Spirituality: Art and Meaning, by Tomas Halik, The Afternoon of Christianity, p. 26

There is an intrinsic affinity between faith, love, and artistic creation where we encounter” the passion and energy that animates the world.  “Romanticism rightly sensed the sacred character of the eros present in religious, artistic, and amorous passion.”  In creation, as in love and faith, one gives, but at the same time one receives and accepts. Both the giving and the discerning acceptance of the gift is a means of transcendence. Culture and art are expressions of the human search for meaning. In this longing, openness and “divinely aroused” (St. Augustine) restlessness of the heart, God is present, even here on earth.  

Photo: Douglas, Massachusetts Town Common

 

Spirituality: Co-creating art, by Tomas Halik, The Afternoon of Christianity, p. 27

 Human beings are joint creators of and their environment by their activity and their power and also by the “contemplative approach to life and their openness to the mystery of the absolute.” Is not solely the product of its creator. It is an event of encounter. A work of art lives and becomes complete through the perception of those who are affected by it. Just as the process of creation continues and completes itself in human history, the work of art lives, happens, and completes itself in those who experience it. Art demands the art of communication and its interpretation and invitation to interpretation.

 

Photo: Give Thanks

 

Spirituality: Ernest Hemingway on "Listening"

 When people talk listen completely. Don’t be thinking what you’re going to say. Most people never listen. Nor do they observe. You should be able to go into a room and when you come out know everything that you saw there and not only that. If that room gave you any feeling you should know exactly what it was that gave you that feeling. 

 

It’s a rare and profound gift to be fully present with someone, and yet, it’s something so few of us truly offer. Most people only half-listen, their minds already formulating their next words, distracted by their own thoughts, or zoning out entirely.

 

Imagine how powerful it would be if we listened more deeply—if we made a commitment to being fully engaged, to hearing and understanding not just the words, but the emotions and intentions behind them. Listening isn’t just about waiting for your turn to speak; it’s about absorbing what someone else is sharing and making them feel heard, valued, and understood. It’s about connecting on a level deeper than surface conversations, because when you truly listen, you open a door to empathy and genuine connection. And isn’t that what we’re all really longing for?

 

Beyond listening, there is also the art of observing, of truly noticing the world around you. When you walk into a room, take a moment to soak in everything. Notice the details—the way the sunlight filters through the windows, the color of the walls, the expressions on people’s faces, the way someone is nervously tapping their foot or laughing with their eyes more than their mouth. Most of us rush through spaces, our minds preoccupied and our eyes barely registering what’s in front of us. But there’s magic in paying attention, in being mindful of the small details that make every moment unique.

 

Think of the room not just as a physical space, but as an experience. Every room has a mood, a feeling, an energy. It could be the coziness of a room filled with laughter, the tension of a space where a difficult conversation just took place, or the warmth of a place that holds beautiful memories. The more we tune in to these subtle feelings, the more deeply we can understand our surroundings and the people in them. What gave you that feeling? Was it the way someone’s eyes lit up when they smiled? The scent of freshly brewed coffee that brought a sense of comfort? Or perhaps the distant echo of a song that stirred up a forgotten memory?

 

Being observant and emotionally aware in this way takes practice, but it also transforms the way you move through life. You become more sensitive, more attuned, more aware. You start to notice the way a friend’s voice softens when they’re talking about something they love, or the slight shift in someone’s tone when they’re hiding something. You begin to see and feel things that others miss entirely, and that awareness can lead to a richer, more connected experience of the world.

 

It’s a beautiful thing to be a person who listens with their heart, who observes deeply, and who feels fully. It means you’re not just drifting through life; you’re living it intentionally. You’re soaking in the fullness of each moment, aware of the beauty and complexity around you. It means you understand people better, because you’ve made the effort to see and hear them, to pick up on the nuances of their being. It means you can be the kind of person whose presence feels calming, because people know you’re truly there with them, not just waiting for your turn to talk or half-heartedly engaging.

 

So, when you’re in conversation, let go of the urge to plan your next statement. Take a breath, relax your mind, and give the person speaking your undivided attention. Let yourself be present, fully. When you walk into a room, slow down and really see it. Observe the details, feel the energy, notice the small things that make that moment unique. You’ll find that life becomes richer, fuller, and more meaningful when you learn to listen and observe completely. It’s not just about hearing words or seeing objects—it’s about feeling the fullness of everything around you. It’s about experiencing life, deeply and completely.

A Civilization of Love: The First Sunday in Advent 2024

                                                             A Civilization of Love:

The First Sunday in Advent 2024

December 1, 2024

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Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-36

 

The reading from Jeremiah tells us that we must trust patiently in the promise that will slowly unveil itself. We must trust the one who stands behind the promise, the one who makes all that is right come into being. The Gospel of Luke tells us that we may get pulled into the drama around us. This drama is designed to feed on our fears and sensibilities. It will be loud, in your face events designed to unsettle you, and fear is quite powerful. The powers of this world will do what they can to increase our anxiety because it sells and fear is needed to exert control over our actions and beliefs, but we are to remain vigilant, aware of that slowly unfolding promise of goodness and light. We are to increase that light by staying settled and centered so we can see rightly.

