Fr. Adolfo Nicholas, S.J. was elected 30th Superior General of the Society of Jesus at the 35th General Congregation in the winter of 2008 succeeding Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. who served as leader of the Jesuits for 25 years.
Jesuit delegates and provincials from across the globe gathered to discuss timely issues for Jesuit governance. The list of decrees appears below. Go to: www.sjweb.info/35/documents/Decrees.pdf for a detailed description of the decrees.
Decree 1: “With Renewed Vigor and Zeal” – The Society of Jesus responds to the invitation of the Holy Father.
Decree 2: “A Fire That Kindles All Others” – Rediscovering our Charism.
Decree 3: “Sent to the Frontiers” – Challenges to our Mission Today.
Decree 4: Obedience in the Life of the Society of Jesus.
Decree 5: Governance at the Service of the Universal Mission.
Decree 6: Collaboration at the Heart of Mission.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Song: The Lord's Prayer by Andrea Bocelli
Click on the link below to listen to a rendition of the Lord's Prayer sung by Andrea Bocelli with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Andrea Bocelli's "The Lord's Prayer"
Andrea Bocelli's "The Lord's Prayer"
Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time
January 31, 2010
People who I find truly interesting are those who build up one another and seek out creative opportunities in life. They re-imagine the potential of the world because they find greater amounts of good in it instead of obstacles. In Luke’s Gospel today, Jesus encounters in his hometown those who seek only superficial curiosities in the marvels he has done. They want to see a flash of the extraordinary regardless of whether it comes from the power of God. This is not enough for Jesus who is telling them that faith is required for miracles and that they are not exhibiting the depth of faith to bring it about. He gives an example of two Old Testament figures whose faith was a significant dimension for healing – foreigners and those excluded from mainstream society. Their desperate hope in their faith would bring about conditions for real belief.
Paul, to me, is one of the richest personalities of our faith precisely because of his tenacity to create communities centered on the faith that Jesus is the Lord of all. In First Corinthians, he speaks in a mature way of the necessity of love as a difference-maker in life. He describes the qualities of love that make a believer noticeably different from others – for we are a people once known for our mercy. Paul sifts out the essential ingredients of a maturing faith-filled person and is left with faith, hope and love as the common denominators. Above all of the possible spiritual gifts we desire is to be the pursuit of the type of charity about which Paul writes; these theological virtues are to be that which we seek most fully in prayer.
Unfortunately, the people of Jesus’ hometown – those who you might expect would know him and love him best, are unable to build him up or to love him well. In the end, we hear that they rose against him and sought to kill him – his own townspeople! It does not seem like it took all that much to unleash their hatred and fury. We have to learn how to love better. We have to learn how to speak with greater charity. We have a great model to follow for when God speaks, God creates, therefore, when we speak, we ought to build up the goodness in the world. When we do, we show the faith that Jesus desires; we show to the world the type of love that Paul tells us reveals the depths of our faith. I know that my faith, hope and love still must become deeper.
Quote for the Week
On February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we bless candles in Church and are available for the faithful to take home. Christ’s light penetrates the darkness. Many times in Scripture, Jesus reaches out to help those in need of healing. As Blaise became known for a miraculous healing, people throughout the ages sought his intercession, especially those afflicted with throat ailments.
This blessing of the throats, which takes place during or after Mass, asks for God's healing and protection. Two blessed candles, joined in the form of a cross and usually tied with a red ribbon, as as sign of the martyrdom of Blaise, are placed around the throat of each person asking a blessing.
The minister then prays, "Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Themes for this Week’s Masses
First Reading: David sees that his people switched their allegiance to his estranged son, Absalom, who seeks to kill his father. After conducting a military census, David repents and awaits word from the Lord of his punishment. He chooses three days of pestilence upon the land, but cannot bear the destruction of innocent people when he was the one who had sinned. As his hour of death has come, David transfers his kingship to his son Solomon with instructions to be faithful to the laws of Moses. Sirach 47 contains a hymn to the life of the great king. Solomon takes over and makes ritual sacrifices when the Lord tells him in a dream to ask for anything he wants. The humble Solomon asks for an understanding heart to judge the people and to distinguish right from wrong.
