“Were not our hearts burning within us"

Last Sunday's Gospel was the Gospel of Doubting Thomas. This Sunday's Gospel is the Gospel of the Confused Disciples. Luke's story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus focuses on the interpretation of scripture by the risen Jesus and the recognition of him in the breaking of the bread. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

Scared and Confused

Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. explains the the heart of the scared disciples' confusion. Cleopas and his companion thought Jesus' death had brought an end to the redemption of Israel. As far as they were concerned, the shame and death of the cross was not compatible with their understanding of Israel's Redeemer. Fr. Alex McAllister SDS clarifies the fact that they were headed to Emmaus because they were actually walking away.

Just like these disciples, we may also not know why things have happened, or even what things have happened. We may not know the best course for us to take in this or that situation. But Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says we do know that if we stay united to the Lord in Word and Sacrament, we will never go wrong. We can be at peace because we have our anchor, Sacred Scripture, and our joy, the Presence of the Lord in the Eucharist. Fr. John Foley, S. J. says Jesus is telling us in this story that there actually is a way for the human heart to say Yes to God and mean it.

In Light of Scriptures and the Eucharist

The stranger on the road to Emmaus takes the skepticism and curiosity of the disciples and weaves them into the fabric of the Scripture. Jesus challenges them to reinterpret the events of the past days in light of the Scriptures. During the meal He recreated the Last Supper. He took bread, blessed it and gave it to them. And they recognized Him in the breaking of the break, the first Christian name for the Eucharist.

Understanding the resurrection therefore implies a two-fold process of knowing the message of the Scriptures and experiencing the one about whom they all speak: Jesus the Lord, through the breaking and sharing of bread with the community of believers. The Eucharist is therefore the Easter Sacrament. Father Cusick tells in that in the Eucharist we meet, know and possess God incarnate, our Lord Jesus Christ. And to be an Easter people means to be a Eucharistic people. Marcellino D'Ambrosio points out that Jesus did not just rise from the dead 2000 years ago. He is risen, and He still is Emmanuel, God with us.

The Transmission of Faith Is a Communal, Ecclesial Event

This gospel of the encounter of the two disciples with Jesus on the road to Emmaus and in the breaking of the bread is a story of friendship. Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, O.S.B explains how Luke describes an intimate, personal encounter marked by tenderness and hospitality. Fr. James Gilhooley says Luke is also telling us that the Resurrection is news that must be told immediately to everyone. So, when people stop you today and ask what's new, advise them Jesus has risen just as He said.

Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB points out that understanding the Resurrection therefore implies a two-fold process of knowing the message of the Scriptures and experiencing the one about whom they all speak: Jesus the Lord, through the breaking and sharing of bread with the community of believers. This community today is our local parish, a cell of the Body of Christ. We have the same DNA, the same identity, as every other part of Jesus' Body - and our health boosts the health of the entire Body. Fr. Phil Bloom explains that we see that in today's Readings.

The Biblical Mass, the Church & the Crusades

Many Catholics might not realize just how much an hour at church on Sunday mornings puts them in contact with the Bible. The author of "Finding Scripture in the New Translation" explains that in addition to the readings and psalm, "practically everything in the liturgy has some roots in Scripture.” His scholarly book point out these connections as a biblical walk through the Mass.

Then we bring you two interesting piece about the Church history. The first is about the Crusades, typically depicted in modern discussion as a deplorably violent episode in which thuggish Westerners trundled off, unprovoked, to murder and pillage peace-loving, sophisticated Muslims. But what everyone “knows” about the Crusades may not, in fact, be true. From the many popular notions about the crusades, we pick four and see if they bear close examination. Then Catholic blogger and historian answers the basic question why he is Catholic. And he says it's "Because of Church History, Not In Spite of It."

Prayer & Technology

More on prayer, Mary Beth Bonacci talks about how she hates to admit her life-long struggle with praying the Rosary. Lately, however, she says she has fallen in love with the Rosary again. And she says it's all about "getting lost with Mary." Read her explanation so your rosary prayer devotion might also be rekindled.  Judith Costello blogs about how our society has made technology into a god and how this makes us susceptible to the violation of the First Commandment.
Keep the Faith. Peace.

Wally Arida
Publisher & Editor in chief


BURNING QUESTION: Is the Mass a Eucharistic Banquet or a Holy Sacrifice?
FEATURED BLOG: I have fallen in love with the Rosary again
PASTORAL HISPANA: El camino de Emaus

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"This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."

