Today's Mass Readings - Sunday, August 17, 2014 with Reflection

1^ST READING - Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

1 Thus says the Lord: Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed. 6The foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, ministering to him, loving the name of the Lord, and becoming his servants — all who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, 7 them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer; their  burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

P S A L M - Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

R: O God, let all the nations praise you!

1 [2] May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. 2 [3] So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. (R) 4 [5] May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. (R) 5 [6] May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! 7 [8] May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! (R)

2^ND READING - Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

13 Brothers and sisters: I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry 14 in order to make my race jealous and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 29 For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32 For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

Matthew 15:21-28

21 At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23 But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” 24 He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” 28 Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.

SABBATH

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE FAITH? I don’t think that there are any easy answers to the above question. In fact, perhaps there is no single answer that will prove satisfactory to all. Because faith is the expression of our personal relationship with God, then it is going to vary for different people — a unique definition for each of us. However,there are some aspects of faith that are considered similar to all, such as trust, surrender, listening to the Word of God, obeying it, and so on. So faith is something unique to each of us, yet similar and, thus, comparable with others’ because of its common elements.        The Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel expresses a marvelous faith because she is not a Jew and yet she believes so deeply in the power of Jesus to heal her daughter. The deep faith of a Gentile is admirable from the point of view of the believer. Jesus is amazed by it, too! If there is any great expression of faith in the Scriptures after that of Abraham who left his country in response to God’s call, of David who went up against Goliath with little more than a sling shot as his only weapon, it is this Gentile’s faith in the power of Jesus to heal.        Let us take time out this week, preferably today while the story is still fresh in our minds from the celebration of the Mass, to reflect upon her deep faith and see if it can inspire us to believe more deeply and trust Jesus more fully. This is the ultimate goal of all faith — to deepen our relationship with God and, thus, enter more fully into the gift of salvation that He has promised us. This woman’s faith is enough to save the life of her daughter; there is little more powerful at work in the world than that!        Let us make a decision to put aside our doubts and focus on the testimonies of men and women of faith that we have known or read, and so pray for a deeper faith of our own. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL REFLECTION QUESTION: Is there anyone in your life whose faith inspires you? Does your faith inspire others as well? Jesus, lead me deeper into my relationship with You as I reflect on the deep faith of others. Help me to remain faithful to all Your gifts every day of my life. St. Joan of the Cross, pray for us. Do you want to receive this in your email. To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, register and log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com.

