Become What You Receive

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Become What You Receive”

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Year B

(Corpus Christi)

“Behold what you are, become what you receive!” These words of wisdom from St. Augustine are intended to help us thoughtfully receive Holy Eucharist. They have been used to help us understand this central mystery of our faith from as far back as the middle of the fourth century. It is a daunting command. It causes us to think about the Sacrament we are receiving. “Become Christ-like!” Isn’t that what being a disciple of Christ is all about? 

Our Catholic Faith puts the Eucharist at the center of our faith. It is, according to our teaching, “the source and summit of our faith.” This is made evident in the Feast we celebrate today, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ also referred to as The Feast of Corpus Christi.

We are a sacramental people. Our spiritual well-being depends upon our participation in the sacramental life of the church and the grace that is derived from those sacraments. The image of Jesus gathering his disciples into a table fellowship is pure genius. We come to the table when we are hungry, when we need to be nourished. This is the reality of our human existence. Jesus takes the ordinary and gives it an extraordinary meaning by calling us to the table to be spiritually nourished, to have our spiritual hunger satisfied and to be united to him in a communion of hearts and desires….

Our unique Catholic understanding of the Eucharist is that it is fully the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The mode of Christ's presence under the Eucharistic species is unique. It raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as "the perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all the sacraments tend." In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist "the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained." "This presence is called 'real' - by which is not intended to exclude the other types of presence as if they could not be 'real' too, but because it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present." CCC 1374

When we receive Holy Communion worthily, we truly become one with Christ. It is a very special moment, a time for us to reflect on Christ dwelling within us, for us to be in awe that the maker of heaven and earth would come and abide in us. Even more amazing is the fact that this is his plan, not ours!

Yes, “we are what we eat,” nutritionist tells us. The challenge we face as Catholics is to follow the instructions of St. Augustine and to “behold what we are and to become what we receive,” members of the one body of Christ who has become for us our spiritual food, the Bread of Life.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

Image from Flickr.com

Chosen, Blessed, and Sent

Deacon Tom Writes,

“Chosen, Blessed, and Sent”

 

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Year B

Several words from today’s reading become a treasure trove for our further reflection throughout the day or Lexio Divina as it known. They are: chosen, blessed, and sent. In the first reading Moses does the Lord’s bidding asking the people if they have ever known of a time or a people who have ever experienced or heard the voice of God. Were they aware of any god who had taken a people to Himself or saved them from their enemies with strong hands and outstretched arms? Not likely. The people to whom Moses speaks today are the people chosen by God. God chose His people so that He could be in relationship with them and they could be in relationship with Him. The condition: the people must choose the Lord too, by keeping the statutes and commandments that He sets out to insure that the relationship between God and His people is mutually beneficial, balanced, and productive. We are God’s chosen ones!

Those chosen by God and who live by the rules He laid out are blessed. That is the message we hear in the Psalm. God’s chosen ones are blessed with the knowledge and trust in God and in His ways. While the road may not be easy and challenges many, God’s chosen ones will persevere and never face their difficulties alone.

The reading from the Letter to the Romans goes beyond our sense of being chosen and blessed to say that those who are called by God take on the remarkable status of “sons of God” who receive a spirit of adoption so as to call God, “Abba, Father”. And, there is a rich inheritance that goes along with being adopted by the Father. We are so blessed to have been chosen as Children of God who stand to inherit eternal life if we remain faithful to our calling and our blessedness.

And finally, aware that we have been chosen and blessed, how can we not be animated to share our story with others. We too have been sent to spread the good news to others so they can enjoy the abundant riches we have received from the one who has chosen, blessed, and sent us to spread the good news of God’s love, mercy, and compassion.  

Remember, we are all chosen, blessed, and sent. Have a great trip!

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

Since the Beginning of Time

Deacon Tom Writes,

Since the Beginning of Time

The Feast of Pentecost, Year B

Mass During the Day

Christ’s gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples that we celebrate in today’s Feast of Pentecost completes Christ’s Pascal Mystery. The Trinity is completely revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus’ ascension into heaven signals the beginning of the time of the Church. With Pentecost we celebrate the dawning of a new era as the Church is born and receives the Holy Spirit to guide and testify to all truth as Jesus had taught during His ministry.