In our Readings for this Sunday, March 4, 2012 - the 2nd Sunday in Lent - we are presented with accounts of two extraordinary events. First we have the story of the Sacrifice of Isaac and, in the Gospel, the story of the Transfiguration. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

"This is my beloved Son."

The past week's Gospel readings from mark were questions about the identity of Jesus. In this Sunday’s readings, Mark provides the answer. Jesus is the ”Father’s Son, the Beloved."

Matthew in his account (17:1-13) tells us the apostles did what we would do. Fr. James Gilhooley relates to us how the apostles fell on their faces in fear. They experienced a thunderous power followed so quickly by the warmth and love of small light. Fr. John Foley, S. J. explains that the Transfiguration the apostles witnessed the true contrast between God’s transcendent greatness—too much for human eyes—and Jesus’ quiet love. He is our glimpse of the awe filled intensity of God-the-infinite through our tiny, finite eyes. Jesus is God as one of us.

Fr. Ron Rolheiser says there's a divine fire within each of us. If we link ourselves to it properly and connect it to the other world, it becomes godly energy, the source of all that's wonderful in life. Fr. Phil Bloom tells us the same thing. Each of us has within a glory, not an absolute glory, but the potential for glory. We can only realize that potential by taking two steps - first, following the commandments and second, facing that we need outside help. That only through the passion of Jesus can we realize our glorious potential - the resurrection.

As the apostles looked at Christ's majesty, they caught a glimpse at what their own future state would be - a condition we hopefully will share. There is much to look forward to after our death.

"Listen to Him."

Holiness is the best defense. Father Cusick reminds us that the strength of a holy life is possessing and living Christ's own life, the Resurrection and the Life which is victorious over every power.

When we realize that the words, "Listen to him," are directed to each one of us, we must take very seriously the implications of such a command from God. Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B. says this surely must mean that we too are expected to "visit" this mountain of the Transfiguration, where we can be "illuminated" by the sure knowledge that, when all is said and done, the most important thing that we can do in this life is to "die," as Jesus did, because we love and care for others.

We come to church to worship God before whom the angels are advised to veil their faces. This is the same God at whose sight Peter and his fellow apostles broke out into a cold sweat. Unfortunately, too many of us bring a laid-back air to worship. Think of the chattering so many adults indulge in. It is we who teach children how to behave in church. Think too of the way we dress coming into the presence of the King of kings. Some of us resemble "unmade beds."

Lent and Abraham's Covenant of Faith

Everyone knows that Lent is about sacrifice. So it’s fitting that the first reading in the second Sunday of Lent recounts one of the most famous sacrifices of all time. Abraham manifested a living faith in God, a quality of faith that the world had never seen before. Abraham is asked by God to sacrifice his own son. What a Sacrifice!

Isaac was a very special son to Abraham, and yet he was called upon by God to make a sacrifice of His son. Each of us has an Isaac in us. Fr. John J Ludvik says everyone has something or someone dear and precious, without which or whom life appears devoid of meaning, and joy is unattainable. God never asks of us anything that He’s not willing to do Himself. Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio rightly reminds us that God also gave up His only Son for us.

We must always remember, Fr. Joseph Pellegrino points out, that that the covenant God made with Abraham he also makes with us if we, like Abraham, do everything we can to cultivate a living faith. This Sunday’s readings therefore allows us to get clearer on the connection between Abraham’s Sacrifice, God’s, and what we should give up for Lent.

And as Lent gets going, most of us start thinking of what we should give up. Chocolate? Starbucks? American Idol? It would be good to reflect on our personal sacrifices for God by trying Abraham's own sacrifice on for size.

Spiritual Exercises for Lent

Until Saturday, Benedict XVI and the members of the Roman Curia are gathering in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel of the apostolic palace to follow the three daily meditations offered by Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya, Archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. And the central theme of the Lenten spiritual exercises under way in the Vatican is Communion with God. He said, "The Pope's appeal, to us, is profoundly real. When one is in Africa and one sees the poverty, the misery, the wars, all the chaos that exists, one cannot fail to think of this. That is why we accepted without doubt the Pope's Message: because it fits our reality."