How you can help make the Church holier

Holier priests lead to a holier Church. You possess a powerful tool that will help form priests — and the Church needs you to use it now! Attacks on the priesthood are intensifying.  Priests are battling on the front lines for the salvation of souls, and few people are in more need of our help. Priests are called to fight evil, but they cannot fight it alone. Those men who have answered God's call depend upon you to wield the most powerful weapon against the evil one — prayer.   In these pages, celebrated retreat master and author Kathleen Beckman offers church-approved ways in which you are called to contribute to the welfare of the Church today. You'll discover the indispensability of the Catholic priesthood, your specific call to pray for priests in the context of the New Evangelization, testimonies of spiritual mothers and priests, and scriptural rosaries dedicated to vocations and reparation. Although both men and women are responsible for priestly renewal, Kathleen explains the special vocation of spiritual motherhood. This vocation is embedded with graces that enable women to work together with Our Lady and the Holy Spirit for the sanctification of priests. Holier priests lead to a holier Church. Because prayer is a source of grace and the mother of all virtues, you can call down showers of graces upon the priesthood. The Church and her priests need your prayers now more than ever, and here you'll find your special calling from God that must be fulfilled for the salvation of souls. "Praying for priests is not an option; it is a holy duty and divine mandate. Kathleen Beckman strikes at the hearts of women to let loose a stream of spiritual maternity that flows into the hearts, souls, and ministries of our priests." Johnnette Benkovic Host of EWTN's Women of Grace "Praying for Priests is filled with insight, encouragement, and inspiration to lead both priests and laity to a more profound love of God's priceless gift of the priesthood." Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P. Editor of Magnificat "A masterful work of spiritual simplicity and richness. I recommend making this book a part of your day, every day." Most Reverend David D. Kagan Bishop of Bismarck, North Dakota "Kathleen presents practical ways to be a prayerful supporter of those in Sacred Orders who are in need of the intercession of others to successfully maneuver though the battlefield of the world." Archbishop J. Augustine Di Noia, O.P. Titular Archbishop of Oregon City "An eloquent reflection on the reality of the prayerful support needed by priests and bishops." Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann Bishop of Orange, California "Praying for Priests reminds everyone that one of the most essential works of the laity to support the clergy is to pray for priests." Msgr. Richard Soseman Official of the Congregation for the Clergy Praying for Priests: A Mission for the New Evangelization Kathleen Beckman $19.95 - 288 pages Order Online HERE Save 30% when you order the set Regular Price: $34.90 Order the set  at this link for only $24.99   Whether you’ve just begun to pray or have been faithfully praying for years, the wisdom in this book will help you pray better. It will rescue your prayers from distraction and superficiality and transform them into real occasions for communion with God. Fr. Lawrence Lovasik here clears away misunderstandings that many people have about prayer — and shows you innumerable ways you can avoid common obstacles and deepen your prayer life, no matter how much or how little you may have prayed before. You’ll learn what prayer is, why it’s necessary, and how to practice the essential forms of Catholic prayer. You’ll discover how the Church’s sacraments fortify your prayer — and how prayer, in turn, enhances your reception of the sacraments. You’ll find out how to bring to your own prayers the qualities that make prayer effective. Your prayers will become more heartfelt, more focused, and more full of love for God. Soon your prayer will fill you with a divine peace and joy that no one will be able to take from you. You’ll achieve the glorious aim of all prayer: union with God! You’ll grow in prayer and in the graces it brings you as you learn: Why true prayer is not necessarily a matter of words   Liturgical prayer: why you must pray with the Church   Four things you must bear in mind in order to pray better   Why prayer is essential for your salvation even though God knows all that you need   Two essential ingredients that transform thinking about God into genuine prayer   Swamped with earthly cares or selfish interests? Why prayer at such moments makes such a difference, hard as it may be   Your Faith: how knowing it better will improve your prayers   Five ways you should follow Jesus' example in your own prayer   Temptations: practical ways prayer helps you resist even the strongest of them   How to keep trusting in God even when your prayers seem to go unanswered   Distractions in prayer: four ways you can keep them from disturbing you   Family prayer: how to bring God into your home life — consistently and painlessly   The Our Father: why it is the most perfect prayer — and how to avoid common pitfalls when praying this simple prayer   The set is only $24.99 Order HERE Order online above, or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com Save up to 40% when you join Sophia's

A reminder to us who work so hard

SON: “Daddy, may I ask you a question?”
DAD: “Yeah sure, what is it?”
SON: “Daddy, how much do you make an hour?”
DAD: “That’s none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?”
SON: “I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?”
DAD: “If you must know, I make $100 an hour.”
SON: “Oh! (With his head down).
SON: “Daddy, may I please borrow $50?”

The father was furious.

DAD: “If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior.”

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy’s questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think:
Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $ 50 and he really didn’t ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy’s room and opened the door.

DAD: “Are you asleep, son?”
SON: “No daddy, I’m awake”.
DAD: “I’ve been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier. It’s been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here’s the $50 you asked for.”

The little boy sat straight up, smiling.

SON: “Oh, thank you daddy!”

Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father.

DAD: “Why do you want more money if you already have some?”

SON: “Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do.

“Daddy, I have $100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.”

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. 

It’s just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $100 worth of your time with someone you love?

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family and friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family.

Some things are more important.

Are you in the flow?

BUSINESS MATTERS (BEYOND THE BOTTOM LINE) By Francis J. Kong (The Philippine Star)

Think of great athletes.

Think of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or perhaps, the Olympian Michael Phelps. What about Tennis prodigies Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?

The list goes on and on.

When they are in the flow, no one, no power and no entity could ever stop them.

Have you ever witnessed a speaker who can engage an entire audience of 12,000 people yet still be able to have their attention and savor his every word? I have.

When Dr. Ravi Zacharias came to speak last May, he held an entire audience of 12,000 people engaged in his talk. I kid you not when I say that in his 45-minute discourse on truth, you can hear a pin drop in the whole arena.

Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Have you ever seen a master artist at work? And while he was doing his masterpiece, have you ever felt so struck and amazed that all you could do was stare in wonder? This craft master was ‘in the flow.’

