"How often must I forgive?"

Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35) for Sept. 11, 2011 addresses the necessity of repentance and repeated forgiveness that are required of those who call themselves Christian. We hear Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness. Peter poses the question, an entirely practical one, by asking how many times we must forgive those who sin against us. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

This Gospel selection is taken from a section of Matthew's gospel that is concerned with the dynamics of a truly Christian community. It is fairly certain that Matthew's gospel was written for the church at Antioch, where there were deep divisions during the time between the more conservative Jewish Christians and the more liberal Gentile converts.

"Not seven times but seventy-seven times"

What was being taught in the Synagogues during the time of Jesus was that one had a duty to forgive someone three times. And so Peter, by putting forward the possibility of forgiving seven times, probably thinks he is doing very well. But as Fr. Alex McAllister explains, in giving the number seventy-seven, Jesus is essentially saying that there should be no limits to the number of times we forgive those who have offended us. And our Lord drove this lesson home, Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. explain, with a parable about two very different kinds of debts.

So what does it mean, "to forgive"? First of all forgiveness implies that there is something to forgive. Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB says forgiveness doesn't mean that the people will be reconciled immediately. Nevertheless, it begins the healing process and helps to remove feelings of revenge. And it is also important to understand what forgiveness does not mean. Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B. clarifies that it does not imply that a fault or sin does not matter. Nor does it mean that the offense is forgotten, for that is often impossible. Rather, it means freely choosing to overlook an offense because one is free to do so, having been loved and forgiven oneself.

Forgiveness breaks the chain of causality because he who ‘forgives’ you—out of love—takes upon himself the consequences of what you have done. Forgiveness therefore, explains Fr. John Foley, S. J., always entails a sacrifice. And Jesus takes this even further when he said, “To those who have much, even more will be given; and from those who have little, even what they have will be taken away.” That’s the deep mystery at the centre of the universe, explains Fr. Ron Rolheiser - the air we breathe out into the world is the air we will re-inhale. No one who nourishes anger in his or her own heart—while refusing to forgive others—can be forgiven by God, shares college student Colleen Corcoran.

Father Cusick reminds us of how we pray in the Our Father: "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." The forgiveness of the Lord, made possible through his passion, death and resurrection, and the peace which is its fruit, becomes something we experience, in a powerful and continuing way, through our practice of forgiving each other.

9/11 and Forgiveness

Sunday, September 11, is the tenth anniversary of one of the worst days in the history of the United States. It still makes our blood boil to think of all the innocent people who will killed by the terrorists in those attacks. But by a complete co-incidence, the readings today speak about anger and hatred. Fr. John J. Ludvik admits that personally, there are times when he wants vengeance himself. But instead, he keeps preaching love, forgiveness and even a sort of pacifism in the face of war and violence in the world.

We do need to defend ourselves from terrorists. But we also need to realize that anger can often be misguided. It can turn into hatred. Sunday offers us an opportunity to reflect deeply on how we as a Christian community respond to evil in the world. Should we go on hating the terrorists who caused our country so much pain ten years ago? No. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino reminds us that we hate the deed, but not the people. We hate the forces of evil causing so many deaths throughout the world. But we don’t hate the individuals. We can’t hate and be followers of Christ.

If we choose to forgive, how do we do it? There is only one way - the Cross. We have to take our anger, our injuries, our hurts to the cross. The cross brings healing because when we stand before it, we recognize our guilt, a point Fr. Phil Bloom makes clear. The fact that Jesus cancelled our debt should inspire us to forgive others.

So on the tenth anniversary of September 11th 2001, USCCB president Archbishop Timothy Dolan prays that this anniversary be a moment to not only remember, but also to go forward. And Rev. Robert Barron offers these inspiring words: We should remember, we should be angry at the gross injustice done that day, and we should forgive.

