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Mar 10 – Homily – Fr Ignatius: Time Talent Treasure

apostolate — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:19:26 +0000

Homily #090310 ( 05min) Play – Lent is a time of sacrifice. Even in this economic crisis we must give alms (time, talent, treasure) to the poor, and have trust in God our Father.

Ave Maria!

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Prayer Knocks, Fasting Obtains, Mercy Receives

Sr. JosephMary f.t.i. — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:00:30 +0000

Ave Maria Mediations

Prayer, Fasting and Mercy by St. Peter Chrysologus

There are three things, my brethren, by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other.

Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. Let no one try to separate them; they cannot be separated. If you have only one of them or not all together, you have nothing. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others you open God’s ear to yourself.

When you fast, see the fasting of others. If you want God to know that you are hungry, know that another is hungry. If you hope for mercy, show mercy. If you look for kindness, show kindness. If you want to receive, give. If you ask for yourself what you deny to others, your asking is a mockery.

Let this be the pattern for all men when they practise mercy: show mercy to others in the same way, with the same generosity, with the same promptness, as you want others to show mercy to you.

Therefore, let prayer, mercy and fasting be one single plea to God on our behalf, one speech in our defence, a threefold united prayer in our favour. Let us use fasting to make up for what we have lost by despising others. Let us offer our souls in sacrifice by means of fasting. There is nothing more pleasing that we can offer to God, as the psalmist said in prophecy: A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God does not despise a bruised and humbled heart.

Offer your soul to God, make him an oblation of your fasting, so that your soul may be a pure offering, a holy sacrifice, a living victim, remaining your own and at the same time made over to God. Whoever fails to give this to God will not be excused, for if you are to give him yourself you are never without the means of giving. To make these acceptable, mercy must be added. Fasting bears no fruit unless it is watered by mercy. Fasting dries up when mercy dries up. Mercy is to fasting as rain is to earth.

However much you may cultivate your heart, clear the soil of your nature, root out vices, sow virtues, if you do not release the springs of mercy, your fasting will bear no fruit. When you fast, if your mercy is thin your harvest will be thin; when you fast, what you pour out in mercy overflows into your barn. Therefore, do not lose by saving, but gather in by scattering. Give to the poor, and you give to yourself. You will not be allowed to keep what you have refused to give to others.

St. Peter is an early Church Father and as one of the greatest preachers of the early church explains the key penitential practices of Lent-prayer, fasting, and almsgiving or mercy. Saint Peter Chrysologus declares that Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. He shows how prayer, mercy and fasting are one, and they give life to each other. This reading is used by the Roman Church for the Office of Readings for Tuesday of the 3rd week of Lent. St. Peter Chrysologus was the bishop of Ravenna, Italy in the middle of the 5th century. His sermons were so inspiring that he was given the title “Chrysologus” (greek for “Golden-worded) and was eventually declared a “Doctor of the Church.”

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Jan 28 – Homily – Fr Ignatius: St. Peter Nolasco

apostolate — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:45:30 +0000

Homily #100128 ( 04min) Play – St. Peter Nolasco was founder of the Mercedarians who worked to gather alms to free the Christian captives of Muslims. He even went so far as to offer his very self as a substitute so that others could be set free. As such he fully lived the message in today’s Gospel :

Sell what you possess and give alms. Make to yourselves bags which grow not old, a treasure in heaven which faileth not: where no thief approacheth, nor moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Ave Maria! St. Peter Nolasco, Confessor – Mass: EF, Iustus Ut Palma – Readings: 1st: 1co 4:9-14 – Gsp: luk 12:32-34

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On the Importance of Fasting

Sr. JosephMary f.t.i. — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:00:03 +0000

For nearly two thousand years, Catholics have read, re-read and reflected upon the great passage in the sixth chapter of the gospel of Matthew in which Jesus lays out the three essential practices of Christian life: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Every Ash Wednesday around the globe, in lavishly tiled basilicas, in wood planked chapels, in modest oratories with dirt floors, in carpeted suburban parishes, and in the great multiplicity of sizes, shapes and styles of Catholic houses worship, the Catholic imagination is called to attentive reflection on these prescriptions from Our Lord: When you pray; When you give alms; When you fast.

When Ash Wednesday Mass is finished, the next forty days – all of Lent- is observed in the context of this passage. This happens every year without fail. These three essential practices of Christian life are brought to our attention and emphasized. You would think that we Catholics would get the point.

But do we?

How many Catholics understand the normal Christian life to be composed of a healthy dose of all three? Sure, we’re supposed to pray. Everyone believes that.

Giving alms – once we get past the archaic word, is also commonly accepted. We live in a society where giving to charities and doing service work is considered a normal part of our civic life. It takes no great faith commitment to do this.

But fasting?

Who fasts? And if we do fast, isn’t that just obedience to some minimal Church norms during Lent?

But where does Christ say that fasting was to be done exclusively during Lent? And where does He say that it is exclusively penitential? Yet somehow, in our collective consciousness, that is precisely what most of us think.

As Catholics, we are called to imitate Christ in all things. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We are called by Him to take up our cross everyday and follow Him. So shouldn’t we pay close attention to what He actually said and did?

For instance, what was the final stage of His preparation for His public ministry? Forty days of fasting in the desert! Is fasting important? Consider this. When the devil appeared to Jesus to try to thwart his mission, what was the VERY FIRST thing he tried to get Jesus to do? Look it up (Matthew 4:1-4) He tried to get Jesus to break his fast! Yes, fasting is just that powerful and the devil understood this profoundly.

I believe that the Lord has led me to focus attention on the power of fasting as a regular part of the Christian life. To pray is good. To give alms is good. But fasting is the glue. To fast is to combine prayer and almsgiving. It is to pray with your body. It is to give spiritual alms. In striving for holiness, prayer lifts you up. Almsgiving coupled with prayer is a selfless movement of love that powers you higher.

But fasting? Fasting allows you to soar to supernatural heights virtually unimaginable. This is not because you yourself are in control, but because fasting is an abandonment of control, a radical letting go that, along with sacramental confession, allows all barriers to your acceptance of God’s love to be broken.

Did you know that none other than St. Paul himself received his mission after a three day absolute fast? Yep. He was knocked off his horse, made blind, and then led to Damascus. Then for three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:9) When the Lord sent Ananias to Judas’ house to lay hands on Saul (his pre-conversion name), he found Saul in the midst of intense prayer and fasting. The rest is history.

Is fasting important for the spiritual life?

The very first pope, St. Peter, the rock upon whom Christ built his Church, the man to whom Christ gave the keys to the kingdom, also received a very important message at the end of what appears in scripture to be a fast. It is well known that after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus into heaven, Peter initially favored Jewish Christians. He saw the Jewish people as the rightful heirs to Christ’s actions and message. But we can learn much from Peter. Even an apostle needed to learn and grow in submission to God’s will. In Acts 10, it says that while he was still hungry and people were making preparations to feed him, Peter received a revelation that would alter the future of Christianity. The gospel was for not exclusively for the Jews, it was for everyone! A pretty important insight gained while being hungry.

Fasting is like one of the three legs on the stool of Christian life. Without all three legs, the stool cannot stand as it should. I believe that fasting, as an ordinary practice of Christian life, must be recovered if we are to live any kind of balance. Fasting pulls together and amplifies all other acts of piety. It gives prayer and almsgiving a power and a vitality that might come to you as a great surprise. I’ve been surprised by fasting and there are many stories to tell.

It is my belief that if the average Catholic understood the intimacy possible with Our Lord through fasting, if he understood the power it has in the spiritual realm, he would desire it so passionately that he would pursue it at any cost. The astonishing secret is that price is not really very high. In fact, it is absolutely free.

A threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

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May 02 – Homily – Fr Dominic: Trust In God and Give

Griswold Friars — Fri, 02 May 2014 12:04:46 +0000

Homily #140502 ( 04min) Play – Trust in the bounty of God. Give generously and God will provide the rest.
Ave Maria!
Mass: St. Athanasius – Mem – Form: OF
Readings: Friday 2nd Week of Easter
1st: act 5:34-42
Resp: psa 27:1, 4, 13-14
Gsp: joh 6:1-15

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Almsgiving, Third Pillar of Lent- Mar 28 – Homily – Fr Terrance

apostolate — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 22:15:46 +0000

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN on Mar 28, 2020, on the third and final pillar of Lent, almsgiving, and the need to have mercy on others in order to receive mercy from God. He states that true almsgiving is based on the virtue of Christian charity, that when we give to the poor we give to Christ. He explains there are fourteen works of mercy seven corporal and seven spiritual and how related they are.

Ave Maria!