 

St. Paul tells us that our love for one another must increase. We are the promise that is sent into the world to slowly reveal God’s presence, and we do so by our loving actions. Love is that quality that settles the drama. Love exists in the human heart; so does hatred, indifference, and selfishness. Our actions have profound effects upon others, because, through our actions and thoughts, we are capable of making more Herods, Grinches, and Ebenezer Scrooges today. We are capable of making saints too. Therefore, we are to keep our hearts open to others. The deepest part of each person was created for love, and we will fulfill God’s plan only if we learn to love. Only through love do we become our genuine selves. 

 

We must remember this: God wished to become one of us, a part of our history, and a companion on our earthly journey. Jesus became the Incarnate One so we can know that God understands our human joy and suffering. This Jesus remains alive, with a living heart, and he both loves us, and receives our love, and every time we love another person, we increase the love for which we were born. Any act of love spontaneously refers back to Jesus, and he continues to invite us into a friendship that is marked by dialogue, affection, trust, and adoration. We often think that we can sit before the tabernacle to adore Jesus, but at the same time, Jesus is adoring us. In fact, his love for us comes first. His heart is the unifying center of our souls. 

 

As a people of faith, we model our lives after Jesus and remember what he did in his humanity: healing the sick, embracing sinners, and showing mercy. This is our path forward as we open our hearts to love. We are called to create a civilization of love. As I listen to your stories, I plainly see your love, and your attempts to create this civilization by responding in the best way possible to those in your lives. The best response to the love of Christ is to love our brothers and sisters, to be people with and for others. There is no greater way for us to return that love to God. This love demands transforming the parts of our hearts that can become selfish. This type of loving became a new principle in human history that emphasized that individuals are even more worthy of our respect and love when they are weak, scorned, or suffering. Through our prayer and worship, we are inspired to be more attentive to the sufferings and needs of others. The heart of Jesus is not indifferent to the way we respond to his thirst for love. Jesus asks for love, and his love of us moves us to return love for greater love. This love is what we see during this period of Advent – a God of love who waits for us and wants to be with us more than we can ever know. These next few weeks are time to notice the drama of the world from afar but letting the love of Christ settle peacefully into our own. Peace, justice, and harmony then has a chance to thrive. 

 

Scripture for Daily Mass

Monday: (Isaiah 2) In days to come, the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it

 

Tuesday: (Isaiah 11) A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.

 

Wednesday: (Isaiah 25) On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples
A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples.

 

Thursday: (Isaiah 26) A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.
Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith.

 

Friday (Isaiah 29) Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.

 

Saturday (Isaiah 30) O people of Zion, who dwell in Jerusalem, no more will you weep;
He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you.

 

Gospel: 

Monday: (Matthew 8) When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully." He said to him, "I will come and cure him."

 

Tuesday: (Luke 10) Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.

 

Wednesday (Matthew 15) My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.

 

Thursday (Luke 17) As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten persons with leprosy met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”

 

Friday (Matthew 9) “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. 
Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. 

 

Saturday (Matthew 9) At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

 

Saints of the Week

 

December 1: Edmund Campion, S.J., (1540- 1581), Robert Southwell, S.J., (1561-1595) martyrs, were English natives and Jesuit priests at a time when Catholics were persecuted in the country. Both men acknowledge Queen Elizabeth as monarch, but they refused to renounce their Catholic faith. They are among the 40 martyrs of England and Wales. Campion was killed in 1581 and Southwell’s death was 1595.

 

December 3: Francis Xavier, S.J., priest (1506-1552) was a founding member of the Jesuit Order who was sent to the East Indies and Japan as a missionary. His preaching converted hundreds of thousands of converts to the faith. He died before reaching China. Xavier was a classmate of Peter Faber and Ignatius of Loyola at the University of Paris.

 

December 6: Nicholas, bishop (d. 350), lived in southwest Turkey and was imprisoned during the Diocletian persecution. He attended the Council of Nicaea in 324. Since there are many stories of his good deeds, generous charity, and remarkable pastoral care, his character became the foundation for the image of Santa Claus.

 

December 7: Ambrose, bishop and doctor (339-397) was a Roman governor who fairly mediated an episcopal election in Milan. He was then acclaimed their bishop even though he was not baptized. He baptized Augustine in 386 and is doctor of the church because of his preaching, teaching and influential ways of being a pastor.

This Week in Jesuit History

 

• December 1, 1581: At Tyburn in London, Edmund Campion and Alexander Briant were martyred. 
• December 2, 1552: On the island of Sancian off the coast of China, Francis Xavier died. 
• December 3, 1563: At the Council of Trent, the Institute of the Society was approved. 
• December 4, 1870: The Roman College, appropriated by the Piedmontese government, was reopened as a Lyceum. The monogram of the Society over the main entrance was effaced. 
• December 5, 1584: By his bull Omnipotentis Dei, Pope Gregory XIII gave the title of Primaria to Our Lady's Sodality established in the Roman College in 1564 and empowered it to aggregate other similar sodalities. 
• December 6, 1618: In Naples, the Jesuits were blamed for proposing to the Viceroy that a solemn feast should be held in honor of the Immaculate Conception and that priests should make a public pledge defend the doctrine. This was regarded as a novelty not to be encouraged. 

December 7, 1649: Charles Garnier was martyred in Etarita, Canada, as a missionary to the Petun Indians, among whom he died during an Iroquois attack.

