Mystery book on "End Times" reappears

What if the theories on the Mayan Calendar were correct? Would you be ready for the end of the world? ​As Christians, we understand that not one of us "knows the hour or the day."  We must be ever-ready for the end of the world, for it may be near. And now, to help us prepare for the day that will inevitably come. . .  A Catholic book on the 'End Times'  — Beloved by St. Thérèse of Lisieux! You will be amazed at what this book reveals about the future, both for the world and the soul. A great saint—Thérèse of Lisieux—was so taken by this book that it spurred her entry into the convent. "Reading this book was one of the greatest graces of my life," she says. "The impression I received from it is too intimate and too sweet for me to express. All the great truths of religion, the mysteries of eternity, plunged into my soul a happiness not of this earth." (It was while reading this book that Thérèse asked her father's permission to enter the convent.) * Completed in 1881 by Fr. Charles Arminjon, an aged French priest, Fin du Monde Présent et Mystères de la Vie Future surfaced just long enough to draw Thérèse into the convent and then, for more than a century, plunged back into obscurity. Now, with the help of a pious devotee of St. Thérèse who spent decades searching for the original French edition, and then years translating it, we have the honor of placing before you the very first English translation of this urgent, hope-filled, and chilling work: With pious audacity, Fr. Arminjon devotes the first chapter to the end — the end of the world: "Although Christ chose to leave us ignorant of the exact time of the end of the world," Fr. Arminjon says, "He deemed it fitting to give us detailed information on the matter and circumstances of this great event." "The end of the world, Christ says, will come at time when the human race, sunk in the outermost depths of indifference, will be far from thinking about punishment and justice. It will be as in the days of Noah, when men lived without a care, built luxurious houses, and mocked Noah as he built his ark. 'Madman! Dreamer!' they cried. Then the flood came and engulfed the whole earth." "So," writes Fr. Arminjon, "Christ warns us that the final catastrophe will take place when the world is at its most secure: civilization will be at its zenith, markets will be overflowing with money, and government stocks will never have been higher." "Mankind, wallowing in an unprecedented material prosperity, will have ceased to hope for heaven. Crudely attached to the pleasures of life, man, like the miser in the gospel, will say "My soul, you possess goods to last for many years. Eat, drink and be merry." Has that dreaded day finally arrived? "Unprecedented material prosperity"? We've enjoyed it for decades, building the "luxurious houses" Fr. Arminjon speaks of. The world's "markets have been overflowing with money" — until the crisis slammed us like a tsunami come from nowhere. Is this the end? Fr. Arminjon reminds us that "the present world, precisely because it was created, necessarily tends toward its conclusion and end." And, indeed, all around us we see perishing the world we have known for generations. Is this the end? Fr. Arminjon claims no special knowledge, nor is he a sensation-monger. On the contrary, he insists that we "steer clear of every perilous opinion, relying neither upon dubious revelations nor upon apocryphal prophecies, and making no assertion that is not justified by the doctrine of the Fathers and of Tradition." Which is precisely what makes this book so chilling for the sober-minded among us: Fr. Arminjon's conclusions are grounded in the Fathers of the Church, Tradition, and the Bible. He always speaks with thoughtfulness and prayerful prudence: which is why these pages moved Thérèse so completely, and why they will lead you, too, to share so many of his conclusions about the end of the present world, the Antichrist, Purgatory, Hell, the importance of Christian sacrifice, the role of suffering in salvation, and the mysteries of eternity that Father so ably illuminates here. * Finally, you'll be grateful that Fr. Arminjon does not merely sketch the darkness ahead; he paints as well a vivid picture of the sweet means Jesus has given us to fill that darkness with light; and of the rich bounty He has in store for all who stay faithful. It is the sweetness of this book that caught St. Thérèse up in a fervent love of God and nourished what her biographer describes as her "impatience for the joys of Heaven and her paramount esteem for a life wholly consecrated to Divine Love." The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life: the book our world desperately needs, will not only show us how to read the signs of the times, but also equip us to bear ourselves as Christians, no matter what the future brings. The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life by Fr. Charles Arminjon. 336 pgs ppbk $19.95 Save 20% when you order The End of the Present World along with I Believe in Love Click here to order the set and apply coupon code TheEnd20 at checkout I Believe in Love is a spiritual classic that has long been beloved by Catholics for its wondrous distillation of the teaching of St. Thérèse of Lisieux into a reader-friendly set of meditations. It’s perfect as a personal retreat when you have only a few moments to spare each day — and for spiritual reading anytime and anywhere. Fr. Jean C. J. d’Elbée, a French priest deeply imbued with St. Thérèse’s spirit, brings you St. Thérèse’s teachings on God’s love and the confidence in Him that it should inspire in your soul; humility, peace, and fraternal charity; the apostolate; the Cross; and what it means truly to abandon yourself to Divine Providence. I Believe in Love has helped countless souls embark on the way to the Father. It will help you focus on Him throughout each day, rest in Him amid your troubles, and live joyfully with Him at every moment! "This classic beautifully reveals God's deep love for each of us and awakens in us a burning love for Him.  If you want to grow in love of God, this book is a must." Fr. Benedict Groeschel Save 20% when you order the 2-book set! Click here to order both books and apply code TheEnd20 at checkout. (*Shipping not included. Not eligible for any other discount. For a limited time only) Order online above, or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com Sophia Institute Press Box 5284, Manchester, NH 03108 USA