Sandro Magister also repoosrt from Rome the the instructions of Benedict XVI for traversing the desert of the world and overcoming the temptations of power and success. He said the Pope offers a message, a catechesis, a twofold "lectio divina." The Lent of the Church according to teh pope is either supremacy or the Cross. The question is will he be heeded?

From New York, we bring you a pice about Timothy Cardinal Dolan. The new cardinal of New York gave a stemwinder of a homily Saturday night and it’s just too good not to share. In the homily, the good cardinal says, "I asked Jesus to help me fight the same temptations he did.” Looking for something to kickstart your Lent? Take 20 minutes and watch one of the greatest preachers in the American church.

Just Pray

The Transfiguration has often been considered a parable of prayer. Fr. Alex McAllister SDS tells us that prayer is a response to the invitation of God to come up the mountain to be with him for a while, in other words to leave our ordinary cares and concerns in order to spend time alone with him. Our response is to place ourselves quietly in the presence of God so that we can spend time apart with him.

I hate to tell you this, but you’re going to have to pray today. Simcha Fisher says any Lenten penance you’re doing—any fasting, any sacrifice, any alsmgiving, any good works —these are all very well. But if you’re not praying regularly, it’s like calling someone your best friend and then—well, not talking to him. And we share a littel prayer that's one of the favorites of a Canossian sister who calls herself Sister Lisa. It's the one prayer that her fellow Sisters around the world pray each morning, asking for the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows. Chekc it out. It could become your favotite as well.

Bible, Returning Catholics & More

Do you realize that if it had not been for the Catholics of the 1500s, there would be no King James Bible? A new Vatican exhibit explains the Church connection to the 400-year-old book of Scripture. Many of the original Bibles that formed the basis of the King James Bible came from Catholic priests. Very few changes were made. The ancient writings that the King James writers actually mimicked and copied were by Catholic priests. The Vatican exhibition hopes to show that all Christians can share the King James Bible in common.

We also share this report that the Church’s catechism for young people has is now the top selling Catholic book in the world. The latest figures show that Youcat has sold 1.7 million copies worldwide. It’s been a great success in nearly every country where it has been published.

Meanwhile Msgr. Charles Pope looks at how the Catholic faith sets down deep roots that, for many never go away, even if they leave for many years. There’s just something about being a Catholic. Saying wood already touched by fire is not hard to light, he notes many do return. And even for those who have yet to return, they still surface from time to time and their Catholic roots stir within them.

Life Lessons

Dr. Scott Hahn had a recent ordeal with emergency surgery. And it taught him a few things. It was the first time he'd ever heard his death spoken of as being potentially imminent. And soon he would experience a string of other “firsts” including his first reception of the Anointing of the Sick.

As an enlisted member of the Army, and now an Officer, Mike Inscho has gone through what was essentially two separate stints at basic training. He said during the training, it was difficult to see the lifelong lessons being drilled into you. Now, however, years after finishing, it’s easier to put a finger on those lessons and apply them to everyday life. He shares them with us - 4 Basic Life Lessons from Basic Training.

While Simcha Fisher reflects on her latest, and most difficult, pregnancy. In the process she figured out a thing or two about life in general. Maybe other people don’t have to be pregnant to figure these things out, but she did! Here’s what she learned: Eight Lessons of Pregnancy that Everyone—Yes, Everyone!—Can Use.

Ponder this, if Jesus was on Facebook would you add Him as your friend? Msgr. Charles Pope lamenst that with all the communicating we do today, how likely is it that God can get a message through? It led him to ponder, what if the Lord WERE on Facebook? If you're on Facebook, you must read this.

Finally, check out this list of five things you buy that don’t actually work the way you think. We've learned to be skeptical of product packaging and not always trust the claims it makes, but our hopefulness sometimes gets the best of us. Here are five products you've likely used, or maybe even purchase regularly, that don't yield the results you may expect.

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: Is Jesus truly present at Holy Eucharist?
FEATURED BLOG: Church Works of Mercy and Federal Funding
PASTORAL HISPANA: Jesus en la transfiguracion nos invita a escuchar a Dios


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“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY
“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (11C), June 13, 2010


BURNING QUESTION: What is the Communion of Saints?
FEATURED BLOG: Seeking a Sign
STORIES OF PRIESTS: From Jewish boy to Catholic priest
PASTORAL HISPANA: La Fuerza del Perdon

Dear Friends,

In this Sunday's Gospel story, Luke draws a sharp contrast between the smug and self-righteous Pharisee who keeps all the rules but does not have the sensitivity to perform the basic acts of kindness toward a guest and the woman who has a reputation for sinfulness but who receives Jesus with loving service. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible study sessions with your family, friends and church groups.

