It's Time to Return to the Waning Days of Advent: The O Antiphons of Advent ~ Contributed by M. A. Allen

The "O" Antiphons of Advent

Beginning December 17th and ending on December 23rd, people who daily pray The Liturgy of the Hours will find themselves praying the great "O" Antiphons.  Each day during the next seven days, a different name describing Christ found in the Old Testament is used during Evening Prayer or Vespers.

Here they are:

December 17 - O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other mightily, and sweetly ordering all things:  Come and teach us the way of prudence.

December 18 - O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai:  Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

December 19 - O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you the nations will make their prayer:  Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.

December 20 - O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut, you shut and no one can open:  Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in the darkness and the shadow of death, Isaiah had prophesied.

December 21 - O Morning Star, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness:  Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.

December 22 - O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one:  Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.

December 23 - O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Savior:  Come and save us, O Lord our God.

*************

I wrote this article a few years ago on my personal blog, "Now is the Time" and decided to use it (with minor changes) here on our parish blog.  I thought the O Antiphons were an interesting subject especially since they are so appropriate during this Advent time.



  

When This Is Over - A Reflection by Laura Kelly Fanucci ~ Sent by Maria Barrow

When This Is Over

~ Sent by Maria Barrow

Feast of Christ the King ~ Last Sunday of Ordinary Time ~ 11/24/2013

We sing praises to our king,

For He is the King of Kings.

We sing praises to our king,

For He's the King of Kings.

Give Him glory,

For He's the King of Kings,

Give Him Glory,

For He's the King of Kings.

All hail, King Jesus!

All hail, Emmanuel!

He reigns forever!

He reigns forever!

Forever more!

All hail, King Jesus!

Shekinah Choir: "We sing praises..."

Love One Another ~ Reflection on the Fifth Sunday of Easter

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts 14:21-27

Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13

Rev 21:1-5a

Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35

Jesus speaks of a new commandment in John's Gospel this Sunday.  He tells us: "Love one another."

To love one another means that a community of like-minded people is created that places the needs of others as more important than their own individual need.

This community does not isolate itself but as its members grow in love, they reach out beyond themselves to embrace the world.

Jesus wished his disciples to love others as he loved them.  With a sacrificial love... a joyful love... a generous love... a healing love.

Jesus realized what this kind of love could do in the world he (and we, today) live in.  It could change lives.  It could also identify people as followers of Christ and Children of God.  Didn't Jesus say:  "This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another"?

This community would stand out among the world's peoples, and it would draw others to become a part of it.  People searching for what was absent in their lives.  People searching for meaning in the midst of war, hatred, sickness, violence, poverty, cruelty...  

But Jesus also knew that his disciples and future followers would be rejected by some...  They would suffer for that love they tried to share with others.  Those in power would be threatened by a love they did not understand, and they would try to destroy it...  But Love, which is God, will triumph...

Remember, written in the Book of Revelation, God says:  "Behold I make all things new."


Image Source

From Adam's Rib ~ Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Gn 2:18-24

Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

Hb 2:9-11

Mk 10:2-16

There are two important themes  in today's readings and it is difficult to decide on which to concentrate, so I will touch on both of them.
  
In the first reading from Genesis, we learn about the creation of woman.  The Lord God realized that it was not good for the man to be alone.  He needed a companion.  None of the animals that the Lord had created were suitable as a partner for the man, so in an ingenious way the Lord God fashioned a woman from the man's rib.

The man was overjoyed because he recognized immediately that this new being was to be the perfect companion and partner for him.  Their future together became the first marriage.

This idyllic state apparently did not serve as an example for future generations because we find that by Moses' time, bills of divorce were allowed the Israelites.  In Mark's Gospel, we hear Jesus' response to the questions of the Pharisees who asked Jesus whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife.

Jesus assured his listeners that God only allowed the Israelites to divorce their wives because of the hardness of their hearts.  That in reality, God created male and female so that they could cling only to each other and become one flesh; and what God had joined together no one should separate.