Catechism, Technology & a College Education

Technology is a gift. But like most gifts, it can be used for good and it can be used for evil. Our teenagers can choose to apply technology to reinforce human dignity or to deface it. Romeo Marquis reminds us that those choices are best made when they experience human dignity from us adults.

And Bonnie Engstrom talks about a similar challenge. All over the internet people are commenting on the teachings of the Catholic Church. Of course it is important to explain the Sacraments and the saints and the rosary and the “extra” books of the Bible. But what do those things matter if we first forget to tell people the basic Gospel message of how much Jesus loves us? Personally, I have been more comfortable explaining why Catholics believe in the True Presence than sharing with people the depth and width of God’s love for them. Thus she rightly fears we are losing the ability and desire to talk about what really matters.

Marlon De La Torre expressed a similar thread when talking to a pastor one day. The pastor voiced his concern over poor doctrinal formation he suspected the children in hjis CCD classes were receiving.The pastor said, “I knew things were off when all I saw was glue, crayons, construction paper and scissors during an eighth grade religion class.” Religion instructors must be prepared to proclaim the truth of the Catholic Church. He says the need for the Catechism of the Catholic Church is more relevant than ever if we genuinely desire to impart the Catholic faith.

Meanwhile Fr. James V. Schall, S. J. talks about our college education system. He says universities have in some sense become the institutions in which we expect to right all wrongs, preferably by what is called “science.” He laments that universities today are not in the “virtue” business.

How (Not) to Behave at Mass

I don’t know if I am getting old, but have you noticed that people don’t seem to know how to behave at Mass anymore? Dorothy Pilarski shares her experiences ans then offers her "Ten Tips on How to Behave at Mass."

Jennifer Fulwiler, however, offers a few words of caution when criticizing imperfect behavior at church. A few months ago at church, she saw a voluptuous woman in an orange dress that was one of the shortest, most low cut outfits she's ever seen! But when the woman reverently bowed in front of the altar, she noticed that the woman was wearing a chapel veil. And when everyone else stood to leave, the woman remained kneeling for a moment longer, her eyes clenched shut in prayer, her lips moving slightly as she said a few last things to the Lord. As the choir began to sing, Jennifer said a prayer of thanksgiving for the lady's witness, and for the reminder that you don’t have to wait until everything in your life is perfect to engage in outward displays of reverence.

From the Vatican, Pope Benedict had a a few things to say about prayer. First, he reminded us all that prayer must start with the certainty of God's presence. Then he reminded young people that as vacation ends and usual activities return, they should protect their prayer time and not let their routine swallow it. And finally, he also invited all newlyweds to learn to pray together.

Gifts in Unusal Packages

Msgr. Charles Pope's mother loved to put gifts in strange packages. Over the years she often found strange packages to hide gifts - an old shoe box, a box of No. 2 Pencils, a package of underwear. So he learned that sometimes good gifts come in strange packages. And he says God is that way too. Some of God’s gifts come in strange packages.

Kevin Lowry learned the same lesson but under a different set of circumstances. Sometimes bad news comes thick and fast, to the point of being overwhelming. A few years ago, he had some serious challenges going on within his family. As a result, he and his wife found themselves bickering all the time. They knew something was missing. But what? Gratitude.

And here's another story of a gift that's wrapped in an unusual package. At the US Open that's winding down this week in New York, a line umpire barks out critical calls that can decide the championship fates of some of the world's greatest tennis players. What they don't know is that umpire Paul Arinze is a Catholic priest. Arinze climbs into the chair, as a certified bronze badge umpire. There, he officiates serves, not church services, matches instead of Mass. Below, players cross themselves and pray for victory or take the Lord’s name in vain. They do not know that while God may not be interested in their tennis match, a clergyman is watching from close range.

Another eventful week in our Catholic World. A blessed and happy new week to all.

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

BURNING QUESTION: What commandments require restitution?
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"Whoever has ears ought to hear."