June 11, Feast of the Sacred Heart

Today, June 11, we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Dr. Marcellino d'Ambrosio shares with us a reflection by St. Bonaventure on the Sacred heart as "Source of Light and Life." You can also check out this article on "The Sacred Heart and the Eucharist." The Vatican has chosen this important feastday to cap the year-long celebration of the Year of Priests. Priests from around the world are gathered in Rome this week for the official closing of their year.

The Gospel of Forgiveness

Sunday’s Gospel passage comes to us from St. Luke’s gospel. None of the Evangelists speaks as frequently as he does about the forgiving spirit that motivates the Nazarene. That is why Fr. James Gilhooley call Luke's Gospel the Gospel of Forgiveness. It was by no accident that St. Luke in his gospel included Sunday’s episode about Jesus, the Pharisee, and the sinful woman with her tender affection.

Lauren Butler, a Junior at St. Louis University, talks about the many aspects of forgiveness that she finds revealed and spoken about in this Sunday’s readings. Love did not motivate the Pharisee. But it was love that motivated this sinful woman in the Gospel. Fr. Charles Irvin says it is so important for us to ask ourselves if we can capture some of the woman’s fervor, some of her love. If we think of the Pharisee’s house as representing the world around us as we find it in our day, can we see ourselves and see our Church as this woman – sinful and in need of healing and forgiveness?

Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. points out how Religion brings out the best and the worst in people. This is very clear to us nowadays. Many religious people are not worshipping God but themselves. He says there is no ego quite so poisonous as the religious one. It is indeed laudable to attend Mass and to take seriously all the rules of good Christian conduct. But, Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, OSB. reminds us, all of this careful observance can be spoiled if it is not accompanied by a genuine spirit of love and forgiveness.

Treasuring Forgiveness

These lessons of forgiveness are also repeated in the story of King David in the First Reading. He had committed adultery with a woman named Bathsheba, then had her husband killed so he could marry her. The prophet Nathan confronted David who had to face the consequences of his sins. But that is not the main point. David received a further word. Nathan said to him: "The Lord on his part has forgiven your sin; you shall not die."

Fr. Phil Bloom tells us that like David - and like the penitent woman in the Gospel - we also must acknowledge our wrongs and turn to the One who even forgives sins. Jesus forgave the sinful woman immediately, no matter how bad she had been. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says our Lord does the same for us. He does the same for those who have hurt us, and He does the same for those whom, in our arrogance, we would rather avoid.

But usually you and I have it backwards. Fr. John Foley, S. J. says we think we have to get rid of all our sins and turn into perfectly loving people in order for God to love us. But in reality we are already loved to perfection by the good Lord, and we begin to change as we slowly let that love in. Jesus makes clear that great love springs from a heart forgiven and cleansed. The reconciliation, peace and forgiveness that God wants are based on truth, justice and love, explains Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB.

Pondering the Great Reversal

Growing up, as part of their family prayer, Fr. Ron Rolheiser said they used to pray for a happy death - cradled in the loving arms of family, friends, and church, fully at peace with God and everyone around you. But not everyone gets to die that way. Too often we die with unfinished business, too much of it. As the old confiteor says: we need forgiveness for what we’ve done and left undone.

Msgr. Charles Pope adds that one of the strong traditions of Scripture is of the great reversal that will one day come for many. He ponders this great reversal with this thought: "Many Who are Last, Will Be First." This is the story being lived today by a dying Catholic businessman from San Diego, CA. "Life on earth is a test” for Shane FitzMaurice who is preparing for eternity as he battles the fatal Lou Gehrig's disease.

What Do you Expect From Holy Communion?

Msgr. Charles Pope tells of his observation that some people put more faith in Tylenol than they do in Holy Communion. That’s because when they take Tylenol they expect something to happen. But many people don’t really expect anything to happen when they receive Holy Communion.

He also talks about the consternation that more stress is not placed by many on receiving Holy Communion worthily. This issue needs to be approached carefully because two important goods are at stake that must be kept in balance. First, frequent reception of Holy Communion which is a great and necessary food for us as Jesus insists in John 6:50-55. And secondly, worthy reception which the Holy Spirit through Paul warns is also necessary in 1 Cor 11:27ff. He asks us to look at these texts briefly.