Gospel: Jesus encounters the Gerasene demoniac and reveals that his words have authority over the spirits, legions of them, in fact. He returns home where words has spread of his great deeds, but his people do not believe that he can do great things because of their lack of faith. Next, he calls the Twelve into ministry and gives instructions of proper conduct for a missionary in his kingdom. Herod learns of Jesus’ fame and wonders about the nature and identity of his power. John the Baptist was beheaded for his opposition to Herod’s marriage. Jesus retires with his apostles, but his heart was moved with pity for their hunger. In response to their seeking him out, he begins to teach them about the kingdom of God.
Saints of the Week
Tuesday: The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple is a crossroads between the two testaments. Mary was ritually unclean after pregnancy for 40 days and had to purify herself by making offerings at the temple. The parents of Jesus met Anna and Simeon who represent that passing of the Old Testament to the New. This day is also called Candlemas because candles were brought forward in procession to be blessed.
Wednesday: Blaise is honored for curing a boy who was choking to death on a fishbone. On this day, we bless throats with candles that have been presented at Candlemas at the Presentation of the Lord. Blaise lived in Armenia and was martyred during persecution in 316. Angsar was a French bishop who led missions to Sweden and Denmark. He is known as the Apostle of the North for his perseverance in bringing the faith back to lands conquered by pagan invaders.
Friday: Agatha, martyr, died during the Decian persecution in 251 for failing to give up her faith after unsuccessfully sending her to a brothel. She is credited for her interceding work at stopping the eruption of Mount Etna.
Saturday: Brother Paul Miki and 25 companions, martyrs, were native Japanese Catholics who were murdered in Nagasaki, Japan by upside-down crucifixions. From 1597 to 1865, Japan closed itself to the rest of the world, but the Catholic remnant survived without ordained priests with only the sacrament of baptism.
This Week in Jesuit History
• Jan 31, 1774. Fr General Laurence Ricci, a prisoner in Castel S Angelo, claimed his liberty, since his innocence had been fully vindicated. He received from the Papal Congregation the reply that they would think about it. Pope Clement XIV was said at this time to be mentally afflicted.
• Feb 1, 1549. The first Jesuit missionaries to go to Brazil set sail from Lisbon, Portugal, under Fr Emmanuel de Nobrega.
• Feb 2, 1528. Ignatius arrived in Paris to begin his program of studies at the University of Paris.
• Feb 3, 1571. In Florida, the martyrdom of Fr Louis Quiros and two novices, shot with arrows by an apostate Indian.
• Feb 4, 1617. An imperial edict banished all missionaries from China.
• Feb 5, 1833. The first provincial of Maryland, Fr William McSherry, was appointed.
• Feb 6, 1612. The death of Christopher Clavius, one of the greatest mathematicians and scientists of the Society.
Remembrance
We remember in prayer, Archbishop Laurence Burke, S.J. of Jamaica, a member of the New England province, who died in prayer this past week.
Note:
Please note that I will keep my blog updated during my tertianship program, but there might be times when I cannot send out the weekly distribution of email. Check online predmore.blogspot.com for the weekly and daily updates. I will also include news of my tertian program at predmoresj.blogspot.com.
People who I find truly interesting are those who build up one another and seek out creative opportunities in life. They re-imagine the potential of the world because they find greater amounts of good in it instead of obstacles. In Luke’s Gospel today, Jesus encounters in his hometown those who seek only superficial curiosities in the marvels he has done. They want to see a flash of the extraordinary regardless of whether it comes from the power of God. This is not enough for Jesus who is telling them that faith is required for miracles and that they are not exhibiting the depth of faith to bring it about. He gives an example of two Old Testament figures whose faith was a significant dimension for healing – foreigners and those excluded from mainstream society. Their desperate hope in their faith would bring about conditions for real belief.
Paul, to me, is one of the richest personalities of our faith precisely because of his tenacity to create communities centered on the faith that Jesus is the Lord of all. In First Corinthians, he speaks in a mature way of the necessity of love as a difference-maker in life. He describes the qualities of love that make a believer noticeably different from others – for we are a people once known for our mercy. Paul sifts out the essential ingredients of a maturing faith-filled person and is left with faith, hope and love as the common denominators. Above all of the possible spiritual gifts we desire is to be the pursuit of the type of charity about which Paul writes; these theological virtues are to be that which we seek most fully in prayer.