Make this your holiest Advent yet!

Are you among the few who emerge from the Christmas season holier than before?   Or are you like most of us... ...running from one activity to another, never able to celebrate Christmas in the way your soul yearns.   A prayerful Advent is the key to a holy and peaceful Christmas.  That's why the Church has set aside the month of Advent as a time to pray, reflect, and anticipate the coming of our Lord.   To help make this Christmas your holiest yet, Sophia Institute Press presents Meditations for Advent—a collection of forty short meditations that will lift your soul to God in those hectic days that stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas. These pages will keep you mindful of the real meaning of Christmas while affording you an admirable distillation of the doctrines and piety of our Holy Catholic Church.     Meditations for Advent by Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet 192 Pages - List Price: $12.95 These meditations were translated and compiled from the rich collection of prayers by French Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, the Court Preacher to Louis XIV and widely considered to be one of the greatest homilists in the history of the Church. With the help of Bishop Bossuet—and the sense of God’s grandeur and love that permeates his every word—all through the rush toward Christmas... you’ll stay mindful of the holy words of Isaiah foretelling the birth of our savior; you’ll find yourself marveling at the Annunciation and the Visitation; you’ll rejoice in anticipation of the coming birth of Jesus; ...and, finally, you’ll look forward to kneeling with St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin in silent adoration of the incarnate Son of God.   This year, you won’t (as so often happens) arrive at Midnight Mass distracted, exhausted, and frazzled, having neglected your Advent devotions and your ordinary prayers, too. Instead, you’ll find yourself stepping lightly into church, ready and eager to adore the newborn King, with your soul what it should be: a fit dwelling place for the Redeemer.   Advent is just 12 Days Away! Let Meditations for Advent keep you prayerful amidst the worst distractions of the holiday season. Let it draw you daily closer to Jesus, whose birth the season celebrates, and whose birth your soul yearns to celebrate, too.   Meditations for Advent by Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet 192 Pages - List Price: $12.95   Save 10% on all Christmas Items when you order Meditations for Advent Apply coupon code Advent10 at checkout (Gift items can ship to U.S. addresses only)   What better way to keep Christ in Christmas than to display this stunning wood-carved styling of the Holy Family. At just over a foot tall, this nativity scene fits with any decor, and shows the Holy Family encircled by the tree of life. Click here to order List Price: $74.95   This beautifully hand-painted statue of St. Nicholas hails from the artistic traditions that created the magnificent icons that grace the great cathedrals of Russia.  Nowhere else will you find a statue of St. Nicholas as handsome as this, or as well-crafted. Click here to order List Price: $60.00   At 10 inches tall, this gorgeous set of wood-carved style Christmas angels will add a special holiday touch to your home or office. This set tastefully combines tradition with an updated style, making it a perfect gift for family and friends. Click here to order List Price: $39.95 for the set Most important is that you keep mindful of the real meaning of Christmas.  Our newly released Meditations for Advent will serve as an indispensible guide to making this your holiest Christmas yet!   Meditations for Advent by Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet 192 Pages - List Price: $12.95   Don't forget to enter coupon code Advent10 if you order Meditations for Advent with one of our gift items. Order online above, or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com Sophia Institute Press Box 5284, Manchester, NH 03108 USA   Sophia Institute Press is the publishing division of

