Author: diocesan-sharon

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

Reading 1 Acts 15:1-6

Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,
“Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,
you cannot be saved.”
Because there arose no little dissension and debate
by Paul and Barnabas with them,
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others
should go up to Jerusalem to the Apostles and presbyters
about this question.
They were sent on their journey by the Church,
and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria
telling of the conversion of the Gentiles,
and brought great joy to all the brethren.
When they arrived in Jerusalem,
they were welcomed by the Church,
as well as by the Apostles and the presbyters,
and they reported what God had done with them.
But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers
stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them
and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.”

The Apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

R.(see 1) Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 15:4a, 5b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord;
whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,
and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

 

– – –

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.

Be Present / Ser Presente

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

Click here for daily readings

We live in a more virtual world than ever before. Online meetings, emails, and videos are now the primary means of communication. Partially due to this, I have realized that it has been tough for me to be present to my husband and ultimately to Jesus, even though I have all the time in the world to spend in prayer and community with him.  

I once read a book that I feel has helped me grow in my vocation called Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love by Dietrich von Hildebrand. He talks about how important it is to nourish love, how part of the vocation as husband and wife is to intentionally put your spouse first (and ultimately your relationship together with Christ). I would like to share a quote from his text below:

Because our laziness, our dullness, and our constant falling back into the periphery stultifies our vision, it is difficult always to keep before us in all its same clarity and splendor the image of the other person so wonderfully revealed by love. We should and must fight against this dullness, for it constitutes a sin against the temple which we erected in our marriage. (von Hildebrand, 1984)

After reading this passage in the text, I realized just what it means to truly put your spouse first. I am thankful for the gift to realize how much my spouse means to me and how I have been taking him for granted. With this realization comes the fact that I have not been loving Jesus the way I should be striving to love Him. In our Gospel today, Jesus reminds us: “Remain in me, as I remain in you.” But I have been falling asleep in the garden, my laziness has taken over, and I am at the point where I am tired of making excuses.

With the grace of God, present and given freely to us all, I am choosing, as von Hildebrand states, to “fight against this dullness” and utilize the free will God gave me to love my husband and God the way it was meant to be from the beginning. My flesh may be weak, and I know I will fall many times in the journey of life, but God will remain in me, as I strive to love others. 

No matter the ways you are struggling to be present to others and ultimately be present to God, know that if you ask for the grace to love others and love Him more perfectly, He will give you the strength. He will help you overcome your vices and look further into yourself, so you may then see His presence in yourself and those around you. No matter if you are married, single, or consecrated to Christ, know that we are in this together – it all comes down to our human vocation, and that is to love.

“My vocation, at last I have found it; my vocation is love.”

-St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Vivimos en un mundo más virtual que nunca. Las reuniones en línea, los correos electrónicos y los videos ahora son los principales medios de comunicación. En parte debido a esto, me he dado cuenta de que ha sido difícil para mí estar presente con mi esposo y, en última instancia, con Jesús, aunque tengo todo el tiempo del mundo para pasarlo en oración y en comunidad con él.

Hace tiempo leí un libro que siento que me ha ayudado a crecer en mi vocación llamado Matrimonio: El Misterio del Amor Fiel por Dietrich von Hildebrand. Habla sobre lo importante que es alimentar el amor, cómo parte de la vocación de esposo es poner intencionalmente a su cónyuge primero (y en última instancia, su relación con Cristo). Me gustaría compartir una cita de su texto a continuación:

“Debido a que nuestra pereza, nuestra torpeza y nuestra constante caída en la periferia obstaculiza nuestra visión, es difícil mantener siempre ante nosotros en toda su claridad y esplendor la imagen de la otra persona tan maravillosamente revelada por el amor. Debemos y tenemos que luchar contra este embotamiento, pues constituye un pecado contra el templo que erigimos en nuestro matrimonio.” (von Hildebrand, 1984)

Después de leer este pasaje en el texto, me di cuenta de lo que significa realmente poner primero a tu cónyuge. Estoy agradecida por el regalo de darme cuenta de cuánto significa mi cónyuge para mí y de cómo lo he estado tomando por hecho. Con esta comprensión viene el hecho de que no he estado amando a Jesús de la manera en que debería esforzarme por amarlo. En nuestro Evangelio de hoy, Jesús nos recuerda: “Permanezcan en mí y yo en ustedes”. Pero me he estado quedando dormida en el jardín, mi pereza se ha apoderado de mí y ya estoy cansada de poner excusas.

