The Pentecost Project — Pentecost—Year C

Before Pentecost was a Christian celebration, it was an ancient Jewish observance. In the Old Covenant, in the Law of Moses, God commanded his people to bring some of the first grain harvested from their fields to Jerusalem be sacrificed as a burnt offering. This is the reason why Jews from so many distant countries were gathered in Jerusalem on this fiftieth day after Passover. Each Pentecost, the world’s first fruits were gathered and consecrated to the Lord. On one unique Pentecost, the Pentecost seven weeks after Jesus’ resurrection, Jews from every land were gathered by the Holy Spirit, and consecrated to God the Father, through Jesus Christ. By the end of Old Testament era, God had scattered the seeds of his chosen people across the world. On this Pentecost, the first fruits of his harvest are brought into his barn, the Church.

Pentecost can be seen as the beginning of the end of God’s project of salvation because we are now living in the world’s final era. And yet, Pentecost can also be seen as the start of a new divine project that will perdure forever. At the Tower of Babel, mankind endeavors to build a city reaching all the way to heaven. In other words, they attempt to become as gods while rejecting God. The Lord knows that this recurring human tendency leads to self-destruction, for both individuals and societies, so he thwarts their project by confusing their language. On Pentecost, God undoes Babel by allowing all peoples to understand the Apostles’ words, uniting and ennobling them. On this day, God begins in earnest to build up the Church, a new great city in communion with God that reaches all the way to heaven. Though heaven and earth pass away, this city of God, the Church, shall continue forever.

Why did the Holy Spirit come down in the form of fire? God the Holy Spirit, like the angels, is pure spirit and has no physical body. To be seen by human beings they must assume an appearance. Why did the Holy Spirit appear in the likeness of flames? Consider a different question: How many matches does it take to burn down a forest? The fire from just one small match is enough. As the small fire spreads, while remaining itself, it transforms everything around it. The holy fire that descended on Pentecost did not harm or destroy like natural fire would. The apostles may have been alarmed to see flames sailing towards their heads, but they were not burnt. The fire of the Holy Spirit is like the fire of the burning bush that Moses beheld in Exodus. Divine fire does not consume, but glorifies its hosts. Jesus once declared, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12:49) On Pentecost, a fire is lit in Jerusalem that spreads and transforms the world. This fire is the Holy Spirit at work.

All of salvation history was a preparation for Jesus Christ and Pentecost. Now we live in the last age of the world, the age of the Church, the city of God which shall last forever. Each of us is called to play an active part in this project of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, just as important as the gift of tongues given to the apostles was the Holy Spirit’s gift of fearless joy. Even after they had seen Jesus resurrected, the apostles timidly hid behind locked doors “for fear of the Jews.” But the reception of the Holy Spirit gave them a happy courage that allowed them to talk about Jesus in public to anyone who would listen. We have received the Holy Spirit also. Then why are we so timid? Why are we shy to introduce others to Jesus, our friend?  Why are we hesitant to welcome others to the Church, our community?  It seems that the Holy Spirit declines to act with power within us until we give him our free consent. Like he waited upon Mary’s response at the Annunciation, so the Holy Spirit awaits our invitation. Open yourself to the Holy Spirit’s will.  Ask him to give you new, powerful gifts. Give him permission to utilize you in the great project of salvation. And then, let us watch what he does through us.

Antes de Pentecostés era una fiesta cristiana, fue una celebración judía antigua. En el Antiguo Testamento, en la Ley de Moisés, Dios ordenó a su pueblo para llevar a algunos de los primeros granos cosechados de sus campos a Jerusalén ser sacrificado como ofrenda quemada. Esta es la razón Judios de muchos países lejanos se reunieron en Jerusalén en este quincuagésimo día después de la Pascua. Cada Pentecostés, las primicias del mundo se reunieron y se consagraron al Señor. Por un Pentecostés especial, siete semanas después de la resurrección de Jesús, Judios de todos los países se reunieron por el Espíritu Santo, y se consagraron a Dios Padre por medio de Jesucristo. Para el final de la época de del Antiguo Testamento, Dios había esparcido las semillas de su pueblo elegido a través del mundo. En este Pentecostés, los primeros frutos de su mies se llevan a su granero, la Iglesia.

Pentecostés se puede considerar como el comienzo del fin del proyecto de salvación de Dios porque estamos ahora viviendo en la época final del mundo. Y, sin embargo, Pentecostés se puede también ser visto como el comienzo de un nuevo divino proyecto que va a perdurar para siempre. A la Torre de Babel, la humanidad se esfuerza por construir una ciudad llegar al cielo. En otras palabras, ellos intentan convertirse en dioses mientras que rechazando a Dios. El Señor sabe que esta tendencia humana recurrente conduce a la auto-destrucción, tanto para los individuos y las sociedades. Por lo tanto, Dios frustra su proyecto a través de confundir su idioma. En Pentecostés, Dios deshace Babel a través de permitir que todos los pueblos a comprender las palabras de los apóstoles. Dios une a las gente y les ennoblece. En este día, Dios comienza en serio la edificación de la Iglesia, una nueva gran ciudad en comunión con Dios, que llega a todo el camino al cielo. Aunque el cielo y la tierra pueden pasar, esta ciudad de Dios, la Iglesia, continuará para siempre.

