Welcome to the Word & Life Series. In this series, Fr. John Ludden will take the Sacred Scriptures offered at Mass each Sunday and apply them to our everyday lives. As you read Fr. John’s reflection, open your hearts and minds in new ways to God’s Holy Word. St. Paul says “The Word of God is living effective“. So as we journey together in the Word & Life, let us allow the wisdom of God to transform our relationship and our outlook on life, inspiring us to love one another as He has loved us. You are now invited to reflect on the Word of God which is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Welcome again to the Word & Life!
January 29, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time: Year B
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Mark 1:21-28
Unending Fame
As we enter into the mission and ministry of Jesus, we discover that his purpose is to bring healing and restoration to the world. In today’s encounter, Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out of a man. The man must have been very troubled and felt trapped by the evil that possessed him. Jesus recognizes the imprisoned evil and rescues the man by commanding the unclean spirit, bringing healing and restoration. The unclean spirit recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God and as the One who has authority over him. Jesus’ action prompted those who had observed it to spread the word of his healing power increasing his fame.
The work of the Church continues these saving actions of the Christ. As Christians, we are called to bring peace and tranquility to situations that are troubled and often volatile. When people commit themselves to the restoration and healing of Jesus’ ministry, his fame continues to spread throughout our world today. This is our basic call — to be healers and restorers of the kingdom. In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses reminds his people that the prophets of today rise up among their own people. God calls ordinary people to the task of transformation. God invites us, in the local church, to grapple with the gift of the gospel. The mission and ministry of Jesus Christ does not belong to the magisterium of the Church alone, rather it is handed on to the priesthood of all believers to be made affective in local communities throughout the world.
If we examine our own lives and world, we soon discover that there are troubled individuals in context of family, society and the world. We may not know people who are possessed by unclean spirits, but we may know people who are trapped and held captive by their possessions, unhealthy relationships, addictions, or fears. People’s minds are often consumed with thoughts that prevent us from experiencing God’s peace. Temptation, anger, rage, envy, etc., crowd the mind stealing from the wisdom of Jesus. The wisdom of the world re-write the thought process in regard to what makes someone successful. The task of the Church is to transform the hindrances that separate people from God. Each of us is called to help those who are imprisoned by the negative influences in life. Whenever we spend time with another to talk things out and offer the wisdom of the gospel, we actually bring God’s healing to them. Whenever something is accomplished in the name of Jesus Christ in this way, his fame spreads throughout the world and the fragrance of Jesus’ love can be experienced.
Prayer
We pray: Lord, almighty God, help us to calm our inner souls, so that we may experience the calm of your presence. Help us to radiate your healing to those who are trapped by sin or by fears. Whenever we discover the upheaval of the world of darkness, let your light shine in and through each one of us. May the world come to know you through the words we speak, the decisions we make, and in the very actions that define our lives. We also ask for the grace to further the unending fame of your Son so that others may be transformed by the gift of your love. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- Name what is most important in your life.
- What holds you captive?
- Which voices influence you most in life?
- What are your anxieties?
- How do you allow the wisdom of Jesus to possess your life?
- Do you leave space for Christ in your day to day activities?
- How do you allow Christ to ‘use’ you in your relationships?
- Does God have authority over your life?
- In what ways do you give witness to your faith when confronted by evil/thoughtlessness?
Wisdom of the Fathers
“Dear Jesus,
Help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go.
Flood our souls with your spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly,
that our lives may only be a radiance of yours.
Shine through us,
and be so in us,
that every soul we come in contract with
may feel your presence in our soul.
Let them look up and see no longer us,
but only Jesus!
Stay with us,
and then we shall begin to shine as you shine;
so to shine as to be a light to others;
the light O Jesus, will be all from you,
none of it will be ours;
it will be you, shining on others through us.
Let us thus praise you in the way you love best,
by shining on those around us.
Let us preach you without preaching,
not by words but by example,
by the catching force,
the sympathetic influence of what we do,
the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to you.
Amen.”
