Most Holy Name of Mary

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Today we commemorate the Holy Name of Mary, a feast that was created by Pope Innocent XI in 1684 to commemorate the Battle of Vienna in 1683. During the liturgical reform of Vatican II, it was removed from the general calendar but later restored by Pope John Paul II in 2002.

Mary has always been held in high honor in our Catholic understanding of God’s salvation for mankind. It is through her “fiat” or “yes” that Jesus was to come into the world through her, thus making her the Mother of God, since Jesus is true God and true Man. Her whole life was centered in her devotion to God and her awaiting the coming of the Savior that all devoted Jewish people were waiting for. So, when the Angel Gabriel came to ask her to be the mother of the savior, she at first was hesitant. She couldn’t understand how that would come to be since she was not yet living with Joseph as his wife. When the Angel further explained that it was to be through the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary quickly said yes, thus ensuring our salvation.

The example of her life and her humility in following God’s plan for salvation is something that we can emulate for ourselves. Though she knew she was going to have problems in being the mother of the Lord, she never hesitated in saying yes to God. She humbly embraced her role that God had laid out for her as Mother of Jesus. We all have our call from God to bring Christ into the world in our own situations. We are called to bring Christ into our family relationships, in our friendships, or among those we may work with at our jobs. We humbly bring Christ into each situation we face each day.

We hear in today’s gospel about Mary’s visitation to her elderly cousin Elizabeth during her time of need. At this point Elizabeth was already 6 months pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary came to be of service to Elizabeth to help her through what probably was a very difficult time for the elderly Elizabeth.

Elizabeth recognized the greatness of Mary and the fact that Mary was carrying the Messiah in her womb. Once Mary arrived, we hear Elizabeth say, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” These are words that we, as Catholics, say each time we pray the Hail Mary. Elizbeth and John in her womb recognized the holiness of Mary and the fact that Mary was carrying the Mesiah in womb.

Mary’s response was "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior." Let all of us each day, with Mary, always keep the Lord in the center of who we are. Let always proclaim the greatness of the Lord and rejoice in the fact that God is our savior.

 

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

I had the pleasure of doing a Holy Hour at the Carmel of Mary Immaculate and St. Mary Magdalen in Flemington, NJ. For more information on this Carmelite Monastery, go to their website: The Carmel of Mary Immaculate and St Mary Magdalen. Following was my reflection on today's gospel from Holy Mass.

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our gospel for today Jesus is giving us some strong examples of what it means to be His follower. He starts off with, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” Pretty strong words. Then he goes on to tell us that we must carry our crosses, or we cannot be his disciples.

How can we better understand what Jesus is trying to tell us? I think that what he’s trying to get across by using such strong imagery is that we need to prioritize.

There were indeed those followers over the years who put everything and everyone behind them to be His followers. The 12 apostles and his other followers placed Jesus before everything else in their lives. Then there were people like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare that took everything Jesus said literally and went off to form the Franciscans and Poor Clare’s. Further, there was John of the Cross and St. Theresa of Avila who knew that following Jesus was not meant to be easy. So, they reformed the Carmelite Order to be a truer example of what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ.  These are people we all know and love for their devotion and dedication to following Jesus Christ.

For the rest of us who have family responsibilities, how can we be true followers of Jesus without leaving behind those that we love? We want to be followers of Jesus, but we simply can’t renounce our families and possessions without being considered irresponsible.

Looking deeply into being a follower of Jesus and the cost of discipleship has to do with freedom of heart: holding possessions without possessiveness may be a way we achieve freedom from things. In other words, they are tools for us to use during our day-to-day life, but they are not to become more important than being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Same with our families: Jesus is not telling us literally to hate our families but rather is telling us that being his follower is more important than they are. We are called to care for and love our families, but our responsibilities as His followers is more important.

The gospel concludes with “…anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” By renouncing them and making Jesus the central focus of who we are is where Jesus is calling us. Let us pray for the gift of true faith to always keep Jesus as the center of who we are while serving those people that he has placed into our lives. In this way we can truly love God with our whole mind, heart and soul, and those in our lives as we love ourselves.

Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our first reading from St. Paul to the Colossians we hear Paul teach a basic truth about Jesus Christ: he is True God and True Man. Paul goes on to explain that all things were created in him in heaven and earth.

This teaching of Paul corresponds to what is said in the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 1: “In the beginning^* was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John goes on to say that all things came into being through him and without him nothing came into being. Then finally in verse 14 we hear John say, “And the Word was made flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

Jesus’ coming into the world shows the love that God has for all of us. Due to the sin of our first parents, Adam and Eve, God decided to send his only begotten Son, the second person of the Trinity, into the world to redeem us and to help us to have that relationship with God that was lost due to original sin. Through his life, death and resurrection, we are able to turn to God and have that relationship that was lacking prior to Jesus coming in the flesh.

