WHEN YOU ARE A CATHOLIC BLOG

Eucharist

WHEN YOU ARE CATHOLIC...

March 2. Hunger and Solidarity

This past weekend 56 High School and Middle School participants from St. John Vianney and three other parishes participated in a twenty-four hour long fast from food. Catholic Relief Services received hundreds of dollars from sponsors of the participants in the fast. Our goal was to raise money, and to understand chronic hunger more personally. We went twenty four hours without eating anything more than a piece of fruit and drinking only juice and water. Participants also took a prayer walk downtown experiencing many of the ministries in the Heartside area. Our theme for the weekend was migration and all the various reasons people leave their home. Youth taking part in the event acted in solidarity with the worlds poor. Solidarity, one of the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching, helps us understand our relationship with the entire human family. By recovering the unicity of the human family we bring down barriers that prevent healing and aid to go to those in most need. Thanks to all who participated.

March 9. Sacraments of Initiation

The Sacraments of Initiation are three of the seven that initiate us into the faith. In the sacraments of Christian initiation we are freed from the power of sin and joined to Christ in his death and resurrection. We receive the Spirit of adoption and become one with the entire people of God.

The first is baptism. Baptism incorporates us into the Body of Christ and forms us into God’s people. Baptism pardons us from our sins, rescues us from evil, and brings us the dignity of God’s children (Col 1:13). We become a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit.

But how can a baby have sins to be pardoned? We are all born with original sin. Because of original sin, named for the sin depicted in the fall of Adam and Eve, we all are free to commit sin. This does not mean that we have sinned but simply that we have the potential to sin. This inclination is called, “concupiscence.” Original sin is contracted by our human nature, not committed. It is a state, not an act.

Why does God allow original sin? God permits evil in order to experience his grace more fully. God does not want a bunch of robots. He wants us to freely choose Him. This, of course, means that we can freely choose NOT to be with him.

The next sacrament of initiation is confirmation. By signing us with the gift of the Holy Spirit, confirmation makes us more completely the image of the Lord and fills us with that same Spirit, so that we may bear witness to him before all the world and work to bring the Body of Christ to its fullness (Ad gentes, 36). Confirmation is a completion of our baptism, sealing us in mind, body, and spirit into the wholeness of Christian life.

When is the age of confirmation? Each bishop has the right to set the age of confirmation within his diocese.

Why is confirmation celebrated separately from baptism? In the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, confirmation is not separate from baptism. All three sacraments of initiation are celebrated at Easter Vigil. For those baptized as infants, the age of confirmation in the Diocese of Grand Rapids is no sooner than 8th grade. This is not a right of passage into adulthood in the church but a “confirming” or sealing of the gift of the Holy Spirit originally received in baptism. Historically, as the early church grew, the Rite of Baptism became the responsibility of the local priest. As the bishop made his rounds throughout all the churches in his care, he would confirm that baptism with a second anointing.

The third sacrament of initiation is the Eucharist. In receiving the Eucharist, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of Jesus so that we may have eternal life (Jn 6:55) and show forth the unity of God’s people. By offering ourselves with Christ, we share in the sacrifice of the whole community of Christians through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be brought into the unity of God’s family more fully (Lumen gentium), 28). The Eucharist is the source and summit of all Christian Life (Lumen gentium, 11).

The three sacraments of Christian initiation closely combine to bring the faithful of Christ to His fullness and allow us to carry out His mission in the Church and the world.

March 16. What is FOCA?

FOCA is the most radical piece of abortion legislation ever considered by the US Congress. Its goal is to create a fundamental right to abortion and to sweep away the more than 300 federal, state, or local regulations that currently exist. FOCA prohibits any state or federal government entity from “denying or interfering” with abortion rights “discriminating” against the exercise of these rights. In effect even the most reasonable restrictions on abortion would be off-limits as unlawful interference. This means that the progress made by the pro-life movement over the past 35 years in limiting and reducing abortions through modest regulations could vanish overnight.
            On the federal level, FOCA would allow the federal government to use tax dollars to actively promote abortion both domestically and over-seas. Not only would it overturn the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003, but it would invalidate the Hyde Amendment, which currently restricts federal funding of abortion…
            Additionally FOCA would deprive US citizens of the rights they now possess to enact modest abortion regulations. For instance, it would invalidate all state laws related to pre-abortion counseling, parental notification for children under the age of eighteen and restrictions on late term abortions. It would outlaw informed consent precautions that disclose to women the physical and emotional risks of abortion, and laws allowing pregnant women to view ultra-sounds before they choose abortion. FOCA would even remove laws mandating that abortion procedures be performed by licensed physicians…and it would actually nullify state laws that protect infants who are born alive after failed abortion attempts.
            …Cardinal Justin Rigali, chairman of the US bishop’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, sent a letter to every member of Congress in September of 2008, urging opposition to FOCA. He reminded them that we cannot “reduce abortions by promoting abortion.”
            Originally published in Columbia Magazine – January 2009