¿Por qué el Espíritu Santo descendió en forma de fuego? Dios el Espíritu Santo, como los ángeles, es espíritu puro y no tiene cuerpo físico. Para ser visto por los seres humanos deben asumir una apariencia. ¿Por qué el Espíritu Santo aparece en la imagen de las llamas? Considere una pregunta diferente: ¿Cuántas fósforos se necesitan para quemar un bosque? El fuego de un solo fósforo es suficiente. Como los pequeños fuego se extiende, sin dejar de ser ella misma, se transforma todo a su alrededor. El fuego sagrado que descendió en Pentecostés no dañar o destruir como el fuego natural. Los apóstoles pueden haber sentido la ansiedad a ver las llamas que vuelan hacia sus cabezas, pero no fueron quemados. El fuego del Espíritu Santo es como el fuego de la zarza ardiente que vio Moisés en Éxodo. Fuego divino no consume, pero glorifica a su moradas. Jesús una vez declaró: “Yo he venido a traer fuego sobre la tierra y ¡cuánto desearía que ya estuviera ardiendo!” (Lucas 12:49) En el día de Pentecostés, el fuego se enciende en Jerusalén, se extiende y transforma el mundo. Este fuego es el Espíritu Santo en el trabajo.

Toda la historia de la salvación fue una preparación para Cristo y Pentecostés. Ahora vivimos en la última época del mundo, la era de la Iglesia, la ciudad de Dios que durará para siempre. Cada uno de nosotros está llamado a desempeñar un papel activo en este proyecto delEspíritu Santo. En el día de Pentecostés, tan importante como el don de lenguas dadas a los apóstoles fue el don del Espíritu Santo de la alegría sin miedo. Aun después de que habían visto a Jesús resucitado, los apóstoles se escondían tímidamente detrás de puertas cerradas “por miedo de los Judios”. Sin embargo, la recepción delEspíritu Santo les dio un coraje feliz que les permitió hablar de Jesús en público a cualquier persona que escucharía. Hemos recibido el Espíritu Santo también. Entonces ¿por qué estamos tan tímido? ¿Por qué evitamos introducir a otros a Jesús, nuestro amigo? ¿Por qué estamos renuentes a dar la bienvenida a otros a nuestra Iglesia, nuestra comunidad? Parece que el Espíritu Santo se niega a actuar con el poder dentro de nosotros hasta que le demos nuestro consentimiento libre. Como él esperó a la respuesta de María en la Anunciación, del mismo modo el Espíritu Santo espera nuestra invitación. Ábrase a la voluntad delEspíritu Santo. Pídele que le dará nuevos, poderosos dones. Dará el Espíritu Santo permiso usarte más en su gran proyecto de salvación. Y luego, velemos lo que hace a través de nosotros.

Why Didn’t Jesus Stay? — The Ascension—Year C

Today, Jesus ascends with his human nature into heaven. He takes his seat at the right hand of the Father. There Jesus enjoys the greatest honor and intimacy with his Father and from heaven he reigns and intercedes for us. Yet I wonder on this Feast of the Ascension, “Why didn’t Jesus remain visibly with us, here on earth? Why not lead us as our king down here so that we could see and hear him?”

Some would argue that Jesus was limited by his humanity—that Jesus’ human nature prevented him from being at more than one place at a time. They would say that Jesus could preach today in Chicago or heal the sick in Rio de Janeiro, but he cannot do both simultaneously—reigning from heaven allows Jesus to be more present to every place and every person. However, Jesus is not limited in this way by his glorified human nature. Several saints have manifested the gift of bi-location during their lifetimes. Most recently and famously, St. Padre Pio was often at more than one place at the same time. Surely, if Jesus’ saints can possess this power then the Lord Jesus would as well. Furthermore, Jesus demonstrates that his humanity can be more than one place simultaneously through his Real Presence in the Eucharist. Though veiled under the appearances of bread and wine, the entire living person of Jesus (including his body and blood, soul and divinity) is truly present in the Eucharist.

So if Jesus can be physically present in as many places as he wishes, why is he not visibly reigning in millions of places in roles here on earth? For instance, why isn’t Jesus the pastor at every parish church and the bishop in every diocese? One major reason why Jesus rejects this approach is that he wants us to share in his work, his mission, and his glory. Jesus wants you and I to have a part in saving our family and friends and the world. Jesus prayed to his Father at the Last Supper, “As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world,” (John 17:18) and Jesus told his disciples after his resurrection, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). You and I are sent to do and continue the works that we have seen Jesus do. As Jesus once said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). It is not easy to live as Jesus Christ in the world, but this is our great vocation. For this reason, we must receive the force from on high. Pray for the deeper gifts that the Lord wants to give you through the Holy Spirit, whose coming in power we will celebrate next Sunday.

Hoy, Jesús asciende con su naturaleza humana al cielo. Jesús se sentó a la derecha del Padre. Allí Jesús disfruta del mayor honor y la intimidad con su Padre y él reina e intercede por nosotros desde el cielo. Sin embargo, me pregunto en esta fiesta de la Ascensión: “¿Por qué Jesús no permanecen visiblemente con nosotros, aquí en la tierra? ¿Por qué no quedarse aquí como nuestro rey para que nosotros pudiéramos verlo y escucharlo?”