Prayer & Our Technological World

Like many Christians, we often struggle to discern God’s will in our lives. Faced with crucial decisions or worrying circumstances, we sometimes find the right relationship between action and trust, not merely difficult to attain but downright impossible to determine. When does resignation to God’s will become an excuse for laziness and passivity? At what point does careful planning morph into an anxiety-driven need to control outcomes and usurp God? Marion Fernandez-Cueto offers some answers in "Praying hard and trusting harder."

Our prayer life is even more challenging now with today's Internet, e-mail, and other digital innovations. Our increasing reliance on them is not just changing the way we relate to our families and friends, Rev. James Martin, S.J. says. It is even rewiring our relationship to God. In "Does E-Mail Make It Harder to Pray?" he explores how the Digital Age is changing our spiritual lives.

Even priests are not exempted from the challenges posed by technology. Fr. Robert Barron s one of the leading Catholic evangelical priests today and he uses technology to its fullest extent to bring God's word to the world. He offers words of wisdom and support to those struggling to understand the role of the priest amidst today's hardship and controversy.

Technology and the Magisterium was also the topic last week when the Catholic Media Convention gathered representatives from the US and Canada in New Orleans for its annual meeting. In front of media. USCCB Communications Director Bishop Gabino Zavala delivered a keynote address on what makes for a faithful Catholic media organization in the 21st Century. This is a must read for all Catholic writers and bloggers. Also speaking at the meeting was Republican strategist, editor and talk show host Mary Matalin. Raised Methodist, she joined the Catholic Church this past Easter, through RCIA.

Finally to round up this section on technology, we offer you "Five Tips to Purify Your Home From Inappropriate Content." Learn how you can protect your family from impure images, movies, and even predators.

Stories of Hope

Check out this blissful report from Washington DC where nearly 600 couples filled the nation's largest Catholic church last Sunday to renew their wedding vows in front of families and friends after 25, 30 or -- in some cases -- more than 60 years of marriage.

And just what do you think the world would have been like without Andrea Bocelli, Italian pop, opera, and classical singer? With millions of infants having been victim to abortion, the blind international music sensation has revealed that he too could have been one more abortion statistic.

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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"As the Father has sent me, so I send you."

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY
Pentecost Sunday (PentecostC), May 23, 2010


BURNING QUESTION: How do you answer when asked if you're Christian?
FEATURED BLOG: Because we might be entertaining angels
PASTORAL HISPANA: Espiritu Santo es el motor que empuja nuestra Iglesia

Dear Friends,

This Sunday our Readings celebrate Pentecost Sunday - the culmination of the fifty days of Easter, the day when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible study sessions with your family, friends and church groups.

A Contradiction in Sunday's Gospel?

There seems to be a contradiction between the coming of the Spirit as recorded in this gospel and in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. In the gospel of John, the Spirit is given by Jesus himself on Easter day, whereas in Acts the Spirit comes upon the disciples at the Jewish feast of Pentecost which occurred fifty days after Passover.

Fr. Alex McAllister SDS tells out that the essentials of the two accounts are the same, but the emphases different. Luke and John provide us with distinct but equally rich theological perspectives on the birth of the Church. They point up the significance for the world of the birth of the Church and the task given to us to enable all mankind to experience the Good News of salvation. What matters most, says Fr. Demetrius Dumm, is to understand the implications of this out-pouring of God's Spirit. This is clearly presented in Sunday's gospel where the new presence of Jesus in the Spirit is expressed in terms of peace, mission and forgiveness.

The Birth of the Church

Do you know what the largest Pentecostal Church in the world is? If you are Catholic, you belong to it. Pentecost is sometimes called the "birthday of the Church." On that first Pentecost, the party was smaller, only 120, but the attendees themselves became the birthday candles when the Spirit crowned each of them with fiery tongues.

The meeting with the risen Lord in John's account is the humble yet powerful beginning of a new age. Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB explains how fear was transformed into joy; pain was changed to peace and trust; flight and hiding become courage and mission. Division and hatred are vanquished by the gift of the Holy Spirit. For Christians, the 2000th year after Christ's birth marks the renewal of life in the fullness of the Holy Spirit and renewed commitment to the true faith bestowed in Jesus Christ. Father Cusick tells us that both are gifts of God the Father to the Church in these "last days" before Christ comes again.

