JUDGEMENTS     FORGIVENESS     LOVE     FATHERS’ DAY
Today’s Gospel story should give us all pause. It is also noteworthy that it appears on Fathers’ Day.

A Pharisee invites Jesus to dine with him. Upon learning that Jesus was to dine at the Pharisee’s house, a very sinful woman entered the house, stood behind Him weeping, and then began to bathe His feet with her tears and ointment she had brought. She wiped His feet with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them again with the ointment. The Pharisee said to himself (judgment) that if Jesus were a prophet, He would know just what kind of woman was touching Him, she, a great sinner. (judgment again) He, Simon, certainly would not have invited such a person to his house to dine. (no forgiveness)

Jesus pointed out to His host that he did not give Him water to bathe His feet nor kiss Him in adoration nor anoint Him with precious ointment. Jesus then said to Simon, “If two people owed a debt–one much greater than the other–and both were forgiven by the creditor, which one would love him more?” Simon replied “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” Jesus answered “You have judged rightly.” Turning to the woman, Jesus

said “Your sins are forgiven…… Your faith has saved you; go in peace. SO I TELL YOU, HER MANY SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN BECAUSE SHE HAS SHOWN GREAT LOVE. BUT THE ONE TO WHOM LITTLE IS FORGIVEN, LOVES LITTLE.” *

Nobody in this world knows or understands another completely, no matter how close you think you are. Nor do we understand another’s circumstances entirely when we make our reactive judgments. But we are all capable of making snap judgments about each other. With or without explanation or proof. And forgiveness is not something that comes immediately, naturally, or in some cases, is even thought of as necessary. And yet our judgments influence and color our behaviors at the present moment and perhaps for a very much longer time. And these judgments, especially the negative ones, can be passed along and influence others, often unfairly.

Fathers struggle with these issues constantly—at home with children, extended family —judgment, forgiveness, love. Are they all necessary? Or is one just a snap reaction? Patience anyone? Can love over rule any action, no matter how painful? Can we ever love first in our reactive life? Is it easier to do this at home rather than the work place? How often do we judge others with whom we spend a great deal of our waking hours and yet, we actually know very little about them personally? We can make so many mistakes about another with just the most arbitrary information–hair style, clothing choices, language skills, cultural differences, reading materials, if any, and so on. And how often do we give kindness in our interactions rather than indifference, even if we don’t know the other very well? The world we live in has changed so extraordinarily that those who must travel its paths every day, communicate across the table or across the world every day, or just live and function outside the home every day, experience stresses never before imagined. How often do we forgive ourselves for acting poorly and then do something about it? The Pharisee, the sinful woman–to whom did Jesus pay the most attention? To whom did Jesus feel He had to teach in order for that person to understand His message? “

Which of these most dominates my life?   JUDGEMENTS    FORGIVENESS    LOVE
Which of these would you most like others to give you every day?

Stewardship Questions: Kathy Reilly 781-444-0862 e-mail: kreilly15@yahoo.com *Gospel according to Luke

HAPPY FATHERS’ DAY TO OUR LOVING AND HARD WORKING FATHERS! AND THANK YOU.

Reflection on the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jesus was moved with compassion. The readings on this Fathers’ Day remind us that the way we live out the mystery of life is all about our attitude toward living each day and the challenges that we face each day. Do we desire each day to grow in virtue and in love helping to bring to others a renewed sense of hope and vitality? Can we recognize our own weaknesses, inadequacies and sinfulness and see them as reasons to lovingly rely on God and others? In turn are we willing to sit with the Lord and work to increase His kingdom of love, justice and mercy? It is my prayer that for each of us we will hear the message of today’s readings and use them this summer for a time of renewal and rededication to living the message of Jesus Christ.

Reflection on the10th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jesus was moved with compassion. In today’s gospel Jesus shows great solidarity with sinners, the oppressed, the poor and the outcasts. The readings today are a powerful reminder of how Jesus desires the fullness of life for each of us. Jesus touching the coffin in today’s readings reminds us of the importance of being touched by Jesus in the sacraments. Through the Sacraments and the Word of God we are continually blessed and guided by Jesus to the fullness of life. It is appropriate and helpful when our attitudes, words, and actions reflect the attitude of Jesus. As the summer season is rapidly approaching, may we use it as a time of physical and spiritual renewal. Thank you.

