Friday, June 27, 2014 Sacred Heart Feast Day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LML_Rlb3E4w

Old Calendar: Sacred Heart of Jesus

"I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment" (Jesus to St. Margaret Mary).

Sixteenth century Calvinism and seventeenth century Jansenism preached a distorted Christianity that substituted for God's love and sacrifice of His Son for all men the fearful idea that a whole section of humanity was inexorably damned.

The Church always countered this view with the infinite love of our Savior who died on the cross for all men. The institution of the feast of the Sacred Heart was soon to contribute to the creation among the faithful of a powerful current of devotion which since then has grown steadily stronger. The first Office and Mass of the Sacred Heart were composed by St. John Eudes, but the institution of the feast was a result of the appearances of our Lord to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1675. The celebration of the feast was extended to the general calendar of the Church by Pius IX in 1856.

Today is the feast of St. Cyril of Alexandria, one of the metropolitan sees of the Christian Church in the east, was one of the great defenders of the faith against the heresy of Nestorius who denied the oneness of person in Jesus Christ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wutmEjdbedE

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The Congregation for the Clergy has today to be the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.

Here is the message to all priests for this important day: The Priesthood Is the Love of the Heart of Jesus and the Prayers for Priests, both for priests to say for themselves, and for lay people to say for priests.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COQ6cni_TG8

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Close to the Heart of the Son is the Heart of the Mother
The Church, in this month of June, giving us the solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, wishes us to understand the consequential devotion to Our Lady traditionally lived in the Marian month par excellence: the month of May. The Heart of Jesus is the See and Throne of Divine Mercy, revealed to the world in the passion, death and resurrection of Christ.

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI speaking of the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus two years ago said: “In biblical language, "heart" indicates the centre of the person where his sentiments and intentions dwell. In the Heart of the Redeemer we adore God's love for humanity, his will for universal salvation, his infinite mercy. Practising devotion to the Sacred Heart of Christ therefore means adoring that Heart which, after having loved us to the end, was pierced by a spear and from high on the Cross poured out blood and water, an inexhaustible source of new life” (Benedict XVI, Angelus 5 June 2005).

The call which comes from this important feast day is first of all a call to Eucharistic adoration, because in the Sacred Host the Lord Jesus is truly present and He offers each of us His Heart, His Merciful Love. To spend time in the Presence of the Eucharistic Lord, to adore Him, is the best expression of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus which, as we know, spread all over the world thanks to Jesus' revelations to Saint Margherita M. Alacoque in the 17th century: “Behold the Heart which so loved mankind”!

As a prolongation and accomplishment of this message, the Lord appeared to another Sister in the 20th century revealing the abyss of His unfathomable mercy; she was Saint Faustina Kowalska who wrote in her Diary, now world famous, these words of Jesus: “I have opened my Heart as a living source of Mercy, from it all souls draw life, all approach with deep confidence this sea of Mercy. Sinners will obtain justification and the just will be strengthened in goodness. I will fill the souls of those who put their trust in My Mercy with My divine peace at the hour of their death. My daughter, continue to spread devotion to My Mercy, in doing so you will refresh My Heart which burns with the fire of compassion for sinners. Tell my priests that hardened sinners will be softened by their words if they speak of my boundless Mercy and of the compassion which My Heart feels for them. I will give priests who proclaim and exalt My Mercy wondrous power, unction to their words and I will move all the hearts to which they speak” (Book 5, 21 January 1938).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYDbaS1nzTI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mXywtKWxiE

The deepest longing of Christ's Heart is that we discover how much he loves us, the extent of his tender love for creatures who, cooled by their selfishness, look only inwards at themselves, as if they were afraid to let themselves be loved unconditionally by their Creator, who asks nothing and gives all!

How society, culture, economy, politics today need this Heart! It is really true, the more man distances himself from God-Love the more he becomes 'heartless', agitated about a thousand things because he has mislaid the principal one: to let oneself be loved by Christ and to respond to this Love with our love.

Many times during history the Supreme Pontiffs have reminded humanity that without the Lord Jesus life has no real meaning, man gropes in the dark to find himself! The Servant of God John Paul II introduced the Church into the Third Millennium with a mandate to become “Apostles of Divine Mercy”. The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI picked up where his Predecessor left off and never tires to remind us of the necessity to rediscover the merciful Heart, this infinite Love of God, who reveals Himself in our lives if we open to Him. “Open, open wide the doors to Christ” the voice of the Holy Spirit continues to say. By means of Eucharistic adoration we are “opened” from within by His invisible working in us. The Most Holy Eucharist, celebrated and adored, as the Church teaches us, is the greatest and most effective treasure of our salvation, an infinite treasure which must be safeguarded with profound respect and deepest devotion.

Close to the Heart of the Son is the Heart of the Mother whom the Church celebrates the day after the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let it again be the Holy Father who illuminates us with regard to this mystery: “The heart that resembles that of Christ more than any other is without a doubt the Heart of Mary, his Immaculate Mother, and for this very reason the liturgy holds them up together for our veneration. Responding to the Virgin's invitation at Fatima, let us entrust the whole world to her Immaculate Heart, which we contemplated yesterday in a special way, so that it may experience the merciful love of God and know true peace” (Benedict XVI, Angelus 5 June 2005).

— Rev. Luciano Alimandi, Agenzia Fides 13/6/2007

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmFM4jZasvs&list=RDAmFM4jZasvs#t=12

06/27/2014 Pope Francis...Twitter

In the face of life’s difficulties, let us ask the Lord for the strength to remain joyful witnesses to our faith.

Daily Reflections on Daily Readings for Thursday, June 26, 2014

Mass Reading & Meditation for June 26, 2014

Meditation: Matthew 7:21-29

View NAB Reading at USCCB.org

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12th Week in Ordinary Time

                                     I never knew you. (Matthew 7:23)

Have you ever known a name-dropper? You know, someone who always mentions the important people he or she knows? 

Usually, this is exaggerated, with some distant connection or contact turning into, “Oh, I know that person!” Who among us hasn't been tempted to use a famous name to gain influence or respect among our acquaintances?

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus is making it clear that name-dropping doesn't work with him. He wants to have a real relationship with us. He wants us to know him personally, just as he knows us. 

He doesn't want us to settle for book knowledge or just a passing acquaintance. Even if we’re busy doing his work—whether in our homes, in our communities, or in our parishes—He wants us also to be growing closer to him in our hearts. Jesus doesn't just want servants; he wants friends.

So what does it mean to know Jesus? 

How does anyone go about building a relationship with the eternal Son of God? 

It may sound awfully hard, but it really isn't all that complicated or mysterious.

It’s pretty much the same way you build a relationship with anyone else. You spend time with him; you talk to him; you listen to him; you learn to trust him; you share secrets with him; you let him see you at your best and at your worst.

Don’t let the tone of today’s Gospel reading frighten you. Jesus is concerned that we come to know him, but he’s not about to abandon us because our relationship with him isn't as deep as the holiest of saints. 

Rather than worrying about whether Jesus will say, “I never knew you,” make it your goal to come to know him better.

Wherever you are with Jesus now, try to go a little deeper. As you read Scripture this week, listen for his still, small voice in your heart. 

Get in the habit of writing down what you think He is saying. Then take the time to talk to Him. Tell him about your day. 

Open up about your hopes and fears, and see if you sense him offering you his guidance or consolation. By investing in this relationship, you are building your house on a foundation solid enough to withstand any storm.

“Lord, I want to know you and to be known by you. Draw me to yourself.”

2 Kings 24:8-17; Psalm 79:1-5, 8-9

                                        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DdgkvnsHjM

             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPPSG_SpojY

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-calls-john-the-baptist-a-model-for-ch

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-whom-do-i-like-to-follow

Getting to know all our Services, Prayer Groups, Pilgrimages and other Special Events....