Algunos podrían argumentar que Jesús estaba limitado por su humanidad-que la naturaleza humana de Jesús no poder estar en más de un lugar al mismo tiempo. Dirían que Jesús pudo predicar hoy en Chicago o curar a los enfermos en Río de Janeiro, pero lo no puede hacer ambas cosas al mismo tiempo—reinante desde el cielo permite que Jesús sea más presente a todo lugar y persona. Sin embargo, Jesús no se limita de esta manera por su naturaleza humana glorificada. Varios santos han manifestado el don de la bilocación durante sus vidas. Más recientemente y famosamente, San Padre Pio fue visto a menudo en más de un lugar al mismo tiempo. Seguramente, si los santos de Jesús pueden poseer este poder, entonces el Señor Jesús lo haría también. De hecho, Jesús demuestra que su humanidad puede haber más de un lugar al mismo tiempo a través de su presencia real en la Eucaristía. Aunque velado bajo las especies del pan y del vino, toda de la persona viva de Jesús (incluyendo su cuerpo y sangre, alma y divinidad) está realmente presente en la Eucaristía.

Si Jesús puede estar presente físicamente en tantos lugares como él desea, ¿por qué Jesús no reinando visiblemente en millones de funciones aquí en la tierra? Por ejemplo, ¿por qué Jesús no es el pastor en cada parroquia y el obispo en cada diócesis? Una gran razón Jesús rechazado este método es que él quiere que compartamos en su trabajo, su misión y su gloria. Jesús quiere que ustedes y yo tener una parte en salvando a nuestras familias, y nuestros amigos, y nuestro mundo. Jesús oró a su Padre en la Última Cena: “Como tú me enviaste al mundo, yo los envío también al mundo,” (Juan 17:18) y Jesús dijo a sus discípulos después de su resurrección: “Como el Padre me envió a mí, así yo los envío a ustedes,” (Juan 20:21). Ustedes y yo estamos envió a hacer y continuar los trabajos que hemos visto hacer a Jesús. Como Jesús dijo una vez: “Ciertamente les aseguro que el que cree en mí las obras que yo hago también él las hará, y aun las hará mayores, porque yo vuelvo al Padre,” (Juan 14:12). No es fácil vivir como Jesús Cristo en el mundo, pero este es nuestro gran vocación. Por esta razón, debemos recibir la fuerza de lo alto. Ore por los dones más profundos que el Señor Jesús quiere darte a través delEspíritu Santo, cuya venida en el poder vamos a celebrar el próximo domingo.

Who’s What? — 6th Sunday of Easter—Year C

In the verse preceding today’s second reading, an angel tells Saint John, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” Therefore, the city of God that John next describes is the Church, the bride of Christ, in her holy glory. The city has twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. The city’s foundation stones are inscribed with the names of the twelve apostles.

But didn’t Jesus say, “I am the gate; if any one enters by me, he will be saved…” (John 10:9)? And didn’t Saint Paul say, “…No one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11)? Then why do the gates and foundation stones bear the names of God’s people and the apostles? Who is the foundation and gate—Jesus or his people?

Like so many theological concepts in Catholicism, the answer is “both/and.” The Lord works through us, with us, and in us to lead people to himself, to his church, and to heaven. The Trinity dwells in us and calls us to participate in the great project of saving the world. As Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” And Jesus adds, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” The apostles knew that they were working hand in hand with the Holy Spirit. Responding to an important doctrinal question, the apostles declare in the first reading, “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities…”

Recently, I have been more intentional about asking the Holy Spirit in the morning to guide my day. After asking him to help me be his instrument and a blessing to other people, I have experienced some amazing encounters and opportunities in my ministry. I urge you to try the same thing. God gives us the privilege of participating in his great work of blessing, love, and salvation. Make yourself available to the Trinity dwelling within you.

En el versículo anterior a la segunda lectura de hoy, un ángel dice a San Juan: “Ven acá. Yo te mostraré la novia, la esposa del Cordero.” Por lo tanto, la ciudad de Dios que Juan describe próxima es la Iglesia, la esposa de Cristo, en su santa gloria. La ciudad tiene doce puertas con los nombres de los doce tribus de Israel. Las piedras de los cimientos de la ciudad están inscritos los nombres de los doce apóstoles.

¿Pero no dijo Jesús: “Yo soy la puerta; si alguno entra por mí, será salvo…” (Juan 10:9)? ¿Y no San Pablo dice: “…Nadie puede poner otro fundamento que el que ya está puesto, el cual es Jesucristo.” (1 Corintios 3:11)? ¿Por qué entonces las puertas y cimientos tienen los nombres de le gente del Señor y sus apóstoles? ¿Quién es el fundamento y la puerta-Jesús o su pueblo?

Como tantas ideas teológicas en el catolicismo, la respuesta es “ambos”. El Señor obra por medio de nosotros, con nosotros y en nosotros para llevar a la gente a sí mismo, a su iglesia, y al cielo. La Trinidad habita en nosotros y nos llama a participar en el gran proyecto de salvar al mundo. Jesús dice a sus discípulos: “El que me ama, cumplirá mi palabra y mi Padre lo amará y vendremos a él y haremos en él nuestra morada.” Y Jesús añade: “El Consolador, el Espíritu Santo que mi Padre les enviará en mi nombre, les enseñará todas las cosas y les recordará todo cuanto Yo les he dicho.”Los apóstoles sabían que estaban trabajando de la mano con el Espíritu Santo. En respuesta a una pregunta importante doctrinal, los apóstoles declaran en la primera lectura de hoy: “Es la decisión del Espíritu Santo y nosotros, no colocar el imponeros más cargas que estas necesidades…”

Recientemente, he estado más intencional en pedirle al Espíritu Santo que guía mi día. Después de pedirle que me ayude a ser su instrumento y una bendición para otras personas, he tenido algunos encuentros increíbles y oportunidades en mi ministerio. Ustedes pueden hacerlo tambien. Dios nos da el privilegio de participar en su gran obra de bendición, amor y salvación. Hacerte disponible para la Trinidad que habita en tu interior.