In our gratitude towards Jesus and his love for us, let us return our love to him by living a life that is worthy of being called Christian. In being Christians, we are called to love God with our whole mind, heart and soul and to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we fall short in this love of God and neighbor, let us turn back to him in the sacrament of confession. In this way we can be living reflections of God to the world.

On this feast day of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, let us remember what she said regarding love of others: "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier". 

 

“The head of John the Baptist.”

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist | USCCB

Today we commemorate the martyrdom of John the Baptist. John is considered the forerunner of the Lord, Jesus Christ. From the time he was in his mother’s womb until he was killed by King Herod, he was always pointing people towards Jesus Christ and encouraging people to know the truth that Jesus was the savior. Important to him was that people knew and understood God’s commandments. He was never afraid to speak the truth, even when it meant his life

In today’s gospel, we hear that Herod liked to hear John speak: “When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. (Mark 6:20) John was pointing out the sinfulness of the adulterous relationship Herod was having with his brother’s wife. There was something in what John was saying that touched King Herod’s heart. But because of lust and of fear of being rejected by those around him, Herod had John killed.

John’s bravery in speaking the truth, even though it meant being put to death, is an example for all of us. We are called to proclaim the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we are also called to encourage others to follow God’s commandments. This may not go over well with those we meet who may be living contrary to God’s Laws, like King Herod, but we are called to bring people to knowledge of Jesus Christ and of God’s laws. We may not be called to live out our lives as dramatically as John the Baptist, but we are called to live out our Christian lives in a way that people may be attracted to know who Jesus is and to encourage them to live a Christian life.

Saint Bede the Venerable is quoted as saying about John, “Through his birth, preaching and baptizing, he bore witness to the coming birth, preaching and baptism of Christ, and by his own suffering he showed that Christ also would suffer.” We are to be like John the Baptist, bearing witness to Jesus Christ and the salvation he won for us by his Passion and Death on the Cross. We may have to suffer at times for speaking this truth, but it is what we are called to do as followers of Jesus Christ.

May God give us courage to always live out our lives as followers of Jesus Christ, and to be always willing to bring others to the knowledge that Jesus Christ is our Lord and savior.

The Queenship of Mary

 

Scripture readings for today can be found at Memorial of The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary | USCCB

Today the church commemorates The Queenship of Mary. Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954. This memorial was related to the Feast of the Assumption. The Feast of the Queenship of Mary was set a week after her Assumption, body and soul, into heaven.

It is entirely appropriate that Mary be made Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her entire life was that of doing the Holy Will of God. Her openness to doing God’s Will was evident from the start when the Angel Gabriel approached her to ask if she would be willing to be the mother of the Savior. After the angel explained how it would occur, Mary quickly said yes, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) Mary listened to what the Angel had to say, and was courageous enough to say yes, even though she probably knew it would cause a lot of problems and difficulties for her in her life. But she trusted that God would be present for her to guide her throughout her life as Mother of the Savior. She had total trust that God would protect her throughout her life.

Following Mary saying “yes” to being the Mother of the Lord, she goes to serve and help her elderly cousin, Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. This trip for Mary, now pregnant with Jesus, would have been a difficult journey, but she made this journey out of love and concern for Elizabeth. Upon Mary’s arrival, Elizabeth says, “Why am I so greatly favored that the mother of my Lord should visit me?” (Luke 1:43) It was then that Mary gives us the Magnificat, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord…” (Luke 1:46) This prayer, prayed daily at Evening Prayer, shows the humility Mary has towards all that has happened to her. She was always open to doing the Will of God no matter how difficult, but she accepted it out of love for the Lord.

Then all throughout the life of Jesus, from his birth until his death on the cross to his resurrection on Easter Sunday morning, Mary was always present to him in his needs. Looking lovingly from the Cross, the Lord saw Mary there, tears in her eyes. Jesus also saw the beloved disciple, John. At that point Jesus give Mary to John, and to us: “Woman, behold your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” (John 19:26-27)

So, with all we know of Mary from scripture, it’s no wonder that God, in his Wisdom, after Assuming Mary into heaven, would make her Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Mary, our Queen, is now in heaven at the side of Our King, Jesus Christ. Let us always feel free to turn to our loving mother with all our problems and concerns in order for her to bring them to her divine Son to respond in the way that’s best for us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God pray for us sinners, now and forever.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | USCCB

Today we commemorate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. In the Eastern Church, they understand it as the dormition, or falling asleep, of Mary.

The Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church. Pope Pius XII defined it on November 1^st, 1950 as the assumption of Mary, body and soul, into heaven. The four dogmas of Mary in Catholic theology are: Divine Motherhood (Theotokos), Perpetual Virginity, Immaculate Conception, and Assumption. These dogmas are considered to be divinely revealed truths that Catholics are obligated to believe. 

