Friday, June 24, 2016
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Father's DAy Reflection
Father’s Day, June 19th
2016
12th Sunday of Ordinary time
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFJ
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus
Franciscans of Joy of the Gospel
Independent Catholic Church of the Americas
www.missionstsergius.org
In the second reading for this Sunday from Paul’s letter to the Galatians 3:26-29 we hear Paul say “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
12th Sunday of Ordinary time
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFJ
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus
Franciscans of Joy of the Gospel
Independent Catholic Church of the Americas
www.missionstsergius.org
“With God as our father,
brothers all are we. Let us work with each other for perfect harmony”
These words from the song LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH are full of intense
meaning for each and every one of us if we take a good look at what they are
acknowledging.
On this Father’s day most children seek to
find a special gift for their earthly fathers.
Some children have two fathers and in my
mind this could be a double blessing for them and unfortunately some children
have never known their earthly father because of their passing before they had
a chance to know them or through divorce or other circumstances.
My father was called home to God in 1976
at the age of 76 but I still have times when I want to talk with him and times
when I feel his presence or hear his words.
As a father of three and a grandfather of
2 I know how much I love my children and grandchildren and I am but a mere
mortal man, how much more does our Heavenly Father love each and every one of
us?
For parents and children who are estranged
from each other they need to reach out to each other to seek/give forgiveness
just as Christ taught us in the parable of the Good Shepherd.
In it God as the Good Shepherd would leave
the flock to seek out the lost sheep and return it to the flock.
With God as our Father, we are all, every
person on this planet, brothers and sisters and we are also brothers and
sisters to Jesus Christ, the son of God our father.
Why is it then that we have so much
trouble getting along with each other and why do we try to exclude some of our
brothers and sisters from giving their heavenly father the worship and praise
He deserves just because they are a different race or religion or have a sexual
orientation toward a member of the same sex or because they are divorced.
Why is it that we do not look out for the
well being of those brothers and sisters who are not as well of as we are or
are in need of special attention because of physical or mental or medical
reasons?
The father in the story of the Prodigal
Son was willing to overlook his son’s transgressions and welcome him back with
a feast and a joyous celebration which is how our heavenly father will welcome
every one who returns to Him.
Our Father in heaven is a loving, caring,
compassionate and merciful father, not the God of vengeance of the Old
Testament and Christ proclaimed that while He was here on earth.
Now is the time for each and every one of
us, to acknowledge that we are all brothers and sisters with the same heavenly
father and for us to begin to act with the same compassion and love toward each
other that Christ exhibited while he was on earth to all He encountered.
It is time for us to speak up against
injustice, bigotry, violence, discrimination, war and poverty and to make a
gift that is truly meaningful to our heavenly father, God Almighty.
In today’s Gospel from Luke Christ asks
the apostles who people think he is “Once
when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked
them, “Who do the crowds say I am? They replied, “Some say John the Baptist;
others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has
come back to life.But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter
answered, “God’s Messiah.” Jesus
strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, “The Son of Man
must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and
the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised
to life.” Then he said to them all:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross
daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but
whoever loses their life for me will save it.”
The Gospel story demonstrates how God’s
infinite mercy and love was so strong that even though he knew what he would
have to endure for us, he was willing to suffer the ignominious death on the
cross in addition to being rejected, beaten, insulted and abandoned just so we
could have everlasting life and forgiveness of our sins.
Christ instructed us in His sermon on the
mount found in Matthew 5: 3-12 how we are to live our lives.
Blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess
the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall
be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see
God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for
they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice sake, for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven.
God is our heavenly Father, and is the
most compassionate and loving father that ever existed. God is the consummate
of all Love. Deus Caritas Est, God is Love.
As our Father let us acknowledge him and
thank him for all he has given us, let us, on this Father’s day; give God the
best gift of all, ourselves.
We can do that by living in accord with
how Christ taught us and by serving not only God, but all God’s children.
We can make sure that we actively do
things that will help the poor, sick, aged, homeless, and unemployed. We can
stop being negative and condemning and discriminating against people who are
not exactly like us.
The best way for us to be blessed is to
put the seven practices of charity toward our neighbor into action.