Unfortunately, the people of Jesus’ hometown – those who you might expect would know him and love him best, are unable to build him up or to love him well. In the end, we hear that they rose against him and sought to kill him – his own townspeople! It does not seem like it took all that much to unleash their hatred and fury. We have to learn how to love better. We have to learn how to speak with greater charity. We have a great model to follow for when God speaks, God creates, therefore, when we speak, we ought to build up the goodness in the world. When we do, we show the faith that Jesus desires; we show to the world the type of love that Paul tells us reveals the depths of our faith. I know that my faith, hope and love still must become deeper.
Quote for the Week
On February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we bless candles in Church and are available for the faithful to take home. Christ’s light penetrates the darkness. Many times in Scripture, Jesus reaches out to help those in need of healing. As Blaise became known for a miraculous healing, people throughout the ages sought his intercession, especially those afflicted with throat ailments.
This blessing of the throats, which takes place during or after Mass, asks for God's healing and protection. Two blessed candles, joined in the form of a cross and usually tied with a red ribbon, as as sign of the martyrdom of Blaise, are placed around the throat of each person asking a blessing.
The minister then prays, "Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Themes for this Week’s Masses
First Reading: David sees that his people switched their allegiance to his estranged son, Absalom, who seeks to kill his father. After conducting a military census, David repents and awaits word from the Lord of his punishment. He chooses three days of pestilence upon the land, but cannot bear the destruction of innocent people when he was the one who had sinned. As his hour of death has come, David transfers his kingship to his son Solomon with instructions to be faithful to the laws of Moses. Sirach 47 contains a hymn to the life of the great king. Solomon takes over and makes ritual sacrifices when the Lord tells him in a dream to ask for anything he wants. The humble Solomon asks for an understanding heart to judge the people and to distinguish right from wrong.
Gospel: Jesus encounters the Gerasene demoniac and reveals that his words have authority over the spirits, legions of them, in fact. He returns home where words has spread of his great deeds, but his people do not believe that he can do great things because of their lack of faith. Next, he calls the Twelve into ministry and gives instructions of proper conduct for a missionary in his kingdom. Herod learns of Jesus’ fame and wonders about the nature and identity of his power. John the Baptist was beheaded for his opposition to Herod’s marriage. Jesus retires with his apostles, but his heart was moved with pity for their hunger. In response to their seeking him out, he begins to teach them about the kingdom of God.
Saints of the Week
Tuesday: The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple is a crossroads between the two testaments. Mary was ritually unclean after pregnancy for 40 days and had to purify herself by making offerings at the temple. The parents of Jesus met Anna and Simeon who represent that passing of the Old Testament to the New. This day is also called Candlemas because candles were brought forward in procession to be blessed.
Wednesday: Blaise is honored for curing a boy who was choking to death on a fishbone. On this day, we bless throats with candles that have been presented at Candlemas at the Presentation of the Lord. Blaise lived in Armenia and was martyred during persecution in 316. Angsar was a French bishop who led missions to Sweden and Denmark. He is known as the Apostle of the North for his perseverance in bringing the faith back to lands conquered by pagan invaders.
Friday: Agatha, martyr, died during the Decian persecution in 251 for failing to give up her faith after unsuccessfully sending her to a brothel. She is credited for her interceding work at stopping the eruption of Mount Etna.
Saturday: Brother Paul Miki and 25 companions, martyrs, were native Japanese Catholics who were murdered in Nagasaki, Japan by upside-down crucifixions. From 1597 to 1865, Japan closed itself to the rest of the world, but the Catholic remnant survived without ordained priests with only the sacrament of baptism.
This Week in Jesuit History
• Jan 31, 1774. Fr General Laurence Ricci, a prisoner in Castel S Angelo, claimed his liberty, since his innocence had been fully vindicated. He received from the Papal Congregation the reply that they would think about it. Pope Clement XIV was said at this time to be mentally afflicted.