Because of the grace of her Immaculate Conception, Mary’s whole life was centered to be always open to the Holy Will of God. God was always center to who she was as a Jewish woman. She long awaited the coming of the Messiah. So she was very surprised to find out, through the Angel Gabriel, that she herself would be the mother of the Messiah. Her willingness to do God’s Will led her to say “Yes” to Gabriel, and as a result she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In our gospel for today we hear of her visiting her cousin, Elizabeth, who is six months pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth recognized the importance of Mary and asked, “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Further, John, in his mother’s womb, leaped for joy at the presence of his cousin, so close to him in Mary’s womb.

Mary responds with the Magnificat, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” This prayer of Mary is prayed every Evening by the church during Evening Prayer. Mary in her humility realized that all generations will call her blessed.

It is through her life of service to her Son, and those around her, that God decided that her body would know no corruption of the grave. When it was time, God the Father brought her to heaven to be with her loving Son, Jesus Christ.

Mary is an example of how we, as followers of Jesus Christ, are to live out our lives while still here on earth. When Mary became pregnant with Jesus, she became a walking tabernacle, carrying Jesus everywhere she went until the day he was born. We, too, become walking tabernacles each time we receive Holy Communion at Mass. We say “yes” to Jesus as we receive Him in Holy Communion with our “Amen.”

With that in mind, let us remember that when we leave church, the Lord Jesus Christ is traveling with us as well. With His presence sacramentally in us, let us remember to bring His love to all we meet during the day.

 

We greet you, Holy Cross, our only hope!

 

Today on the Church calendar we commemorate Blessed Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, better known as Edith Stein. 

Edith Stein was born to a Jewish family in Beslau on October 12th, 1891. She studied philosophy and was a college professor. For a while she had turned away from believe in God and became agnostic. But she was always seeking the truth and understanding as to our human existence.  Then she read the Autobiography of St. Theresa of Avila. She read this in one night and realized that she had discovered the truth and came to faith in Jesus Christ. 

She was baptized a Catholic in 1922 and then, influenced by her reading of St. Theresa of Avila, entered the Carmelite Monastery of Cologne in 1933. It was there that she took the religious name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Through her influence, her biological sister, Rosa, also converted to the Catholic Faith and would be an extern for the needs of the Carmelite Community that Edith was a member of.

It was during this time that the Nazi's were spreading their hatred by rounding up the Jews and all they considered undesirable. It was during this time that the Nazis rounded up Edith and her sister Rose. Both were murdered in the gas chamber at Auschwitz. 

In her spiritual writings, Edith would always focus on the sufferings of Jesus on the Cross. She once wrote, "Contemplate the Lord who hangs before you on the wood, because he was obedient even to the death of the cross." It was through the strength of her faith in Jesus that she was able to face her death at Auschwitz.

Let us pray today, through the intersession of Edith Stein, that the hatred and war that is going on between Israel and Hamas be resolved in a way that is pleasing to God. Let us pray that all hatred, which is the cause of all war, be removed from our world and that we may grow to love and respect all people, even with those people we may not find easy to get along with. 

“Lord, save me!”

 

Scripture readings for today's reflection can be found at Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

There's a lot to unpack in today's gospel from St. Matthew. The first thing that touches my heart is at the beginning. After dismissing the crowds and sending the disciples into the boat to precede him to the other side of the sea, the Lord went up the mountain to pray. All throughout the gospels the Lord teaches us the importance of being alone with God in prayer and meditation. We can do that in many different ways. The Lord chose to go up the mountain to be with God and to pray and meditate. For myself, I often pray and meditate alone in the morning just after rising. I take my breviary and bible, and I take time to pray and focus on what God is trying to tell me in the Divine Office and the readings assigned for mass that day. It is during this time alone that helps me get closer to the Lord and to try to be open to what God is trying to teach me for that day. It's important for me to have scripture as part of my daily meditation so that I can allow God to speak to me through the Holy Bible. I encourage this routine for anyone trying to get closer to God. Find a time of day, whether in the morning or the evening, to be quiet with God and to meditate on the Word of God in your life.

The other part of today's Gospel that touches me is the storm that breaks out and there's the Lord walking towards them. They failed to recognize him at first, but he reassures them that it is truly him that is coming towards them on the water. He invites Peter to walk on the waters towards him. At first, Peter is walking on the water towards Jesus. But as soon as he takes his eyes off of the Lord he starts to sink. He then prays, "Lord, save me!" The Lord extends his hand and Peter is saved.

How many times during our lives do we take our spiritual eyes off of Jesus and then to start having problems in our lives (which are pretty much the storms of our lives)? It is during these "storms" in our lives that we need to pray to Jesus, "Lord, save me!" Jesus will always extend his hands towards us and brings us the peace and comfort that we need to deal with whatever issues we are facing. It's always important to keep reaching out to Jesus in good times and bad times so that we can have the peace and comfort that can only come from Him.

