"Are you envious because I am generous?"

It's September 21, 2014 - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (25A)- and this Sunday's Gospel parable of the workers in the vineyard serves as a corrective to false notions of entitlement and merit. The story reflects the socio-economic background of Palestine at the time of Jesus. The parable is offensive to us and it challenges our sense of justice. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study sessions with family, friends and church groups.

This may be the most puzzling of the forty parables of Jesus. It is found only in Matthew. Perhaps Mark, Luke, and John were afraid to touch it. This parable is clearly about serving the Master, or working in the kingdom, but the twist here is that many of those who worked in the vineyard did not think that the wages were fairly paid.

Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. says the story could be divided into three parts for the organized study: the basic story of the hiring agreement, the twist in the story when the workers were all paid the same thing, and the landowner’s explanation of what he was doing.

Sometimes life just isn't fair

“But that’s not fair!” Most parents have heard this phrase umpteen times. The notion of fairness also known as justice, is built into us. It makes us aware that each of us has certain rights that need to be respected. Sometimes that's just the way life is, which is in part the point of the parable of the laborers in the vineyard.

God’s economy of grace is not the same as the natural order people expect. And that, Fr. John J. Ludvik explains, is why this story from Jesus is so difficult to understand. God’s lavish love and forgiveness go out equally to those have worked hard and to those who haven’t. Fr. Ron Rolheiser says this amazing grace is the same for those who have been faithful for a long time and to those who jumped on-board at the last minute, to those who did their duty and to those who lived selfishly.

Fr. Joseph Pellegrino points out that His standards are clearly not like ours. God gives His Grace according to how He perceives the work that is done, according to His standards, not according to ours. God sees the individual effort and rewards this effort generously, Fr. James Gilhooley explains. And as God himself clearly indicates in the First Readings from Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts; my ways not your ways." 

God's Infinite Generosity

Obviously the wages as distributed in the parable are not a strict remuneration for hours worked. they are more like a gift from a fond heart. Fr. John Foley, S. J. says Jesus told this parable to show how God’s caring heart works, how he gives a depth of love to each person in this world, especially to ones who suffer and are left behind.

Each person receives his or her own share. We have unequal physical talents, Marcellino D'Ambrosio reminds us. They vary a lot from person to person. But what they all have in common is that they come as free gifts from God who didn’t have to create any of us. What is being revealed to us, according to Fr. Alex McAllister SDS, is one of the great promises of God that he will reward with eternal life all those who follow him, all those who respond to his call.

God's choice of a person or people, Fr. Thomas Rosica, CSB reminds us, should not be a cause of pride in those chosen, or rejection of those not chosen. It is not for us to determine who qualifies to enter the Kingdom. Our task is not to be constantly looking over our shoulder but rather to rejoice in the task that we have been given to proclaim his love to the world and to live a life worthy of his name.

The Lord's Call to All

Father Cusick goes straight to the point - the calling of all mankind, the vocation of all, is to holiness. God's kingdom is meant to be the new order of grace. His is a gift that is never earned in the way that a wage is earned, and expected. Fr. Campion P. Gavaler, O.S.B. asks us to reflect on this: isn't there always something unexpected and wonderful about a gift of love, even a kind word?

We can put it this way, explains Fr. Phil Bloom. The devil wants us to compare ourselves to others and to stew about how unfair things are. But God wants Stewardship. Whatever we have, God wants us to recognize it as a free gift that we must invest for His glory and the good of others. The Lord calls all those who have received Him in word and sacrament to share generously with all men what they themselves have received.

All share equally in the task, whether called early or late in the day, to build up the kingdom of God in this world. What matters is that when the Lord returns, you and I are working in the vineyard.

Exaltation of the Cross

Last Sunday  we celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.  Sr. Margaret J. Obrovac, FSP reflected on the feast and tells us that this feast comes down on the side of salvation. She reminds us that Jesus’ self-emptying in the Incarnation and later on the cross is His supreme act of love for the Father, who sent him to save the world.

Father Longenecker relates this to the celebration of the Mass. He reminds us all that the primary understanding of the Mass is now, and always has been, a re-presentation of the cross of Christ. The once for all sacrifice of Calvary is brought into the present moment through the action of the Mass and applied to our needs here and now. This is why he sounds off his irritation when people refer to Mass as primarily a fellowship meal. Clearly, it is not, he concludes.