• Feb 1, 1549. The first Jesuit missionaries to go to Brazil set sail from Lisbon, Portugal, under Fr Emmanuel de Nobrega.
• Feb 2, 1528. Ignatius arrived in Paris to begin his program of studies at the University of Paris.
• Feb 3, 1571. In Florida, the martyrdom of Fr Louis Quiros and two novices, shot with arrows by an apostate Indian.
• Feb 4, 1617. An imperial edict banished all missionaries from China.
• Feb 5, 1833. The first provincial of Maryland, Fr William McSherry, was appointed.
• Feb 6, 1612. The death of Christopher Clavius, one of the greatest mathematicians and scientists of the Society.
Remembrance
We remember in prayer, Archbishop Laurence Burke, S.J. of Jamaica, a member of the New England province, who died in prayer this past week.
Note:
Please note that I will keep my blog updated during my tertianship program, but there might be times when I cannot send out the weekly distribution of email. Check online predmore.blogspot.com for the weekly and daily updates. I will also include news of my tertian program at predmoresj.blogspot.com.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Prayer: Ignatius' Prayer for Generosity
Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God,
teach me true generosity.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve,
to give without counting the cost,
to fight heedless of wounds,
to labor without seeking rest,
to sacrifice myself without any thought of reward,
save the knowledge that I have done your will. Amen.
teach me true generosity.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve,
to give without counting the cost,
to fight heedless of wounds,
to labor without seeking rest,
to sacrifice myself without any thought of reward,
save the knowledge that I have done your will. Amen.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Prayer: Anthony de Mello, S.J.
Recall the presence of the Risen Lord with you...
Tell him you believe he is present here to you...
Reflect on the fact that he loves and accepts you just as you are now....
Take time out to sense his unconditional love for you as he looks at you lovingly and humbly.
Speak to Christ...or just lovingly stay in silence and communicate with him beyond words.
The devotion to the Heart of Christ, so vigorous some years ago, so much on the decline today, would flourish once again if people would understand that it consists essentially in accepting Jesus Christ as love incarnate, as the manifestation of the unconditional love of God for us. Anyone who accepts this is bound to experience fruits beyond all his expectations in his own prayer life and in his apostolate. The great turning point in your life comes not when you realize that you love God but when you realize and fully accept the fact that God loves you unconditionally.
Tell him you believe he is present here to you...
Reflect on the fact that he loves and accepts you just as you are now....
Take time out to sense his unconditional love for you as he looks at you lovingly and humbly.
Speak to Christ...or just lovingly stay in silence and communicate with him beyond words.
The devotion to the Heart of Christ, so vigorous some years ago, so much on the decline today, would flourish once again if people would understand that it consists essentially in accepting Jesus Christ as love incarnate, as the manifestation of the unconditional love of God for us. Anyone who accepts this is bound to experience fruits beyond all his expectations in his own prayer life and in his apostolate. The great turning point in your life comes not when you realize that you love God but when you realize and fully accept the fact that God loves you unconditionally.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Prayer: Santa Teresa de Jesus
La tierra que no es labrada llevara abrojos y espinas aunque sea fertil; asi es el entendimiento de hombre.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Prayer: Pope Benedict XVI
Living by the truth takes time, effort, and perseverance: It has to begin in our own hearts, in the small daily sacrifices required if we are to be faithful to God's law, in the little acts by which we demonstrate that we love our neighbors, all our neighbors, regardless of race, ethnicity, or language, and by our readiness to work with them to build together on foundations that will endure.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Prayer: I Choose to Breathe the Breath of Christ - Joseph Tetlow, S.J.
I choose to breathe the breath of Christ
that makes all life holy.
I choose to live the flesh of Christ
that outlasts sin’s corrosion and decay.
I choose the blood of Christ
along my veins and in my heart
that dizzies me with joy.
I choose the living waters flowing from his side
to wash and clean my own self and the world itself.
I choose the awful agony of Christ
to charge my senseless sorrows with meaning
and to make my pain pregnant with power.
I choose you, good Jesus, you know.
I choose you, good Lord;
count me among the victories
that you have won in bitter woundedness.
Never number me among those alien to you.
