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St. Giles Catholic Parish
Path of Prayer
Lent and Easter 2015
Lent Opportunities
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Path of Prayer: Pick up a copy of Path of Prayer: Lent and Easter
2015 to use in daily prayer and reflection.
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Personal Lenten Crosses: Use the paper cross to name the
cross you are bearing or your Lenten prayer intention. Place the
cross in the urn in the sanctuary. The crosses will be burned in
the Easter fire at the Easter Vigil.
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Personal Retreat Experience: Busy Person’s Me-Treat—
February 22nd to March 15th ;
Individual Retreat and Spiritual Direction
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Come to the Quiet: Eucharistic Adoration:
Thursdays at 7:00—8:00 p.m. in church.
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Stations of the Cross and Benediction: Fridays during Lent
at 7:30 p.m. in the church followed by Benediction.
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Festival of Forgiveness:
Individual Reconciliation: February 27th & 28th
Parish Lenten Reconciliation Service:
Monday, March 16th at 7:00 p.m.
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Rosary for Peace: Saturdays after the 8:00 a.m. mass
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Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Mondays after the
8:30 a.m. mass.
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Sunrise Shoeboxes: Simple gift of shoeboxes filled with
needed items for guests of shelters on Easter morning
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father,
Who art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass
against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Ash Wednesday
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
February 18, 2015
February 19, 2015
Joel 2:12­17; 2 Corinthians 5:20­6:2; Matthew 6:1­6, 16­18
Deuteronomy 30:15­20; Luke 9:22­25
Turn away from sin, and return to the gospel! . . .I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curse. Choose life—by loving the Lord, your God, heeding His voice . . . As we enter into this Lent, Leo Tolstoy once wrote something that may help us put this time in proper perspective. He wrote, “Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.” So too is inventory–taking, spiritual or otherwise. In trying to decide what is missing from their sales floor, store managers must first count every item that is still present on the shelves. Then, by process of elimination, they ob­ tain their desired results. The same is true for an inventory that is spiritual in nature, which is similarly a process of elimination. The moral inventory we take at the start of Lent is not an exercise in self­shaming. It is first an exercise in commending ourselves for the discipline we have been performing faithfully. It is only after these assets have been counted that we can discern the EMPTY spots on the shelves of our lives … then take the steps to fill them. Perhaps a prayer we might add this Ash Wednesday would be, “Help me, O Lord, to put aside, if only briefly, the things that keep me from spiritual expansion and renewal.” The Book of Deuteronomy is a series of Moses’ farewell speeches to the Israelites on the brink of their entering the Promised Land. Moses had led them out of Egypt and for forty years in the desert. Actually, it is probably the next generation to whom he is speaking. They will be under the new leadership (Joshua) since Moses will not accompany them. He begs them not to forget all that God has done for them and to listen to God and keep the commandments as they go to live among people of different tribes, cultures and religions. As we know, sometimes they made faithful choices. Many times they were swayed by other voices. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is also speaking about choices. “If any one wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Lk. 9:25) The consequences of the actions of the Israelites in the Old Testament was life, blessings, prosperity, if they chose to listen to God. It is interesting that Jesus does not promise these things to his disciples. Choosing to follow Jesus, especially in early Christianity and in some countries and cultures today, might even cause a person to lose his/her life. Thank God that is not our situation. May God bless us all as we take our spiritual inventory this Lent in a true effort to “turn away from sin and walk closer to the gospel of Christ.”
But we do have choices to make. How do you intend to listen to God’s voice? Do you walk in God’s ways? Sometimes the choices are easy. Other times I really need to stop, look and listen! And there are those crosses to bear. Lent can be a time to grow our relationship with God. Listen! There is a cost to discipleship. Choose it anyway! Fr. Carl Morello, Pastor Marilyn Power, Family Mass Member , Baptism Catechist
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
February 20, 2015
February 21, 2015
Isaiah 58:1­9a; Matthew 9:14­15
Isaiah 58:9b­14; Luke 5:27­32
Do you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance. As a child I always considered fasting as abstaining from something, giving up something as a form of penance. Recently, I have come to understand fasting as something I should be doing: sharing time, helping others in need, feeding the hungry, etc. Today when reading and reflecting on Isaiah’s words, I realize my later views are actually what the Lord was asking. He does not wish us to “ keep a day of penance “ or “lie in sackcloth and ashes” but rather “releasing those bound unjustly, sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked, not turning your back on your own.” Powerful words and much harder to do. Our Lenten theme, “Living the Joy of the Gospel,” is helping me to focus on God’s idea of fasting. By becoming the arms and legs of Christ, I can truly receive more joy than abstaining from things. By becoming involved with others and walking in their shoes, I can receive much more than I give. This is not always easy. I must take time each morning to pray and ask for guid­ ance. I need to keep my eyes open to those around me ­ noticing who might need a smile, a hug, a friendly word, or a shoulder to lean on. Then, I might be able to feel the joys the Lord is waiting to give. I recently had the honor of being my granddaughter’s Confirmation sponsor. During a preparation evening, we were asked to reflect on our faith journeys. Kay and I made it a point to make time to get together to share our faith, tell our stories, and do fun things. By taking this special time, we have deepened our love for each other and experienced new joy in our relationship. By welcoming the Lord on our journey, we experienced him all the more. I think that is what I will try to do this Lent — welcome the Lord on my journey to experience the joys of life.
Carol Conboy, Eucharistic Minister
This reading has familiar themes that we hear again and again throughout the gospels. Jesus always finds his way to those who are the most marginalized in society. Here, he talks to the supposedly holy and educated ones about why he spending time with them. What I find so interesting about Jesus’ response is who exactly is Jesus referring to as those who are sick? Furthermore, who are the sinners that he is calling to repent? After my initial reading, I assumed that the tax collectors and the sinners were those who Jesus was calling to repent. But then I thought, maybe Jesus was referring to the Pharisees and scribes as well. We are all sinners, so why would Jesus be singling out a particular group? I’d like to think that Jesus, in his ever­loving way, did not call out the Pharisees and scribes. Rather, he took the time to be an example of how to be forgiving and loving. He took the time to show everyone what it means to be a healer and what it means to love, unconditionally. As a mom of four, these thoughts make me question if I have always been that example to my own children. Do I spend enough time with those who are marginalized in society, or do I tend to volunteer in situations where it’s less complicated? What stops me from stepping out of my comfort zone to help those who are marginalized? I ponder and pray about these issues often. Jesus, help me to put the least first and the first last in order to do your will and be an example for my kids and others. Vivien Barkidjija, Parish Volunteer, Mom of 4 First Sunday of Lent
Monday of the First Week of Lent
February 22, 2015
February 23, 2015
Gen 9:8­15; 1 Peter 3:18­22; Mark 1:12­15
Leviticus 19:1­2, 11­18; Matthew 25:31­46
This is the time of fulfillment. After his baptism and a lengthy stay in the desert, Jesus shares words of joy and hope in Galilee: “This is the time of fulfillment.” God’s promises – recorded by the Hebrew people ever since Genesis – are coming to fruition as John’s role diminishes and Jesus’ increases. I’m of two minds about liturgical seasons. On the one hand, Lent and Advent sometimes seem like games we play. After all, Jesus was incarnated, died and is risen, and “we know all things work for good for those who love God.” On the other hand, like everyone, I’m a forgetful person who needs rituals as reminders of that tendency. Sometimes, I don’t act as if God’s promises were fulfilled 2,000 years ago or as if they need to be fulfilled today. For me, an important reminder in today’s Gospel is that the joyful fulfillment of God’s promises that Jesus announced in Galilee is the joyful fulfillment we must continue to proclaim with our lives each day. The Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ is the Paschal Mystery of each of our lives. God’s reign is at hand. Repent and believe!
The King will reply, ‘”I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” I often reflect on how Christ often uses a light touch when teaching hard lessons. In this passage from the Olivet Discourse, He is again using whimsical imagery to teach the profundity of the final judgment. Our minds may fill with the chaotic efforts of the shepherd, trying to parse out goats from among bleating sheep running every which way. Yet, we aren’t surprised; that’s what we expect for sheep. The “sheep” were sheep when they came before the King. Jesus is calling us the sheep of His pasture. He reminds those on His right how they have earned their reward; not how they became sheep. The same way that certain behavior is expected, or natural, for sheep, compassion, mercy, kindness, generosity and grace are expected, and yes, natural (through the Spirit) for the Christian. There is a great strength that we find when we realize how well we are known by God, and how much we are loved, warts and all. Our response to this great love is to reflect that love and care to those who are in need; that they may feel the Father’s love through us. As followers of Christ, that’s just what we do. It’s how we roll.
