ALL SOULS’ DAY (C): THE SOULS OF THE JUST ARE IN GOD’s HANDS. LET US REMEMBER IN OUR DAILY PRAYER TO GOD TO REMIND OURSELVES TO STAY IN A STATE OF GRACE AND HOW IMPORTANT TO REACH OUT TO THOSE IN NEED. by Deacon Jim Merle

Death is inevitable in that scripture tells those of us who are Christian that we must die to this earthly life of sin if we are to live in heaven for all eternity in happiness, joy and peace. Even purgatory, for those who died in a state of grace but still need to purify their soul of venial sins, offers an indeterminate stay with temporal punishment before entering heaven. Hell, on the other hand with its torment of fire and brimstone and absence from God also is forever with no hope of entering heaven. Therefore, the meaning and related questions about death and time thereafter leads us to think about what type of life must we lead while on earth to avoid hell and to reach the ultimate resting place of heaven?

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): O GOD, HAVE MERCY ON ME! O LORD, OPEN MY LIPS AND MY MOUTH SHALL DECLARE YOUR PRAISE! MY SACRIFICE...A HUMBLED, CONTRITE HEART YOU WILL NOT SPURN! (From Psalm 51 - The Miserere: Prayer of Repentance - of King David) by Deacon Jim Merle

Each day I start my morning prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours with an examination of conscience in the following way: 

"Lord, forgive my inequities, cleanse me from my sin, help me to be one with You in all that I am and in all that I do in thought, word and deed as well as Faith, Hope and Love. Give me courage, strength, wisdom, understanding, peace, joy and grace to be obedient to your will. For all those for whom I pray, may they receive your care, comfort and healing."

TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): FAITH REQUIRES PERSEVERANCE IN ALL FACETS OF OUR LIFE, ESPECIALLY IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH GOD THROUGH PRAYER by Deacon Jim Merle

A religious visitor from Europe active in missionary work in Zambia at a hospital and orphanage and more recently in the Ukraine, recently shared at Mass about a four-day ordeal he had in a basement of an apartment building in which 13 children were hiding after being wounded by a Russian missile. Though he was able to help because of his work in Zambia, it was through perseverance in prayer that helped him and the children to cope with what happened and how they will be able to face an uncertain future. This incident brings our Gospel and readings this weekend to life and hopefully us in how we live as practicing Catholics. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): GOD, WHO CREATED US OUT OF LOVE, IS ALWAYS HERE FOR US, NO MATTER WHO WE ARE AS LONG AS WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT HE DOES. by Deacon Jim Merle

It is interesting to note how people react to illnesses and accidents, especially when they are either a part of it or have avoided it. In the latter instance, most people express how lucky they were. It was a narrow escape, but they beat the odds. Those who experienced a setback due to being affected either are upset because they have a problem which may be life-changing or are grateful because it was something minor.

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): FAITH CALLS US TO BE PROACTIVE WHEN IT THREATENS THOSE IN NEED WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES. RESPECT LIFE SUNDAY by Deacon Jim Merle

Today is Respect Life Sunday based on Pope St. John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” (The Gospel of Life) held every October to reaffirm the value and inviolability of every human life and to appeal to all people to respect, protect, love and serve every human life. 

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): JESUS CALLS US TO BE SELFLESS IN TAKING CARE OF THE NEEDY OR FACE POSSIBLE CONDEMNATION by Deacon Jim Merle

For those who live in urban areas, seeing a poor person like Lazarus in St. Luke’s Gospel is a normal scenario. Exit ramps from highways, expressways and freeways are filled with people begging for help due to being homeless or hungry. Whether it is a lone figure or a family, the cardboard signs with dark writing cannot help but catch the eye of those passing by. And most do just pass by without an offer to help.

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): DISCIPLES OF JESUS ARE ASKED TO SHARE IN JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS THE GIFTS GOD HAS GIVEN US WITH THOSE IN NEED. by Deacon Jim Merle

Have you ever heard the saying: I would rather be clever than smart? I even used it myself when I was much younger. It was a trait that peaked my imagination to allow me to be creative. People were more responsive when I said or did something either because it made sense or it made me look like I knew something they did not.

Ecumenism - Article 2 by Father Glenn Baaten

Throughout its history, the Christian faith has experienced significant internal divisions that have shaped the structure, theology, and global influence of the Church. Two pivotal events mark major splits within the Christian tradition: the Great Schism of 1054 and the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. These events not only transformed religious practice but also influenced political, cultural, and social developments across centuries.

THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS (C): “MAY I NEVER BOAST OF ANYTHING BUT THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST”! by Deacon Jim Merle

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

 

We either say these words aloud or mouth them silently as we make the Sign of the Cross when we enter a church or at the beginning and end of a prayer. It is our way of recognizing that we are one in faith with the Holy Trinity. The physical gesture with our right hand to our head, to our heart, to our left shoulder and then our right shoulder as a Roman Catholic Christian is the reminder that we acknowledge what Jesus, the Son of God the Father, did to cement this relationship by suffering crucifixion so we can be forgiven of our sins and be allowed to enter into the everlasting salvific joy, peace and love of heaven.

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C): BEING TRUE AND FAITHFUL TO JESUS REQUIRES MUCH WORLDLY SACRIFICE by Deacon Jim Merle

 Our world is into self-preservation.  It is a mantra for almost every culture.  In and of itself, it is not wrong.  How we go about self-preservation is the crux of most people’s lives.  That is what our readings and Gospel are bringing into light if we espouse Christian discipleship as the mainstay of our lives.