Families, Scripture & Youth

From Jennifer Fulwiler we deliver "6 Tips for Surviving the First Years of Parenthood." She explains that while becoming a parent is a natural part of life for some people, many newlyweds are utterly unprepared for for the months and years that lay ahead. She hopes that her insight helps.

Ever wondered why teens today are so obsessed with reading Harry Potter and Twilight? Katie Peterson posits that If we examine some possible reasons for their massive success among the youthful generation, then we are reminded of how we can show young people that Scripture can give them all the thrills and intrigue that they receive from these novels—well, actually…much more. She offers her "Six Tips for More Effectively Teaching Scripture to Youth." And more for the youth, specifically our college-aged young people. John Zmirak teaches you "How Not to Waste Your 4 Years of College."

“Conscience” in a Culture without Truths?

In our national debates the critical issue of protection for claims of “conscience” have increasingly been raised, most deeply, of course, on the matter of abortion and same-sex marriage. But behind the arguments over claims of “conscience,” Hadley Arkes argues that there is an eerie truth that dare not speak its name: The understanding of “conscience” has been deflated in our current law, along with the understanding of “religion.”

What Is Spiritual Desolation and how do we get out of it? Christine Watkins says it is characterized by our relationship with God. God feels far away. Prayer is dry, difficult, and unappealing, and we can feel tempted to abandon or lessen our faith practices. She offers four ways to get out of spiritual desolation.

And finally, here's one about actors Emilio Estevez and his dad Martin Sheen talking about faith. Estevez and his dad Sheen sat down for an interview a few years back about their film, "The Way." Sheen recalled that fateful day in 1981 he came back to the arms of the Catholic Church, "I went to confession with the priest and wept. I came back to a Church that was very different. I left a Church of fear and returned to a Church of love."


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


FEATURED BLOG: “Conscience” in a Culture without Truths?
BQ: Can Catholics marry non-Catholics in Catholic ceremonies?
PASTORAL HISPANA: La justicia de Dios es distinta a la nuestra 


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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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"Child, your sins are forgiven."

In last Sunday’s Gospel reading we had the story of the healing of the leper and we reflected on the fact that, in its consequences, sin is a sort of leprosy. In the Gospel story set before us this Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, we see something similar. Here sin is clearly compared to paralysis. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

Four friends who are believers, carry a sick companion up onto a tiled roof, make a hole, and lower with arduously gentle movements his hammock to the floor below, the place where Jesus is. Jesus forgives teh paralytic's sins and then heals him of his illness.

The Scribe's Narrow View of Religion

The scribes are shocked and scandalized to hear Jesus proclaim forgiveness of sins. Instead of rejoicing to hear that this wonderful power is now available, they chose to cling to their own narrow interpretation of religion. Human knowledge alone is ultimately pessimistic. Fr. Phil Bloom sees this example in the way many "Catholics" today are handling the contraception mandate. He points out that what we are witnessing is an agressive attempt to deny sin.

And now more than ever with this approaching season of Lent, we need a personal meeting with Jesus who is God, the only one who can forgive sin. Jesus and the Church urge you and me, us little bystanders, to go into action and to render true forgiveness to people who hurt us. Fr. John Foley, S. J. reminds us that sometimes we think that only God (and God in Jesus) could forgive sins. Wouldn’t we be blaspheming and making ourselves equal to God if we tried this? The Scribes might think so. But the reason you and I are able to forgive, using God’s own love, is clear: because Christ’s Holy Spirit dwells within us.

A God of Punishment or Forgiveness?

For hundreds of years, Fr. Orlando, Sapuay, M.S. explains, the people of Israel had been incorrectly taught about the nature of God. They had been taught that, due to Israel’s sinfulness, God remained remote and distant -- more interested in punishment than in forgiveness.

How can an all-good God send someone to hell for all eternity? It's a question about God's goodness as old as religion itself. How can God be all-merciful and all-loving if there is eternal punishment? It's a false question, says Fr. Ron Rolheiser. God doesn't send anyone to hell and God doesn't deal out eternal punishment. God offers us life and the choice is ours as to whether we accept that or not.

