Wine drunk to excess leads to bitterness of spirit (Sirach 31:29)

Lent: Abstaining from Alcohol

Do not try to prove your strength by wine-drinking,
for wine has destroyed many.

Wine drunk to excess leads to bitterness of spirit,
to quarrels and stumbling.

Drunkenness increases the anger of a fool to his own hurt,
reducing his strength and adding wounds.

~Sirach 31:25,29-30 (NRSV)

India: A priest along with 1,500 parishioners charged with attempted murder

A Goa parish priest and more than 1,500 parishioners have been charged with attempted murder after six policemen were attacked and injured on Saturday night.

Enraged parishioners attacked the policemen after they turned up at around 9pm at St Francis Xavier Church in Velim to talk to Father Romano Gonsalves.

The crowd thought the policemen had come to try and intimidate the parish priest who was raided recently by income-tax and police officials.

Fr Gonsalves tried to shield the policemen in his bedroom but the parishioners dragged them out and beat them up.

"The attack was unprovoked. The unarmed policemen had gone there officially to conduct a pre-poll assessment," Superintendent of Police Atmaram Deshpande said.

The priest said the policemen had come to his church, around 50km south of the state capital Panaji, to inquire whether the parishioners would be boycotting upcoming elections.

The earlier raid had sparked a public outcry and parishioners had demanded an apology, threatening to boycott assembly polls on March 3 if they did not get one.

"I told them I could only speak for myself," the priest said.

Thinking the priest was in trouble, church workers rang the bell, which attracted a crowd attending an election rally, the priest said.

Senior Congress leader Shantaram Naik criticized the police for the way they handled the situation.

"They had no business to go there at night," he said.

Forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues, who is contesting the seat, also condemned the police.

They had acted in bad faith and committed gross violations, all the more worse since a tense situation was sorting itself out and it being so close to polling day, he said.

Prayer Wednesday First Week of Lent

Wednesday First Week of Lent

Prayer:

Lord, look upon us
and hear the prayers we offer you
Inspire the work we do and
the words we say.
Help us to work with you
to make this world alive with your Spirit,
and to build on earth a city of justice, love and peace.

We make our prayer
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Amen

The Longest Laugh

The joyful smiles on the newly-elected Cardinal, Archbishop of New York Timothy Michael Dolan, seen in pic 1 along with other newly installed Cardinals. Pic 2 with his mum. Pic 3 on Ash Wednesday.

I can't figure what's so funny  Nah, just kidding! The smiles come from holding a position so grand!

Prayer Tuesday First Week of Lent

Tuesday First Week of Lent

Prayer:

Lord, look with favour
on our Lenten observance,
and while we subdue our bodies
by self-denial, renew our spirit
with the grace that prompts us to good works.
And help us to grow in our desire for you.

We make our prayer
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Amen

Finding It Hard To Forgive?

"If a man finds it very hard to forgive injuries,
let him look at a Crucifix,
and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him,
and not only forgave His enemies,
but even prayed His Heavenly Father to forgive them also.
Let him remember that when he says the Pater Noster,
every day,
instead of asking pardon for his sins,
he is calling down vengeance on himself."

--Saint Philip Neri

Cease to do evil (Isaiah 1:16)

Lent : Listen to what the Lord God says,

"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean.
Take your wrong-doing out of my sight.
Cease to do evil.
Learn to do good, search for justice, help the oppressed, be just to the orphan, plead for the widow.
Come now, let us talk this over, says the Lord.
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

Isaiah 1:16-18

The Lord Has Given Us A Pattern Of Prayer

He has given us life: he has also taught us how to pray

Dear brothers, the commands of the Gospel are nothing else than God’s lessons, the foundations on which to build up hope, the supports for strengthening faith, the food that nourishes the heart. They are the rudder for keeping us on the right course, the protection that keeps our salvation secure. As they instruct the receptive minds of believers on earth, they lead safely to the kingdom of heaven.

God willed that many things should be said by the prophets, his servants, and listened to by his people. How much greater are the things spoken by the Son. These are now witnessed to by the very Word of God who spoke through the prophets. The Word of God does not now command us to prepare the way for his coming: he comes in person and opens up the way for us and directs us toward it. Before, we wandered in the darkness of death, aimlessly and blindly. Now we are enlightened by the light of grace, and are to keep to the highway of life, with the Lord to precede and direct us.

The Lord has given us many counsels and commandments to help us toward salvation. He has even given us a pattern of prayer, instructing us on how we are to pray. He has given us life, and with his accustomed generosity, he has also taught us how to pray. He has made it easy for us to be heard as we pray to the Father in the words taught us by the Son.

He had already foretold that the hour was coming when true worshippers would worship the Father in spirit and in truth. He fulfilled what he had promised before, so that we who have received the spirit and the truth through the holiness he has given us may worship in truth and in the spirit through the prayer he has taught.

What prayer could be more a prayer in the spirit than the one given us by Christ, by whom the Holy Spirit was sent upon us? What prayer could be more a prayer in the truth than the one spoken by the lips of the Son, who is truth himself? It follows that to pray in any other way than the Son has taught us is not only the result of ignorance but of sin. He himself has commanded it, and has said: You reject the command of God, to set up your own tradition.

So, my brothers, let us pray as God our master has taught us. To ask the Father in words his Son has given us, to let him hear the prayer of Christ ringing in his ears, is to make our prayer one of friendship, a family prayer. Let the Father recognise the words of his Son. Let the Son who lives in our hearts be also on our lips. We have him as an advocate for sinners before the Father; when we ask forgiveness for our sins, let us use the words given by our advocate. He tells us: Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. What more effective prayer could we then make in the name of Christ than in the words of his own prayer?

~From a treatise on the Lord's Prayer by Saint Cyprian

Whatsoever you do

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers;
That you do unto me.

When I was hungry, you gave me to eat;
When I was thirsty, you gave me to drink.
Now enter into the home of My Father.

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers;
That you do unto me.

When I was homeless, you opened your door;
When I was naked, you gave me your coat.
Now enter into the home of My Father.

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers;
That you do unto me.

When I was weary, you helped me find rest.
When I was anxious, you calmed all my fears.
Now enter into the home of My Father.

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers
That you do unto me.

Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:34)

"Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)

Lord Jesus, your humility amazes me! Rather than coming to us in overwhelming displays of power and might, you chose to show us your face in the poor, the sick, and the outcast. Lord, open my eyes to see you there. Help me to recognize your presence in every person in need, so that I can have the privilege of touching your heart, of hearing your voice, and even of feeding your hunger, as I reach out to the poor and the needy.

Lord, help me to see you also in the lonely and abandoned. You bore our sins alone. You died on the cross alone. You had no one to help you when you cried out in pain. And now you come to everyone who feels unwanted, rejected, and misunderstood. You are with them, waiting for companionship, for understanding, for compassion. You cry their tears with them. You look out the window with them, wondering if anyone will come to their aid. Lord, here I am! Let me see you and help you!

Jesus, you promised that whatever we do for the least of your brothers and sisters, we do for you. You promised that whenever we reach out to the poor and needy, to the hungry and imprisoned, to the sick and the dying, we will meet you. Give me a new heart, Lord, so that I can find you there. Give me the courage to step out of my comfort zone so that, taking a risk, I find you as my greatest reward. I don’t want to be satisfied with the status quo. So many people are hurting. There are so many ways I can help. And that means that there are so many more ways I can meet you! O Jesus, change my heart!

Finally, Lord, I know that your promise is not just for “the poor” out there. You promise that every time I am feeling alone or unappreciated, every time I see my own poverty, you are with me, ready to fill me up. Thank you, Lord, for such faithfulness! Thank you for such generosity!

"Jesus, teach me to be generous with all the riches you have given me. Show me how to share them with the poor in my midst, even in my own home. Lord, I want to become like you"

Prayer Monday First Week of Lent

Monday First Week of Lent

Prayer:

O God our Saviour,
turn our hearts back to you,
and fill our minds
with your heavenly teaching,
so that we may be enriched
by our Lenten observance.

We make our prayer
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Amen

The Shroud of Turin exhibition

A facsimile of The Shroud of Turin, authorized by Pope Benedict XVI, is displayed above a statue of Christ's body at the exhibition "The Shroud of Turin" created by sculptor Juan Manuel Minarro at La Encarnacion Cathedral in Malaga, southern Spain February 20, 2012.

The Shroud of Turin is an ancient linen sheet revered by some Christians as the burial cloth that wrapped Christ's body after his crucifixion. The statue of Christ's body is displayed, worldwide for the first time in history, following the guidelines of forensic medicine, according to organizers.

This exhibition will run from February 21 until June 1, 2012.

REUTERS PICTURES

Station of the Cross procession in Cuba

People take part in a Stations of the Cross or "Via-Crucis" procession during preparations for Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming visit to Cuba in March in Havana February 25, 2012.

REUTERS PICTURES

God knows how you feel

When Jesus took my blood pressure, He saw I was low in tenderness.

When He read my temperature, the thermometer registered 40 degrees of anxiety.

He ran an electrocardiogram and found that I needed several “love bypasses” since my arteries were blocked with loneliness and could not provide for an empty heart.

I went to orthopedics, because I could not walk by my brother’s side and I could not hug my friends, since I had fractured myself when tripping with envy.

He also found I was short-sighted, since I could not see beyond the shortcomings of my brothers and sisters.

When I complained about deafness, the diagnostic was that I had stopped listening to Jesus’ voice talking to me on a daily basis.

For all of that, Jesus gave me a free consultation thanks to His mercifulness, so my pledge is to, once I leave this clinic, only take the natural remedies He prescribed through his words of truth:

* Every morning take a full glass of gratitude.
* When getting to work, take one spoon of peace.
* Every hour, take one pill of patience, one cup of brotherhood and one glass of humility.
* When getting home, take one dose of love
* When getting to bed, take two caplets of clear conscience

------------------

Do not give in to sadness or desperation for what you are going through today.

God knows how you feel...

God knows exactly and with perfection what is being allowed to happen to you in your life at this precise moment.

God’s purpose for you is simply perfect.

He wants to show you things that only you can understand by living what you are living, and by being in the place you are now.

May God give you...
* For every storm, a rainbow
* For every tear, a smile,
* For every care, a promise,
* And a blessing in each trial.

*For every problem, life sends a faithful friend to share.
*For every sigh, a sweet song.
*And an answer for each prayer.

Prayer First Sunday of Lent B

First Sunday of Lent B

Prayer:

Lord we pray
that this Lent will help us reproduce in our lives
the self-sacrificing love Christ has for us
deepen our understanding of the passion,
death and resurrection of Christ
and make it a reality in the conduct of our lives.

We make our prayer
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Amen

iPad Magic

This is a real cool video on iPad Magic.

It's in German!!!

But thankfully you don't need to know the language in order to watch the video!

*Fr. Matt says, "You can turn on subtitles too (the CC button) to understand what he's saying."

Another reason why you don't need to learn German to watch the video.

Enjoy and Share

Thanks to Traditional Latin Mass in Maryland for sharing the link.

Lenten Calendar 2012

Click on the image to download and save the file

Family Lent Calendar Explained

February

22 Feb – Take your family to an Ash Wednesday liturgy and wear the cross of ashes all day.
23 Feb – Tape a drawing of a vase on the fridge and label it, “Lent”. Each day draw a flower in the vase and watch Lent blossom.
24 Feb – Share a meatless family meal. Discuss your Lenten offerings to be sure all are doable and sacrificial.
25 Feb – Choose a family Lenten offering, such as giving up desserts, attending daily Mass, or praying a family Rosary regularly.
26 Feb – After Mass today, explain the Gospel and the homily in terms your children can understand.
27 Feb – Contact Catholic Relief Services (877-HELP-CRS, www.catholicrelief.org) to see how you can help any of their ongoing projects.
28 Feb – Invent a new family prayer you can say together each day.
29 Feb – Take stock of how your Lenten fasts are going, and refresh your commitment to them.

March

01 Mar – Before eating your family meal together, ask each person to say a spontaneous prayer.
02 Mar – Pray for the people in the world who can’t afford to have meat as a regular part of their diets.
03 Mar – Turn off the Television, unplug the computers, and take the phone off the hook for half an hour to pray the family Rosary.
04 Mar – Before Mass today, pick a saint represented in one of the statues in your church and find out more about him or her during the lent.
05 Mar – Collect stuffed animals or soft pillows in good condition and bring them to a local nursing home. Older folks love soft things to hug.
06 Mar – Ask each person to share a game, toy or treat with someone else in your home.
07 Mar – Plan how each of you can show kindness or compassion to someone else tomorrow.
08 Mar – Think of someone you don’t like and say three nice things about him or her.
09 Mar – Figure out how much your family saved by not eating meat today, and put that money in the poor box at church.
10 Mar – At bedtime, say “Let’s turn our hearts to God and think of Him.” Sit in silence for a few minutes.
11 Mar – Light a candle in Church today for someone who passed away or who needs special help.
12 Mar – Ask each family member to write a letter to Jesus thanking Him for his sacrifice on The Cross.
13 Mar – Make cookies and bring them to a nearby nursing home.
14 Mar – Encourage each family member to perform an examination of conscience.
15 Mar – Place a crucifix or picture of Jesus in a central place to keep the focus on Him.
16 Mar – Whenever someone does a good deed, put a jelly bean in a jar. Share the jelly beans at Easter!
17 Mar – Ask each person to make a sacrificial offering, such as doing an extra chore without being asked.
18 Mar – Laetare Sunday – Have a special meal at home or a restaurant to celebrate the half-way point through Lent.
19 Mar – Pick a friend or neighbor and perform an anonymous good deed for him or her.
20 Mar – Encourage all family members to refrain from bickering today.
21 Mar – Say a short prayer before each cross or crucifix in your home.
22 Mar – Make up a box for a needy family or homeless shelter. Put canned goods, clothing, toiletries and gently used toys in it.
23 Mar – Serve pretzels as a remainder that Catholics used to fast from milk, butter, eggs, cheese, cream and meat.
24 Mar – Make simple crosses out of construction paper. Write on them, “He died for me”, and post them around your home.
25 Mar – After Mass, light a candle, and recite the Apostle’s Creed as an affirmation of faith.
26 Mar – Pray for the victims of the earthquake still suffering in Haiti.
27 Mar – Send a card to someone who might need cheering today.
28 Mar – Give up a favorite toy or treat just for today.
29 Mar – Visit someone who is sick and can’t leave home.
30 Mar – Place any final donations in the box you set up. Make a family trip to deliver it to its destination.
31 Mar – Go to Confession or attend a Reconciliation service. Then go out afterwards to celebrate forgiveness.

April

01 Apr – Have a Palm Sunday procession around the house and take turns playing Jesus.
02 Apr – Take a walk outside and look for signs of new life.
03 Apr – Forgive someone who hurt you today.
04 Apr – Get up 15 minutes earlier than usual today and pray as a family.
05 Apr – Wash and dry each other’s feet in commemoration of Jesus washing the feet of His Apostles.
06 Apr – Pray the Stations of the Cross today, and mediate on each one.
07 Apr – Dress a doll in a white garment and talk about the Baptismal vows we renew each year.

Calendar Symbols

The solid fish icon = A day of fasting and abstinence from meat
The plain fish icon = A day of abstinence from meat

Prayer Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

All-powerful and ever-living God,
look with compassion on our frailty,
and for our protection
stretch out to us your strong right hand
to save when we stumble on this journey.

We make our prayer
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Amen

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

"Human beings are strange animals. The less attention they pay to their own sins, the more they are driven to examine the sins of others." This saying was true during the days of Jesus as today's Gospel reading confirms by the actions of the Pharisees. But this fact is evident even in today"s world. Are we not like the twenty-first century Pharisees, minding other people's business? Don’t we look at faults and failings of others, over-looking our own? How many times have we joined the crowds that point out sins of others, failing to see our own grievous ones?

During this Lent it would be beneficial if we look deeper into our inner selves and see how deeply rooted is the Pharisaical way of life that has gripped us. The Pharisees hated the sinners, but Christ loved them dearly. Jesus came into this world to save sinners, as today’s Gospel tells us, "I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32). Out of love Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. Are we Christ-like loving the sinner and hating the sin? Or are we like the Pharisees hating the sinner instead of the sin?

Today's Gospel speaks of two things firstly the call of Levi the tax collector, and secondly his response to the call. Levi was probably despised and scorned by the Jews for he worked on the side of the Romans. Though everyone might have seen him as a corrupt tax collector, Jesus saw him as a potential disciple. Levi leaped forward in faith, for when the Lord called him, he "left everything and got up and followed" Christ. Leaving everything meant, getting rid of the old self; the lies, the cheating, the pleasures and everything that doesn’t fit in the new life Christ has to offer. Notice what scripture says, "Leaving everything he got up and followed him (Jesus)." It means you've got to rid yourself of attachments, then make a decision to change and follow your decision. When Levi found the Messiah, he was so excited that he held a "great" banquet for the Lord inviting his friends to meet Jesus. Can we say the same about ourselves when we encounter Jesus, whether through the sacraments or through different persons. Do we celebrate our relationship with the Lord?

Always remember whether you're a saint or sinner, as long as there is room for improvement and work in the kingdom, Jesus will send out invitations. The point is how quickly we leave our old ways behind to answer the call.


"Lord Jesus, help me give up my former ways and habits that don't fit in your perfect plan. I pray Lord, to be able to hear your voice and follow you more closely."

Prayer Friday after Ash Wednesday

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Prayer:

Lord, give us the grace,
to continue the works of penitence which we have begun;
so that the Lenten observance we have taken upon ourselves
may be accomplished with love and sincerity of heart.

We make our prayer
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Amen

We Should Remember God And Long For God

Prayer is the light of the soul

The highest good is prayer and conversation with God, because it means that we are in God's company and in union with him. When light enters our bodily eyes our eyesight is sharpened; when a soul is intent on God, God's inextinguishable light shines into it and makes it bright and clear. I am talking, of course, of prayer that comes from the heart and not from routine: not the prayer that is assigned to particular days or particular moments in time, but the prayer that happens continuously by day and by night.

Indeed the soul should not only turn to God at times of explicit prayer. Whatever we are engaged in, whether it is care for the poor, or some other duty, or some act of generosity, we should remember God and long for God. The love of God will be as salt is to food, making our actions into a perfect dish to set before the Lord of all things. Then it is right that we should receive the fruits of our labours, overflowing onto us through all eternity, if we have been offering them to him throughout our lives.

Prayer is the light of the soul, true knowledge of God, a mediator between God and men. Prayer lifts the soul into the heavens where it hugs God in an indescribable embrace. The soul seeks the milk of God like a baby crying for the breast. It fulfils its own vows and receives in exchange gifts better than anything that can be seen or imagined.

Prayer is a go-between linking us to God. It gives joy to the soul and calms its emotions. I warn you, though: do not imagine that prayer is simply words. Prayer is the desire for God, an indescribable devotion, not given by man but brought about by God’s grace. As St Paul says: For when we cannot choose words in order to pray properly, the Spirit himself intercedes on our behalf in a way that could never be put into words.

If God gives to someone the gift of such prayer, it is a gift of imperishable riches, a heavenly food that satisfies the spirit. Whoever tastes that food catches fire and his soul burns for ever with desire for the Lord.

To begin on this path, start by adorning your house with modesty and humility. Make it shine brightly with the light of justice. Decorate it with the gold leaf of good works, with the jewels of faithfulness and greatness of heart. Finally, to make the house perfect, raise a gable above it all, a gable of prayer. Thus you will have prepared a pure and sparkling house for the Lord. Receive the Lord into this royal and splendid dwelling — in other words: receive, by his grace, his image into the temple of your soul.

~Pseudo-Chrysostom

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Our stay on earth is temporary. Every day spent here is a day closer to eternity than yesterday. The choices we make determine where we will be spending our eternity. In today's first reading we are offered life and death, the choice is ours. If we choose to obey God and follow his ways, keeping his commandments and clinging on to him we will merit Paradise. If not we will be up-in-smoke! Happy indeed is the one who follows the right path, who trusts in the Lord and stays away from wickedness (Psalm 1:1). How do we choose the right path? By walking the in the footsteps of Jesus who is the only way.

In today's Gospel passage Christ says, "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross everyday and follow me." To follow means to move in one direction. Christ headed for Calvary. No turning back. This doesn't seem to be the scenario with us. Most of us if not all, are facing two directions. One is moving with Christ, the other is away from him, similar to Lot's wife running in one direction but facing another. Looking back, Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 4:26) whereas when we turn back we are in a period of halt, and if we halt too long we forget where we are headed. Our minds and hearts are divided and we hesitate in following him. So between Jesus and the selfish me what shall my answer be?

The choice is left to us. Christ hasn’t forced us to follow him, it's free will. All he does is call us and then waits patiently till we answer it. To follow that call is to renounce worldly attachments, pleasures, addictions and prestige. It doesn’t mean that we have to give up comforts, it means accepting life with all its trials and sufferings. It means accepting disappointments, sickness, irritations and days without sunshine or laughter. No two days are alike, for each day has new trials hence we have to take up our cross daily; it's not a onetime affair but a daily commitment. The Cross was, and still is, a one-way ticket to heaven. If we want to follow the Lord and find freedom, there's no turning back! For "if anyone who wants to save his life, will lose it, but if anyone who loses his life for the sake of Christ will save it" (Luke 9:24). The seed must die for the sapling to grow. An egg however good, if not hatched, will rot.

A Christian life cannot be static; it has to be dynamic and active. Following Jesus is an onward march to Jerusalem, towards suffering arising from carrying one's cross till death. Today's Gospel ends with the words, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?" (Luke 9:24) The very same words used by St. Ignatius to convert St. Francis Xavier. Riches, talents and material possessions are temporary satisfactions and unless used for the advancement of the kingdom it won’t bring lasting joy and reward. Jesus left the realms of heaven and came to live among us. He gave it all up for us and offered himself as a sacrificial Lamb so that we could be transformed into his very image and likeness. What is keeping us from being like him? Are we holding on to secret sin? Is there un-forgiveness in our hearts? Do we put on the full armour of God when battling with evil thoughts and desires or do we readily invite them in? Are we carrying past burdens, hurts and guilt? If so leave it behind for it will only add to the weight of our cross.

"Lord Jesus, I place my truckload of un-confessed sins, evil thoughts and desires, envy, jealously and pride at the foot of your cross. I release this burden and willingly accept the cross that you have designed for my shoulders."

Prayer Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Prayer:

Lord, be the beginning and end
of everything we do and say.
Prompt our actions with your grace,
and complete them
with your all-powerful help.
So that we may reach perfection
under your true guidance

We make our prayer
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Amen

The Works Of Mercy Are Innumerable

Purification of spirit through fasting and almsgiving

Dear friends, at every moment the earth is full of the mercy of God, and nature itself is a lesson for all the faithful in the worship of God. The heavens, the sea and all that is in them bear witness to the goodness and omnipotence of their Creator, and the marvellous beauty of the elements as they obey him demands from the intelligent creation a fitting expression of its gratitude.

But with the return of that season marked out in a special way by the mystery of our redemption, and of the days that lead up to the paschal feast, we are summoned more urgently to prepare ourselves by a purification of spirit.

The special note of the paschal feast is this: the whole Church rejoices in the forgiveness of sins. It rejoices in the forgiveness not only of those who are then reborn in holy baptism but also of those who are already numbered among God’s adopted children.

Initially, men are made new by the rebirth of baptism. Yet there still is required a daily renewal to repair the shortcomings of our mortal nature, and whatever degree of progress has been made there is no one who should not be more advanced. All must therefore strive to ensure that on the day of redemption no one may be found in the sins of his former life.

Dear friends, what the Christian should be doing at all times should be done now with greater care and devotion, so that the Lenten fast enjoined by the apostles may be fulfilled, not simply by abstinence from food but above all by the renunciation of sin.

There is no more profitable practice as a companion to holy and spiritual fasting than that of almsgiving. This embraces under the single name of mercy many excellent works of devotion, so that the good intentions of all the faithful may be of equal value, even where their means are not. The love that we owe both God and man is always free from any obstacle that would prevent us from having a good intention. The angels sang: Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. The person who shows love and compassion to those in any kind of affliction is blessed, not only with the virtue of good will but also with the gift of peace.

The works of mercy are innumerable. Their very variety brings this advantage to those who are true Christians, that in the matter of almsgiving not only the rich and affluent but also those of average means and the poor are able to play their part. Those who are unequal in their capacity to give can be equal in the love within their hearts.

~Saint Leo the Great

The Fast, As Taught By Holy Lore

The fast, as taught by holy lore,
We keep in solemn course once more:
The fast to all men known, and bound
In forty days of yearly round.

More sparing therefore let us make
The words we speak, the food we take,
Our sleep and pleasure. Closer barred
Be every sense in holy guard.

Avoid the evil thoughts that roll
Like waters o’er the heedless soul;
Nor let the foe occasion find
Our souls in slavery to bind.

Thy grace have we offended sore,
By sins, O God, which we deplore;
But pour upon us from on high,
O pardoning One, thy clemency.

Remember thou, though frail we be,
That yet thine handiwork are we;
Nor let the honour of thy name
Be by another put to shame.

Forgive the sin that we have wrought;
Increase the good that we have sought;
That we at length, our wanderings o’er,
May please thee here and evermore.

Blest Three in One, and One in Three,
Almighty God, we pray to thee,
That this our fast of forty days
May work our profit and thy praise.

~St. Gregory the Great

Ash Wednesday, the First Day of Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the solemn season of Lent. The Ashes that grace our foreheads were processed from burning the Palms of last year's Palm Sunday. The day, we celebrated, Christ's triumph entry into Jerusalem. It's another reminder that we should detach our triumph and glory and attach ourselves to the Lord. The ashes also symbolize our return to the dust from which we were made.

Death is only a stop-over, the shortest one man can ever know. The death on Good Friday is followed by a resurrected Easter Sunday. We as Christian are destined to live forever. So our job during Lent is to work on and work out a plan to live eternally with the Risen Christ.

In the Gospel we hear Christ speaking about Almsgiving, Fasting and Prayer.

Almsgiving: A good organization to join during Lent is the Almsgiving Anonymous. For, those who haven’t heard about it, let me be the first to tell you. A mother-in-law spotted her daughter-in-law take a hundred dollar bill from her husband's locker and give it to an unknown visitor. When her son returned from work she informed him about this fact. The son told his mother, "I will speak to her about it later." That night he told his wife, "We belong to Almsgiving Anonymous, but my mother does not know about our joint venture. So don't let her see you giving alms in the future. Remember we should not let our left hand know what our right hand does."

Almsgiving Anonymous givers are known to press money into the hands of needy persons. They believe in "being open-handed towards their brothers and sisters and towards the poor and needy in the land" (Deuteronomy 15:11).

Fasting: We have a whole forty days to fast, so let's not be grumpy about it. Jesus tells us, "You are not to look gloomy as the hypocrites do; they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting, they have had their reward" (Matthew 6:16). Let our fast, move us to compassion towards the hungry, the helpless, the hopeless and the homeless. May our Lenten fruits serve the needy, the deserted and the hungry. Fasting or Abstaining from foods is not the only known fast. One could fast from bad thoughts, evil desires, jealously, ego, pride and so on. I suggest find the hardest one that suits you. Let it be a sacrifice to the Lord.

Prayer: "When you pray do not imitate the hypocrites; they love to say their prayers at the street corners for people to see them…they have received their reward" (Matthew 6:5). We ought to have a personal relationship with God the Father, our personal prayers are a barometer of our spiritual strength and an indicator of our spiritual well-being. The way we pray shows our depth of the Christian lives we live. It is simply a deep union with God. A person of prayer is a lover of God. Jesus was a man of prayer, he found quiet time to pray to the Father. He spent forty days in the desert praying. We have forty days lent to us by God, to detach ourselves from worldly addictions and come closer to the Mystical Body of Christ and be grafted into his image.

The first reading has a yearning yet serious call. "Come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning. Let your hearts be broken not your garments torn, turn to the Lord your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready to relent" (Joel 2:12-13). It's time for us to pay heed and allow God to have a deeper union with us. Let us be open to his cleansing and healing. Let us devote more time to him in prayer, scriptural reading and breaking bread together with him at the Eucharist. Sin is a serious disease of the soul, yet there is hope! God stands ready this Lent to forgive us and restore us. May we not delay our conversion but sink deep into our minds the words of St. Paul from the second reading, “now is the time of salvation!” Today, this very season, is a time of grace.


"Heavenly Father, as we enter into this marvellous season of grace lent by you, protect our thoughts, deeds and words. Help us to stay close to your Son Jesus, so that we can triumph with him on Easter."

Prayer Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

Prayer:

Lord, we pray
for the grace to keep Lent faithfully
Support us, Lord, as we begin our Christian warfare,
with this Lenten fast
May we prevail against the spirit of evil
armed with the weapon of self-denial.

We make our prayer
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.

Amen

Come Back To Me

Come back to me with all your heart,
Don't let fear, keep us apart.
Trees do bend, though straight and tall,
So must we to others' call.

Long have I waited for your coming
home to me and living deeply our new life.

The wilderness will lead you
To your heart where I will speak.
Integrity and justice,
With tenderness you shall know.

Long have I waited for your coming
home to me and living deeply our new life.

You shall sleep secure with peace,
Faithfulness will be your joy.

Long have I waited for your coming
home to me and living deeply our new life.


Published by Olivia
Copyright© 2012 All rights reserved

The Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian

O Lord and Master of my life
take from me the spirit of sloth
faint-heartedness,
lust of power
and idle talk.

But give rather the spirit of chastity,
humility,
patience,
and love to thy servant.

Yea, O Lord and King
grant me to see my own errors
and not to judge my brother;
for Thou art blessed unto the ages of ages.

Amen.

Beginning of Lent

Today we enter upon the keeping of Lent, coming round again as it does every year; and every year too I owe you a solemn exhortation, so that the word of God, set before you by my service, may feed your minds as you set about fasting in the body; and in this way the inner self, nourished by its proper food, may undertake the chastisement of the outer, and sustain it all the more stoutly. It goes well with our devotion, after all, that as we are very soon going to celebrate the passion of the crucified Lord, we should also make a cross for ourselves out of the curbing of the pleasures of the flesh, as the apostle says: But those who are Jesus Christ's have crucified their flesh with its passions and lusts (Gal 5:24).

On this cross, indeed, the Christian ought to hang continually throughout the whole of this life, which is spent in the midst of trials and temptations. The time, you see, doesn't come in this life for pulling out the nails, of which it says in the psalm, Let my flesh be transfixed with nails by the fear of you (Ps 119:120). Flesh means the lusts of the flesh; the nails are the commandments of justice; with these the fear of the Lord transfixes those, and crucifies us as a sacrifice acceptable to him. That's why, again, the apostle says, And so I beseech you, brothers, by the compassion of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God (Rom 12:1).

So this cross, on which the servant of God is not only put to confusion, but in fact glorifies in it, saying, But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Gal 6:14); this cross, I repeat, is not just meant for forty days, but for the whole of this life, which is signified by the mystical number of these forty days. This may be because, as several authorities assert, the human being destined to live this live takes shape in the womb in forty days; or else because the four gospels agree with the tenfold law, and four times ten marks up this number, and indicates that in this life we need both parts of scripture; or for any other more probable reason which a better and brighter intelligence can find.

So it is that both Moses and Elijah and the Lord himself all fasted for forty days, to suggest that we are being worked upon in Moses and Elijah and in Christ himself, that is in the law and the prophets and in the gospel itself, to ensure that we aren't conformed to this world and don't cling to it, but that instead we crucify the old self, behaving not in gluttony and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness; but let us put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and take no care for the flesh in its lusts (Rom 13:13-14). Live here like that always, Christian; if you don't want your footsteps to sink in the earthly quagmire, don't come down from this cross.


~Saint Augustine (Sermon 205.1)

Submit Yourselves, Then, To God (James 4:7)

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

Today is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Shrove is the past tense of the verb, to shrive, or to obtain absolution through sacramental confession and an act of penance. It got this name from the tradition of people going to Confession as a way of preparing for Lent.

Shrove Tuesday is also known as Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. It was seen as a final day of festive celebration before beginning a long season of fasting and self-denial. Isn't it ironic that on this day, we are expected both to indulge the flesh one last time … and then go to Confession for our self-indulgence?

Perhaps you might enjoy some of your favourite "fat food" today. It's probably okay to break your diet just this once. But more critically, today is a grace-filled opportunity to ask ourselves: "How can I best use these next forty days to draw closer to Jesus?"

Today's first reading can serve as a guide. We can decide how we are going to "resist the devil," but we can also plan how we are going to "draw near to God" this Lent so that he can draw near to us (James 4:7,8). For in the final analysis, Lent is far less about giving something up and far more about making ourselves more available to God. If all we do is avoid eating sweets or watching too much television— without taking the opportunity to seek out the Lord more deeply we will have missed the primary purpose of this holy season.

So when you draw up your Lenten plan today, be sure to include increased time for prayer and Confession. Make it a point to fast not only from certain kinds of food but also from things like moodiness, anger, and a sharp tongue. This can be a season of deep transformation for all of us if we make a plan to draw near to God.

"Lord, I want to know you more this Lent. Show me how to purify myself and draw closer to you this season."

We Belong To Each Other

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."
~Mother Teresa

Do not let your weakness make you impatient.

Let us rejoice in the joy that follows sadness

You asked me to write you some words of consolation, my brother. Embittered by so many tribulations, you are seeking some comfort for your soul. You asked me to offer you some soothing suggestions.

But there is no need for me to write. Consolation is already within your reach, if your good sense has not been dulled. My son, come to the service of God. Stand in justice and fear. Prepare your soul; it is about to be tested. These words of Scripture show that you are a son of God and, as such, should take possession of your inheritance. What could be clearer than this exhortation?

Where there is justice as well as fear, adversity will surely test the spirit. But it is not the torment of a slave. Rather it is the discipline of a child by its parent.

Even in the midst of his many sufferings, the holy man Job could say: Whip me, crush me, cut me in slices! And he would always add: This at least would bring me relief, yet my persecutor does not spare me.

But for God's chosen ones there is great comfort; the torment lasts but a short time. Then God bends down, cradles the fallen figure, whispers words of consolation. With hope in his heart, man picks himself up and walks again toward the glory of happiness in heaven.

Craftsmen exemplify this same practice. By hammering gold, the smith beats down the dross. The sculptor files metal to reveal a shining vein underneath. The potter’s furnace puts vessels to the test. And the fire of suffering tests the mettle of just men. The apostle James echoes this thought: Think it a great joy, dear brothers and sisters, when you stumble onto the many kinds of trials and tribulations.

When men suffer pain for the evil they have perpetrated in life, they should take some reassurance. They also know that for their good deeds undying rewards await them in the life to come.

Therefore, my brother, scorned as you are by men, lashed as it were by God, do not despair. Do not be depressed. Do not let your weakness make you impatient. Instead, let the serenity of your spirit shine through your face. Let the joy of your mind burst forth. Let words of thanks break from your lips.

The way that God deals with men can only be praised. He lashes them in this life to shield them from the eternal lash in the next. He pins people down now; at a later time he will raise them up. He cuts them before healing; he throws them down to raise them anew.

The Scriptures reassure us: let your understanding strengthen your patience. In serenity look forward to the joy that follows sadness. Hope leads you to that joy and love enkindles your zeal. The well-prepared mind forgets the suffering inflicted from without and glides eagerly to what it has contemplated within itself.

~Saint Peter Damian

Being A Priest Every Day

Two Aspects That Have Helped Me Become The Priest I Am
BY: FR. CEDRIC PISEGNA, CP

I remember seeing a billboard once that showed a graphic portrayal of Jesus suffering on the cross. Underneath was the caption “Be a priest like me.” It was a startling message for vocations.

There’s no doubt that the priesthood requires sacrifice. You must be a man for others. It demands self-denial, discipline, and giving of self. On the day of my ordination, June 29, 1991, my character was indelibly etched by Jesus and changed.

However, the actual realization of who I am as a priest is gradual and lifelong. I like to say, "I was ordained a priest in 1991, but I am becoming a priest every day." I am growing in patience, generosity, and love for others. I am learning to trust in God. Two aspects of my priesthood have especially helped me to become the priest that I am. One is hearing confessions, and the other is sharing my faith with young people. Both have brought me great joy.

Touched by Christ in the Confessional

I have to admit that when I was first ordained, I thought it might be burdensome or strange to hear confessions. Yet through these years, I’ve been surprised at just how powerful the Sacrament of Reconciliation really is. I’ve heard thousands of confessions, and I never cease to be amazed at how Christ touches us in this sacrament.

Many people are nervous when they come to celebrate this sacrament. Once a woman came in, and instead of praying, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned,” she said, “Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts.” I half expected her to break out some food so we could celebrate. Actually, we laughed about her nervous start, and it became a moment of relaxation for her.

The trust people give priests is inspiring. There are no masks in the confessional—people are extremely honest and vulnerable. I see them at their best as well as at their worst. They share their hidden secrets and tell me things they haven’t even shared with their spouses. I try to provide a nonjudgmental, safe place where people can open up fully.

The Twelve-Step Program has a saying: "You are only as sick as your secrets." When people share their innermost secrets and sins with me, I know they are letting the light of God in and moving forward. A process toward freedom begins. Healing occurs. Issues are confronted. Forgiveness and mercy are received. The founder of the Passionists order, St. Paul of the Cross, said he preached in order to get people to come to confession. He knew the power of what could happen one-on-one in that sacrament.

I am surprised not only in what happens in the penitent but also in me. When I hear you share honestly and with complete vulnerability, I find that my heart becomes very soft. As I look into your eyes and listen to your struggles, in some ways you reflect my life, as if I am looking into a mirror. Your wrestling to forgive others, overcome your compulsions, and be sincerely devoted to God confronts me with my own struggles and helps me resolve to try harder and address the same issues in my life. Your honesty is a witness to me. We are not islands unto ourselves but are all part of the same continent. We share a common humanity, and my communion with you is profound as you share.

Reaching Out to Young People

Before I was ordained, I was a youth minister, so I have a special place in my heart for young people. I believe that one of our primary roles as priests is to reach out to our young. As a priest, I have had many opportunities to speak with our youth in large gatherings as well as one-on-one. They are so gifted and energetic. I see such potential and such hunger. I so want them to become all they can be and to discover God's plan for their lives.

I remember the largest Mass I ever attended, the Mass that concluded World Youth Day in Denver in August 1993. We celebrated outdoors at Cherry Creek State Park. Pope John Paul II presided, and I was one of three thousand priests concelebrating. There were people as far as the eye could see. Some estimated the crowd at half to three quarters of a million people. Most of those present were teenagers.