"As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

The mission and the power of Jesus are entrusted into the poor, limited and fragile hands of his apostles. And just like the apostles, we also are sent by the Lord to go outside, out to the people made in the image and likeness of God. Fr. Joseph Pellegrino says we are called to be who we are - committed Christians, dedicated Catholics - and then to simply let His Spirit, the Holy Spirit of the Father and Son, work the wonders of God in the hearts of His people.

And you and I wonder, rightly so, how it is that we can lead others to Christ. How can we train our children, our Teens, our grandchildren, our neighbors and co-workers to treasure the Lord? What should we say? Fr. Phil Bloom says this Sunday God wants you and me to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. How our world would change if we allowed Jesus to enter our hearts! The Holy Spirit can energize us, give us a new life.

The Holy Spirit in the Upper Room

What should we be doing in the face of declining church attendance, the emptying and greying of our seminaries and convents, the growing agnosticism of our world, and the ecclesial indifference of so many of our own children? Fr. Ron Rolheiser offers our biblical answer: Return to the city and remain in the upper room! If we stay united to God, God will work His wonders through us.

We are called and empowered to be signs of the presence of God. Fr. Orly Sapuay, M.S. says answering that call can be as simple as looking in the eyes of the man who is asking for money on the street and taking the time to learn his name. When we think we don’t have the energy to listen to someone else’s problems, we might find out that it only takes just a few minutes to let someone know that he or she matters.

This is the Holy Spirit’s holiday. Fr. John Foley, S. J. tells us to call out to God and tell him where your heart is. Maybe God will give you a sense of who the Holy Spirit is in your personal daily life, in your progress from day to day. Do remember, as somebody has put it, we do not need more of the Holy Spirit. Rather, Fr. James Gilhooley reminds us, the Holy Spirit needs more of us.

So do stand out like a sore thumb this Pentecost season. Pope Benedict shares this very same message from Rome with the world's youth. Noting the Novena of Pentecost that began last Friday, he encouraged young people to be docile to the Holy Spirit's work. And as one who is a graduating senior, college student Sarah Waninger talks about how this message of peace and accompaniment means so much more now than ever before in her life.

Pentecost & the Charisms of the Holy Spirit

Alfred McBride, O.Praem. offers a literary interpretation of the the Story of the First Pentecost. He presents it from the point of view of a Greek traveler who stood bewildered in the Jerusalem crowd. What was happening? All about him Jews from many nations milled excitedly and pointed to a group in the center of the square - the apostles preaaching about jesus and speaking in tongues.

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio offers a timely reflection on the meaning of the Feast of Pentecost and the person, gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit. He also offers a second reflection on the "The Charisms Of The Holy Spirit For Service." While this second article is helpful for all Christians at all stages of development, it is especially valuable for those preparing for or teaching about the sacrament of confirmation.

And from a parish in Palmyra, MO - Saint Joseph's Catholic Church - we share with you a simple, powerfully effective method for families and parishes to recognize the gifts of the Holy Spirit within their children. "Making Pentecost Come Alive for Kids and Parents" is worth a look.

Quotes from the Saints & More

Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801-1890) was a convert to Catholicism from the Church of England, and one of the great minds of the 19th century. As a Roman Catholic priest he became one of the greatest Catholic apologists in the history of the Church. Cardinal Newman will be beatified by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on September 19, 2010. We bring you "41 Famous Quotes from Cardinal Newman."

Plus here's a list of the top 50 Saints' quotes, in an arbitrary ranking. St. Jerome starts things off with "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." There are many others that not on the list that are great. So feel free to add your other favorites in the comments section.

And here's another list to ponder. Traditionally, there are 4 "Marks" of the Church that tell us about the character and nature of what the Church is - One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic. Yet, there are more "marks" that St. Robert Bellarmine came up with. He lived from 1542 - 1621 during the time of many of the Protestant Reformers. Thus, he was battling against some of the false understandings of the Church by coming up with these additional " 15 marks".

Fast-forward to 2010, and the biblical meets the internet. A new online Catholic Bible search engine, which enables people to find specific Scripture passages using keywords, was launched last week. The program was officially released to the public on May 13 by Catholic.net. Check it out. And in the era of iphones, ipads and facebook, new technologies continue to find ways to serve the spiritual life of Catholics and priests in a concrete way. Italian Father Paolo Padrini, iBreviary Creator, talks about them in this interesting interview.