But our God is a God of Forgiveness. And Fr. Joseph Pellegrino tells us that the reason for our optimism is explained by St. Paul in the Second Reading: “Jesus Christ, whom Silvanus, Timothy and I preached to you is not alternatively ‘yes’ and ‘no’. He is never anything but ‘yes’” With these words from 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, we come to a fuller understanding of Christian optimism. When we pray the Mass, we give our struggles over to the Lord. We let God transform our difficulties into occasions of prayer. We need to trust God. He is not alternatively yes and no. He is always yes.

A Community of Faith

As always with the Gospels there are some interesting points to note. In this Gospel story, the obvious point made was how it was the man’s friends who brought him to Jesus and surmounted great obstacles - bringing the sick man through the roof - on his behalf. Jesus himself recognises their faith and the implication by Mark is that it is not because of the paralytic’s faith but because of the faith of his friends that Jesus heals him.

Fr. Alex McAllister SDS explains that what we see here is the communal aspect of faith. Whatever people say, he adds, faith can never be an entirely personal matter. We are a community of faith and in our common faith we support and nourish each other. Like the paralytic in this story, Fr. Demetrius R. Dumm, O.S.B. explains further to us, we too need to count on friends who are usually more than willing to help us to meet Jesus

The Eucharist and Confession

What are you thinking, my brothers and sisters, Fr. Richard Lifrak SSCC asks. Do you sometimes feel guilty for the illnesses you have, for your misfortunes, for your bad mistakes, and for your weaknesses. It is for that reason, the good father adds, that we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But alas, laments Father Cusick, today many people have no problem believing that they can forgive their own sins. And they do so. Any Catholic who goes for years without benefit of the sacrament of Confession, he opines, must believe so, for as John teaches, "he who says he is without sin is a liar."

Here's one example of a person who loves Confession. "I try to go to confession every two weeks. I need it. I love it." That's New York NY Archbishop and USCCB President Tim Dolan who shares his thoughts from Rome where he is going to be confered Cardinal by the Pope this week. In a previous story we also shared how he travels incognito on weekends to random parishes in New York, and stands in line unrecognized, waiting his turn to go to Confession. If the good Cardinal-elect, can do it, so can we.

Ash Wednesday and Lent Are Upon Us

Lent starts next week on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012. It's the one day of the year when the churches are most packed. Once can't help but marvel at how many people pack into Church to get ashes on their forehead. Even sadder, many of them don’t seem to want communion as much. In fact significant numbers walk out the door after ashes are given and do not stay for communion.

Do you and I intend these things as we go forth or is it just a ritual, something to do because it’s “sorta neat.” What, really do ashes signify? Msgr. Charles Pope thinks that perhaps a brief tour of Scripture is in order. Fr. James Martin, S.J. also reflects on Ash Wednesday, calling it "A Sorrowful Joy."

And Ash Wednesay, of course starts the season of Lent. It also begins the time of repentance. And very year at the beginning of Lent, Taylor Marshall says he's encouraged and excited about it. However after a few weeks, like all of us, he starts growing weary of the fasting and penance. So in order to remind us of why we're keeping Lent, he offers reflections on what Bible teaches about fasting and self-denial.

Fr. John Bartunek, LC likewise shares his thoughts on how to stay strong spiritually during Lent. He says, in general, three things tend to make our Lenten resolutions less transforming than we would like them to be. He share them with us. Paul Dion, STL looks at Lent in the 21st Century and offers his own thoughts on how we should all prepare for the season of fasting, praying and giving.

But what if this was your last Lent. Seriously, give that some thought. How would you react if you were told that this was your last Lent before facing God’s judgment? Would you take a closer look at your life and search more thoroughly for areas needing improvement? This link let's you share your personal thoughts on the topic.

More on Contraception, the HHS Mandate, Etc.

The controversy shows no sign of abating. But it is my opinion that the whole thing offers a bright silver lining. We are openly and publicly discussing the topic of contraception from a Catholic point of view. And our children are hearing it. I bet many of them do not even know that contraception is a sin. But now, they're bring Catechized properly. And we have the Obama administration - albeit unintended - to thank for that. 