Una civilización del amor: Primer domingo de Adviento 2024

                                                       Una civilización del amor:

Primer domingo de Adviento 2024

1 de diciembre de 2024

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Jeremías 33:14-16; Salmo 25; 1 Tesalonicenses 3:12-4:2; Lucas 21:25-36

 

La lectura de Jeremías nos dice que debemos confiar con paciencia en la promesa que se irá revelando poco a poco. Debemos confiar en Aquel que está detrás de la promesa, Aquel que hace que todo lo que es correcto se haga realidad. El Evangelio de Lucas nos dice que podemos ser arrastrados por el drama que nos rodea. Este drama está diseñado para alimentar nuestros miedos y sensibilidades. Serán acontecimientos ruidosos, que nos sorprenderán y que están diseñados para inquietarnos, y el miedo es muy poderoso. Los poderes de este mundo harán lo que puedan para aumentar nuestra ansiedad porque vende y el miedo es necesario para ejercer control sobre nuestras acciones y creencias, pero debemos permanecer vigilantes, conscientes de esa promesa de bondad y luz que se revela lentamente. Debemos aumentar esa luz manteniéndonos tranquilos y centrados para poder ver correctamente.

 

San Pablo nos dice que nuestro amor por los demás debe aumentar. Somos la promesa enviada al mundo para revelar lentamente la presencia de Dios, y lo hacemos mediante nuestras acciones amorosas. El amor es esa cualidad que resuelve el drama. El amor existe en el corazón humano; también lo hacen el odio, la indiferencia y el egoísmo. Nuestras acciones tienen efectos profundos en los demás, porque, a través de nuestras acciones y pensamientos, somos capaces de hacer más Herodes , Grinches y Ebenezer Scrooge hoy. También somos capaces de hacer santos. Por lo tanto, debemos mantener nuestros corazones abiertos a los demás. La parte más profunda de cada persona fue creada para el amor, y cumpliremos el plan de Dios solo si aprendemos a amar. Solo a través del amor nos convertimos en nuestro yo genuino.

 

Debemos recordar esto: Dios quiso hacerse uno de nosotros, parte de nuestra historia y compañero de nuestro camino terrenal. Jesús se hizo carne para que sepamos que Dios comprende nuestras alegrías y sufrimientos humanos. Este Jesús sigue vivo, con un corazón vivo, y nos ama y recibe nuestro amor, y cada vez que amamos a otra persona, aumentamos el amor para el que nacimos. Cualquier acto de amor remite espontáneamente a Jesús, y él continúa invitándonos a una amistad que se caracteriza por el diálogo, el afecto, la confianza y la adoración. A menudo pensamos que podemos sentarnos ante el sagrario para adorar a Jesús, pero al mismo tiempo, Jesús nos adora a nosotros. De hecho, su amor por nosotros es lo primero. Su corazón es el centro unificador de nuestras almas.

 

Como pueblo de fe, modelamos nuestras vidas según Jesús y recordamos lo que Él hizo en su humanidad: sanar a los enfermos, abrazar a los pecadores y mostrar misericordia. Este es nuestro camino a seguir mientras abrimos nuestros corazones al amor. Estamos llamados a crear una civilización del amor. Al escuchar sus historias, veo claramente su amor y sus intentos de crear esta civilización respondiendo de la mejor manera posible a las personas en sus vidas. La mejor respuesta al amor de Cristo es amar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas, ser personas con y para los demás. No hay mejor manera de devolver ese amor a Dios. Este amor exige transformar las partes de nuestro corazón que pueden volverse egoístas. Este tipo de amor se convirtió en un nuevo principio en la historia humana que enfatizó que las personas son aún más dignas de nuestro respeto y amor cuando son débiles, despreciadas o sufren. A través de nuestra oración y adoración, somos inspirados a estar más atentos a los sufrimientos y necesidades de los demás. El corazón de Jesús no es indiferente a la forma en que respondemos a su sed de amor. Jesús pide amor, y su amor por nosotros nos mueve a devolver amor con un amor mayor. Este amor es lo que vemos durante este período de Adviento: un Dios de amor que nos espera y quiere estar con nosotros más de lo que jamás podremos imaginar. Estas próximas semanas son el momento de observar el drama del mundo desde lejos, pero dejando que el amor de Cristo se instale pacíficamente en el nuestro. La paz, la justicia y la armonía tienen entonces la oportunidad de prosperar.

 

Escritura para la misa diaria

Lunes: (Isaías 2 ) En los días venideros, el monte de la casa del SEÑOR será establecido como el monte más alto y se elevará sobre los collados; todas las naciones correrán hacia él.

 

Martes: (Isaías 11 ) Un retoño brotará del tronco de Isaí, y de sus raíces florecerá un vástago. El Espíritu del SEÑOR reposará sobre él: espíritu de sabiduría y de inteligencia, espíritu de consejo y de poder, espíritu de conocimiento y de temor del SEÑOR; y su deleite será el temor del SEÑOR.

 

Miércoles: (Isaías 25 ) En este monte el Señor de los ejércitos preparará para todos los pueblos 
un banquete de manjares suculentos y de vinos selectos, manjares jugosos y suculentos y vinos puros y selectos. En este monte destruirá el velo que cubre a todos los pueblos.

 

Jueves: (Isaías 26 ) Somos una ciudad fuerte; él levanta muros y murallas para protegernos. 
Abran las puertas para que entre una nación justa y fiel.

 

Viernes (Isaías 29 ) El Líbano se convertirá en un huerto, y el huerto será considerado como un bosque. En ese día, los sordos oirán las palabras de un libro; y en medio de la oscuridad y la oscuridad, los ojos de los ciegos verán.