But we recognize today that some marriages, for whatever reason, have broken apart...  Not necessarily through the unwillingness or hardness of heart of the people involved, but for real issues of immaturity, abuse, etc.  In our complicated world, we celebrate those couples who have been able to work through problems in their marriages and who are still together in love and respect for each other.

This leads us to the other theme of the Gospel reading this week: that we are to become like little children in order to enter the kingdom of Heaven.  It is important to note that Jesus did not ask us to be childish.  No, instead, we are to be trusting and loving, and to believe in him as a child would.  Jesus welcomed and embraced the children of the people, showing care and concern for them, even as his disciples were trying to keep the children from bothering him.  "Let the children come to me;...  for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

This gospel always reminds me of a vacation bible school program that St. E's presented to the community many many years ago.  The woman who planned and ran the program came up with a wonderful theme and I have never forgotten it.  What could be more appropriate than this one:  "Let the children come!"



~ Image Source:  Holding Hands by Gare and Kitty

"Do Not Prevent Him!" ~ A Reflection on the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Nm 11:25-29

Ps 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14 (9a)

Jm 5:1-6

Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

In this Sunday's Gospel reading, Mark gives us an instance showing that the disciples did not yet understand that Jesus' Kingdom was open to all people.  That the ministry of healing, for example, was not exclusively given to the disciples of Jesus.

It appears that others were curing the sick in Jesus' name.  This was alarming to the disciples.  Perhaps they even felt a little jealous that this power had gone beyond their little group.  John came to Jesus with their concerns.

But Jesus, knowing their fears, showed his disciples what was the important issue here.  The people who were healing others were not strangers to the teachings of Jesus.  They had followed Jesus and believed in him even though they were not members of his inner circle.  And most importantly, they were healing in Jesus' name; not in their own names or in the name of other gods.

Jesus was very clear when he told his disciples that anyone who did mighty deeds in his name could not speak ill of him at the same time.  That anyone who "is not against us is for us."

Moses faced a similar issue in his own time.  In the first reading from the Book of Numbers, we learn that the Lord gave some of the spirit that was on Moses to the seventy elders, causing them to begin prophesying.  Two of the elders were not with the group but had stayed in the camp when the Lord bestowed the spirit.  Nonetheless, those two men began to prophesy also.  Joshua became alarmed when he was told what was happening and went to Moses asking that these two elders be stopped from prophesying.  Moses, understanding that the Lord meant for all the elders to receive the spirit even though the two had been elsewhere, made it clear to Joshua that jealousy and alarm was not the appropriate response to the Lord's gift to his people.

Jesus also wanted to make sure that his followers would be careful of their actions; in relation to themselves and to others.  That it was very important that they not be the cause of another's sin; or to fall into sin themselves because of their evil desires.

In the second reading, St. James spells it out in detail for those who have fallen into sin or have caused others pain and suffering by their selfish actions.

The psalmist prays that sin not rule over him and instead, that he live a blameless and sinless life because he knows that God's laws endure forever.

        

 ~ Image Source:  Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church

What goes around, comes around! ~ A Reflection

Don't miss this!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DXL9vIUbWg

He is Risen! - The Easter Vigil ~ by Josephine Fernando

We had a number of readings read at the Easter Vigil. We primarily commemorate the Passover Feast of the Lord. The Israelites were redeemed from bondage, from slavery at the hands of the Egyptians. It was a command from God, that every generation henceforth will tell its generation and will celebrate this great feast.

When they crossed the Reed Sea, they were being baptized and were led into the wilderness. When Our Lord was baptized, He too, was led by the Spirit into the desert.

The Water, Fire and the Easter candle are blessed at the Easter Vigil. They are very symbolic of new life in the Lord. Water and Fire symbolizes our Baptism and Holy Spirit, through which we enter the Church and become the Body of Christ. It symbolizes our new life in the Lord, to forget our old self, behavior, attitude... for we put on the robe of Christ. Baptism is the first Sacrament, which initiates the other sacraments and our Christian walk.