This Sunday's Parable of the Sower for July 10, 2011 - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - is plain. The seed sown is the word of God. The sower is our Lord Jesus Christ, by himself, or by his ministers. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

To respond to this parable adequately, we must view it from two different angles. The first is to look at the story as if we are the seed. On the other hand, we can look at the parable as if we were the farmer. Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio tells us that as seed, our job is to get busy growing. As farmers, our job is to get busy sowing.

Hearing God’s Word

In no other instance does Jesus take such great pain to explain a parable more than in this one. Much of this story is about how many of us for various reasons do not receive what God wants to plant within us and then bring to fruition. And what God is planting is His word. Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. explains that the sense of hearing cannot be better employed than in hearing God's word. He urges us to look to ourselves that we may know what sort of hearers we are.

Abbot Philip Lawrence, OSB offers this as the positive spiritual teaching of Sunday's readings - we must allow God to plant the rich soil within us. He explains that we are not capable on our own but we know with certitude that God wants the best for us and so God wants us to be rich soil. To Fr. Charles Irvin, its important message is Jesus' promise that if we respond to and receive His gifts, His plantings, they will achieve their purpose and return yields in fantastic results.

Trusting in the Abundance of God

Too often this parable has been used to emphasize what happens to the seed -- carried away by the devil, dying from a lack of roots, choked by the cares and wealth and pleasures of this life. But how often have we considered the lavishness and generosity of God -- throwing the seed in every direction? God, from everything we can see, is so rich in love and mercy that He can afford to be wasteful, over-generous, and non-discriminating beyond our imaginations.

Jesus invites us to trust God. That's the invitation: To have a sense of God's abundance so as to risk always a bigger heart and generosity beyond the instinctual fear that has us believe that, because things seem scarce, we need to be more calculating. So must we pretend to be rich soil, though we know our shallowness? Fr. John Foley, S. J. says No. we must must fully be ourselves and allow God to do the rest.

In order therefore to be generous and big-hearted, Fr. Ron Rolheiser tells us, we have to first trust in God's abundance and generosity. And so while we persevere through the storms of life, college student Catherine Stallings reminds us never to forget that our ultimate goal is Heaven.

Responding to God's Word

In Sunday's gospel according to St. Matthew, Father Cusick explains, our Lord recommends that we study and understand our faith, that we persevere in the times we've lost enthusiasm and that we practice detachment from the things of this world in preference to the gospel. The Word of God is spoken to us and we receive it and we make it welcome. It grows in us and is reflected in the way we live our lives.

But that is not all. Because we then open our mouths and speak the very same words. The task of the Christian is great but not burdensome because proclaiming the Word of God is our greatest privilege, our highest joy. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino tells us that we can be the good soil that returns to the Lord fruit beyond our imagination, but not beyond His imagination.

This week may the Word take root in our lives, Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB prays. If we allow it to penetrate beneath the surface, we will begin to find ourselves, and find the areas of ourselves which seemed lost or broken, abandoned or forgotten, "unplugged" or "turned off" to the transforming power of God.

To be "humble of heart"

For many of us, the tendency to be stiff-necked to God's will is gradually softened by the power of grace, the medicine of the sacraments, instruction by God’s Word, and the humility that can come from these. But for some, however, Msgr. Charles Pope says the stubbornness never abates. In fact it grows even stronger as a descent into pride, and an increasing hard-heartedness sets up.

Stacy Trasancos, a convert from the Baptist church, offers herself as the perfect example of the lost and broken. Her life has been full of self-induced pain. She tells her story because as shameful as it is, it is real and needs to be told so others will know the dangers of life without a moral compass.

Indeed, it is much easier to be humble in word than humble of heart. In this regard, we turn to the writings of St. Benedict of Nursia who, in the seventh chapter of his Rule, establishes the twelve degrees of humility. Then we reproduce St. Thomas Aquinas' defense of the twelve degrees, recalling that the Angelic Doctor himself learned humility through his schooling under the Holy Rule as a boy.