 

Sábado (Isaías 30) Pueblo de Sión, que moras en Jerusalén, nunca más llorarás; 
Él tendrá misericordia de ti cuando clames; tan pronto como te oiga te responderá.

 

Evangelio:

Lunes: (Mateo 8) Cuando Jesús entró en Capernaúm, se le acercó un centurión y le suplicó, diciendo: "Señor, mi criado está postrado en casa, paralítico, sufriendo terriblemente". Le dijo: "Iré y lo curaré".

 

Martes: (Lucas 10 ) Jesús se regocijó en el Espíritu Santo y dijo: "Te alabo, Padre, Señor del cielo y de la tierra, porque aunque has escondido estas cosas a los sabios y a los entendidos, las has revelado a los pequeños.

 

Miércoles (Mateo 15 ) Me da pena la multitud, porque ya hace tres días que están conmigo y no tienen qué comer. No quiero despedirlos con hambre, por temor a que se desmayen en el camino.

 

Jueves (Lucas 17) Mientras Jesús continuaba su viaje hacia Jerusalén, pasó por Samaria y Galilea. Al entrar en un pueblo, diez leprosos se encontraron con él. 
Se pararon a cierta distancia y alzaron la voz diciendo: “¡Jesús, Maestro! ¡Ten compasión de nosotros!”.

 

Viernes (Mateo 9 ) “¿Creen que puedo hacer esto?” “Sí, Señor”, le respondieron. 
Entonces les tocó los ojos y les dijo: “Hágase en ustedes conforme a su fe”. Y se les abrieron los ojos.

 

Sábado (Mateo 9 ) Al ver a las multitudes, su corazón se compadeció de ellas, 
porque estaban angustiadas y abandonadas, como ovejas sin pastor.

 

Santos de la semana

 

1 de diciembre: Edmund Campion, SJ, (1540- 1581), Robert Southwell, SJ, (1561-1595) mártires, eran nativos ingleses y sacerdotes jesuitas en una época en la que los católicos eran perseguidos en el país. Ambos hombres reconocieron a la reina Isabel como monarca, pero se negaron a renunciar a su fe católica. Se encuentran entre los 40 mártires de Inglaterra y Gales. Campion fue asesinado en 1581 y la muerte de Southwell fue en 1595.

 

3 de diciembre: Francisco Javier, SJ, sacerdote (1506-1552), miembro fundador de la Orden de los Jesuitas, fue enviado a las Indias Orientales y Japón como misionero. Su predicación convirtió a cientos de miles de personas a la fe. Murió antes de llegar a China. Javier fue compañero de clase de Pedro Fabro e Ignacio de Loyola en la Universidad de París.

 

6 de diciembre: Nicolás, obispo (fallecido en 350), vivió en el suroeste de Turquía y estuvo preso durante la persecución de Diocleciano. Asistió al Concilio de Nicea en 324. Como existen muchas historias de sus buenas acciones, su generosa caridad y su notable cuidado pastoral, su carácter se convirtió en la base de la imagen de Papá Noel.

 

7 de diciembre: Ambrosio, obispo y doctor (339-397) fue un gobernador romano que medió de manera justa una elección episcopal en Milán. Luego fue aclamado obispo de la iglesia a pesar de no estar bautizado. Bautizó a Agustín en 386 y es doctor de la iglesia por su predicación, enseñanza y formas influyentes de ser pastor.

Esta semana en la historia de los jesuitas

 

• 1 de diciembre de 1581: En Tyburn , Londres, Edmund Campion y Alexander Briant fueron martirizados.
• 2 de diciembre de 1552: En la isla de Sancian, frente a la costa de China, murió Francisco Javier.
• 3 de diciembre de 1563: En el Concilio de Trento se aprueba el Instituto de la Compañía.
• 4 de diciembre de 1870: El Colegio Romano, expropiado por el gobierno piamontés , fue reabierto como Liceo. El monograma de la Compañía sobre la entrada principal fue borrado.
• 5 de diciembre de 1584: Mediante su bula Omnipotentis Dei , el Papa Gregorio XIII dio el título de Primaria a la Congregación de Nuestra Señora establecida en el Colegio Romano en 1564 y la autorizó a agregar otras cofradías similares.
• 6 de diciembre de 1618: En Nápoles, los jesuitas fueron acusados de proponer al virrey que se celebrara una fiesta solemne en honor de la Inmaculada Concepción y que los sacerdotes hicieran un juramento público de defender la doctrina. Esto se consideró una novedad que no debía fomentarse.
• 7 de diciembre de 1649: Charles Garnier fue martirizado en Etarita , Canadá, como misionero entre los indios Petun, entre quienes murió durante un ataque iroqués.

 

Photo: Falling Leaves

 

Spirituality: Najma Khorrami, from the article "Four Ways to Wire Your Brain for Gratitude" at Mindfulness

We often remember to be grateful for big events, like graduating from university or getting married, but it can be more difficult to feel grateful for the small things we do every day. Reminding yourself that eating a meal, for example, is in itself special and can be very powerful. Your immediate awareness of the food in front of you, combining flavors while removing hunger, is a great way to enjoy gratitude as often as you eat! Another is feeling grateful in the morning for being able to comfortably sleep at night. We gain comfort, satisfaction and peace by practicing mindfulness and gratitude in this repeated fashion.