I encountered one young man when I was preaching the "call to the mission" at the well-to-do St. Stephen’s Church in Orlando, Florida. I had just preached my homily about having a personal relationship with Jesus. After Mass a good-looking sixteen-year-old boy with blonde hair approached me. He was adorned with a gold chain around his neck, and he had an urgency about his appeal. He reminded me of the rich young man in the gospels.

"Father," he said, "look around at this building. Beautiful, isn't it?" I looked around at the huge sanctuary and glistening marble floors. "Yes, this is one of the finest churches I've ever been in," I agreed. He continued: "My parents have poured lots of money into the building fund to get this place built. Week after week they make me come to church. I have to admit I don't know the God we worship. I don't know the God for whom this building has been built. But when I heard you talking about knowing God in a personal way, something in me stirred. Can you help me?" "Yes," I said. "Let that hunger you feel in your heart guide you, and you will come to know God. God is real and is calling you to know him in an intimate way."

I see priesthood as an opportunity. It stretches my limits. I am tapping into inner resources and potential I never knew I had. I continue to launch out into the deep "for a catch." When I was ordained, I resolved that I wouldn't just "get by" or "drift." I want to live with passion and impact as many people as I can in as deep a way as possible for Jesus. For me, priesthood is packed with meaning, purpose, and significance. Whether I am preaching, writing, producing, counseling, hearing confessions, or meeting with youth, I am very fulfilled.

I heard a saying years ago that I have adopted as the foundation of my ministry: "Who you are is God's gift to you. Who you become is your gift to God." Priesthood is all about becoming your best and presenting your life to God as a gift. It involves striving to achieve your potential and inviting others to live with passion. Because of this priestly call, I have gone where I never thought I would go, met people who I never would have met, and am becoming someone I never dreamed I could be. That graphic billboard stays in my mind: "Be a priest like me."

Fr. Cedric Pisegna, CP, is a Passionist priest who preaches parish missions across the United States. He has authored thirteen books, including God's Not Boring! for young people. He also produces a television program Live with Passion!, which airs in numerous cities. His Web site is www.frcedric.org.

Article Source

The names of the 22 new cardinals and the diaconate churches assigned to them

With the creation of 22 new cardinals in Saturday's public ordinary consistory, the College of Cardinals now has 213 members of whom 125, being under the age of eighty, are eligible to vote in an eventual conclave for the election of a new Pope.

The non electors, that is cardinals over the age of eighty and ineligible to vote in a conclave, now number 88. Pope Benedict XVI has created eighty-four cardinals in the four consistories of his pontificate.

The current members of the College of Cardinals come from seventy-one States, distributed as follows: Europe 119, North America (U.S.A. and Canada) 21, Latin America 32, Africa 17, Asia 20 and Oceania 4.

The Names of the 22 new Cardinals

-- Italian Archbishop Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, 65.

-- Portuguese Archbishop Manuel Monteiro de Castro, major penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, 73.

-- Spanish Archbishop Santos Abril Castello, archpriest of Basilica of St. Mary Major, 76.

-- Italian Archbishop Antonio Maria Veglio, president Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, 74.

-- Italian Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello, president of the commission governing Vatican City State, 69.

-- Italian Archbishop Francesco Coccopalmerio, president of the Pontifical Council for Interpreting Legislative Texts, 73.

-- Brazilian Archbishop Joao Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, 64.

-- U.S. Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, 72.

-- Italian Archbishop Domenico Calcagno, president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See, 69.

- Italian Archbishop Giuseppe Versaldi, president of Prefecture of the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, 68.

-- Indian Archbishop George Alencherry of Ernakulam-Angamaly, major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, 66.

-- Canadian Archbishop Thomas C. Collins of Toronto, 65.

-- Czech Archbishop Dominik Duka of Prague, 68.

-- Dutch Archbishop Willem J. Eijk of Utrecht, 58.

-- Italian Archbishop Giuseppe Betori of Florence, 64.

-- U.S. Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, 62.

-- German Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki of Berlin, 55.

-- Chinese Bishop John Tong Hon of Hong Kong, 72.

-- Romanian Archbishop Lucian Muresan of Fagaras and Alba Iulia, major archbishop of the Romanian Catholic Church, 80.

-- Belgian Father Julien Ries, expert on history of religions, 91.

-- Maltese Augustinian Father Prosper Grech, biblical scholar, 86.

-- German Jesuit Father Karl Josef Becker, retired professor of dogmatic theology, 83.



The titular or diaconate churches the Pope assigned to them:

Electors

- Cardinal Fernando Filoni, diaconate of Nostra Signora di Coromoto in San Giovanni di Dio.

- Cardinal Manuel Monteiro de Castro, diaconate of San Domenico di Guzman.

- Cardinal Santos Abril y Castello, diaconate of San Ponziano.

- Cardinal Antonio Maria Veglio, diaconate of San Cesareo in Palatio.

- Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, diaconate of Santi Vito, Modesto e Crescenzia.

- Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, diaconate of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami.

- Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, diaconate of Sant’Elena fuori Porta Prenestina.

- Cardinal Edwin Frederick O'Brien, diaconate of San Sebastiano al Palatino.

- Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, diaconate of Annunciazione della Beata Vergine Maria a Via Ardeatina.

- Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, diaconate of Sacro Cuore di Gesu a Castro Pretorio.

- Cardinal George Alencherry, title of San Bernardo alle Terme.

- Cardinal Thomas Christopher Collins, title of San Patrizio.

- Cardinal Dominik Jaroslav Duka, O.P., title of Santi Marcellino e Pietro.

- Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk, title of San Callisto.

- Cardinal Giuseppe Betori, title of San Marcello.

- Cardinal Timothy Michael Dolan, title of Nostra Signora di Guadalupe a Monte Mario.

- Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, title of San Giovanni Maria Vianney.

- Cardinal John Tong Hon, title of Regina Apostolorum.

Non electors:

- Cardinal Lucian Muresan, title of Sant’Atanasio.

- Cardinal Julien Ries, diaconate of Sant’Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia.

- Cardinal Prosper Grech, O.S.A., diaconate of Santa Maria Goretti.

- Cardinal Karl Josef Becker, S.J., diaconate of San Giuliano Martire.

Newly appointed cardinal Edwin Frederick O'Brien

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - Newly appointed cardinal Edwin Frederick O'Brien (L), Archbishop of Baltimore, receives congratulations from Monsignor Georg Gänswein the personal secretary of Pope, during the courtesy visits at the Paul VI Hall on February 18, 2012 in Vatican City, Vatican.

Pope Benedict XVI installed 22 new cardinals during the ceremony, who will be responsible for choosing his successor.

Everything Is Possible For Anyone Who Has Faith (Mark 9:23)

"I do believe, help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)

This story of the healing of an epileptic demoniac is more than a story of a father trying to help his son. It's a story about Jesus calling forth deeper faith.

When Jesus comes down the mountain, a crowd gathers around him, presumably waiting for him to do something spectacular. They had just seen his disciples fail in trying to cast out a demon; would Jesus fail as well? They had to find out if he had finally met his match. There doesn't seem to be a desire for more teaching or greater holiness—just the continuation of a controversy.

And the crowd got their wish. Jesus did indeed cast out the demon and heal the afflicted boy. But this amazing deed of power wasn’t what Jesus was focused on. In fact, the healing episode seems to be a mere afterthought tacked on to the real story—that of the boy’s father and Jesus' words to his disciples.

"I do believe, help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). It is in situations like this that faith is really tested—times when all our comfortable theoriz­ing is challenged, and we are called to trust in God's goodness in the face of a crisis. Without a doubt, this man’s faith deepened dramatically when he saw Jesus deliver his son. But what if the boy did not get healed? That's a good question for us to ask—especially in those times when our prayers for healing or help seem to go unanswered. Can we still trust in Jesus when we see no change in our situation? Is our faith based on whether we get what we want? Or is it based on trust, love, and surrender?"

