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.