Today's Gospel Reading - Sunday, November 25, 2012 with Reflection

Solemnity of the Christ the King

1^ST READING - Daniel 7:13-14

P S A L M - Psalm 93:1, 1-2, 5

R: The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

1 The Lord is king, in splendor robed; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength. (R) And he has made the world firm, not to be moved. 2 Your throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O Lord. (R) 5 Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days. (R)

2^ND READING - Revelation 1:5-8

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!

John 18:33-37

33 Pilate said to Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” 37 So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

SABBATH

STATING THE OBVIOUS A couple had been married for more than 20 years. The man had been a responsible husband and father. He had been faithful and never been remiss of his children’s needs. One day, the woman asked the man, “Do you really love me?” How do you think the man reacted, or how do you think he should react? How about an employee who had been at work almost every working day, pouring in more than the required hours, doing his job almost perfectly, does not receive a complaint from his coworkers, and does not complain? When he was considered for promotion, the manager asked him if he was serious with his work. How do you think the employee felt? And what about somebody who preached words that touch everyone’s heart and responded to their yearnings? That same person gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, gave speech to the mute, and hearing to the deaf. He even cleansed many from leprosy, an incurable disease during His time. To top it all, He brought back the dead to life! And it did not stop there. When He died, He resurrected! He showed great powers and spoke with authority. He is considered to have affected and influenced more people than anyone who had ever walked on earth. For a year, starting at the Advent Season, the life and ministry of Jesus is read, heard and reflected on in the celebration of the Eucharist. He is not your regular idol, hero or savior. But He certainly deserves respect, honor and following. Our faith, based on all of what He has done, crowns Him as King — King of Kings, King of the Universe! But His kingship is not only for this world. His Kingdom extends beyond this world. He is the King of forgiveness. His mission was to gather everyone in His Kingdom — a different King but the best King we could ever have. Fr. Benny Tuazon REFLECTION QUESTION: Who or what reigns as “king” in your life? Lord, may I learn and practice in my life the true marks of a leader and king as You have shown us. St. Columban, 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. Lots of surprises await.

8 Tremendously Important Ways That Gratitude Can Change Your Life

By Leo Babauta

It's amazing how one simple, easy, positive action can change so much in a person's life.

One of the things that has had the biggest effect on my life is the realization of the power of gratitude. Simply giving thanks.

It has affected everything. It has made me a more positive person. A more productive person. A better achiever. A better husband and father and son and brother (at least, I like to think so). A happier person. I'm not perfect, but gratitude has made me better.

Can it change your life as well? I can guarantee it. You might not get the exact same benefits as I have, but there's no doubt in my mind that the simple act of gratitude on a regular basis will change anyone's life, positively and immediately. How many other changes can claim to be that quick, that easy, and that profound?

Let's take a look at some of the ways you can incorporate gratitude into your life, and how it will change your life. These are just some examples, based on my experience and the experiences of others I've talked with, and not all will apply to your life. But pick and choose the ones you think will work for you.

1. Have a morning gratitude session. Take one minute in the morning (make it a daily ritual) to think of the people who have done something nice for you, to think of all the things in your life you're grateful for. You won't get to everything in one minute, but it's enough. And it will instantly make your day better, and help you start your day off right. Can you think of a better use of one minute?

2. When you're having a hard day ... make a gratitude list. We all have those bad days sometimes. We are stressed out from work. We get yelled at by someone. We lose a loved one. We hurt a loved one. We lose a contract or do poorly on a project. One of the things that can make a bad day much better is making a list of all the things you're thankful for. There are always things to be thankful for -- loved ones, health, having a job, having a roof over your head and clothes on your back, life itself.