Happy Fathers' Day from All of Us!

                                 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klExPjoYwrM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bdid2HFk0c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz5L9LUqR_U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S14kvB-HMc0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpSE3eZTCNo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chLlZGIO7WQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iNXciJMnPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M2BDvveFXY

                                                                 Love and prayers,
                                                            Fr. Tom, M.S.
                                                              Shrine Director 

Daily Reflections for Sunday, June 15, 2014 Holy Trinity Feast Day!

Mass Reading & Meditation for June 15, 2014

                             

Meditation: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9

View NAB Reading at USCCB.org

The Most Holy Trinity

Moses at once bowed down to the ground in worship. (Exodus 34:6, 8)

The Holy Trinity. Three persons in one God. Really, it’s too much for our minds to handle. The greatest theologians and philosophers in history have had to acknowledge their inadequacy in the face of such an awesome mystery. And maybe that’s the point. God isn’t some thing to be dissected and understood; he is some One to be worshipped and adored.

Look at Moses in today’s first reading. God gave him a glimpse of his glory, and it moved Moses to bow to the ground and worship. God proclaimed his name and revealed his nature: merciful, gracious, slow to anger, rich in kindness and fidelity. It was just one little glimpse of divine mercy and kindness—Moses saw only God’s back—but it was enough to bring Moses to his knees in humble adoration (Exodus 33:22-23).

Today at Mass, all of God’s attributes will be on display—if we have the eyes to see. At the Penitential Rite, his mercy will flow freely. In the Liturgy of the Word, God will speak to us and reveal his love and faithfulness. In the Eucharist, his glory will shine as he comes to us in the form of bread and wine—and we are brought into that glory as we receive him.

Try to sense God’s presence in these ways. Contemplate his love, his mercy, and his glory. And as you’re contemplating them, look for the Spirit to give you more insight, deeper healing, and more love. Then, like Moses, bow down before him in worship. Thank him for his faithfulness; praise him for being slow to anger; honor him for his kindness. Truly, we serve an awesome, merciful God!

“Lord, you are so far beyond my understanding! Expand my capacity to know you as I worship you today. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I love you!”

(Psalm) Daniel 3:52-56; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; John 3:16-18

Daily Meditations for Friday, June 13, 2014 .. Today we also celebrate the Feast of St Anthony of Padua!

Mass Reading & Meditation for

 June 13, 2014

Meditation:  1 Kings 19:9, 11-16

Saint Anthony of Padua,

Priest and Doctor of the Church

There was a tiny whispering sound. 

(1 Kings 19:12)

Israel was at a critical juncture in its history, and Elijah had retreated to Mount Horeb to hear the voice of the Lord. First a strong wind, then an earthquake, then a fire passed before Elijah—all very impressive manifestations of God’s power, each one seeming to bear the kind of majesty that befitted Israel’s need. But God was in none of them. Instead, Elijah heard the Lord through a “tiny whispering sound” that was so intimate and so intense it made the prophet hide his face in his cloak (1 Kings 19:13).

How do you know when God is speaking to you and when you’re just thinking good thoughts? We may think that heroes like Elijah found it easy to hear God, but history shows that they were ordinary people just like us. They, too, had to learn the art of discernment. Was God speaking in the whirlwind? Or was that just the prophet’s emotional turmoil? Was that faint whisper in the back of her mind the Holy Spirit? Or was it just wishful thinking? Only trial and error could sharpen their skills.

The same is true for us. God speaks to us in many different ways: in the events of the day, in the Scriptures and teachings of the Church, in the words and actions of friends, and, yes, in powerful manifestations of his presence. In all of these situations, God wants us to learn how to discern the voice of his Spirit.

So how do we begin? It’s really quite simple. Jesus once said, “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:16). This can apply to our own thoughts as well as to other people. For instance, if a thought in your mind helps you love God more or be a little kinder to someone, it’s probably from the Lord. But if something makes you anxious, fearful, angry, or resentful, it’s probably not God speaking to you.