We heard the reading from the Book of Genesis, the Creation story. God created man in His image and likeness. The Lord also wants us to imitate Him. We need to be loving and caring, the very essence of Our Lord's quality, which led to Our Lord's Apostolic ministry. Only when we are loving, will gratitude flow from us; will we be more concerned of our neighbors than ourselves. Thus we can build up our Church together.

If there was no resurrection, there would have been no hope for us Christians. We too believe, that one day, when we die, we will also rise, for the Lord rose from the dead. Death has no power over us, for Our Lord Jesus Christ defeated death.

Easter is one of the greatest feasts in our Church. The tomb is empty. Our Lord is Risen! We need to be joyous. Shalom. May we experience the Peace of Christ, every moment of our lives, for we have risen with Our Lord Jesus Christ.



~ Three Marys at the Tomb by William-Adolphe Bouguereau
~ Image at Free Christ Images

Good Friday - The Lord's Passion ~ by Cathy Woodson

This day, as well as this entire week, is special - Holy Week. With the death of Jesus, we feel sorrow because he died and we feel joy because his death rescued us from sin. We may ask ourselves was there another way for salvation to come to us; but this was God's plan. Jesus was condemned to die and he was put to death by crucifixion, the method used to deter others from following the acts of criminals. Jesus was not a criminal but he was treated like a criminal, but remember, he suffered and died because of our sins.

In our ordinary lives, we celebrate those who give their lives to protect us, to keep us free. But freedom is not free; someone always pays a price. We make this week special because Jesus is our hero. He worked and gave his life for all nations. We honor him now, today, at this Good Friday service.

Jesus reminds us there is no greater love. We are here to say thank you, thank you Jesus. We must ask ourselves how will we show supreme love? What do we need to do to show and practice true love. We too must be prepared to suffer.

Jesus asked forgiveness for those who persecuted him, demonstrating true love for all. He shows us that we must love those who hurt us; hurt is part of human life. Remember, Jesus was betrayed, but he still asked God to forgive those who stood against him.

We must pray, fast and give alms so that we will be able to feel the strength of our faith in God and love with all our hearts, even those who hurt us. AMEN.



~ The Crucifixion
~ Image at Lost Seed

Good Friday: The Passion of Our Lord ~ by Phyllis Booth

Good Friday's Service was solemn and inspiring. The Isaiah Reading foretold the suffering of the Servant that God would send into the world to help mankind by redeeming him. Listening to the words of the lector, you realized that mankind has not come close to redeeming himself. Each country or principality has heard the Word and interpreted it according to their own belief or power it wants to achieve. Therefore the present world continues to persecute, enslave, ostracize and condemn our brothers and sisters who believe in the Word and want to live justly.

The Hebrew Reading reminds us that God kept His promise to send a Servant to redeem the world. He sent His only Son to live as a human among mankind. The Son experienced the same life as we experience it, working, loving others, making friends, accepting a religious life and practicing it. Through the life the Son lived, He left a Pattern of how to live peacefully, mercifully and compassionately for others to embrace. Two thousand years later, the kings, leaders, present day prophets and politicians have not accepted that Pattern as the norm to receive God's grace and mercy.

The homily on Jesus' Passion truly caused one to think of how much God loves and cares for us. He shields us from the fate of His own Son. We come into the world as innocent children of loving parents. We choose the path we want to follow in life. Jesus came into the world with a definite purpose. Our purpose in life is hidden from us at birth. If we follow God's Will for us, we will find the purpose we are to serve. Jesus accepted the purpose he was to carry out.

Because He was God, Jesus knew His fate before leaving Heaven. He knew who His Mother would be, the day or date He would be born. He knew what skills He would have, the work He would perform and the date of His death. But as a man, He had to discover God's Will for himself just as we do.

My thoughts went to God's first human, Adam. God created him out of love and I wondered what life would be like if Adam was as perfect as Jesus. Would the Garden of Eden exist? Would there be wars? How long would life be?

There are no answers to these questions. I'm thankful that God had a plan for the mystery that took place in the Garden of Eden and that Jesus gracefully accepted His Father's Will to redeem the world. Even after two thousand years, God still calls us to live a Holy and Merciful life to receive the Salvation He Promised Through His Son.

Taking the Form of a Slave ~ by Lula Lamb

Holy Thursday, the night before Jesus is to die; he is aware of the pain, humiliation and suffering he will have to go through. To prepare himself and us, Jesus must wash the feet of the Apostles - so they can have an inheritance from him and have his last meal. The Passover in Moses' time meant eating in haste; ready to go at a moment's notice.

Jesus holds nothing back and takes the place of the slaves to wash the Apostles' feet. The Apostles didn't understand and were so uncomfortable. Peter even objected; but Jesus told him that it was necessary.

Jesus washed the feet of his betrayer and his denier. That had to be hard knowing the next day you would be betrayed and even denied existence three times.

Wow! Jesus must have really loved us because I don't think I could have washed Judas' feet.

Once their feet had been washed, Jesus told them to wash each other's feet and copy exactly what he had done. They couldn't even do that without arguing. Some said the oldest; some said the youngest. As humans, we are never satisfied. We struggle with our own forms of selfishness and pride.

The basin and the towel go hand in hand with the bread and the cup. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, Christ introduces his presence for all times.

As a parent, when I feel the pain of my children struggling, I think of the Father's love for us in that he was willing to have his only Son die for us. We just need to work on giving of ourselves and to look to the mercy and strength of Christ.

Gather the People!

Ash Wednesday 2010






In the words of the prophet Joel found in the First Reading:

"Gather the people,
Notify the congregation,
Assemble the elders...
...Spare, O Lord, your people..."

Today, as we begin our Lenten journey, we realize that we are not to journey alone. In order to truly experience the Resurrection that is at the end of our journey, we must travel together as a community.

No one can travel alone. We are not independent of each other; but we must rely on each other, even as we remain dependent on God.

As we receive our ashes in the form of a cross on our foreheads, we are also reminded that we are sinners and need reconciliation with God. Lent is the "acceptable time" (2 Cor.) as we take up the three duties that we find in the Gospel of Matthew: fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Jesus encourages us not to make a big show of doing these things. We are to fast with a cheerful demeanor, to pray in secret and to give alms in such a way that our left hand does not know what our right hand has done. In this way, only God knows what we have done and thus He will reward us in heaven. Our sacrifices are never in vain.

With a spirit of humility, we begin our Lenten journey with this prayer:

"A clean heart create for me, O God
And a steadfast spirit renew within me." (Ps. 51)

"They Left Everything and Followed Him"

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mass was postponed Sunday until the roads were safe after another snowfall in the area. A baptism had been scheduled for this day so we gathered for Mass in the afternoon to celebrate the Baptism of Quentin Mekhi Sullivan.

In the Old Testament reading of Isaiah, as well as in Luke's Gospel and in the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, we see the reaction of people to the presence of God in their midst.

Isaiah sees a vision of the Lord and realizes right away that he is unworthy to see the Lord of Hosts and believes he is doomed to die. But the Lord has other plans for Isaiah and sends one of the seraphim to purge his sin with a burning ember to his lips. Isaiah is then immediately prepared to do the Lord's Will and responds: "Here I am...send me!" when the Lord calls.

We all know the story of the conversion of Paul. In the reading from First Corinthians, Paul explains how despite the fact that he persecuted the Christians relentlessly and knows he is not worthy to be called an apostle, the grace of God has effectively changed his life and now he is handing on what he has received.

In Luke's Gospel, Jesus directs Peter to lower his nets in a specific spot. In doing so, Peter and his partners caught such a large number of fish that the boat was in danger of sinking. When he saw what Jesus had done for them, Peter recognized immediately that he was in the presence of holiness and that he was not worthy. Peter fell to his knees saying, "Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man."

But Jesus had other plans for Peter, James and John. After he told them not to be afraid, Jesus invited them to follow him: "...from now on you will be catching men." Peter, James and John left everything they had previously taken for granted: their successful fishing business, their families, their former lives...