3. Instead of getting mad at someone, show gratitude. That's a major switching of attitudes -- actually a complete flip. And so this isn't always easy to do. But I can promise you that it's a great thing to do. If you get mad at your co-worker, for example, because of something he or she did ... bite your tongue and don't react in anger. Instead, take some deep breaths, calm down, and try to think of reasons you're grateful for that person. Has that person done anything nice for you? Has that person ever done a good job? Find something, anything, even if it's difficult. Focus on those things that make you grateful. It will slowly change your mood. And if you get in a good enough mood, show your gratitude to that person. It will improve your mood, your relationship, and help make things better. After showing gratitude, you can ask for a favor -- can he please refrain from shredding your important documents in the future? And in the context of your gratitude, such a favor isn't such a hard thing for the co-worker to grant. 

4. Instead of criticizing your significant other, show gratitude. This is basically the same as the above tactic, but I wanted to point out how gratitude can transform a marriage or relationship. If you constantly criticize your spouse, your marriage will slowly deteriorate -- I promise you. It's important to be able to talk out problems, but no one likes to be criticized all the time. Instead, when you find yourself feeling the urge to criticize, stop and take a deep breath. Calm down, and think about all the reasons you're grateful for your spouse. Then share that gratitude, as soon as possible. Your relationship will become stronger. Your spouse will learn from your example -- especially if you do this all the time. Your love will grow, and all will be right in the world.

5. Instead of complaining about your kids, be grateful for them. Many parents (myself included) get frustrated with their children. They are too slow to do things, they have a bad attitude, they can't clean up after themselves, and they pick their nose too much. Unfortunately, sometimes parents will communicate that frustration to their children too often, and the kids will begin to feel bad about themselves. Many parents have done this, and while it's not perfect, it's a part of parenthood. But there's a better way: follow the method above of calming down when you're frustrated, and thinking of reasons you're grateful to your child. Share these reasons with your child. And then take the opportunity to teach them, instead of criticizing them.

6. When you face a major challenge, be grateful for it. Many people will see something difficult as a bad thing. If something goes wrong, it's a reason to complain, it's a time of self-pity. That won't get you anywhere. Instead, learn to be grateful for the challenge -- it's an opportunity to grow, to learn, to get better at something. This will transform you from a complainer into a positive person who only continues to improve. People will like you better and you'll improve your career. Not too shabby.

7. When you suffer a tragedy, be grateful for the life you still have. I've recently lost an aunt, and my children recently lost a grandmother. These tragedies can be crippling if you let them overcome you. And while I'm not saying you shouldn't grieve -- of course you should -- you can also take away something even greater from these tragedies: gratitude for the life you still have. Appreciation for the fleeting beauty of life itself. Love for the people who are still in your life. Take this opportunity to show appreciation to these people, and to enjoy life while you can.

8. Instead of looking at what you don't have, look at what you do have. Have you ever looked around you and bemoaned how little you have? How the place you live isn't your dream house, or the car you drive isn't as nice as you'd like, or your peers have cooler gadgets or better jobs? If so, that's an opportunity to be grateful for what you already have. It's easy to forget that there are billions of people worse off than you -- who don't have much in the way of shelter or clothes, who don't own a car and never will, who don't own a gadget or even know what one is, who don't have a job at all or only have very menial, miserable jobs in sweatshop conditions. Compare your life to these people's lives, and be grateful for the life you have. And realize that it's already more than enough, that happiness is not a destination -- it's already here.

[Leo Babauta is the owner of ZenHabits.net, a website devoted to providing clear and concise wisdom on how to simplify your life. He's also the author of, The Power of Less: The Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential, in Business and in Life.]

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Today's Gospel Reading - Sunday, November 18, 2012 with Reflection

1^ST READING - Daniel 12:1-3

P S A L M - Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11

R: You are my inheritance, O Lord!