"A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house."

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | USCCB

In our gospel for today we hear of how the people that knew Jesus growing up had a problem with who he was and the wisdom he was exhibiting as the Messiah. They even had problems accepting the miracles that were attributed to him. They were saying, "Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?” (Matthews 13:14) It reminds me of that old saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” They had trouble wrapping their minds around the fact that someone they knew from childhood could be so special. They just considered him as someone ordinary.

These people of His hometown thought they knew who he was. They were thinking that Jesus was just a “nobody” from Nazareth. They thought he was just the carpenter’s son. They thought they knew him and as a result looked down on him. They were thinking that he wasn’t special. But as it turns out they didn’t really know him. And because they did not have faith in him, Jesus could not perform any miracles there.

This shows that faith is essential in our relationship with Jesus. All throughout his ministry while on earth, he would often tell someone that their faith in him was the cause of their healing. For example, the woman with the issue of the blood disease in Mark 5:34 and Luke 8:48, we hear Jesus tell the woman that her faith has healed her and to go in peace.

As with individuals described in scripture who experienced healing through Jesus, we need to approach Him in prayer concerning the various challenges present in our lives.  We need to ask ourselves, “Do I really believe that Jesus can perform this miracle for me?” In Mark 5:28 we hear the woman in need of being cured say to herself: “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” We need that same faith in Jesus in the issues that we bring before him, whether it’s health issues, problems with family or financial problems. We need to reach out to Jesus in prayer and believe that he will help us in the way we need.

As we pray and bring our problems to the Lord at Mass, let’s bring all our needs to him as we approach him in Holy Communion and believe that he will bring us the healing and peace we long for in our lives.

 

I desire mercy, not sacrifice,

 

Scripture readings for today can be found at Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our gospel from St. Matthew for today we see another confrontation between the Pharisees and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Pharisees see that the apostles were doing something that went against the laws of the Sabbath. The law in this instance was doing what was considered work on the Sabbath when the apostles, because of their hunger, started picking the heads of grain to satisfy their hunger. To the Pharisees this was a great sin. Instead of looking at the fact that the apostles were hungry and deserved to be fed the Pharisees looked at it from the perspective that they were breaking the sabbath.

But Jesus defends his disciples' actions of plucking grain on the Sabbath, arguing that mercy and human need take precedence over strict Sabbath observance. The Lord further reminded them of the time when David and his men ate the Sacred Bread in the temple which only the priests were allowed to eat. This act of mercy towards those who are hungry is something pleasing to God.

In our own time we are called by Jesus to be merciful towards those in our lives that may not be doing things according to our understanding of God and of His laws. Everything in God’s laws and commandments flow from loving God and loving those around us.

We are to look at everyone with the eyes of mercy. We are to see people that are loved by God.  We are to look beyond what is in the law and look towards the needs of those around us. By being merciful towards everyone and showing them the love that God has for them we are helping them come closer to God and to grow in relationship with the God who loves them. Instead of pointing our fingers towards people and telling them they are breaking God’s commandments, we are to have open arms to welcome them into our Christian community letting them know that God loves them unconditionally.

It is by showing them the love of God that they will be drawn to following the God of love and mercy.

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners

 

Scripture for this reflection can be found at Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our gospel for today we see the usual judgementalism of the Pharisees towards Jesus and those who Jesus was ministering to. Jesus’ mission was to come and help people return to relationship with God.

Tax collectors during the time of Jesus were considered outcasts by the Jewish people because they worked for the Roman government and were extorting money from the Jews in order to turn it over to the Romans, while keeping some of the money for themselves. As a result, they were considered the worsts of sinners for betraying God and the Jewish people in order to make a profit. Further, there were others who just simply turned away from their faith in God and were living lives not compatible with Jewish law.

To the Pharisees these people were beyond redemption and were already condemned by God. Jesus, knowing the hearts of all people, reached out to these tax collectors and sinners and showed them the love that God has for each one of them. All they needed to do was to turn back to God, repent for their sinfulness, and develop that loving relationship with God, who is all loving and forgiving.

Matthew is a prime example of someone turning his life over to God. Through Jesus Christ, he saw his sinfulness, repented, and would go on to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. We are to be like St. Matthew in helping others to come and know the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

In our day and age, Jesus is still calling people away from their sinful ways to turn back to Him and to seek forgiveness for their sins through his church. All of us are called to be Christ-like towards those who may be living a life not appropriate to the Christian way of life that we know and love. We are called to be welcoming to all people and invite them to share our faith in the loving God, as taught by Jesus Christ. We may see people whose lifestyles we may not approve of, but we need to look beyond their sinfulness and see people loved by God and made in His likeness. We are called to pray for them and make them welcome in our Christian community. As Jesus responds to the Pharisees, when they question about why he was with tax collectors and sinners, he says, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.” (Matthew 9:12) Those who have left the church and relationship with God for any reason are being called by the Lord to return to a relationship with Him and to seek forgiveness.

