Author: diocesan-sharon

Conversion of St. Paul 

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Conversion of St. Paul 

Feast date: Jan 25

The great apostle was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin.  He surpassed all his peers in zeal for the Jewish law and their traditions, which he thought to be the cause of God, and became one of the most fierce enemies and persecutors of Christians. He was one of the conspirators in the martyrdom of St. Stephan.

After the martyrdom of the holy deacon, the priests and magistrates of the Jews raised a violent persecution against the church at Jerusalem, in which Saul placed himself above the others.

In the fury of his zeal, he appealed to the high priest and Sanhedrin for a commission to take up all Jews at Damascus who confessed Jesus Christ, and bring them bound to Jerusalem, that they might serve as public examples to incite terror into others.

But God was pleased to show forth in Saul his patience and mercy: Saul was almost at the end of his journey to Damascus, when, around noon, he and his company were surrounded by a great light from heaven, and fell to the ground. Then Saul heard a voice, which to him was articulate and distinct, but not understood by the rest: “Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? Christ said not: Why dost thou persecute my disciples, but me: for it is he, their head, who is chiefly persecuted in his servants.” Saul answered: “Who art thou, Lord?” Christ said: “Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecute. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad: – to contend with one so much mightier than thyself.”

There was a Christian of distinction in Damascus, Ananius, greatly respected by the Jews for his irreproachable life and great virtue. Christ appeared to this holy disciple, and commanded him to go to Saul, who was at that moment in the house of Judas at prayer. Ananias trembled at the name of Saul, being familiar with the misdeeds he had done in Jerusalem and the errand for which he set out to Damascus. But our Redeemer overruled his fears, and charged him a second time to go, saying: “Go, for he is a vessel of election to carry my name before Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel: and I will show him how much he has to suffer for my name. For tribulation is the test and portion of all the true servants of Christ.”

Thus a blasphemer and a persecutor was made an apostle, and chosen to be one of the principal instruments of God in the conversion of the world.

St. Paul never recalled his wonderful conversion, from which have poured forth may blessings, without raptures of gratitude and praise to the Divine and His mercy. The Church, in thanksgiving to God for such a miracle of his grace, to commemorate so miraculous an instance of his almighty power and to propose to penitents a perfect model of a true conversion, has instituted this feast, which we find mentioned in several calendars and missals of the eighth and ninth centuries, and which Pope Innocent III commanded to be observed with great solemnity.

A Modern Day Apostle / Un apóstol para hoy en día

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Do you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Although clearly not one of the Twelve, do you see yourself as an apostle? Do you show others God’s love, mercy, and hope like those first chosen by Christ? The word apostle translates into one sent on mission. Have you discerned the mission God has set you apart for, something only you can do that in some way brings the Good News to others? A mission made possible by living in the light of Christ, never crushed or discouraged by circumstances, as one who trusts in Him alone. 

An apostle has been summoned, called, or appointed to preach, bearing some responsibility to proclaim the Gospel. A summons can be defined as an urgent demand for help—being called upon for specific action; how you answer will look different for everyone. For me, this call became my profession—leaving behind one career to embrace a new one as an evangelist. For others, it may look more like sharing the faith at home, parish, or community as a volunteer or simply living the Catholic faith in a way that reflects Christ to others.

Discipleship needs to be rooted in grace found compellingly through prayer, Scripture, and participation in the sacraments. Before appointing the twelve to be sent out preaching, Luke reveals that Jesus retreated to a time of silence, alone with the Father, and spent all night praying. (Lk 6:12) 

God has entrusted the message of reconciliation to each of us, making us ambassadors, just as he did the first apostles. It is a participation in the mission of Christ not just to watch others perform the work of God but to be alive, fully engaged, and active within it ourselves. We fulfill our baptismal promise to profess the faith by sharing it with others. Our contribution to preaching the Gospel can be as simple as how we live our lives, whether in our homes, parishes, family, or communities. 

As often accredited to Saint Francis, preaching does not always involve words but, more importantly, our actions and how others see us. God, out of pure love, brought you into being. In an abundance of his love, we exist. Created to know, love, and serve him, the Scriptures teach that the greatest of these is always love. God gives us the freedom to accept or reject a life of faith. The first apostles accepted the call to come and follow Him—to grow nearer, pick up their crosses, and embrace the gift of salvation through Christ. 