— John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801 – 1890)
January 22, 2012
Third Sunday of Ordinary Time: Year B
Jonah 3:15, 10
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20
A Radical Call
In last Sunday’s readings, we learn of God’s call to Samuel and to the early disciples as recorded by John the Evangelist. Today, we hear Jonah’s call to the Ninevites to repent of their evil ways and to redirect their lives toward God. In contrast, we also enter into the world of Mark’s gospel in which we learn of the first call of the disciples. Both Mark’s gospel and the Book of Jonah, demonstrate the urgency in attending to God’s call. The city of Nineveh had fallen to sin. God used the prophetic utterances of Jonah to turn the people back to God. Years later, we find Jesus proclaiming the time of fulfillment and hear his call for repentance. Repentance is a turning away from sin that requires “metanoia”, a change of heart. God calls us to conversion. It is a call that involves a radical change — turning away from sin and engaging the language of God’s heart. We must ask ourselves: What does it mean to belong to God? What is involved in joining his company and being one of His disciples?
The disciples of the gospel did not merely pay lip service in answering the call of Jesus. Instead, we find these ordinary men leaving everything they know to answer the call. In order to follow Jesus, Simon, Andrew, James and John were required to put down their nets and follow the Master. This radical response involved abandoning all that was familiar to them and leaving behind material comforts to embark on a journey into the unknown and accept the challenge to live the Way.
The call of Jesus and Jonah to repentance is still applicable for our world today. When we look around, we find sin is still very much present. The world gives witness to sin, so does the Church, and so do we! We are reminded today that Jesus’ Way constantly calls us to repent and believe in the gospel. We must be converted every day. We must change our hearts of stone and replace them with the heart of Christ. As ordinary people, we are entrusted with an extraordinary task — to live as He lived, love as He loved, forgive as He forgave, and to teach the world by our example. We are called to move beyond lip service and live the gospel. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel; when necessary use words.”
The task of embracing the message of Jesus is far-reaching. Most often it involves going against the tide of popular opinion. Following Jesus requires sacrificing our time and our treasures to promote the message of truth in the midst of deception and half-truths. In order to be called a disciple, we must demonstrate our beliefs through our character, words and actions. Being a true disciple means that we, just like the first disciples, have the courage to leave what is familiar and comfortable to us. True discipleship requires a radical change of heart in which we redirect our lives, orienting ourselves toward God and what he expects of us. Following Christ requires that we choose the “road less traveled” in which we chose to tread the trodden path which Christ journeyed on. It is a road that leads to the destiny of compassion, mercy, hope, and a love that knows no conditions. It is a path that brings us closer together to a worthy end.
Prayer
We pray: Eternal Father, possess us and fill us with the fire of your love. Ignite us with the flame of faith and the burning desire for truth. Let us take the weakness of our sin and transform it through our repentance and belief in the gospel. Help us to become people of the Way, instead of reluctant followers. When we say “Amen” to your Word, let it not simply involve our lips, but engage our souls. May we learn to be converted everyday and be consumed by your love. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to belong to God?
- What is involved in joining his company and being one of His disciples?
- How does your everyday life reflect the faith you profess?
- Name the times you have sacrificed something in order to do what God wanted you to do?
- In what ways do you need to “change your heart”?
- What does it mean to be converted every day?
- Which roads is the Lord opening to you in order that you know Him more deeply?
- Describe your ultimate destiny.
Contemporary Wisdom
The Road Not Taken
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
— (Robert Frost (1874–1963). Mountain Interval. 1920)
January 15, 2012
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Year B
Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8.
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21
A Human Story filled with Divine Consequences
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. Much attention is given to Mary at this sacred time of year because she plays a vital role in the history of redemption and salvation. Mary must have witnessed the redemptive power that Jesus brought to broken situations. The way Jesus forgives the sinner, heals the sick, raises the dead, calms the possessed and loves the poor, are all ways in which God redeems the world. Jesus’ name means, “The one who saves”. Mary is the one who gives life to the Savior of the world. Mother Church, therefore, asks us today to ponder the divine role that Mary plays.
The Church has long contemplated the significance of Mary’s life. If we examine the Scriptures, there are a few icons that give us a glimpse into Mary’s life. The gospels talk about her betrothal to Joseph and record the Annunciation, Visitation to Elizabeth. We learn of Mary’s announcement to Joseph and his reaction to it, and then his acceptance of Mary. We then journey to Bethlehem, learn of the birth of Jesus, the Circumcision of the Lord, the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, the visit of the Magi and the exile into Egypt. There is a reference to the Holy Family of Nazareth, but then the Scriptures focus on Jesus’ life. Later, we learn of the finding of Jesus in the Temple, the miracle at Cana and the mention of Mary and Jesus’ relatives throughout Jesus’ ministry. The scriptures remind us that Mary stood at the foot of the cross and after his death, waited in the upper room for the coming of Pentecost.