Mass: Saturday 4th Week of Lent – Wkdy
Readings:
1st: jer 11:18-20
Resp: psa 7:2-3, 9-10, 11-12 0
Gsp: joh 7:40-53

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Minister to the Person in the Mirror – Apr 22 – Homily – Fr Terrance

apostolate — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 15:13:21 +0000

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 22, 2023, on how the first deacons were ordained to take care of an internal problem of the Church relating to a lack of charity regarding the distribution of alms to the vulnerable widows in the early church. This was a development of the Church’s organization and division of labor but also highlights the need for evangelizing ourselves first by opening our hearts in charity to others and this comes about by realizing and frequently remembering that God has loved us first.

Notes:

Today’s first reading discusses the early Church’s internal strife between Palestinian Jews and Hellenistic Jews, particularly the neglect of Hellenistic widows in the distribution of food and alms. In response, the Apostles emphasized their priority of prayer and preaching (Acts 6: 3-4 – the Apostles’ response – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/6?3) and instituted the diaconate to address the issue. The Apostles laid hands on the chosen men, consecrating and commissioning them (Acts 6: 6 – the Apostles prayed and laid hands on them – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/6?6). The reading highlights the importance of the different ministries in the Church and their roles in service.

The diaconate’s institution is seen as an early step in the formation of the body of Christ, with the Holy Spirit guiding the process. All ministries within the Church are necessary and rooted in service, with prayer, liturgy, sacraments, preaching, and governance taking precedence. Love for others makes our witness credible (John 13: 35 – love one another as a sign of discipleship – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/13?35).

Evangelizing ourselves daily by internalizing the love of God is crucial. Telling ourselves the truth from God’s perspective can help the love of God move from our minds to our hearts (John 8: 32 – the truth sets us free – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/8?32). Fr. encourages us to thank the Lord for the different ministries and ministers in the Church and to ask the Virgin Mary for the grace to internalize the gospel message that God loves us.

Ave Maria!

Mass: Saturday 2nd Week of Easter – Wkdy
Readings: – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/042223.cfm
1st: act 6:1-7
Resp: psa 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
Gsp: joh 6:16-21

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Angels’ Role Between God and Men – Jun 10 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

apostolate — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 15:46:05 +0000

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN on Jun 10, 2023, on how the final events of the Book of Tobit and the revelation of Raphael’s identity, the role of angels in the interplay between grace from God and our own cooperation in the form of good works, prayers, and alms, in our growth in sanctity and corresponding reward in heaven and often in this world as well.

Tobiah and Tobit, after celebrating Tobiah’s marriage and Tobit’s healing, attempt to reward their companion, Raphael, not knowing his true identity as an angel. Raphael discloses who he is, emphasizing that all his assistance was God’s doing, not for any material reward. He advises them on the importance of doing good deeds, implying that for those who love God, adversities can lead to better outcomes.

Raphael advocates for almsgiving, suggesting it becomes truly valuable when paired with righteousness, an aspect disregarded by the scribes in the gospel. The angel underscores the significant roles of prayer, fasting, and mercy, the primary works of serving God. He points out that almsgiving, a practical act of charity, is a concrete proof of love and kindness.

Raphael discloses his duties in Tobit’s life, revealing that his prayers and good works were presented before God. He explains his role as a test to Tobit, stressing that God scolds before showing mercy, a method implemented through Raphael’s intervention. He further enlightens them about the importance of praising God and recording their experiences, hinting at the origins of the book of Tobit.

The homily connects Tobit’s blindness and eventual praise of God to the Jewish people’s anticipated acknowledgment of Christ. Tobit’s trials and eventual happiness symbolize the joys after worldly tribulations, and his warning to his son about Nineveh’s impending fall parallels the end-time teachings of the converted Jewish. Praised be Jesus and Mary, now and forever.

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00:00 – Introduction and Celebration of Tobiah’s Marriage
00:58 – Raphael’s True Identity and Teachings
02:11 – Importance of Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
03:06 – Raphael’s Secrets and the Role of Angels
04:35 – Tobit’s Song of Praise and Predictions for the Jewish People

Ave Maria!

Mass: Saturday 9th Week of Ordinary Time – Wkdy
Readings: – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061023.cfm
1st: tob 12:1, 5-15, 20
Resp: tob 13:2, 6
Gsp: mar 12:38-44

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St. Elizabeth of Portugal – Jul 05 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

apostolate — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:12:04 +0000

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jul 05, 2023, on the life of St. Elizabeth of Portugal, a queen who gave a great example of piety, peacemaking, pardon, and charity.