So, do you consider yourself an apostle of Jesus Christ? How will you demonstrate God’s love, mercy, and hope like those first chosen by Christ? Will you accept the invitation to the mission God has for you? In humble obedience give yourself and your life to Him who loved you into being. 

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¿Te consideras un discípulo de Jesucristo? Aunque claramente no eres uno de los Doce, ¿te ves como un apóstol? ¿Muestras a los demás el amor, la misericordia y la esperanza de Dios como los primeros elegidos por Cristo? La palabra apóstol se traduce como alguien enviado a una misión. ¿Has discernido la misión para la que Dios te ha apartado, algo que solo tú puedes hacer y que de alguna manera lleva la Buena Nueva a los demás? Una misión hecha posible al vivir a la luz de Cristo, nunca aplastado ni desanimado por las circunstancias, como alguien que confía solo en Él.

Un apóstol ha sido convocado, llamado o designado para predicar, y tiene cierta responsabilidad de proclamar el Evangelio. Una convocatoria puede definirse como una solicitud urgente de ayuda, un llamado para una acción específica; la forma en que respondas será diferente para cada persona. Para mí, este llamado se convirtió en mi profesión: dejar atrás una carrera para abrazar una nueva como evangelista. Para otros, puede parecer más como compartir la fe en el hogar, la parroquia o la comunidad como voluntario o simplemente vivir la fe católica de una forma que refleje a Cristo a los demás. 

El discipulado debe tener sus raíces en la gracia, lo cual se encuentra de manera convincente en la oración, la Escritura y la participación en los sacramentos. Antes de designar a los Doce para que fueran enviados a predicar, Lucas revela que Jesús se retiró a un tiempo de silencio, a solas con el Padre, y pasó toda la noche orando. (Lc 6,12)

Dios ha confiado el mensaje de la reconciliación a cada uno de nosotros, haciéndonos embajadores, tal como hizo con los primeros apóstoles. Es una participación en la misión de Cristo no solo para ver a otros realizar la obra de Dios, sino para estar vivos, plenamente comprometidos y activos en ella nosotros mismos. Cumplimos nuestra promesa bautismal de profesar la fe compartiéndola con los demás. Nuestra contribución a la predicación del Evangelio puede ser tan sencilla como la forma en que vivimos nuestras vidas, ya sea dentro del hogar, la parroquia, la familia o las comunidades.

Como a menudo se le atribuye a San Francisco, la predicación no siempre implica palabras sino, más importante aún, nuestras acciones y cómo nos ven los demás. Dios, por puro amor, te creó. En una abundancia de su amor, existimos. Creados para conocerlo, amarlo y servirlo, las Escrituras enseñan que el mayor de ellos es siempre el amor. Dios nos da la libertad de aceptar o rechazar una vida de fe. Los primeros apóstoles aceptaron el llamado de venir y seguirlo, a acercarse más a Él, a tomar sus cruces y abrazar el don de la salvación a través de Cristo.

¿Y tú? ¿Te consideras un apóstol de Jesucristo? ¿Cómo demostrarás el amor, la misericordia y la esperanza de Dios como los primeros que Cristo eligió? ¿Aceptarás la invitación a la misión que Dios te tiene? En humilde obediencia, entrégate a ti mismo y tu vida a Aquel que te amó y te hizo existir. 

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Allison Gingras (www.ReconciledToYou.com ) shares an everyday Catholic faith with humor and honesty. Her writing includes The Handy Little Guide to Novenas (OSV), Encountering Signs of Faith (Ave Maria Press), and the Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women (Our Sunday Visitor), with a new edition “Jesus Heals,” coming in 2025. Allison is the Director of Digital Evangelization for Family Rosary USA.

Feature Image Credit: Sergei Gussev, unsplash.com/photos/a-river-with-a-bridge-and-a-church-in-the-background-G7Lk2p4NY1Y

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

The post A Modern Day Apostle / Un apóstol para hoy en día appeared first on Diocesan.

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

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Reading 1 Hebrews 8:6-13

Brothers and sisters:
Now our high priest has obtained so much more excellent a ministry
as he is mediator of a better covenant,
enacted on better promises.