Despite what some commentators and politicians think, Church teaching on abortion and contraception has remained unchanged. Fr. Mitch Pacwa says Catholics do well to know this history of moral teaching on contraception and abortion to back up our position against the mandate, as well as to know better how to live the Catholic faith. We present some of the texts from the patristic (early Christian) sources to demonstrate how early was the Christian rejection of these practices, known widely in the Greco-Roman world.

And just prior to 1930, all Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox held that contraception was sinful and contrary to God's will. But today, the only people defending the traditional view universally against contraception are Catholics. We're riding solo and it's a tough battle.

In the discussions regarding American health care and the HHS debate, many folks (even some Catholics) are confused as to why Catholics are so concerned about contraception. "Everybody is doing it," so it can't be wrong...right? Dr. Taylor Marshall examine six reasons why contraception is sinful and contrary to God's will.

And since we're on the topic of sexuality, here's a definitive Catholic guide to sex and dating. "How Far Can We Go?" Mrs. Darwin pulls no punches in this one.

Mardi Gras, Pancakes, Easter Eggs & other Catholic Traditions

Before Ash Wednesday comes Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and the traditional King's cake or pancakes. Although the drinking, revelry and debauchery associated with the festival of Mardi Gras may not seem to have any association with religion, the truth is that without one of the holiest of Catholic holidays, this highly festive celebration would not exist at all. Danielle Rose explains the story behind Mardi Gras. We also did a little research and came away with some very interesting and cool facts about this aspect of our Catholic faith concerning Fat Tuesday, Lent, Easter Eggs, and much more.

Finally, with official unemployment at just under 9% (the real percentage is probably much higher), it is likely that we all know friends and family affected by this tough economy. It may be difficult to admit, but at some point we run out of helpful advice. We may even start to avoid these wonderful people who need our assistance because we feel embarrassed that we don’t know what to do or how to help. What is the solution? Randy Hain offers "Four Meaningful Ways We Can Help Job Seekers."

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: Should you Confess before Communion?
FEATURED BLOG: A Catholic guide to sex and dating
PASTORAL HISPANA: Nos sana por medio de la comunidad


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"If you wish, you can make me clean."

Christians often are confused about suffering. Is it ever good for us? Is it always good for us? Should we feel guilty about wanting to be rid of it? In the Sunday Gospel for Feb. 12, 2012, the story of Jesus and the leper, we find answers to these questions. Our Discussion Questions will guide your Sunday Bible Study with family, friends and church groups.

Dealing with Suffering

Jewish law was harsh to lepers. They had to live outside towns. If they came upon a clean person, they had to ring a bell and shout, "Leper, leper." The historian Josephus wrote they "were, in effect, dead men." They suffered physical pain, as well as psychological and spiritual pain. Society taught them to believe that they were God's abandoned.

To the many who suffer today, there are lessons to be learned from this story. Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio offers two of them. It’s OK to seek relief from suffering. And should we encounter it in others, we must do all we can to relieve it. While Fr. Ron Rolheiser offers a deeper reflection. He says God's seeming indifference to suffering is not so much a mystery that leaves the mind befuddled as a mystery that makes sense only if you give yourself over in a certain level of trust. Forgiveness and faith work the same. You have to roll the dice in trust. Nothing else can give you an answer.

A Lesson in Prayer

The leper approached Jesus and while kneeling cried, "If you wish, you can make me clean." Fr. Phil Bloom says this plea contained a simple, powerful prayer. His prayer needed only eight words. The cured man has taught us how to pray. Fr. James Gilhooley reminds us how Jesus showed a fondness for short prayers. Check Matthew 6:7, "In your prayers do not use a lot of meaningless words..." While Fr. John Foley, S. J. looks at the leper's plea as a confession of faith. His spiritual life had already begun. As Jesus answers, “I do want to.”

From the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI urges all to learn from the dying Jesus to pray for the needs of others. He says that Jesus' prayer on the cross -- "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" -- is a reminder that in prayer, we must also move beyond our own problems and present to God the needs and sufferings of others.

The Compassion of Jesus

This gospel story gives us a beautiful picture of the way Jesus responds to us, when we come to him, admitting our own inadequacies, acknowledging that he alone can make us clean, and throwing ourselves on his mercy.

Fr. Orlando Sapuay, M.S. reminds us that we are all like this leper. We have all been marred and disfigured by sin. But, Fr. John J. Ludvik explains, no outer blemish, no embarrassing failure no sinful mistake no feeling of guilt or shame is going to keep Christ from reaching out to you and touching you. Nothing will keep him from forgiving you and restoring you to the community, your family and those you love.