God wants to speak to you. In fact, he’s probably trying to tell you something right now. Take a moment to quiet your heart and listen.

“Holy Spirit, open the ears of my heart. Teach me to hear you clearly, so that I may follow your plan for my life.”

Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14; Matthew 5:27-32

Come Holy Spirit Sanctify me...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wOY2a0sO84

Bishop Fulton Sheen -Lack of Love:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r25N0tJvS5Q

Bishop Fulton Sheen - The value of the Sacrifice of Mass:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr_57fD6Ado

Funny experiences of our Holy Father pope Francis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs0I7qejPnE

A good observation for Father's Day.... Our Holy Father. 

Who is St. Anthony of Padua?

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA—1195-1231 A.D.

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St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most famous disciples of St. Francis of Assisi. He was a famous preacher and worker of miracles in his own day, and throughout the eight centuries since his death he has so generously come to the assistance of the faithful who invoke him, that he is known throughout the world.

St. Anthony's Youth & Conversion

St. Anthony was born in the year 1195 A. D. at Lisbon (Portugal) where his father was a captain in the royal army. Already at the age of fifteen years, he had entered the Congregation of Canons Regular of St. Augustine and devoted himself with great earnestness both to study and to the practice of piety in the Monastery at Coimbra (Portugal).

About that time some of the first members of the Order of Friars Minor, which St. Francis has founded in 1206 A. D. came to Coimbra. They begged from the Canons Regular a small and very poor place, from which by their evangelical poverty and simplicity they edified everyone in the region. Then in 1219, A. D., some of these friars, moved by divine inspiration, went as missionaries to preach the Gospel of Christ to the inhabitants of Morocco. There they were brutally martyred for the Faith. Some Christian merchants succeeded in recovering their remains; and so brought their relics in triumph back to Coimbra.

The relics of St. Bernard and companions, the first martyrs of the Franciscan Order, seized St. Anthony with an intense desire to suffer martyrdom in a like manner. So moved by their heroic example he repeatedly begged and petitioned his superiors to be given leave to join the Franciscan Order. In the quiet little Franciscan convent at Coimbra, he received a friendly reception, and in the same year his earnest wish to be sent to the missions in Africa was fulfilled.

St. Anthony's Arrival in Italy

But God had decreed otherwise. Therefore, St. Anthony scarcely set foot on African soil when he was seized with a grievous illness. Even after recovering from it, he was so weak that, resigning himself to the will of God, he boarded a boat back to Portugal. Unexpectedly a storm came upon them and drove the ship to the east where it found refuge on coast of Sicily. St. Anthony was greeted and given shelter by the Franciscans of that island, and thus came to be sent to Assisi, where the general chapter of the Order was held in May, 1221 A. D..

Since he still looked weak and sickly, and gave no evidence of his scholarship, no one paid any attention to the stranger until Father Gratian, the Provincial of friars living in the region of Romagna (Italy), had compassion on him and sent him to the quiet little convent near Forli (also in Italy). There St. Anthony remained nine months as chaplain to the hermits, occupied in the lowliest duties of the kitchen and convent, and to his heart's content, he practiced interior as well as exterior mortification.

St. Anthony, Preacher and Teacher

But the hidden jewel was soon to appear in all its brilliance. For the occasion of a ceremony of ordination, some of the hermits along with St. Anthony were sent to the town of Forli. Before the ceremony was to begin, however, it was announced that the priest who was to give the sermon had fallen sick. The local superior, to avert the embarrassment of the moment, quickly asked the friars in attendance to volunteer. Each excused himself, saying that he was not prepared, until finally, St. Anthony was asked to give it. When he too, excused himself in a most humble manner, his superior ordered him by virtue of the vow of obedience to give the sermon. St. Anthony began to speak in a very reserved manner; but soon holy animation seized him, and he spoke with such eloquence, learning and unction that everybody was fairly amazed.

When St. Francis was informed of the event, he gave St. Anthony the mission to preach throughout Italy. At the request of the brethren, St. Anthony was later commissioned also to teach theology, "but in such a manner," St. Francis distinctly wrote, “that the spirit of prayer be not extinguished either in yourself or in the other brethren." St. Anthony himself placed greater value in the salvation of souls than on learning. For that reason, he never ceased to exercise his office as preacher despite his work of teaching.

The number of those who came to hear him was sometimes so great that no church was large enough to accommodate and so he had to preach in the open air. Frequently St. Anthony wrought veritable miracles of conversion. Deadly enemies were reconciled. Thieves and usurers made restitution. Calumniators and detractors recanted and apologized. He was so energetic in defending the truths of the Catholic Faith that many heretics returned to the Church. This occasioned the epitaph given him by Pope Gregory IX "the ark of the covenant."

In all his labors, he never forgot the admonition of his spiritual father, St. Francis, that the spirit of prayer must not be extinguished. If he spent the day in teaching and heard the confession of sinners till late in the evening, then many hours of the night were spent in intimate union with God.

Once a man, at whose home St. Anthony was spending the night, came upon the saint and found him holding in his arms the Child Jesus, unspeakably beautiful and surrounded with heavenly light. For this reason St. Anthony is often depicted holding the Child Jesus.

St. Anthony's Death

In 1227 A. D., St. Anthony was elected Minister Provincial of the friars living in northern Italy. Thus he resumed the work of preaching. Due to his taxing labors and his austere penance, he soon felt his strength so spent that he prepared himself for death. After receiving the last sacraments he kept looking upward with a smile on his countenance. When he was asked what he saw there, he answered: "I see my Lord." He breathed forth his soul on June 13, 1231 A. D., being only thirty six year old. Soon the children in the streets of the city of Padua were crying: "The saint is dead, Anthony is dead."

Pope Gregory IX enrolled him among the saints in the very next year. At Padua, a magnificent basilica was built in his honor; his holy relics were entombed there in 1263 A. D. From the time of his death up to the present day, countless miracles have occurred through St. Anthony's intercession, so that he is known as the Wonder-Worker. In 1946 A. D. St. Anthony was declared a Doctor of the Church.

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This brief life of St. Anthony of Padua appeared in the August/September edition of the Herald of the Immaculate , and forms part of the Home Page of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate are a Roman Catholic Religious Institute of solemn vows headquartered at Benevento, Italy.

Daily Reflections...Thursday, June 12, 2014 ...

Mass Reading & Meditation for June 12, 2014

Meditation: 1 Kings 18:41-46

View NAB Reading at USCCB.org

10th Week in Ordinary Time

Seven times he said, “Go, look again!” (1 Kings 18:43)

Fresh from defeating the pagan prophets, Elijah knew that God was about to break the long famine by sending a monster rainstorm. But seven times he sent his servant to look for a tiny sign of that coming storm. And seven times the servant returned reporting, “There is nothing” (1 Kings 18:43).

Finally the servant reported glimpsing a tiny cloud. That was enough for Elijah. He sent a message to the king and put on his running shoes. Almost immediately, the storm broke in full force.

How often do you find yourself in that servant’s position? You intercede, but you can see no sign that God is about to intervene or that he is at work at all in the situation. 

Usually all you can do is keep praying, keeping your eyes open for that tiny cloud, that little sign that God is about to work. It may not look like much, and it may be a long time coming, but you know that God is perfectly capable of producing impressive results from seemingly unpromising beginnings. 

The Holy Spirit needs only the tiniest of openings, so never give up hope!

Where can you discern a tiny cloud on your horizon today? What is God up to?

Look first for the tiny signs that God is at work in situations you have been laying at his feet for a long time. Perhaps that neighbor who turns a deaf ear to God-talk is troubled by something he regards as unjust. Perhaps the niece who no longer goes to church has decided to name her newborn after a favorite saint. 

Perhaps you realize that a book you and a friend are reading together may provide an opening to share the good news.

Try also to be open to surprises God may have in hand—areas that haven’t yet entered your mind or prayers. His cloud may look like an invitation to a party with a casual acquaintance. Maybe an innocent question opens up a new level of conversation. 

When you catch a glimpse like this, act on it! One thing is certain: God never delays. He comes at exactly the right time. May we always be open and alert to his work!

“Lord, open my eyes so that I can see you at work in my life and in your world.”

Psalm 65:10-13; Matthew 5:20-26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsdgLITI-48

Daily News from Rome...

Today's News from the Holy Father Pope Francis:

Vatican City, Jun 12, 2014 / 05:13 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a video message Pope Francis sent for the start of the World Cup, he outlined the importance of good sportsmanship, stating that this attitude helps in building a more peaceful society.

“My hope is that, in addition to the feast of sports, this World Cup becomes the feast of solidarity between peoples” the Roman Pontiff stated in his June 12 video message.

Aired on Brazilian television stations, the Pope’s address was read in Portuguese to honor of the country where the games are taking place, beginning today with a match between Brazil and Croatia, and concluding with the final game July 13.

Beginning his address, the Pope greeted “with great joy” all “lovers of soccer” and offered a warm salutation to the organizers of the event, as well as all those who will both participate in and watch the games, either in person or elsewhere.

Expressing his hope that the event will be a “Feast of solidarity between peoples,” the pontiff explained that in order for this to happen “the soccer competitions must be considered for what they are based on.”

“A game and at the same time an opportunity for dialogue, understanding and reciprocal human enrichment.”

This sport, he said, “is not only a form of entertainment, but also – and above all I would say – a tool to communicate values, promote the good of the human person and help build a more peaceful and fraternal society.”

Observing how there are “many values and attitudes fostered by soccer that are important not only on the field, but in all aspects of life, specifically in peace building,” Pope Francis invited listeners to think about the values of “loyalty, perseverance, friendship, sharing, solidarity.”

“Sport is a school of peace” he noted, “it teaches us to build peace.”

Going on, the Bishop of Rome drew attention to the different lessons we learn in sports that can help to foster peace, stating that “three essential attitudes” are “the need to ‘train,’ ‘fair play’ and honor among competitors.”

“Sport teaches us that in order to win, you have to train” he stated, pointing out that “by playing sports, we can see a metaphor of our lives.”

“In life, you have to fight, to ‘train,’ to strive in order to obtain important results,” therefore sportsmanship “becomes an image of the necessary sacrifices in order to grow in the virtues that build the character of a person.”

Bringing attention to the importance playing fair, the Roman Pontiff explained that in sports we need to learn “what ‘fair play’ in soccer has to teach us.”

“To play in a team, it is necessary to consider first the good of the group, not on one’s self” the Pope observed, stating that “In order to win, it is necessary to overcome individualism, selfishness and all forms of racism, intolerance and instrumentalization of the human person.”

“It isn't only in soccer that being ‘greedy’ is an obstacle to the success of the team” he noted, “because when we are ‘greedy’ in life, ignoring the people around us, the whole society is harmed.”

A final element of sports that helps us to foster peace “is to have honor among competitors” the pontiff said, adding that “The secret of victory in the field, but also in life, is to learn to respect the colleagues of your team, but also your opponent.”

“No one wins alone, neither in the field nor in life! Let no one feel excluded or isolated!”

Concluding his message, Pope Francis prayed that the World Cup 2014 will “take place with complete serenity and tranquility, always with mutual respect, solidarity and brotherhood among men and women who recognize themselves.

Wherever you go, I shall go... Gregory Norbet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGn3uENUEec&index=2&list=PLR0M-eNJFsY8yDUuy112emtBqzLmUwB6g

Peace Prayer...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI1Gst7pEqc

Daily Reflections on the Sacred Heart...Wednesday, June 11, 2014

                         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Ejipe3rVE

Mass Reading & Meditation for June 11, 2014

Meditation: Matthew 5:17-19

View NAB Reading at USCCB.org

Saint Barnabas, Apostle

I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)

The film Stand and Deliver is based on the story of Jaime Escalante, a math teacher in the troubled Los Angeles, California, public school system. While most don’t believe in the students’ abilities, Escalante does. Using innovative techniques, he teaches his students more than just math basics. He challenges them to excel, and they do: they pass California’s Advanced Placement Calculus exam—difficult for students of any age!