Behaviorists and social scientists define “In the flow” as an “Optimal Stage of Consciousness.” This is when you feel at your best and perform at your best.

Flow is total absorption. Everything else fades away. The self vanishes.

You don’t have to be world famous to experience this.

In fact, I am sure that there were occasions in the past when you worked on a project so intensely that you never even noticed that you were working. Everything sped up. Time became dilated. And it felt like nothing can stop or distract you. This meant that you were “in the flow.”

Many admire experts like these yet feel frustrated. They reason to themselves, “I will never be like them. I wasn’t born with such talents.”

But every expert starts as an “outsider.” They look for activities they would like to engage, and once they found it, they join it. But here is the key difference, they work extra hard on it. And though there would be times when the familiar feeling of “giving up” creeps into their minds and hearts, these people would remember their love for the activity and conquer these feelings.

Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers, says that it takes a person an aggregate 10,000 hours of practice and work to elevate him into a stage of expertise and thus, allows the person to be “In the flow.”

These champions are not exempted from failures. And neither are you.

Failure is highly expected. But if you don’t give your best in what you do, you are actually setting up yourself for more failure.

I give all of myself into my talks, trainings and seminars.

And I do not have any control whether the participants would love it or hate it.

But deep down inside me, I know I have delivered my best and I challenge myself to do better in my next events.

You can control the effort but you can’t control the result. You need to focus on your craft and to be driven with the passion to be better every time you do it.

You can’t be a LeBron, a Kobe or a Jordan, especially if your height is 5’7”’ and below. You can’t be a Phelps if you easily drown in a bath tub of water.

But your passions, your experiences, and your skills are unique to you. Nobody else has the same combination. This is why you have your unique way of making a positive contribution to this world.

Do not live under the shadow of someone else, and try to be someone you are not.

You should be “in the flow” and the only one who can do what you do.

Our days are finite. One day, our time will run out. If you waste your day today, you will run out of opportunities tomorrow.

What is your craft? What is it that you do well?  Don’t go around it, don’t deny it, because this is how you grow and be in the flow.

Don’t just do it well, do it better every time, all the time.

(You can connect with Francis Kong through Facebook at www.facebook.com/franciskong2 or listen to his program called “Business Matters” from Monday to Friday at 8:00 am and 6:30 pm in 98.7 dzFE-FM ‘The Master’s Touch’, the classical music station.)

ARE YOU COMPLACENT OR CONTENTED?

By: Bobby Quitain

Complacency says I am ok where I am.
Contentment says I want to become the best that I can be but until then, I will be happy as I am.

Complacency says this is as far as I can go.
Contentment says I will go as far as I can but while waiting to get there, I will enjoy the journey.

Complacency says there is nothing left for me to do.
Contentment says I will be at peace with what I have done and with what God still wants me to do.

Complacency says accept your lot.
Contentment says accept what God has given you and develop it to its full potential.

Complacency says I want nothing more.
Contentment says I want nothing more than what God wants for me.

Don't be complacent.

Appreciate who God made you to be but work towards who God wants you to be!

St. Dominic and the Demonic Ape

http://catholicexchange.com/st-dominic-demonic-ape

SEAN FITZPATRICK

The reality of sanctity often shines brighter through unrealistic stories, for sanctity belongs to a higher reality. For this reason, the legends of the saints often bring a fresh element to the lives of the saints, for such fables allow such folk to appear clearly as citizens of two worlds. Holy lore renders the invisible side of sainthood more visible, giving these heroes a dimension that rises above humanity and history; for the pious exaggeration of the extraordinariness of the servants of God emphasizes the reason why they are saints of God.

The good St. Dominic stands tall among this great assembly—and is, therefore, not without his tall tales. One of these is so strange it dares to drive at the heart of this saint’s very sainthood. Of course it does not cover the facts of St. Dominic’s life, for that would not be fantastic.

The Facts

The first fact of Dominic’s life is, however, a fantastic fact: his mother had a dream of giving birth to a dog carrying a torch that set the world afire. In Calaruega, Spain, 1170, she actually gave birth to Dominic de Guzmán. After a brilliant and serious career studying at the University of Palencia, Dominic was ordained to the priesthood and appointed canon by the Bishop of Osma to assist in the reformation of the cathedral chapter. Dominic’s piety and devotion to the Rule of St. Benedict quickly elevated him to prior superior of the chapter, and at length he was called to leave the solitude of his chapter house to join the bishop in speaking out against the Albigensian heresy and reforming the Cistercian Order.