Con la gracia de Dios, presente y dada gratuitamente a todos nosotros, elijo, como dice von Hildebrand, “luchar contra este aburrimiento” y utilizar el libre albedrío que Dios me dio para amar a mi esposo y a Dios de la manera en que debía hacerlo. Mi carne puede ser débil, y sé que caeré muchas veces en el camino de la vida, pero Dios permanecerá en mí, mientras me esfuerzo por amar a los demás.

No importa las formas en que estés luchando por estar presente para los demás y, en última instancia, estar presente para Dios, si pides la gracia de amar a los demás y amarlo más perfectamente, Él te dará la fuerza. Te ayudará a superar tus vicios y a mirarte más adentro, para que luego puedas ver Su presencia en ti y en los que te rodean. No importa si estás casado, soltero o consagrado a Cristo, sepa que estamos juntos en esto: todo se reduce a nuestra vocación humana, y eso es amar.

“Mi vocación, por fin la he encontrado; mi vocación es el amor.” (Sta. Teresa de Lisieux)

This reflection was reposted from Diocesan Archives. Author: Nathalie Shultz

Feature Image Credit: Michael Fenton, unsplash.com/photos/0ZQ8vojHNuc

Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

Reading 1 Acts 14:19-28

In those days, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium
arrived and won over the crowds.
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing that he was dead.
But when the disciples gathered around him,
he got up and entered the city.
On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

After they had proclaimed the good news to that city
and made a considerable number of disciples,
they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.
They strengthened the spirits of the disciples
and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,
“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships
to enter the Kingdom of God.”
They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and,
with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord
in whom they had put their faith.
Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.
After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.
From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been commended to the grace of God
for the work they had now accomplished.
And when they arrived, they called the Church together
and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Then they spent no little time with the disciples.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21

R.(see 12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD,
and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia See Lk 24:46, 26

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 14:27-31a

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.
I will no longer speak much with you,
for the ruler of the world is coming.
He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father
and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

 

 

 

– – –

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.

Just as the Father has Commanded Me / Tal Como el Padre Me ha Mandado

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

Click here for daily readings

“The most important thing is your peace before God.” These wise words from a holy priest were hard to comprehend, spoken to me (peacefully!) in the midst of great turmoil within and around me, and the need to take action when I did not know what to do. It seemed no matter what I did, others’ lives would be profoundly affected; an entire charitable project begun with solid spiritual foundations was at stake, and for the moment, I was the fulcrum. Because of ongoing conflict, I was being counseled to walk away, as the project was not the most important thing; my peace before God was more important.

There are many reflections on the peace that Christ gives, and it is true that deep and real peace in the face of difficulty can only come from Him. He tells us not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid, but there are troubling and fearful things happening to us and around us all the time! Are we expected to avoid all these disturbances and disasters? Are we supposed to turn a blind eye to suffering and hunger and catastrophe so that our peace is undisturbed?

No. Of course not. That would be impossible. Even pretending to “not see” the tragedies in this world would require us to be madmen. The “ruler of the world” that Jesus mentions in the Gospel, the enemy of our souls and of God’s Plan, is the reason for all the sin and sorrow in the world. And this enemy tries to maintain control of our hearts through fear and intimidation and by providing a false sense of security. But our peace comes from the Truth that this enemy has no power over us in Christ, that we are loved unconditionally and given the grace to love fully in return; our lives have meaning and purpose and mission. Christ illustrates this as He freely lays down His life in loving obedience to the Father, not because the enemy takes it from Him. We can have peace knowing that God is in control – no pain or tragedy or confusion can overpower His infinite love for us; we cannot out-smart His providence or out-sin His mercy. To know this peace, we must, like Christ, submit wholly and lovingly to the Father’s will, trusting that He will take care of the rest.