Active Participation in the Mass

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is a participation in the eternal liturgy of Heaven at which Christ is the celebrant. The priest, we know, signifies Christ and acts in the person of Christ. What do the laity signify? The Eastern Cherubikon, or Cherubic Hymn, describes the Catholic faithful as "mystically representing the Cherubim." Taylor Marshall offers a great piece on becoming active participants in the Mass. He says we have to be like Mary and the angels

It's easier said than done specially when you're parish is in a bit of a turmoil, like Rachel Balducci's. The parish is in the midst of another priest turnover. It's their third in five years. She offers great spiritualy in this article where she explains how this challenge portrays to his parish members what Catholicism is truly all about.

And by the way, we are reminded by Taylor Marshall that July is the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus. He says among devotions to the humanity of Christ (e.g., Divine Infancy, Sacred Heart), the Precious Blood of Jesus has the most biblical precedent since it is mentioned so frequently in the New Testament (over 75 times). Perhaps your family can include this Litany of the Precious Blood after your evening rosary this month of July.

Catholicism, Science & Magic

Is the classic definition of theology -- "the science of faith" -- actually a contradiction in itself? Does faith not cease to be faith when it becomes science? And does not science cease to be science when it is ordered or even subordinated to faith? Along this line, Pope Benedict reminded theologians gathered at the Vatican this week that God Isn't a Science Experiment. He also told a separate group that there is nothing magic in Christianity, no shortcuts, but God is patiently renewing humanity along the same path that Jesus followed. And still from the Vatican, it was announced this week that Pope Benedict will consecrate the youth to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during the prayer vigil at World Youth Day.

Here's an interesting question: Should Anointing of the Sick be given before surgery? No. Many of the Christian faithful (indeed, even many of the priests) are of the mistaken opinion that serious life-threatening surgery is, in itself, a cause for the administration of the sacrament of Anointing. Read the entire explanation here.

Marriage is a Vocation, not a Lifestyle

Once marriage was a vocation; now it is a lifestyle. As such, today it is little more than a legal sanctioning of two people’s sexual complementarity, usually involving an emotional bond, a general notion of physical exclusivity, financial intermingling, and the option of children. Gabriel Torretta explains the development of the Married Lifestyle and the role we played in making it such. While Anthony Buono asks whether unconditional love is realistic for Marriage? He anwers by explaining that it is indeed a popular notion that the love between a man and a woman should be unconditional. In fact, however, he says it’s humanly impossible to sustain such a situation. Sustaining such a situation would require God’s grace.

From Canada, their bishops came up with a much-needed pastoral letter that addresses same-sex attraction. Among other things, they explained that a human person is much more than just a sexual orientation or an identification with the homosexual or heterosexual lifestyle. Stressing the Catholic teaching that "every human person is a unique and irreplaceable gift created by our loving God," and must be treated with respect and dignity, the commission went on to clarify that it is the homosexual act, not the inclination, that is deemed immoral. Please take the time to read this and educate yourself regarding this issue that is a painful one among many Catholic families.

Summer for Kids & More

Got kids? Got summer? Got no do-re-mi? As it happens,Simcha Fisher is an expert in all three of these conditions. So, as the weeks of vacation spread out before us and she contemplates how much longer she can bear to listen to her sons doing what they think is an appropriate way to spend the day, she offers up this list of actual doable activities for the broke, low-energy parent with a houseful of restless kids of various ages. It's her Ten Cheap, Stupid Ideas For Summer With Kids.

And lastly, here's a technology video you must watch. The unbelievable 3D technology it demonstrates is a blast from the future. 3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing technology where a three dimensional object is created by laying down successive layers of materials. But enough with the boring technical mumbo jumbo. Just watch the video and be prepared to go "Wow!"