The apostles' encounter with Jesus had the same conversion elements that Paul and Isaiah experienced. None of them could return to their previous existence. Everything had changed.

Through our Baptism, we are also called by God. Our call is to bear witness to God's love in our lives and to proclaim His Kingdom to all we meet.

"Here I am...send me!"

Gospel Reflection on a Snowy Sunday ~ by M.A. Allen

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Heavy snow caused cancellation of our Sunday Mass today; but most of us parishioners no doubt read the readings of the day anyway. This passage touched my heart...

"But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away."

Jesus had a remarkable escape from death in this incident recorded by Luke, especially since the Gospel began on such a promising note. After Jesus stated that scripture had been fulfilled in their hearing, the people "all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth."

But then, something happened! In an instant, the atmosphere changed as the people of Nazareth began to question Jesus' words because of who he was. Wasn't he only the son of Joseph? How could he be the fulfillment of any prophecy?

Jesus recognized their hypocrisy and reminded the people that prophets were never accepted in their own hometown. The gracious words with which he had captivated the people of Nazareth were gone as he enumerated the stories of Old Testament prophets who had helped strangers rather than their own people because their own refused to believe in them.

When Jesus accused the people of Nazareth of the same unbelief, the people became so infuriated that they decided to kill him.

Can you just picture this mob of people dragging Jesus out of the town to the top of a hill, ready to throw him over the cliff?

But in that moment, something wonderful happened. Somehow (we know it was God's grace at work), in the confusion of an unruly and distracted crowd, their attention was diverted. And Jesus walked away untouched to safety.

It was not yet Jesus' time to die. This incident took place at the beginning of Jesus' ministry so we know he still had much to do and to teach before he began his final journey to Jerusalem to fulfill his destiny.

As we pray in today's Psalm 71: "O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked." We know his Heavenly Father did that very thing!


Art by Deborah A. Reeder
Holy Bible Sketch Pad.com

Being Who We Are

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

Just as an old year ends and we celebrate the start of a new year; so also we should celebrate every day as a new day. A new beginning...

In the first reading from the Book of Numbers, we learn that God wishes blessings to be given to the Israelites and instructs Moses in how He wishes the Israelites to be blessed. He wants us to have the same blessing.

We can begin our new year in a beautiful way by beginning it with God. We are doing this very thing by attending Mass as we are tonight, placing God in the center of our lives. We can start this New Year with God's blessing.

Paul reminds us in his letter to the Galatians that "when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son" to us... a seed of faith was given to us. In order to nourish that seed, we must come to know God; for only through a relationship with God, can we be fruitful.

Through Jesus' birth, we have become adopted sons and daughters of our heavenly Father. God desires us to be authentic human beings. Jesus showed us how... We glorify God by accepting who we are.

We see in Luke's Gospel, that the shepherds followed the angels' instructions and came quickly to the stable just as they were... from the hills where they were tending their sheep. When they saw the Child, they told all they had heard and seen. Then they spread the joy of Jesus' Birth everywhere they went.

This is how we too should live. Our way of glorifying God should be to bring joy to others by our words and our actions; to bring blessings and to be a blessing to others.

On this Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, we ask Mary to accompany us on our journey to God and to intercede for us before the Throne of Mercy.

May the Lord bless us and keep us. May the Lord let his face shine upon us and be gracious to us. May the Lord look upon us kindly and give us peace. Amen!

4th Sunday of Advent ~ The Big Snow

Because of Saturday's heavy snow and more predicted for Sunday, Mass was cancelled for December 20th at St. E's. There was to be a Baptism that morning; as well as the annual "church-decorating-for-Christmas-day" that had been scheduled for after Mass. All of that had to be cancelled and rescheduled.

Most of us in the subdivisions out in the counties were snowed in for several days afterwards; but fortunately, some parishioners living near the church were able to get through the snow the next day to set up the creche and decorate the altar and the Christmas tree. We are so grateful to them for the extra work they had to do, so that the rest of us could enter a beautiful church on Christmas Eve to celebrate once more, the Birth of Christ.