With a kind of bittersweet certainty, I did walk away from the project for which I had poured myself out. But even as the whole project unraveled, and others’ lives were affected, I was peacefully confident that the Lord would take care of all of us, and that we were all being given an opportunity to learn something eternally valuable through the long strain on our hearts and relationships. When we entrust everything to the Lord, we are blessed with peace and every good thing that we need.

Contact the author

“Lo más importante es tener paz ante Dios”. Estas sabias palabras de un santo sacerdote fueron difíciles de comprender, me fueron dichas (pacíficamente) en medio de una gran confusión dentro y alrededor mío, y la necesidad de actuar cuando no sabía qué hacer. Parecía que sin importar lo que hiciera, la vida de los demás se vería profundamente afectada; Estaba en juego todo un proyecto de caridad iniciado con sólidos cimientos espirituales, y por el momento yo era el punto de apoyo. Debido al conflicto en curso, me aconsejaron que me alejara, ya que el proyecto no era lo más importante, sino mi paz ante Dios.

Son muchas las reflexiones sobre la paz que da Cristo, y es verdad que la paz profunda y real ante la dificultad sólo puede venir de Él. Nos dice que no dejemos que nuestros corazones se turben o teman, ¡pero hay cosas preocupantes y terribles que nos suceden a nosotros y a nuestro alrededor todo el tiempo! ¿Se espera que evitemos todos estas cosas tumultuosas y desastrosas? ¿Se supone que debemos evitar ver el sufrimiento, el hambre y la catástrofe para que nuestra paz no se vea perturbada?

Claro que no. Eso sería imposible. Incluso fingir “no ver” las tragedias de este mundo requeriría que seamos locos. El “príncipe del mundo” del que habla Jesús en el Evangelio, el enemigo de nuestras almas y del Plan de Dios, es la causa de todo el pecado y el dolor del mundo. Y este enemigo trata de mantener el control de nuestros corazones a través del miedo y la intimidación y proporcionando una falsa sensación de seguridad. Pero nuestra paz proviene de la Verdad de que este enemigo no tiene poder sobre nosotros en Cristo, que somos amados incondicionalmente y que a cambio se nos da la gracia de amar plenamente; nuestras vidas tienen sentido, propósito y misión. Cristo demuestra esto cuando da Su vida libremente en amorosa obediencia al Padre, no porque el enemigo se la quite. Podemos tener paz sabiendo que Dios tiene el control: ningún dolor, tragedia o confusión puede vencer Su amor infinito por nosotros; no podemos ser más astutos que Su providencia o más pecadores que Su misericordia. Para conocer esta paz, debemos, como Cristo, someternos total y amorosamente a la voluntad del Padre, confiando en que Él se encargará del resto.

Con una especie de certeza agridulce, me alejé del proyecto al que me había entregado. Pero incluso cuando todo el proyecto se deshizo y la vida de otras personas se vio afectada, confiaba tranquilamente en que el Señor cuidaría de todos nosotros y que a todos se nos daría la oportunidad de aprender algo eternamente valioso a través de la larga tensión en nuestros corazones y relaciones. Cuando confiamos todo al Señor, somos bendecidos con paz y todo lo bueno que necesitamos.

Comunicarse con la autora

Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Father Rob), and seven grandchildren. She is President of the local community of Secular Discalced Carmelites and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 30 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church by writing and speaking, and by collaborating with various parishes and to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is www.KathrynTherese.com

Feature Image Credit: Agencia Eremo, cathopic.com/photo/14089-santisima-trinidad

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

Reading 1 Acts 14:5-18

There was an attempt in Iconium
by both the Gentiles and the Jews,
together with their leaders,
to attack and stone Paul and Barnabas.
They realized it,
and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe
and to the surrounding countryside,
where they continued to proclaim the Good News.