Never one to miss an oppor­tunity, Jesus also used this situa­tion to teach his disciples that faith is less a matter of performing mir­acles and more a matter of prayer (Mark 9:28-29). He knew that if the disciples were ever going to take his gospel into the world, they had to learn how to stay close to God. The lesson for them applies to us as well. The more proficient we are in prayer, the more fully we can become agents of Jesus’ healing power.

"Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief! I freely invite you into every relationship and situation that is burdening me right now."

That was a very dull and boring sermon, pastor

The new minister stood at the church door greeting the members as they left the Sunday moring service. Most of the people were very generous telling the new minister how much they liked his message, except for one man who said, “That was a very dull and boring sermon, pastor.”

A few minutes later, the same man again appeared in line and said, “I don’t think you did much preparation for your message.”

Once again, the man appeared, this time muttering, “You really blew it. You didn’t have a thing to say, pastor.”

Finally, the minister could stand it no longer. He went to one of the deacons and inquired about the man.

“Oh, don’t let that guy bother you,” said the deacon. “He’s a little slow. All he does is go around repeating whatever he hears other people saying.”

Pope's homily on the Solemnity of the Chair of St. Peter

ORDINARY PUBLIC CONSISTORY
FOR THE CREATION OF NEW CARDINALS
AND FOR THE VOTE ON SEVERAL CAUSES OF CANONIZATION
EUCHARISTIC CONCELEBRATION WITH THE NEW CARDINALS

HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

Vatican Basilica
Sunday, 19 February 2012

Dear Cardinals,
Brother Bishops and Priests,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On this solemnity of the Chair of Saint Peter, we have the joy of gathering around the altar of the Lord together with the new Cardinals whom yesterday I incorporated into the College of Cardinals. It is to them, first of all, that I offer my cordial greetings and I thank Cardinal Fernando Filoni for the gracious words he has addressed to me in the name of all. I extend my greetings to the other Cardinals and all the Bishops present, as well as to the distinguished authorities, ambassadors, priests, religious and all the faithful who have come from different parts of the world for this happy occasion, which is marked by a particular character of universality.

In the second reading that we have just heard, Saint Peter exhorts the “elders” of the Church to be zealous pastors, attentive to the flock of Christ (cf. 1 Pet 5:1-2). These words are addressed in the first instance to you, my dear venerable brothers, who have already shown great merit among the people of God through your wise and generous pastoral ministry in demanding dioceses, or through presiding over the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, or in your service to the Church through study and teaching. The new dignity that has been conferred upon you is intended to show appreciation for the faithful labour you have carried out in the Lord’s vineyard, to honour the communities and nations from which you come and which you represent so worthily in the Church, to invest you with new and more important ecclesial responsibilities and finally to ask of you an additional readiness to be of service to Christ and to the entire Christian community. This readiness to serve the Gospel is firmly founded upon the certitude of faith. We know that God is faithful to his promises and we await in hope the fulfilment of these words of Saint Peter: “And when the chief shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory” (1 Pet 5:4).

Today’s Gospel passage presents Peter, under divine inspiration, expressing his own firm faith in Jesus as the Son of God and the promised Messiah. In response to this transparent profession of faith, which Peter makes in the name of the other Apostles as well, Christ reveals to him the mission he intends to entrust to him, namely that of being the “rock”, the visible foundation on which the entire spiritual edifice of the Church is built (cf. Mt 16:16-19). This new name of “rock” is not a reference to Peter’s personal character, but can be understood only on the basis of a deeper aspect, a mystery: through the office that Jesus confers upon him, Simon Peter will become something that, in terms of “flesh and blood”, he is not. The exegete Joachim Jeremias has shown that in the background, the symbolic language of “holy rock” is present. In this regard, it is helpful to consider a rabbinic text which states: “The Lord said, ‘How can I create the world, when these godless men will rise up in revolt against me?’ But when God saw that Abraham was to be born, he said, ‘Look, I have found a rock on which I can build and establish the world.’ Therefore he called Abraham a rock.” The prophet Isaiah makes reference to this when he calls upon the people to “look to the rock from which you were hewn ... look to Abraham your father” (51:1-2). On account of his faith, Abraham, the father of believers, is seen as the rock that supports creation. Simon, the first to profess faith in Jesus as the Christ and the first witness of the resurrection, now, on the basis of his renewed faith, becomes the rock that is to prevail against the destructive forces of evil.

Dear brothers and sisters, this Gospel episode that has been proclaimed to us finds a further and more eloquent explanation in one of the most famous artistic treasures of this Vatican Basilica: the altar of the Chair. After passing through the magnificent central nave, and continuing past the transepts, the pilgrim arrives in the apse and sees before him an enormous bronze throne that seems to hover in mid air, but in reality is supported by the four statues of great Fathers of the Church from East and West. And above the throne, surrounded by triumphant angels suspended in the air, the glory of the Holy Spirit shines through the oval window. What does this sculptural composition say to us, this product of Bernini’s genius? It represents a vision of the essence of the Church and the place within the Church of the Petrine Magisterium.

The window of the apse opens the Church towards the outside, towards the whole of creation, while the image of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove shows God as the source of light. But there is also another aspect to point out: the Church herself is like a window, the place where God draws near to us, where he comes towards our world. The Church does not exist for her own sake, she is not the point of arrival, but she has to point upwards, beyond herself, to the realms above. The Church is truly herself to the extent that she allows the Other, with a capital “O”, to shine through her – the One from whom she comes and to whom she leads. The Church is the place where God “reaches” us and where we “set off” towards him: she has the task of opening up, beyond itself, a world which tends to become enclosed within itself, the task of bringing to the world the light that comes from above, without which it would be uninhabitable.

The great bronze throne encloses a wooden chair from the ninth century, which was long thought to be Saint Peter’s own chair and was placed above this monumental altar because of its great symbolic value. It expresses the permanent presence of the Apostle in the Magisterium of his successors. Saint Peter’s chair, we could say, is the throne of truth which takes its origin from Christ’s commission after the confession at Caesarea Philippi. The magisterial chair also reminds us of the words spoken to Peter by the Lord during the Last Supper: “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren” (Lk 22:32).

The chair of Peter evokes another memory: the famous expression from Saint Ignatius of Antioch’s letter to the Romans, where he says of the Church of Rome that she “presides in charity” (Salutation, PG 5, 801). In truth, presiding in faith is inseparably linked to presiding in love. Faith without love would no longer be an authentic Christian faith. But the words of Saint Ignatius have another much more concrete implication: the word “charity”, in fact, was also used by the early Church to indicate the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the Sacramentum caritatis Christi, through which Christ continues to draw us all to himself, as he did when raised up on the Cross (cf. Jn 12:32). Therefore, to “preside in charity” is to draw men and women into a eucharistic embrace – the embrace of Christ – which surpasses every barrier and every division, creating communion from all manner of differences. The Petrine ministry is therefore a primacy of love in the eucharistic sense, that is to say solicitude for the universal communion of the Church in Christ. And the Eucharist is the shape and the measure of this communion, a guarantee that it will remain faithful to the criterion of the tradition of the faith.

The great Chair is supported by the Fathers of the Church. The two Eastern masters, Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Athanasius, together with the Latins, Saint Ambrose and Saint Augustine, represent the whole of the tradition, and hence the richness of expression of the true faith of the holy and one Church. This aspect of the altar teaches us that love rests upon faith. Love collapses if man no longer trusts in God and disobeys him. Everything in the Church rests upon faith: the sacraments, the liturgy, evangelization, charity. Likewise the law and the Church’s authority rest upon faith. The Church is not self-regulating, she does not determine her own structure but receives it from the word of God, to which she listens in faith as she seeks to understand it and to live it. Within the ecclesial community, the Fathers of the Church fulfil the function of guaranteeing fidelity to sacred Scripture. They ensure that the Church receives reliable and solid exegesis, capable of forming with the Chair of Peter a stable and consistent whole. The sacred Scriptures, authoritatively interpreted by the Magisterium in the light of the Fathers, shed light upon the Church’s journey through time, providing her with a stable foundation amid the vicissitudes of history.