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

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief

BURNING QUESTION: Is it Better to Pray or To Study the Faith?
FEATURED BLOG: A Person Is More Than a Sexual Orientation
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"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations"

The Feast of the Ascension has got to be one of the most dramatic in the liturgical year. Not perhaps very dramatic in its liturgy which is the same as any other Sunday; but dramatic in what it is all about: the lifting up of the Risen Jesus to his place in heaven. Our Discussion Questions for June 5, 2011 will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

Your personal radar should be warning you that this Sunday you are walking into awesome country. For this is the only Gospel where the Teacher names Himself "Jesus Christ."

Jesus Ascends the Throne

This week the Church celebrates the Lord's triumphal entry into the heavenly Jerusalem, the true and eternal City of God. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D. points out that the inhabitants of this city did not cry “hosanna” one day and “crucify him” the next. Suffering is over. Death has been defeated. There is nothing left for Christ but glory.

In the account given in the Acts of the Apostles he was literally lifted up from the earth to heaven. And we can imagine the extraordinary impact that this had on the disciples as he was lifted up right in front of them until a cloud took him from their sight. The mystery of saying goodbye is really the mystery of the Ascension. Fr. Ron Rolheiser says this is the most under-understood mystery both inside and outside of religion. Ascension is about going away so that our loved ones can fully receive our spirit. And this is something the apostles have accepted and believed. It is, Fr. John Foley, S.J. explains, the power of God’s love even amidst departures and loss.

Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says this last line in the Mathew's Gospel is really the theme of the entire Gospel, “Know that I am with you always.” Jesus' departure and ascension into heaven was both an end and a beginning for his disciples. While it was the end of Jesus' physical presence with his beloved disciples, it marked the beginning of Jesus' presence with them in a new way. Jesus promised that he would be with them always to the end of time.

“Whoever sees me sees the Father”

Fr. James Gilhooley says to know the only true God means much, much more than knowing Him with one's brainpan. It is to know Him with heart and the spirit. And it is in praying with the Spirit that we come to know more deeply that Jesus came into the world to manifest the glory of the Father's name through love, ultimately the act of love on the cross. Something about Jesus was so wide open to God that the two were completely at one. “Whoever sees me sees the Father,” he said. Fr. John Foley, S. J. says that is a very deep description of such love.

Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, O.S.B. tells us that to be a disciple in our world today means to manifest the same divine glory through love so that all may come to enjoy the gift of eternal life. So as we celebrate the Ascension - Jesus' entronement at the Father's right hand - Fr. Phil Bloom tells us we also say, "Long live Christ the King!"

Make Disciples of All Nations

Christ having completed his work on this earth returns to be with the Father. Fr. James Gilhooley explains that the work of salvation is then transferred from the direct initiative of Christ to the work of the Church in the world. This is the handover moment and it is completed by the Feast of Pentecost which marks the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Apostles and the work of the Church really begins. This work is to proclaim the good news of salvation to all the world. Fr. Orlando, Sapuay, M.S. says the gospel is the power of God, the power to forgive sins, to heal, to deliver from evil and oppression, and to restore life.

But first, let us consider the reality of this small group of apostles and disciples commissioned on the mountain in Galilee. Could any group of people be more human, more ordinary, more dysfunctional, more unpromising? How much more obvious could human frailty be than in this group who, Fr. Thomas Rosica points out, would become the "pillars" of our Church!

As He ascends, Jesus tells the disciples to wait for this power He will send. But notice that he does not tell them to wait passively for the rapture. He does not instruct them to pour over Bible prophecies, debating about how and when he will return. In fact in Acts 1:11, after the Lord ascends out of their sight, the angels ask why the disciples just stand there, staring into space. The waiting is not to be a squandering of precious time. It is waiting for a purpose, implying that the disciples should be getting on with the job that Jesus has given them.