Eliakim the Prime Minister Prefigures Peter

Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, was master of the palace, the prime minister in the Davidic kingdom. (Isa 22:15,20)
Simon Peter, son of Jonah, is always first in lists of Jesus’ Apostles—while Judas is listed last. (Matt 16:17, Matt 10:2, Mark 3:16. Luke 6:14, Acts 1:13)

Eliakim’s predecessor, Shebna, had hewn a tomb in a great rock which he hoped would be a lasting a resting place. (Isa 22:16)
Simon Peter is declared to be the “rock” (“Petros”) upon which Jesus will build his Church. (Matt 16:18)

Eliakim was clothed with a robe and girded with a sash. (Isa 22:21)
Peter stretches out his hands to be dressed by another. (John 21:18)

Eliakim was “a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.” (Isa 22:21)
Peter is the pope (“papa” or “Holy Father”) to the Church on earth.

Eliakim was given authority, “the key of the House of David.” (Isa 22:22)
Peter is given “the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 16:19)

The Lord said of Eliakim, “What he opens, no one will shut, what he shuts, no one will open.” (Isa 22:22)
Jesus says to Peter, “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt 16:19)

Remade for Love — 5th Sunday of Easter—Year C

Today, Jesus gives us his new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” What a challenge this is! Consider how Jesus loved us: he lived and died for us! Loving people like Jesus does is not an easy commandment to keep, yet we must keep it. As Saint Paul preached, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”

It is not easy to love as Christ loves, but the Lord assists those who seek to please and serve him. God matures us in love through our ordinary, daily lives. And God perfects us in love through our hard times. We have no lack of opportunities: daily life gives us countless chances to love as Jesus would. And wherever we are too weak to grow or change ourselves, the Lord permits us to experience difficulties in order to transform us. Like a doctor, he sometimes gives us bitter medicine to cure our illnesses.

I have seen this happen in my own life. When I was little, it was painful to be teased by my peers, but this led to my practice of treating everyone kindly. When I was older, it hurt to discover that the first woman I fell in love with did not share my feelings, but this experience cured me of my cynicism about the beauty of romantic love. When I was newly ordained, my first assignments were challenging, but this made me a better priest. All these things displeased me at the time, but now I am grateful for their results.

Can you see how God has used the difficulties of your life to make you become more like Jesus Christ? Then do not lose heart when new difficulties come to you. Through all these things, our love is being made into the perfect likeness of Jesus Christ. God refuses to leave us as we are. Instead, as the One who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”

Hoy, Jesús nos da su mandamiento nuevo: “Que os améis los unos a los otros. Que, como yo os he amado, así os améis también vosotros los unos a los otros.” ¡Qué desafío es esto! Considere como Jesús nos ha amado: él vivió y murió por nosotros! Amar a las personas como Jesús no es un mandamiento fácil de mantener, sin embargo, deben mantenerlo. Como San Pablo predicó: “Es necesario que pasemos por muchas tribulaciones para entrar en el Reino de Dios.”

No es fácil amar como Cristo ama, pero el Señor ayuda a aquellos que tratan de agradar y servir a él. Dios nos madura en el amor a través de nuestras vidas cotidianas. Y Dios nos perfecciona en el amor a través de nuestros tiempos difíciles. No tenemos ninguna falta de oportunidades: la vida cotidiana nos da innumerables posibilidades de amar como Jesús lo haría. Y donde estemos demasiado débiles para crecer o cambiar nosotros mismos, el Señor nos permite experimentar dificultades para transformarnos. Él es como un médico, que a veces nos da la amarga medicina para curar nuestras enfermedades.

He visto que esto suceda en mi propia vida. Cuando era pequeña, era doloroso para ser objeto de burlas por mis compañeros, pero esto me llevó a la práctica de tratar a todos con amabilidad. Cuando fui mayor, me dolía al descubrir que la primera mujer que me enamoré no compartía los mismos sentimientos que yo tenia, pero esta experiencia me curó de mi cinismo acerca de la belleza del amor romántico. Después de mi ordenación, mis primeros trabajos fueron duros para mí, pero me hizo un mejor sacerdote. Todas estas cosas me disgustaron en su momento, pero ahora estoy agradecido por sus resultados.

¿Puedes de ver cómo Dios ha usado a las dificultades de tu vida para hacer más como Jesucristo? Entonces no perder el corazón cuando las nuevas dificultades vengan a ti. A través de todas estas cosas, nuestro amor se convirtió en la imagen perfecta del amor de Jesucristo. Dios se niega a dejarnos como somos. En cambio, como el que estaba sentado en el trono dijo: “Yo hago nuevas todas las cosas.”

Satan Prefigures Absalom

Satan was among the angels, called the “sons of God.” (Job 1:6)
Absalom is one of King David’s sons. (2 Sam 3:3)

Satan was called “the father of lies.” (John 8:44)
Absalom proves false to his name, which means “father of peace.”