So let us show the love of God to all people and make all welcomed into our church. Pray for them that they may turn away from sin and embrace a life in relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 

 

While we were still sinners Christ died for us!

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus | USCCB

Today we celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is usually commemorated on the Friday after the Second Sunday after Pentecost.

This beautiful devotion shows us the love that Christ has for all of us. In one of his writings, St. Bonaventure wrote, “…consider how great and worthy is he who hangs on the cross for you. His death brings the dead to life…” and “It was a divine decree that permitted one of the soldiers to open his sacred side with a lance. This was done so that the Church might be formed from the side of Christas he slept the sleep of death on the Cross.” Christ willingly went to the cross to die for our salvation.

In our gospel for today we hear Christ describe the Good Shepherd. Christ is that Good Shepherd looking far and wide for those who are away from God through sin. Once the sinner has returned to the loving embrace of Christ in His Church, our Lord is overjoyed, like the Good Shepherd that is described in the gospel.

As we pray today to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us reflect on the words of St. Paul in today’s second reading to the Romans, “The love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” God’s love for us is infinite, and He wants us to always to turn away from sin and to always turn towards Him out of love and devotion. Further, as we continue our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us pray for those in our family that may be away from the Church and any devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. It will be through our prayers that our family and friends will come back into relationship with Jesus and find that peace that can only come from being in relationship with the Lord.

Finally, as we pray to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us remember what St. Teresa of Calcutta is quoted as saying: “Do not let the past disturb you. Leave everything in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and begin again with joy.” 

 

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever! Warmest greetings to our fathers, godfathers, grandfathers, and spiritual fathers on Father’s Day.

Today we have a recurring guest blogger:  Fr. Arthur F. Rojas, pastor of PRESENTATION OF THE B.V.M CHURCH, PORT EWEN AND SACRED HEART CHURCH, ESOPUS. For more information on this parish, check out their website at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary & Sacred Heart Churches - Port Ewen - Esopus, NY (presentationsacredheart.org) 

Submission to the blog of Dcn. Thomas Tortorella for Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity 2025 by Fr. Arthur F. Rojas and with permission to publish on the blog

© All Rights Reserved personally by Rev. Fr. Arthur F. Rojas, June 10, 2025    

At times in our country, the local authorities have been referred to as the “town” or “city fathers” and the Framers of the United States Constitution as the “Founding Fathers” of our nation.  Yet most of our state legislators recently have served a Vampire State instead of our once-Empire State by passing the Medical Aid in Dying Bill over to Hon. Kathy Hochul, our governor, for her signature into law.  How many of our elderly, disabled, poor, lonely, or frail fathers (and mothers) have the majorities at Albany placed on the altars of “individual autonomy,” “choice,” and “death with dignity” as Canada and western Europe have shown that the “right” to die becomes inevitably the “duty” to die?  I am reminded of the end of the science-fiction movie Soylent Green as the protagonist played by Charlton Heston announces the terrible secret on his way arguably to euthanasia, “Soylent Green is people!”

Let us extol anew the prayerful fortitude and talent of St. Athanasius, St. Hilary of Poitiers, and other Catholic heroes in the first several centuries of the Church as they upheld the Nicene Creed and our profession of faith in the mystery of one God in three Divine Persons against powerful forces wanting to feed humanity lies about God instead of His Revelation.  Truly the prelates Ss. Athanasius and Hilary have been called fathers…an Eastern and a Western Father of the Church among others so honored with the title.    So may we committed Catholics and other New Yorkers of good will today attest to the intrinsic worth of human life from the womb to the tomb, in light of the recent travesty at Albany, and treat our elderly and our disabled not as burdens to our comfortable way of life or as mere liabilities to corporate bottom lines but as opportunities to be truly human, truly loving to each other as God expects of us.

Firstly, let us pray for the conversion of Governor Hochul, that she may veto the bill instead of becoming complicit in this sordid affair.  The votes are arguably in both chambers to sustain that move.  Then, call her office at 518/474-8390 to convey your insistence – firmly but respectfully – that she decide with a view to history and the hereafter and not just the elections in 2026.  Next, all Catholics should consider a Catholic-oriented Health Care Proxy to sign and distribute to their relatives and attorneys.  The website of the New York State Catholic Conference (nyscatholic.org) has a booklet offering Catholic guidance, including a draft Health Care Proxy, that is downloadable from the website in English and Spanish.  Moreover, Catholics in the healing arts and sciences should learn and insist on their conscience rights under applicable laws, policies, and union contracts to take no part in procedures arising from this bill or related decisions made by insurance companies.  Finally, Catholic investors and stockholders should sponsor resolutions at annual meetings and elect directors who will not cut costs or raise profits by eliminating people who suffer instead of treating suffering patients. 