The Holy Spirit began His mission within the church on that first Pentecost, but it is not as if the Spirit of God has been sitting on the sidelines with nothing to do up until then. Since the beginning of time the Holy Spirit has been busy at work in our world. Here are some of the accomplishments of the Holy Spirit:

In the opening words of the Book of Genesis we find a “Mighty Wind, that is, the Holy Spirit, sweeping over the formless wasteland, bringing order out of chaos, generating the creative process that formed the universe and filled our world with life.

In Genesis 1:26 the Spirit gives life to the dust from which we are all made and shares his very divine image with us as is written, “ Let us make man in our image and likeness”.

In the Book of Wisdom the Holy Spirit is personified as wisdom itself. In Wisdom 9:9 we read, “ Now with you is Wisdom, who knows your works and was present when you made the world; Who understands what is pleasing in your eyes and what is conformable with your commands”. Verse 11continues… “For she (Wisdom) knows and understands all things, and will guide me discreetly in my affairs and safeguard me by her glory”.

The Holy Spirit is the Wisdom of God that is evident in all creation. We know from all of our teachings that God is faithful to His promises, and He has promised to send His Spirit to all who ask Him to do so. And so, we wait for the Holy Spirit to continue the work Jesus told us the Spirit of God would do when he arrives...  "But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming" (John 16:13).  And so, on this Pentecost, at this time when people around our world are in such dire straits and in such need of God's Truth, it is fitting to raise our minds and hearts and voices to invite the Holy Spirit into our lives to guide and protect us and to give us, and those who rule over us, the Wisdom of God by praying:

Come Holy Spirit,

Fill the Hearts of your faithful

And kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit

And they shall be created

And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit

Did instruct the hearts of the faithful,

Grant that by the same Holy Spirit

We may be made truly wise

And rejoice in His consolation

Through Christ, Our Lord,

Amen

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

Image Credit: 26120210_hand_holding_earth: elements-furnished-by-nasa_ on_123rf_com

Go Make Disciples - Sharing In Christ's Joy

This weekend’s liturgy is quite unique. Most dioceses in the U.S. have transferred the Feast of the Ascension to this weekend. Other dioceses, mostly in Northeast will celebrate the Liturgy for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, having celebrated Ascension Thursday several days ago. To accommodate readers in both areas, I have prepared a reflection on the readings for each of these liturgies beginning with the Ascension of the Lord followed by one for the Seventh Sunday of Easter. I hope you find them spiritually nourishing. 

Deacon Tom Writes

Go, Make Disciples

The Ascension of the Lord, Year B

It’s hard to believe that three months ago we were beginning the Lent. Now, as the Easter season draws to a close, this may be a good time to reflect on where our spiritual journey has taken us.

           

Were we able to hear God’s voice in the midst of our trials and struggles we encountered on our journey through the day-to-day events of our lives? Were we able to gain a new insight about God’s incredible love for us during this Easter Season; perhaps we have a better sense of what he is calling us to do as we emerge into Ordinary Tine. How successful were we in changing some of those habits and behaviors we needed to change about ourselves - our judging and criticizing others, our negative thinking, our inertia for self- reflection and sense of superiority, and our gossip?

Three months is not a long time when you think about it, especially if we are trying to measure such things as spiritual growth…. It just not a lot of time.

I suspect that three years isn’t a lot of time either, to make much progress in the spiritual realm. And yet, that’s, at most, all the time that the apostles’ had to grasp Jesus’ new way of thinking and His new emphasis on of loving, forgiving, and serving one another, friend and foe alike. The disciples really were, when you think about it, on the fast track. Once Jesus was gone, that was it. It was all up to them to spread Jesus’ teachings throughout the world.

Imagine if you were the one whom Jesus told to, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” What would you do? How would you begin?

Well, guess what? You and I, yes, we are the ones Jesus is telling to go into the world and proclaim the Good News. In his Apostolic Exhortation on Evangelization in the Modern World[1], (or as they say in Rome, Evangelii Nuntiandi- December 8, 1975 – the feast of the Immaculate Conception), Pope Paul VI wrote:

“Those who sincerely accept the Good News, through the power of this acceptance and of shared faith therefore gather together in Jesus' name in order to seek together the kingdom, build it up and live it. They make up a community which is in its turn evangelizing. The command to the Twelve to go out and proclaim the Good News is also valid for all Christians, though in a different way…. Moreover, the Good News of the kingdom which is coming and which has begun is meant for all people of all times. Those who have received the Good News and who have been gathered by it into the community of salvation can and must communicate and spread it.”