Dear Lord, during this Lenten season, help us to know the joy of being so intimately known by You, that in return, we might make You known to others through our acts of love and mercy. Keith Picher, Parishioner, Family Mass Member,
Husband & Father of 2
Elliot Wimbush, Cantor, Pastoral Ministry Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
Wednesday of the First Week of Lent
February 24, 2015
February 25, 2015
Isaiah 55:10­11; Matthew 6:7­15
Jonah 3:1­10; Luke 11:29­32
So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it. ...there is something greater than Jonah here. During my childhood, I remember a friend of my father, Uncle Roman, who in his forties lost both his eyes and arms when sticks of dynamite exploded in front of him. He showed no bitterness in that accident. Instead he was thankful that God spared his life, and reasoned that maybe God prevented something even worse from happening to him. He sees a purpose for being alive, and his circumstances do not deter him living his life to the fullest possible. It is easy to see a reason for when something good happens ,but oftentimes we don’t understand and see any reason for when something bad happens. Sometimes, we feel the world is against us. But there is a reason for everything in good and in bad. Oftentimes, when I don’t get what I thought I deserve in school, work, or other life situations, I feel bad momentarily, but rebound just as easy the minute I remember Uncle Roman. You see, it is enough for Uncle Roman, and I learned, it is also enough for me, that God gave us the gift of life and we should live our life with purpose. Uncle Roman lived his life out of his belief that God purposed him to live despite his misfortune. And perhaps some may not see the purpose of life for him but his life inspired some, because I know what it has done for me. What an exciting life Jonah led! He was called by God to preach to the city of Nineveh. He was afraid and fled to Tharsis. He and his fellow travelers are tossed about in a terrible storm. Jonah, understanding he is the cause of this calamity, told the men to throw him overboard. They did, and Jonah was swallowed by a whale. After three days in the whale's belly, he is spat out onto the shore. Today's first reading relates "the rest of the story." God again tells Jonah to travel to Nineveh. This time, Jonah obeys and begins to preach to the Ninevites. Because of the size of the city, it takes Jonah three days to spread his message. The people of Nineveh listen, repent, fast, and turn their lives to God. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus speaks of Jonah's work. He tells his disciples that as extraordinary as the conversion of the Ninevites was, "there is some­ thing greater than Jonah here." What kind of disciples will we become on Easter after our three days of darkness in the tomb? Will we answer Jesus' call to bring the Word of God to our neighbors, our family, and our friends? To me, Uncle Roman exemplifies his knowledge of God in his own way, his love for Him and his service to Him by living his life trusting that God loves him.
Ed Verzo, Parishioner
Denise Hartney, Lector Thursday of the First Week of Lent
Friday of the First Week of Lent
February 26, 2015
February 27, 2015
Esther C:12, 14­16, 23­25; Matthew 7:7­12
Ezekiel 18:21­28; Matthew 5:20­26
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you But if the wicked man renounces all the sins he has committed, respects my laws and is law­abiding and honest, he will certainly live, he will not die This past week, we gathered around my brother, and he told us how he reached a point where he knew he had to make a decision. Should he give into despair, or somehow rise above it and carry on? His wife’s life was coming to an end. After bravely battling an aggressive form of leukemia for two and a half years, she was now tragically losing that battle. A loving husband was losing his cherished wife and partner, and his children were losing a devoted mother and source of great wisdom and strength. Are not we all sinners, one time or another? How encouraging are these words from the Old Testament: forgiveness is possible, not really that hard to obtain. In the Gospel reading for this day, Matthew relates a long monologue on how Jesus is extending and fulfilling the Law, not replacing it, He says “But I say to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court:…” This says explicitly that one kind of sin we can commit is to hold grudges, to remain angry with others – “brothers” covers more than kin. Later in the same passage, Jesus says that all one needs to do is to reconcile. This difficult journey had tested my brother in ways that he had not been tested before. And while he had always been a religious person, he shared that he now has a much deeper understanding of the importance of his faith. One day, realizing the consequences of succumbing to despair, he remembered a rosary that our grandmother had given him ,and he began to recite it daily. He read and then reread numerous religious books. Most significantly, he emptied himself before Christ, dropping to his knees in prayer. In time, his faith and devotion were rewarded as he slowly gained understanding and the composure to move forward. As this transformation took place, my brother became a source of inspiration to his family and friends. Together, I find these passages to be wise advice about the well­lived life. Renounce past sin; respect the law; reconcile with those we have wronged, however we did that. Both passages promise that great sense of relief that comes with righting wrongs and living the joy of the Gospel. As Christians, we know the importance of prayer, but moving beyond casual prayer to something more profound is not easy. God asks that we trust him and try. He promises that if we do, we won’t be disappointed. He will show us the way. God’s love knows no limits and it is there for the asking.
Gerry Downey, Children’s Liturgy of the Word Catechist
J. Peter Clark, Sacristan, Homily Committee,
Family Mass Community Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Second Sunday of Lent
February 28, 2015
March 1, 2015
Deuteronomy 26:16­19; Matthew 5:43­48
Genesis 22:1­2, 9a, 10­13, 15­18; Romans 8:31b­34; Mark 9:2­10
…today the Lord is making this agreement with you: You are to be a people peculiarly his own. Take your son … your only child Isaac, whom you love … offer him … on a mountain I will point out to you Being “peculiar” is not exactly something most of us hope to achieve. Rather, we often try to blend in or go along with the culture and norms of our community and society. To be peculiar may mean “sticking out like a sore thumb.” Who wants that? Kids often try to fit in and be like their friends. Adults are often swept up in the currents of materialism or “keeping up with the Joneses.” Who among us doesn’t sometimes feel some degree of envy, wishing we could be more like another, and seeing greener grass on the other side of the fence? Yet, our God calls us to be “peculiarly his own.” Might we stand out in some way that is unusual, yet good? How about peculiar in the way we “love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us”, as Jesus suggests in the Gospel reading? “Mommy, I don’t feel good and my leg hurts when I walk.” I had no reason to be alarmed, given he loved to play baseball and often twisted his leg running the bases. But then I saw the odd swelling on his thigh. That afternoon the pediatrician firmly said my son was to be hospitalized – immediately. Suspected diagnosis? Bone cancer. “Take your son, whom you love, and go to Admissions.” Later that evening, I reluctantly left my son’s bedside. We snuggled and wrapped each other in unconditional loving “bear hugs”. Halfway down the corridor, however, my knees buckled and I leaned against the cold wall, sliding down to the floor like a rag doll. I became aware of a dazzling Light, not unlike what I encountered during a near­death experience in my 20’s. I prayed: “This precious child is your greatest gift to me and I know he is only on loan from you. If it’s his time to return to you, I say yes. He is yours.” A peace beyond understanding washed away all my terror. How about being peculiar in the way we offer ourselves in service to others, in our generosity, in our care for those who are forgotten, in the way we center our lives around our friendship and relationship with God? Maybe then, being peculiar is something towards which we can and should aspire.
