Who Do You Say I Am? ~ Mary Ann Allen

Today's readings instruct us in God's process of selection. In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, God decides that authority will be taken from one person and given to another. God selects Eliakim to receive the key of the House of David, so that..."when he opens, no one shall shut; when he shuts, no one shall open." And so it was that Eliakim is given the place of honor for his family.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus recognizes that one of His disciples will have to be given the authority of leadership among the Twelve. He must awaken the disciples to this understanding by beginning with a general question. "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" The disciples reply with several answers since there are any number of people in the Hebrew Scriptures, as well as in their own experience who could fit that description.

But now that Jesus has their attention, He shifts the question to a very personal one. "But who do you say I am?" Who else but Peter is the one who immediately replies: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

This response is precisely what Jesus wants to hear and He recognizes that only His heavenly Father could have placed those words in Peter's mouth! Peter has acknowledged Jesus for who He is. Not only through his reasoning but most importantly, through his faith. And because of that faith, Peter is given the place of honor among the disciples and the authority that comes with the keys to the kingdom. Not David's kingdom, but the Kingdom that Jesus has been preaching and bringing into existence.

"Who do you say I am?" Jesus is asking us the same question today. Do we really believe what we profess about Jesus? Or do we believe only what we can reason through. Do we truly recognize what Jesus wants from each of us?

Jesus wants us to be transformed... from reasoning into faith... from our mind to our heart. For with Faith comes our own authority to continue to make the Kingdom present in our world. And with that Faith, we can say along with St. Paul as he wrote to the Romans in praise of our God:

"For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be glory forever."


~ Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time ~

"My House Shall Be A House Of Prayer For All People" ~ by Ronnie Archer

In the first reading of this Twentieth Sunday, we hear that the blessings of the Lord will be bestowed on all of those who are righteous and just in the sight of the Lord. All people, Jews and Gentiles, are included in God's salvation.

In the Romans' reading, St. Paul emphasized that his ministry to the Gentiles was his primary mission, glorying in his ministry to provoke jealousy from the Jews, hoping to save some of them. Israel's acceptance of the Gospel will benefit the entire world. In their disobedience, God still showed them mercy; and His plan for them and for us is to be merciful to others.

In today's Gospel from Matthew, we once again hear the story of the Canaanite mother. Jesus had retired to a place where He did not want to be recognized. This woman was desperate because her daughter was possessed by evil spirits. She approached Jesus, begging Him to expel the demon from her child. Jesus did not answer her at first, but she was persistent. Then He told her that "it is not right to take the food of the children and give it to the dogs." The woman knew exactly what He meant, realizing that she was not one of the "children of Israel." Giving Him the respect, calling Him Lord, she told Him that "even the dogs get to eat the scraps from the Master's table." The woman showed great faith which was just what Jesus wanted to hear. When He saw what great faith she had, He told her: "For such a reply as that, go home, the demon has already left your daughter."

Every time someone "argues" with Jesus, He wins. The simplicity of the woman was impressive to Jesus. Faith moves Jesus Christ. The "food" in the Gospel refers to the Word of God. It cannot be given to anyone... apart from Jesus. We have to believe in, and accept Jesus. Humility and faith are what Jesus desires of us.

We do not move on our own being, but through God. Christ moves through us, so that others will know that Christ moves.

When we cannot think of any other way to pray, the simplicity of the prayer of the Canaanite woman is sufficient, "Lord Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me."



~ Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~

God is Faithful ~ by Ronnie Archer

In today's first reading, we hear about the troubled Elijah, who needed a word from the Lord. Elijah had word from Jezebel's messenger that his life was in danger because of his stand against the false prophets of Baal. Elijah was afraid, and in desperation, fled for his life. After a day's journey into the desert, he fell asleep. He was touched by an angel twice, who ordered him to eat and be strengthened for his journey ahead.

Elijah did as he was told. He walked forty days and nights to the mountain of Horeb. After telling God why he was there, the Lord told him to go out and stand on the mountain because the Lord would be passing by. There was a strong, destructive wind, but the Lord was not in the wind. Then an earthquake and a fire; God was in neither. After the fire, there was a soft whispering sound... then Elijah recognized the voice of the Lord.

In today's second reading, the Apostle Paul expresses his love for the chosen people of God; as well as his great sorrow and concern for their lack of knowledge of Christ and the benefits that come with being a true follower of Christ.

Today's Gospel gives the account of Jesus, who after a busy day, told the disciples to take the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. When the crowds had dispersed, Jesus went up on the mountain alone to pray. The boat with the disciples was hundreds of yards away from shore, and was being tossed about by the wind and waves.

During the nighttime, Jesus came walking towards them on the water. The disciples were terrified; they thought He was a ghost, and in fear cried out. Jesus told them "It is I, do not be afraid!" Peter doubting, asked Jesus to tell him to come to Him on the water. When Peter began to walk, feeling how strong the wind was, was frightened, crying out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, saying "What little faith you have; why did you doubt?" The other disciples showed Jesus reverence, saying "Truly, You are the Son of God."

There might be times in our lives when there seems to be no hope, no solution to our problems. Life sometimes seems merciless and harsh, and we feel discouraged when there seems to be no way out. We might feel tired, especially when we feel that we are carrying the weights of life, doing all that we know how to do; feeling like we are staying on the right path, but still not succeeding.

God spoke to Elijah in the "whispering sound", Sometimes we have to go to be alone so we can hear God speak to us; we will not hear God if we are too busy or noisy to really listen. There's a time to talk and also a time to be quiet and listen. Sometimes we are so "set" in our ways that we cannot see a better way. When we listen, we'll hear God speak.

We should remember God's love and faithfulness through the "benefits" in the Romans' reading, of following His Son, Jesus Christ... "the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the worship, the promises, etc."

Many of us are "tossed around" by the ferocious winds of life. We have to call on the Lord as Peter did, when he was in trouble. When God steps into a situation, things begin to change for the better. When God steps in, good becomes better and better becomes best.

Sometimes when we pray, there still may be some doubt, as was with Peter. When such thoughts creep into our mind, we need to cry out to God to help us to dismiss them.

There are times when we need to just listen... when God is telling us to rest. Take warning from our body. We need to set aside time to nurture ourselves. It is most important to do that, so we will have enough to nurture others.

God is faithful, He never disappoints, but we have to learn to listen when He speaks to us.


~ Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~

Does Torture Keep Us Safe? - August 11th - 7 p.m.

American Values & National Security:
Does Torture Keep Us Safe?

Monday, August 11th from 7 - 9 p.m.

Join us at the Valentine Richmond History Center
(1015 E. Clay St., Richmond, VA)
RSVP to lmcgrath@cvt.org

Moderator: Patrick Getlein, Dir. Strategic Communications for VA Interfaith Center for Public Policy

Panelists:

Jack Cloonan - 25-yr FBI veteran, Al Qaeda interrogator - Osama Bin Laden unit (1996-2002)
Brig. Gen. Stephen N. Xenakis (USA-Ret.) - Com. General SE Army Regional Medical Command
Lt. Col. Stuart Couch, 2007 Minister of Justice Award from American Bar Association
Rabbi Ben Romer - Former Military Chaplain
Patrice Schwermer - Assoc. Dir, Office of Peace and Justice, Catholic Diocese of Richmond.

Our own Patrice Schwermer is a panelist at this event. The event is free and open to the public. To respond, send email with "RSVP" in the subject.

Which Banquet Will You Choose? ~ by Mary Ann Allen

In Matthew's Gospel over the past several weeks, Jesus has been telling us what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Remember the pearl of great price, the mustard seed and the treasure found in a field? The Kingdom is something so precious, that we will give all we have in order to obtain it.

In today's Isaiah reading, we learn that God has prepared a place for those who trust in Him in truth. The Lord compares Heaven to a banquet where our thirst will be quenched and our hunger will be satisfied.

In the Gospel reading, we learn about two different kinds of banquets. Jesus is told of the death of John the Baptist, the outcome of King Herod's banquet of a previous night where the Baptist's head was presented to Salome at her request.

But the miraculous banquet that Jesus prepared is one born of the unselfishness of the people who shared their food among themselves as they listened to the words of Jesus. They believed and trusted in Him so completely that after they had eaten their fill and were satisfied, they felt no need to put aside food for their journey home. They knew that Jesus would take care of them. Thus, when Jesus asked what was left over, the disciples told him they had collected enough to fill twelve wicker baskets.

We can easily see that the banquet Jesus provided for the people brought satisfaction to them; whereas, Herod's banquet brought nothing but death. We all know which banquet we would choose. Our satisfaction will come when we not only listen to the Word of God that Jesus gives to us; but when we come to understand and accept it also. We unite ourselves to His Word.

Where there is Unity, there God is also. As a parish family, we are called to be united not only to God; but also to each other. When this occurs, God's Kingdom is present here on earth. Jesus showed us how to make this happen. By emptying Himself, He was able to share Himself completely with the people around Him. By following His example, we become so united to God and to each other so that nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ, because we have conquered overwhelmingly through Him who loves us.


~ Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~