In the first reading, we hear that none of the big or important cities of the Jewish world would be chosen to host the birth of Jesus... No, Micah tells us that a small and insignificant town, little Bethlehem, would receive that honor... another example of how the Lord chooses the lowly, the insignificant in his plan for salvation; not the places or people with power and influence.

We see the same kind of action in the Hebrews reading. God does not want the usual holocausts and sin offerings from His people. Jesus shows us what His Father desires... by making the scripture prophecy His own: "As is written of me in the scroll, behold I come to do your will, O God."

And finally, in Luke's Gospel, we see how the obedience to God's Will brings Mary who is with child to Elizabeth, who is in the midst of her own miraculous pregnancy. Elizabeth feels her baby leap in her womb as she greets Mary. The unborn John has recognized his Lord even before his own birth and leaps for joy. And Elizabeth, filled with the Spirit, realizes that Mary, a simple Jewish girl, is carrying the Savior; and she blesses Mary who has believed and responded to God's Will.

As this Advent draws to a close and the birth of Jesus is imminent, let us seek to discover what God's Will is for us so that the words Elizabeth spoke to Mary can also be applied to us:

"Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

A Word from the Diocesan Office of Worship - Advent Homilies

I received an email from Kathy Ritz from the Diocesan Office of Worship with the following information about Advent homilies based on the daily readings:


Vocation Office launches Internet Homily Service for Advent!

Are you looking for a new way to create a spiritual focus for Advent? The Office of Vocations is launching a daily on-line Advent homily service called "Prepare the Way." These daily reflections, based on the Scripture readings for Mass, are intended to provide a spiritual resource for adults, young adults and teens throughout the Advent Season. Go to http://www.behindthecollar.com/, and click on the "Prepare the Way" banner. You can also sign up for a daily email reminder and link for each homily. Please join us as we "Prepare the Way of the Lord" together!


This appears to be a very nice resource for The People of God.

Women's Day at St. E's - May 17, 2009 ~ by Ronnie Archer

"Women of Faith and Love Washed by the Holy Spirit"



Sr. Cora Marie Billings, RSM was asked to give a reflection for Women's Day.

She told us that there is a custom of the African-American culture that a speaker should get "a permission and a blessing" from an "elder" of the church to speak to the congregation. That person for Sr. Cora today was Mrs. Mary Hill, who joined our parish during Sr. Cora's term as Pastoral Coordinator.

Sr. Cora told us that the theme of Faith and Love in today's readings, carried us through, as a "people". Faith and Love together make us the children of God that we are meant to be. If we are "people of God", we are then inspired to do good deeds and walk in love.

Sr. Cora talked about how the word Love, relates to women and then used an acronym for that word...

"L" is for life...because we are grounded in faith and love of God

"O" is for others...women are about "others" as nurturers

"V" is for virtuous...people of love and faith have virtue

"E" is for everlasting...faith is one that is everlasting

Our challenge is to think of the readings and theme, remembering the life giving love of God that helps us think of others. If we remain in God's love, there is nothing to worry about.

Remain in God's Love.



~ Mrs. Martha Thompson was named Woman of the Year, Posthumous ~

Martha Thompson was a strong woman of faith, filled with the love of God. She is remembered for her tireless works and outstanding dedication and support of the St. Elizabeth's Parish over the years.*


*Taken from the Dedication page of the Women's Day booklet

Good Friday 2009 ~ How Marvelous the Cross We Bear ~ by Betty Alexis

In the first reading, Isaiah talks about the fact that God's servant was destined to suffer for the sins of the world, but would eventually have victory over sin and darkness. We get the feeling of sadness and joy simultaneously. Sadness - because God's servant endured extreme suffering at the hands of his oppressors; and joy - because, had it not been for this suffering, we would not be able to look forward today for everlasting life.