Satan was “a murderer form the beginning.” (John 8:44)
The first Bible story about Absalom has him arranging his brother’s murder. (2 Sam 13:28)

Satan afflicts the world to gain attention and achieve his ends. (Job 2:7)
Absalom sets fire to a field to get the attention of Joab, who is ignoring his requests. (2 Sam 14:30)

Satan lied to tempt humanity away from loyalty to God. (Gen 3:4-5)
Absalom sits at the city gates hearing legal cases, flattering all they are right, and lamenting that he is not in power to help; thereby stealing loyalties away from the king. (2 Sam 15:2-6)

Satan inspired the betrayal of Jesus at the Mount of Olives, where he felt sorrow and distress. (Luke 22:39)
Absalom’s betrayal leads David to flee by way of the Mount of Olives, where he cries aloud. (2 Sam 15:30)

Satan plotted against Jesus using Caiaphas, who said, “It is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” (John 11:50)
Absalom’s advisor Ahithophel counsels, ‘Let me choose twelve thousand men and be off in pursuit of David tonight. When all the people with him flee, I shall strike down the king alone. It is the death of only one man you are seeking; then all the people will be at peace.’ (2 Sam 17:1-3)

Once Satan was finished using the betrayer, Judas went away and hanged himself. (Matt 27:5)
Once Absalom’s advisor sees his counsel is ignored, Ahithophel leaves and hangs himself. (2 Sam 17:23)

Satan, called “Lucifer,” was radiant like the morning star. (Isa 14:12)
“In all Israel there was not a man who could so be praised for his beauty as Absalom, who was without blemish from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” (2 Sam 14:25)

Satan was a proud creature. (1 Tim 3:6)
Absalom shaves his hair every year—because it grows to heavy—and has the clippings weighted. (2 Sam 14:26)

Satan’s pride led to his downfall. (Isa 14:14-15)
Absalom is killed after his hair gets tangled in the branches of a tree. (2 Sam 18:9)

Satan, despite his unrepentance, is still loved by God. (Wis 11:24-12:1)
Absalom, despite his wickedness, is inconsolably mourned by his father, David. (2 Sam 19:1)

Jesus Christ’s Holy Mass

“The celebration of Holy Mass is as valuable as the death of Jesus on the cross.” —St. Thomas Aquinas

“Man should tremble, the world should vibrate, all Heaven should be deeply moved when the Son of God appears on the altar in the hands of the priest.” —St. Francis of Assisi

“It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do without Holy Mass.” —St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

“One single Mass gives more honor to God than all the penances of the Saints, the labors of the Apostles, the sufferings of the martyrs, and even the burning love of the Blessed Mother of God.” —St. Alphonsus Liguori

“All the good works in the world are not equal to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass because they are the works of men; but the Mass is the work of God. Martyrdom is nothing in comparison for it is but the sacrifice of man to God; but the Mass is the sacrifice of God for man.” —St. John Vianney

 ”If the Angels could envy, they would envy us for Holy Communion.” —St. Pope Pius X

 “Do you realize that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you–for you alone? He burns with the desire to come into your heart.” —St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Sampson Prefigures Jesus

Sampson’s mother was barren, but she conceived after the visit of an angel. (Judg 13:3)
Jesus’ mother is a virgin, but she conceives after the visit of Gabriel. (Luke 1:31)

Sampson revealed to Delilah the secret of his strength and she betrayed him for thousands of silver pieces. (Judg 16:5)
Jesus revealed to Judas his messianic secret and he betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver. (Matt 26:13)

Sampson was captured, blinded, and mocked. (Judg 16:21,25)
Jesus is arrested, blindfolded, and mocked, “Prophesy for us, Messiah: who is it that struck you?” (Matt 26:68)

Sampson extended his arms against the pillars to destroy the enemies of his people. (Judg 16:30)
Jesus extends his arms upon the cross to conquer the devil, sin, and death. (Heb 2:14)

Sampson the strong was made weak so that God’s people could be freed. (Judg 16:19,30)
Jesus the Christ is made to suffer so that God’s people can be saved. (Isa 53:11)

The Ark of the Covenant Prefigures Mary

The Ark of the Covenant bore the presence of God and three important things. (Heb 9:4)
Mary’s womb bears Jesus Christ, our Priest, Prophet and King.

The Ark of the Covenant bore the Ten Commandments, the word of God in stone. (Deut 31:26)
Mary’s womb carries Jesus, the Word of God in flesh. (John 1:14)

The Ark of the Covenant bore the staff of Aaron which had miraculously blossomed. (Num 17:10)
Mary’s womb carries Jesus, a bud blossoming miraculously from the stump of Jesse. (Isa 11:1) 

The Ark of the Covenant bore a gold container of Manna from heaven. (Heb 9:4)
Mary’s womb carries Jesus, the Bread from heaven. (John 6:41) 

The Ark of the Covenant was made of wood overlaid with pure gold, inside and out. (Exo 25:10-11)
Mary is a human being made “full of grace.” (Luke 1:28) 

King David joyfully leaped and danced before the Ark of the Covenant. (2 Sam 6:14)
John the Baptist leaps in his mother’s womb at Mary’s arrival. (Luke 1:44) 

David said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” (2 Sam 6:9)
Elizabeth says, “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43) 

The Ark of the Covenant remained in the house of Obed-edom outside Jerusalem for three months, and God blessed his whole house. (2 Sam 6:14)
Mary remains in the house of Zechariah in the hill country of Judea for three months. (Luke 1:56) 

No man was to touch the holy Ark of the Covenant, lest they die. (Num 4:15, 2 Sam 6:7)
Joseph holds a similar reverent regard towards Mary, his wife. (Matt 1:25) 

The Ark of the Covenant’s mercy-seat served as the throne for God’s presence on earth. (Exo 25:22)
“On entering the house (the Magi) saw the child with Mary his mother.” (Matt 2:11) 

In his vision, St. John saw the Ark of the Covenant revealed in heaven. (Rev 11:19)
The next thing he sees is a glorious woman pregnant with the Christ child. (Rev 12:1)

Eve Prefigures Mary

Tempted by a demon, Eve distrusted God, leading to our fall.
Greeted by an angel, Mary trusts God, leading to our salvation.

Eve was “the mother of all the living.” (Gen 3:20)
Mary’s offspring are “those who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus.” (Rev 12:17)

Because of her sin, Eve was covered with dirt. (Gen 3:19)
Because of her faith, Mary is clothed with the sun. (Rev 12:1)

Adam Prefigures Jesus

From the side of sleeping Adam, the woman Eve was fashioned.
From the blood and water flowing from his pierced side, Jesus’ Church is made.

Adam was tested in the Garden of Eden.
Jesus is tested in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Adam was naked without shame because of his innocence.
Jesus is stripped naked before dying his innocent death.

Adam may have failed to protect Eve and Eden because he feared the dragon-serpent’s violence.
Jesus is willing to suffer and die to save his Church and the world from the devil.

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil revealed right and wrong to humanity.
Jesus’ cross shows us the greatest acts of love and evil in all of human history.

The Unique Shepherd — 4th Sunday of Easter—Year C

Last weekend I traveled across Minnesota for my friend Bernadette’s thirtieth birthday party. I also met her fiancé, Glen, who is a farmer. We visited Glen’s farm and saw his flock of sheep in the barn. Watching the sheep was a fun experience for me and serious research as well. Both Jesus and the Scriptures talk a lot about sheep. As today’s psalm says, “We are his  people, the sheep of his flock.” I studied this flock to see what I could learn.

I had never realized how timid sheep are. When we entered the barn they ran away to the far end of the barn. The new lambs in their smaller pen tried to hide their noses in a corner away from us. I was a little disappointed. I would have liked these sheep and lambs to be friendly, cuddly, and affectionate, but they were skittish. When Glen walked near them they had a small stampede. Glen said the sheep will come near if they see that he is about to feed them hay.

I felt somewhat disappointed in the behavior of the sheep. Then I wondered how much we resemble these sheep in our relationship with the Jesus the Good Shepherd. As members of Jesus’ flock we often neglect to approach him unless we need or want something from him. We often feel afraid to come too close to him because we fear what he might ask of us. Does Jesus feel contempt towards us, his flock, because of our neglect and timidity? No, he holds us tightly, and ‘no one can take us out of his hand.’ Jesus is unlike any other shepherd. Jesus has done something no other shepherd has done. Jesus has become a lamb among his own flock.

In Revelation, John sees Jesus as ‘the Lamb who is in the center of the throne who will shepherd us and lead us.’ Our shepherd is a sinless lamb. I have never been a sheep myself, so I do not truly understand what they experience. But Jesus truly understands our human condition. As Jesus said of his sheep, “I know them, and they follow me.”

Perhaps Glen’s flock fled from him because he does not live in their barn and fields with them. But our Lord Jesus Christ, like ancient shepherds, remains with his flock always. Encouraged by his constant devotion to us, let us hear his voice and follow him. Let us pray to the Lord always, and not merely when we want something from him. And let us come closer to our Good Shepherd, receptive to whatever his will for us may be.

La semana pasada viajé a través de Minnesota para la fiesta de cumpleaños trigésimo de mi amiga Bernadette. También conocí a su prometido, Glen, quien es agricultor. Visitamos su granja y vimos su rebaño de ovejas en el establo. Mirar las ovejas fue una experiencia divertida para mí y una investigación seria también. Tanto Jesús y las Escrituras hablan mucho de ovejas. Como el salmo de hoy dice: “Somos su pueblo y su rebaño.” Estudié este rebaño a ver qué podía aprender.

Nunca me había dado cuenta de lo tímidas ovejas. Cuando entramos en el establo huyeron hasta el extremo. El nuevo corderos en la pluma más pequeña trataron de ocultar sus narices en un rincón alejado de nosotros. Yo estaba un poco decepcionado. Deseé estas ovejas y corderos ser amigable, tierno y cariñoso, pero estaban nerviosos. Cuando Glen caminaba cerca de ellos tenían una pequeña estampida. Glen dijo que las ovejas se acercará si ven que él está a punto darles de comer heno.

Me sentí un poco decepcionado con el comportamiento de estas ovejas. Entonces me pregunté cuánto somos como las ovejas en nuestra relación con Jesús el Buen Pastor. Como miembros de rebaño de Cristo, a menudo nos olvidamos de acercarse a él a menos que necesitamos o queremos algo de él. A menudo nos sentimos miedo de acercado demasiado a él porque tememos lo que él puede pedir de nosotros. ¿Tiene Jesús nos desprecian, sus ovejas, a causa de nuestra negligencia y timidez? No, él nos sostiene firmemente, y ‘nadie puede sacarnos de su mano.’ Jesús es diferente a ningún otro pastor. Jesús ha hecho algo que ningún otro pastor ha hecho. Jesús se ha convertido en un cordero entre sus ovejas.

En Apocalipsis, Juan ve a Jesús como ‘el Cordero, que está en el trono, quien será nuestro pastor y conducirá nos’. Nuestro pastor es un cordero sin pecado. Nunca he sido una oveja a mí mismo, así que no entiendo realmente lo que experimentan. Pero Jesús realmente entiende nuestra condición humana. Como dijo Jesús de sus ovejas, “Yo las conozco y ellas me siguen.”