For if that first covenant had been faultless,
no place would have been sought for a second one.
But he finds fault with them and says:
Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will conclude a new covenant with the house of
Israel and the house of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers
the day I took them by the hand to lead
them forth from the land of Egypt;
for they did not stand by my covenant
and I ignored them, says the Lord.
But this is the covenant I will establish with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their minds
and I will write them upon their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
And they shall not teach, each one his fellow citizen and kin, saying,
“Know the Lord,”
for all shall know me, from least to greatest.
For I will forgive their evildoing
and remember their sins no more.

When he speaks of a “new” covenant,
he declares the first one obsolete.
And what has become obsolete
and has grown old is close to disappearing.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 85:8, 10, 11-12, 13-14

R. (11a) Kindness and truth shall meet.
Show us, O LORD, your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. Kindness and truth shall meet.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. Kindness and truth shall meet.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.
R. Kindness and truth shall meet.

Alleluia 2 Corinthians 5:19-21

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 3:13-19

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted
and they came to him.
He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,
that they might be with him
and he might send them forth to preach
and to have authority to drive out demons:
He appointed the Twelve:
Simon, whom he named Peter;
James, son of Zebedee,
and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges,
that is, sons of thunder;
Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,
Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus;
Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean,
and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

 

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

St. Francis de Sales

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St. Francis de Sales

Feast date: Jan 24

Jan. 24 marks the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of writers and Christian unity whose role as a priest and bishop helped bring thousands of Protestants back to the Catholic Church.

In the late 16th and early 17th century, St. Frances de Sales conducted spiritual direction both in person and in written correspondence. This inspired his famous work “Introduction to the Devout Life.”

During his ministry in Switzerland, he wrote and distributed religious tracts that made inroads among Protestants and helped between 40,000 and 70,000 return to the Catholic faith.

Because he is a patron saint of writers, his feast day traditionally marks the release of the Pope’s annual message for World Communications Day. Pope Benedict XVI’s 2013 message reflected on social networks and their potential to strengthen unity and harmony between people. He also warned that these enable a mindset that rewards popularity, rather than rewarding what has intrinsic value.

St. Francis de Sales was no stranger to unpopularity. As a priest he volunteered to lead a mission to return the Calvinist Switzerland back to the Catholic faith. He faced much hostility, including death threats and would-be assassins.

He was born in 1567 in the Savoy region in what is now part of France. He was a diplomat’s son, born into a household with great devotion to St. Francis of Assisi.

He studied rhetoric, the humanities and law in preparation for a political career. He had resolved to hold to religious celibacy and he held a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, but he kept this strong spiritual life secret from the world.

This devotion clashed with the wishes of his father, who had arranged a marriage for him. The Catholic bishop of Geneva found Francis de Sales a position in the Swiss Church, leading to his ordination as a priest in 1593.

He was named Bishop of Geneva in 1602, after which he worked to restore Geneva’s churches and religious orders. He helped the future saint Jean Frances de Chantal, whom he had served as spiritual director, found a women’s religious order.

He died in 1622 in Lyons at a convent he had helped to found. Frances de Sales was canonized in 1665 and named a Doctor of the Church in 1877.

Finding Solace in Jesus / Encontrando consuelo en Jesús

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“He had cured many, and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him” (Mk 3:10).

This scene opens with Jesus and His disciples attempting to withdraw to the sea for a moment of peace. Right before that, Jesus had cured a man with a withered hand in the synagogue itself, stirring up the Pharisees, sparking their anger as they plot some way to trap and kill Him. It makes sense that He might want to take a step back and spend some time alone with His beloved students!

But that is not to be. News of Jesus has spread, and large crowds follow him, from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, even Tyre and Sidon. I imagine the numbers might have looked something like Times Square on New Year’s Eve…too many people to count.

We can imagine how overwhelming that might have been for Jesus. The sea of all those people is so great in number, so desperate for healing, that Jesus has to ask the Apostles to get a boat for Him so that He can sail out from shore, just so they won’t crush Him!

We can also imagine how overwhelming that might have been for any one of those people, hoping and praying desperately to see Jesus, to hear Him, to come close enough just to touch His garments or His hands. Because of course, the people know by now that Jesus can heal with a touch of His hand. Among the countless crowds, there were probably more sick people than healthy, more despairing people than hopeful. Jesus has gone to seek solace at the sea, but these people have come to seek solace in Him.

Do we seek solace in Him?

Does the “crowd” of our own worries press so close to us that we lose sight of Him? Are there barriers that keep us from His healing touch? Have we let ourselves believe that there is too much for Him to do, too many bigger problems for Him to handle instead? Have we given up on bringing Him our little worries? Do we think we are not important enough for Him to see us, to heal us? Do we miss Him in the crowd, and then assume that the reason He doesn’t heal us is because He doesn’t see us?

We are more fortunate than those people on the shoreline that day. There are no great crowds of people blocking our view. There is no need for pushing and shoving, clamoring for attention, fighting off the crowd. Jesus is fully present to you, now, in this moment and in every other – past, present, and future. There is no question about that. The real question is this: 

Do you seek solace in Him? Do you turn to Him with all your worries, all your burdens, all your sicknesses? He is already waiting for you by the shore. Will you go to Him?

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“Jesús había curado a muchos, de manera que todos los que padecían algún mal, se le echaban encima para tocarlo” (Mc 3,10).

Esta escena comienza con Jesús y sus discípulos intentando retirarse al mar para tener un momento de paz. Justo antes de eso, Jesús había curado a un hombre con una mano seca en la sinagoga, sembrando cizaña entre los fariseos, provocando su ira mientras planeaban alguna forma de atraparlo y matarlo. ¡Tiene sentido que quiera dar un paso atrás y pasar un tiempo a solas con sus estudiantes tan queridos!

Pero lastimosamente no pasó así. La noticia de Jesús se ha difundido y grandes multitudes lo siguen, desde Galilea, Judea, Jerusalén, incluso Tiro y Sidón. Imagino que las cifras deben haber parecido algo así como Times Square en la víspera de Año Nuevo… demasiadas personas para contar.

Podemos imaginar lo abrumador que debe haber sido eso para Jesús. El mar de todas esas personas es tan grande, y están tan desesperados por ser sanados, que Jesús tiene que pedir a los Apóstoles que le consigan un barco para poder navegar lejos de la orilla, ¡solo para que no lo aplasten!

También podemos imaginar lo abrumador que debe haber sido para cualquiera de esas personas, esperando y rezando desesperadamente ver a Jesús, escucharlo, acercarse lo suficiente para tocar sus vestiduras o sus manos. Porque, por supuesto, la gente ya sabe que Jesús puede sanar con un solo toque de la mano. Entre las innumerables multitudes, probablemente había más personas enfermas que sanas, más personas desesperadas que esperanzadas. Jesús ha ido a buscar consuelo en el mar, pero estas personas han venido a buscar consuelo en Él.

¿Y nosotros? ¿Buscamos consuelo en Él?

¿La “multitud” de nuestras propias preocupaciones nos aprieta tanto que Lo perdemos de vista? ¿Hay barreras que nos impiden su toque sanador? ¿Nos hemos permitido creer que tiene demasiadas cosas por hacer, demasiados problemas más grandes por resolver? ¿Hemos dejado de traerle nuestras pequeñas preocupaciones? ¿Pensamos que no somos lo suficientemente importantes para que nos vea y nos sane? ¿No lo vemos entre la multitud y luego tomamos por hecho que no nos sana porque no nos ve?

Somos más afortunados que esas personas en la orilla ese día. No hay grandes multitudes que nos bloqueen la vista. No hay necesidad de empujar y dar codazos, de clamar por la atención, de luchar contra la multitud. Jesús está completamente presente para ti, ahora, en este momento y en cada momento: pasado, presente y futuro. No hay duda al respecto. La verdadera pregunta es esta:

¿Buscas consuelo en Él? ¿Te diriges a Él con todas tus preocupaciones, todas tus cargas y todas tus enfermedades? Ya te está esperando en la orilla. ¿Vas a ir a encontrarlo?

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Hailing from Nashville, Catherine is a graduate of Christendom College with a lifelong passion for words. Her love of writing and her Catholic Faith continue to shape her as a freelance editor, copywriter, and (aspiring) novelist, where she pursues her passions for the love and greater glory of God.

Feature Image Credit: Melchior Damu, unsplash.com/photos/right-persons-palm-IvTCN1H4X1k

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

The post Finding Solace in Jesus / Encontrando consuelo en Jesús appeared first on Diocesan.

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

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Reading 1 Hebrews 7:25—8:6

Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him,
since he lives forever to make intercession for them.

