"Do you also want to leave?"

We are now in the final section of the 6th chapter of John’s gospel, John 6:60-69. The Sunday Gospel for Aug. 26, 2012 concludes with the challenge of the Lord to his disciples – “Do you also want to leave?” – after many walked away, unable to accept his teaching. The apostles, however, remained; for they believed in him whose words are “spirit and life.” Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

A Hard Saying

Up until the end, people continued to question the teaching on the Bread of Life. The Lord Himself recognized this difficulty. But, instead of backing off, He reinforced His point: “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” For some of the disciples, this was too hard to accept. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino say these disciples left the island of trust. They were convinced that the spiritual would not make such outlandish demands on their senses. They left Jesus and returned to their previous lives.

A sad scene, and puzzling too. But why is Jesus saying such things to his followers, Fr. John Foley, S. J. asks, and how are we supposed to understand them? The truth, Fr. Ron Rolheiser explains, is that God is ineffable. What that means is that God cannot be captured in our thoughts or pictured inside our imaginations.

And so the Twelve told Jesus what was happening. Perhaps they were implying that Jesus tone down His teaching some. Maybe they were just pointing out that the Lord was losing followers. Whatever. The fact is that Jesus was not going to take back a single word. Fr. Phil Bloom says Jesus is drawing a line in the sand - and inviting us to cross it, to come with him. And this brings us to the fifth and final instruction. To receive Communion we cross a line - make a commitment to stand with Jesus, no matter what.

“Your words are spirit and life.”

Faith is a gift from God. And true biblical faith, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio explains, entails faithfulness or a lifelong commitment, come what may. Difficult as it was, Peter spoke on behalf of the apostles. They were committed to stay with Him. Even though they, too, might not have fully grasped his very difficult teaching, their faith in His person came first; even before what He taught. Fr. Orly Sapuay, MS details how the quality time the apostles have spent together with Jesus has disposed their hearts and minds to develop trust in Him and to be open to the Truth.

Yes, there are times that it is difficult to follow Christ. This Gospel passage alerts us to the fact that faith is not primarily assent to a creed about God but a personal covenant with God. His followers of weak faith did leave him. Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, OSB points out that Judas betrayed Jesus and Peter denied that he had ever known Him.

Following Christ means taking up the cross. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says it means denying ourselves the passing joys of immorality for the eternal joy of living in His Presence forever. The story of Judas and Peter is both a warning and a source of hope. Like Judas, we too can finally choose to place ultimate, suicidal trust in something other than God. Like Peter, we too may grievously sin; yet trust that if we return, the Lord will welcome us with the joy of steadfast love.

Our Church is A Community of Faith

Fr. Omer Prieto tells us that it is our faith in the Lord that enables us to believe and accept His words. Such belief is not easy. Many times we are confronted by the same challenge to remain faithful to the teachings of our faith, even when we find them hard. Many find this stupendous reality a "stumbling block" and so reject the King of Kings who John salutes correctly in Sunday's Gospel as "the Holy One of God." But at some point our procrastinating and the rationalizing have to end. Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI reminds us that we have to choose, accept the painful renunciations inside that choice, and will the one-thing, God and faithful service of others, because ultimately our sadness comes from the fact that we are not yet saints.

The Church is a community of faith. The Catholic Faith is the faith of the Apostles. We look to them as the first group of Christians trained by the Lord himself and mandated by him to be the authentic interpreters of His teaching. And, Alex McAllister SDS adds, we believe that our Bishops are their direct successors and are also so mandated by Christ. We say in the creed that we believe in the one, true, catholic, and apostolic church.

This truth can never change. The Mass is the apex of the entire Christian life. Father Cusick emphasizes that the Eucharist is indeed the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. And blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb. In the "Guidelines for Reception of Communion," the bishops underscore this commitment. Communion they say involves "oneness of faith, life and worship." In other words, Communion involves our total being, our entire lives. Thus, explains Bishop Philip Boyce, each celebration of the Mass should be an experience of God and of faith, and a prayer.

Spreading the Good News

While some are called to be missionaries in foreign lands, for most of us, evangelization of inactive or non-Catholics begins in our own homes and communities. Some of these are the ones you might hear complain that the “Mass is boring”, “the priest is difficult to understand” or “the priest didn’t wow us with an exciting homily.” The list of complaints is likely much longer, but I think you get the picture. We must realize this is not healthy behavior. How do we change? Randy Haim offers key points he summarized into “Six Steps to Cure Catholic Boredom.”

Jim Graves also recently spoke with five prominent Catholic evangelists. And they offered suggestions to us Catholics on ways we can evangelize those they encounter day-to-day. And for a quick primer, Matthew Warner reports that John Paul the Great Catholic University is offering a FREE online crash course in the Catholic Faith. In the span of just 13 weeks - one session per week - you'll get lessons on different Catholic topics right in the comfort of your home.

Let’s reflect on how we feel right now about the Mass, priests, Church, etc. If we feel bored or critical, let’s follow a sound road map to bring us back from this dangerous territory.

Catholic Social Teaching

Solidarity? The Church is all for it. Subsidiarity? The Church couldn't be more enthusiastic about it. Not one or the other, nor some bland compromise between the two, but both, advocated with equal vigor. Rev. Robert Barron thinks it would be wise for everyone to keep this peculiarly Catholic balance in mind as the debate over Paul Ryan’s policies unfolds.

And meanwhile, an alliance of Catholic Hispanic leaders in the United States released Monday a guide for the 2012 elections, comparing the positions of the presidential candidates to Catholic social teaching. The document from the San Antonio-based Catholic Hispanic Leadership Alliance (CHLA) considers 23 specific questions, centered around the priority issues of the United States Catholic bishops. Immigration reform, same-sex "marriage" and the Affordable Healthcare Act are three of the issues on the list.

Men, Marriage & Men

When Msgr. Charles Pope speaks on marriage or do marriage preparation work, he sometimes get accused of being tough on men. He pleads guilty, with an explanation, or two. His advice to husbands on how to handle a woman? Love her.

Cheryl Dickow, meanwhile, admits that she is a weakling. But she points out that God has given her incredible strength through women who have become friends in the deepest sense of the word. They have surrounded her with love and have moved her forward, past pain and into God’s arms and his grace. She says Christ did not abandon her but strengthened her through these women, these friends. But there is one woman she does not know personally whom sets as the gold standard - Ann Romney. Take away the money thing, Cheryl jokes that she and Mrs. Romney have a lot in common. But she says it is Mrs. Romney's chronic MS condition that sets her on a level playing field with her. Cheryl explains why.

Dental Health and Dementia

Finally be made aware that people who keep their teeth and gums healthy with regular brushing may have a lower risk of developing dementia later in life, according to a U.S. study. Researchers at the University of California who followed nearly 5,500 elderly people over an 18-year-period found that those who reported brushing their teeth less than once a day were up to 65 percent more likely to develop dementia than those who brushed daily.

Another eventful week in our Catholic World. Have a great and blessed new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief



BURNING QUESTION: Must we believe the Church 100% to be Catholic?
FEATURED BLOG: John's picture of Jesus
PASTORAL HISPANA: Nuestra respuesta al regalo de la Eucaristia


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"And the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."

We are continuing theme of the last few weeks on Eucharist, but in this week's gospel for August 12, 2012, our focus is on how the Eucharist points to the resurrection. Jesus says, "I am the living bread come down from heaven, whoever eats this bread will live forever." Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

They Murmured, They Grumbled

The people listening to Jesus were peeved by his claim. They knew his family and where he came from. So, the thought of his coming down from heaven made no sense at all. Obviously, they were thinking purely on the surface level. Thus, they failed to understand. They missed to see the hand of God unfolding a mystery about him. But unknown to them, Fr. Omer Prieto explains, the very thing they were seeking was right in their midst.

In some ways, perhaps in many ways, we act the same like those ancient Israelites. We murmur. We grumble. We forget that we have been gifted with the Eternal Positive. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino points out that the eternal Word has become one of us. He who for all eternity is in intimate union with divinity, shares His life with us.

The Father Makes the Offer

Today Jesus makes this statement, "I am the Bread that came down from heaven." Fr. Phil Bloom says this statement speaks to Jesus' purpose, what he intends to do for us. He comes with a purpose - to bring us into a relationship with his Father. "Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him, comes to me."

As the old saying goes: “Believe first, then you’ll understand.” You and I are created in the image of God with gifts of freedom and understanding. The Father makes the offer by drawing people to Jesus. With this initiative from God, people still have freedom to accept it or to reject it. But we have to be still and quiet to allow the words of Jesus to draw us to Himself. Fr. Orly Sapuay, MS says we tend to believe that people can be pushed into faith – or, at least, pushed towards it. But it doesn't work that way.

The Eucharist is God’s kiss. That’s an image for the Eucharist. prescribed by Fr. Ron Rolheiser. There comes a point, even with God, when words aren’t enough. God has to pick us up, like a mother to her child. Physical embrace is what’s needed. Skin needs to be touched. God knows that. It’s why Jesus gave us the Eucharist. So how can we respond? Fr. John Foley, S. J. says receiving the living bread in Communion is a beginning. Reflecting on the mellowness of God is another. And simply slowing down. Stop running away and let the Lord find you. God’s kindhearted and also tough love is quite worth the struggle.

Being the Bread of Life

Here, in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus indicates two important moments of his being the Bread of Life. The first is the supreme sacrifice of himself in Calvary for the life of the world. The second is the Holy Eucharist, which he instituted at the Last Supper so that the fruits of His Sacrifice on the Cross would be constantly offered in the Church to all peoples for the life of the world. Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB urges us to pray that our sharing in the Eucharistic bread and wine may transform us more and more into what we eat and drink, and that we might truly become living bread, broken and shared with all people.

"Eat my body. Drink my blood." is not just another metaphor. Fr. James Gilhooley explains that when Jesus said, 'I am the vine,' He didn't tell us to eat twigs. When He told us, 'I am the light of the world,' He didn't tell us to eat light bulbs. But when He said, 'I am the bread of life,' He said, 'Eat this bread.'

And this food which we receive, however insubstantial it seems, is a direct communion with our loving Saviour and more nourishing that anything we are ever likely to get elsewhere. Through it we find the inspiration and the strength and the fellowship to renew our Christian lives. So what was once for us an obligation, Fr. Alex McAllister SDS points out, is now a celebration and an inextricable part of our lives. But, Fr. Phil Bloom warns us, we must watch out for hasty familiarity. He says it can affect the way we approach Jesus in the Eucharist. Thus, Father Cusick reminds us, we begin eternity today by kneeling in worship of our Incarnate God present in all the tabernacles of the world.

And remember what St Francis de Sales famously said, "Only two kinds of people need frequent Communion - the not so good that they might become better and the good that they might stay that way."

Religious Freedom - the Struggle Continues

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, reiterated today that the HHS mandate is 'misguided' policy. He called on Congress to address the crisis in health care sparked by the Obama administration’s contraceptive-sterilization coverage mandate.

From the Vatican the pope sent a message to the Knights of Columbus assembled in Anaheim, CA this week. Benedict XVI once again united himself with the battle underway in the United States against the "unprecedented gravity of these new threats to the Church’s liberty and public moral witness:" Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Tuesday also addressed the same supreme convention of the Knights of Columbus, and took the occasion to praise the knights and their wives for the way they live the sacrament of marriage.

Meanwhile, Catholics in the Philippines are waging their own battle for faith and conscience. Despite protests from the bishops' conference, the Philippine Congress has ended debates on the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. While a final approval of the bill has not been reached, the move will allow for amendments of the bill to be enacted. The Reproductive Health bill would allow for universal access to contraceptives and birth control devices. The bill would also enforce "sexual education" on children starting at the 5th grade level.

And More on the Olympics

With the Olympics, we wonder who will win. With movies we wonder what will happen. With mystery novels, we have to know, “Who dunnit?” Just what can the Olympics coverage teach us about Evangelization? It is about grabbing attention. Often through emotional appeal. Then once you get them curious, you back it up with the facts.Too often, we want to lead with the facts. An evangelizing catechist knows the real trick is first convincing people they need what we’re teaching.

We share the stories of two Olympians. First is about newly minted Olympic champion Missy Franklin of Denver who is thinking about becoming Catholic. I have presumed she was Catholic and noted that one of her first comments after winning a gold medal last night was to thank God. For this, we have to thank her Jesuit high school which was primarily responsible for rousing her spiritual interest. And then we bring you the story of Mario Ancic. In 2006 he was already an Olympic bronze medalist, a Wimbledon semifinalist and Davis Cup champion. However, just when things looked brightest, in 2007 a mysterious illness took hold of Ancic, and he spent the next few years trying to overcome it. It was this Illness and injury that helped him realize identity as child of God.

And have you heard the story of how a Catholic Emeperor banned the Olympic Games? Here it is.

Saints, Italy and Online Distractions

The votes are in. And here are the saints Catholic Exchange readers nominated for being the most influential of their time—the results contained quite a few surprises. Check out the list.

For years Jennifer Fulwiler has been trying to figure out how to reap the benefits of new technology without having texting and internet use become black holes that suck in too much time and attention. She's been trying all sorts of steps to find balance in this area of life, and have stumbled across a few that have actually led to lasting, positive changes. Here are the top four that she found to be most helpful.

Spouses are supposed to serve each other and when Katie Sciba married Andrew, she vowed to make service to his soul her life’s work. The easiest and happiest parts of their life together have always been when they give of themselves freely and happily in sacrificial service. What she failed to consider until this point – amid the humming motors and the baby crying and the nag to go inside – was how important it is to let your spouse serve you. And this must be similar to the emotions Cheryl Dickow felt towards her husband. There were two places she has always wanted to travel to in her lifetime: Israel and Italy. Italy became a reality after years of saving; it was our 25th wedding anniversary destination. She shares the mixed bag of emotions she felt as she watched her loving husband prepare her for the trip.

Finally, Consider it your star-spangled bucket list. Think you know America's essential sights? Compare your past trips with Sean O'Neill picks for 20 domestic destinations every citizen should visit from pop culture icons to patriotic landmarks.

Another eventful week in our Catholic World. Have a great and blessed new week.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief


BURNING QUESTION: Half a Eucharist?
FEATURED BLOG: 20 places every American should see
PASTORAL HISPANA: La Eucaristia es el pan que da la vida


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