Tal vez el rebaño de Glen huyó de él porque él no vive en su establo y sus campos con ellos. Pero nuestro Señor Jesucristo, como pastores antiguos, permanece con su rebaño siempre. Alentado por su constante devoción a nosotros, vamos a escuchar su voz y seguirlo. Oremos al Señor siempre, y no sólo cuando queremos algo de él. Y háganos acercarnos a nuestro Buen Pastor, receptivo a cualquiera que sea su voluntad para nosotros sea.

Seeing Jesus At Your Job — 3rd Sunday of Easter—Year C

In the seven weeks between Easter and Pentecost, the apostles were filled with faith in the risen Christ, but they lacked something to do. In those days, the visible Christ was not constantly with them and the Holy Spirit had not yet prompted them to preach the good news about Jesus. The apostles had not yet been entrusted with any task, so they had nothing to do.  Even if you are someone who has witnessed Jesus Christ risen from the dead, you still need to eat. Therefore Peter says, “I am going fishing,” and six others join him. Fishing the Sea of Galilee was Peter’s business and livelihood before Jesus called him.

In today’s Gospel, Peter goes back to his old job. Then, unexpectedly, Jesus comes to Peter’s place of work. Jesus comes disguised (as his resurrected body allows) and at first the disciples do not recognize him. But, when they realize it is Jesus, they begin acting differently. How would you treat the Lord if he came to where you work?

Perhaps you’ve heard of the importance of ‘seeing Jesus in other people.’ ‘Seeing Jesus in others’ means treating them as you would treat Jesus Christ himself. Of course, a Christian should not worship anyone or anything but God, but Jesus wants us to love other people by using our love for him. The Gospel of Matthew says, when Jesus comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he shall sit upon the throne of his glory, and before him shall be gathered all nations. And Jesus, the king, will say to them, “Amen, I say unto you, inasmuch as you did it to one of these least of brethren of mine, you did for me.”

Sometimes we mentally separate our work from our faith, but remember that we are to serve and honor Jesus always and everywhere. Jesus comes to you at the place where you work, unexpectedly and disguised, in your customers, your peers, and your bosses. See Jesus in other people and love them using your love for him.

En las siete semanas entre Pascua y Pentecostés, los apóstoles estaban llenos de fe en Cristo resucitado, pero les faltaba algo que hacer. En aquellos días, el Cristo no era visible constantemente con ellos y el Espíritu Santo no había impulsado aún a predicar las buenas nuevas acerca de Jesús. Los apóstoles no había sido confiado con cualquier tarea, no tenían nada que hacer. Incluso si usted es alguien que ha visto a Jesús resucitado de entre los muertos, usted todavía necesita comer. Por lo tanto, Pedro dice: “Voy a pescar”, y seis otros seguirlo. Pesca en el Mar de Galilea era el negocio de Pedro y su subsistencia antes de que Jesús lo llamara.

En el evangelio de hoy, Pedro vuelve a su antiguo trabajo. Entonces, inesperadamente, Jesús viene al lugar de trabajo de Pedro. Jesús viene disfrazado (como su cuerpo resucitado permite) y al principio los discípulos no lo reconocen. Pero, cuando se dan cuenta que lo es Jesús, ellos empiezan a comportarse de manera diferente. ¿Cómo trataría usted al Señor si él llegó a su lugar de trabajo?

Tal vez usted ha oído hablar de la importancia de “ver a Jesús en los demás”. “Ver a Jesús en los demás” significa tratarlos como haría tratar el mismo Jesucristo. Por supuesto, un cristiano no debe adorar a nadie ni a nada sino a Dios, pero Jesús quiere que amemos a los demás mediante el uso de nuestro amor por él. El Evangelio de Mateo dice que cuando Jesús venga en su gloria, y todos los santos ángeles con él, entonces se sentará sobre el trono de su gloria y serán reunidas delante de él todas las gentes. Entonces Jesús el Rey nos dirá: “De cierto os digo que en cuanto lo hicisteis á uno de estos mis hermanos pequeñitos, á mí lo hicisteis”.

Estamos mentalmente separar nuestro trabajo de nuestra fe a veces, pero recuerde que estamos para servir y honrar a Jesús siempre y en todas partes. Jesús viene a usted en el lugar donde usted trabaja, de forma inesperada y disfrazada, en sus clientes, sus compañeros y sus jefes. Ver a Jesús en los demás y amarlos con su amor por él.

His Merciful Greetings — 2nd Sunday of Easter—Year C

On the evening of the first Easter Sunday, Jesus appears to the disciples in the locked room where they are hiding and says to them, “Peace be with you.” Then he shows them his hands and his side and says to them again, “Peace be with you.” A week later, when his disciples are together and Thomas is with them, Jesus comes and stands in their midst and says, “Peace be with you.” Three times in this Gospel, our Lord Jesus says, “Peace be with you.”

This greeting of Jesus may seem like a small thing, but it is not. Imagine a Jesus who is a radically different person compared to the actual Jesus we know. This imaginary Jesus appears to his disciples, looks at them, and says, “I condemn you all.” This Jesus castigates the apostles for their desertion. He shows his wounded hands to them as a reproach. “I have these wounds because you abandoned me.” Then this Jesus turns to Peter and says, “You denied me. Now I deny you.” I doubt this unforgiving Jesus would come back to encounter Thomas or the other disciples ever again.