March 23. What is special about Holy Week?

Holy Week:
Holy Week begins with Passion (Palm) Sunday (April 4th-5th). This day “sets the stage” for the rest of the week when we will focus intently on the great mystery of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection (Paschal Mystery). It is a week filled with special liturgies, and it transitions us from the Lenten season into the Easter season. Lent concludes on Holy Thursday evening when the Sacred Triduum begins. Triduum means “three days”. It begins on Holy Thursday evening with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and concludes on Easter Sunday evening. The Easter season lasts for fifty days and concludes with Pentecost (May 30th-31st).

Palm Sunday – Depending on the weather, those who wish will gather outside or in the gathering area for the blessing of palms and procession at the beginning of Mass. The gospel is St. Mark’s account of the Lord’s Passion. A silent departure from Mass carries us into the most solemn week of our Church year.

Diocesan Chrism Mass is held on Tuesday evening at the cathedral and is celebrated by the bishop along with priests and representatives from all the parishes in the diocese. During this Mass the priests renew their commitment to priestly service and the new oils are blessed. There are 3 oils that we use throughout the year: the Oil of Catechumens (for those preparing for baptism), the Oil of the Sick, and the sacred Chrism (used in baptism, confirmation, ordination and consecration of a new church building or rededication of an existing church building)

Holy Thursday Mass – 3 of our parish representatives from the diocesan Chrism Mass will present our new oils at the beginning of Mass. The liturgy of the word emphasizes the institution of the Eucharist and our call to serve one another. The readings recall the Passover and Last Supper. The ritual of the washing of the feet follows the homily. Fr. Mike will wash the feet of 12 parish leaders. Following communion the Blessed Sacrament will be taken to the chapel for Adoration. Adoration is an opportunity to spend quiet time in prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament. This time of individual prayer concludes with the Tenebrae service.

Good Friday – The liturgy is not a Mass. It consists of the liturgy of the word including St. John’s account of the Lord’s Passion, the veneration of the cross and the distribution of Holy Communion. Depart in silence.

Holy Saturday – This is the high point of the Church year as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. The Mass begins in darkness as we bless the fire that will light our new Easter (Paschal) Candle. From this candle we light our own candle until the church is bathed in a warm glow of candlelight. All listen as the Exaltet is chanted (the Easter Proclamation - a beautiful poetic text). During an extended liturgy of the word we listen to stories of creation and salvation. “Alleluia” rings out again after its long absence during Lent. The Gloria is sung again accompanied by the ringing of bells. New members are incorporated into the Church through the initiation sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. Those of us already baptized renew our baptismal promises and are sprinkled with the newly blessed water.

April 20. Early Church

According to the Acts of the Apostles, “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)

Luke, the writer of Acts, outlines the principle norms of the church into which the newly baptized of Luke’s time were indoctrinated. These norms are still a part of church life today.

The faithful growing in their faith and knowledge through catechesis, for all people, adults, youth, and children alike.
The faithful growing their sense of community, learning how to love one another as Christ loves us.
Participating in the Eucharist, our daily breaking of the bread as the community of believers.
Prayer, both individually and communally.
The community of believers, nourished by learning, the Eucharist, and prayer, able to be a strong sacramental sign to the world as they are Christ present in the larger community around them.
A peaceful community, sharing their thoughts and beliefs, helping one another through stewardship and social justice.
A community dedicated and devoted to God and one another, showing joy and sincerity.
When this community actually exists, the growth of the community is phenomenal.