Upon the murder of the papal legate by the Albigensians in 1208, Innocent III launched a crusade against the heretics. Dominic followed in the wake of the pope’s forces, preaching and teaching with all his heart. In 1215, he established an order devoted to the conversion of the Albigensians and spreading the light of the Gospel to the ends of the earth under the rule of prayer and penance: the Order of Preachers—the Dominican Order—was born.

For the rest of his life, Dominic traveled across Italy nurturing his growing brotherhood with great success, and constantly and fervently preaching the salvation of Christ and His Church. Conversions abounded as the intellectual life was ingeniously implemented in everyday life, together with the championing of the Holy Rosary, to supply the deficiencies of a benighted people. Dominic died on August 6, 1221, and was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1234.

The Fantastic

A legend is told of St. Dominic that serves as an icon of the peaceful fortitude of sanctity against the primal force of evil. Thus it runs.

Late one night, St. Dominic sat up to write deep within St. Sixtus priory. A noisome night it was, with growling clouds and growing shadows, but still, St. Dominic sat up to write. A single, quivering candle lit his page and his sober vigil. Not even the unruly elements could check the rapidity of his pen or dull the purpose of the Preacher. There he wrote in a ruddy patch surrounded by gloom; and there, in that dark dormitory, the Prince of Darkness was hid, grinding his soul to find the saint awake and writing through the night. No premonition chilled the bones of St. Dominic; but anon, a figure came loping into the candlelight that would offer any man, howsoever magnanimous he be, some astonishment.

The pen was laid upon the page. The snow-white robes were smoothed for war. St. Dominic raised his eyes once more as a shaggy bulk pushed into his candle’s glowing globe. A great shape loomed, covered with coarse hair where fearsome teeth and fiery eyes flashed forth, and gangly limbs dangled beneath a crooked back—’twas the Devil in form of an Ape.

St. Dominic beheld this rival, took up his quill, and still sat up to write. The Ape unleashed a savage shout and smashed its paws on the flagstones, beating its chest, shaking the cell with its roar, while a terrible song issued from its terrible mouth:

Dost thou here write when all do sleep?
O vanity of vanity,
To drive men to insanity,
With teachings of inanity–
Far better would it be to sleep!

St. Dominic raised not his head and bade the Devil-Ape, “Be still.”

The Monkey raged around the desk, snarling and scratching, with thump and thud on stone, and uttered another vile verse:

Dost thou here muse when all do sleep?
O, thou, dim-witted Dominic,
Thou dost neglect the poor and sick,
For thine own liking dost thou pick–
Far better would it be to sleep!

St. Dominic’s meditation remained intact. He raised a hand and, scolding, said, “Be still.”

The Ape gawked and gaped as it slapped the walls and pounded the ground, shattering the silence with its chattering and its loathsome rhyme:

Dost thou here pray when all do sleep?
O scribbling scrabbling Pharisee,
Are thy prayers of such quality
They merit immortality?
Far better would it be to sleep!

St. Dominic was not afraid. Instead he laid his finger to his lips and spake, “Be still.”

The Monkey then racked that monkish cell with screams that made it shudder in every stone. Up and down the room it careened, teeth gnashing ear-to-ear, and wailing aloud until St. Dominic said, “Enough.”

The Ape froze in its frenzy as Dominic commanded it to take up the candle in its hand. “Thy name,” the prior sternly pronounced, “was Lucifer before thy fall, and light again thou now shalt bear and be, at least, of some use.”

The sheepish Ape trembled beneath this sentence, and took up the guttering candle in its claws; and there it stood and stooped, like a thing bewitched, casting light on the work of St. Dominic who wrote on at ease. The Devil was in dismay—hour after hour passed, and still the Ape held aloft the light and still the saint wrote on. But as the night wore on, the Ape watched the flame chase down the wick and the waxy pillar melt. It cursed its fate as it glared at the glim and wished that the fire were burning less nigh to its hand. But no sound it made—too a-feared to dare defy the word of Dominic.