They are based on Christ’s prophecy of the
Last Judgment, which will determine each person’s final destiny and they are; Feed the hungry, Give drink to the
thirsty, clothe the naked, Shelter the homeless, Visit the sick, Visit those in
prison, and Bury the dead. “Then the King will say to those at his
right hand, ’Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you
from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was
thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was
naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and
you came to me” (Matthew 25:34)
In the second reading for this Sunday from Paul’s letter to the Galatians 3:26-29 we hear Paul say “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Christ came to earth to
suffer the indignities of human existence for every human being on the face of
the earth because the Fater of all things, Almighty God, loves us
unconditionally and infinitely with the ultimate Mercy which Pope Francis made
aware to us by dedicating this year as the Jubilee Year of Mercy.
On this Father’s day let us
make a gift to God that will be truly pleasing to Him.
Let us reach out to those
who are in need, being abused, homeless, hungry or sick and extend The Fathers
love to them by giving them some comfort.
Let us make the changes in
this world that will bring about a time of brotherhood, justice, compassion and
equality for every child of God and our ALL our brothers and sisters in Christ
not just the few chosen by one group or another because they feel comfortable
with them but for ALL of God’s children.
When Christ taught us to
pray He said; “When you pray, say, Our
Father, who art in heaven, hallowed is your name. Your kingdom come, your will
be done, on this earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive our trespassers and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from all
evil”
In the liturgy of the
Eucharist the priest continues this prayer with these words; “For yours is the kingdom and the power and
the glory forever and ever” “Deliver us Lord from every evil, and grant us the
peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all
anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our savior Jesus Christ” and
then all acknowledge “For yours is the
kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.
God is Father of all of the
human race and as such we need to honor and recognize him and give him thanks
and praise on this Father’s Day. AMEN
Friday, June 17, 2016
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Thursday, December 24, 2015
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Saturday, July 26, 2014
Seeking God, a reflection for July 27, 2014
Seek and you will find
A Reflection for Sunday July 27th 2014
By Rev. Fr. Bob Johnnene OFD
Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
An All Inclusive and Welcoming Old Catholic Parish and Ministry
Of the Independent Catholic Church of the Americas
Link to Mission Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Link to Franciscans of Divine Mercy Web Site: www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
Link to all Fr. Bob’s REFLECTIONS TV Shows http://www.youtube.com/user/RevBobJohn
Link to St. Joseph Cupertino Parish: http://stjosephcupertino.com/index.html
Link to Franciscans of Divine Mercy Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FranciscansDivineMercy?fref=ts
Link to the Independent Catholic Church of the Americas http://www.iccamericas.org
Email Address: Divinemercyparish@msn.com
Today’s readings from Holy Scripture are all about Love, God’s love to be exact and how we should return that love to God.
The first reading for this Sunday is from 1 Kings 3:5 “The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” and it called to my mind another similar passages from Holy Scripture.
One is found in Deuteronomy7 4:29 “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Another is found in 1 Chronicles 28:9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.” and still another in Matthew 7 :7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Each of these passages are a solid reminder of God’s promise and love for ALL His children who embrace Him and seek Him for solace and forgiveness as well as healing and strength.
Today’s Gospel from Matthew 13:44-52 relates the parable that Christ used to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” Once we have found the truth of Christ’s message and recognize that Almighty God, the Father and creator of all things is a loving, compassionate and forgiving God who has created all things good, we need to hold on to that message and value it as the most precious thing we have.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans 8:28, which is the second reading for this Sunday, Paul reaffirms this knowledge by saying “Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.” Combined, these words should hearten us and lift us up when we feel depressed, forlorn or abandoned.
Recently Pope Francis told us the following about God’s love and our love for God; “It is more difficult to let God love us than to love Him! The best way to love Him in return is to open our hearts and let Him love us. Let Him draw close to us and feel Him close to us. This is really very difficult: letting ourselves be loved by Him. And that is perhaps what we need to ask today …‘Lord, I want to love You, but teach me the difficult science, the difficult habit of letting myself be loved by You, to feel You close and feel Your tenderness ! May the Lord give us this grace.” This is a wonderful prayer for us to pray daily, especially if we feel that God does not love us. God’s love for us is unlimited and infinite.