Make me safe from all that seeks to destroy me.
Summon me to come to you.
Stand me solid among angels and saints
chanting yes to all you have done,
exulting in all you mean to do forever and ever.
Then for this time, Father of all,
keep me, from the core of my self,
choosing Christ in the world. Amen.
that makes all life holy.
I choose to live the flesh of Christ
that outlasts sin’s corrosion and decay.
I choose the blood of Christ
along my veins and in my heart
that dizzies me with joy.
I choose the living waters flowing from his side
to wash and clean my own self and the world itself.
I choose the awful agony of Christ
to charge my senseless sorrows with meaning
and to make my pain pregnant with power.
I choose you, good Jesus, you know.
I choose you, good Lord;
count me among the victories
that you have won in bitter woundedness.
Never number me among those alien to you.
Make me safe from all that seeks to destroy me.
Summon me to come to you.
Stand me solid among angels and saints
chanting yes to all you have done,
exulting in all you mean to do forever and ever.
Then for this time, Father of all,
keep me, from the core of my self,
choosing Christ in the world. Amen.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Recommended Jesuit Readings
1. God and You, William Barry, S.J.
2. Eyes to See, Ears to Hear: An Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality, David Lonsdale
3. Hearts on Fire: Praying with Jesuits, Michael G. Harter, SJ, ed.
4. Inner Compass, Margaret Silf
5. Contemplatives in Action: The Jesuit Way, William A. Barry, SJ & Robert G. Doherty, SJ
6. Pedro Arrupe: Essential Writings, Kevin F. Burke, SJ ed.
7. All Saints: Daily Reflection on Saints, Prophets and Witnesses for Our Time, Robert Ellsberg
8. The First Jesuit: St. Ignatius Loyola, Mary Purcell
9. He Leadeth Me, Walter Ciszek, SJ
10. The First Jesuits, John O’Malley, SJ
11. A Pilgrim's Journey: The Autobiography of Ignatius of Loyola, Joseph Tylenda, SJ
12. Bread of Life, Cup of Salvation: Understanding the Mass, John F. Baldovin, SJ
13. A Faith You Can Live With: Understanding the Basics, John O'Donnell, SJ
14. Living Justice: Catholic Social Teaching in Action, Thomas Massaro, SJ
15. The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism, Michael J. Himes
16. Who is Jesus? Why Is He Important? An Introduction to the New Testament, Daniel J. Harrington, SJ
2. Eyes to See, Ears to Hear: An Introduction to Ignatian Spirituality, David Lonsdale
3. Hearts on Fire: Praying with Jesuits, Michael G. Harter, SJ, ed.
4. Inner Compass, Margaret Silf
5. Contemplatives in Action: The Jesuit Way, William A. Barry, SJ & Robert G. Doherty, SJ
6. Pedro Arrupe: Essential Writings, Kevin F. Burke, SJ ed.
7. All Saints: Daily Reflection on Saints, Prophets and Witnesses for Our Time, Robert Ellsberg
8. The First Jesuit: St. Ignatius Loyola, Mary Purcell
9. He Leadeth Me, Walter Ciszek, SJ
10. The First Jesuits, John O’Malley, SJ
11. A Pilgrim's Journey: The Autobiography of Ignatius of Loyola, Joseph Tylenda, SJ
12. Bread of Life, Cup of Salvation: Understanding the Mass, John F. Baldovin, SJ
13. A Faith You Can Live With: Understanding the Basics, John O'Donnell, SJ
14. Living Justice: Catholic Social Teaching in Action, Thomas Massaro, SJ
15. The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism, Michael J. Himes
16. Who is Jesus? Why Is He Important? An Introduction to the New Testament, Daniel J. Harrington, SJ
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Third Sunday of Ordinary Time
January 24, 2010
The unimaginable suffering of the people of Haiti has gripped the attentive hearts of the world community. Horrific images of devastation cause many of us to be generous in response to their national calamity, but as charitable as we can be, we feel the confines of our powerlessness. The best some of us can do is to come together to pray and to receive comfort from the word of God. We see this is the first reading when Ezra, the prophet Nehemiah’s scribe, assembles the people as the return from exile to rebuild and repopulate their city. They naturally weep – in mourning and sorrow, but also in joy for the goodness that they see in others because of their own calamity. In times of challenge, we get nourished through hearing our scripture – the reassuring words of God’s care for us.