What is remarkable about these glimpses into Mary’s life? Let us examine closely Mary’s human experience. She risks humiliation and rejection from her town folk by responding yes to God and becoming pregnant during her betrothal. As Mary follows God’s will, she risks rejection from Joseph. She gives birth in the midst of homelessness, and then goes into exile as a political refugee because of the threat to Jesus’ life. As a mother, she witnesses the rejection of her son when he announces that he is the fulfillment of the promised Messiah. She accompanies Jesus as he goes through his public ministry and sees him rejected several times. Mary must have heard (and maybe saw) the wondrous deeds worked through Jesus’ life. Notably, the scriptures tell the story of Mary, a mother stricken with pain as she watches the life drain from her son, as she stands at the foot of the cross – a death sentence written by the Roman occupation. Mary saw the closest friends to Jesus abandon him in his hour of need. Yet, Mary returns to these very same people and waits for the promised Spirit. These events do not give us many details, but most certainly furnish us with the divine reality in which Mary played a part. Mary remains strong in believing that what God said, through her son, would be fulfilled. Mary primarily is a supportive mother and faithful disciple.
The early Church Fathers, St. Ignatius, St. Irenaeus and Tertullian, wrote about Mary’s life, constantly referring to her as “Mother of God”. However, it was not until the Council in Ephesus in 431 AD, that the leaders in the Christian Church solidified Mary’s title as “Mother of God.”
In order to understand Mary, we have to examine her life. Mary pondered the event of Jesus in her heart to reach her spiritual attainment. Similarly, we are called to reflect on these sacred realities to see how they fit into our lives. Mary is the Mother of Jesus, who is God. If we follow this logic, that means that she is the Mother of God. Mary’s divine Motherhood comes from the very vocation that God had chosen for her. We are blessed by this same divine Motherhood. On the cross, Jesus told his mother to behold John as her son and asked John to behold Mary as his mother. Jesus bestowed spiritual adoption on the whole world the day he established the new covenant in his blood. Mary continues to be that spiritual figurehead and Mother as the Church tries to make sense of the Christ event in modern times.
Prayer
We pray: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Lead us to your Son. Heavenly Father, let our minds and hearts reflect on the events of Jesus, just as Mary reflected on them. May we dare to give our lives to you, as Mary did, so to enter into your heavenly kingdom. Amen
Reflection Questions
- How is Mary a model of motherhood?
- What part of Mary’s life speaks to the essence of discipleship?
- What is most striking to you about Mary’s life?
- How does the Blessed Mother inspire you to live your life as a Christian?
- What have been the challenging experiences in your life?
- Where did you find God’s consolation during the trials of your life?
- Mary followed God’s will always – how do you discern and follow the will of God in your own life?
Wisdom of the Fathers
“The Apostle tells us: The Word took to himself the sons of Abraham, and so had to be like his brother in all things. He had then to take a body like ours. This explains the fact of Mary’s presence: she is to provide him with a body of his own, to be offered for our sake. Scripture records her giving birth, and says: She wrapped him in swaddling clothes. Her breasts, which fed him, were called blessed. Sacrifice was offered because the child was her firstborn. Gabriel used careful and prudent language when he announced his birth. He did not speak of “what will be born in you” to avoid the impression that a body would be introduced into her womb from outside; he spoke of “what will be born from you,” so that we might know by faith that her child originated within her and from her.
By taking our nature and offering it in sacrifice, the Word was to destroy it completely and then invest it with his own nature, and so prompt the Apostle to say: This corruptible body must put on incorruption; this mortal body must put on immortality.”
— St. Athanasius, bishop of the 11th Century
January 08, 2012
The Epiphany of the Lord: Year B
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13.
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Matthew 2:1-12
A Celebration of the Universe
Today, we celebrate the feast of Epiphany of the Lord. The word ‘Epiphany’ means manifestation—something revealed and made known. The magi were totally immersed in this epiphany. These men read the constellations, interpreted the prophets, and discerned what the rising of the star meant. They set out on a journey of discovery which led them to a destination where the dream of God had become a reality for the world. In this great event the world of science and the world of faith collide, giving birth to the dawn of our salvation. It is hard to imagine how these magi felt when the Lord was made manifest before them. The experience was so powerful that they had no hesitation in offering their treasures to a child born in the midst of poverty whose birth was heralded by a star. The magi paid homage and prostrated themselves before the infant child and his parents, knowing that the ground of an animal stable had become the holy ground of God’s presence.