You are the light of the world

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our gospel for today, the Lord uses two metaphors to describe how we, as His followers, are to live out our lives. 

First, Jesus says we are to be the salt of the earth. The reason people use salt is to add flavor to the food they are preparing to eat. Without salt, the food will taste bland or flat. We, as followers, are called to be like "salt" to the world in which we live. We are to bring our love of the Lord to those we meet. In doing so we are making the world a better place. It takes away the blandness and flatness of the world and brings the love of Christ to all we meet. We are to live out our Christian lives so that it's evident that we are followers of Jesus Christ. By bringing the love of Christ to those we touch each day, we are helping those around us to know the love that Christ has for everyone. That's how we are to be the "salt of the earth."

This is tied into us being the "light of the world." When people see us and how we behave, can they see that we are Christians, followers of Christ? Our faith and how we live needs to be shining examples of the love that Christ has for everyone. By seeing us, people should be seeing the love that Christ has for everyone. Much like a light bulb emanates light for all to see, we are to be the light of Christ's love for everyone. 

This reminds me of the hymn from a number of years ago, "They'll know we are Christians by our love." By showing love to everyone, we will be like the salt bringing the "flavor" of Christ love to all we meet. 

As Saint Paul says in our first reading from the 2nd letter to the Corinthians, let us always say "yes" to bringing the love of Christ into this world to bring us greater peace and joy.

This is my commandment: love one another as I love you

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter | USCCB

In our gospel for today, we continue with John, chapter 15. Central to the teachings of Jesus is that of love of God and love of one another. Today our Lord is very clear: love one another as I love you. He’s not suggesting we love each other, but rather he is commanding that we love one another. “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you!” Our Lord is not playing around here.

Following this commandment of love of other people is difficult. We all have different personalities and attractions. Naturally, there will be those we meet in our day-to-day lives that we will find it hard to even like, no less to love. But to love is what we must do towards everyone we meet, whether it’s those family members that get on our nerves, or those people we meet during the day that press our buttons. We are to make an effort to love them as God loves them. We are to remember that God loves EVERYONE, even those people we don’t like. Whether we like it or not, those people that we may not like are made in the image of God and God loves them dearly.

Pope St. John Paul II is quoted as saying: “Open your minds and hearts to the beauty of all that God has made and to His special, personal love for each one of you.” And Archbishop Fulton Sheen says of love: “Love is not an emotion; it is an act of the will.”

So, as we go throughout our day, let us bring this love of God to all we meet. Let the love of God be evident in how we treat one another.

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter | USCCB

In our gospel for today's mass from John 15 we hear Jesus talk about the love of the Father and Jesus' love for us. He's asking us to remain in His love. This is the central teaching of our Lord: To love God with our whole mind, heart and soul and to love our neighbor as our selves. 

On the Carmelite calendar for today we celebrate the feast of Saint Joachina de Vedruna de Mas who understood this love that Jesus is talking about. She was born in Barcelona in 1783. She married and had 9 children. In 1816 she became a widow and felt a call to form the Congregation of Carmelite Sisters of Charity. 

In one of her writings she says, "If only we were all on fire with love for God! If we were, we should preach love, proclaim love, and yet more love, until we had set the whole world on fire. We must have great desires: then God will give us whatever is best for us." I'm sure during her lifetime she reflected on this gospel from John 15 and applied it to how she lived her life and how she developed her congregation. She knew that God is love and his love for us is all important as to how we live out our lives here on earth. 

In our daily lives we meet many people, whether in our families, or just going about our daily routine. It is in these daily encounters that we are to bring the love of God into the world to transform it into a place that is pleasing to God. 

She concludes in this writing on love, "Love, love, and yet more love-love that is never satisfied! The more we love God, the more we shall long to love him And when we have Jesus in our hearts, we shall have everything else in him and with him."

Let us, through the help of Saint Joachina, remember to love God always and to live out our lives with love towards everyone we meet. Saint Joachina, pray for us.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter | USCCB

This gospel is often used at either wakes or funerals to give comfort to the family and friends of the dearly departed. I find these words most comforting. Our life can be full of troubles, whether it’s over the loss of a loved one, or just dealing with family problems that arise in our relationship with each other. Life is full of anxiety and problems. But in these words, Jesus is reminding us that we need to have faith in the Father and in Him, and they will be present to us in our cares and worries.  

Then the Lord goes on to promise a special dwelling place for each one of us. It’s comforting to know that the Lord is so concerned for us and loves us so much that he is preparing a special place for each one of us to go to be happy with him for all eternity.

It’s at this point that St. Thomas asks the question, "Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" (John 14:5) Thomas is always asking these great questions. And as a result, we learn who Jesus is. Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

In this gospel for today, it is reminding us to always keep focused on Jesus no matter what our problems happen to be. As we go throughout our day and face the different challenges, let us pray often the familiar words of St. Faustine, “Jesus I trust in thee.”