At Lystra there was a crippled man, lame from birth,
who had never walked.
He listened to Paul speaking, who looked intently at him,
saw that he had the faith to be healed,
and called out in a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet.”
He jumped up and began to walk about.
When the crowds saw what Paul had done,
they cried out in Lycaonian,
“The gods have come down to us in human form.”
They called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes,”
because he was the chief speaker.
And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city,
brought oxen and garlands to the gates,
for he together with the people intended to offer sacrifice.

The Apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their garments
when they heard this and rushed out into the crowd, shouting,
“Men, why are you doing this?
We are of the same nature as you, human beings.
We proclaim to you good news
that you should turn from these idols to the living God,
who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.
In past generations he allowed all Gentiles to go their own ways;
yet, in bestowing his goodness,
he did not leave himself without witness,
for he gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons,
and filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts.”
Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the crowds
from offering sacrifice to them.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16

R.(1ab) Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your mercy, because of your truth.
Why should the pagans say,
“Where is their God?”
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Our God is in heaven;
whatever he wills, he does.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the handiwork of men.
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May you be blessed by the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Heaven is the heaven of the LORD,
but the earth he has given to the children of men.
R. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 14:26

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Holy Spirit will teach you everything
and remind you of all I told you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“”Whoever has my commandments and observes them
is the one who loves me.
Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I will love him and reveal myself to him.””
Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him,
“”Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us
and not to the world?””
Jesus answered and said to him,
“”Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.

“”I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit
whom the Father will send in my name–
he will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.””
 

– – –

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.

The Holy Spirit Dwells Within / El Espíritu Santo Habita en Nosotros

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

Click here for daily readings

I love how well Jesus knows us. We believe Jesus was fully human and fully divine, but sometimes we have a tendency to lean into one aspect more than the other. For the times you see Jesus as too far away to relate to, more divine than human, consider the last part of our Gospel today. Jesus promises to send an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will “teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you” (John 14:26). I don’t know about you, but I can barely remember what I had for breakfast yesterday. What a relief it must have been for the disciples to hear they would have help recalling 3 solid years of teaching from Jesus! 

Joking aside, what an incredible gift we have received in the Person of the Holy Spirit. For those who have been confirmed, the fullness of the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you right now. The Holy Spirit is with you all the time, gently reminding you of what Jesus has already taught you. 

Many might call the voice of the Holy Spirit their conscience. But the Holy Spirit is so much more than that. Your conscience can definitely be formed and informed by the Holy Spirit, but if you have not disciplined it with Truth and the teachings of the Church, even your conscience can lead you astray. This is why we have to examine our conscience prior to receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We are not examining the Holy Spirit for fault, but our own inclinations, attitudes and choices. The Holy Spirit can help us properly examine our conscience and then, along with the grace received in the sacrament, continue to form it according to God’s Will.

Reflecting on the role of the Holy Spirit reminded me of another passage of Scripture from the Old Testament. In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses is exhorting the people that the Word of God isn’t too far away, too wondrous to behold, or beyond their grasp. Rather, “it is something very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it.” (Deut 30:14). In some translations, it says “you have only to carry it out.” 

By the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God is already dwelling within you, waiting for you to have the courage to act upon it. The Holy Spirit is continually speaking to you, pointing you in the direction you ought to go. 

I felt the conviction of these words from Deuteronomy so strongly I now have this Scripture reference permanently on my wrist. They are a daily reminder that I need to pause to listen to the Holy Spirit’s whisperings and then act upon them with boldness and courage.