After considering the various elements of the altar of the Chair, let us take a look at it in its entirety. We see that it is characterized by a twofold movement: ascending and descending. This is the reciprocity between faith and love. The Chair is placed in a prominent position in this place, because this is where Saint Peter’s tomb is located, but this too tends towards the love of God. Indeed, faith is oriented towards love. A selfish faith would be an unreal faith. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ and enters into the dynamic of love that finds its source in the Eucharist, discovers true joy and becomes capable in turn of living according to the logic this gift. True faith is illumined by love and leads towards love, leads on high, just as the altar of the Chair points upwards towards the luminous window, the glory of the Holy Spirit, which constitutes the true focus for the pilgrim’s gaze as he crosses the threshold of the Vatican Basilica. That window is given great prominence by the triumphant angels and the great golden rays, with a sense of overflowing fulness that expresses the richness of communion with God. God is not isolation, but glorious and joyful love, spreading outwards and radiant with light.

Dear brothers and sisters, the gift of this love has been entrusted to us, to every Christian. It is a gift to be passed on to others, through the witness of our lives. This is your task in particular, dear brother Cardinals: to bear witness to the joy of Christ’s love. We now entrust your ecclesial service to the Virgin Mary, who was present among the apostolic community as they gathered in prayer, waiting for the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:14). May she, Mother of the Incarnate Word, protect the Church’s path, support the work of the pastors by her intercession and take under her mantle the entire College of Cardinals. Amen!

Address of Pope Benedict XVI at the creation of new Cardinals

ORDINARY PUBLIC CONSISTORY
FOR THE CREATION OF NEW CARDINALS AND FOR THE VOTE ON SEVERAL CAUSES OF CANONIZATION
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

Vatican Basilica
Saturday, 18 February 2012

«Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam».

Venerable Brothers,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

With these words the entrance hymn has led us into the solemn and evocative ritual of the ordinary public Consistory for the creation of new Cardinals, with the placing of the biretta, the handing over of the ring and the assigning of a titular church. They are the efficacious words with which Jesus constituted Peter as the solid foundation of the Church. On such a foundation the faith represents the qualitative factor: Simon becomes Peter – the Rock – in as much as he professed his faith in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God. In the proclamation of Christ the Church is bound to Peter and Peter is placed in the Church as a rock; although it is Christ himself who builds up the Church, Peter must always be a constitutive element of that upbuilding. He will always be such through faithfulness to his confession made at Caesarea Philippi, in virtue of the affirmation, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”.

The words Jesus addressed to Peter highlight well the ecclesial character of today’s event. The new Cardinals, in receiving the title of a church in this city or of a suburban Diocese, are fully inserted in the Church of Rome led by the Successor of Peter, in order to cooperate closely with him in governing the universal Church. These beloved Brothers, who in a few minutes’ time will enter and become part of the College of Cardinals, will be united with new and stronger bonds not only to the Roman Pontiff but also to the entire community of the faithful spread throughout the world. In carrying out their particular service in support of the Petrine ministry, the new Cardinals will be called to consider and evaluate the events, the problems and the pastoral criteria which concern the mission of the entire Church. In this delicate task, the life and the death of the Prince of the Apostles, who for love of Christ gave himself even unto the ultimate sacrifice, will be an example and a helpful witness of faith for the new Cardinals.

It is with this meaning that the placing of the red biretta is also to be understood. The new Cardinals are entrusted with the service of love: love for God, love for his Church, an absolute and unconditional love for his brothers and sisters, even unto shedding their blood, if necessary, as expressed in the words of placing the biretta and as indicated by the colour of their robes. Furthermore, they are asked to serve the Church with love and vigour, with the transparency and wisdom of teachers, with the energy and strength of shepherds, with the fidelity and courage of martyrs. They are to be eminent servants of the Church that finds in Peter the visible foundation of unity.

In the Gospel we have just heard proclaimed there is offered a model to imitate and to follow. Against the background of the third prediction of the Passion, death and resurrection of the Son of Man, and in profound contrast to it, is placed the scene of the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, who are still pursuing dreams of glory beside Jesus. They ask him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory” (Mk 10:37). The response of Jesus is striking, and he asks an unexpected question: “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?” (Mk 10:38). The allusion is crystal clear: the chalice is that of the Passion, which Jesus accepts as the will of God. Serving God and others, self-giving: this is the logic which authentic faith imparts and develops in our daily lives and which is not the type of power and glory which belongs to this world.

By their request, James and John demonstrate that they do not understand the logic of the life to which Jesus witnesses, that logic which – according to the Master – must characterize the disciple in his spirit and in his actions. The erroneous logic is not the sole preserve of the two sons of Zebedee because, as the evangelist narrates, it also spreads to “the other ten” apostles who “began to be indignant at James and John” (Mk 10:41). They were indignant, because it is not easy to enter into the logic of the Gospel and to let go of power and glory. Saint John Chrysostom affirms that all of the apostles were imperfect, whether it was the two who wished to lift themselves above the other ten, or whether it was the ten who were jealous of them (“Commentary on Matthew”, 65, 4: PG 58, 619-622). Commenting on the parallel passages in the Gospel of Luke, Saint Cyril of Alexandria adds, “The disciples had fallen into human weakness and were discussing among themselves which one would be the leader and superior to the others… This happened and is recounted for our advantage… What happened to the holy Apostles can be understood by us as an incentive to humility” (“Commentary on Luke”, 12, 5, 24: PG 72, 912). This episode gives Jesus a way to address each of the disciples and “to call them to himself”, almost to pull them in, to form them into one indivisible body with him, and to indicate which is the path to real glory, that of God: “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” (Mk 10:42-44).

Dominion and service, egoism and altruism, possession and gift, self-interest and gratuitousness: these profoundly contrasting approaches confront each other in every age and place. There is no doubt about the path chosen by Jesus: he does not merely indicate it with words to the disciples of then and of today, but he lives it in his own flesh. He explains, in fact, “For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45). These words shed light upon today’s public Consistory with a particular intensity. They resound in the depths of the soul and represent an invitation and a reminder, a commission and an encouragement especially for you, dear and venerable Brothers who are about to be enrolled in the College of Cardinals.

According to biblical tradition, the Son of man is the one who receives power and dominion from God (cf. Dan 7:13f). Jesus interprets his mission on earth by combining the figure of the Son of man with that of the suffering Servant, described in Isaiah (cf. 53:1-12). He receives power and the glory only inasmuch as he is “servant”; but he is servant inasmuch as he welcomes within himself the fate of the suffering and the sin of all humanity. His service is realized in total faithfulness and complete responsibility towards mankind. In this way the free acceptance of his violent death becomes the price of freedom for many, it becomes the beginning and the foundation of the redemption of each person and of the entire human race.

Dear Brothers who are to be enrolled in the College of Cardinals, may Christ’s total gift of self on the Cross be for you the foundation, stimulus and strength of a faith operative in charity. May your mission in the Church and the world always be “in Christ” alone, responding to his logic and not that of the world, and may it be illumined by faith and animated by charity which comes to us from the glorious Cross of the Lord. On the ring which I will soon place on your finger, are represented Saints Peter and Paul, and in the middle a star which evokes the Mother of God. Wearing this ring, you are reminded each day to remember the witness which these two Apostles gave to Christ even unto martyrdom here in Rome, their blood making the Church fruitful. The example of the Virgin Mother will always be for you an invitation to follow her who was strong in faith and a humble servant of the Lord.

As I bring these brief reflections to a close, I would like to extend warm greetings and thanks to all present, especially to the official Delegations from various countries and to the various diocesan groups. The new Cardinals, in their service, are called to remain faithful to Christ at all times, letting themselves be guided only by his Gospel. Dear brothers and sisters, pray that their lives will always reflect the Lord Jesus, our sole shepherd and teacher, source of every hope, who points out the path to everyone. And pray also for me, that I may continually offer to the People of God the witness of sound doctrine and guide holy Church with a firm and humble hand.