"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Friday of the Third Week of Easter | USCCB

Our readings for today's mass have a lot to reflect upon. In our first reading from Acts, chapter 9:1-20 we hear of Saul (who would go onto become Paul) persecuting the early Christians. In today's reading he was on his way to Damascus, with letters from the high priests, giving him permission to arrest and bring back to Jerusalem those Christians who were followers of Jesus Christ. Then something amazing happens. A bright light knocks Saul to the ground and the voice of the Lord Jesus asks, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 9:4).  Saul would go on to find out that by persecuting the early Christians he is also persecuting the Lord Jesus. Once he arrives in Damascus one of the followers of Jesus, Ananias, with great fear of Paul, but with the prompting of Jesus, goes to Saul, and Saul is baptized and then goes on to preach about salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All were amazed that this persecutor and murderer of the early Christians was now proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ. 

The Lord Jesus heard the prayers of the early Christians, including the prayers of the first martyr (and deacon), St. Stephen who, as he was being stoned by Saul and the others, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:60) This example of prayer for others who may not believe as we do and may be attacking us for our beliefs gives us hope that prayers we have for those we know who do not believe will be effective. Paul's conversion was extraordinary, but a lot of conversions happen in small and unexpected ways. We are, like Stephen and the other early Christians, called to pray for those people we know that may not believe in salvation through Jesus. Then, in His own way, Jesus will enter into the hearts of those we are praying for. 

Then in the gospel we hear Jesus teach on the Eucharist. He says, "Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life." (John 6:54).  Many of the Jews had problems accepting and believing in this and left. This teaching of Jesus is central to our belief in His real presence int the Blessed Sacrament. Once the priest says the words of consecration, the bread and wine BECOME the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus really meant what he said in his promise that he would feed us with His body and blood.

That's why it's important to approach Holy Communion worthily. St. Paul teaches us, "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord.* (1 Corinthians 11:27) 

Before Mass, as we anticipate receiving the Lord in Holy Communion, we need to examine our conscience. If we find ourselves unworthy, then as soon as possible, we need to go to confession before we receive Holy Communion. 

The message in today's readings is first: pray for those who may not believe or accept Jesus as their savior, and second: to make sure we approach the blessed sacrament in a worthy manner by the frequent use of confession. Living out our lives in a way that pleases the Lord is the best way to bring others to Christ. They will see our way of life and try to come to Jesus as well. 

This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world

 

Scripture readings for today's reflection can be found at Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | USCCB

In our gospel for today we hear of the familiar story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people. These were people that were following Jesus and seeing him heal their sick. They were naturally attracted to Jesus due to the good he was doing among them. Jesus was showing them the love God has towards all of them and was helping them to develop a deeper relationship with the Father.

Then, seeing their hunger and having concern for their welfare, Jesus decided to feed the crowd. He knew how he was going to do this but was putting the apostles to the test. They really didn’t know how to resolve such an issue. They saw the vast crowd and couldn’t figure out how to feed all of them with such a small amount of food that the boy had.

Jesus took control. After everyone sat down, Jesus gave thanks for the food and had the apostles distribute it. As a result, there was plenty of food left over once everyone was fed.

We see really two things in Jesus feeding the five thousand: first, we should expect to have our faith tested. Second, we should look to the Lord and expect him to provide for us abundantly.

In our own day-to-day lives, we have many different struggles that we don’t know how to resolve. Instead of trying to solve these problems alone, we need to learn from the apostles: turn to Jesus in prayer and he will help us in whatever situation we’re facing. This gospel is teaching us that Jesus is always present to us, whether we’re sick, or hungry, or facing difficult situations. We may not get the resolution to our problems in a way that we want, but the Lord will respond to our problems in a way that we need. Jesus is always present to us in all our needs. We just need to go to Him in prayer to help us through all our issues and problems. Jesus will always be there for us. Our prayer to Jesus should always be, “Jesus, I trust in you!”

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

 

Scripture for this reflection can be found at Saturday in the Octave of Easter | USCCB

On this Saturday within the Octave of Easter, we continue with the Acts of the Apostles in our first reading and another resurrection account in the Gospel.

In the gospel, Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus and overjoyed, ran to tell the apostles. They found it hard to believe her. Then the Lord appeared to the 11 and rebuked them for not believing Mary and the others for their experience of the risen Lord. It was at this time they came to truly know and believe that the Lord has indeed risen from the dead. He gives them the instructions, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). Jesus then ascends into heaven and then they go forth to proclaim salvation in the Risen Lord.