How terrible that would be? But of course, this Jesus is not the real Jesus. (Thanks be to God.) The real Jesus Christ we know says, “Peace be with you.” His words are patient, not angry. His words are loving, not rejecting. His words are merciful, not condemning. His words are from the boundless ocean of divine mercy within him and the mercy of the Lord is eternal. “Peace be with you.” Jesus speaks these words to us today. Let these words of Jesus go deeply within you, and you will always have the peace of Christ.

Al anochecer del primer domingo de Pascua, Jesús se aparece a los discípulos en el cuarto cerrado donde se esconden y les dice: “La paz esté con ustedes”. Luego les muestra sus manos y su costado y les dice otra vez: “La paz esté con ustedes”. Una semana más tarde, cuando sus discípulos están juntos y Tomás está con ellos, Jesús viene y ponte en medio de ellos y dijo: “La paz esté con ustedes.” Tres veces en este Evangelio, el Señor Jesús dice: “La paz esté con ustedes”.

Este saludo de Jesús puede parecer una cosa pequeña, pero no lo es. Imagine un Jesús que es una persona radicalmente diferente en comparación con el real Jesús que conocemos. Este imaginario Jesús se aparece a sus discípulos, los mira y dice: “Condeno todos ustedes.” Este Jesús castiga a los apóstoles por su deserción. Él muestra sus manos heridas a ellos como un reproche. “Tengo estas heridas porque me has abandonado”. Entonces esto Jesús se dirige a Pedro y le dice: “Usted me negó. Ahora yo te negaré”. Dudo que esto Jesús volvería a encontrarse con Tomás y los otros discípulos nunca más.

¡Qué terrible que sería? Pero, por supuesto, este Jesús no es el Jesús real. (Demos gracias a Dios.) El verdadero Jesucristo sabemos dice: “La paz esté con ustedes”. Sus palabras son pacientes, no enojado. Sus palabras son cariñosos, no rechazar. Sus palabras son misericordiosos, no condenar. Sus palabras son del océano infinito de la misericordia divina en su interior, y la misericordia del Señor es eterna. “La paz esté con ustedes”. Jesús dice estas palabras para nosotros hoy. Entonces, permita que estas palabras de Jesús de ir profundamente dentro de usted, y usted siempre tendrá paz de Jesucristo.

All Because He Loves You — Easter Vigil

As human beings, our knowledge and motivations are limited.

Jesus Christ, however, is human and divine.

He is the eternal second person of the Trinity.

His knowledge is unlimited and his motivations are countless.

And so, truly and amazingly, Jesus Christ has known you and loved you since before time began.

 

In the beginning of creation, Jesus foreknew you and loved you.

He calls the Patriarchs in ancient times; in part, because he loves you.

He frees the Hebrews from slavery, because he loves you.

He settles them in the Promised Land, because he loves you.

He establishes David’s kingdom, because he loves you.

He commissions the prophets, because he loves you.

 

In the fullness of times, he becomes man, because he loves you.

He ministers and preaches on earth, because he loves you.

He is rejected, because he loves you.

He is whipped, because he loves you.

He is crucified, because he loves you.

He suffers and dies, because he loves you.

On third day, he resurrects and conquers death, because he loves you.

 

In more recent times, he gives you life in your mother’s womb, because he loves you.

He grants you countless blessings, because he loves you.

He encounters you in his Catholic Church, because he loves you.

He baptizes you as the Father’s child, because he loves you.

He confirms you as the Spirit’s coworker, because he loves you.

He incorporates you as a member of his body, because he loves you.

 

You are blessed in more ways than you can count because of him.

You are here today because of Jesus Christ.

You are here on Easter because you love Jesus Christ but, more importantly, because he loves you.

 

 

Como seres humanos, nuestros conocimientos y motivaciones son limitados.

Jesucristo, sin embargo, es humano y divino.

Él es la segunda persona de la Trinidad.

Su conocimiento y sus motivos son ilimitadas.

Verdaderamente, y sorprendentemente, Jesucristo te conoce y te ama desde antes de los siglos.

 

En el principio de la creación, Jesús te preconoce y te ama.

Él llama a los Patriarcas en la antigüedad, en parte, porque él te ama.

Él libera a los hebreos de la esclavitud, porque él te ama.

Él les instala en la tierra prometida, porque él te ama.

Él establece el reino de David, porque él te ama.

Él comisiona a los profetas, porque él te ama.

 

En la plenitud de los tiempos, se convierte en el hombre, porque él te ama.

Él ministra y predica en la tierra, porque Él te ama.

Él es rechazado, porque él te ama.

Él es azotado, porque él te ama.

Él es crucificado, porque él te ama.

Él sufre y muere, porque él te ama.

En el tercer día, él vence la muerte, porque él te ama.

 

En nuestro tiempo, él te da la vida en el vientre de tu madre, porque él te ama.

Él le concede innumerables bendiciones, porque él te ama.

Él le encuentra en su Iglesia Católica, porque él te ama.

Él le bautiza como un hijo del Padre, porque él te ama.

Él le confirme como compañero de trabajo del Espíritu, porque él te ama.

Él le incorpora como miembro de su cuerpo, porque él te ama.

 

Eres bendecido de muchas maneras que usted puede contar por su culpa.

Estas aquí hoy debido a Jesucristo.

Estas aquí en la Pascua porque amas a Jesús Cristo, sino, más importante aún, porque él te ama.