The prophet Isaiah discusses the price God's servant has to pay for the sins of mankind - mine and yours! The sins we have committed, and those we are yet to commit! It is normal for us to feel sad when we think of the degrading way God's servant was treated, and for no valid reason! But silently, Isaiah tells of God's servant enduring his "conviction" in order that we all would have life. O' the Cross we must bear!

The Cross we must bear becomes more real in the second reading. Good Friday should have a profound significance in the lives of all Christians, as we relive the path of Jesus each year, suffering and triumphing with Him. The author of Hebrews implores us to be mindful of the "Cross" we carry, and beseeches us to carry it with grace and humility.

We know that Jesus suffered unbearably because when He thought He could bear no more, He "cried out" to the Father. However, the writer tells us that Jesus learned obedience to the Father through the suffering He endured. We too should take pattern from Jesus and use our sorrows, pains, heartaches and sufferings to learn to be more obedient to the law that has been laid down for us to follow. In other words, we need to bear our "Cross" with grace. O' the Cross we must bear!

While we heed the call to bear the "Cross," we must continue to keep our eyes on the real prize - salvation, everlasting life and the resurrection. Re-living the passion of Jesus Christ was rather touching and brought to mind how utterly fragile is the human life. The message was a reminder of how thankful we should be that Jesus in the flesh was stricken and "chose" to die for your sins and mine.

Although very solemn, the Good Friday service held a world of promise as we, individually and collectively, recommitted our lives to Jesus Christ and look forward to our lives with Him in eternity. Let us bear our "Cross" with passion and conviction!


~ Good Friday, April 10, 2009 ~

Holy Thursday 2009 ~ Do This in Memory of Me ~ by Ronnie Archer

The Mass of the Lord's Supper began with the procession of the celebrant, along with the "Twelve Apostles" of our parish, who were then seated behind the altar.

The first and second readings were proclaimed by Betty Alexis and Rosemary Overton. The Responsorial Psalm was sung by Diane Neylan, and the Gospel proclaimed by our priest.

The Homily: "DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME!"

The reason that we assemble year after year on this night is found in the first reading of 1 Corinthians 11:24-25... "Do this in memory of Me." We will do this year after year until the Lord is manifested again!

Jesus knew that all His Glory would be taken away for a time, but not forever. He had hope that it would return. Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him. He wanted to teach the apostles and leave us a symbol of service to each other, so He wrapped a towel around his waist and began to wash the apostles' feet. The towel is a symbol of service to each other and the priest's stole is a symbol of serving God. We are called to experience the Real Body and Blood in our lives. We have to examine ourselves... Do we really receive or do we merely come to be coming?

Christ elevated all people. Priests are usually allowed to say Mass once a day alone, but not on Holy Thursday. There has to be a gathering of His people.

We have to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and do what He did. We were saved by His Precious Blood. We have to return to God because that is where we originated.

After the homily, our priest, assisted by Larry Williford, washed the feet of the "apostles." Led by the choir, the congregation sang "I Surrender All."

Each of the "apostles" were given a certificate, as well as a beautiful crucifix. Our priest told them that during the coming months, he would like for them, as well as himself, to go into the neighboring community to invite people to share our Liturgical celebrations.

Cathy then introduced Wesley Smith to the congregation. Wesley has always been a Catholic, but he recommitted himself to the Lord and the Catholic Church. He was presented with a crucifix also.

During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Holy Oils that were blessed this past Monday evening at the Cathedral, were brought up by three of our young people, Robert Fitzgerald, Stanley Glover and Kiyoko Timmons.

As the oils were presented, Ethel Cooley gave a description of the oils and what each is used for. After which the choir and congregation sang two verses of "Balm in Gilead."

After the distribution of Holy Communion and the prayer afterwards, the Blessed Sacrament was transposed to the place of reposition in the rear of the church... in procession with Fr. Andrew, the candle bearers, followed by the congregation.

We were invited to spend some quiet time in prayer with the Blessed Sacrament. Then we departed in silence.


~ Holy Thursday, April 9, 2009 ~