It is the same mission that our Lord passes on to us today. College student Danielle Stewart observes that although Jesus ascended, it does not mean that we are to stand idle. We have been mandated to evangelize, to spread the Gospel to all nations. Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio explains how we used to think that evangelization was something that happened in mission countries far away, carried out by priests and religious. But the Second Vatican Council told us that our own neighborhoods are mission territory, and that every single Catholic is called to be an evangelist.

The Holy Trinity, the Sacred Heart & Catholic Funerals

This Gospel story is a clear illustration of the mystery of the Holy Spirit. The notion is unfortunately widespread that the mystery of the Blessed Trinity is a mystery of mathematics, that is to say, of how one can equal three. In one of the clearest explanations of the Blessed Trinity ever written, Frank Sheed says the Trinity is three persons in one nature.

Now here's one deep theological question for your reflection - where is Jesus' body after the Ascension? Where is the physical body of Jesus? Must we believe that he is “up there” in space somewhere? Can his body be in heaven, if heaven is not “a physical place in the clouds?” It is quite an interesting discourse. And if you happen to turn to the Bible for the answer to this and other questions, we offer you a few simple dos and don’ts that will help you bring the Bible more clearly into your daily lives.

And have you noticed how it has become commonplace to turn funerals into casual canonizations? “Bob is in a better place,” we’re told, which can only mean Heaven. But because it is certain that the imperfect go through Purgatory before getting to Heaven, it is easy to see that casual canonizations are not at all compassionate, but are in fact very cruel. They deprive the faithful departed of many prayers and good works that could have helped them get through Purgatory sooner, and they encourage spiritual sloth in those present at the funeral.

Also, just a reminder that the month of June is traditionally dedicated to foster devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Fr. John Zuhlsdorf suggests you might give consideration to what you may do in your own devotional practices. Don’t be afraid to be pious.

Suffering & God's Providence

We are all struck by the fury and devastation caused by tornadoes in the Midwest this year. And we are left to wonder why and how God allows it. Msgr. Charles Pope offers a meditation on the mystery of God’s Providence.

When we're presented with a challenging circumstance, when the road gets a little bumpy and the things aren't going the way we wish they would, many of us clam up. Dwija Borobia shares her story. On the Friday before Mother's Day, her husband was laid off. She discusses how this life challenge taught her to trust God like a child and receive the peace of Christ.

For years Gary Zimak neglected to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament even though the chapel was within walking distance of his house. But now he find himself looking forward to visiting Him each week for adoration. In fact, he often stops to say “hi” for a few minutes on the way home from work. "I Finally Get It!" he exclaims as he talks about how peaceful and blessed he feels to be in the presence of Our Lord.

From the Vatican, Pope Benedict points to Moses as a model of intercessory prayer. Speaking at the June 1 general audience, he said intercessory prayer helps us to grow in deeper knowledge of God and his mercy and makes us more capable of loving others in a self-sacrificial way.

Love, Parenting & Nip/Tuck & the NBA Finals

Here's one for the young adults and teens in our audience. Ever heard of the phrase, "Love at First Sight?" Young Catholic adult Jerome Placido says he doesn't believe in it. Talking about the way he is going about finding "the one," the idea of "Love at First Sight" isn't an option. He says it's more like "Love before first sight."

And here's one for parents. Perhaps the timing is right that today, midway between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we say few kind words on behalf of the sort of parents many of us either are or once were — parents, that is, who are not Wonder Mom and Super Dad but only good enough. Here's a guide to 'good enough' parenting.

Nip/Tuck/Sin? Simcha Fisher has definite opinions about vasectomies and men having elective cosmetic surgery. But what about cosmetic surgery in general? Is it a sin? He starts with what Catholic Answers says on the topic and moves on to his own discourse. Check it out.

Finally, if you've been following the NBA finals, you know that Dallas just tied the series at 1-1 when they pulled out an exciting victory in Miami last night. A friendly wager between the bishops of Dallas and Miami is on and stirring interest and fun in the Catholic communities. Bishop Kevin J. Farrell of the Diocese of Dallas took the bet offered by Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami.