Doubt sometimes tempts us, but there is one thing we cannot doubt: Jesus' compassion. When we sin, be it a lie or any sin, we complicate out lives. That is why, adds Fr. Joseph Pellegrino, the Bible equates sin with chaos. God brings order in chaos. He replaces complication with peace. Filled with divine compassion, Jesus responds to the temporal needs of people for healing and for food; but ultimately he wants to give the gift of eternal life with God

After the leper was healed, Jesus told him, "Go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded." (Mark 1, 44) Some say that priesthood is a creation of the Church and that Christ did not intend to make a priesthood. Father Cusick points out that here in this verse Jesus acknowledges the Levitical priesthood, which He raised up and made perfect by His own sacrifice, creating an eternal priesthood which shall not pass away.

Celebrating Mass

As a Catholic, it is hard to travel much—attending Masses celebrated by priests you have never seen or heard, in churches you can’t find without GPS—before eventually facing the question: What makes one Mass better than another? But then, Webster Bull adds, there comes another question on its heels: Is that first question even a question a Catholic should ask?

Dorothy Pilarski expresses the feeling that she might getting old because she notices that people don’t seem to know how to behave at Mass anymore. So she offers a good list of 10 Tips on How to Behave at Mass.

Marriage, Contraception and More

As the Catholic furor over the Department of Health and Human Services contraception mandate rages, Red Cardigan says she is a little peeved of that 98% thing. She's getting tired of hearing that "98% of American Catholics use contraception." In the first place, she explains, it's such a silly fake statistic.

From Washinton DC, Msgr. Charles Pope rebuts a moving Washington Post story about a dying man who give his Catholic wife the go-signal to marry another man. The wife in return pledges to take care of the husband until his eventual death. The Post article played on people's heartstrings, evoking the essence of the marital vows. But the good monsignor says the story does in fact demonstrate the exact anti-thesis of what that vow truly means.

We also explore the sad end of King Solomon. He was Israel’s third King, known as Jedidiah (beloved of the Lord). His forty year reign was an age of prosperity and national unity. But in the end, his reign ended disastrously, he began to oppress the people, multiplied wives and introduced pagan worship. He died smothered in wealth, sex and power. A man whose heart turned from God. There is a moral lesson for us all to be learned from this.

And Carlos Urbina explores "The Domestic Church" - the Catholic home. The Father is the head, the Mother is the beloved spouse, and the children are brought up learning to love and serve the Blessed Trinity. The true head of the Catholic home is Christ. He offers "7 Steps to a Proper Catholic Home."

And this week Paul Dion, STL comes back to grace us with "Sola Sciptura - Through the Bible Alone." Many of you will recognize a lot of the common expressions he lists. The challenge that hurls at us is to match the expression of everyday English with the Scripture source that gave it to us in the first place. He takes us on a great bible discovery tour.

Winners, Forks, Movies and Downsizing

Winners are planners. Bo Sanchez is sure of it. He says failures don’t plan to fail; they just fail to plan. Think about it, he challenges us. Have you ever met anyone who planned to fail? It's another winning article from this very inspiring evangelist.

Meanwhile, we ran across this story circling the internet about a terminally ill young woman who had three months to live. So, as she was getting her things "in order", she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes."This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." You have to read this. It will change the way you look at life.

From Hollywood, a recenlt released new study done over a decade surprised many entertainment insiders. Wanna make money in Hollywood? Release patriotic movies that promote conservative values and do not denigrate Christianity. Conservative movies make more money than liberal movies. That's a pleasant surprise.

And finally, what if the server at your favorite fast food joint asked if you wanted to downsize instead of supersizing your order? That’s a strategy that might make some patrons happier – and a lot thinner, a new study suggests. When people were asked if they wanted to downsize portions of their side dishes at a fast food restaurant, as many as a third opted for the smaller – and thus lower calorie - option. Would 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


BURNING QUESTION: Can we who are sinful be part of Jesus’ mission?
FEATURED BLOG: Are Some Masses Better than Others?
PASTORAL HISPANA: Jesus Tiene Compasion del Leproso


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