Photo: Long Morning Shadows

 

Spirituality: Thomas Berry

Everything is here for the same reason, for manifestation and celebration. But the humans articulate this. The others cannot articulate it reflectively. They can be a manifestation, but they cannot reflect on that. Humans can, therefore our role is to be spokespersons for the universe and to appreciate the universe as the context in which the Divine and human meet.

Photo: A Home for Gnomes

 

Spirituality: The Experience of Forgiveness

This experience of full forgiveness cannot fail to open our hearts and minds to the need to forgive others in turn. Forgiveness does not change the past; it cannot change what happened in the past, yet it can allow us to change the future and to live different lives, free of anger, animosity and vindictiveness. Forgiveness makes possible a brighter future, which enables us to look at the past with different eyes, now more serene, albeit still bearing the trace of past tears.

Spirituality: The death and resurrection

The death and resurrection of Jesus is the heart of our faith and the basis of our hope. Christ died, was buried, was raised and appeared. For our sake, Jesus experienced the drama of death. The Father’s love raised him in the power of the Spirit, and made of his humanity the first fruits of our eternal salvation. Christian hope consists precisely in this: that in facing death, which appears to be the end of everything, we have the certainty that, thanks to the grace of Christ imparted to us in Baptism, “life is changed, not ended”, forever. Buried with Christ in Baptism, we receive in his resurrection the gift of a new life that breaks down the walls of death, making it a passage to eternity. 

Spirituality: Hope as a theological virtue

Hope, together with faith and charity, makes up the triptych of the “theological virtues” that express the heart of the Christian life (cf. 1 Cor 13:13; 1 Thess 1:3). In their inseparable unity, hope is the virtue that, so to speak, gives inward direction and purpose to the life of believers. For this reason, the Apostle Paul encourages us to “rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, and persevere in prayer” (Rom 12:12). Surely we need to “abound in hope” (cf. Rom 15:13), so that we may bear credible and attractive witness to the faith and love that dwell in our hearts; that our faith may be joyful and our charity enthusiastic; and that each of us may be able to offer a smile, a small gesture of friendship, a kind look, a ready ear, a good deed, in the knowledge that, in the Spirit of Jesus, these can become, for those who receive them, rich seeds of hope. Yet what is the basis of our hope? To understand this, let us stop and reflect on “the reasons for our hope” (cf. 1 Pet 3:15).

Spirituality: Hope does not disappoint, par. 9

Looking to the future with hope also entails having enthusiasm for life and a readiness to share it. Sadly, in many situations this is lacking. A first effect of this is the loss of the desire to transmit life. A number of countries are experiencing an alarming decline in the birthrate as a result of today’s frenetic pace, fears about the future, the lack of job security and adequate social policies, and social models whose agenda is dictated by the quest for profit rather than concern for relationships. In certain quarters, the tendency “to blame population growth, instead of extreme and selective consumerism on the part of some, is one way of refusing to face the [real] issues”.

Who is this King of Glory?: The Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024

Who is this King of Glory?:

The Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 

November 24, 2024

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Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 91; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37

 

Standing before the earthly powers who are deciding his fate, Jesus of Nazareth debates the nature and essence of truth. We may hear people speaking about the real truth and we never know what they mean. In this Gospel passage, human reason, human truth stands in contrast with God’s truth. Jesus tells us that he was born to testify to God’s truth. The author of Revelation says this about Jesus: He is the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is and who was and who is to come. All glory and honor belong to him for he is the one who outlasts human truth. An encounter with Jesus puts us in touch with the first moments of creation and the final goal of our faith. That we belong to God makes us realize that we have comfort in God’s truth. 

 

I cringe whenever I hear people speak of truth because we misuse it and weaponize it, which has nothing to do with the truth. I hear people tell their version of the truth in violent or attacking ways, and this causes great harm. How many times have we heard something blurt out in exasperation, “I’m only speaking the truth”? In other examples, people claim that they possess the truth, which translates into a statement like, “I’m right and you are wrong.” Such speech causes insecurity, anger, and separation.

 

Telling the truth is an art that requires much practice. If you need to speak with greater clarity, you must do so in a way that the other person does not feel threatened or so they can listen to your words. You must speak your experience in a loving and protective way. Please remember that you do not ever own the truth. You may have a particular insight or experience, and it is most likely that you have a biased perception, so it is important to speak gingerly. Even the most skillful words cause pain. The other person has to see your concern and care. Building a relationship is based on trust, upon using the truth as a solid base, and it is important that the relationship endure. If the words we use cause another pain, the words we choose can heal a fractured relationship.

 

To soften our truth-telling, we find creative ways to suit our advantage. We do not like to think we lie because we are showing concern, but lying is a dangerous trap, and our words need integrity. We must speak the language of the world, but we have to be consistent, without using double-talk, or using exaggeration, which takes you away from the truth, and you risk losing the person’s trust. We may speak differently to different people, but we are to do so in a way that reflects how they think and respects their ability to receive your words. We speak in order to reflect God’s truth. Whenever we need to say something that will be difficult for other to hear, we must be humble and discover more deeply how we can talk about sensitive matters. Of course, our language must be peaceful. 

 

Jesus is our contemplation of the profound truth as the one who preceded and is the end of cosmic creation and our own. As we stand at the end of our year, we remember that Jesus is the one who seeks people out, approaches them, and invites them into friendship. He takes away our fears, brings light to our life, and raises us up to new heights. He watches over us and cherishes us. He is God’s closeness, compassion, and tender love, and as we grow, we will see him in new ways, and he will always be present in our lives. He refreshes our soul and enlivens our beliefs. Our truth is: He lives and chooses us as friends. He is the one to whom we give glory and honor. 