In the Acts of the Apostles for today (Acts 4:13-21) we see the boldness of Peter and John in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. They weren't afraid when the Sandhendrin warned them not to preach about Jesus. Their response was, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19) It was through the power of the Holy Spirit that they received this courage to share the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

We, as followers of Jesus, are called to be as bold as the apostles in sharing our faith in the Risen Lord. Like the apostles, we'll run into obstacles in sharing our faith. There will be those who will not accept the fact that Jesus not only died on the cross but rose again on the third day. We are to be not afraid to share our faith with them. There will always be those who may reject faith in Jesus Christ, but we are to share our faith with them, nonetheless. Then, after sharing our faith with them, we are to pray for them to receive the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. Prayer is a powerful tool in our sharing our faith with others. 

Let us obey the words of Jesus by going into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. 

"Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me."

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Wednesday of Holy Week | USCCB

On this "Spy Wednesday" we hear of Judas betraying the Lord for 30 pieces of silver. This was something that Judas would go on to regret once he realizes that the scribes and pharisees were planning on killing our Lord. 

I often reflect on the grief of Judas after he realized what was to happen to our Lord. He was filled with grief, so much so that he committed suicide. Had he not been so self-centered in his grief and recall the teachings of Jesus that he most certainly must have heard, he would have realized that Jesus would have forgiven him for this sin.

Comparing him with St. Peter, who denied Jesus three times, we hear that Peter, once Jesus rose from the dead, was able to reconcile himself with the Lord. As you recall, the Lord asks him three times, "Do you love me" and Peter says, "Lord, you know I love you." It was in this three-fold admission of his love for Jesus that he received forgiveness. 

Had Judas not committed suicide and stayed to see the Lord rise from the dead, he, too, would have received the gift of forgiveness. 

How many times do we hold onto the sins of our past, thinking that the Lord will never forgive us of them? We all have something in our "closets" that we are ashamed of and may need the forgiveness of Jesus. 

During the next few days as we hear of Jesus being turned over to the authorities and die for our sins on the cross, let us place our sinfulness at the foot of His Cross and ask to be healed. And if you haven't done so yet, at first opportunity, go to confession and place your cares, worries and sins into the loving embrace of the Lord, who is there for you to forgive you your sins. 

O God, be merciful to me a sinner

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Saturday of the Third Week of Lent | USCCB

We have in our gospel for today the parable about the proud Pharisee and the humble tax collector. The Pharisee was busy telling God how great he was! He's not greedy, dishonest, adulterous, plus he fasts twice a week. How nice! He's saying to God, "Look at how great I am!"  But there's one thing he is that he fails to recognize: He's judgmental. He reads off all the things he does for God and then goes on to say that he's happy he's not like that tax collector. 

The tax collector, on the other hand, realizes his sinfulness and pleads, "O God, be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18:13). He's not concerned about the Pharisee or anyone else in the temple near him. He's more concerned with asking God to have mercy on him and to help him develop a closer relationship with His Creator. He knows his shortcomings and is turning to God for help.

How many of us go before God, whether at church or in private prayer, and tell Him about all the great things that we have done? We have to remember that God knows us better than we know ourselves. During Lent we are called to fast and pray and try to review how we are living our lives according to God's will. But we are not to brag about it. It's about being humble before God.  It's all about how we are to become better Christians. During Lent (and always) we are not to worry about how other people may or may not be falling short in their relationship with God. 

Between now and Easter Sunday let us reflect upon what our Lord is telling us: "... everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Friday of the Second Week of Lent | USCCB

In our gospel for today we hear the familiar parable about the landowner of a vineyard who leases it out to tenants to give to the owner produce at vintage time.

The owner of the vineyard is clearly God. The vineyard is the house of Israel, where God’s people are to be found. The tenants of the vineyard are the people of God. The servants that were sent and eventually beat and killed represent the prophets of old. Finally, the owner sends his son who is seized and killed. This son represents Jesus. As we see develop in the gospels, Jesus knew that he will eventually be killed by the scribes and Pharisees. They felt threatened by Jesus because of Him pointing out their sinfulness. Further, they were rejecting his authority as Son of God and Messiah.

Looking forward, we can now see the new vineyard as His Church. Jesus is calling each one of us to accept His message of love and salvation and is calling each one of us to bring this good news of salvation to other people in our lives.  This is how we can help develop a vintage that is acceptable to Jesus Christ. First our own acceptance of Him as Lord and Savior and then helping others to know that Jesus is indeed their Lord and Savior, as well.

In the conclusion of today’s gospel, we hear Jesus say to the scribes that the kingdom will be “…given to a people that will produce its fruit.” We produce good fruit by how we live out our call as Christians. First, by accepting that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose on Easter Sunday Morning, and by living out a life of loving God and our neighbor. Further, being human, we will at times fall short of this call of love. It is during these times that we should turn back to God in the sacrament of confession to show Jesus true love and repentance.

It is challenging and demanding to be a follower of Jesus Christ but let us pray to the Lord for the strength to do what He is asking of us: to accept Him as Savior and to bring this good news of salvation to those who are in most need of hearing it.