Stories of Hope

Allison, a blogger from "Why I am Catholic," writes about this boy, let's call him Michael, who lives with his mother and brother in a small apartment in their neighborhood. When she picks up her son from school. he usually gives him a lift home, too. Recently, she had a conversation with a schoolmate of the fifth grader, a conversation that reminded her how blessed we are that God is always with us.

And Heidi Bratton talks about this thing she calls the “Economy of Prayer Heresy.” In a nutshell, it proposes that we really shouldn’t “bother” God by praying about the small details of our everyday lives. We should, instead, wait until we have a need that is big enough or special enough for God to get involved. Here’s the problem. Where does that leave us and our relationship with God in the meantime? Pretty powerful stuff.

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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"Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant."

CATHOLIC LIVING TODAY
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (29B), October 18, 2009

BURNING QUESTION: Is it more noble to volunteer for secular or church work?
FEATURED STORY: To be deep in history is to cease to be angry
STORIES OF PRIESTS: Pope: Priests are “Essential and irreplaceable
PASTORAL HISPANA: La autoridad se trata de servicio y no de poder

Dear Friends,

In the Gospel this Sunday, brothers John and James make their famous request for preferred seating next to Jesus' throne in heaven. And our Lord Jesus takes the opportunity to give them a lesson on the nature of true greatness. Our Discussion Questions this week can guide you during your Bible Study journey with your family, friends and church groups. Click here to join our Online Sunday Bible Study.

Wanting Glory?

Like the disciples who walked with Jesus, many of us have great ambitions. Fr. James Gilhooley says Jesus Himself was clearly a person of ambition. And he explains why ambition is not all bad. Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio explains that Jesus also wanted the apostles to be ambitious, but for true greatness, which is not about big heads but big hearts.

By depicting the naked ambition of James and John in his Gospel, Mark is telling us that neither one of these gentlemen was a saint. Fr. Jim Kirstein, SMA discusses the marvelous reality that Jesus did not give up on these disciples despite His frustrations and efforts to educate them about what He was about. And neither will Jesus give up on us. No matter how often we fail, he will stand by us. Fr. Phil Bloom tells us that Jesus spelled out the price for us: Not by using others, but by allowing oneself to be used. What a more attractive Church we would belong to if each of us had the ambition, like the Lord, to serve and not to be served.

Call to Service

This Gospel story is another call to service. Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, OSB declares that Jesus meant this service to be a free service of love, not out of fear for God. Jesus was not servant out of servile fear of a tyrant Father, but as beloved Son, who in turn loved as he was loved. So must we also learn the difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant. Fr. Orly Sapuay, MS tell us that when we chose to serve, we decide whom we will serve and when we will serve. But when we choose to be a servant, we surrender the right to decide when we will serve. We become available and vulnerable.

What Jesus is saying, in effect, is this: we will taste suffering, everyone will. Fr. Ron Rolheiser warns us however that while suffering can make us deep in compassion and forgiveness, it can also make us deep in bitterness and anger. And only compassion and forgiveness can bring glory into our lives. We are, after all, a Eucharistic People. And as such, Fr. Joseph Pellegrino explains, our celebration of the Eucharist must encompass washing the feet of the Lord’s people.

Our calling is to share our God-given gifts with others. All of us have different gifts. And we have a responsibility to develop our gifts in service to the Lord. What can I do best? What do you do best? Our Burning Question for you this week will strain you to reflect on the concept of service: "Is it more noble to volunteer for the benefit of secular communities, like hospitals, city halls and such? Or is it better to volunteer for Church work, like teaching catechism, reading the Scripture at Mass, carrying communion to the sick, etc.?" Think about it and share your thoughts with us.

Asking of God

Fr. John Foley, S. J. says often we think of God as someone who helps us get everything we need, the great parent in the sky. He says sometimes this is good, sometimes it is not. So when you pray, Father Cusick asks, do you "ask for the world" in your prayers. Well, he says don't stop there, go ahead and ask for heaven as well. If we share the desire of James and John for a high place in heaven, perhaps our first prayer should be for the grace to accept our own share in the Lord's suffering, to accept the crosses that are given to us, not merely the ones we choose for ourselves.