 

Scripture for Daily Mass

Monday: (Revelation 14) I heard a sound from heaven like the sound of rushing water or a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. They were singing what seemed to be a new hymn before the throne, before the four living creatures and the elders.

 

Tuesday: (Revelation 14) “Use your sickle and reap the harvest, for the time to reap has come, because the earth’s harvest is fully ripe.” So the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.

 

Wednesday: (Revelation 15) Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty. Just and true are your ways, O king of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.

 

Thursday: (Sirach 50) And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth. Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb, and fashions them according to his will! May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you;
May his goodness toward us endure in Israel to deliver us in our days.

 

Friday (Revelation 20) Then I saw thrones; those who sat on them were entrusted with judgment. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image nor had accepted its mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

 

Saturday (Romans 10) If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.

 

Gospel: 

Monday: (Luke 21) He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the  rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

 

Tuesday: (Luke 21) “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” 

 

Wednesday (Luke 21) They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony.

 

Thursday (Luke 17) As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten persons with leprosy met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”

 

Friday (Luke 21) Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.

 

Saturday (Matthew 4) Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

 

Saints of the Week

 

November 24: Andrew Dung-Lac and companion martyrs (1785-1839) were missionaries to Vietnam during the 17th through 19th centuries. Over 130,000 Christians were killed, including priests, sisters, brothers, and lay people. Many of these were Vietnamese citizens. 

 

November 25: Catherine of Alexandria, martyr, (d. 310) is said to have been born in Egypt to a noble family. She was educated and converted to Christianity because of a vision. She refused to marry a man arranged to be her husband by the emperor, and she denounced him for persecuting Christians. She was arrested, tortured, and killed.

 

November 26: John Berchmans, S.J., religious (1599-1621), was a Jesuit scholastic who is the patron saint of altar servers. He was known for his pious adherence to the rules and for his obedience. He did well in studies but was seized with a fever during his third year of philosophy and died at the age of 22. 

 

Fourth Thursday: Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. is derived from a mix of European and Native American traditions. Joyous festivals were held in Europe to give thanks for a good harvest and to rejoice with others for their hard work. It is a day to give thanks for the many blessings we have received through God's generosity throughout the year. 

 

November 29: Bernardo Francisco de Hoyos, S.J., religious (1711-1735) was the first and main apostle to the devotion of the Sacred Heart. He entered the novitiate in Spain at age 14 and took vows at 17. He had mystical visions of the Sacred Heart. He was ordained in January 1735 with a special dispensation because he was not old enough. A few weeks after celebrating his first mass, he contracted typhus and died on November 29^th. 

 

November 30: Andrew, apostle (first century) was a disciple of John the Baptist and the brother of Simon Peter. Both were fishermen from Bethsaida. He became one of the first disciples of Jesus. Little is known of Andrew's preaching after the resurrection. Tradition places him in Greece while Scotland has incredible devotion to the apostle.  

 

This Week in Jesuit History

 

• November 24, 1963: The death of John LaFarge, pioneer advocate of racial justice in the United States. 
• November 25, 1584: The Church of the Gesu, built in Rome for the Society by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, was solemnly consecrated. 
• November 26, 1678: In London the arrest and imprisonment of St Claude la Colombiere. He was released after five weeks and banished. 
• November 27, 1680: In Rome the death of Fr. Athanasius Kircher, considered a universal genius, but especially knowledgeable in science and archeology. 
• November 28, 1759: Twenty Fathers and 192 Scholastics set sail from the Tagus for exile. Two were to die on the voyage to Genoa and Civita Vecchia. 
• November 29, 1773: The Jesuits of White Russia requested the Empress Catherine to allow the Letter of Suppression to be published, as it had been all over Europe. "She bade them lay aside their scruples, promising to obtain the Papal sanction for their remaining in status quo. 
• November 30, 1642: The birth of Br Andrea Pozzo at Trent, who was called to Rome in 1681 to paint the flat ceiling of the church of San Ignacio so that it would look as though there were a dome above. There had been a plan for a dome but there was not money to build it. His work is still on view.

 

¿Quién es este Rey de Gloria?: El Trigésimo Cuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario 2024

                                                 ¿Quién es este Rey de Gloria?:

El Trigésimo Cuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario 2024

24 de noviembre de 2024

www.johnpredmoresj.com | predmore.blogspot.com

predmoresj@yahoo.com | 617.510.9673

Daniel 7:13-14; Salmo 91; Apocalipsis 1:5-8; Juan 18:33-37

 

Jesús de Nazaret, ante los poderes terrenos que deciden su destino, debate sobre la naturaleza y la esencia de la verdad. Podemos oír a la gente hablar de la verdad real y nunca sabemos lo que quieren decir. En este pasaje del Evangelio, la razón humana, la verdad humana se contrapone a la verdad de Dios. Jesús nos dice que nació para dar testimonio de la verdad de Dios. El autor del Apocalipsis dice esto sobre Jesús: Él es el Alfa y la Omega, el que es, el que era y el que ha de venir. Toda la gloria y el honor le pertenecen porque es el que sobrevive a la verdad humana. El encuentro con Jesús nos pone en contacto con los primeros momentos de la creación y la meta final de nuestra fe. El hecho de pertenecer a Dios nos hace darnos cuenta de que tenemos consuelo en la verdad de Dios.

