Jealousy Leads To Destruction ~ by Ronnie Archer

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time


The first and second readings today have much in common. They both give us a story of how those who felt that they were given "authority" over others, displayed a spirit of jealousy when the Spirit of God came upon those who they felt were not "worthy," also prophesied.

The Numbers reading tells how the Lord bestowed some of the Spirit from Moses on the seventy elders, and they prophesied; as well as two others who were not in that gathering. They had been on the list but had not gone to the tent; yet the Spirit came to rest on them also, causing them to prophesy. When Joshua heard the young man tell Moses this, Joshua told Moses, to stop them. Moses' answer to him was, "Are you jealous for my sake?"

In the reading from James, we hear the warnings about how life of some of us on earth is lived, placing priority on material possessions of this world, which will eventually corrode and become worthless.

The Gospel of Mark, similar to the first reading tells of the jealousy of the disciple upon seeing someone "driving out demons in Jesus' name, and trying to prevent him because he does not follow us." To which Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a might deed in My name who can, at the same time speak ill of me."

Jesus warns us of jealousy and intolerance of others. Jealousy, selfishness and impatience lead to destruction. We, as humans, are "born" to selfishness and jealousy. God means for us to share and be "community" for each other. Following the path of jealousy will divide a community.

To "Cut off the part that causes us to sin" in the reading sends us an urgent message about where we might be headed if we do not heed Jesus' warnings. It is so important that we realize that we need to do whatever we have to do to remove sin from where it begins, the heart, and we can overcome these sinful traits by praying, following the Word of God, by sharing, being patient and tolerant of each other.

Amen.

An artist's impression of the face of Jesus based on the Shroud of Turin

October Birthdays at St. E's ~ by Ethel Cooley

Happy Birthday, everyone!






10/01 ~ Heather Rapp

10/02 ~ Barbara Vaughan

10/03 ~ Gertrude Allen & Jackie McDonnough

10/05 ~ DeShawn Murray

10/11 ~ Irene Whitlock

10/15 ~ Roscoe Moon

10/19 ~ Sabiya Davis

10/21 ~ Cassandra Bland

10/22 ~ Mary Walker

10/31 ~ Vivian Sullivan



~ Everybody lives for something better to come. ~

(Anonymous)

Photographs of the Chita-Anyu Wedding, August 15, 2009

On The Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 2009, Wekongho S. Anyu and Takwi Raymond Chita were united in the Sacrament of Marriage. This lovely Nuptial Liturgy and Marriage Ceremony took place at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Fr. Andrew Sagayam was the celebrant and witness to their marriage vows. The St. Elizabeth Gospel Choir provided the music for the event.

Here are some photos provided by the Chita Family to be included on the blog so that parishioners can share in that joyful occasion.

~ Photographs provided by the Chita Family ~

What Does It Take To Be A Disciple? ~ Mary Ann Allen

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

As Mark describes Jesus' journey through Galilee with the disciples, we learn that Jesus is attempting to prepare them for His death and resurrection. "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death, the Son of Man will rise."

However, the minds of the disciples are clouded and they don't understand what Jesus is talking about. Instead, they begin to argue amongst themselves about who is the greatest among them. It seems unbelievable that instead of asking Jesus to explain His words, they turn their energies to questions that can only breed selfishness and jealousy among themselves.

As we learn from the Letter of James, "where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice." It is only through wisdom from above that we become "all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity."

Jesus recognizes that there is now dissension among His friends and He calls the Twelve together and proceeds to teach them what it means to be a disciple. These same words also apply to us; for we are Jesus' representatives in our own generation.

To be a disciple of Jesus, we must put away our desire to be first and so important that we are to be served by others. Instead, we must lose ourselves, forget ourselves, and turn ourselves into servants in the service of others.

We also have to identify with Jesus Himself; as well as with His suffering and death, knowing that our own suffering is to be bound up with His into a living sacrifice. Thus we come to realize that we are not just prone to human emotions, but that we also have the spark of the divine within us.

As Jesus taught His disciples, he brought a child into their midst to show them and us that to be of service, we must embrace and receive the least among us. When we do that, we receive Jesus. When we receive Jesus, we also receive the One who sent Him.

Ridding ourselves of jealousy and selfishness is not easy; but we have help as we strive to become the disciples Jesus desires us to be. As the psalmist writes: "Behold God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life..."

News from St. Elizabeth's Health Ministry ~ by Rosemary Overton

Hi Everyone,

The members of St. E's via the health ministry delivered 35 goodie bags to the coordinator of one of the Transformation Retreats, on 9/11/09. Thanks to all our members. The bags were really nice.

Peace and love,

Rosemary


Other news of interest:

1. Caregiver Seminar on Estate Settlement Planning. Thursday, September 24th, from 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. at the Circle Center Adult Day Services, 4900 Marshall Street. Please contact Molly MacBean to reserve a place or to get additional information. 355-5717


2. Rachel's Vineyard Retreat - September 25-27. For those suffering from abortion's aftermath. Call Ethel at the Rectory for information. 329-4599.

There is Meaning in Suffering ~ by Ronnie Archer

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear how the prophet proclaims that the Lord opened his ear that he may hear; that the Lord God is his helper, providing him with the strength and persistence to stand up to any and all opposition. No one will prove him wrong.

The second reading is very clear about faith and works. If we say we have faith and then tell our neighbor who has no food, or nothing to wear, to "go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but do not help provide the necessities, what good is our faith? Faith without works is dead!

In the Gospel of Mark, we hear Jesus questioning His disciples, to see just who people thought He was. He heard some of them answering, "John the Baptist," "Elijah;" but Jesus wanted to know who did they say He was. Peter replied to him, "You are the Christ." Jesus, knowing that it would not be safe for them to say that in public, told them not to tell anyone.

Jesus was very clear to them about His having to endure great suffering, as well as be rejected by the chief priests and elders, and be put to death. The disciples thought that suffering was the result of sin. Peter's idea of the Messiah was not in line with Jesus; and knowing Jesus was sinless, Peter did not understand why He, whom he knew to be the Messiah, was telling them that. Peter then took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him. Jesus then rebuked Peter, saying, "get behind me, Satan, you are thinking as humans do." Peter did not accept the need for Jesus' suffering.

None of us wishes to suffer, but if we are true Christians, with profound faith, then we must first deny ourselves, take up our cross and truly follow Jesus every day; oftentimes, that includes suffering. There is meaning in suffering. It connects us to the Kingdom of Heaven. It is the path of salvation.

"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it." Mark 8:35


~ Jesus by Rembrandt van Rijn ~

Opening Our Ears to Hear His Word ~ by Barbara Williford

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time


In today's Gospel, we heard about Jesus curing a deaf mute man. After his encounter with Christ, the man could hear and speak. What does this episode tell us about the message of Christ?

God speaks to us daily. He is always loving and caring for us. Many people do not want to hear His message and refuse to follow His commands. What we want for ourselves may not be in line with what God wants for us. So we choose not to hear; we choose to turn a deaf ear to whatever is going on around us. It is our ego and pride that shut out the messages from God.

Many of us are trying to handle the complex issues of our daily lives. We need to put these problems in God's hands. We need to pray and trust that God's words will always guide us. The Lord is opening our ears to hear His word - LISTEN!

We also need to speak God's words. In all aspects of our lives when we encounter negativity, we must remind ourselves to be optimistic and positive about the power of God. Speaking out and telling others about the good things God is doing in our lives may bring others to Him. We have all received so many wonderful blessings from God. Let's share them and SPEAK about our loving God.


Graphic from The Doctrine of Christ