"The Twelve drove out many demons"

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY with ParishWorld.net
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Issue Date: July 5, 2009

BURNING QUESTION: Why don't Catholics evangelize door to door?
FEATURED BLOG: For People Who Can't Stand the Rosary
VOCATION NEWS: No Matter What, He Always "Acts Like a Priest"
PASTORAL HISPANA: La Palabra de Dios es como una semilla

Dear Friends,

In this Sunday's Gospel, "Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits." Our Discussion Questions will guide you in your bible study sessions with your family, friends or church group.

Fr. Phil Bloom tells us that Jesus sent out his apostles to preach repentance - a recognition that my sins have hurt me, other people and God. Fr. Ron Rolheiser adds that giving witness to Christ today requires precisely that we build communities that are wide enough to hold our differences. While Fr. John Foley, S. J. proposes that in Christian life the primary motivation for going on a mission is gratitude.

Fr. Alex McAllister aptly points out from the Gospel that the most important thing about an Apostle is that he is sent. That’s the very meaning of the word – one who is sent. Christ sent the Twelve out "two by two." Father Cusick points out that Jesus likewise sends us forth - just like the apostles.

"Who me . . . an apostle? According to Catholic doctrine and this Sunday's scriptures, the answer is yes. But do you have the talent, the skill, the gifts? Shouldn't these jobs be left to the all-star team? Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, OSB points out that like the first disciples, we are inadequate for the task. But, Fr. Joseph Pelligrino explains, just like the apostles, we are ordinary people called to do extra ordinary things. Dr. Marcellino d'Ambrosio points out that neither Amos nor the apostles were perfectly polished before they were sent out. If we wait till we know it all, we’ll never share it. There comes a point where we just have to take Nike’s advice and “just do it!”

Jesus says that with faith we can move mountains. With faith, we can transform the world. Fr. Orly Sapuay, MS teaches us that we can indeed can do all that Jesus mandates us to do if we rely entirely upon the grace of God. And finally, Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB asks us to spend some time this week reflecting on how the Lord has called you to be a disciple. In what ways have you felt the personal call of Christ? How does Christ make a difference in your life? What has his call demanded of you?

THE POPE'S NEW ENCYCLICAL. In his third encyclical, a major teaching, Pope Benedict XVI today called for reforming the United Nations and establishing a "true world political authority" with "real teeth" to manage the global economy with God-centered ethics. Carl Anderson, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, is quick to point out that "It's a Moral Document, Not a Political One," one the Pope is using to provide an ethical basis for addressing crisis. It challenges a world that is obsessed with "Life, Liberty and the Relentless Pursuit of… Pleasure." And also from the Vatican, Pope Benedict preached that God has the answer for the ongoing violence, affirming that the crucified Christ is the promise of hope. P

RIESTHOOD. Paul Dion, STL pens "Where have all the padres gone?" And he offers the intriguing opinion that we really do not have a shortage of priests. Check out his article. Plus a great proest story: No Matter What, He Always "Acts Like a Priest." And while addressing the Congregation for Catholic Education, its Secretary Archbishop Jean-Louis Brugues warned last week that “modern society has become allergic to the concepts of duty and the spirit of sacrifice,” two notions that have always “belonged to the common heritage of all the great religions” and that are necessary as well for all priests.

CATHOLIC LIFE. Here's a good article for husbands: "How to be the Almost Perfect Husband: By Wives Who Know." And one for wives: Sex and the Married Catholic Woman by Cheryl Dickow. Bo Sanchez asks us another deep-rooted question, "Are You A Giver Or A Taker?" And we briing you the story of Catholic musician Paul Harrigan who uses his music ministry to reach out to teens and encourage them to keep their fire for the Lord alive and burning bright.

SECRET RECIPES & PENNY PINCHING. Many famous brands have always emphasized the uniqueness of the secret ingredients in their products. We have uncovered the truth behind the secret recipes of Coke, KFC, Bush's Beans and more. Check it out. Finally, these trying times we face today have changed the way we live. Conspicuous consumption is out, frugality is in. Spiraling food and fuel prices, a gyrating stock market and a sagging economy are forcing more people to cut expenses and alter their lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you save a few dollars everyday.

Another eventful week in our Catholic world. Have a safe and blessed new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief