically. But before we get too depressed over the state of humanity, it is helpful to remember there are an infinite number of ways a conflict might be resolved. And in that infinity of ways there is at least one peaceful solution. This reality is captured in the saying “the moon is always full.” Even though we can’t always see it, the moon is always full. And although we might not be able to see it at first, a nonviolent solution to any dispute is always there.

TODAY'S READINGS:Genesis 13:2, 5-18; Matthew 7:6, 12-14

"So Abram said to Lot, ‘Let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are kinsmen."

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

A saint to count on

The celebration of the birth of John the Baptist comes three months after the March 25 celebration of the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel told Mary she was with child and her cousin Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy. So why does the celebration fall on June 24 rather than June 25? The reason may lie in the Roman way of figuring dates, which proceeded backward from the Calends (first day) of the succeeding month. Considering that Christmas was the “eighth day before the Calends of January,” John’s nativity was placed on the “eighth day before the Calends of July.” Because in our present calendar June has only 30 days, the feast falls on June 24. Count on this: John cuts a courageous figure of faith we do well to remember and honor.

TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66, 80

"The child grew and became strong in spirit."

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

On solid ground

In the wake of devastating earthquakes, there often follows criticism that homes, schools, and public buildings had obviously not been built properly to withstand such events. Jesus uses similar imagery to describe the condition of those who rely only on the facade of doing good as their claim on salvation. He says it’s not enough to call him “Lord.” It’s not even enough only to “drive out demons” and do spectacular deeds in his name. All of that is good showmanship; it’s curb appeal, but if that pretty life is not built on the rock-solid gospel values of compassion, forgiveness, justice, and love, then one might rightly worry about the shifting tectonic plates below. We cannot control the changes and dangers in the world, but we can choose where we build and on what foundation.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16; Matthew 7:21-29

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock."

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

How to acquire a Teflon soul

So God says to Abram, “Let’s walk together a while. And during our partnership, be blameless.” We might wonder how one does that. Walking with God sounds almost easy compared with the blameless clause. But in fact these two activities are the same. “Walk in my Presence,” is the general idea. When we are regular companions of our God, we do become bearers of holiness. If you want a Teflon soul, you have to hang out with God more. Stick with God, and the ways of guilt won’t stick with you.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22; Matthew 8:1-4

"I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless."

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

A humble welcome

Before Catholics receive Holy Communion at Mass, they pray the simple words, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.” The words “to receive you” take on a deeper meaning when we consider that they are the same ones spoken to Jesus by a Roman centurion who desperately sought healing for his servant. This soldier humbly acknowledged he was not worthy of having Jesus enter into his home yet at the same time boldly asked for Jesus’ help. This faith—both humble and bold—amazed Jesus who responded by praising the centurion and healing the servant. When next you utter these words, remember the faith of the centurion and welcome Jesus in.

TODAY'S READINGS: Genesis 18:1-15; Matthew 8:5-17

"Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed."

---

Contributors: Father Paul Boudreau, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, and Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

©2009 by TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. PHONE: 800-942-2811; E-MAIL: mail@takefiveforfaith.com; WEBSITE: www.takefiveforfaith.com. Licensed for noncommercial use. All rights reserved. Scripture quotes come from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

Reflections on Our Faith

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

The origins of today’s solemnity lie in thirteenth- century Belgium. In those days, people seldom received Holy Communion, and never the chalice. A nun in a troubled convent, Juliana of Liège, devoted her life to stirring up love for the Eucharist, lobbying for a feast day to honor the Blessed Sacrament with Masses and processions.

Juliana may have been inspired by the Ascension Day processions in nearby Bruges. Crusaders brought a treasure home to Bruges from Constantinople in 1204: a reliquary said to contain a cloth from Joseph of Arimathea with which he had helped prepare the body of Jesus for burial. The stain on the cloth was said to be the holy blood itself, and so the people of Bruges built a great basilica to house the relic. Bruges became a great center of pilgrimage because of this treasure, and the procession of the Holy Blood is still one of the greatest festivals in Belgium today. The bishop carries the relic through the narrow streets, and the people wear medieval costumes and act out scenes from the Bible.

Take Five for Faith

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow - a day at a time. Look up the daily passages from the New American Bible online at www.usccb.org/nab/bible/index.html. Download Take Five for Faith by clicking on the date below: Week starting Sunday, June 14, 2009 Sunday reflections available in Spanish! DOMINGO, 14 DE JUNIO DE 2009 Invierte sólo cinco minutos al día, y tu fe se intensificará y crecerá-un día a la vez.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2009
SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

The promise keeper

Life makes extravagant promises when we are young, or so it seems. We can have anything! We can go anywhere! We can be anyone! As time goes on, the promise of life seems to shrink down to more modest, if disappointing, proportions. Life turns out to be short, resources have limits, and we have to make wise choices. God, whose existence and love have no natural limits, chose to pour out that infinite life for our sake. If you’re looking for extravagant promises, there’s only one promise keeper. Come to the table this weekend.

TODAY'S READINGS: Exodus 24:3-8; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many."

DOMINGO, 14 DE JUNIO DE 2009
SOLEMNIDAD DEL MÁS SANTO CUERPO Y LA SANGRE DE CRISTO

El que mantiene la promesa

La vida hace promesas exageradas cuando eres joven, o así parece. ¡Podemos tenerlo todo! ¡Podemos ir a cualquier lado! ¡Podemos ser cualquier persona! Conforme pasa el tiempo, la promesa de la vida parece encogerse a proporciones más modestas, aunque decepcionantes. La vida resulta ser corta, los recursos tienen límites, escogemos vaciar esa vida infinita por nuestro bien. Si buscas una promesa exagerada, hay solo uno que mantiene la promesa. Ven a la mesa este fin de semana.

LECTURAS DE HOY: Éxodo 24:3-8; Hebreos 9:11-15; Marcos 14:12-16, 22-26

"Esta es mi sangre del pacto, que se sirve para muchos."

MONDAY, JUNE 15

You must be present to win

“There’s no time like the present” may be a cliché, but it is also a wise perspective. No one in Christian tradition better embodied that outlook than Saint Paul, who worked and traveled tirelessly in his unceasing effort to build up the early Christian Church. It is estimated that Paul traveled nearly 14,000 miles, an extraordinary accomplishment given ancient means of transportation. Much of it he would have covered on foot or by hazardous sea voyages, which Paul dreaded but nevertheless took. How many miles are you willing to walk for your faith, in the sense of moving closer to God? When will you get started? No time like the present!

TODAY'S READINGS: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Matthew 5:38-42

"See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!"

TUESDAY, JUNE 16
FEAST OF EPHREM OF SYRIA, DEACON, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Please forgive me

The problem with famous words is that their very familiarity can breed indifference. It’s one thing to know Jesus’ commandment to love our enemies. It’s quite another to realize Jesus is speaking to us. We are the ones who are called to love and forgive others: an insensitive brother-in-law, a conniving coworker, or a difficult neighbor. While in theory forgiveness sometimes seems very hard, it is only when we extend our hand in reconciliation that we realize nothing is as wonderfully freeing as forgiveness and nothing leads as directly to peace and harmony. We learn that it is not for God’s sake, or for the sake of our enemies, that we forgive. It is for ourselves. Whom do you need to forgive?

TODAY'S READINGS: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; Matthew 5:43-48

"Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

God loves a cheerful giver

“There he goes, preaching about money again.” How often have you heard this refrain in church? But we shouldn’t be surprised that, from time to time, a pastor must appeal for support from the congregation. After all, as our parents taught us very early in life, money doesn’t grow on trees. Money is the lifeblood of the ministry of service. Without it everything grinds to a halt. And much of that money has to come from the pockets of parishioners. God provides us with blessings in abundance so that we may be generous with our time, talent, and, yes, our pocketbook as well. Share in the good work of your parish by giving generously.

TODAY'S READINGS: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

"God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work."

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

Family prayers

When Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray, he begins, “Our Father.” These two words, along with those that follow, have become so familiar to us that we can easily overlook how revolutionary they were, and are. As the early Christian thinker Origen (185-254) notes in his commentary on Jesus’ prayer, nowhere does scripture set a precedent for calling on God as one’s father. These words from Jesus, then, are a pure gift—they are at once completely undeserved and unexpected. Jesus’ sharing of his sonship with his followers joins us to a circle of family. His gift is one of nearness and intimacy. Today, say the words “Our Father” aloud and be mindful of this gift.

TODAY'S READINGS: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11; Matthew 6:7-15

"Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."

FRIDAY, JUNE 19
SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Thank God it’s Friday

Ever wondered how the tradition of attending Mass on first Fridays came about? It is said to be a result of one of the promises made to those who practice devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, given in a vision to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690), a French Roman Catholic nun and mystic who promoted the devotion. Twelve of the promises were later circulated in list form and became widely popular. The final one reads in part: “. . . . I promise you that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the First Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: . . . My Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour.” Mark your calendar for a first Friday commemoration.

TODAY'S READINGS: Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9; Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19; John 19:31-37

"My compassion grows warm and tender."

SATURDAY, JUNE 20
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

A woman of heart

Mary the mother of Jesus has always been all things to all people, much like Saint Paul noted about himself in his letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). To the people of Mexico she is a mother united with them in their struggle (Our Lady of Guadalupe); to the people of Poland she is the “One Who Shows the Way,” that is, the one pointing to Jesus the Christ (Black Madonna of Czêstochowa). In all these images Mary is the one who holds all of our joys and sufferings within her heart and reminds us that God is indeed with us, dwelling within our own hearts and bringing good through both our strengths and weaknesses. What lies heavily or lightly on your heart this day?

TODAY'S READINGS: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Luke 2:41-51

"His mother treasured all these things in her heart."

---

Contributors: Father Paul Boudreau, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, and Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

©2009 by TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. PHONE: 800-942-2811; E-MAIL: mail@takefiveforfaith.com; WEBSITE: www.takefiveforfaith.com. Licensed for noncommercial use. All rights reserved. Scripture quotes come from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.