It was fitting that we should have such a high priest: 
holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, 
higher than the heavens.
He has no need, as did the high priests, 
to offer sacrifice day after day,
first for his own sins and then for those of the people; 
he did that once for all when he offered himself.
For the law appoints men subject to weakness to be high priests, 
but the word of the oath, which was taken after the law, 
appoints a son, who has been made perfect forever.

The main point of what has been said is this: 
we have such a high priest, 
who has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne
of the Majesty in heaven, a minister of the sanctuary 
and of the true tabernacle that the Lord, not man, set up.
Now every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; 
thus the necessity for this one also to have something to offer.
If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest, 
since there are those who offer gifts according to the law.
They worship in a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary,
as Moses was warned when he was about to erect the tabernacle.
For God says, “See that you make everything 
according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”
Now he has obtained so much more excellent a ministry 
as he is mediator of a better covenant, 
enacted on better promises.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17

R.    (8a and 9a)  Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
    but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not;
    then said I, “Behold I come.”
R.    Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
    and your law is within my heart!”
R.    Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
    I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know. 
R.    Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
May all who seek you
    exult and be glad in you,
And may those who love your salvation
    say ever, “The LORD be glorified.”
R.    Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

Alleluia 2 Timothy 1:10

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 3:7-12

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.
A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.
Hearing what he was doing,
a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem,
from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan,
and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.
He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd,
so that they would not crush him.
He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases
were pressing upon him to touch him.
And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him
and shout, “You are the Son of God.”
He warned them sternly not to make him known.

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

St. Marianne Cope

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St. Marianne Cope

Feast date: Jan 23

St. Marianne Cope was born in western Germany in 1838. She entered religious life in Syracuse, N.Y. in 1862. She served as a teacher and principal in several schools in the state and established two of the first hospitals in the central New York area: St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse.

In 1883, Mother Marianne’s community was the only one of fifty to respond positively to an emissary from Hawaii who requested Catholic sisters to provide health care on the Hawaiian Islands, especially to those with leprosy.

Over the next five years, St. Marianne set up a system of long-term education and care for her patients.

She ministered to patients at Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai. Her time of service overlapped with the last years of St. Damien of Molokai, a priest who served victims of Hansen’s disease and himself died of leprosy.

St. Marianne promised her sisters that none of them would ever contract the disease. To this day, no sister has. Her care earned her the affectionate title “beloved mother of the outcasts.”

She died in 1918 and was beatified on May 14, 2005 and canonized on October 21, 2012, both by Pope Benedict XVI.

“At a time when little could be done for those suffering from this terrible disease, Marianne Cope showed the highest love, courage and enthusiasm,” Pope Benedict XVI said in his homily during the Mass for her canonization. “She is a shining and energetic example of the best of the tradition of Catholic nursing sisters and of the spirit of her beloved Saint Francis.”

St. Ildephonsus

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St. Ildephonsus

Feast date: Jan 23

St. Ildephonsus was the Archbishop of Toledo, and died 23 January, 667. He was born of a distinguished family and was the nephew of St. Eugenius, his predecessor in the See of Toledo. At an early age, despite the determined opposition of his father, he embraced the monastic life in the monastery of Agli, near Toledo. He was ordained a deacon, around the year 630. He was called by King Reccesvinth, near the end of 657 to fill the archiepiscopal throne of Toledo, where he governed the Church of Toledo for just over nine years and was buried in the Basilica of Saint Leocadia.

Ildephonsus had a strong devotion to the Blessd Mother, and it is said that  one day he was praying before the relics of Saint Leocadia, when the martyr arose from her tomb and thanked the saint for the devotion he showed towards the Mother of God. It was also related that on another occasion the Blessed Virgin appeared to him in person and presented him with a priestly vestment, to reward him for his zeal in honoring her.

The literary work of Ildephonsus is more widely known than the details of his life, and merits for him a distinguished place in the role of Spanish writers.

Healing Our Withered Hearts / Sanando nuestros corazones tullidos

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At first glance, this story is simply about Jesus healing as he does so often in the New Testament and the Pharisees clucking in disapproval. They follow the letter of the law, forgetting that sometimes exceptions can be made, such as when their ancestors decided it was okay for them to defend themselves against the Gentiles who were trying to destroy them on the Sabbath.

But with further thought, we can see the allegory in this story. Who is this man with the withered hand and why was Jesus so intent on healing him in a synagogue in front of scribes and Pharisees on the Sabbath? Surely the healing could have been done outside in private on any other day.