From today’s Gospel, we understand that Jesus permits certain situations where individuals must choose between God and material wealth. The scene with the demons entering the swine shows the nature of demonic beings, their impure nature, their numbers, and their lack of independent power. This ultimately led the people to choose between Jesus, a liberator, vs. demons, who are enslavers. Surprisingly, the people, motivated by worldly fear, chose the latter. Despite this choice, Jesus left the men he had exorcised as witnesses for possible future reconsideration.

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, born a princess, married King Denis of Portugal, and had two children, Alfonso and Constance. Despite her husband’s infidelity and preference for his illegitimate son, Alfonso Sanchez, St. Elizabeth demonstrated great virtue, raising all the children with charity and aiding the poor. Her fortitude in forgiving offenses and making peace were invaluable during the period of civil unrest between her legitimate son, Alfonso, and King Denis.

Following her husband’s death and her son’s ascension, St. Elizabeth focused on her spiritual journey. She gave away her possessions, lived as a Franciscan tertiary, and carried out her final peacemaking mission, this time between her son and son-in-law, which ultimately led to her death in 1336. Her remains found incorrupt, and the miracles attributed to her led to her canonization in 1625.

Here are the biblical references included in the homily:

Galatians 4:29 – Ishmael persecuted Isaac – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/4?29
Matthew 6:24 – Cannot serve God and mammon – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6?24
Psalm 34:7 – The Lord hears the cry of the poor – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/34?7

00:00 – Introduction and Explanation of Biblical Reading
02:04 – St. Elizabeth of Portugal: Early Life and Royal Marriage
03:06 – Struggles within the Royal Family and Elizabeth’s Virtues
04:03 – Her Charity and Peacemaking Efforts
05:34 – Final Years and her Path to Sanctification
06:55 – Last Peace Mission and Death
07:20 – Pilgrimages, Miracles, and Canonization of St. Elizabeth

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Elizabeth of Portugal (USA) – Opt Mem – http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=116
Readings: Wednesday 13th Week of Ordinary Time – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/070523.cfm
1st: gen 21:5, 8-20
Resp: psa 34:7-8, 10-13
Gsp: mat 8:28-34

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How to Use Your Talents & Wealth Wisely – Nov 11 – Homily – Fr Terrance

apostolate — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 17:13:45 +0000

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Nov 11, 2023, on the example of St Martin of Tours on how we should use our earthly wealth wisely by giving to the poor so that Our Lord will entrust us with eternal, spiritual wealth.

Father reflects on the Gospel of Saint Luke, specifically Chapter 16. He discusses the parable of the dishonest steward from Luke 16:1-13 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/16, emphasizing worldly wisdom versus spiritual wisdom. Our Lord advises using material wealth for spiritual gains, a concept underlined in Luke 16:9 – make friends with dishonest [material] wealth to be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

St. Augustine reflects on the transient nature of material wealth, urging almsgiving as a means of investing in God’s kingdom. This is exemplified by St. Martin of Tours, who shared his cloak with a beggar and later saw Jesus wearing it in a dream, illustrating the blessings of charity.

He then explores the idea of true riches as mentioned in Luke 16:11 – if not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? This refers to spiritual wealth, such as virtues and God’s grace, which are more valuable than worldly possessions.

Emphasizing the importance of almsgiving, the homily cites Matthew 6:3-4 – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6?3 – give alms in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. St. John Chrysostom and St. Augustine further explain this as doing good without seeking praise, focusing instead on God’s approval.

He concludes by reminding us that our true home is in heaven, with our hearts belonging to Jesus and Mary. He encourages regular prayer, like the Hail Mary, as a form of spiritual almsgiving, beneficial to ourselves and others. The homily ends with a call to use our material wealth and gifts in a manner pleasing to God, preparing us for eternal love and joy.

Ave Maria!

00:00 – Introduction
00:13 – Being Wise in Spiritual Matters
01:11 – Encouragement to Give Alms
02:01 – Putting Hope in God Rather Than Possessions
03:06 – Example of St. Martin of Tours
04:53 – True Spiritual Riches vs Material Wealth
06:58 – Using Gifts Wisely or for Sin and Self
08:14 – God Sees in Secret and Rewards Openly
09:30 – Prayers as Almsgiving for Others’ Good

Mass: St. Martin of Tours – Mem – http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=81
Readings: Saturday 31st Week of Ordinary Time – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/111123.cfm
1st: rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27
Resp: psa 145:2-5, 10-11
Gsp: luk 16:9-15

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