Therefore, let’s look to the early church as a guide to how we live as a community, “praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.”

April 27 What is Stewardship?

These are the most trying financial times we have experienced in a long time in this country, or in the world. It would seem not the best time to consider the Stewardship of Treasure. After all, families are struggling and yet we ask you to consider another obligation - to support your church community.

In actuality, this is a very good time. We believe that many of the teachings of stewardship will be learned by many over the next few years; living simply, making better use of what we have instead of purchasing things we don’t need, better budgeting, and more emphasis on others instead of “me”. Stewardship teaches that giving should be a sacrifice. That giving off the top, instead of what is left over at the end of the week or month, is what we are expected to do as followers of Jesus.

In their pastoral letter “Stewardship: A Disciples Response” the US Catholic Bishops write ... “stewardship requires that many people adopt simpler lifestyles. This is true, not only of affluent persons and societies, but also of those who may not be affluent, as that term is commonly understood, yet do enjoy access to superfluous material goods and comforts. Simplicity, moderation, and discipline, as well as a spirit of sacrifice, must become a part of everyday life, lest all suffer the negative consequences of the careless habits of a few”. (Chapter III) How prophetic are these words written in 1992!

St. John Vianney Parish cannot function as a vital, caring Catholic community without your financial support. We ask that you prayerfully consider to what degree you can continue to support your parish. If you now tithe a percent of income, can you increase it? If you find yourselves in circumstances that are precarious, you may need to decrease your giving. We trust that you will make the right decision.

May 25. 10 Points on Prayer

PUT ON HOLD? STUCK IN TRAFFIC? MAYBE GOD’S CALLING YOU TO PRAY, SAYS SHEILA GARCIA, USCCB FAMILY LIFE OFFICIAL

WASHINGTON—Long moments on hold or stuck in traffic might be God-given moments for prayer.

That’s what Sheila Garcia, wife, mother, commuter and associate director at the U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat for Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, says in “Ten Pointers for Family Prayer.” The list can be found at http://www.foryourmarriage.org/interior_template.asp?id=20399049

Below are the ten points.

1. Pray as you can, not as you can’t. Lay people can become discouraged when they try to pray like a cloistered contemplative. Be realistic about what’s possible.

2. Take ten—or twenty. How about ten minutes, or twenty for prayer? Choose a time of day and stick with it and designate a special site so it becomes holy. Spouses can help by minding children during respective quiet times.

3. Pray as a family. Build upon rituals such as grace before meals. Encourage family members to offer thanks for the blessings of the day and prayers for those in need. Couples can take a few minutes, perhaps before bedtime, to commend to God the day’s joys and sorrows.

4. Decorate your domestic church. Create an atmosphere for prayer in our home—the domestic church—by displaying a crucifix, icons, the Bible and other holy objects. Take the children to a religious goods store and let them choose a picture or statue for their rooms.

5. Short prayers count, too. When you’re stopped at a long light or put on hold, consider it as God’s invitation to turn your heart and mind to Him, if only for a few seconds.

6. Find God at work. Connecting with God in the workplace takes effort. Try to cultivate a few simple habits. For example, offer the day to God as you turn on your computer.

7. Jump start your prayer life. Praying with Scripture, perhaps the daily Mass readings (www.usccb.org/nab) can help us focus. So, too, can an inspirational book.

8. Ask your Mother for help. The Blessed Virgin Mary offers profound comfort. One family, gathered around the bedside of their dying husband and father, found peace through the rosary. The rosary is ideal for the family since children can be taught the simple prayers at an early age. Instructions on how to pray the rosary can be found at www.usccb.org/advent/rosary.shtml.

9. Read a good story. Children and adults alike enjoy an inspiring story, and few stories are more compelling than those of the saints, such as St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Monica, or St. Thomas More.

10. Walk with a spiritual friend. A friend can help us to work through the concerns that arise in prayer. Good friends will hold each other accountable for their prayer life, making sure that prayer has not been neglected in the busyness of life. For married couples a spouse is often this spiritual friend, but God also puts other wise and holy people in our path when we need them. They can be the answer to prayer.
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Keywords: prayer, U.S. bishops, Sheila Garcia, saints, rosary, bible, Scripture, U.S. Bishops, Catholic, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, spirituality, Blessed Virgin

September 3 The Bible is for Catholics

Bible Is for Catholics

By Mary Elizabeth Sperry

The Bible is all around us. People hear Scripture readings in church. We have Good Samaritan (Luke 10) laws, welcome home the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), and look for the Promised Land (Exodus 3, Hebrews 11). Some biblical passages have become popular maxims, such as "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12)," "Thou shalt not steal (Exodus 20:15), and "love thy neighbor" (Matthew 22:39).

Today's Catholic is called to take an intelligent, spiritual approach to the bible.

Listed here are 10 points for fruitful Scripture reading.

Bible reading is for Catholics. The Church encourages Catholics to make reading the Bible part of their daily prayer lives. Reading these inspired words, people grow deeper in their relationship with God and come to understand their place in the community God has called them to in himself.
Prayer is the beginning and the end. Reading the Bible is not like reading a novel or a history book. It should begin with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds to the Word of God. Scripture reading should end with a prayer that this Word will bear fruit in our lives, helping us to become holier and more faithful people.
Get the whole story! When selecting a Bible, look for a Catholic edition. A Catholic edition will include the Church's complete list of sacred books along with introductions and notes for understanding the text. A Catholic edition will have an imprimatur notice on the back of the title page. An imprimatur indicates that the book is free of errors in Catholic doctrine.
The Bible isn't a book. It's a library. The Bible is a collection of 73 books written over the course of many centuries. The books include royal history, prophecy, poetry, challenging letters to struggling new faith communities, and believers' accounts of the preaching and passion of Jesus. Knowing the genre of the book you are reading will help you understand the literary tools the author is using and the meaning the author is trying to convey.
Know what the Bible is – and what it isn't. The Bible is the story of God's relationship with the people he has called to himself. It is not intended to be read as history text, a science book, or a political manifesto. In the Bible, God teaches us the truths that we need for the sake of our salvation.
The sum is greater than the parts. Read the Bible in context. What happens before and after – even in other books – helps us to understand the true meaning of the text.
The Old relates to the New. The Old Testament and the New Testament shed light on each other. While we read the Old Testament in light of the death and resurrection of Jesus, it has its own value as well. Together, these testaments help us to understand God's plan for human beings.
You do not read alone. By reading and reflecting on Sacred Scripture, Catholics join those faithful men and women who have taken God's Word to heart and put it into practice in their lives. We read the Bible within the tradition of the Church to benefit from the holiness and wisdom of all the faithful.
What is God saying to me? The Bible is not addressed only to long-dead people in a faraway land. It is addressed to each of us in our own unique situations. When we read, we need to understand what the text says and how the faithful have understood its meaning in the past. In light of this understanding, we then ask: What is God saying to me?
Reading isn't enough. If Scripture remains just words on a page, our work is not done. We need to meditate on the message and put it into action in our lives. Only then can the word be "living and effective."(Hebrews 4:12).

Mary Elizabeth Sperry is Associate Director for Utilization of the New American Bible.

November 23 Senate vs. House vs. US Bishops

U.S. Bishops Voice Disappointment in Abortion-Funding Provisions in Senate Health Bill, Urge Better Care for Immigrants and Affordability

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the Senate to make essential changes its health reform bill in order to keep in place federal law on abortion funding and conscience protection on abortion, protect access to health care for immigrants and include strong provisions for adequate affordability.

The bishops called the Senate health care bill an “enormous disappointment” that creates new and unacceptable federal policy for funding and coverage of abortions, as well as rights of conscience. Bishop William Murphy, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Bishop John Wester voiced their wish for better health care reform legislation in a November 20 letter to the Senate. They chair the bishops’ Committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Pro-Life Activities and Migration, respectively.

The letter, which was accompanied with a fact sheet on the House Stupak Amendment (http://www.usccb.org/mr/mediatalk/StupakAmendmentFactsheet.pdf), urged Senators to improve the Senate health care bill in the key areas of affordability, immigration, federal funding and coverage of abortion and conscience rights.

According to the bishops, the bill “does not live up to President Obama’s commitment of barring the use of federal dollars for abortion and maintaining current conscience laws.” They cited an “abortion surcharge” that would force insurance purchasers to pay for other people’s abortions, provisions that would allow the HHS Secretary to mandate unlimited abortion coverage nationwide, and that the bill does not even allow for religious institutions to offer their own employees coverage that conforms to their institution’s teaching.

“The Catholic bishops have advocated for decades for affordable and accessible health care for all, especially the poor and marginalized,” the bishops said. “The Senate bill makes great progress in covering people in our nation. However, the Senate bill would still leave over 24 million people in our nation without health insurance. This is not acceptable.”

The bishops encouraged expanding Medicaid eligibility for those living at 133 percent or lower of the federal policy level. They also urged an end to the five-year ban on legal immigrants for accessing federal health benefits programs and said that undocumented persons should not be barred from purchasing insurance plans with their own money.

“Providing affordable and accessible health care that clearly reflects these fundamental principles is a public good, moral imperative and urgent national priority,” said the bishops.

January 4. Migration

This week the Diocese of the United States remember in a special way migration and the issue it poses to Catholic Social Teaching (link)

January 17 Week of Christian Unity Prayer

Day 1, Witness through Celebrating Life

Scripture

Genesis 1:26-31, God saw all that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.
Psalm 104:1-24, O Lord, how manifold are your works.
Corinthians 15:12-20, If the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised.
Luke 24:1-5, Why do you look for the living among the dead?

Meditation

Our journey of Christian unity is firmly rooted in our common belief that in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, - we celebrate not only the life God has given us but the offer of new life through Jesus' conquering death once and for all. As we meet together during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we witness to our shared faith by our concern for the life of all.

The reading from the book of Genesis reminds us of the creative power and energy of God. It is this power and energy that St. Paul encounters in experiencing Jesus' resurrection. He challenges the people of Corinth to put their total trust in the Risen Lord and his offer of new life. The psalm continues this theme as it proclaims the glory of God's creation.

Our gospel passage challenges us to look for new life in the face of a culture of death that our world frequently presents to us. It encourages us to trust in Jesus' power, and so to experience life and healing.

Today, we thank God for all that shows God's love for us: for all of creation; for brothers and sisters in all parts of the world; for communion in love, for forgiveness and healing and for life eternal.

Prayer

God our creator, we praise you for all who give witness to their faith by their words and actions. In living life to the full we encounter your loving presence in the many experiences you offer us. May our common witness of celebrating life unite us in blessing you, the author of all life. Amen.

Reflection Questions

To what extent do your own witness and the witness of your church celebrate life? Will others know from your witness that Christ has been raised from the dead? What do you see as the areas of growth in your life? Are there things of the past that the churches cling to which ought to be laid to rest because of a new ecumenical consciousness?

Day 2, Witness through Sharing Stories

Scripture

Jeremiah 1:4-8, Go to all to whom I send you.
Psalm 98, Sing to the Lord a new song.
Acts 14:21-23, They strengthened the souls of the disciples.
Luke 24:13-17a, What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?

Meditation

Sharing our stories is a powerful way in which we give witness to our faith in God. Listening to one another with respect and consideration allows us to encounter God in the very person with whom we are sharing. The reading from Jeremiah offers us a powerful witness of God's call to the prophet. He is to share what he has received, and so allow God's Word to be heard and lived out. This call to proclaim God's Word is also experienced by the disciples in the early Church, as witnessed to in the reading from Acts. Our psalm allows us to sing to God with a spirit of praise and thanksgiving.

Today's gospel passage presents a Jesus who enlightens our blindness and dispels our disillusionment. He helps us to understand our stories within the one unfolding plan of God. During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we listen to the faith stories of other Christians in order to encounter God in the variety of ways God's very self is revealed to us. In listening with attentiveness we grow in faith and love. In spite of the diversity of our personal and collective witness, we find ourselves intertwined in the one story of God's love for us revealed in Jesus Christ.

Prayer

God of history, we thank you for all who have shared their story of faith with us and so have given witness to your presence in their lives. We praise you for the variety of our stories both as individuals and churches. In these stories we see the unfolding of the one story of Jesus Christ. We pray for the courage and the conviction to share our faith with those with whom we come into contact, and so allow the message of your Word to spread to all. Amen.

Reflection Questions

Are you "gossiping the Gospel" or just gossiping?
How open are you or your church to be drawn into the stories of others?
How open are you to share with others your stories of faith, and so give witness to God's presence in your personal experiences of life and of death?
Are you aware of the enormous potential for good that modern means of communication offer the Church today?

Day 3, Witness through Awareness

Scripture

1 Samuel 3:1-10, Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.
Psalm 23, The Lord is my Shepherd.
Acts 8:26-40, Philip proclaimed to him the Good News about Jesus.
Luke 24:13-19a, …their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

Meditation

Growing in faith is a complex journey. It is easy to miss God's revealing love to us in our everyday life and experiences. The more pressure and activity we surround ourselves with, then the greater the possibility of overlooking what is in fact before our very eyes. Like the two disciples in the gospel, we sometimes think we know what is real, and try to explain our view to others, yet we are not aware of the full truth. In our world today we are invited to be aware of God in the surprising and unlikely events of life.

In our Old Testament reading, we hear how God calls and invites Samuel to bear witness. Samuel first of all has to hear this word. Hearing requires an open disposition and a willingness to listen to God.

This desire to hear God's Word is also experienced by both Philip and the Ethiopian in the reading from Acts. They witness to their faith by responding to what is asked of them at that precise moment in time. They listen attentively and respond accordingly. The psalm of the Good Shepherd reflects the quiet trust of the one who is aware of the tender care of God, who gathers the flock and leads them to green pastures.

During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we seek to be aware of God in our everyday events and experiences. We meet people who are familiar and others who are strangers. In these encounters we learn from each other's spiritual experiences and so get a new view of God's reality. This awareness of God's presence challenges us to work for Christian unity.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, You encounter us and remain with us in everyday life. We pray for the grace to be aware of all you do for us. We ask that you prepare us to be open to all you offer us and bring us together in one flock. Amen.

Reflection Questions

When have you been aware of God's presence in your life? Are you aware of global celebrations and tragedies, and how might our churches together respond to these? Is being aware enough, or is there something more that you might do in order to give witness to your faith? How do you make yourself aware of God when the reality of God's presence does not correspond to your expectations?

Day 4, Bearing witness through celebrating the faith we have received

Scripture

Deuteronomy 6:3-9, The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
Psalm 34, I will bless the Lord at all times.
Acts 4:32-35, Of one heart and soul.
Luke 24:17-21, But we had hoped…

Meditation

We have an enormous debt of gratitude to those whose faith has provided the foundation for our Christian lives today. Numerous men and women through their prayer, witness and worship have ensured that the faith is handed down to the next generations.

Today's readings affirm the importance of supporting the community of faith in order to ensure the dissemination of the Word of God. The passage from Deuteronomy gives us the beautiful prayer of our Jewish sisters and brothers who every day use these words to praise God. The Psalm invites us to bear witness through praise for what we have received as believers, so that our faith may be shown through glorifying and thanksgiving. The extract from Acts reveals a community united in faith and charity. The gospel passage shows us Jesus as the center of what we have received in faith.

As we unite with our Christian brothers and sisters in praying for unity during this week, we welcome the rich variety of our Christian heritage. We pray that awareness of our common heritage may unite us more closely as we progress in faith.

Prayer

Lord God, we give you thanks for all the people and communities who have communicated the message of the Good News to us, and thus given us a solid foundation for our faith today. We pray that we too may together bear witness to our faith, so that others may know you and place their trust in the truth of salvation offered in Jesus Christ for the life of the world. Amen.

Reflection questions

Who inspired you in your faith?
What are the aspects of faith which inspire you in your everyday life?
What do you feel were the most important teachings which were passed on to you?
How can you recognize God at work with you in the transmission of faith the future generations?

Day 5, Witness through suffering

Scripture

Isaiah 50:5-9, The one who vindicates me is near.
Psalm 124, Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Romans 8:35-39, God's love shown forth in Jesus Christ.
Luke 24:25-27, He interpreted to them the things about himself.

Meditation

The reality of suffering is something that the Prophet Isaiah speaks about forcefully in today's text, in which he reminds us that God is never resigned to seeing humanity suffer. In response the Psalm proclaims the trust that believers must maintain in their Savior.

The letter to the Romans proclaims the certainty that love is always strongest and that suffering and sorrow will never prevail. For before offering the resurrection to the world, Christ entered into a terrible death and into the dark depths of the tomb so as to be completely with us at our very lowest ebb.

In the Lord's footsteps, Christians who seek full unity show their solidarity to those amongst them who are confronted in their lives with tragic situations of suffering, by confessing that love is stronger than death. And that it was from the extreme humiliation of the tomb that resurrection came like a new sun for humanity; a clamoring annunciation of life, forgiveness and immortality.

Prayer

God our Father, look with compassion on our situations of poverty, suffering, sin and death, we ask you for forgiveness, healing, comfort and support in our ordeals. We give you thanks for all who manage to see light in their affliction. May your divine Spirit teach us the greatness of your compassion and help us stand alongside our sisters and brothers in difficulty. Filled with its blessings, may we in unity proclaim and share with the world the victory of your Son who lives for ever. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How can you show empathy to those who suffer and are in difficulties?
What wisdom and deeper understanding have you gained through suffering you have known in your own life?
How do you live out solidarity with the suffering and oppression that so many people living in poverty in our world experience, and what is your own experience of it?
How would you bear witness to the mercy of God and to the hope you find in the light of the cross of Christ?

Day 6, Witness through Faithfulness to the Scriptures

Scripture

Isaiah 55:10-11, The word that goes forth from my mouth does not return to me empty.
Psalm 119:17-40, Open my eyes that I may see the wonders of your Law.
2 Timothy 3:14-17, All scripture is inspired by God.
Luke 24:28-35, Jesus opens the Scriptures to His disciples.

Meditation

Christians encounter God's Word in a privileged way through reading the Sacred
Scriptures and celebrating the sacraments. In faithfully listening to the proclamation of Holy Scripture, and by prayerfully reading the various books of the Bible, they open their hearts and minds to receive the very Word of God. Jesus promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to make them understand the Word of God, and to guide them in all truth.

Historically, Christians have been divided in reading and understanding the Word of God. Fortunately, in recent times, in their search for unity, Sacred Scripture has brought Christians closer to one another. Shared Bible study has become a major means of growing together among them. The Christian journey that we celebrate during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is one that is firmly rooted in our shared listening to God's Word, trying together to understand and to live it.The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God's Word powerfully proclaimed is indeed effective and operative. It does not return to God empty but succeeds in the purpose for which He sent it.

This message is repeated in the words addressed to Timothy, as he is directed to believe in the efficacy of the Scriptures by which the faithful are equipped for every good work. Our psalm gives praise for God's words and statutes and implores God to give understanding, that we may keep the Holy Law with our whole heart.

During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we pray that all Christians may enter more deeply into the mystery of God's wonderful revelation as it comes to us in Holy Scripture. We ask the Holy Spirit to help us better comprehend the Word of God and to direct us on our common journey of faith until we will all be gathered again around the one table of the Lord.

Prayer

God, we praise and thank you for your saving Word as it reaches out to us through the Sacred Scriptures. We thank you too for the brothers and sisters with whom we share your Word and discover together the abundance of Your love. We pray for the light of the Holy Spirit, so that Your Word may lead and direct us in our quest for greater unity. Amen.

Reflection Questions

What are the passages of Scripture that mean most to you?
Who or what in your life makes your heart burn with a passion for the gospel and a desire to give witness to Christ?
Which passages from the Scriptures have helped you to better understand the witness of other Christians?
How may our churches use the Scripture more effectively in their daily life and prayer?

Day 7, Witness through Hope and Trust

Scripture

Job 19:23-27, God whom I shall see on my side.
Psalm 63, My soul thirsts for You.
Acts 3:1-10, What I have, I give you.
Luke 24:36-40, The disciples were startled and terrified.

Meditation

During their journey in life and faith, all Christians experience moments of doubt. The challenge faced by Christians is to continue to believe that even when they do not see or feel God, God remains with them. The virtues of faith, hope and trust allow them to give witness that their faith goes beyond their own possibilities.

The character Job gives us an example of someone who faced difficult trials and tribulations and even argued with God. In faith and hope however, he believed that God would remain on his side. This reliance and conviction is also shown by the actions of Peter and John in the account with the lame man as told in Acts. Their belief in the Name of Jesus allows them to witness powerfully to all who were present. Today's psalm is a prayer reflecting our deep desire for God's steadfast love.