Scholars are at odds as to who the magi were. There are some that argue that they were people of nobility, perhaps kings. Others offer the suggestion that since they were observing the stars in the cosmos that they were astronomers. There are still others who suggest that they were philosophers (wise men). As to the number of the magi, no one knows how many there were. All we know is that three gifts were offered to the Holy Family. Do all of these details matter? Not really. What matters is that in the coming of Jesus, the whole of creation rejoiced. Even a star shone brightly in the cosmos leading people from a strange land to come and pay homage to our savior.
Even today, this feast reminds us that we should constantly discern Jesus’ presence in our lives and in the world. The magi found Jesus in an unlikely place. If we are truly open to God’s Spirit, then we will ultimately find Christ amid the struggles, tragedies, joys, and celebrations of our own lives. The manifestation of God is constantly evolving and calling us to recognize His presence in the people of every nation, language, and way of life. Once we experience the Lord’s presence, we are invited to share our treasures. The event of the Epiphany also reminds us that we live in a material and spiritual world—the world of science and the world of faith. One does not contradict the other. Rather, both reveal the splendor of God and the immensity of his power. We are asked to discern God’s will in the midst of conventional wisdom and technology and never forget His purpose.
Prayer
We pray: Help us to read the signs that lead us to you and understand your purpose. Today, we remember how the magi set out on a journey to find a new ruler. Once they found him, they offered their treasures freely. As we go through this New Year, may we will always allow you, O Lord, to rule our lives. May our journey lead us closer to you and to one another. When we encounter you in the needs of others, enable us to freely hand over the treasures that you have gifted to us. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How has God manifested himself in my life?
- What experiences of life have led me to God?
- What three gifts can I offer to Jesus Christ?
- Where do I see myself going in life?
- What is my purpose?/li>
- What is my ultimate goal?
- How will I achieve this goal and purpose?
- How can the world of science and the world of faith entwine with my witness to faith in Jesus?
- How is God manifesting his presence in the world today?
Wisdom of the Fathers
“During the solemnity of the Epiphany the Church continues to contemplate and to celebrate the mystery of the birth of Jesus the Savior. In particular, today’s feast underlines the destiny and universal meaning of this birth. Becoming man in the womb of Mary, the Son of God came not only for the people of Israel, represented by the shepherds of Bethlehem, but also for the whole of humanity, represented by the Magi. And it is precisely on the Magi and on their journey in search of the Messiah (cf. Matthew 2:1-12) that the Church invites us today to meditate and to pray. In the Gospel we heard that they, arriving in Jerusalem from the East, asked: “Where is he who is born, the king of the Jews? We saw his star arise and we have come to adore him” (v. 2). What kind of persons were they and what kind of star was that? They were probably wise men who scrutinized the sky but not to try to “read” the future in the stars, eventually to extract some gain; rather, they were men “in search” of something more, in search of the true light, which would be able to indicate the way to follow in life. They were persons who were certain that in creation there is what we could define as the “signature” of God, a signature that man can and must try to discover and decipher. Perhaps the way to know these Magi better and to take up their desire to let themselves be guided by God’s signs is to pause to consider what they found, on their way, in the great city of Jerusalem.
…. a last important element of the event of the Magi appears very clear to us: the language of creation enables us to follow a good portion of the way to God, but it does not give us the definitive light. In the end, for the Magi it was indispensable to hear the voice of the Sacred Scriptures: they alone could indicate the way to them. It is the Word of God that is the true star, that, in the uncertainty of human discourses, offers us the immense splendor of the divine truth. Dear brothers and sisters, let us allow ourselves to be guided by the star, which is the Word of God, let us follow it in our life, walking with the Church, where the Word has pitched its tent. Our way will always be illumined by a light that no other sign can give us. And we too will be able to become stars for others, reflection of that light that Christ made to shine over us.
”
— Pope Benedict XVI, On the Feast of Epiphany 2011
January 01, 2012
The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Year B
Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8.
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:16-21
A Human Story Filled with Divine Consequences
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. Much attention is given to Mary at this sacred time of year because she plays a vital role in the history of redemption and salvation. Mary must have witnessed the redemptive power that Jesus brought to broken situations. The way Jesus forgives the sinner, heals the sick, raises the dead, calms the possessed and loves the poor, are all ways in which God redeems the world. Jesus’ name means, “The one who saves”. Mary is the one who gives life to the Savior of the world. Mother Church, therefore, asks us today to ponder the divine role that Mary plays.
