Now is the Acceptable Time!

As we begin this penitential season, we ponder the question: What does it mean to receive forgiveness from God?

We see throughout the Old Testament times, that in spite of God's covenant with His people, they often fell into sin. They not only "felt the fire"; they "touched the fire"!

Their sins can readily be seen in the lives of Moses and King David. Both were murderers. David was also an adulterer; while Moses tested God and thus was denied entrance into the Promised Land. However, both came to acknowledge their sinfulness and repented. God, in His love for us, readily forgave Moses and David and we know them now as heroes of the Old Testament.

We too can experience God's forgiveness. God's mercy is always there for us; we simply must be able to accept it. During this Lenten season, we strive to dedicate ourselves to Christ. We ask that a new heart be created in us. We try to touch Him in our prayer, fasting and almsgiving as we travel in His footsteps along the road to Calvary.

We do not travel on this journey alone. We know we have the support and encouragement we need because we experience it in community with others.

As Isaiah announces in the first reading:

...Proclaim a fast,
Call an assembly;

Gather the people,
Notify the congregation;
Assemble the elders...

We may not put off our time of repentance. No one is guaranteed more than this moment. Just as Paul wrote to the Corinthians so long ago:

Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation!


~ Ash Wednesday, 2009 ~

~ Photo found at The Atlantic Magazine

Rise, Take Up Your Mat and Walk ~ by Ronnie Archer

Fr. Peter was our homilist again this week in honor of Black History Month.

In today's Isaiah reading, the Lord says to the Israelites, not to remember the past. God did not want His liberated people to dwell on their past - but to look forward to the new things that He would do for them.

The second reading, from St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians, speaks of the constancy of God. Unlike us, sometimes wavering between "yes" and "no", God remains ever faithful.

Mark's Gospel today, emphasizes faith and forgiveness. The four friends of the paralytic man were so determined to get their friend close enough to Jesus, the one who they knew could heal him, that they "opened the roof" to do so. It was his faith and that of his friends that moved Jesus to heal him.

Sometimes it is so hard for us to forget the negative things of our past, instead of looking ahead to the future. At times, we have a hard time forgiving ourselves, as well as others and believing that we deserve something better than our current conditions.

We hold unto past hurts, being unforgiving to those who we feel have "trespassed against us"...we have a commandment from God that will help us to move on from our past, and that is forgiveness.

Barriers are not meant to stop us, but to force us to overcome. Many of us tend to give up at the slightest difficulty in life.

The barriers will disappear when we set our eyes on the goal and do what we can do to move forward. The paralytic had to "fight" his way to get to Jesus, and his friends were faithful in helping him to get there. The lesson we can learn here is that we cannot do it alone, and if we are to succeed, we need each other to encourage and help us.

The Lord gives us people who are ready to help us when we are ready, we have to make up our minds to act when we can.

Some people have no ambition at all and if you mingle with them long enough, you will have no ambition. Do not allow your past to keep you from improving your future, learn from mistakes, and do what is best for you.

We should be proud of our heritage. Each of us is entitled to, and can be the best there is, and achieve our goals in life; no one is greater than another.

Jesus says our sins are forgiven. Let us forgive ourselves, and each other; as well as loving and supporting each other.

Take up your mat and walk; AND GLORIFY GOD for what He has done in our lives.


~Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time ~

New Photos of the Children of New Jerusalem School in Haiti

Patrice Schwermer recently returned from ten days in Haiti. While there, she was able to visit Pastor Kenold to give him the funds he needs to make an appointment at the consulate to apply for his passport and visa. These funds are from our Haiti Account - money that you have so generously donated.

We are looking forward to having Pastor Kenold visit us here at St. Elizabeth sometime this year. As soon as we know more, you will also.

The photos in this article were taken by Patrice during her visit to the New Jerusalem School and Orphanage. I'm sure these children touch your heart as they do mine.

Breaking New Ground? Yes, You Can! ~ by Mary Ann Allen

Fr. Peter Akpoghiran, Priest in Residence at St. Patrick's was our homilist today, the third Sunday of Black History Month.


In today's Gospel of Mark, we learn what it meant to be a leper during the time of Jesus. Lepers were ostracized by the community. They were forced to live in their own colonies outside the cities. Whenever they came into the city wearing their torn clothes, they were ordered to ring a bell and shout, "Unclean! Unclean!" This ensured that they would never have any personal contact with other people. It was unthinkable that anyone would touch them.

In spite of the prohibitions under which he lived, a leper was determined to speak to Jesus. He sought Jesus out and said: "If you wish, you can make me clean."

Jesus saw the leper's faith and immediately did the unthinkable. Jesus reached out and touched the leper. "I do will it. Be made clean."

Just as the leper did, we can achieve what we set out to do if we have determination and faith in God. Can you do it? Yes, you can! Perhaps not through your own power, but with the help of God you can break new ground.

Just as Moses understood that he would not reach the promised land himself; and Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized that he might not be there when the goals of equality were achieved, we can give others the opportunity to do so.

We need the younger generation to break new ground. Education is the key to the future. There are more opportunities for the present generation than there were for their parents.

Whatever we ask for in prayer, we must believe that it is done; that we will receive it. We may make mistakes along the way, but we can learn wisdom from them. We must pick ourselves up and keep going.

Have faith in yourself and in God. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you. Action changes people's minds! With determination and divine assistance, you will be able to break new ground. When you reach your goal, you can say, "Yes, I did it!"


~ Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~

Congratulations to Vivian Sullivan!

Congratulations to Vivian Sullivan has been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of Transformation Retreats, Inc. She also will be working with the Prison Project, "Livin' It!"


From the Transformation Retreat, Inc. website:

"Since 1989, through life-giving retreats, conferences, and programs, Transformation Retreats, Inc. has offered a compassionate response to those in our community living with the impact of HIV/AIDS.

In a safe and hospitable environment, men and women living with HIV/AIDS come together on our 4-day retreats for respite, interaction, HIV/AIDS education, reflection and renewal.

Our one-day retreats for women provide opportunity for respite, interaction, education, reflection and renewal for women living with HIV/AIDS as well as women caregivers.

"Livin' It! – A Prison Project" is a nine week HIV harm reduction program for incarcerated women.


We are a volunteer, non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Our programs are a gift from a caring community; there is no cost for those who attend."

Second Sunday in Black History Month Photos ~ by Lula Lamb

Lula was kind enough to send me some photos she took at Mass last Sunday, February 8, 2009.

In honor of Black History Month, the Chita Family, in African clothing and accompanied by drums, led the Offertory procession to the altar.

In the second photo, Gov. Tim Kaine, an honorary member of St. Elizabeth's Gospel Choir, sang the solo part to our Communion hymn, Taste and See.


We are grateful to both the Chita Family and Tim Kaine for enhancing our Liturgy that day.

Another Honor for One of Our Own! Congratulations to Jackie McDonnough!

From the VCU Newscenter: 2/9/09



VCU’s Center for Life Sciences Education Names New Director


Jacqueline McDonnough, Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, has been named the director of VCU Life Sciences’ Center for Life Sciences Education.

"In my position as director I can combine my interest in science with outreach to K-12 schools and the community," said McDonnough. "I absolutely love making connections between the various constituencies in the science education community and this position will allow me to do that in a more formal way."

The director of the Center for Life Sciences Education is responsible for overseeing a $700,000 Howard Hughes Medical Institute Foundation K-12 education grant, as well as guiding programs for science teachers, students and the general public that furthers their understanding of all areas of the life sciences.

McDonnough assumed leadership of the Center for Life Sciences Education this month, and will continue her duties as an assistant professor and adviser for secondary science education in the Department of Teaching and Learning. She takes over from Dr. Richard Rezba, who was director from 2003 through 2008. He retired in December.

McDonnough has been involved in science education for the past 19 years and is currently finishing research on pre-service elementary teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs. Her work has been published in a variety of regional, national and international science education-related journals.

McDonnough served as the director of the Virginia Governor’s School of Life Science and Medicine from 2002 to 2005 and is a board member of the Virginia Association of Science Teachers.

McDonnough taught high school, middle school and elementary school students from 1988 until 1999. She served as an adjunct instructor at VCU in 1999, before completing her doctoral degree at the University of Virginia. She had been a tenure-track assistant professor in the department of Teaching & Learning since 2003.

VCU’s Center for Life Sciences Education promotes science literacy locally, regionally, and nationally. The center works with teachers by providing free teaching aids, hosting summer workshops for educators and maintaining a variety of partnerships with local and national organizations. In addition, the Center for Life Sciences also publishes a career guide and conducts annual surveys about life science issues in the public eye.

Catholic Life Experience begins Tuesday, Feb. 10th

Sr. Maureen T. Carroll, SBS will begin a Catholic Life Experience Series here at St. Elizabeth Church. This adult Christian Education program will be held every second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 6:30 to 7:30. There will be time before and after classes for additional reflection and study.

Sr. Maureen writes in the introductory letter to our parishioners: "Have you ever wished that you had an additional opportunity to renew your own spirit-life? What does our church teach? What's new in the Catholic Religious experience? What makes the Catholic Church unique and our life in a community so grace filled? Living in the Presence of God, enhancing an adult experience of a fuller life of the holy Spirit and walking through Scripture brings a deeper life-peace."

The schedule is as follows:

Scripture:

1. February and March - Acts of the Apostles
2. April and May - Gospels according to Luke and John
3. June and July - Letters of John

Catholic Doctrine (Throughout the classes)

~ Seven Sacraments
~ Ten Commandments
~ Eucharistic Liturgy
~ Nicene Creed
~ Jesus, the Man, the Son of God
~ God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth
~ The Holy Spirit, the Paraclete

Prayer

~ The Trinity
~ Common Prayers of the Catholic Church
~ Praying with Scripture
~ Praying with one another in community
~ Praying in one's heart

Each person needs: a Bible and a journal book for reflections and a folder for notes. St. Elizabeth will order and have these available at the first class.

Cost: $15 for the first set of classes. After that: $5 every two months.

Time each meeting: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Room will be available 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after class for reading, etc.

Black History Month Homily by Fr. Matthias Lusembo

Fr. Matthias Lusembo, Parochial Vicar of St. Bridget Catholic Church, was our homilist today, the Second Sunday in February and the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Theme: Never Despair
Objective: That we try to get the best out of any situation.


The Job we have heard about in the first reading is an extremely rich figure who loses all of his property, children, wife, skin, hope and reputation; but eventually regains everything. God allows the devil to test his faith, well aware that Job will remain faithful.

In the text we have heard, Job hopelessly laments about his life (Job 7:1-4, 6-7). He says: "Is not man's life on earth a drudgery?... He is a slave who longs for the shade, a hireling who waits for his wages. ...My days... come to an end without hope. ...I shall not see happiness again."

In Tanzania on the shores of Lake Victoria, the village name of Bwagamoyo, where the slaves embarked, was translated as a place of despair. Despair can cause material and spiritual poverty and eventually suicide. Yet the last chapter of the book of Job reveals that Job received back all his riches twice as much as he had before he suffered; in addition to beautiful children, friends and his health. (Job 42:10-15). Had Job committed suicide, he would have missed all that.

Job's cry of hopelessness stands in marked contrast to the hope of those who put their trust in Jesus, who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. In today's Gospel text (Mk 1:22-39), Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law and many other people. Then He moves to nearby villages to preach there too; like people who moved from Africa to the U.S.A. to develop it.

Now Jesus says with Saint Paul: "Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible." (1Cor 9:10; Cf. Phil. 2:5-11) The innocent Christ accepts even the lynching tree of the cross in order to save others. Jesus does not simply lament or despair about human misery; He does his best to eliminate the misery.

Likewise, the Heroes to whom we are paying tribute today, endured a lot of suffering in order to develop this nation. Since their masters were unable to develop this nation, they imported these heroes, made them work on farms, roads, buildings; for example, the magnificent Capitol building in Washington, D.C. They kept these buildings clean for those who could not do so. Yet like Jesus, they were despised, mistreated and even lynched. They were not allowed to have their own farms, freedom of religion or equitable education. Hence, they were condemned to remain behind economically and educationally. Nevertheless, they worked strenuously to develop this nation. May God reward them abundantly. Due to their achievements, many people are struggling to emigrate to the U.S.A.

Now that the economy, politics and legislature have been deteriorating, the descendants of these heroes have been elected to fix the problem. This is not surprising, because the continent from which these heroes came is the mother of humanity and its civilization. The first human being, the first civilization, reading and writing, the biggest library, biggest food stores, raw materials for industries were in Africa.

The Israelites escaped starvation by running to Africa (Gen 47:4). Jesus escaped the first death threats by taking refuge in Africa. Now, many American Dioceses get priests from Africa to avoid foreclosures.

Yet some Africans and African Americans have not yet grasped their importance in this world. The first African immigrants developed the U.S.A. How much is each one of us doing now to develop the U.S.A., religiously, morally, socially, educationally, economically and politically? This is a challenge to each one of us, especially to those who read only the Book of Lamentations. We were put on earth to develop (Gen 1:28). There is no time to be holding falling trousers, instead of holding books or tools. Let us have self-esteem; for example, by the way we dress, by having clean premises, by controlling our music, by taking leadership positions at all levels, and by resolving never to enslave anyone, whether spouse or children or worker. This is the time to remake this nation with the Christian and African values of solidarity, hospitality, religiosity and respect for human life.

As we have heard, Christ was glorified after His humiliating situation. In this economic crisis, many people are going through humiliating situations. Let us humbly accept any available job, as we train for better available jobs. Join beneficial organizations, like the Knights of Columbus. Have a dream, and never give up. We are overcoming. Though Egypt enslaved the Israelites for 430 years, God eventually liberated them (Ex 1:13; 12:40). This is a time of liberation.

Trust God, pray, study, work and remain connected to networks, but never despair. Your suffering, whether caused by injustice, poverty, sickness or sinfulness or bad human relations, is not the end of the road. After suffering, there will be happiness. Each one has his/her ups and downs; but what keeps us going is the hope that things will get better.

Keep up the hope; seize every opportunity for spiritual, economic and political development. The current laws give us a lot of opportunities. Do not be satisfied with dependence on social welfare. See to it that you develop every year. God put us on earth to develop. Never despair. Try to get the best out of any situation. Yes, you can.

Reflection on Black History Month ~ Mildred Green

Mildred Green read this beautiful reflection as a tribute to the ancestors. It was taken from a booklet of prayer services called Sweet, Sweet Spirit, by Joseph A. Brown, S.J., PH.D. with Fernand Cheri, III, O.F.M.


Where we stand, the ground is holy
because we honor those whose tears watered the way,
because we remember those whose feet made a way out of no way.

Where we gather,
the air is filled with power
because we call to mind those who dreamed dreams of freedom
and saw visions of fulfillment,
who looked for a day when we would exist and be strong.

Wherever we look,
we see pain and suffering and despair and hopelessness,
and when we look again, we see hope and healing and promise..

When we look,
we see those who have gone before us.
We see those who stand beside us.
We see ourselves.

We let the pouring of the water remind us
that the tears of the ancestors nourished the ground
and made it fruitful,
and we are blessed in the remembering.

We let the pouring of the water remind us of some of our great mothers and fathers:

Harriet Tubman
Frederick Douglass
Malcolm X
Lorraine Hansberry
Booker T. Washington
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Medgar Evers
and the children of Birmingham: Addie May Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley

We remember the holy women of blood and faith, our ancestral mothers, and the words with which they blessed us:
"Walk together, children, don't you get weary."

We remember our fathers of faith, who marked the stony road and made it safe for us to journey, who told us:
"Keep a-inching along like a poor inchworm."

We remember the joy of the prophet who saw and sang in his vision:
How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of those who bring glad tidings.

Marked thus, in the sign of faith, and blessed thus in the spirit of the ancestors, it is time for us to depart, to complete the good work God has begun in us.