Our meeting during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity allows our communities to grow in shared faith, hope and love. We bear witness to God's steadfast love to all people, and God's faithfulness to the one church we are called to be. The more we witness together, the stronger our message will be.

Prayer

God of hope, share Your vision of the one church with us, and overcome our doubts. Increase our faith in your presence, that all who profess belief in you may worship together in spirit and in truth. We especially pray for all who are in doubt right now, or whose lives are spent in the shadow of danger and fear. Be with them and give them your consoling presence. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How do you deal with your own fears and doubts?
How might you be a cause of fear and anxiety for others by your behaviour?
When have you faced up to your own fears and doubts and so given witness to your faith in Christ by overcoming these difficulties?
How may Christian communities encourage one another in faith and hope?

Day 8, Witness through Hospitality

Scripture

Genesis 18:1-8, Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves.
Psalm 146, He who gives justice to the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
Romans 14:17-19, Pursue what makes for peace and mutual edification.
Luke 24:41-48, Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.

Meditation

Today, electronic communication has made us neighbors in one small and overloaded planet. As in the time of Luke, many peoples and communities have had to leave their homes, wandering and journeying to strange lands. People of the world's great faiths have arrived bringing new beliefs and cultures to our communities.

In the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we recognize in our shared journey towards unity the hospitality and companionship of Christians of all churches. Christ also calls us to both offer and to receive the hospitality of the stranger who has become our neighbor. Surely, if we cannot see Christ in the other, then we cannot see Christ at all.

The story in Genesis describes how Abraham receives God in opening his house and offering hospitality to strangers. The God of all creation also stands with the prisoner, the blind, the stranger. Our psalm is an offering of praise for God's everlasting faithfulness and all that God has done for us.

The text from Romans reminds us that the kingdom of God comes about through justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

The resurrected Christ brings his disciples together, eats with them and they recognize him again. He reminds them of what the scriptures said about him and explains what they did not understand before. Thus, he frees them from their doubts and fears and sends them out to become witnesses of these things. In creating this space for encounter with him he enables them to receive his peace, that implies justice for the oppressed, care for the hungry and the mutual up-building as the gifts of the new world of the resurrection. Christians throughout history have found the risen Lord as they have served others and been served by others in faith, so we too can encounter Christ when we share our lives and our gifts.

Prayer

God of love, You have shown us your hospitality in Christ. We acknowledge that through sharing our gifts with all, we meet you. Give us the grace that we may become one on our journey together and recognize you in one another. In welcoming the stranger in your name may we become witnesses to your hospitality and your justice. Amen.

Reflection Questions

To what extent is the country in which you live hospitable to the stranger?
How in your own neighborhood can the stranger find hospitality and a space to live?
How might you show gratitude for those who have shown you hospitality by being available?
How does the cross show us that God's hospitality is a hospitality lived out in total self-giving?

Feb. 7 Day for Consecrated Life

World Day for Consecrated Life Set for February 7 in U.S.

WASHINGTON—The 14th celebration of the annual World Day for Consecrated Life, February 2, will be marked in the United States the weekend of Feb. 7. The occasion is celebrated in the United States on the Sunday following Feb. 2, to enable as much participation as possible. World Day for Consecrated Life marks an opportunity to highlight the extraordinary contributions of men and women religious in this country as well as a time to pray for vocations to the consecrated life.

“The Church is greatly blessed by the many contributions of consecrated men and women, through their ministries in the areas of education, health care, spiritual formation and social service.” said Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “In particular, I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the service given by consecrated women, those who established the foundations in past generations and those serving in our midst today. Also, in this Year for Priests, we extend our gratitude to religious order priests for their ongoing work of helping to build up the Church. May this day provide all religious women and men an opportunity to experience a renewal of their vocation and commitment to consecrated life.”

A traveling exhibit on the contributions of women religious in the United States, Women & Spirit, will be on display at different museums in the nation during the year. It opened at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, January 14, and will be there until April 25. Further information on this traveling exhibit can be found at http://www.womenandspirit.org/

The U.S. bishops have named the promotion of vocations to priesthood and consecrated life as one of their five priorities. A new website will be launched in April highlighting this gift to the Church.