Jesus has a heart for his lambs and he wants them to experience the goodness of his love sooner rather than later. Who is the man with the withered hand? We are. We are the broken, sinful lambs and Jesus is our healer and shepherd. Jesus desires to forgive us and heal us of the sin we find ourselves battling with. He does this through the Sacrament of Reconciliation but also every Sunday at Mass when he comes to us fully in body, blood, soul, and divinity. Every time we participate in the ritual of the Holy Mass, we beg for his mercy, knowing with faith that he offers it freely to our contrite hearts and we fortify ourselves physically and spiritually with his Body and Blood. We participate in the re-creation of his sacrifice that bridges the gap between heaven and earth allowing us to one day be with him in paradise.

To be healed on the Sabbath, whether from a withered hand or a withered soul, is a gift beyond measure. Praise be to Jesus for his love and healing. He is so good!

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A primera vista, esta historia se trata simplemente de Jesús sanando como lo hace tan a menudo en el Nuevo Testamento y de los fariseos chasqueando la lengua en señal de desaprobación. Ellos siguen la letra de la ley, olvidando que a veces se pueden hacer excepciones, como cuando sus antepasados ​​decidieron que estaba bien que se defendieran de los gentiles que intentaban destruirlos en sábado.

Pero si pensamos más, podemos ver la alegoría en esta historia. ¿Quién es este hombre con la mano tullida y por qué Jesús estaba tan decidido a sanarlo en una sinagoga frente a escribas y fariseos en sábado? Seguramente la sanación podría haberse realizado al aire libre, en privado, cualquier otro día.

Jesús tiene un corazón para sus corderos y quiere que experimenten la bondad de su amor más temprano que tarde. ¿Quién es el hombre con la mano tullida? Nosotros. Somos los corderos quebrantados y pecadores y Jesús es nuestro sanador y pastor. Jesús desea perdonarnos y sanarnos del pecado con el que nos encontramos batallando. Lo hace a través del Sacramento de la Reconciliación, pero también cada domingo en la Misa, cuando viene a nosotros plenamente en cuerpo, sangre, alma y divinidad. Cada vez que participamos en el ritual de la Santa Misa, imploramos su misericordia, sabiendo con fe que la ofrece libremente a nuestros corazones contritos y nos fortalecemos física y espiritualmente con su Cuerpo y Sangre. Participamos en la recreación de su sacrificio que cierra la brecha entre el cielo y la tierra, permitiéndonos un día estar con él en el paraíso.

Ser sanado en sábado, ya sea de una mano tullida o de un alma tullida, es un regalo inconmensurable. Alabado sea Jesús por su amor y sanación. ¡Dios es tan bueno!

Comunicarse con la autora

Merridith Frediani loves words and is delighted by good sentences. She also loves Lake Michigan, dahlias, the first sip of hot coffee in the morning, millennials, and playing Sheepshead with her husband and three kids. She writes for Catholic Mom, Diocesan.com, and her local Catholic Herald. Her first book Draw Close to Jesus: A Woman’s Guide to Adoration is available at Our Sunday Visitor and Amazon. You can learn more at merridithfrediani.com.

Feature Image Credit: Artem Kovalev, unsplash.com/photos/woman-wearing-gray-long-sleeved-shirt-facing-the-sea-fk3XUcfTAvk

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

The post Healing Our Withered Hearts / Sanando nuestros corazones tullidos appeared first on Diocesan.

St. Vincent

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

St. Vincent

Feast date: Jan 22

St. Vincent was Deacon of Saragossa, and a martyr under Diocletian in 304. This most renowned martyr of Spain is represented in the dalmatic of a deacon, and has as emblems a cross, a raven, a grate, or a fire-pile. He is honored as patron in Valencia, Saragossa and Portugal. Very little can be confirmed about his life.

By order of Governor Dacian, Vincent and his bishop were dragged in chains to Valencia and kept in prison there for a long time. Then Valerius was banished, but Vincent was subjected to many cruel torments including the rack, the gridiron, and scourgings. After suffering these, he was again imprisoned in a cell strewn with shards of broken pots. He was then placed in a soft and luxurious bed, to shake his constancy, but there he expired.

After peace was restored to the Church, a chapel was built over Vincent’s remains outside the walls of Valencia.