Contact the author

Me encanta que Jesús nos conozca tan profundamente. Creemos que Jesús era completamente humano y completamente divino, pero a veces tenemos una tendencia a inclinarnos más hacia un aspecto que hacia el otro. Para los momentos en que vea a Jesús como demasiado lejano para relacionarse con él, más divino que humano, considere la última parte de nuestro Evangelio de hoy. Jesús promete enviar un Abogado, el Espíritu Santo, quien “les enseñará todas las cosas y les recordará todo cuanto yo les he dicho” (Juan 14:26). No sé si es lo mismo con ustedes, pero yo apenas puedo recordar lo que desayuné ayer. ¡Qué alivio debe haber sido para los discípulos escuchar que tendrían ayuda recordando tres años completos de enseñanza de Jesús!

Pero hablando en serio, qué don tan increíble hemos recibido en la Persona del Espíritu Santo. Para aquellos que han sido confirmados, la plenitud del Espíritu Santo está morando en ustedes ahora mismo. El Espíritu Santo está contigo todo el tiempo, recordándote suavemente lo que Jesús ya te ha enseñado.

Muchos podrían llamar a la voz del Espíritu Santo su conciencia. Pero el Espíritu Santo es mucho más que eso. Tu conciencia definitivamente puede ser formada e informada por el Espíritu Santo, pero si no la has disciplinado con la Verdad y las enseñanzas de la Iglesia, incluso tu conciencia puede desviarte. Por eso tenemos que hacer un examen de conciencia antes de recibir el Sacramento de la Reconciliación. No estamos examinando al Espíritu Santo por culpa, sino nuestras propias inclinaciones, actitudes y elecciones. El Espíritu Santo puede ayudarnos a examinar adecuadamente nuestra conciencia y luego, junto con la gracia recibida en el sacramento, seguimos formándola según la Voluntad de Dios.

Reflexionar sobre el papel del Espíritu Santo me recordó de otro pasaje de las Escrituras del Antiguo Testamento. En el Libro de Deuteronomio, Moisés exhorta al pueblo a que la Palabra de Dios no está demasiado lejos, ni es demasiado maravillosa para contemplarla, ni más allá de su alcance. Más bien, “es algo muy cercano a ti, en tu boca y en tu corazón, hacerlo”. (Dt 30:14). En algunas traducciones dice “solo tienes que llevarlo a cabo”.

Por la gracia del Espíritu Santo, la Palabra de Dios ya está habitando dentro de ti, esperando que tengas el valor de actuar en consecuencia. El Espíritu Santo te está hablando continuamente, indicándote la dirección en la que debes ir.

Sentí la convicción de estas palabras de Deuteronomio con tanta fuerza que ahora tengo esta referencia bíblica permanentemente en mi muñeca. Son un recordatorio diario de que necesito hacer una pausa para escuchar los susurros del Espíritu Santo y luego actuar sobre ellos con audacia y valor.

Comunicarse con la autora

Kate Taliaferro is an Air Force wife and mother. She is blessed to be able to homeschool, bake bread and fold endless piles of laundry. When not planning a school day, writing a blog post or cooking pasta, Kate can be found curled up with a book or working with some kind of fiber craft. Kate blogs at DailyGraces.net.

Feature Image Credit: Mo Eid, www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-black-shirt-walking-on-sand-8347501/

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

Reading 1 Acts 6:1-7

As the number of disciples continued to grow,
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews
because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution.
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said,
“It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,
filled with the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we shall appoint to this task,
whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer
and to the ministry of the word.”
The proposal was acceptable to the whole community,
so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
They presented these men to the apostles
who prayed and laid hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread,
and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly;
even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19

R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 1 Pt 2:4-9

Beloved:
Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings
but chosen and precious in the sight of God,
and, like living stones,
let yourselves be built into a spiritual house
to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
For it says in Scripture:
Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone, chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.
Therefore, its value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone, and
A stone that will make people stumble,
and a rock that will make them fall.
They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.

You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people of his own,
so that you may announce the praises” of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Alleluia Jn 14:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father, except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 14:1-12

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way.”
Thomas said to him,
“Master, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him,
“Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.”