A Call to Priesthood

Finally, Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB homilizes that the readings for this Sunday invite us to prayerfully consider the priesthood and priestly ministry. The first reading is the passage of Isaiah's mysterious suffering servant who takes upon himself the people's iniquity. The second reading speaks of Christ the high priest, tried in every way like us but sin, and the Gospel passage speaks of the Son of Man who has come to give his life in ransom for many. These three passages bring to light a fundamental aspect of the heart of priestly ministry and one that we celebrate together as God's people in the Eucharistic mystery.

Angry Catholic Bloggers & Evangelizing Like St. Paul

Many of us have friends who have "fallen away" from the Catholic Church and we simply didn't do anything about it. Ask your average Catholic about evangelization and you get a mumble and a shrug. Mark Shea says it's not that Catholics think it’s bad. Rather, it is that most Catholics simply have no idea what to do. So he offers some concrete help. Some, however, have taken the more active approach and actually evangelize on the internet via one of the many Catholic blogs. But take a quick survey of the Catholic blogosphere, and one can't help but notice that one of the more common attributes of many Catholic bloggers is that they are angry. Eric Sammons says he thinks one of the main reasons why is that they are not “deep in history.”

Saints, Infant Baptism & Daily Mass It is a simple historical fact that the Church has always baptised infants. Even our earliest documents speak of the practice. Msgr. Charles Pope talks about it in relation to the "Complete Gratuity of Salvation." From the Vatican during the canonization of five new saints, Pope Benedict defined sainthood: "A saint is one who doesn't put themselves at the center, but rather chooses to go against the grain and live according to the Gospel." And a daily Mass-goer, a convert to the faith, reflects on how amazingly often the liturgy speaks directly to the questions of our hearts.

Family, Youth, & Life

People of all faiths worldwide will join as one voice to pray for life and peace during the world’s largest day of prayer Oct. 18. Worldwide Fatima Sanctity of Life Day was organized by the World Apostolate of Fatima/Blue Army, USA to inspire one hundred million prayers for Life and Peace. In Romania, its Catholic Bishops Conference expressed concerns regarding the cultural and religious cleansing that the Greek-Catholic Church is currently facing in that country.

From the Vatican, the Holy See is countering the suggestion that "reproductive health" includes the right to abortion, and is urging the United Nations to consider human persons as the world's greatest resource. It's a lesson Dr. John Bruchalski takes to heart, but not always. He used to perform abortions, then he returned to his Catholic faith. Now, his mission is to help spread the message of Divine Mercy through his powerful conversion story.

More good news, sort of. Carl Anderson reports that whatever problems the recession has created, it has also created a great opportunity for families: Divorces are down as married couples rethink the financial implications. It's a good opening for each of us individually, as well as for parishes and Catholic organizations, to help save marriages. And here's an important related reflection for married couples: If the “I Do” Becomes “You’d Better”

Still from the Vatican this week, Benedict XVI wasjoined via satellite by university students from nine African metropolises to pray the rosary "with Africa and for Africa." And a new US research reports that religion makes “quite a significant difference” in teenagers’ lives.

God Shines Bright in Hollywood

Hollywood's "Prayer and Pasta" is a a spiritual home for young Catholics trying to make a difference in the entertainment industry. Usually held the third Wednesday of each month at Family Theater Productions offers on Sunset Bl., you will always find a crowd sharing scripture reflections and a potluck bowl of pasta.

And this Friday, Oct. 16, also at Family Theater Productions,the 44th Gabriel Awards will honor The Tale of Despereaux; The Express; Pray the Devil Back to Hell; Raising the Bar; Handy Manny, and Marathon Love. Actress Ann Blyth will accept the Gabriel Personal Achievement Award. KCRW Radio (Santa Monica) was named “Radio Station (Secular) of the Year.” The Gabriels honor industry professionals who produce films, television and radio programs, features and spot announcements that serve viewers and listeners through the positive, creative treatment of human concerns.

2010 "Try Prayer! It Works!" Contest Launched

Entries are now being accepted for the 2010 “Try Prayer! It Works!” Contest. Open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, the 15th annual national competition sponsored by Family Rosary encourages children to express their faith through art, poetry and prose. Finally, we give you 9 Web sites that can make your life easier. From finding local goods to tracking gifts, these sites will definitely click with you.

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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