Archbishop Wenski has thrown the ecclesiastical gauntlet by offering Key lime pies and stone crabs from Monroe County, a box of cigars handmade in Miami-Dade County, and a fish bowl containing Fort Lauderdale sand, water from the Atlantic Ocean, and shells from the beach; some ocean breezes and oranges will also be included if the Miami Heat lose. Bishop Farrell of the Diocese of Dallas has accepted Archbishop Wenski’s challenge and is offering BBQ ribs, tortillas and salsa, deep dish pecan pies and a “Don’t Mess with Texas” cap if the Mavericks lose in this NBA final. Game 3 is in Dallas on Sunday.

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: Would you evangelize door to door?
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"Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?"

This Sunday, March 6, 2011- 9th sunday in Ordinary time - we come to the very end of the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. We are not surprised that the conclusion of this long sermon comes with an allusion to the Last Day. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Online Sunday Bible Study sessions with your family, friends and church groups.

Allow us to point out something in today’s gospel passage that can be easily overlooked and missed. It’s where Jesus said, "Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?’" Fr. Charles Irvin says that day is none other than the day we die and stand before God. It is likewise the great Judgment Day at the end of time.

A House Built on Rock

Jesus offers us two perspectives on houses and construction. To build one's house on the sand means to place our hope and our certainty on things that are unstable and fleeting. What are such things? Money, success, fame, and even health and prosperity are just some, explains Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB. To build one's house on rock means to base one's life and hope on things that are solid, enduring, things that will not be carried away with the winds of the times.

Jesus continues, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” Fr. Alex McAllister SDS explains that Jesus is heavily stressing that a choice must be made in life. Listening to and then acting on His words leads to eternal life. However, those who merely listen but do not act will find themselves outside the Kingdom.

The prayer of faith, explains Father Cusick, consists not only in saying "Lord, Lord," but in disposing the heart to do the will of the Father. This, Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, OSB tells us, is the wisdom that will allow us to build a house that can resist all possible storms. We need to open our hearts to the love of God so that we may be free enough to choose to love others.

Fine Words or Good Deeds

Fr. John Foley, S. J. noticed that Jesus was skeptical about good deeds at the end of his famous “Sermon on the Mount.” He warns that we may fool humans with our speech, but God cannot be deceived.

There is only one way in which a person’s sincerity can be proved. And Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. explains that it by one’s actions. Fine words can never replace good deeds. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino clarifies that even if we were to do great things in the name of the Lord, if we do them for our own selfish needs, such as for recognition by others, our actions would be hypocritical. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we must choose between what is true or false, and good or evil.

College student Colleen Corcoran points out that the Second Reading’s message seemed to speak to the supreme importance of faith (“For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law”), while the Gospel is more concerned with the importance of action (“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock”). As Christians we believe that what ultimately defines us and gives us our dignity is the image and likeness of God inside us. This, explains Fr. Ron Rolheiser, is our deepest identity. It is our real self.

Here's the bottom line, according to Fr. Phil Bloom: Salvation involves more than a one-time acceptance of Jesus. What counts is not so much what we do for Jesus or what we know about him. What matters is knowing Jesus and being known by him: a daily relationship with Jesus based on intimate prayer.

Lent is Almost Upon Us

Next week, on March 9, Lent begins with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. Catholics should try not to rub their ashes off after Ash Wednesday Mass, an English bishop has said. Bishop Kieran Conry urged Catholics to wear “the outward sign of our inward sorrow for our sins and for our commitment to Jesus as Our Lord and Saviour”.

Dr. Marcellino d'Ambrosio says some think of Lent is a time for fasting. He sees it as a time of feasting. And he lists the three inter-related fertilizers which help Roman Catholics and all Christians bear fruit - Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. From the Vatican, Sandro Magister reports that in the message for the forty days of preparation for Easter, Pope Benedict XVI calls all to conversion and new life.