 

Me estremezco cada vez que escucho a la gente hablar de la verdad porque la usamos mal y la convertimos en un arma, lo cual no tiene nada que ver con la verdad. Escucho a la gente decir su versión de la verdad de manera violenta o agresiva, y esto causa un gran daño. ¿Cuántas veces hemos escuchado a alguien decir con exasperación: “Sólo estoy diciendo la verdad”? En otros ejemplos, la gente afirma poseer la verdad, lo que se traduce en una declaración como: “Yo tengo razón y tú estás equivocado”. Ese tipo de discurso causa inseguridad, ira y separación.

 

Decir la verdad es un arte que requiere mucha práctica. Si necesitas hablar con mayor claridad, debes hacerlo de manera que la otra persona no se sienta amenazada o pueda escuchar tus palabras. Debes contar tu experiencia de una manera amorosa y protectora. Recuerda que nunca eres dueño de la verdad. Puede que tengas una percepción o experiencia particular, y lo más probable es que tengas una percepción sesgada, por lo que es importante hablar con cautela. Incluso las palabras más hábiles causan dolor. La otra persona tiene que ver tu preocupación y tu cuidado. Construir una relación se basa en la confianza, en usar la verdad como una base sólida, y es importante que la relación perdure. Si las palabras que usamos causan dolor a otra persona, las palabras que elijamos pueden sanar una relación fracturada.

 

Para suavizar nuestra manera de decir la verdad, encontramos formas creativas que nos resulten ventajosas. No nos gusta pensar que mentimos porque estamos mostrando preocupación, pero mentir es una trampa peligrosa y nuestras palabras necesitan integridad. Debemos hablar el lenguaje del mundo, pero tenemos que ser coherentes, sin usar dobles palabras ni exageraciones, que nos alejan de la verdad y nos arriesgamos a perder la confianza de la persona. Podemos hablar de manera diferente a diferentes personas, pero debemos hacerlo de una manera que refleje cómo piensan y respete su capacidad de recibir nuestras palabras. Hablamos para reflejar la verdad de Dios. Siempre que necesitemos decir algo que será difícil de escuchar para otros, debemos ser humildes y descubrir más profundamente cómo podemos hablar de asuntos delicados. Por supuesto, nuestro lenguaje debe ser pacífico.

 

Jesús es nuestra contemplación de la verdad profunda como el que precedió y es el fin de la creación cósmica y de la nuestra. Al llegar al final de nuestro año, recordamos que Jesús es el que busca a las personas, se acerca a ellas y las invita a la amistad. Él nos quita nuestros miedos, trae luz a nuestra vida y nos eleva a nuevas alturas. Él nos cuida y nos aprecia. Él es la cercanía, la compasión y el tierno amor de Dios y, a medida que crezcamos, lo veremos de nuevas maneras y siempre estará presente en nuestras vidas. Él refresca nuestra alma y aviva nuestras creencias. Nuestra verdad es: Él vive y nos elige como amigos. Él es a quien damos gloria y honor.

 

Escritura para la misa diaria

Lunes: (Apocalipsis 14 ) Oí un ruido que venía del cielo, como el ruido de un torrente de agua o el de un fuerte trueno. El ruido que oí era como el de unos arpistas que tocaban sus arpas. Estaban cantando lo que parecía un himno nuevo delante del trono, delante de los cuatro seres vivientes y de los ancianos.

 

Martes: (Apocalipsis 14 ) “Mete tu hoz y siega la mies, porque el tiempo de segar ha llegado, pues la mies de la tierra está madura.” Entonces el que estaba sentado sobre la nube metió su hoz sobre la tierra, y la tierra fue segada.

 

Miércoles: (Apocalipsis 15 ) Grandes y maravillosas son tus obras, Señor Dios todopoderoso. Justos y verdaderos son tus caminos, oh Rey de las naciones. ¿Quién no te temerá, Señor, ni glorificará tu nombre? Porque solo tú eres santo. Todas las naciones vendrán y adorarán delante de ti, porque tus actos justos han sido revelados.

 

Jueves: (Eclesiástico 50 ) Y ahora, bendecid al Dios de todo, que ha hecho maravillas en la tierra, que fomenta el crecimiento de las personas desde el vientre de su madre y las forma según su voluntad. Que os conceda la alegría del corazón y que la paz habite entre vosotros; 
que su bondad hacia nosotros perdure en Israel para librarnos en nuestros días.

 

Viernes (Apocalipsis 20 ) Vi tronos y a los que estaban sentados sobre ellos se les había confiado el juicio. Vi también las almas de los decapitados por causa del testimonio de Jesús y por la palabra de Dios, y de los que no habían adorado a la bestia ni a su imagen, ni habían aceptado la marca en sus frentes ni en sus manos. Volvieron a la vida y reinaron con Cristo durante mil años.

 

Sábado (Romanos 10) Si confiesas con tu boca que Jesús es el Señor y crees en tu corazón que Dios lo levantó de entre los muertos, serás salvo. Porque con el corazón se cree para justicia, pero con la boca se confiesa para salvación.

 

Evangelio:

Lunes: (Lucas 21) Él dijo: “En verdad les digo que esta viuda pobre echó más que todos los demás ; porque todos aquellos echó de lo que les sobraba, pero ésta, de su pobreza, dio todo su sustento”.

 

Martes: (Lucas 21 ) “No os dejéis engañar, porque muchos vendrán en mi nombre, diciendo: “Yo soy” y “El tiempo ha llegado”. ¡No los sigáis! Cuando oigáis de guerras y sediciones, no os asustéis; porque es necesario que estas cosas sucedan primero, pero no será inmediatamente el fin”.

 

Miércoles (Lucas 21 ) Os agarrarán y os perseguirán, os entregarán a las sinagogas y a las cárceles, y os harán comparecer ante reyes y gobernadores por causa de mi nombre. Esto os llevará a dar testimonio.

 

Jueves (Lucas 17) Mientras Jesús continuaba su viaje hacia Jerusalén, pasó por Samaria y Galilea. Al entrar en un pueblo, diez leprosos se encontraron con él. 
Se pararon a cierta distancia y alzaron la voz diciendo: “¡Jesús, Maestro! ¡Ten compasión de nosotros!”.

 

Viernes (Lucas 21 ) Pensad en la higuera y en todos los demás árboles. Cuando sus capullos se abren, lo veis por vosotros mismos y sabéis que el verano ya está cerca; de la misma manera, cuando veáis que suceden estas cosas, sabed que el Reino de Dios está cerca.

 

Sábado (Mateo 4 ) Venid en pos de mí, y os haré pescadores de hombres. Enseguida dejaron las redes y lo siguieron. De allí siguió andando y vio a otros dos hermanos: Santiago, hijo de Zebedeo, y su hermano Juan.

 

Santos de la semana

 

24 de noviembre: Andrew Dung-Lac y sus compañeros mártires (1785-1839) fueron misioneros en Vietnam entre los siglos XVII y XIX. Más de 130.000 cristianos fueron asesinados, entre ellos sacerdotes, hermanas, hermanos y laicos. Muchos de ellos eran ciudadanos vietnamitas.

 

25 de noviembre: Se dice que Catalina de Alejandría, mártir (fallecida en 310), nació en Egipto en el seno de una familia noble. Fue educada y convertida al cristianismo gracias a una visión. Se negó a casarse con un hombre que el emperador había designado para que fuera su marido y lo denunció por perseguir a los cristianos. Fue arrestada, torturada y asesinada.

 

26 de noviembre: Juan Berchmans , SJ, religioso (1599-1621), fue un escolástico jesuita, patrono de los monaguillos. Fue conocido por su piadosa adhesión a las reglas y por su obediencia. Obtuvo buenos resultados en los estudios, pero sufrió una fiebre durante el tercer año de filosofía y murió a los 22 años.

 

Cuarto jueves: El Día de Acción de Gracias en los EE. UU. se deriva de una mezcla de tradiciones europeas y nativas americanas. En Europa se celebraban alegres festivales para dar gracias por una buena cosecha y regocijarse con los demás por su arduo trabajo. Es un día para dar gracias por las muchas bendiciones que hemos recibido a través de la generosidad de Dios a lo largo del año.

 

29 de noviembre: Bernardo Francisco de Hoyos, SJ, religioso (1711-1735) fue el primer y principal apóstol de la devoción del Sagrado Corazón. Ingresó al noviciado en España a los 14 años y tomó los votos a los 17. Tuvo visiones místicas del Sagrado Corazón. Fue ordenado en enero de 1735 con una dispensa especial por no tener la edad suficiente. Pocas semanas después de celebrar su primera misa, contrajo tifus y murió el 29 de ^noviembre .

 

30 de noviembre: Andrés, apóstol (siglo I), fue discípulo de Juan el Bautista y hermano de Simón Pedro. Ambos eran pescadores de Betsaida. Se convirtió en uno de los primeros discípulos de Jesús. Poco se sabe de la predicación de Andrés después de la resurrección. La tradición lo sitúa en Grecia, mientras que Escocia tiene una increíble devoción al apóstol.

 

Esta semana en la historia de los jesuitas

 

• 24 de noviembre de 1963: Muere John LaFarge, pionero defensor de la justicia racial en Estados Unidos.
• 25 de noviembre de 1584: Se consagra solemnemente la Iglesia del Gesù, construida en Roma para la Compañía por el cardenal Alessandro Farnese.
• 26 de noviembre de 1678: En Londres, arresto y encarcelamiento de san Claude la Colombière . Fue liberado después de cinco semanas y desterrado.
• 27 de noviembre de 1680: En Roma muere el padre Atanasio Kircher, considerado un genio universal, pero especialmente erudito en ciencias y arqueología.
• 28 de noviembre de 1759: Veinte padres y 192 escolásticos zarparon del Tajo rumbo al exilio. Dos de ellos murieron en el viaje a Génova y Civita Vecchia .
• 29 de noviembre de 1773: Los jesuitas de la Rusia Blanca pidieron a la emperatriz Catalina que permitiera que se publicara la Carta de Supresión, como se había hecho en toda Europa. "Ella les pidió que dejaran de lado sus escrúpulos, prometiendo obtener la sanción papal para permanecer en el status quo.
• 30 de noviembre de 1642: Nace en Trento el hermano Andrea Pozzo, que fue llamado a Roma en 1681 para pintar el techo plano de la iglesia de San Ignacio de modo que pareciera que había una cúpula encima. Había un proyecto para una cúpula, pero no había dinero para construirla. Su obra todavía está expuesta.