Paul’s words to the Corinthians are a balm to our ears today. The Body of Christ has many parts and each part contributes wholly to its healthy functioning. Though Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, they are by no means less than any other nation. Our scripture reminds us that when one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and today we are all suffering. For the past several weeks, we have looked at the gifts that have been given to us. Gratefully, many of us have already stepped out of ourselves to use our gifts well in response to Haiti’s crisis. Forget about how insignificant you may feel your contribution may be. It is vitally important for you and for those who are suffering. Your gift in whatever form it takes, because it stems from your compassion, is fully appreciated.
Do note however that before Jesus began to use his gifts for the good of the community he spent time in the desert to pray. It was his time of solace and a place where he needed to chew on the dimensions of the ministry that he was to undertake. We likewise need this time away to help us unpack the nuances of our response to God’s invitations. As we decide how we will use our gifts, let us first take time to pray for the suffering people of Haiti. Let us look for Christ standing in their midst and comforting them as he tells them that he is their real hope and the fulfillment of all their desires.
Quote for the Week
Gerard Manley Hopkins provided a translation of Adoro Te Devote, a medieval hymn written by Thomas Aquinas about the hidden nature of God who reveals himself in the Blessed Sacrament:
Godhead here in hiding, whom I do adore,
Masked by these bare shadows, shape and nothing more,
See, Lord, at Thy service low lies here a heart
Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art.
Seeing, touching, tasting are in thee deceived:
How says trusty hearing? that shall be believed;
What God's Son has told me, take for truth I do;
Truth Himself speaks truly or there's nothing true.
Themes for this Week’s Masses
First Reading: This week we appropriately pause in our schedule to remember Paul’s work as a missionary to the Gentiles. We resume on Wednesday with David’s desire to build a fitting and glorious house for the Lord, but the Lord promises David to make of his house a great nation in which the Lord shall act as a caring father. David shows that even as king he needs parental correction as he acts in a debased way with Bathsheba and treacherously to her husband, Uriah. The prophet Nathan helps David see his sinful actions, but he lets him know that the Lord has forgiven him. However, the child of David and Bathsheba would take ill as punishment. King David weeps.
Gospel: Jesus alarms many people as he begins his ministry in Mark’s Gospel. His brothers and his mother think he is out of his mind, but Jesus sets about to create a new family based on doing the will of God. He begins to teach by use of parables and he explains that in his ministry he will be like a sower of seeds on various soils. The one who truly hears and accepts the word will bear fruit like a seed planted in fertile soil. The kingdom of God is a mystery that he can observe but never know why or how it comes about. After teaching the crowds, Jesus takes a boat to the other side of the lake with his disciples. When a violent squall assaults the boat, Jesus demonstrates power over the natural elements of the earth. He shows he is mighty in both deed and word.
Saints of the Week
Monday: The Conversion of Paul was a momentous event in the life of the church because Paul’s theology, missionary work and pastoral leadership defined Christianity beyond the realm of Jerusalem. He built the foundation of Christianity. Three accounts of his conversion are recorded by the author of the Acts of the Apostles and he speaks of its significance in a few of his letters.
Tuesday: Timothy and Titus, bishops, were Paul’s disciples who were left to build up the churches that Paul founded in the Mediterranean world. Timothy oversaw Ephesus, while Titus looked after Crete. Paul’s pastoral letters to each helped them govern the fledgling communities of faith.
Wednesday: Angela Merici founded the Ursuline order of nuns in the 16th century. Since she was orphaned, Angela devoted her time to educate the poor and to gain beneficence for her efforts, she invoked the intercession of Ursula, the patron of medieval universities.
Thursday: Thomas Aquinas, priest and Doctor, compiled a summary of theology that became the bedrock for catechesis and seminary formation for centuries. Thomas, a Dominican who studied at Benedictine monasteries, wrote many brilliant works on scripture and theology. He also compiled beautiful hymns that are still used today for solemn occasions, like the Pange Lingua, Tantum Ergo, and Adoro Te Devote.
This Week in Jesuit History
• Jan 24, 1645. Fr Henry Morse was led as a prisoner from Durham to Newgate, London. On hearing his execution was fixed for February 1, he exclaimed: "Welcome ropes, hurdles, gibbets, knives, butchery of an infamous death! Welcome for the love of Jesus, my Savior."
• Jan 25, 1707. Cardinal Tournon, Apostolic Visitor of the missions in China, forbade the use of the words 'Tien' or 'Xant' for God and ordered the discontinuance by the Christians of the Chinese Rites.
• Jan 26, 1611. The first Jesuit missionaries sailed from Europe for New France (Canada).
• Jan 27, 1870. The Austrian government endeavored to suppress the annual grant of 8,000 florins to the theological faculty of Innsbruck and to drive the Jesuit professors from the university, because of their support of the Papal Syllabus.
• Jan 28, 1853. Fr General John Roothaan, wishing to resign his office, summoned a General Congregation, but died on May 8, before it assembled.
• Jan 29, 1923. Woodstock scholastics kept a fire vigil for several months to prevent the Ku Klux Klan from setting the college on fire.
• Jan 30, 1633. At Avignon, Fr John Pujol, a famous master of novices, died. He ordered one of them to water a dry stick, which miraculously sprouted.
Haiti Relief
As we continue to stand in sorrowful solidarity with the people of Haiti and all who come to support them in their national trauma, we pray and we respond generously in the relief efforts. I direct you to the website of the Jesuit Relief Services at jrsusa@jesuit.org. Thank you in advance for your spiritual and financial aid.
Note:
Please note that I will keep my blog updated during my tertianship program, but there might be times when I cannot send out the weekly distribution of email. Check online predmore.blogspot.com for the weekly and daily updates. I will also include news of my tertian program at predmoresj.blogspot.com.
The unimaginable suffering of the people of Haiti has gripped the attentive hearts of the world community. Horrific images of devastation cause many of us to be generous in response to their national calamity, but as charitable as we can be, we feel the confines of our powerlessness. The best some of us can do is to come together to pray and to receive comfort from the word of God. We see this is the first reading when Ezra, the prophet Nehemiah’s scribe, assembles the people as the return from exile to rebuild and repopulate their city. They naturally weep – in mourning and sorrow, but also in joy for the goodness that they see in others because of their own calamity. In times of challenge, we get nourished through hearing our scripture – the reassuring words of God’s care for us.
Paul’s words to the Corinthians are a balm to our ears today. The Body of Christ has many parts and each part contributes wholly to its healthy functioning. Though Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, they are by no means less than any other nation. Our scripture reminds us that when one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and today we are all suffering. For the past several weeks, we have looked at the gifts that have been given to us. Gratefully, many of us have already stepped out of ourselves to use our gifts well in response to Haiti’s crisis. Forget about how insignificant you may feel your contribution may be. It is vitally important for you and for those who are suffering. Your gift in whatever form it takes, because it stems from your compassion, is fully appreciated.
Do note however that before Jesus began to use his gifts for the good of the community he spent time in the desert to pray. It was his time of solace and a place where he needed to chew on the dimensions of the ministry that he was to undertake. We likewise need this time away to help us unpack the nuances of our response to God’s invitations. As we decide how we will use our gifts, let us first take time to pray for the suffering people of Haiti. Let us look for Christ standing in their midst and comforting them as he tells them that he is their real hope and the fulfillment of all their desires.
Quote for the Week
Gerard Manley Hopkins provided a translation of Adoro Te Devote, a medieval hymn written by Thomas Aquinas about the hidden nature of God who reveals himself in the Blessed Sacrament:
Godhead here in hiding, whom I do adore,
Masked by these bare shadows, shape and nothing more,
See, Lord, at Thy service low lies here a heart
Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art.
Seeing, touching, tasting are in thee deceived:
How says trusty hearing? that shall be believed;
What God's Son has told me, take for truth I do;
Truth Himself speaks truly or there's nothing true.
Themes for this Week’s Masses
First Reading: This week we appropriately pause in our schedule to remember Paul’s work as a missionary to the Gentiles. We resume on Wednesday with David’s desire to build a fitting and glorious house for the Lord, but the Lord promises David to make of his house a great nation in which the Lord shall act as a caring father. David shows that even as king he needs parental correction as he acts in a debased way with Bathsheba and treacherously to her husband, Uriah. The prophet Nathan helps David see his sinful actions, but he lets him know that the Lord has forgiven him. However, the child of David and Bathsheba would take ill as punishment. King David weeps.
Gospel: Jesus alarms many people as he begins his ministry in Mark’s Gospel. His brothers and his mother think he is out of his mind, but Jesus sets about to create a new family based on doing the will of God. He begins to teach by use of parables and he explains that in his ministry he will be like a sower of seeds on various soils. The one who truly hears and accepts the word will bear fruit like a seed planted in fertile soil. The kingdom of God is a mystery that he can observe but never know why or how it comes about. After teaching the crowds, Jesus takes a boat to the other side of the lake with his disciples. When a violent squall assaults the boat, Jesus demonstrates power over the natural elements of the earth. He shows he is mighty in both deed and word.
Saints of the Week
Monday: The Conversion of Paul was a momentous event in the life of the church because Paul’s theology, missionary work and pastoral leadership defined Christianity beyond the realm of Jerusalem. He built the foundation of Christianity. Three accounts of his conversion are recorded by the author of the Acts of the Apostles and he speaks of its significance in a few of his letters.
Tuesday: Timothy and Titus, bishops, were Paul’s disciples who were left to build up the churches that Paul founded in the Mediterranean world. Timothy oversaw Ephesus, while Titus looked after Crete. Paul’s pastoral letters to each helped them govern the fledgling communities of faith.
Wednesday: Angela Merici founded the Ursuline order of nuns in the 16th century. Since she was orphaned, Angela devoted her time to educate the poor and to gain beneficence for her efforts, she invoked the intercession of Ursula, the patron of medieval universities.
Thursday: Thomas Aquinas, priest and Doctor, compiled a summary of theology that became the bedrock for catechesis and seminary formation for centuries. Thomas, a Dominican who studied at Benedictine monasteries, wrote many brilliant works on scripture and theology. He also compiled beautiful hymns that are still used today for solemn occasions, like the Pange Lingua, Tantum Ergo, and Adoro Te Devote.
This Week in Jesuit History
• Jan 24, 1645. Fr Henry Morse was led as a prisoner from Durham to Newgate, London. On hearing his execution was fixed for February 1, he exclaimed: "Welcome ropes, hurdles, gibbets, knives, butchery of an infamous death! Welcome for the love of Jesus, my Savior."
• Jan 25, 1707. Cardinal Tournon, Apostolic Visitor of the missions in China, forbade the use of the words 'Tien' or 'Xant' for God and ordered the discontinuance by the Christians of the Chinese Rites.
• Jan 26, 1611. The first Jesuit missionaries sailed from Europe for New France (Canada).
• Jan 27, 1870. The Austrian government endeavored to suppress the annual grant of 8,000 florins to the theological faculty of Innsbruck and to drive the Jesuit professors from the university, because of their support of the Papal Syllabus.
• Jan 28, 1853. Fr General John Roothaan, wishing to resign his office, summoned a General Congregation, but died on May 8, before it assembled.
• Jan 29, 1923. Woodstock scholastics kept a fire vigil for several months to prevent the Ku Klux Klan from setting the college on fire.
• Jan 30, 1633. At Avignon, Fr John Pujol, a famous master of novices, died. He ordered one of them to water a dry stick, which miraculously sprouted.
Haiti Relief
As we continue to stand in sorrowful solidarity with the people of Haiti and all who come to support them in their national trauma, we pray and we respond generously in the relief efforts. I direct you to the website of the Jesuit Relief Services at jrsusa@jesuit.org. Thank you in advance for your spiritual and financial aid.
Note:
Please note that I will keep my blog updated during my tertianship program, but there might be times when I cannot send out the weekly distribution of email. Check online predmore.blogspot.com for the weekly and daily updates. I will also include news of my tertian program at predmoresj.blogspot.com.
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