Many Catholics observe Lent with a discipline of withdrawal, in whole or in part, from media: movies, television, Internet, radio, music, newspapers. This is an admirable discipline, and one Steven D. Greydanus recommends. For those inclined to consider this practice, here are six suggested movies to watch for the six weeks of Lent.

Lent is also an opportune time to avail of the Sacrament of Confession. However, many today express a rather deep impatience with the whole idea of confessing one’s sins to a priest. Why, some asked, do we require a mediator when seeking the divine forgiveness? Why can’t we “go directly to God?” Fr. Robert Barron offers a solid explanation tion on why we go to a priest fo Confession.

Thank God for the season of Lent. May we all use the days of this Lent to see the things that God wants us to see, hear the things He wants us to hear, and reform the way we live because we have really listened to His voice.

Unpleasant Truths, Unions and Catholic Identity

Being confronted by the truth can often be unpleasant. In New York City, one such ad has been generating some fierce reactions. The billboard that simply stated “The most dangerous place for an African-American is in the womb.” This message was accompanied by a photograph of a young, African-American girl. Is that message unpleasant? Is it upsetting? Does it get our attention? Yes! Because the message is somberly true. So why has the billboard suddenly been taken down? Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York discusses the controversy.

In Wisconsin, another conrtroversy rages. The U.S. episcopal conference has underlined the moral element of the current national debate over unions and collective bargaining, noting that it's not simply "ideology or power" that's at stake, but also principles of justice. This statement supported the stance announced earlier by the Wisconsin bishops' conference

Last week, we celebrated the Blessed John Henry Newman's birthday. Applying some of Newman's ideas to the current situation of Catholic colleges and universities in the United States, one could postulate what Newman's proposals would be for the renewal of the Catholic identity of these institutions. Similarly from from Denver, Archbishop Charles Chaput reminded us that all adult Catholics are teachers. That’s one of our mandates as believers. And in an age of confusion, the Church is our only reliable guide. Through her, it’s our job to form our children and ourselves in the truth that will make us genuinely free.

Jews, the Pope and his New Book

And from the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI made a major new contribution to Catholic-Jewish relations with a gripping theological assessment of who was culpable for the death of Jesus Christ. The Pope exonerated the Jewish people from all blame for the Crucifixion and death of Jesus. His new book "Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week" is also set for worldwide release on March 10. Here is an excerpt from Benedict XVI's book. It comes from Chapter 7, Section 3, titled "Jesus Before Pilate." Ignatius Press is the publisher of the volume in English.

Facebook, Divorce & Missing Church

Why don’t people go to church? Deacon Greg Kandra discovered this gem on a Facebook post. One priest got tired of listening to excuses why people skip the Church, and has written this interesting list of reasons. The twist? He talks about washing oneself instead of going to Church. But the analogy is strikingly piercing.

Here's a shout-out to many of you out there: If you're married and on Facebook, read this! Patrick Madrid found this claim in an article he read. And it doesn’t surprise us a bit: “A survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers found that Facebook is cited as evidence in 66 percent of divorces in the United States. Also, more than 80 percent of divorce lawyers reported they “have seen an increase in the number of cases using social networking evidence” during the past few years.” Please read this story. it could save your marriage.

At the Movies: The Adjustment Bureau & Soul Surfer

Remember the young woman surfer whose arm was bit off by a shark attack? "Soul Surfer" is a movie about her life. But it met controversy when the producers airbrushed a bible from one of the scenes in the movie. The devotely Christian woman's family fought Hollywood to have the bible reinstated. And they won. This movie comes out April 2.

And finally, Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP looks at one of the highly propmoted movies this week: "The Adjustment Bureau." Is it good? It's got its merits. But when considered through the lens of theology, or any perspective, Sr. Rose says the movie needs a major course correction.

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

Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief


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