These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim 3:14-4:2)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101925.cfm
I am grateful for my grandmother and my mom. They taught me the faith and told me the stories of Jesus. Thanks to them I have spent 47 years in ministry as a priest. Today’s picture is from the day of my ordination, May 6, 1978, with Bishop Michael Begley, Nanny & Mom. https://youtu.be/WLdPoQnylnA?si=WfUSu81iJRkOEwvh
The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ (Lk 10:1-9)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101825.cfm
The four gospels are anonymous. From the 2nd century the name of Luke was attached to the Third Gospel and its companion volume, the Acts of the Apostles. What we celebrate today is not so much a person, but rather the gospel itself. The author of Luke-Acts sees both volumes as “gospel.” https://youtu.be/_RJwPtzyA1w?si=mu1cd8oGuxr-Adh5
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows. (Lk 12:1-7)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101725.cfm
Saint Ignatius of Antioch (d. 108) was not afraid. He followed in the footsteps of Saint Peter as bishop of Antioch and as a martyr in Rome. He wrote seven letters to various Christian communities that have come down to us. He compared his coming death by wild beasts to being ground like pure wheat for the Eucharist. Saint Ignatius was the first to use the term “catholic” to refer to the church. https://youtu.be/kw3XTnDjCg0?si=EoHSqWlqGQC1pFBX
For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Does God belong to Jews alone? Does he not belong to Gentiles, too? Yes, also to Gentiles, for God is one and will justify the circumcised on the basis of faith and the uncircumcised through faith. (Rom 3:21-30)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101625.cfm
Faith is the key. Paul doesn’t mean that works don’t matter, but rather through faith God’s salvation is freely available to all, Jews and Gentiles. Paul wants the community to be one in Christ. Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) fostered devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and is responsible for the feast of the Sacred Heart, the devotion of the First Fridays, the Thursday Holy Hour devotion, and the Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, make our hearts like unto yours! https://youtu.be/CsfA219bYFQ?si=zm7Q7W4_wYFjo-hi
For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. (Rom 2:1-11)
Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them. (Lk 11:42-46)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101525.cfm
Jesus and Paul both had problems with those who used the Law as a weapon against others. Both Jesus and Paul would say that the purpose of the Law is not to judge others but rather to lead us to the Lord that never ends. Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) taught the church about how to reach the Love that never ends by means of kindness and prayer. Today’s video is of the famous prayer of Saint Teresa, Nada Te Turbe: https://youtu.be/aA8nSzEqIh4?si=VoYF2fbfU8yY4Ty8