The Church has long contemplated the significance of Mary’s life. If we examine the Scriptures, there are a few icons that give us a glimpse into Mary’s life. The gospels talk about her betrothal to Joseph and record the Annunciation and Visitation to Elizabeth. We learn of Mary’s announcement to Joseph and his reaction to it, and then his acceptance of Mary. We then journey to Bethlehem, learn of the birth of Jesus, the Circumcision of the Lord, the Presentation of Jesus in the temple, the visit of the Magi and the exile into Egypt. There is a reference to the Holy Family of Nazareth, but then the Scriptures focus on Jesus’ life. Later, we learn of the finding of Jesus in the Temple, the miracle at Cana and the mention of Mary and Jesus’ relatives throughout Jesus’ ministry. The scriptures remind us that Mary stood at the foot of the cross and after his death, waited in the upper room for the coming of Pentecost.
What is remarkable about these glimpses into Mary’s life? Let us examine closely Mary’s human experience. She risks humiliation and rejection from her town folk by responding yes to God and becoming pregnant during her betrothal. As Mary follows God’s will, she risks rejection from Joseph. She gives birth in the midst of homelessness, and then she goes into exile as a political refugee because of the threat to Jesus’ life. As a mother, she witnesses the rejection of her son when he announces that he is the fulfillment of the promised Messiah. She accompanies Jesus as he goes through his public ministry and sees him rejected several times. Mary must have heard (and maybe saw) the wondrous deeds worked through Jesus’ life. Notably, the scriptures tell the story of Mary, a mother stricken with pain as she watches the life drain from her son, as she stands at the foot of the cross – a death sentence written by the Roman occupation. Mary saw the closest friends to Jesus abandon him in his hour of need. Yet, Mary returns to these very same people and waits for the promised Spirit. These events do not give us many details, but most certainly furnish us with the divine reality in which Mary played a part. Mary remains strong in believing that what God said, through her son, would be fulfilled. Mary primarily is a supportive mother and faithful disciple.
The early Church Fathers, St. Ignatius, St. Irenaeus and Tertullian, wrote about Mary’s life, constantly referring to her as “Mother of God.” However, it was not until the Council in Ephesus in 431 AD, that the leaders in the Christian Church solidified Mary’s title as “Mother of God.”
In order to understand Mary, we have to examine her life. Mary pondered the event of Jesus in her heart to reach her spiritual attainment. Similarly, we are called to reflect on these sacred realities to see how they fit into our lives. Mary is the Mother of Jesus, who is God. If we follow this logic, that means that she is the Mother of God. Mary’s divine Motherhood comes from the very vocation that God had chosen for her. We are blessed by this same divine Motherhood. On the cross, Jesus told his mother to behold John as her son and asked John to behold Mary as his mother. Jesus bestowed spiritual adoption on the whole world the day he established the new covenant in his blood. Mary continues to be that spiritual figurehead and Mother as the Church tries to make sense of the Christ event in modern times.
Prayer
We pray: O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Lead us to your Son. Heavenly Father, let our minds and hearts reflect on the events of Jesus, just as Mary reflected on them. May we dare to give our lives to you, as Mary did, so to enter into your heavenly kingdom. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How is Mary a model of motherhood?
- What part of Mary’s life speaks to the essence of discipleship?
- What is most striking to you about Mary’s life? How does the Blessed Mother inspire you to live your life as a Christian?
- What have been the challenging experiences in your life?
- Where did you find God’s consolation during the trials of your life?/li>
- Mary followed God’s will always – how do you discern and follow the will of God in your own life?
Wisdom of the Fathers
“The Apostle tells us: The Word took to himself the sons of Abraham, and so had to be like his brother in all things. He had then to take a body like ours. This explains the fact of Mary’s presence: she is to provide him with a body of his own, to be offered for our sake. Scripture records her giving birth, and says: She wrapped him in swaddling clothes. Her breasts, which fed him, were called blessed. Sacrifice was offered because the child was her firstborn. Gabriel used careful and prudent language when he announced his birth. He did not speak of “what will be born in you” to avoid the impression that a body would be introduced into her womb from outside; he spoke of “what will be born from you,” so that we might know by faith that her child originated within her and from her.
By taking our nature and offering it in sacrifice, the Word was to destroy it completely and then invest it with his own nature, and so prompt the Apostle to say: This corruptible body must put on incorruption; this mortal body must put on immortality.”
— St. Athanasius, Bishop of the 11th Century
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