It is time for us to hear and heed the call once more.
Where our children are held captive by ignorance, violence and drugs,
we are called to bring them release;
where our elderly suffer in the hunger of neglect, loneliness and empty days,
we are called to sing jubilee and gratitude;
where women are abused and men are beaten down,
we are called to announce a day of deliverance;
to a world grown sick with sin,
we are called to bring a balm from Gilead and make the wounded whole.

To our sisters and brothers, our daughters and sons,
we are called to be hearts and hands, joy and hope, sojourners of truth, light to the world, a song in a weary land.

We are called to be free.
As we remember, let us rejoice and be glad.
Amen.

Never Despair! ~ by Ronnie Archer

In the first reading today, we hear the account of Job's suffering and sorrow. Job was an upright and prosperous man, who lost everything he owned, including his family, as well as being stricken with a disease.

Job never complained of God, but he could not understand why he had to suffer. Later, in the book of Job, his friends, in trying to sympathize with him, told him that the suffering must be a punishment from God and a call to repent. Job did not accept that explanation and he called for a response from God, Himself. God did not answer him by justifying His action before men, but he referred to His own almighty power. Job was satisfied with that and later, he recovered everything two-fold and strengthened his faith and trust in God.

Our trials and sufferings are a test of our faith and trust in God.

In today's second reading, we hear of the dedication of St. Paul to preach the Gospel. Some of the Corinthian community did not accept Paul as an apostle, equal to the others, since he did not accept material support. He felt it his duty, given to him by God to preach the Gospel "free of charge, and he makes himself a slave to all, so as to win over as many as possible." He does all this for the sake of the Gospel, knowing that he too, will have a share in it.

Whenever we spread the Gospel, we also will have a share in it.

The Gospel of Mark reminds us again of the teaching and the healing ministry of Jesus. After Jesus' ministry in the synagogue, He entered the home of Simon and Andrew. Jesus was told about Simon's mother-in-law being sick with a fever. He grasped her hand, helped her up, and the fever left her. After her healing, she began to serve them.

Later in the day, others were brought to be healed, and gathered at the door. He healed those who were sick and cast out demons.

The next morning, Jesus arose very early. He went to a quiet place to pray. His friends and apostles went to find Him and told Him that "everyone is looking for You." He told them "let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also, for this purpose I have come."

Jesus recognized the fact that He needed to hear from His Father. No matter what others thought He should do, He had prayed with the Father and Jesus knew His Will.

When we have been blessed, and "helped to our feet," we are expected to also serve others.


~ Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~

The Power of God's Word ~ by Phyllis Booth

St. Elizabeth welcomed Fr. Francois Babulu, Parochial Vicar at St. John's, as the first homilist to help the parish celebrate Black History Month.

Mark's Gospel depicted Jesus as transforming the world of that day. While teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus spoke with authority. The gospel indicated the power of the "words" of God. Jesus spoke against the current tradition that denied the rights of women, slaves, children and Gentiles. These "words" exposed the status quo.

The power of the words aroused the unclean spirit in a man to speak to Jesus. The unclean spirit questioned Jesus' authority, why Jesus was there, what he wanted; and he stated that he knew who Jesus really was. Jesus replied calmly to the unclean spirit to come out quietly. The unclean spirit obeyed His authority immediately. The people were in awe of what was happening. Jesus' scripture reading revealed the truth of God's love and what God wanted the culture of the people to become; because God had created them, loved them and respected them.

The people of that era wanted Jesus to be their King. Jesus' desire was to be a spiritual leader not a political leader. Jesus' desire was to teach the people about the things in their lives that would last forever, especially that the soul was immortal. He wanted them to understand they were on earth for a short time, to love one another and to let the Spirit of God lead them to eternal life while on earth.

Fr. Babulu concluded the homily by stating that the authority of God has been passed down to us through the apostolic teachings of the church. We are imbued with the authority the Holy Spirit gave to the Apostles. We can use the words of scripture with authority to cure, heal and convert others to the Faith by imitating Jesus who brings dignity to all, wants all to be well and healthy and to live our lives with love and peace.


~ Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~

Photograph from homiliesfromaustralia.blogspot.com