Then heat began to sting its fingers. The flame was licking its hand! A howl of pain broke from the Ape with a shriek of hate as fire flowed up its hairy arm. It lashed and writhed and rolled its eyes, for consumed it was with hellfire from head to toe. Again it thundered at the indifferent St. Dominic and swirled in a blaze of wrath.

The saint then responded, “Begone!”

St. Dominic took up a stick and beat the Ape across its back. With blows that resounded like those upon a bloated bladder, St. Dominic chastised the Ape; and with each crack, the fire and smoke flared and fell until the Ape was reduced to nothing more than a pile of sour-smelling ash.

St. Dominic put by his rod and opened wide the casement boards, and found dawn blushing in the sky’s pale cheek. A bell saluted the sun, and the blessed father closed up his book and to the chapel went straightway. But as he went, his mind turned on a wondrous truth: the fallen Fiend must always serve the servants of the Lord High God.

The Faith

It is written that St. Dominic would make impressions of the grimacing, galumphing Ape whenever recounting this story to his brethren, and thus do the heroes of God regard the foe. This story, whether deemed amusing or appalling, whether literal or legendary, is symbolic nonetheless of the security of sainthood; an image of a faith that can move mountains—or monkeys, as the case may be.

Such was the faith of St. Dominic; a faith that led him to be a humble helper to those in need and a terror to those who would terrify him in his vocation to praise, to bless, and to preach. Though he had the power to command the legions of hell, Dominic never wielded that power towards the lambs of heaven. The legend of St. Dominic and the Ape reminds the world of the faith that animated the life of St. Dominic—a faith that arises not from self-regard, or even self-confidence, but from a meekness that breathes with the might of the Holy Spirit.

By Sean Fitzpatrick

Sean Fitzpatrick is a graduate of Thomas Aquinas College and the Headmaster of Gregory the Great Academy. He lives in Scranton, PA with his wife and family of four.

http://catholicexchange.com/st-dominic-demonic-ape

Today's Mass Readings - Sunday, August 10, 2014 with Reflection

1^ST READING - 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13

9 At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord — but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake — but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake there was fire — but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. 13 When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

P S A L M - Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

R: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

8 [9] I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord — for he proclaims peace. 9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 10 [11] Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13] The Lord himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14]Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps. (R)

2^nd READING - Romans 9:1-5

1 Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness 2 that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; 5 theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for his word.

Matthew 14:22-33

22 After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. 24Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. 25 During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.27 At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 After they got into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

SABBATH

FAITH IN MAN-MADE LAWS Following on from yesterday’s reflection, I would like to ask what the nature of the so-called “right to bear arms” amendment in the Constitution really means. It was passed over 200 years ago when there was no such thing as an ammunition clip capable of holding tens of rounds of ammunition. It was passed at a time when guns are shot once and then you had to virtually stop and reload them before firing again. I would like to see someone make the argument that that is all that the amendment applies to, and thus, all the modern military arsenals would be out of reach to ordinary citizens. Modern weapons are designed as assault weapons and not for defense purposes. I am sure that the intention of the “right to bear arms” amendment had defense in mind, not aggression. If it is the latter, then the amendment is about as immoral as one possibly could be.        In the Gospel today, Jesus reaches out to catch Peter from sinking into the water as his faith wavered. My faith in the humanity of the U.S. Constitution’s amendment relating to the right to bear arms has totally disappeared. Not even Jesus could resurrect it. My faith in the lawmakers to act responsibly is not far behind and can be redeemed only if they act quickly (by the time you are reading this, all assault weapons should be outlawed) and decisively. Without such action, no politician in the U.S. can claim to hold the moral ground. If such a measure is defeated on the floor of the Houses, then at least the people would know who among the politicians need to be thrown out at the next election. There are no more excuses available to anyone on this matter.        Jesus never compromises the truth in His ministry. He is not afraid to challenge the status quo. He is not concerned with popularity or what others may think of Him. He only knows what He must do to be faithful to His Father’s will and to the truth. Let us all pray that we will be as committed to a life of holiness and grace as Jesus was. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL REFLECTION QUESTION: In any given situation, which would you choose: God’s laws or man-made laws? Jesus, You never contemplated acting against the truth or dignity of a human person. Help me to be always faithful in protecting and promoting the same in my life. St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr, pray for us. Do you want to receive this in your email. To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, register and log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com.