– – –

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.

Spiritual and Religious / Espiritual y Religioso

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

Click here for daily readings

The question is often asked why you need religion at all. Can’t you just be a spiritual person and go directly to God? Especially in the wake of scandal, doesn’t it seem like all human institutions have failed in one way or another to transmit the Gospel to all people at all times? 

Years ago a very popular Youtube video showed a man speaking poetry claiming that he loved Jesus but hated religion. This seems to be a modern response to the horrible tragedies that have happened in religious institutions over the course of history, and these tragedies should not ever go unnoticed or the victims of these tragedies be forgotten. 

Though it may be coming from a genuine place of concern for people to say they don’t need religion, it is clear from the very beginning that Jesus founded a religion, a visible Church. He knew better than anyone that people could come directly to him, but he didn’t set it up that way. In today’s First Reading we hear a beautiful story of the early Church organizing and ordaining more priests in order to serve the growing needs of the flock. Right from the very beginning in Acts 6 we see the need for a visible Church that can bring the visible Christ to visible people with tangible needs. 

Of course we can always go directly to God, but as human beings we often get in our own way. I know many Protestant friends who ask God directly for forgiveness and then have to struggle through mental games wondering if they truly are sorry and repentant. One of the benefits to a visible Church and visible sacraments is that we don’t need to guess. Even Catholics can go directly to God and make a perfect act of contrition, but we are required by Canon Law to confess our sins to a priest, not because the Church wants to assure that we feel embarrassed about our sins, but so that we can have the assurance of forgiveness. 

Though the Church is not perfect because it is full of very sinful people, myself included, being spiritual and not religious constantly leaves us wondering or worried about where we stand before God. With the Sacraments we need not worry, we have the assurance of Christ. 

So take hope during this Easter season that God has set up a Church, that it is a visible body with authority, and that by living in this Church we can be assured that God is working for our salvation, despite the things we do or the lies we believe. Why not have the best of both worlds? Let’s make it a point this Easter season to be spiritual and also religious, clinging to the hope that Jesus brings through his death and resurrection. 

From all of us here at Diocesan, God bless!

Contact the author

A menudo se hace la pregunta de por qué necesitamos la religión. ¿No podemos ser simplemente una persona espiritual y hablar directamente con Dios? Especialmente a raíz del escándalo, ¿no parece que todas las instituciones humanas han fallado de una forma u otra en transmitir el Evangelio a todas las personas en todo momento?

Hace años, un video muy popular de Youtube mostraba a un hombre hablando poesías y afirmando que amaba a Jesús pero odiaba la religión. Esta parece ser una respuesta moderna a las horribles tragedias que han ocurrido en las instituciones religiosas a lo largo de la historia, y estas tragedias nunca deben pasar desapercibidas y las víctimas de estas tragedias nunca deben ser olvidadas.

Aunque puede provenir de una preocupación genuina para las personas decir que no necesitan la religión, está claro desde el principio que Jesús fundó una religión, una Iglesia visible. Sabía mejor que nadie que la gente podía acudir directamente a él, pero no lo configuró de esa manera. En la Primera Lectura de hoy escuchamos una hermosa historia de la Iglesia primitiva organizando y ordenando más sacerdotes para atender las crecientes necesidades del rebaño. Desde el mismo comienzo en Hechos 6 vemos la necesidad de una Iglesia visible que pueda llevar el Cristo visible a personas visibles con necesidades tangibles.

Por supuesto que siempre podemos ir directamente a Dios, pero como seres humanos a menudo nos estorbamos a nosotros mismos. Conozco a muchos amigos protestantes que le piden perdón a Dios directamente y luego tienen que luchar con juegos mentales preguntándose si realmente están arrepentidos. Uno de los beneficios de una Iglesia visible y sacramentos visibles es que no tenemos que adivinar. Incluso los católicos pueden ir directamente a Dios y hacer un acto de contrición perfecto, pero el derecho canónico nos exige que confesemos nuestros pecados a un sacerdote, no porque la Iglesia quiera asegurarse de que nos sintamos avergonzados por nuestros pecados, sino para que podamos tener la seguridad del perdón.