5 O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. 8 I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. (R) 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; 10 because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. (R) 11 You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.(R)

2^ND READING - Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

 

Mark 13:24-32

24 Jesus said to his disciples: “In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory, 27 and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky. 28 Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. 30Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32 But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

SABBATH

THE HEAVENLY FATHER’S SECRET   The year 2011 had been marked by several catastrophes. Terrible earthquakes and a tsunami in Japan wiped out cities and villages. An earthquake in Spain damaged important historical landmarks. There was also the galactic alignment of planets in May 2011, and people speculated on possible upheavals in nature. There were also the wars in several critical areas in the Middle East. Was it the end of the world? Well, the world is still spinning, and we are still here. The concluding words of Jesus in our Gospel should put useless discussions about the end of the world to rest. He says in the simplest and clearest words, “But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” St. Augustine explains that the Heavenly Father decided to keep the exact day and hour of the world’s end to keep us looking forward to this very important moment and live our lives always to the optimum. How best can we be prepared for the Heavenly Father’s surprise? (1) Keep loving. We will always be judged and remembered by our loving acts and loving ways. People are willing to overlook many things about one whom they have experienced to be a truly loving person. (2) Act justly. To act justly is to always be at peace because one owes nothing to anyone. (3) Live in righteousness. When a person tries to follow the will of God in each circumstance of life, then a person’s conscience is clean and calm. (4) Close each day with a forgiving heart. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Always finish each day in peace with oneself and in harmony with everyone else. (5) Pray! A genuine life of prayer makes us at home with God. Prayer is the language of friendship with God. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP   REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you living in a state of spiritual preparedness? What can you do to make yourself always at peace and in harmony with anything?   Jesus, I pray that You will find me faithful when You come again in glory.

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, pray for us.

 

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The Catholic Guide to Depression

Should I see a priest . . . or a shrink? Is more prayer the solution . . . or medications? How have Catholic popes and saints kept depression from controlling their lives?    *          *          *  Countless Christians — including scores of saints — have suffered profound, pervasive sorrow that modern psychiatrists call “depression.” Those suffering from this wearying desolation of soul are often left with more questions than answers, never sure where to turn or who to trust. Now comes The Catholic Guide to Depression — an accessible review of the effective ways that have recently been devised to deal with this grave and sometimes deadly affliction — ways that are not only consistent with the teachings of the Church, but even rooted in many of those teachings. The Catholic Guide to Depression by Dr. Aaron Kheriaty and Fr. John Cihak 288 Pages  -  List Price: $19.95 Extensive clinical experience treating patients with depression has shown Catholic psychologist Dr. Aaron Kheriaty that the confessional can’t cure neuroses, nor can the couch forgive sin. Healing comes only when we integrate the legitimate discoveries of modern psychology and pharmacology with spiritual direction and the Sacraments, giving particular attention to the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the saints. Here, with the expert help of Dr. Kheriaty, you’ll learn how to distinguish depression from similar looking but fundamentally different mental states such as guilt, sloth, the darkness of sin, and the sublime desolation called “dark night of the soul” that is, in fact, a privileged spiritual trial sent to good souls as a special gift from God. You’ll come to know how to identify the various types of depression and come to understand the interplay of their often manifold causes; biological, psychological, behavioral, cultural, and, yes, moral. Then you’ll learn about exciting breakthroughs in pharmacological and other medical treatments, the benefits and limitations of psychotherapy, the critical place that spiritual direction must have in your healing, and the vital role that hope — Christian hope — can play in driving out depression. For those less-frequent cases when the pain of depression can’t be fully banished by the combined efforts of science and spirituality, Dr. Kheriaty shows how pain — like the unavoidable sufferings of Jesus on the Cross — can be made redemptive for yourself and for others. Finally, to this masterful, hope-filled work Dr. Kheriaty has appended a list of resources for further reading, a set of prayers for those times when the anguish of depression grows great, and even an address by Pope John Paul II about depression. Written by a faithful Catholic psychiatrist committed to the teachings of the Church, The Catholic Guide to Depression provides help and consolation to anyone suffering from this grave spiritual affliction. And, it affords friends, loved-ones, pastors, and spiritual directors the knowledge they need to give depressed persons the understanding, help, and comfort they so desperately need.   The Catholic Guide to Depression by Dr. Aaron Kheriaty and Fr. John Cihak 288 Pages  -  List Price: $19.95    From the rich pages of The Catholic Guide to Depressionyou’ll also learn . . .  The manifold causes of depression. Plus, what the Church teaches about its roots in man’s estrangement from God; Why a holistic approach to depression (psychiatric, pharmacological, and spiritual) best reflects the Church’s understanding of the unity of body and soul; Why antidepressants are often necessary, but never sufficient;   The kinds of psychotherapy and the merits and weaknesses of each: cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and others;   The roles and limits of pharmacology, psychotherapy, and spirituality in overcoming depression (and why all three are generally necessary);   How diet, exercise, vitamins, and other non-medical treatments can alleviate the symptoms of depression, and often even drive away its lesser forms;   How seeking appropriate help — medical or otherwise — nurtures humility, helps you pray, and can itself help lift depression;   The special self-knowledge granted to the depressed (in some ways, their vision is clearer than that of the rest of us!);   How, though not sufficient, silence, prayer, spiritual reading, and a plan of life can quicken hope and speed healing from depression, even when your desolation is greatest;   Ways to keep depression from retarding your spiritual progress (and how your spiritual progress can lighten the burden of depression);   Why, the greater your desolation, the closer you must stay to the Sacraments, embraced there by your Brother in anguish, the suffering Christ;   St. Peter, St. Teresa of Avila, Pope John Paul II, Pope Pius XII, Pope Benedict XVI, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Philip Neri, St. Benedict Joseph Labre,  St. Josemaria Escriva: what these good Catholics have taught us about depression (many suffered from it themselves);   And much more, to help you understand depression and, using the combined powers of psychiatry and the sacraments, finally free yourself from its suffocating grip.    Order The Catholic Guide to Depression today by clicking the link below:     The Catholic Guide to Depression by Dr. Aaron Kheriaty and Fr. John Cihak 288 Pages  -  List Price: $19.95 Order online above, or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com Sophia Institute Press Box 5284, Manchester, NH 03108 USA   Sophia Institute Press is the publishing division of