Reflection on Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ: Today we celebrate the very wonderful feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus. When we receive the Eucharist how do we see and experience ourselves being nourished and enriched? Do we remember what happens at Mass? Our spiritual hungers are the greatest hungers of all. We need food for our journey. We are journeying in faith toward the promised land of eternal life. Jesus gives us His Body and Blood to satisfy our every longing. He loves us so much that He wishes to be part of us and we be part of Him. We are reminded of the Lord that Jesus showed even as He was dying on the Cross. The Eucharist heals our brokenness. One of the greatest blessings of being a people of the Eucharistic community in addition to receiving our Lord is the joy of being able to sustain and nurture this experience through daily prayer and the lived faith experience. Prayer leads us into a deeper realization of God acting in our lives and the healing and lov- ing moments of the Eucharist.

Each time we receive the Eucharist we can do it consciously and with grateful hearts mindful of the awesome reality of being loved and of receiving the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. We can feed on the very Body and Blood of Jesus longing to be more faithful to our baptismal promises and to unite ourselves to God. The Eucharist is Jesus’ promise to always be with us. Jesus is with us in the Eucharist to remind each of us that we are invited to enter into an unbroken relationship with the Trinity. Our sharing in the Body and Blood of Jesus is not just for ourselves. Through the Eucharist we are called to be more like Christ. We are called to transformation and this transformation is both a gift and a challenge. Jesus gives fully of Himself in the Eucharist and calls us to do the same. In receiving the Eucharist may we always give praise to God and ask God for divine assistance in whatever ways needed.

Reflection on Trinity Sunday: Faith is truly a gift from God. God is all around us. This is a time when we owe a great deal to God. Today we celebrate a great feast and a great mystery, the communion of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is a communion of love and creation is an overflow of God’s love. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls the mystery of the Holy Trinity the most important mystery of our faith. Do we show enough awe for the greatness and the glory of this mystery? How is belief in the Trinity related to the way we live? We know that God is three beings in one and the Trinity is the perfect community of love. God is a mystery of unity and Trinity. God is revealed as a God of mercy, love and compassion. Mysteries are intended to be contemplated in wonder and proclaimed by our lives. We are all created in the image and likeness of God. When we receive the Eucharist the whole Trinity comes into our hearts. With faith in God more things make sense and have great value.

Sharing: Time Talent Treasure

PENTECOST SUNDAY: “I will not leave you alone.” Do you have a passion in life?

Recently at a social gathering, a dad, full of happiness, explained his joy…… his daughter’s First Com- munion. “She looked so cute, the church was beautiful, Father’s homily was right on, and she should remember this day for the rest of her life. I know I will.” Listening intently, a woman asked him “Do you remember your First Communion?” Somewhat taken back, he paused and said “Actually, no.” She re- sponded, “I do very clearly. Two things collided and I was devastated. First, I was told I had to wear a dress. At age seven, I did not wear dresses for any reason. But even more horrible, I found out that First Communion was on the same day as the opening parade and first Little League game of the season. I loved baseball more than anything in life. I had waited excitedly for this day from the closing day of the previous season. And now I was told that I could not go. There were many bouts with my parents about both issues. Finally, I agreed to wear my older sister’s dress which was long to my ankles. Unbeknown to my parents at the time, I wore my Little League uniform under my First Communion dress. It felt great.” (This woman went on to a very successful career, with many awards, for her playing and coach- ing.) In these years beyond her playing days, she still loves the sport and still is as involved as one can be. A passion is not age restricted.

Do you have a passion? Are you blessed to find yourself in love with something outside of yourself? Do you do crafts, play bridge, gardening, create in your shop, play tennis, golf, cook, sing, create art in some form, do anything that warms your heart and gives you peace and enjoyment? Great talent is not the measure. Interest, participation, creativity, a learning curve, challenge, and more make something a passion. Without this passion, your life would be entirely different and not feel nearly as complete.

Jesus had a passion…..us. He wanted for us the perfect love He knew with His Father. His passion and love for us did not end with His death…..a sacrifice He did not have to make. It continued. “I will not leave you alone.” And so the Holy Spirit was given to us…..the Third Person of the Trinity. Where does our relationship with God fall in the definition of a life’s passion? Do we show much interest, give any time, participate, enjoy the challenge, do anything to deepen the relationship? Anyone who has a pas- sion will expound willingly on the joy it creates. And this is only a temporary earthly experience. Jesus offers us eternity with Him and His Father, if only we would enter into His joy of love. Pentecost Sunday is a good day to reflect. Do you have a passion in life?

Stewardship Questions: Kathy Reilly 781-444-0862 e-mail: kreilly15@yahoo.com