My brothers and sisters, there is a saying that goes, “Faith isn’t taught, it’s caught.” Jesus’ work of salvation has been accomplished. What remains is our participation in that work that calls us to spread the Good News, to be living witnesses of the faith that we profess, to do as St. Francis was fond of telling his followers…. “Go out and preach the gospel, and when necessary, use words.”

Happy Mothers’ Day!!!

Deacon Tom

Photo Credit: www.123rf.com/photo_31942799_ascension-of-christ

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[1] Evangelii Nuntiandi, 13

Deacon Tom Writes,

Sharing In Christ’s Joy

Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year B

We read in today’s gospel that Jesus wants to share His joy with us “Completely.” The joy that He wants to share with us has its source in the words the Father gave Him. But living those words, Jesus tells us, puts us at odds with the world, “I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world.” Jesus leaves little doubt about where our loyalties lie for His disciples.

It is natural for us to want to have as much joy in this life as we can get. How we find that “joy” is the essence of our spiritual journey. How often we confuse happiness with joy! Happiness depends upon our circumstances and the events that happen to us. I am happy when something good happens to me such as making a new friend, winning the lottery, or getting that new car or job, just as I may be sad when I have a reversal of good fortune. Happiness doesn’t last. We always need something else each tomorrow to renew our happiness. If we don’t find that special something new to enthrall us, very often we end up down in the dumps. Here in America it seems that happiness is available for a price. At least that’s what Madison Avenue would have us believe. Isn’t that the message that advertisers are selling…You will be happy if you drive this kind of car, or if you wear this suit or go on this vacation…if you buy this or that?

Joy is something else completely. It is an interior state of being. Being joyful has nothing to do with my circumstances or what is happening in my life. Joy has REAL staying power. As a matter of fact, one can be full of joy while experiencing extreme hardships in life. The Perfect Joy of St. Francis was in serving God completely by renouncing all but the necessities of life. Most of us wouldn’t find the joy in that! I have encounter people with true joy in soup kitchens, lying in a hospice bed, mourning the loss of a loved one…The Anawim, God’s lowly, disenfranchised, poor, humble people who had nothing of this world’s treasures or comforts seemed to have found the secret to the perfect joy Christ intends for his disciples. Their joy rests completely in the awareness that God loves them.

Today we are invited to share Christ’s joy completely by listening to the “Word” and letting it take root in our hearts, elevating our love and service to one another. Let us grow deeper in our relationship with Christ so we can choose to live in that complete joy that only He can give and which lasts forever over the happiness of the world that never satisfies and always leaves us wanting for more.

Happy Mothers’ Day!

Deacon Tom

Image Credit: www.123rf.com/photo_38788883_joy-written-in-the-sand

The Eleventh Commandment?

Deacon Tom Writes,

“The 11^th Commandment?”

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B

If you ask any of our Religious Education students what commandment Jesus quotes in today’s gospel when He says, “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you”, I am sure there would be some very interesting answers. I’m willing to bet that would also be the case if you asked their parents‼! 

There are times during Jesus ministry when He seems very comfortable formulating His own commandments. Could it be that He thought His Father got it wrong, or perhaps Moses made a mistake when he chiseled them down on the stone tablets when he received them from God on Mount Sinai? Remember when Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment and He came back with, “You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with all your mind”… then He added, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (MT 22:37). What’s up? Weren’t Ten Commandments enough? Is He adding another commandment for us to obey?

The marketing experts on Madison Avenue have an expression I think is applicable here. They say, “It’s all about the spin.” When they advise a company about bringing a product to market, they will tell them to present it in the best light possible. Jesus uses that technique at times also. Jesus knows the prescriptions of the law. He told the Pharisees that He came “…not to abolish the laws, but to fulfill them” (MT 5:17).

 

Jesus isn’t giving us any new commandments but rather putting a positive spin on the original ones. Jesus’ emphasis is love. By calling us to a spirit of love, He is making it easier for us to obey all the commandments that God gave us. And this is how it works: if you love God, you will honor Him and you will want to worship Him and be united with Him in a deeper personal and intimate way... which is accomplished by spending time with Him in prayer. If you love your parents, you will honor and respect them as they should be respected and honored. If you love your neighbor, you will not cheat him, steal from her, gossip about them, kill them, or wish them ill will. You will not objectify people and exploit them for you own purpose.

Jesus gives us a new vision, a new understanding of the “Old” law, the commandments. Love makes it easier to do what is right and avoid doing what is wrong. Jesus is a genius at simplicity. Where there were Ten Commandments, He sees that only one is necessary, the one we hear today: “Love one another……as I have loved you.”

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom