Author: ANTONINO

Scripture Readings 7th June 2020, Holy Trinity, Year A

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Ex 34:4-6,8-9; Dan 3:52-56; 2 Cor 13:11-13; Jn 3:16-18

Seeing the Israelites dancing round the golden calf, Moses was angry and had thrown down and broken the tablets on which the Lord had written his covenant. The agreement with God was literally broken!

Now the Lord, a God of compassion, tells Moses to prepare two more tablets. After “passing before” Moses, the Lord declares that He is “a God merciful, … forgiving iniquity”. Moses asks the Lord to forgive his people, and the Lord re-affirms his covenant and again writes the Commandments on stone tablets.

Today’s psalm comes from the hymn of thanks in the story of Daniel, set in the 6th century BC but probably written about 165 BC. Daniel’s three companions refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s statue and so were thrown into a furnace so hot their guards were killed. But God protected the three men, who walked about inside the furnace with their clothes intact but their rope bindings burned off.

After Paul’s stern instructions to his beloved Corinthians, his second letter ends with this fond farewell, including the Trinitarian grace used widely by Christians.

At the beginning of John’s Gospel, after the wedding at Cana and the cleansing of the Temple, Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be “born again”. Nicodemus cannot understand this, but Jesus insists that those who refuse to believe and trust in Jesus condemn themselves.

Psalm Response: To you glory and praise for evermore.

(Ex 34:4-6,8-9; Dan 3:52-56; 2 Cor 13:11-13; Jn 3:16-18)

Scripture Readings 31st May 2020, Pentecost Year A

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Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 103(104); 1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13; John 20:19-23

Pentecost was less understood by Christians than the other two Jewish pilgrimage feasts of Passover and Tabernacles. Then the Dead Sea Scrolls showed that Pentecost was associated with God giving the Covenant on Sinai, and enrolling new community members. The coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles fits neatly with this Covenant feast.

The Psalm calls us to praise God’s creative wisdom. Filled with wonder at the details of God’s glorious works, this psalm is well worth reading in full.

Acts tells us that they “had all met”, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Wind and fire remind us of Sinai. The list of peoples who hear is effectively the programme for the mission now starting.

After rebuking the Corinthians for their factions and giving us the earliest description of the Eucharist, Paul shows how Christians together make up the one body of Christ on earth. It is the one Spirit who gives the gifts each of us needs for the particular task God has given us.

In the first ending of John’s Gospel, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalen after his resurrection, and then to the disciples together in a closed room “for fear of the Jews”. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on them, sending them on mission with power to forgive sins.

Psalm Response: Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.

From My Heart to Your Heart – The Unfinished Project

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by Fr. Bernardino Andrade

The Italian composer Giacomo Puccini wrote, among other operas, La Boheme, Madama Butterfly and Tosca. It was during his battle with terminal cancer in 1922 that he began to write Turandot, which many now consider his best work. He worked on the score day and night, despite his friends’ advice to rest, and to save his energy. When his sickness worsened, Puccini said to his disciples, “If I don’t finish Turandot, I want you to finish it.”

He died in 1924, leaving the work unfinished. His disciples gathered all that was written of Turandot, studied it in great detail, and then proceeded to write the remainder of the opera. The world premier was performed in La Scala Opera House in Milan in 1926, and Toscanini, Puccini’s favorite student, conducted it.

The opera went beautifully, until Toscanini came to the end of the part written by Puccini. He stopped the music, put down the baton, turned to the audience, and announced, “Thus far the master wrote, but he died.” There was a long pause; no one moved. Then Toscanini picked up the baton, looked at the audience and, with tears in his eyes, announced, “But his disciples finished his work…”

The opera closed to thunderous applause and to a permanent place in the annals of great works.

Jesus instructs us in His Ascension message to finish His work of saving mankind by proclaiming His Good News by words and deeds.

Jesus brought to the world an enormous project. The project of Jesus sent by his Father was to build the Kingdom of God.

The Father didn’t send His Son to the world to build the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is just an instrument to build the Kingdom of God.

But He didn’t finish his job. Now, like Puccini’s disciples, it’s up to us to continue His job. To build the Kingdom of His Father.

Love & Peace,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade May 24, 2020

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – The Hankerchief in my Left Pocket

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by Fr. Bernardino Andrade

I always use two handkerchiefs. One in each pocket. The handkerchief in my right pocket is coloured, and I use it for everything I might need. It is my handkerchief. When I change my daily clothes, the handkerchief in my right pocket goes to the laundry basket.

The handkerchief in my left pocket is white and I never use it for anything. It is not mine. It is always ready for emergencies that are very rare. It goes directly from my pocket to the laundry basket without being used. It is always clean and ready.

One day I was with my family on a mountain top in Brazil. A lady’s son had smashed the door of her car on her finger, and it had started bleeding painfully. I offered her the handkerchief from my left pocket and I assured her that it had never been used. She took it, and I left the handkerchief of my left pocket there, to stop the bleeding of a woman I had never seen before, and that I would never see again. I prayed for her, and thanked God for the gift of the handkerchief in my left pocket.

For a few years my niece, Ana, lived with me in California. Before she took her driver’s license she was always a passenger and I was the driver of my car. One thing that started bothering me was that, very often, she used and abused the handkerchief from my left pocket. And of course she knew that that handkerchief would never be returned.
One day she sneezed, and as usual she asked me for the handkerchief from my left pocket. I gave it to her but impatiently remarked, “Ana! You know that a handkerchief is something very personal that you always need. Why don’t you start bringing your own tissues?”

A little embarrassed, she answered, “Tio” (that means Uncle), you will never know how good it is to travel in life with someone who always carries a handkerchief that I can use. In any situation, every time I need, to wipe my tears, blow my nose, with no questions asked. Thank you Tio for always carrying a handkerchief in your left pocket. Please never stop doing it. You may find, in your life, other people who might need the handkerchief from your left pocket, with no questions asked.”

Of course I felt tears in my eyes and since then I never forget to carry a white handkerchief in my left pocket. It is always clean and always available for anyone who needs it with no questions asked.

Scripture Readings 17th May 2020, 6th Sunday of Easter Year A

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Acts 8:5-8,14-17
Psalm 65(66)
1 Peter 3:15-18 or 4:13-16
John 14:15-21 or 17:1-11

After Stephen had been killed, Saul led “a great persecution” against the Church in Jerusalem. The Hellenists were therefore driven out of Jerusalem and Philip takes the gospel to Samaria. Peter and John came to investigate these first non-Jew converts. The apostles confirmed these new members by laying hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

The psalm praises God’s power as revealed throughout history but especially during the Exodus.

Peter continues his advice to Christians suffering abuse and ridicule from their non-Christian neighbours. Do not be afraid! Stick to your principles, being ready to explain your reasons politely. And rejoice that your sufferings enable you to share in Christ’s sufferings so that you may share in his glory.

In John’s Gospel description of the Last Supper, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to continue his work after he returns to his Father. The supper ends with Jesus’ great prayer to his Father for the Church he is leaving behind. All three persons of the Trinity are mentioned in the gospels, but the Church only gradually developed its understanding of the Trinity over many centuries. We believe that the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son (filioque). The Orthodox Church says that the Spirit comes from the Father through the Son.

Psalm Response: Cry out with joy to God all the earth.

(Acts 8:5-8,14-17; Psalm 65(66); 1 Peter 3:15-18 or 4:13-16; John 14:15-21 or 17:1-11)

Scripture Readings 3rd May 2020, 4th Sunday of Easter Year A

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Acts 2:14,36-41
Psalm 22(23)
1 Peter 2:20-25
John 10:1-10

Last Sunday we heard the middle section of Peter’s speech at Pentecost, saying the Resurrection shows Jesus was the Holy One expected by King David. Today the consequences: many of his hearers accept this and are told they must repent and be baptised. “Repent” in the sense of radically changing their life and directing it towards God. Even though Jesus does not appear to baptise during his lifetime, baptism is immediately the mark of membership of the new Christian community, at which they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The psalm celebrates God’s loving care for his people, like a shepherd guarding and guiding his flock, who are looking forward to his generous end-time feast.

Peter’s letter continues: God’s approval comes not from justifiable punishment but from suffering patiently even when we have done right. Christ patiently bore for us unjustified insults and hurts without retaliating, trusting completely in his Father. We must imitate the Lord our shepherd in every way, placing all our trust in him. He will “give us comfort” and “repose”.

In the Gospel John also sees Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He knows each one of us and leads us. We follow him because we know his voice. He is also the gate, through which we can enter and find safety.

Psalm Response: The Lord is my shepherd: there is nothing I shall want.

(Acts 2:14,36-41; Psalm 22(23); 1 Peter 2:20-25; John 10:1-10)

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – A Can of Cold Water Instead of the Bible

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by Fr. Bernardino Andrade
(bernardinodandrade@gmail.com)
Bernardino_smiling

A soldier, during World War II, was hit by a bullet and was agonizing in a trench. A very dedicated priest, the army chaplain, taking all the risks, went towards his direction and found him. He was really in pain and could hardly move. The priest, who was carrying the Bible, approached him and asked:

«Would you like me to read something from this book»?

The soldier looked at him and said:

«Father: what I most need now is some water to drink. I am so thirsty and my mouth is so dry. »

The priest left the Bible over a rock and went around looking for a container and some water. He was very happy to find water. The priest brought the water and helped him to drink it.

It was very apparent the relief that the soldier felt after drinking that water.

Then, after relaxing for a few moments, he addressed the priest again and asked him: «I need something under my head. Could you please help me»? Gently the priest took his own sweater, folded it under the soldier’s head, made a pillow and slowly tried to accommodate the soldier’s head over his sweater an make his as comfortable as possible.

Then the priest, knowing how important the touching of a hand is in moments of suffering, held his hand, and stayed beside him without mentioning the «book» anymore. Moments later the soldier said: «Father, I am so cold». Without any hesitation the chaplain took off his over-coat, covered him and gently tucked him like a mother does with her baby.

The soldier enjoyed the warmth of this overcoat, closed his eyes for a few moments while the priest kept holding his hand with hope that some help would arrive soon.

After a moment of silence the soldier looked the priest in his eyes and said: «Father, if that book teaches to do for others what you just did for me, please read from that book. I am very very interested in listening».

Today, second Sunday of Easter is the Sunday of Divine Mercy.
Love & Peace,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade

A Dramatic Response to A Dramatic Appeal

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A COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS AND FEET WASHERS

Thank You to everyone who has been touched to donate after reading Fr. Bernardino’s appeal in the newsletter two weeks ago. You have all been helping to make a difference in someone’s life right now. Thank you! «People Helping People» has received a dramatic response from many people who have donated. Father Bernardino decided to call this group of people who have been sending in donations to help the poor, the «Community of Feet Washers». He has been making a list with all your names to put on the little altar where he says his daily Mass at home with his niece.
In today’s newsletter you will see the complete list of everyone who has sent in a donation, either by bank transfer or through PayPal. Yes! People Helping People has a PayPal account now! There are also another two options for those who struggle with making bank transfers to Madeira. (More info on these options are explained on the next page).

The «Community of Feet Washers»:

Below is the complete list of people who have donated to People Helping People and made it possible help the needy families with food, medication and also part of rent payments (after job losses). To respect confidentiality of those of you who have donated, we are using only the first names and the initial letter of the surname of the donors. If you sent a donation and don’t see your name on the list below, please let us know by emailing penhafranca.newsletter@gmail.com.

All the names below are of donations received through bank transfer or PayPal, so if you don’t see your donation please do get in touch. This week we managed to track a donation after we were contacted for this reason, and we were able to find the “lost” transfer this way. 

Donations received 3 weeks ago:

30 March – Julie Marie S. 01 April – Lurdes S.
30 March – James Bernard S. 01 April – Francis and Joan C.
30 March – Graham and Mary H. 01 April – Michael and Patricia K.
30 March – Michael Andrew B 01 April – Nationwide Building Society
31 March – Jayne H. 01 April – Patricia and Terence H.
31 March – Froydis G. 02 April – Anthony S.
31 March – Stefanie L. 02 April – Jim and Morag
31 March – Helmut U. and Sieglinde K. 03 April – Manuel Adolfo B.M.
31 March – João Carlos S. 03 April – Alan OB

Donations Received his week and last week

Donations received this week Donations received last week:
14 April – Michael Andrew B 06 April – Sean De B.
14 April – Philip and Brenda F-P 06 April – David and Joanna B
14 April – Ron and Julie G. 06 April – Harry C.
14 April – Dirk and Margaret Van G. 07 April – Neil and Dena S.
15 April – Veronica and Peter B. 07 April – Hugh S. and family
15 April – JH and PM Holden 08 April – Graham B.
15 April – Maurice L. 08 April – Michael Andrew B.
15 April – Antonio Fernandes F. 09 April – David Arthur V
18 April – D. Vierra 09 April – Christine and Tom M.
09 April – Ron and Janet H.