Aunque la Iglesia no es perfecta porque está llena de gente muy pecadora, incluyendo a mí mismo, ser espiritual y no religioso constantemente nos deja preguntándonos o preocupándonos acerca de nuestra posición ante Dios. Con los Sacramentos no debemos preocuparnos, tenemos la seguridad de Cristo.

Así que ten esperanza durante este tiempo pascual de que Dios ha establecido una Iglesia, que es un cuerpo visible con autoridad, y que al vivir en esta Iglesia podemos estar seguros de que Dios está obrando para nuestra salvación, a pesar de las cosas que hacemos o las mentiras que creemos. ¿Por qué no tener lo mejor de ambos mundos? Procuremos en este tiempo de Pascua ser espirituales y también religiosos, aferrándonos a la esperanza que Jesús trae a través de su muerte y resurrección.

De parte de todos nosotros aquí en Diocesan, ¡Dios los bendiga!

Comunicarse con el autor

Tommy Shultz is a Business Development Representative for Diocesan. In this role he is committed to bringing the best software to dioceses and parishes while helping them evangelize on the digital continent. Tommy has worked in various diocese and parish roles since his graduation from Franciscan University with a Theology degree. He hopes to use his skills in evangelization, marketing, and communications, to serve the Church and bring the Good News to all. His favorite quote comes from St. John Paul II, who said, “A person is an entity of a sort to which the only proper and adequate way to relate is love.”

Feature Image Credit: Josh Eckstein, unsplash.com/photos/frsN89Tf-1Q

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

Reading 1 Acts 13:44-52

On the following sabbath
almost the whole city
gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy
and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.
Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said,
“It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first,
but since you reject it
and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life,
we now turn to the Gentiles.
For so the Lord has commanded us,
I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
that you may be an instrument of salvation
to the ends of the earth.“

The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this
and glorified the word of the Lord.
All who were destined for eternal life came to believe,
and the word of the Lord continued to spread
through the whole region.
The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers
and the leading men of the city,
stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas,
and expelled them from their territory.
So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them
and went to Iconium.
The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 8:31b-32

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
and you will know the truth, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 14:7-14

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to Jesus,
“Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do,
so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

– – –

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.

Speak Truth in Love / Hablar la Verdad con Amor

Posted on by diocesan-sharon

Click here for daily readings

Today is my boyfriend’s birthday, so while reading today’s readings I was immediately reminded of our promise to one another: To always speak the truth. 

While he and I discern marriage, we’ve realized just how important it is to have difficult conversations. We’ve recognized the value of speaking truth, the core of love, to one another even if it is hard to hear. Maybe it’s an insensitive joke or maybe it’s the frustration and anxieties of learning who we are. No matter what the situation, we have always chosen to focus on communication and communicating truth, even when it is hard to be honest not only with one another, but with ourselves. It might lead to tears, to awkward silences, and frustrated sighs, but at the end, we know that sharing our truths makes us better as individuals and stronger as a couple. 

I bring this up because in today’s First Reading, Paul and Barnabus speak out the truth that the Jews clearly did not want to hear. They boldly resound the Word of God, the Truth, that there is now also salvation for the Gentiles, not only the Jews. They even go so far as to explain that this is due to the Jews’ own actions, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). 

Imagine being Paul and Barnabus at this moment. 

Imagine the fear. 

Now imagine the love that they borrow from the Lord before opening their mouths. 

I say “love” because as the apostle St. John tells us in 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” As humans, we fear the truth because it is difficult to share. There are stigmas, perceptions, and judgements we fear that keep us from sharing the truth.