Looking back, I’m amazed at the faith I had. I have no pretenses that my trust resulted in his miraculous recovery. I’ve lost too many young friends to cancer to believe that deep faith automatically cures illness. However, as a young mom living in a destructive marriage, overwhelmed by health and financial issues, I do know that my Love of God and God’s love within my son gave me the courage to embrace Life and face these “dis­eases”. Someday, on that holy mountain, I may understand the Mystery of God that unfolds everyday in life and death. Until then, my prayer is “thank you”. Mark Laboe, Husband, Father, Foster Father
Annette M. Hulefeld, D.Min/LCSW– SGFMC Pastoral Team,
Musician, Parish Domestic Violence Ministry
Nathan Laboe, 8th Grader St. Giles School
Monday of the Second Week of Lent
Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
March 2, 2015
March 3, 2015
Daniel 9:4b­10; Luke 6:36­38
Isaiah 1:10,16­20; Matthew 23:1­12
We have not obeyed your servants the prophets. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Are there prophets among us? Would we recognize them, or are we waiting for someone looking like John the Baptist, coming in from the desert? I feel there are prophets among us. They are the people who make us uncomfortable by challenging the way we live. One of the previous pastors at St. Giles, Msgr. Gleason, used to end mass by saying “Live not as the world wants you to, but as Jesus wants you to.” What does the world want from us? Buy. Compete. Look out for Number One. This is not the message of Jesus. Another speaker at a St. Giles mission years ago mentioned that she only owned two dresses. When one was being washed, she wore the other. “I only have one body. Why would I need many dresses?” Her message stuck with me. She was a prophet. More recently a speaker suggested that Jesus did not want huge beautiful churches built in His name. He wanted us to get out there and become church. Be activists. I was uncomfortable with her message. But she was a prophet for me because she challenged me. If we stop to think of it, we will realize we encounter prophets frequently: the person who asks us to work at PADS, the person who asks us to work at the food pantry or the soup kitchen. They are all challenging us to live the joy of the Gospel. Dear Lord Jesus, help me this Lent to recognize your prophets and listen to their message as they urge me to live the Gospel.
Kate Janush, Lector, St. Giles School Teacher
It’s valuable to have a sense of pride about personal accomplishments, in our careers, as parents, in learning, self­improvement, sports, the arts, even as active parishioners. And while a positive sense of accomplishment can spur each of us to even more positive actions, those individuals that we admire most are not the ones that scream those accomplishments in our ears. We live in a culture where athletes, celebrities, YouTube phenoms are idolized, where often small accomplishments are praised with excessive overtures – all on view through social media channels. But don’t you find that often the people you admire most in life are the ones that quietly go about being good, even great? Those that don’t tell us how great they are, but humbly show us in their actions and deeds. Or perhaps, they share and communicate their actions and use their power or success to mobilize us to take action through their good deeds. Whichever, the focus is on the outcomes we can create to­ gether, “the greater good” versus self­aggrandizement. The Lenten season is an ideal time to reflect with gratitude on the many gifts bestowed upon us, and to share these gifts with others. How easy it is to make a small discreet gesture that creates a smile and warms the heart for you and your recipient. David Hamel and Barbara Best, Lector, Parents of 3 Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent
Thursday of the Second Week of Lent
March 4, 2015
March 5, 2015
Jeremiah 18:18­20; Matthew 20:17­28
Jeremiah 17:5­10; Luke 16:19­31
Can you drink of the cup I am to drink of?...Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest, and whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs OF ALL Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. They will be like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream. March fourth! March forth! Today’s date is the call that needs to be answered to be a disciple of Jesus. We are called to march forth with love; we are to march forth with joy. During my years living and working with the Mayan Indians in Guatemala, I recall one particular experience that was both uncomfortable and unset­ tling. This was during the civil war years of the country and, for the first time, I felt a sense of threat and persecution as a result of an unstable situation in the village. As the situation unfolded, at least two villagers were killed and several others disappeared. As I write this reflection, I am listening to the tributes to Ernie Banks. What strikes me is the comparison between Ernie and the disciples in this gospel passage. The disciples, through their mother, were asking to be Jesus’ right and left hand guys, to be top dogs. They are vying for fame. Yet today listening to all the tributes for Ernie, his friends are saying he never made it about himself. He welcomed all rookie players as equals, and, when meeting a fan, he would ask about them instead of talking about himself. One person giving a tribute said that “We remember Ernie not because of what he did but because he loved us first.” All those giving tributes spoke of the joy Ernie had playing baseball as well as the joy he displayed living each day of his life. Jesus asks, “Can you drink from the cup I am to drink of?” I believe he is asking if you can give your life in the service to the other, and can you do that with joy? When I drink from the cup of wine, the blood of Jesus, I want my amen to mean that I accept the challenge to march forth and love joyfully. Mary Ellen Lesniak, Family Mass Member,
Former St. Giles School Teacher
Being far from home, I felt extremely vulnerable and relied on my Mayan broth­ ers and sisters, who I had come to know and deeply love, for safety. In them I had to trust as the situation unfolded; in them, I had to hope and listen to their counsel. Sometimes, this went against what my North American mind might have thought best. Yet, in the midst of chaos, it was this trust and hope in an­ other that gave me strength and got me through. Since then, I have experienced many more moments of fear. Oftentimes these fears come from my own demons or past experiences. They seem so real at the time, yet I consistently discover that the ghost I thought was hiding behind the tree was never really there. As my fiancé once said to me, the nice thing about fears is that most of them are not real! This wisdom from Jeremiah invites us to reflect today on where each one of us places our hope and confidence
Ed Siderwicz, Family Mass Member,
Co-Founder San Miguel and Catalyst Schools Friday of the Second Week of Lent
Saturday of the Second Week of Lent
March 6, 2015
March 7, 2015
Gen 37:3­4, 12­13a, 17b­28a; Matt 21:33­43, 45­46
Micah 7:14­15,18­20; Luke 15:1­3,11­32
Your brothers . . . Get ready; I will send you to them. Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, And will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt? I chose this date to commemorate the birthday of one of my brothers. When I read the assigned passages for this Lenten Reflection 2015, I was amazed at the workings of the Holy Spirit. My brother, who had moved from New York City to Houston, Texas, had harbored negative feelings towards me for most of his adult life. His many reasons had no foundation in reality, but my trying to refute them only made him angrier towards me. I remember telling him that “No man is an island,” and that I would always love him as my brother. I sent cards and made calls for his birthday, Christmas holidays, his children’s birthdays. Always, there was stony silence, and he stopped sending a birthday or any other holiday card many years ago. Just about one year ago, I was surprised to see his details show up on my cell phone; not once, but several times within a few days. I was afraid to answer, not knowing what direction his tirade would take, as usually had been the case. I finally broke down and answered his call. He was contrite, repentant, begging for forgiveness for the way he had treated me these many years. He had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and reached out to me because, he said, he remembered that I had told him, “No man is an island”! He wanted to reconcile. I flew down to Houston. We hugged, cried and prayed together. The reading from Genesis, coupled with the selection of the date of this reflection, could only have been a case of divine intervention. I recently watched the documentary, Pray the Devil Back to Hell; it tells the story of Liberian women who were fed up with war and the brutal genocide happening in their country. Christian and Muslim women came together to participate in non­violent protests that eventually forced leaders of the opposing factions to sit down, negotiate and eventually agree to a treaty. Once the fighting ceased, the women did not stop. They worked for a fair election, collected guns from former soldiers and strived to bring reconciliation. While many boys and young men committed horrible atrocities, the women understood those murderers, rapists, and mutilators were still their sons and brothers. Fed drugs and brain­washed, the boys themselves needed compassion. It was only forgiveness that allowed lasting peace to rule the land. That kind of radical love is attributed to God in Micah. God shepherds us and shares the richest inheritance. The prophet Micah understands that God does not want suffering and punishment for us, but healing and wholeness. “Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin?” We are not to be afraid, but to come forward honestly admitting our hurtful actions and poor choices. God receives us, forgives us and ultimately frees us from the bondage our own sin has created. In turn, we are to forgive those who have hurt us, walking the difficult path of restorative justice: finding reconciliation and restoring relationships. God does not want one to win and the other to lose, one to celebrate and the other to weep. Rather, God’s desire is that we learn and grow; not harboring anger ,but having peaceful hearts. During this Lenten Season, we call on God for the courage to forgive and be forgiven. It is the only way to lasting peace, inside and out. My brother, may you continue to rest in eternal peace. Amen.
Ozzie Bruno, Lector
Marci Madary, Family Mass Liturgy Round Table,
Choir Member Third Sunday of Lent
Monday of the Third Week of Lent
March 8, 2015
March 9, 2015
Exodus 20: 1­17; 1 Corinthians 1:22­25; John 2:13­25
2 Kings 5:1­15; Luke 4:24­30
You shall not . . . Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. As we were choosing the reading to write a reflection on, we quickly glanced over the first reading­ the Ten Commandments. We know that one. We’ve heard it dozens of times. We’ve even memorized them. Initially we thought wes hould choose a different reading. What could we write about the Ten Commandments that we haven’t already heard? But reading it again, we asked ourselves if we could look more deeply into the commandments. How do they really play a role in our life? How do following the commandments bring joy to our life and to those around us? Could the words that we’ve heard so many times have new mean­ ings for us? For instance, You shall not steal. Of course, this seems easy to follow. Do not steal another’s possessions, but can we think about it in terms of not just materiel things? You shall not steal pride, hope, joy, and forgiveness. And could God be asking more of us? Do not steal, but give. How can we give our love, patience and understanding on a daily basis? How can we give of ourselves to help those around us find God’s joy? Cara and Joe Giambrone, Parents of 2 boys, Lector
How would you like to be “told off” by Jesus? My gut reaction to today’s Gospel is just that: Jesus telling those around him, his “people” of his hometown that there are “many lepers who reside in Israel”, but that none will be cured, except that sinner across town who perhaps hasn’t led the most pious or righteous life, but has recognized and accepted the need to repent. It angered everyone around him, so much so that the people drove him out of town, trying to push him off the cliff. But, Jesus “passed through the midst of them and went away” unnoticed and unscathed. These readings bring to light the difficult task Jesus had in preaching his message to his own people – “no prophet is accepted in his own native place.” My vision of Jesus teaching in the synagogue is always that of a great teacher speaking amongst a willing crowd eager to hear his news. Yet, that was an error on my part, looking through contemporary eyes, long after the acceptance of Jesus and conversion of so many to his teachings. I can relate. Not that I have nearly as an important message, but sometimes the most difficult people to convince of an opinion or belief are those with whom you associate the most. In my professional life, I sometimes find it far easier to present to strangers than those who I know on a daily basis. However, I’ve not yet mastered the “passing through the midst” unnoticed. Jesus’ theme of repentance, of changing from your old, formulaic and perhaps hollow ways is a powerful one. I’m not sure that I would not have been angered too at the time, calling into question my beliefs that have guided my life thus far. But, I do appreciate this as a reminder today to continue to grow in my faith, to push beyond all that I think I know or do, to not become formulaic or to just “go through the motions” – to actively live and engage with my faith on a daily basis.
Tim Brangle, Renovation Committee, Architect/Urban Planner,
Husband, Father of 4 Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent
March 10, 2015
March 11, 2015
Daniel 3:25, 34­43; Matthew 18:21­35
Deuteronomy 4:1, 5­9; Matthew 5:17­19
But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received. He answers us whenever we call for help. In this passage from the Old Testament, Azariah is brought to his knees ­ humbled, broken and empty handed. He has no sacrifice, burnt offering or anything of value to offer to the Lord. He and his people are at the end of their rope. They have separated themselves from God through careless actions and wrong doing. It is only after realizing all the terrible things he and his people have done, and then admitting them, that Azariah is able to move on ask for forgiveness. It is in this desperate state that Azariah gives up his pride and says “do not forget me or my people Lord, I know I have made many mistakes and I am undeserving of your blessings, but please have mercy on me in the midst of my failures.” A thought which struck me in this reading from Deuteronomy is how it refers to God always being there for us when we need help. In my life, I have faced many challenges, and have often been discouraged since there are times in my life when I have faced struggles and do not know where to turn. However, then I step back and realize that God is always there for me. What Azariah offers is his broken heart, humbled spirit and trust in the Lord. These are precious gifts; they are one of a kind, true and beautiful. As I reflect on this passage, I am reminded that the Lord is not asking me or you to get it all right, and then send him a perfect little picture. He is asking us to trust and know Him, to speak to Him about our sins and fears and to live in an authentic relationship with Him. Our vulnerable and broken hearts create a longing that can only be satisfied by the One who is both a part of us and far beyond us. St. Giles Parishioner
Oftentimes, it is difficult to find God and live the “Joy of the Gospel” when I am consumed with many demands in college. As I prepare for the final four quarters of my college studies and life following college, I will make a more conscious effort to discern God’s calling for my life and remember that He will always be there for me.
Mark Tomera, Jr., DePaul University Junior Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
Friday of the Third Week of Lent
March 12, 2015
March 13, 2015
Jeremiah 7:23­28; Luke 11:14­23
Hosea 14:2­10; Mark 12:28­34
Listen to my voice . . .Walk in all the ways that I command you . . . Whoever is not with me is against me You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength . . . You shall love your neighbor as yourself. As Christians, we seek the kingdom of God and in today's readings, we learn there are three steps we must take to enter the kingdom. Although few, I find all of them to be incredibly challenging. 1. Listen to my voice For me, the listening that God is asking me to do requires more than just hearing; it requires the grace to stop and find God's voice in the noise of today's world. I have to ask God for this grace to listen, accept it and then, I must stop rationalizing what I think I hear and just listen to God. 2. Walk in all the ways that I command you The challenge here is that I have the Lord's commandments in my head, but do I really have them in my heart? One way I can love God and love my neighbor is to try to live a joy­filled life, no matter the daily struggles and hardships. I can do this because I know that God loves me. 3. Whoever is not with me is against me If I do choose to ignore God and instead follow the evil in my heart, then I am turning away from the Lord. Our Lord is kind and merciful and does not want me to turn away from Him; all I have to do is ask for the grace to listen and follow his will and He is with me. There is both profound and practical wisdom in these words. God’s commandments direct us to live our love for Him by first loving ourselves and then showing our love to others. This is also the recipe for our own happiness. We feel joyful and good about ourselves when we are loved. We feel joyful and good about ourselves when we show love to others. This is not theoretical love, but love expressed through our actions and reactions to the people in our everyday lives: family, friend, co­worker or passing acquaintance. When challenged, disappointed or interrupted, if we pause and think about what the other person is feeling, we will choose our words more carefully. We will respond positively. We will show patience and respect. This, however, takes practice through the power of prayer. Lent is the perfect time to consciously begin with daily prayers of our gratitude to God for the energy and joy of His unconditional love for us, so that we may pass it on to others.
During this Lent, as I seek the kingdom of God, I pray for the grace to listen, to love others and to turn to God. For me, the kingdom seems attainable when I remember that God loves me; God's love is the light that can dispel the darkness in today's world and I want to joyfully share this great truth. Mary Ann Weicher, Respect Life Coordinator, Mother of 4
Sue Harrison, Parish Communication Committee Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 14, 2015
March 15, 2015
Hosea 6:1­6; Luke 18:9­14
2 Chronicles 36:14­16, 19­23; Ephesians 2:4­10; John 3:14­21
God have mercy on me, a sinner. . . .even when dead in our transgressions, (He) brought us to life in Christ. I’d like to believe that I’m the tax collector, acknowledging my sins and the actions that separate me from the Love of God; readily humbled and asking for God’s mercy. And at times, I am the tax collector; when circumstances bring me to my knees, when I’ve exhausted all of the tricks in my bag, when I’ve tried and failed, when I’ve managed, juggled and planned to no avail and come up empty handed. Eventually I do surrender, but not without a good ole fashioned fight! Will I ever learn? In 2 Chronicles 36: 14­16 ,we see that God, in his mercy and compassion, sent his prophets and messengers to have the priests and people correct their ways. Because the priests and people still turned away and in their own condemnation, they were carried captive to Babylon. God used a pagan king to achieve his divine purpose to release these captives to return to Jerusalem. And the Pharisee, I’d like to believe I’m nothing like the arrogant Pharisee seeing himself above others and oh so good! But alas, I’m just like him; all prideful and peacock­ like showing off what a virtuous little soul I’ve become! I guess the real truth is: I’m both Pharisee and tax collector. I strive to do right, strive to be a good Christian, wife, mother, sister, friend. And sometimes I make the mark, I get there. Sometimes I gloat about getting there, sometimes I don’t. So with this reflection and with the theme for this Lent of finding the Joy in the Gospel, I set my intention to letting myself receive both the Joy and the Struggle this Lenten journey. Paul, in Ephesians 2: 4­10, states in his letter that God, rich in mercy, because of the great love He has for us, “even when dead in our transgressions, brought us to life in Christ.” From John’s Gospel we hear the good news “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but have eternal life.” I’m going to commit to making a sacrifice that will hopefully lead me closer to God’s mercy and, at the same time, I’m going to give up trying to obtain God’s mercy. I’m also going to ask for the sin of pride to be lifted from me. For I sure as heck won’t be able to get rid of this sin on my own! I know I’ll want to wear my sacrifice like a badge of honor; telling all those who will listen what a heroic little Saint I’m becoming! All joking aside, this Lent I’m going to keep a secret between the Lord and me. I will make a sacrifice without fan­fare or boasting. And if He so chooses, maybe this is where the Joy will come, or maybe that Joy will happen after the surrender, or maybe not. I vow to commit and ask. I’ll probably both achieve and fail; the rest is up to Him.