Jesus also spoke about having high expectations. He told his disciples, “Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19). What’s more, pairing today’s Gospel reading with the story of St. Barnabas’ extreme generosity only adds to the impression that Jesus has set impossibly high goals for us.

Nothing could be further from the truth! Remember, it was Jesus who pointed out the hypocrisy of those scribes and Pharisees who set too-high standards for everyone but didn’t try to measure up themselves. Jesus is not trying to make it impossible for us to enter his kingdom. He’s telling us that we really are capable of heroic holiness!

Yes, God does expect great things of us. But that’s because he sees great things within us. He sees his image and likeness. He sees his own Holy Spirit. He even sees the faith and love in our hearts that we haven’t found yet! He knows we can do better than just “qualify” for eternal life—because he has poured so much grace into us.

Do you see your potential today—not just to be good but to be great? Try taking a “spiritual inventory” today in prayer. Make a list of all the good qualities God has placed in you. Make a list, too, of your dreams and hopes. Tell yourself that you can be a hero of the faith. Tell yourself that no sin is too great, no fear too daunting, to keep you back. You can become a saint like Barnabas—if you stay close to the Lord and follow him one step at a time. Together with Jesus, you can pass any test of faith!

“Lord, free my heart to follow you with abandonment. I want to fulfill your plans for my life!”

Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3; Psalm 98:1-6

Please pray for our Pope as he travels bringing peace to all nations. Read link below:

https://www.youtube.com/user/vatican

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/tags/pope-francis/

Daily Readings for Tuesday, June 10, 2014 "You are the Salt of the Earth"

Reading 1, First Kings 17:7-16

⁷ But after a while the stream dried up, for the country had had no rain.⁸ And then the word of Yahweh came to him,⁹ 'Up and go to Zarephath in Sidonia, and stay there. I have ordered a widow there to give you food.'¹⁰ So he went off to Sidon. And when he reached the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Addressing her he said, 'Please bring a little water in a pitcher for me to drink.'

¹¹ She was on her way to fetch it when he called after her. 'Please', he said, 'bring me a scrap of bread in your hand.' ¹² 'As Yahweh your God lives,' she replied, 'I have no baked bread, but only a handful of meal in a jar and a little oil in a jug; I am just gathering a stick or two to go and prepare this for myself and my son to eat, and then we shall die.' ¹³ But Elijah said to her, 'Do not be afraid, go and do as you have said; but first make a little scone of it for me and bring it to me, and then make some for yourself and for your son. ¹⁴ For Yahweh, God of Israel, says this: Jar of meal shall not be spent, jug of oil shall not be emptied, before the day when Yahweh sends rain on the face of the earth.'¹⁵ The woman went and did as Elijah told her and they ate the food, she, himself and her son. ¹⁶ The jar of meal was not spent nor the jug of oil emptied, just as Yahweh had foretold through Elijah.

Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 4:2-3, 4-5, 7-8

² Children of men, how long will you be heavy of heart, why love what is vain and chase after illusions? ³ Realise that Yahweh performs wonders for his faithful, Yahweh listens when I call to him.

⁴ Be careful not to sin, speak in your hearts, and on your beds keep silence. Pause

⁵ Loyally offer sacrifices, and trust in Yahweh.⁷ to my heart you are a richer joy than all their corn and new wine. ⁸ In peace I lie down and at once fall asleep, for it is you and none other, Yahweh, who make me rest secure.

Gospel, Matthew 5:13-16

¹³ 'You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled under people's feet.

¹⁴ 'You are light for the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden.¹⁵ No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way your light must shine in people's sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PPaCoK-qvY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwYfKqCe1Ps