Pope Francis has emphasized the love of Christ when he said; “The Lord loves us tenderly, The Lord knows that beautiful science of caresses, the tenderness of God. He does not love us with words. He comes close – closeness – and gives us His love with tenderness. Closeness and tenderness!
“The Lord loves us in these two ways, He draws near and gives all His love even in the smallest things: with tenderness. And this is a powerful love, because closeness and tenderness reveal the strength of God’s love.”
We need to remember that we are never completely alone as long as we hold on to the love of God and believe the message that Christ gave us.
It is not the rules of man, or a church organization that should establish how God perceives us but what is embedded deep in our hearts.
If we live our lives to serve God with our whole heart and with a willing mind, as the reading from Chronicles reminds us, GOD WILL NEVER REJECT US!
If we welcome and accept the truths found in today’s readings we will understand it is God Himself who looks into our hearts and decides who will attain heaven.
It is not any humans place to usurp God’s decision. We are taught in today’s readings; “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” “know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts If you seek Him, He will let you find Him” “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
On May 22nd in his homily to those gathered for Thursday Mass at Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis had the following to say about God’s love and our love for God; “The Christian vocation is this: to remain in the love of God, that is, to breathe, to live of that oxygen, to live of that air, Jesus' love is a love that comes from the Father. The loving relationship between Him and the Father is also a relationship of love between Him and us. He asks us to remain in this love, which comes from the Father,”
The Pope was focusing on Jesus’ exhortation from the Gospel of John, “remain in my love.” The sign of remaining in this love is “keeping the commandments.”
“When we remain in love,” the pontiff said, “the Commandments follow on their own, out of love.” Love “leads us to naturally fulfill the Commandments. The root of love blossoms in the Commandments.”
In essence, if we live by what Christ called the two greatest Commandments: “Love the Lord, your God, with your whole mind, body and soul and love your eighbor as you love yourself” or when he said; “Love one another as I have loved you” God will NEVER reject anyone who comes to him and has faithfully followed those teachings.
We must always remember the motto of our Ministry; “God loves ALL His children exactly as He created them”
Therefore, go forth and seek God with your heart, mind and entire being and follow Him with love toward individual you encounter on your journey of life and you will have the gates of heaven opened to you and hear God say; “Well done my good and faithful servant”. AMEN
A Reflection for Sunday July 27th 2014
By Rev. Fr. Bob Johnnene OFD
Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
An All Inclusive and Welcoming Old Catholic Parish and Ministry
Of the Independent Catholic Church of the Americas
Link to Mission Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Link to Franciscans of Divine Mercy Web Site: www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
Link to all Fr. Bob’s REFLECTIONS TV Shows http://www.youtube.com/user/RevBobJohn
Link to St. Joseph Cupertino Parish: http://stjosephcupertino.com/index.html
Link to Franciscans of Divine Mercy Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FranciscansDivineMercy?fref=ts
Link to the Independent Catholic Church of the Americas http://www.iccamericas.org
Email Address: Divinemercyparish@msn.com
Today’s readings from Holy Scripture are all about Love, God’s love to be exact and how we should return that love to God.
The first reading for this Sunday is from 1 Kings 3:5 “The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” and it called to my mind another similar passages from Holy Scripture.
One is found in Deuteronomy7 4:29 “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Another is found in 1 Chronicles 28:9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.” and still another in Matthew 7 :7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Each of these passages are a solid reminder of God’s promise and love for ALL His children who embrace Him and seek Him for solace and forgiveness as well as healing and strength.
Today’s Gospel from Matthew 13:44-52 relates the parable that Christ used to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” Once we have found the truth of Christ’s message and recognize that Almighty God, the Father and creator of all things is a loving, compassionate and forgiving God who has created all things good, we need to hold on to that message and value it as the most precious thing we have.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans 8:28, which is the second reading for this Sunday, Paul reaffirms this knowledge by saying “Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.” Combined, these words should hearten us and lift us up when we feel depressed, forlorn or abandoned.
Recently Pope Francis told us the following about God’s love and our love for God; “It is more difficult to let God love us than to love Him! The best way to love Him in return is to open our hearts and let Him love us. Let Him draw close to us and feel Him close to us. This is really very difficult: letting ourselves be loved by Him. And that is perhaps what we need to ask today …‘Lord, I want to love You, but teach me the difficult science, the difficult habit of letting myself be loved by You, to feel You close and feel Your tenderness ! May the Lord give us this grace.” This is a wonderful prayer for us to pray daily, especially if we feel that God does not love us. God’s love for us is unlimited and infinite.
Pope Francis has emphasized the love of Christ when he said; “The Lord loves us tenderly, The Lord knows that beautiful science of caresses, the tenderness of God. He does not love us with words. He comes close – closeness – and gives us His love with tenderness. Closeness and tenderness!
“The Lord loves us in these two ways, He draws near and gives all His love even in the smallest things: with tenderness. And this is a powerful love, because closeness and tenderness reveal the strength of God’s love.”
We need to remember that we are never completely alone as long as we hold on to the love of God and believe the message that Christ gave us.
It is not the rules of man, or a church organization that should establish how God perceives us but what is embedded deep in our hearts.
If we live our lives to serve God with our whole heart and with a willing mind, as the reading from Chronicles reminds us, GOD WILL NEVER REJECT US!
If we welcome and accept the truths found in today’s readings we will understand it is God Himself who looks into our hearts and decides who will attain heaven.
It is not any humans place to usurp God’s decision. We are taught in today’s readings; “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” “know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts If you seek Him, He will let you find Him” “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
On May 22nd in his homily to those gathered for Thursday Mass at Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis had the following to say about God’s love and our love for God; “The Christian vocation is this: to remain in the love of God, that is, to breathe, to live of that oxygen, to live of that air, Jesus' love is a love that comes from the Father. The loving relationship between Him and the Father is also a relationship of love between Him and us. He asks us to remain in this love, which comes from the Father,”
The Pope was focusing on Jesus’ exhortation from the Gospel of John, “remain in my love.” The sign of remaining in this love is “keeping the commandments.”
“When we remain in love,” the pontiff said, “the Commandments follow on their own, out of love.” Love “leads us to naturally fulfill the Commandments. The root of love blossoms in the Commandments.”
In essence, if we live by what Christ called the two greatest Commandments: “Love the Lord, your God, with your whole mind, body and soul and love your eighbor as you love yourself” or when he said; “Love one another as I have loved you” God will NEVER reject anyone who comes to him and has faithfully followed those teachings.
We must always remember the motto of our Ministry; “God loves ALL His children exactly as He created them”
Therefore, go forth and seek God with your heart, mind and entire being and follow Him with love toward individual you encounter on your journey of life and you will have the gates of heaven opened to you and hear God say; “Well done my good and faithful servant”. AMEN
Friday, December 20, 2013
4th Sunday of Advent Reflection
4th Sunday of Advent 2013 Reflection
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
Independent Catholic Church of the Americas
Email: Divinemercyparish@msn.com
Link to Mission Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Link to Franciscans of Divine Mercy Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FranciscansDivineMercy?fref=ts
Link to Franciscans of Divine Mercy Web Site: www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
Link to the Independent Catholic Church of the Americas http://www.iccamericas.org/
Link to All Reflections TV Shows; http://www.youtube.com/user/RevBobJohn
Link to St. Joseph Cupertino Parish: http://stjosephcupertino.com/index.html
Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.' these words from the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent indicates how powerful the child in the womb of Mary was.
A good thing to remember also is that Elizabeth and Zechariah her husband who was a priest in the Jewish Temple were not young, they had long past the child bearing age but Zechariah was chosen by lot one morning to offer incense in the Holy Place, the temple's inner chamber where only priests were allowed.
As Zechariah was praying, the Angel Gabriel appeared at the right side of the altar. Gabriel told the old man that his prayer for a son would be answered. Zechariah's wife would give birth and they were to name the baby John. Further, Gabriel said John would be a great man who would lead many to the Lord and would be a prophet announcing the Messiah.
Zechariah was doubtful because of his and his wife's old age.
The angel then struck him deaf and mute because of his lack of faith, until the child would be born.
Now when Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was in the last month of her pregnancy our Gospel story tell us of what Elizabeth experienced and how she knew that the child Mary was carrying was the promised Messiah.
We also must remember that Mary accepted the will of the Lord in spite of the possibility that in doing so she could be stoned to death.
Now we need to ask ourselves how willing are we to do God's will even when it will be difficult.
That is the lesson and the question I believe we need to think about this last Sunday before we celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Many popes and saints have urged us to follow the example of Mary and give birth to Christ this Christmas spiritually in our hearts and minds.
I am reminded of the words of St. Francis concerning the birth of Christ; "We give birth to him through holy works, which should shine forth as an example for others. How holy and dear, pleasant, humble, peaceful, lovable and desirable above all things it is to have such a brother and such a son, our Lord Jesus Christ!"
As we go through life often times we are faced with problems or trials that we would rather not have to deal with. I have experienced it as well as many others when the doctors give you the news that you have cancer or a serious health condition. But I also have found that with faith and trust that God will bring you through that difficulty, especially if you turn to him and pray often to him putting your trust in his will you will come through the difficulty. Often, the most difficult times are lessons sent by God to lead us toward the place he desires us to be or tests like those Job had to endure as proof of our complete trust and love of God.
St. Franics tells us that when we love God with a sincere heart we give birth to Christ spiritually especially when we accomplish deeds that manifest Christ's teachings to the world.
What would have happened, I wonder, if Mary had told Gabriel "You have got to be kidding? You want me to bring forth a child without being married?" "No Way!" "I could get stoned to death as a harlot"
It is with complete faith in God, The God that Mary knew from the Hebrew Scriptures, that Mary accepted God's invitation even though it could create a very heavy burden for her.
I sometimes wonder what this world would be like is Mary had not accepted God's call.
If Jesus had never been born and therefore we never head the Good News of Salvation that Christ came to enlighten us with through that light lead us on the path that would bring us to everlasting life.
Christ was sent by the Father, Almighty God, to teach us the truth of God's will and to rebuke all the man made rules and regulations that had been imposed over the years..
Christ came to give us the keys to open the doors to heaven for all who desire to follow the path He taught us. The path of Christ is a simple one; "Love God with all our being and love each other as Christ loved us"
Christ loved us enough to die for us. There is no greater love than that.
Mary's acceptance of God's will was the first step in our redemption.
If she had refused Christ would not have been born and the prophet's fulfillment would not have happened which means we would not be celebrating Christmas this Wednesday. On Christmas Day let us attempt to follow Mary's complete trust in God and accept His will for us. Let us learn to be happy with how God created us and to accept others as God created them.
Let us give each other the gifts of brotherly/sisterly love and diligently try to bring about a time of justice, equality, truthfulness and fairness to every individual on the face of the earth since we all are children of God no matter what nationality or religious denomination.
This Christmas let us renew our efforts to bring about a time of peace and justice to all. Let us dig down and support those who are in need and support those charities that are trying to help others. Let us make God a major focal point in our daily schedule.
Let us place our complete faith and trust in God as May did and tell God "Not our will but your will be done unto us according to your word"
On Christmas Day, let us consider what a glorious gift was given to us on that night when our savior was born in a simple stable. The King of Kings, Lord of Lords was not born in a palatial palace.
He was not born in the warmth comfort of a home or inn. No, he was born in a humble stable surrounded not by nurses and doctors and relatives but by Mary and Joseph, who had accepted God's will for them even though it could have left them open to criticism. They were there with only God's other creations, the animals of the barn whose breath provided warms for the new born child.
Jesus first visitors were simple shepherds, not the elite of the world.
God gave us a sign by this choice for His only son's birth.
God is trying to tell us to live our lives simply and not go seeking fame or fortune. We have been given a message that the simple things in life are what count. Not riches, fame, fortune, but the simple things of life like family, friends, and the beauty of nature.
In every event recorded of Christ's life in scripture, we find a message of acceptance, compassion and forgiveness. Christ welcomed all who came to him. He sat and ate with those considered sinners.
Christ is referred to as "The Light of the World" which means He was sent to light the way for us, like a brilliant beacon that guides ships away from dangerous shoals and reefs toward a safe harbor, Christ showed and taught us how we need to live our life.
Christ was born to clarify God's will for us and dispel the darkness that prevailed and still causes so much pain and suffering.
Christ came to comfort us in times of distress by assuring us that there is a great reward awaiting us at the end of our earthly life if we follow his example.
The miraculous birth we celebrate on Wednesday is that of God made flesh. God gave us a human image to equate to; a human being that had to endure all the human feelings, emotions, problems and joys that each of us has to experience in our journey of life.
Christ endured the pain of a loss of a parent and friends, He experienced the joy of a wedding of a friend. He became angry at the greed and callousness of the priests and temple employees.
Christ also told us how to live a life that would insure everlasting peace. His message was one of Love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy and generosity.
On this day that we celebrate God's gift to us of His only son and God's promise of salvation to all his children, let us present an offering to Him that reflects the way of life He advised us to lead.
Let us begin to be more compassionate to those who are suffering from hunger, illnesses such as AIDS and cancer, poverty, substandard housing, and discrimination. Let us work hard to eliminate these ills of our society and bring about a time of equality and justice for ALL God's children.
On this day that we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace let us make a concerted effort to bring peace into the world beginning with our own families, friends and neighbors whom we might be have hurt in some way. If all of us begin toward this goal, we can make a huge difference in the world.
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27) With these words of Christ I end this joyous message the last Sunday before the celebration of the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, with a prayer that the Peace and infinite mercy and love of Christ will invade your hearts today and all the days of your life.
Have a truly wonderful Merry Christmas. AMEN
By Rev. Bob Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
Independent Catholic Church of the Americas
Email: Divinemercyparish@msn.com
Link to Mission Web Site: www.missionstsergius.org
Link to Franciscans of Divine Mercy Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FranciscansDivineMercy?fref=ts
Link to Franciscans of Divine Mercy Web Site: www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
Link to the Independent Catholic Church of the Americas http://www.iccamericas.org/
Link to All Reflections TV Shows; http://www.youtube.com/user/RevBobJohn
Link to St. Joseph Cupertino Parish: http://stjosephcupertino.com/index.html
Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.' these words from the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent indicates how powerful the child in the womb of Mary was.
A good thing to remember also is that Elizabeth and Zechariah her husband who was a priest in the Jewish Temple were not young, they had long past the child bearing age but Zechariah was chosen by lot one morning to offer incense in the Holy Place, the temple's inner chamber where only priests were allowed.
As Zechariah was praying, the Angel Gabriel appeared at the right side of the altar. Gabriel told the old man that his prayer for a son would be answered. Zechariah's wife would give birth and they were to name the baby John. Further, Gabriel said John would be a great man who would lead many to the Lord and would be a prophet announcing the Messiah.
Zechariah was doubtful because of his and his wife's old age.
The angel then struck him deaf and mute because of his lack of faith, until the child would be born.
Now when Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was in the last month of her pregnancy our Gospel story tell us of what Elizabeth experienced and how she knew that the child Mary was carrying was the promised Messiah.
We also must remember that Mary accepted the will of the Lord in spite of the possibility that in doing so she could be stoned to death.
Now we need to ask ourselves how willing are we to do God's will even when it will be difficult.
That is the lesson and the question I believe we need to think about this last Sunday before we celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Many popes and saints have urged us to follow the example of Mary and give birth to Christ this Christmas spiritually in our hearts and minds.
I am reminded of the words of St. Francis concerning the birth of Christ; "We give birth to him through holy works, which should shine forth as an example for others. How holy and dear, pleasant, humble, peaceful, lovable and desirable above all things it is to have such a brother and such a son, our Lord Jesus Christ!"
As we go through life often times we are faced with problems or trials that we would rather not have to deal with. I have experienced it as well as many others when the doctors give you the news that you have cancer or a serious health condition. But I also have found that with faith and trust that God will bring you through that difficulty, especially if you turn to him and pray often to him putting your trust in his will you will come through the difficulty. Often, the most difficult times are lessons sent by God to lead us toward the place he desires us to be or tests like those Job had to endure as proof of our complete trust and love of God.
St. Franics tells us that when we love God with a sincere heart we give birth to Christ spiritually especially when we accomplish deeds that manifest Christ's teachings to the world.
What would have happened, I wonder, if Mary had told Gabriel "You have got to be kidding? You want me to bring forth a child without being married?" "No Way!" "I could get stoned to death as a harlot"
It is with complete faith in God, The God that Mary knew from the Hebrew Scriptures, that Mary accepted God's invitation even though it could create a very heavy burden for her.
I sometimes wonder what this world would be like is Mary had not accepted God's call.
If Jesus had never been born and therefore we never head the Good News of Salvation that Christ came to enlighten us with through that light lead us on the path that would bring us to everlasting life.
Christ was sent by the Father, Almighty God, to teach us the truth of God's will and to rebuke all the man made rules and regulations that had been imposed over the years..
Christ came to give us the keys to open the doors to heaven for all who desire to follow the path He taught us. The path of Christ is a simple one; "Love God with all our being and love each other as Christ loved us"
Christ loved us enough to die for us. There is no greater love than that.
Mary's acceptance of God's will was the first step in our redemption.
If she had refused Christ would not have been born and the prophet's fulfillment would not have happened which means we would not be celebrating Christmas this Wednesday. On Christmas Day let us attempt to follow Mary's complete trust in God and accept His will for us. Let us learn to be happy with how God created us and to accept others as God created them.
Let us give each other the gifts of brotherly/sisterly love and diligently try to bring about a time of justice, equality, truthfulness and fairness to every individual on the face of the earth since we all are children of God no matter what nationality or religious denomination.
This Christmas let us renew our efforts to bring about a time of peace and justice to all. Let us dig down and support those who are in need and support those charities that are trying to help others. Let us make God a major focal point in our daily schedule.
Let us place our complete faith and trust in God as May did and tell God "Not our will but your will be done unto us according to your word"
On Christmas Day, let us consider what a glorious gift was given to us on that night when our savior was born in a simple stable. The King of Kings, Lord of Lords was not born in a palatial palace.
He was not born in the warmth comfort of a home or inn. No, he was born in a humble stable surrounded not by nurses and doctors and relatives but by Mary and Joseph, who had accepted God's will for them even though it could have left them open to criticism. They were there with only God's other creations, the animals of the barn whose breath provided warms for the new born child.
Jesus first visitors were simple shepherds, not the elite of the world.
God gave us a sign by this choice for His only son's birth.
God is trying to tell us to live our lives simply and not go seeking fame or fortune. We have been given a message that the simple things in life are what count. Not riches, fame, fortune, but the simple things of life like family, friends, and the beauty of nature.
In every event recorded of Christ's life in scripture, we find a message of acceptance, compassion and forgiveness. Christ welcomed all who came to him. He sat and ate with those considered sinners.
Christ is referred to as "The Light of the World" which means He was sent to light the way for us, like a brilliant beacon that guides ships away from dangerous shoals and reefs toward a safe harbor, Christ showed and taught us how we need to live our life.
Christ was born to clarify God's will for us and dispel the darkness that prevailed and still causes so much pain and suffering.
Christ came to comfort us in times of distress by assuring us that there is a great reward awaiting us at the end of our earthly life if we follow his example.
The miraculous birth we celebrate on Wednesday is that of God made flesh. God gave us a human image to equate to; a human being that had to endure all the human feelings, emotions, problems and joys that each of us has to experience in our journey of life.
Christ endured the pain of a loss of a parent and friends, He experienced the joy of a wedding of a friend. He became angry at the greed and callousness of the priests and temple employees.
Christ also told us how to live a life that would insure everlasting peace. His message was one of Love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy and generosity.
On this day that we celebrate God's gift to us of His only son and God's promise of salvation to all his children, let us present an offering to Him that reflects the way of life He advised us to lead.
Let us begin to be more compassionate to those who are suffering from hunger, illnesses such as AIDS and cancer, poverty, substandard housing, and discrimination. Let us work hard to eliminate these ills of our society and bring about a time of equality and justice for ALL God's children.
On this day that we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace let us make a concerted effort to bring peace into the world beginning with our own families, friends and neighbors whom we might be have hurt in some way. If all of us begin toward this goal, we can make a huge difference in the world.
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27) With these words of Christ I end this joyous message the last Sunday before the celebration of the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, with a prayer that the Peace and infinite mercy and love of Christ will invade your hearts today and all the days of your life.
Have a truly wonderful Merry Christmas. AMEN
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Fr. Bob Johnnene OFD
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