Today's Gospel Reading - November 11, 2012 with Reflection

1^ST READING - 1 Kings 17:10-16

P S A L M - Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

R: Praise the Lord, my soul!

7 The Lord keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, gives good to the hungry. The Lord sets captives free. (R) 8 The Lord gives sight to the blind; the Lord raises up those that were bowed down; the Lord loves the just; 9 The Lord protects strangers. (R) The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. 10 The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.(R)

2^ND READING - Hebrews 9:24-28

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 12:38-44

38 In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, 39 seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. 40They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.” 41 He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 44 For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

SABBATH

GIVE YOUR ALL A parish priest was trying to encourage his congregation to give out donations for their church renovation project. As the collection bag was being passed around, he made a passionate speech. “My dearly beloved, remember, God will not look at what you will put in the bag. He will look at what is left in your wallets.” Jesus in today’s Gospel gave a tribute to the poor widow’s temple contribution: “I want you to observe that this poor widow contributed more than all the others who donated to the treasury. They gave from their surplus wealth, but she gave from her want, all she had to live on.” All she had to live on. Yes, God demands that we give our all. The word “all” seems to be a favorite of the Lord. In His other teachings in the Gospel, Jesus encouraged us to love God with all our hearts, all our soul and all our strength. However, I believe we should not understand “all” in a mathematical way. “All” should be understood not in the sense of arithmetic quantity but proportionate quality. For example, I don’t believe God expects us to literally empty our wallets every time the collection bag is passed before us. I’m sure God knows that families need to set something aside for food on the table. But “all” does mean that I don’t give loose change in church while I splurge for something like vanity items and recreation. Worshiping God with “all my heart” does not mean I spend 24 hours of my day in church, forgetting all my other responsibilities. But it does mean that church should be a priority in my activities for the day. It does mean that I put off my cell phone during Mass to block off potential distractions. It does mean I dispose myself well and consecrate that time for God. Give your “all” to God, always. And measure your “all” not with a calculator but with your heart. Fr. Joel Jason REFLECTION QUESTION: When you give, does it “hurt” you in a certain sense? If not, you may have just disposed of something you didn’t need or want after all. Lord Jesus, place before me always the true measure of giving — giving without measure. Amen. St. Martin of Tours, bishop, pray for us.

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