St. Giles Parishioner
There is no condemnation in what God does. Indeed, God seems to do everything possible to take condemnation away from us; but we won’t let go of it. Bruce Hartney, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Men’s Society,
Parishioner since 1975 Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
March 16, 2015
March 17, 2015
Isaiah 65:17­21; John 4:43­54
Ezekiel 47:1­9,12; John 5:1­16
Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.
Feast of St. Patrick This was Jesus' response to the official form Capernaum's request for Jesus to intervene, in light of the official's son being on his death bed. The son was saved at the same moment that Jesus told the official to return home…that his son would live. This past year, my husband underwent open heart surgery two times within a six month period. Knowing of this second miracle Jesus performed at Cana, in Galilee, reminds us that the Lord can intervene at those times when our loved one's fate may be hanging by a thread. Although we were unable to personally witness the miracles, Jesus performed, these stories are what help to keep our faith and hope alive. We were fortunate that we received God's grace, by the fact that my Jim made it through both serious surgeries. We were so thankful to have many, many people praying for Jim and my family during those trying times. It is with heavy hearts that we have also seen friends lose loved ones after their battles, and we realize then, that the Lord had a different plan. I can only admire those that have witnessed suffering and loss, especially parents, and yet their faith remains constant. What a joy it is to be part of this community that supports one another's healing process. Water is life. Without it no living thing is able to survive more than a matter of days. Seventy­percent of the human body is water and about seventy­ percent of the earth's surface is water. Today's readings explore and extol the miraculous qualities of water, given as, perhaps, the greatest of God's gifts. Consider first the rich language in the readings describing water: it "flows," it "streams," it "rushes" it "refreshes." And, add to that the many additional words and ideas we associate with water ­ it produces oases, it hydrates the athlete, it brings crops to our tables, it cools in the summer and makes the hot cup that warms in the winter. There is no greater sunset than one over water, no more splendid a sensation than diving into rolling waves in the summer. And, in our faith lives: it welcomes and consecrates us at baptism, it blesses us throughout our spiritual journey and edifies us in death. Celebrate water today, confident that you'll neither wither nor fail because God has so grandly provided this extraordinary blessing. And, reflect on this: the earth is a closed system, similar to a terrarium, meaning that it rarely loses or gains matter. So, the same water that existed on earth millions of years ago is still in our eco­system today. The same water of Ezekiel and John still moistens the earth. Lord, please keep us mindful of everyone's struggles and especially supportive in times of need.
Susan Hepner, Choir Member—Alto
Tom Cavenagh, Men’s Society, ASP Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
March 18, 2015
March 19, 2015
Isaiah 49:8­15; John 5:17­30
2 Samuel 7:4­5a, 12­14a, 16; Romans 4:13, 16­18, 22; Luke 2:41­51a
The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.... He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. Feast of St. Joseph Today’s Gospel makes me think about a popular phrase we often hear today, “don’t judge” or “don’t judge me.” What do we really mean when we say “don’t judge?” Anyone who is a parent has had one of the moments described in Luke 2. It starts like any other parenting moment ­ normal, a part of the usual chaos. Maybe you are at the grocery store right before Thanksgiving. You made the quick dash to Jewel, looked down at your shopping list and looked up to realize your four­year­ old is no longer with you. It is a moment of searing, visceral panic. If you are strong, you can throttle all that down, be rational and work the problem in front of you. And typically you do find them shortly. They were distracted and wandered off, oblivious to the fact that they briefly made the world a very dark and scary place for those that love them best, and are puzzled why you are so crazed when you have them back again. When I hear this phrase, I think about how judgmental or non­judgmental society has become over the years. Did we judge those who stood for equal rights, human rights, and constitutional rights? Do we judge the homeless? Do we judge those impaired by illness? Are we judged by the car we drive, shoes we wear, or even the church where we worship? Sadly, I think we can all say we have judged and we have been judged at some point in our lives. In 2015, are we actually living in a time of less judgment and greater understanding or acceptance? As a college teacher and mom to three young women, I sometimes feel Generations Y and Z are far less judgmental than previous generations and yet our news is infiltrated with frequent examples of bullying which is, of course, judgment. What we judge and how we judge it doesn’t go away, it merely shifts with the tides of society. Throughout your Lenten journey, be mindful of the times you judge; turn away from judgment towards good to the resurrection of life. "Love is the absence of judgment." ~ Dalai Llama XIV
Dana Connell, Confirmation Small Faith Group Leader
Mary and Joseph lost Jesus for four days. When he is discovered teaching in the Temple, he s puzzled why Mary and Joseph are so upset. Why tell this story and interlace it with other readings emphasizing sheer faith? Are we to be like the young Jesus who was in his Father s house, and, therefore, was where he was supposed to be and peaceful with it? It contrasts sharply with the anxiety of his parents as they searched for him ­ even Mary, who had told God thirteen years before, “Thy will be done.” Faith invites me to love who God made me to be in the moment and trust that I am where I am supposed to be. It is in denying this that I am more likely to feel that visceral terror and loss of which one can get a taste when parenting. Faith, the kind that helps inherit the world, is not an easy task. Luke tells us that Mary “kept all these things in her heart”, making it sound as if even Mary struggled with this tricky thing called faith. If we achieve it though, even for moments, it feels like a young boy coming home, safe and loved, to his Father s house
­ a thing to be strived for, mightily. Dawn McGee, St. Giles Parishioner
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
March 20, 2015
March 21, 2015
Wisdom 2:1a,12­22; John 7:1­2,10,25­30
Jeremiah 11:18­20; John 7:40­53
He calls blest the destiny of the just and boasts that God is his Father. Thus the people were divided because of Jesus What is our destiny – will we be called blest? Do our actions help to better the world and bring justice to it? Within our parish, we have many opportunities to share our time, talent and treasure to touch lives and bring justice to our world. That line makes me feel very uncomfortable. I want it to read the people were UNITED because of Jesus. Maybe I am uncomfortable because I am one of the "people". Not back then, but now. What am I doing so the line can one day read "Thus the people were UNITED because of Jesus?” Do we follow Jesus and truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God? In John 7 the people had not yet witnessed Jesus' incomparable suffering of death on the cross. Nor had the people in John 7 had the joyous opportunity to witness Jesus' resurrection from the dead and what that gift was for each of them. As we continue on our Lenten journey – let us open our hearts and minds to the teachings of Jesus. May we consider what we can do to help the poor and those in need so as to insure that our destiny is that of the just.
Pete Kornowske, Lector
But, I have the privilege of standing on this side of Jesus' resurrection. I know the gift He gave me. I know He forgave my sins and continues to do so. I know every day can be an opportunity to pry myself loose from my own agenda and begin each day experiencing God's agenda for my life, but only if I stay connected to God through His word. Only if I don't become divided myself in the way I live, following God's agenda one day and mine the next. I want to be UNITED in mind and action because I open His book. I experience His joy for my life. I want to become part of the "people" that are UNITED because of Jesus. Margie O’Neill, Parishioner Sunday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
March 22, 2015
March 23, 2015
Jeremiah 31:31­34; Hebrews 5:7­9; John 12:20­33
Daniel 13:1­9, 15­17, 19­30, 33­62; John 8:1­11
I will be your God and you shall be my people. Trust in God wholeheartedly. We ask each other the human questions, "Do you love me?" "Will you be there for me?" "Can I count on you?" We question each other and ourselves but, with a sigh of relief and contentment, feel the warm guarantee of God's presence and love. Yes, God loves us. Yes, God will be here for us. Yes, we can count on God. We are God's people; we have His promise. We belong in a way we long for and search for in each other but cannot always find. Until I did a little research, the chapter in Daniel regarding Susannah seemed to have no bearing on my life. The Book of Daniel tells that people of faith shall have the ability to resist temptation and conquer adversity. In general, the visions in Daniel promised the Jews deliverance and glory, whilst the readings in Chapter 13 were a means to instruct the reader morally and spiritually. I could relate to this. In John's gospel, the human Jesus, knowing he is facing a terrible, painful, brutal death, is "troubled." In his position, I would be more than troubled, I would be terrified. But the divine Jesus reminds us that even when we, like He, feel lost, afraid, unsure or unworthy, we have God's love. It is not earned, it is freely and generously given. Stop. Feel the warmth in your chest. Feel the warmth spread to your arms, legs, head. Feel it wrap around you like a cozy blanket and a hug. This is God in you and with you. We are God's people. Sue Black, Eucharistic Minister
I frequently have times in my life when I feel overwhelmed or frustrated with either a particular task, or a longer, drawn out worry. Parenting children who are growing up in a fast­paced, interactive world is a constant worry. Then there are the smaller tasks that, when clumped together with all the other tasks/meetings/ emails/deadlines/commitments, end up feeling insurmountable. So, the lines from Daniel, such as, “Trust in God wholeheartedly” and “O God you know what is hidden,” resonate with me. Why don’t I trust in God more? Why don’t I believe more often that He knows what is going on while I scramble around in a fog? I’ve been reading more about yoga and meditation and how the yoking of mind, breath and body can aid us in letting go of more worldly problems and unite us with our true selves. I think God is there in the practice of yoga and meditations. If I can let my constant stream of thoughts go, if I can trust in God wholeheartedly and resist the temptation to envelope myself in negativity, I will find peace. Maybe the fight to control it all just makes it worse. And the conquering of adversity will actually come from the peace that comes with knowing, just as Susannah did, that God will ultimately take care of it all.
Rachel Rettberg, PREP Coordinator Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
March 24, 2015
March 25, 2015
Numbers 21:4­9; John 8:21­30
Isaiah 7:10­14; 8:10; Hebrews 10:4­10; Luke 1:26­38
The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.
Annunciation of the Lord In this particular reading, Jesus is talking to the Jews who do not recognize him as the Messiah. The scribes and Pharisees have just challenged him to condemn the woman caught in the act of adultery. Jesus explains that he is not of this world and that his role is essentially that of an ambassador for the Father, who remains with him. His words persuaded many who came to believe in him. The believers then came to know the Father through the Son. Today, we too, come to know the Father through the Son. While I was growing up, I had a great­aunt who was famous for her saying, “Christ in me sees Christ in you.” To me, this saying provides a roadmap for a Christian way of life. Jesus told us that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison, we feed, clothe and visit him. As the early Christians came to know the Father through the Son, so we come to know the Son through one another, and through the Son, the Father. Can you imagine the response of most young ladies today if asked to do something that is not just difficult (have a baby) but impossible? (have a baby while maintaining your virginity)? But the Annunciation is not really about virginity, or pregnancy, but about being asked or invited to do something really hard, and to have the courage to choose to respond “yes”. We live very complex lives. Many of us feel we are functioning at capacity, and when we earn a breather, it is well deserved. We are working harder now than we ever have and the expectation is to work more. We are consumed with our own needs and wants. So what are we to do when we hear our own Angel Gabriel calling to us? My response is to plug my ears and hope it goes away. I wish my response would be a strong resounding’ yes’ to all the world asks of me. But I am afraid. I don’t feel I am up to the task, or the right person for the job, or safe enough, secure enough, whole enough, rich enough to do what is asked. I have good reasons. I am busy, stressed. This is not the right time. Change is rarely convenient. It is upsetting and requires us to grow. But Mary accepted this change. Elizabeth accepted it. The Annunciation asks us to say “yes” to our spouse, our family and our world. It asks us to choose to accept rather than run from this challenge. It does not promise perfection or redemption, only an opportunity for change and growth. May we all embrace change and growth in our lives in small ways and hope Gabriel does not ask us to give birth at age 62.
Sandy Blake, Lector, Attorney
Charity Cooper, Family Mass Member, Nurse Midwife Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
March 26, 2015
March 27, 2015
Genesis 17:3­9; John 8:51­59
Jeremiah 20:10­13; John 10:31­42
I will be your God. . . .believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in me and I in the Father Today’s readings reflect humanity’s growing understanding of who God is. We have grown from our first ideas of the exacting God of the Hebrew Scriptures, through Jesus’ illumination of God’s enduring love and timeless presence in our lives. How has my own understanding of God grown throughout my life? I remember telling my mom, when I was very small, that God was everywhere, but my sense of this was concrete and naïve—I told my mom that when I moved over, God had to switch to the spot I had just vacated. Later, when I lined up with my classmates for Reconciliation, I had a childish sense of God as someone who kept track of my sins but was willing to forgive me. And still later, I said on a college retreat that I knew God as “a Friend with a capital F.” All of these, and more, figure into my more adult understanding of God—now I see God as a constant presence, an abiding love, a connection to all of creation. What do I do to make sure my knowledge of God continues to grow? Today, I commit to knowing God better, to opening myself to God’s presence and endless love in my life right now. I will keep my part of Jesus’ holy covenant.
The Jews were not happy with Jesus and accused him of blasphemy because he said he was the Son of God, but aren’t we all the children of God? Jesus went about doing the works of the Father to show how much our Father loves us all, but those afraid of him wanted him dead, because he threatened their way of life and their existing power over the people and the way things had been. In following Jesus we should not be satisfied with the way things have been. We should strive to allow Jesus to help us find ways to make things better, not just for ourselves, but for all of God’s children, every­ one in the world. We should live the gospel and work for equality and justice for all, freedom to live without fear, freedom to worship as we please. Following Jesus is sometimes a difficult journey. It is easy to sit back and let others do the hard work of making things better for all. It is easier to be selfish than helpful. I thinks God wants us to be helpful and, in turn, live the Joy of the Gospel. Katie Arvidson Kralik, Wife, Mother,
CGS Catechist, Chemistry Teacher
William Bobco, Eucharistic Minister, Facilities Committee Chair,
Finance Committee, Co-Chair: Men’s Golf Outing Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
March 28, 2015
March 29, 2015
Ezekiel 37:21­28; John 11:45­56
Isaiah 50:4­7; Philippians 2:6­11; Mark 14:1­15:47
. . it is better that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish. He did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave When Caiaphas, the high priest, speaks this line, his timing is impeccable. Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead; Caiaphas responds by urging death to the life giver. As a shy introvert with only moderate self­esteem, conversation with strangers and even friends can be difficult. (What if I say the wrong thing? What if I'm gullible/ unamusing/unintelligent?) Evangelization, then, is terrifying. But I had a sinking feeling during all three of these readings: as a Christian, I'm called to do exactly that. The other religious leaders concur with their high priest's assessment of the situation: "from that day on they planned to kill him." However, their attempt to scapegoat Jesus in this way will go terribly awry. In that light, everywhere in the Gospel, I felt the sting of rebuke. "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." "...you will deny me three times." Three times? Try countless times, countless missed opportunities to speak up, to spread the Gospel. They think that all traces of him and his troublesome witness to God's abundant mercy can be eliminated in one fell swoop. They haven't considered the possibility that perhaps God truly is abundantly merciful, to the supreme extent of raising Christ from the dead and filling his disciples with the Holy Spirit. They have forgotten, if they ever knew, that love is stronger than
death. That is the truth of the Paschal Mystery we experience with Christ as we walk through the events of the Triduum. But, I thought, Jesus "humbled himself to share in our humanity," so he understands feelings of inadequacy. I shouldn't walk away from the "Good News" feeling guilt and shame. So I re­read, re­thought, and then it opened up for me. Isaiah's words are not rebuke but consolation and inspiration: "The Lord God is my help..." And Paul really brought it home: “...he did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave…” Aha! That's the answer. I am inadequate. I don't have Isaiah's "well­ trained tongue." But I do have the ability to empty myself and take the form of a slave. When they gave Jesus wine drugged with myrrh, he refused to dilute his experience. He didn't "come down from the cross so that we may see and believe;" rather he stayed up on the cross so that we might know how deep we must love. We have to go all­in. We have to give our backs to those who beat us, and take the buffets and spitting right on our faces. Holy Spirit, give us the courage!
Mary Ellen Hynes, Parishioner and Family Mass Member
Chris Reisor, Catechist, Husband & Father of 3
St Giles School students Monday of Holy Week
Tuesday of Holy Week
March 30, 2015
March 31, 2015
Isaiah 42:1­7; John 12:1­11
Isaiah 49:1­6, John 13:21­33, 36­38
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom my soul delights… I have endowed him with my spirit, that he may bring true justice to the nations As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him . . .”Now is the Son of Man glorified.” For me these lines identify the great Creator’s gift, and with that the call to serve. Pope Francis has spoken of how we can be nourished from our God and community enough to be able to then leave that comfort and bring peace and justice where we can. In these days of world upheaval it seems difficult to find “true justice”. Yet, I find it somewhat comforting to understand that the real task is to be faithful, for the long haul…and know we are not alone.
"One of you is going to betray me... the one to whom I will give this piece of bread. Then dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered him. "What you are about to do, do quickly," Jesus told him. Judas went out. And it was night. When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified." Glorify can mean, "to add to the reputation of". Jesus lives to glorify the Father. His Abba has the reputation of Lover. In fact, he is so smitten with us that he nonchalantly exchanges infinity for finite flesh. Like Father, like Son. Notice, therefore, how tenderly Jesus treats Judas Iscariot, his betrayer. (Iscariot means assassin!) Jesus first invites him to the sacred table where all are welcome... even, it seems, "God­killers". He then offers Judas his own body... first as Bread, blessed and broken; then as the recipient of a Satan­moistened kiss. "Do it quickly,” Jesus whispers. He protects the betrayer's anonymity... and hurries his final glorification of his Abba.... Love splattered on the wood of violence. Violence unveiled so Love could fully unfold. But, unlike Jesus, I fear Judas. He is too familiar! For , I too can wrap myself in religious rituals and moral certitude. Nor am I immune to Satan's insidious invitation to judge and accuse the "Other", to scapegoat. I too can slip into the "night"... the night of "collective unconscious" and self­absorption that the world system breeds. Nevertheless, I can also draw grace from the Judas tragedy. I can choose community over isolation. I can commit to a daily spiritual practice, rooting my life situation in the hidden ground of Love. Then you and I, we, as a community, as the Mystical Body, can glorify our Abba, perhaps, by leading every Judas away from the tree of despair toward the Tree of Love, where he will fall into the forgiving arms of Abba God.... where all are welcome! Carole Albores, Family Mass Member
John Hynes, Family Mass Member, Centering Prayer Leader Wednesday of Holy Week
T RIDUUM
April 1, 2015
Isaiah 50: 4­9a; Matthew 26:14­25
"What will you give me if I betray him to you?" They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him While reflecting on this reading, I just kept thinking how amazing it is to see how greed can change a person. How money can make a person turn away from his or her beliefs and morals just to have material things. As it has been said before money is the root of all evil. Of course, I do realize that we all need money to pay for our daily lives. Bills always seem to pop up and they unfortunately never end; but wealth can come to us in so many different ways: the wealth in a strong belief system or the wealth of being given a healthy body. People take those things for granted, not realizing how lucky they are to be given that gift from God. The theme for Lent this year is "Living the Joy of the Gospel". What a wealth of knowledge and love that comes from it! I pray that I will always keep my belief system strong and, although my family and I do struggle sometimes with monetary issues, I know I will not alter my beliefs or morals for wealth. Once we leave this world, our riches will be in the arms of God.
Lent is over. The Triduum begins.
We are different people today than we were on Ash
Wednesday. Our life experiences and the prayer, fasting, and
almsgiving we have been doing this Lent have brought us to a new
place—even if we do not realize it.
Bring this “new person” to the Triduum, this one continuous
celebration of Christ’s dying and rising. Bring your life’s dying and
rising and enter into the Paschal Mystery. Savor God’s time, a glimpse
of what awaits us in eternity. Come to the Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday evening liturgy, where we do things we reserve for this, the
holiest time of the year.
Holy Thursday
†
We remember the day Jesus instituted the Eucharist.
†
We wash feet as a sign of our commitment to be of service.
†
We bring in the new oils blessed at the cathedral.
†
We have a candlelit Eucharistic procession.
Good Friday
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We listen to the Passion of Jesus and join our deaths with
Jesus’ death.
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We pray for the needs of our world and our church.
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We venerate the cross.
Easter Vigil
Elizabeth Horvath, Architect, Wife & Mother of 2
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We bless the Easter fire and light the new Paschal Candle.
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We listen to the stories of salvation history.
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We baptize, confirm, and welcome to the Eucharist our newly
initiated Catholics. Holy Thursday
Good Friday
April 2, 2015
April 3, 2015
Exodus 12:1­8,11­14; 1 Corinthians 11:23­26; John 13:1­15
Isaiah 52:13­53:12; Hebrews 4:14­16,5:7­9; John 18:1­19:42
I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. Jesus celebrates the Passover with His followers in obedience to the Jewish law and, in his sharing of the bread and the wine, creates a table of communion where all can gather. This sacred act of commemoration becomes an expression of the new covenant between God and man. Through this covenant, we begin our own exodus from a world of slavery that separates us from God with a new Moses at our head. A model of the Master who loves, serves, forgives and heals. Following that model, we can create heaven on earth, leading this world to a Promised Land of inclusion, compassion and peace. Maura Junius, Family Mass Member, Choir Member I liked this line in the readings because I felt that it hit home on the overall message of Good Friday. Jesus, while one with God and the Holy Spirit as a part of the Trinity, is also man. This humanity, paired with his godliness, allows him to sympathize with each and every one of us on a much deeper level but also save us, not only from our sins, but from our weaknesses, giving us all new life. He recognizes our flaws and mistakes and saves us from them, but does so without sin and through the power of God’s love. Even though he was tempted on many occasions to sin and turn away from his path as God’s son, he did not submit to these temptations. And yet his awareness of these temptations and weaknesses, I find, make it easier to bond with him. On Good Friday, let us not turn away from God and be consumed by our weaknesses and fear, but look for guidance and hope in the coming of eternal life and the Resurrection.
Julie Hartney, Young Adult Parishioner, St. Giles Alumna,
Registered Nurse
Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday
April 4, 2015
April 5, 2015
Mark 16:1­7
Acts 10:34a,37­43; 1 Corinthians 5:6b­8, John 20:1­9
You need not be amazed! You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was crucified. He has been raised up; he is not here. He saw and believed. I just got off the phone with my 11 year old granddaughter, Addison, who had to interview me about my faith because I have agreed to be her sponsor when she is received into the Church at the Easter Vigil in Arizona. It’s because of her that I chose to reflect on this date but on further reflection, I also chose it because on this same day 23 years ago, her grandfather also chose a new way of living. I feel so blessed that Addison has chosen to become a Catholic on her own the same way my late husband, Jim, chose to join AA 23 years ago. They both received new life in them. I don’t believe they did it on their own, I believe that God chose them. Over a year and a half ago, Addison had been bullied on the school bus for 3 weeks before she shared her story with her parents. The school did little to rectify the situation so Kim and Jim let her choose a new school. Much to Nana’s delight, she chose a Catholic school. Within a few months, she decided that she would like to join the church. As an infant, I had baptized her, so instead of the 2 years of preparation that is usually required, there was only one. Christ’s resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated this world. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force. Often it seems that God does not exist: all around us we see persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty. But it is also true that in the midst of darkness something new always springs to life and sooner or later produces fruit. On razed land life breaks through, stubbornly yet invincibly. However dark things are, goodness always re­emerges and spreads. Each day in our world beauty is born anew, it rises transformed through the storms of history. Values always tend to reappear under new guises, and human beings have arisen time after time from situations that seemed doomed. Such is the power of the resurrection, and all who evangelize are instruments of that power.
I included my husband Jim’s change of heart in this reflection because a few months ago one of my daughters asked me why her father gave up drinking on this day rather than any other. I responded that I believe it was God’s way of telling me that my prayers had been answered. I’m never amazed about God in my life. I’m truly thankful that He is always there for me. I pray that my family, friends and all those who read this, will be able to see God in their lives too. Mary Fran Gleason, Grandmother, Teacher, Volunteer
Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel (276) Monday of the Octave of Easter
Tuesday of the Octave of Easter
April 6, 2015
April 7, 2015
Acts 2:14,22­33; Matthew 28:8­15
Acts 2:36­41; John 20:11­18
. . . they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The two Marys must have been quivering with excitement as they left the empty tomb. Their Lord Jesus Christ had risen from the dead! Then, they had a chance to see him again and demonstrate to him how important he was to them. It was a staggering encounter, and fueled their actions and interactions from that time forward. In the first reading today from Acts, Peter tells the Jewish people before him that, although they are guilty of crucifying the Son of God, if they repent, God will not only forgive them, but He will also give them a gift. They, and anyone else who through Baptism reorients their lives toward Christ, will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. We embrace the truth of Christ’s rising from the dead without the benefit of seeing the empty tomb or embracing Him on the road. Still, we share two things with the two Marys: faith and action. We have our own wealth of means to encounter Christ if we will just make the effort. Some of them might include: reading the scriptures and meeting Him through the witness of the New Testament, participating in the Mass and in our church community, and making the time for prayer and meditation.
It is not easy to keep our lives oriented toward Jesus. We, like the people in Peter’s time, live in a corrupt generation. We are encouraged to look out for ourselves and protect what is ours. We are bombarded by advertisements that promote self­indulgence and vanity. We overbook our schedules, spreading ourselves too thin to make time to do service and pray. We let ourselves become overwhelmed by our own worries and fears. Even Mary Magdalene was so caught up in her sorrow over the loss of Jesus that she did not recognize him when he spoke to her in today’s Gospel reading from John. We need to work hard to keep our eyes on Christ and turn away from all the distractions of this world that try to pull us away from Him. But we can find the strength to do this with the gift of the Holy Spirit. I pray that we can all continually work to keep our lives oriented toward Jesus Christ so that we will know Him when we see Him. Melanie Halvorson, Family Mass Community,
OPRF Food Pantry Board Member, Mother of OPRFHS Junior
Maria Samatas, Eucharistic Minister, Lector,
Wife & Mother of 3 Wednesday of the Octave of Easter
Thursday of the Octave of Easter
April 8, 2015
April 9, 2015
Acts 3:1­10; Luke 24:13­35
Acts 3:11­26; Luke 24:35­48
He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. Still they stood there undecided, filled with joy and doubt. How often have we prayed to God and said, "If you only answer my prayers, I will do whatever you want from me?” Our prayers are often answered, yet do we do for God as He has done for us? Do we let all the world know that God is not only our Savior but the answer to our prayers? This reading from nearly the end of Luke’s gospel describes the unlikely reunion between Jesus and His disciples after Jesus’ crucifixion, death and – now miraculously confirmed! – resurrection. It was a confusing time for the disciples – deep despair at Jesus’ death, uncertainty and fear about the future, and yet tremendous hope at seeing Him again. The beggar was given more than he asked for...he wanted money but was given his health. He could have literally walked away from the Temple, but instead went inside to praise God and let everyone know what God had done for him. God may not work as dramatically (or maybe he does!) for us as He did for the beggar, but we can not deny that God does work in our lives, and we should be praising and proclaiming His good works to all. Do we need to be leaping as we enter church? Not necessarily, but we should be willing to make it clear that God is the reason for what we have and not just when we are in church!
Diane Ellsworth, Mother of 4
“Still they stood there undecided, filled with joy and doubt.” How many times have I been confronted with the reality of Jesus in my life ­­ knowing in my heart the joy His call to follow, to prayer, to service, to action will bring – only to let the “What ifs?” creep into my head: the doubt, the fear, the “practical”? Far too many. Dear Lord, please grant me the faith to dispel all doubt, to decisively embrace Jesus, to fully live the joy of the Gospel. Amen. Chris Ritten, Father of 5 St. Giles School Alumni Friday of the Octave of Easter
Saturday of the Octave of Easter
April 10, 2015
April 11, 2015
Acts 4:1­12; John 21:1­14
Acts 4:13­21; Mark 16:9­15
They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead . When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. In this reading, Peter stands before the Jewish leaders and proclaims his faith in Jesus Christ. As a community, we confess our faith in the Lord at Mass. At Mass, it is easier to confess our faith because we are surrounded by others who share the same beliefs as we do. In Acts, however, Peter confesses to people who do not believe in Christ. How do we, like Peter, confess our faith in Jesus outside of just St Giles Parish? More often than not, we do not find ourselves in situations where we are preaching our faith to a group of non­Catholics like Peter did in this reading. Instead, we are given many different chances to show our faith and to live our lives the way Jesus taught us to. Mother Theresa once said “prayer in action is love, and love in action is service.” God is the ultimate definition of love. We can show our love and embody our faith when we help others. I do not think that God wants us to just preach His word; rather He wants us to live His word. We can do this by helping others. Whether it is as simple as smiling at a stranger or holding the door open for them, we are able to be God’s hands and mouth here on Earth. We show our faith when we participate in service. In our community, we have many chances to confess our faith. We can volunteer at the Oak Park Food Pantry, the local nursing home, or even go on the Appalachia Service Trip. No matter how small or large the act of service we do might seem, it is powerful because we are confessing our faith through love and service. Emma Samatas, Trinity H.S. Senior, 2nd Grade Catechist
What makes our faith in Jesus strong? What does a modern day miracle look like? Like Peter and John, I’m simply an ordinary woman with unwavering faith in Jesus. Everyday miracles reinforce my connection to Him: a water color sunrise, the birds happily singing morning praise, my daughter’s sweet hand grasping mine. My heart overflows with joy and gratitude to the Maker of miracles ­ creatures big and small, with spotted fur and colored wings, that enliven our minds and imaginations. The ornate detail and patterns found in a flower or sea shell. The intoxicating aromas of lavender, rose, and gardenia…more miracles!! The miracle and salvation of Jesus has not always been rooted in joy for me. During a time of personal struggle, due to an illness, I was fighting for my life and grasping for hope. I called out to Jesus in prayer and quietly listened. Without a doubt, I felt his love wrap around me. It gave me strength, peace, and courage. To this day, I feel blessed by this difficult and life changing experience. When the storm passed, I was left with a sacred closeness with our Maker. He has been there during good times and bad...when I’ve opened my heart to His never ending love. Is it not a miracle to live with joy, hope, and courage because of my faith in Jesus? I approach each day with a joyful desire to sing His praises with my thoughts and actions. I’m not surprised by John and Peter’s unwavering faith and courage in the face of adversity. These were "two ordinary" men inspired by the extraordinary miracle of love — that is Jesus.
Jeanne Nohalty, Parishioner, Wife & Mother of 2 Divine Mercy Sunday
April 12, 2015
Acts 4:32­35; 1 John 5:1­6; John 20:19­31
…and everyone who loves the Father, loves whoever has been born of him. Upon this reading, the aforementioned line allowed me to reflect on my life and how, in my daily meetings, this is a line I should keep in my mind and in my heart. My job gives me the opportunity to meet several new people on a daily basis, and there is no restriction to the types of people I will meet. Happy, sad, angry, loud, quiet, the list goes on. Some people are pleasant to deal with, while others can be a flat out pain. For the difficult ones, it can be this line that I take to heart when dealing with them and asking myself ,“What is the lesson the Good Lord is teaching me today?” We are all here because God has put us here. He loves us and he wants us to love each other. Sometimes it can be difficult, but I find that a smile can be contagious. And, if we keep God in our hearts and stay of the understanding that we are all God’s people, we can learn from each other, enjoy each other, and ultimately love each other.
Dan Horvath, Parishioner, Father of 2 A special note of appreciation to all of this
year’s writers, editors, and contributors. Our
growth as individuals and as a parish
community during this Lenten season would
not have been possible without your gift of
time spent praying and ref lecting on the
Scriptures. Thank you for sharing your gifts,
insights, and wisdom with us all!
St. Giles Catholic Parish
1025 Columbian Avenue
Oak Park, Illinois 60302
(708) 383-3430
www.stgilesparish.org