Maybe you don’t wear your cross necklace because you don’t want people to consider you a “Jesus freak” in these times of hostility towards Christians. Maybe you laugh along and call your Sunday Mass obligation boring because your friends said it first. Maybe you are avoiding a conversation with someone because you are afraid to tell them you don’t agree with their actions.

Maybe you are avoiding the Lord because your own actions are not in line with Him. 

No matter the reason, no matter the situation, we must borrow the love from the Lord so we are not afraid of the Truth because we know that through Him, we are always offered forgiveness and salvation, should we just turn to Him. 

Stop to take a moment to consider your fears and hushed truths. 

Now, in striving for perfect love, lean on the Lord and speak the truth without fear. 

Contact the Author

Hoy es el cumpleaños de mi novio, así que mientras leía las lecturas de hoy me acordé de inmediato de nuestra promesa mutua: decir siempre la verdad.

Mientras él y yo discernimos el matrimonio, nos hemos dado cuenta de lo importante que es tener conversaciones difíciles. Hemos reconocido el valor de decir la verdad, el núcleo del amor, el uno al otro, incluso si es difícil de escuchar. Tal vez sea una broma insensible o tal vez sea la frustración y la ansiedad de llegar a conocer quiénes somos. No importa cuál sea la situación, siempre hemos optado por centrarnos en la comunicación y comunicar la verdad, incluso cuando es difícil ser honestos, no solo con los demás, sino con nosotros mismos. Puede provocar lágrimas, silencios incómodos y suspiros de frustración, pero al final sabemos que compartir nuestras verdades nos hace mejores como personas y más fuertes como pareja.

Menciono esto porque en la Primera Lectura de hoy, Pablo y Bernabé dicen la verdad que los judíos claramente no querían escuchar. Resuenan con audacia la Palabra de Dios, la Verdad, que ahora también hay salvación para los gentiles, no sólo para los judíos. Incluso llegan a explicar que esto se debe a las propias acciones de los judíos, diciendo: “La palabra de Dios debía ser predicada primero a ustedes; pero como la rechazan y no se juzgan dignos de la vida eterna, nos dirigiremos a los paganos.” (Hechos 13:46).

Imagina si fueras Pablo o Bernabé en este momento.

Imagina el miedo.

Ahora imagina el amor que piden que el Señor les dé antes de abrir la boca.

Digo “amor” porque como nos dice el apóstol San Juan en 1 Juan 4:18, “En el amor no hay temor, sino que el amor perfecto echa fuera el temor”. Como seres humanos, tememos la verdad porque es difícil de compartir. Hay estigmas, percepciones y juicios que tememos que nos impiden compartir la verdad.

Tal vez no utilices tu collar con cruz porque no quieres que la gente te considere un “fanático de Jesús” en estos tiempos de hostilidad hacia los cristianos. Tal vez te ríes y dices que tu obligación de ir a la misa dominical es aburrida porque tus amigos lo dijeron primero. Tal vez estás evitando una conversación con alguien porque tienes miedo de decirle que no estás de acuerdo con sus acciones.

Tal vez estás evitando al Señor porque tus propias acciones no están en línea con Él.

No importa la razón, no importa la situación, debemos pedir que el Señor nos regale su amor para no tener miedo de la Verdad porque sabemos que a través de Él, siempre se nos ofrece el perdón y la salvación, si se lo pedimos.

Detente y toma un momento para considerar tus miedos y verdades silenciosas.

Ahora, en la lucha por el amor perfecto, apóyate en el Señor y habla la verdad sin miedo.

Comunicarse con la autora

Image Credit: Brett Jordan, unsplash.com/photos/Pd3ml1YRPlg

Veronica Alvarado is a born and raised Texan currently living in Pennsylvania. Since graduating from Texas A&M University, Veronica has published various Catholic articles in bulletins, newspapers, e-newsletters, and blogs. She continued sharing her faith after graduation as a web content strategist and digital project manager. Today, she continues this mission in her current role as communications director and project manager for Pentecost Today USA, a Catholic Charismatic Renewal organization in Pittsburgh.