Update: To view an updated list of all those who have donated please see our latest newsletter:

Newsletter 17th May 2020

Scripture Readings 26th April 2020, 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A

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Acts 2:14,22-28; Psalm 15(16); 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35

Today and next Sunday we hear parts of Peter’s speech at Pentecost. Peter emphasises that Jesus’ death was part of God’s plan, quoting the prophet Joel’s words about the wonders expected in the last days, when God’s Spirit will be poured out on all peoples. Jesus, a descendant of David is this expected “Anointed One”, “Messiah” in Hebrew, “Christ” in Greek, who now rightfully succeeds David as King of Israel.

The psalm, attributed to King David, expresses total confidence in God, who will not let his soul die and will not let “your faithful one” suffer corruption in the grave. Both Peter, in today’s reading, and Paul saw this as referring to Christ’s resurrection.

Peter’s first letter reminds us of the price Jesus paid for our salvation in his suffering and death, so that we might “have faith and hope in God”. We should persevere in hope, in face of attacks and attractions of secular society.

In the Gospel Jesus appeared to the women. Then he joins two disciples walking despondently to Emmaus, and explains the scriptures to them, before they recognise him “at the breaking of bread”. The appearances of Jesus after the resurrection invite us to listen carefully: he was clearly bodily present, not just a spirit. Yet he was different, and could only be recognised with faith.

Psalm Response: Show us, Lord, the path of life.

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – A Turbulent Trip – How the Corona Pandemic is like my plane flight in Africa

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by Father Bernardino Andrade

Part of Mozambique, where I started my priestly life, makes frontier with the country of Malawi. It was not uncommon for me to travel between the city of Quelimane and a village called Milange, next door to Malawi to help with some pastoral service or just to accompany my Bishop in his Pastoral visits to this local Mission. The trip could be done by car which would take hours, or by small airplanes.
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The most beautiful trips in my life happened in between these two places. The airplanes were very small. Like in a car, my favourite seat was on the side of the pilot, listening to his stories and having him like a tour guide. But the most fascinating thing was to look down and see herds of buffalos, elephants, lions, large tea and palm tree plantations, black people working and walking around and other wonders that make the beautiful green Africa so peculiar.

All Creatures great and small ...

All Creatures great and small …

This was the kind of trip that I had on that sunshine day, from Quelimane to Milange.

I spent a few days doing my job and returned home during the Holy Week. It was a very frightening experience. This time, I was seated in the back of the plane. There was no sun during the entire trip. The clouds were dark, the rain was heavy, and the wind was violent. Nobody had strength to talk. Not even to cry or to scream. The only strength we had was to hold on hard to the chairs and be silent. Some were praying, and some were just deadly scared and silent. The airplane was dancing like a dry leaf falling from a tree. If the airplane fell, nobody would find us.

I knew that if we found a little sunshine, the airplane would stop going up and down and we would have a smooth trip. I was praying and always thinking: «I know that after that dark cloud there will be sunshine». But after that dark cloud, instead of sunshine, there was another darker cloud. Then the same routine as if I was praying the Rosary: «I know that after that dark cloud there will be sunshine». «I know that after that dark cloud there will be sunshine». But after that dark cloud there was no sunshine. Finally we approached the airport. And we never saw any sunshine. But… alleluia…. We got something much better than sunshine. We got a safe landing. Then I relaxed. And thought: «Better than sunshine is a safe landing».

plane
We are so used to the story of the Passion and death of Jesus that it is hard to feel the torture and the agony of that week until Jesus was nailed on the cross and died like a criminal. But three days later he rose from the dead. A healthy and vibrant man again. Death never had the last word. Jesus is alive. «I will be with you always» (Mat. 28:15). Shalom. Peace. Do not be afraid.

A small virus is keeping the world in a scary agony, in the middle of very dark clouds. The Risen Lord tells us that after Good Friday there will be Resurrection Sunday. After a dark cloud there will be a safe landing. Scientists are working twenty four hours a day to save their children, their spouses, their parents, and the entire world. I know that pretty soon, very soon, the world will be surprised with a bombastic good News: «A vaccine was found». Alleluia. The bells of the churches are going to ring, people will hug each other and will run to fill up the churches and pray and sing ALLELUIA. «GOD’S DELAYS ARE NOT GOD’S DENIALS» (Rev. Dr. R. Schuller).
HAPPY EASTER!… HAPPY EASTER!… HAPPY EASTER!… JESUS IS IN CONTROL!

risen
Love & Peace,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade