Author: ANTONINO

Scripture Readings 24th September 2017, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Isa 55:6-9; Ps 144:2-3. 8-9. 17-18 r.18; Phil 1:20-24, 27; Matt 20:1-16a

Earlier in this chapter Isaiah invited us to the joyful banquet the Lord has prepared for us – “the supper of the Lamb”. Today’s reading urges us to “seek the Lord while he may be found”: hidden and unimaginably different from us, yet he is near and wanting to give us his forgiveness.

Psalm 145, a hymn of praise to God’s mercy, recalls when the Israelites worshipped the golden calf: the Lord is “slow to anger and abounding in mercy”.

For the next four weeks the second reading is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, probably written about 57 AD from Ephesus. Paul writes to thank the Philippians for the money they had sent him while he was in prison, and to encourage them to support each other in their pagan surroundings. Paul is very clear about his future life with Christ immediately after death. Sharing in Christ’s suffering means also sharing in the joy of the union with Christ which such suffering brings. Paul is torn between wishing to be gone and so be with Christ, or staying alive suffering in the Lord’s work.

In Matthew’s gospel even those rejected by others are swept up into the Lord’s vineyard. Justice to those hired first is balanced by mercy to the latecomers.

Psalm Response: The Lord is close to all who call him.
Isa 55:6-9; Ps 144:2-3. 8-9. 17-18 r.18; Phil 1:20-24, 27; Matt 20:1-16a

Scripture Readings 17th September 2017, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 27:30-28:7; Ps 102: 1-4. 9-12 r.8; Rom 14: 7-9; Matt 18:21-35

The Wisdom book, Ecclesiasticus, was written in Hebrew about 200 BC by Ben Sira, a Jewish sage. There are many allusions in the new Testament to the later Greek version. At a time of increasing pagan Greek influence, Ben Sira showed that Israel’s religion was still a firm basis for moral living. He gives many practical examples, helping Christians of every age to apply moral truths to their own times. His strict condemnation of nursing anger and resentment is all too relevant for us today.

Psalm 102(103) is a hymn of thanksgiving and tender piety for God’s generous mercy – because of our frailty. How blessed we are that God “does not treat us according to our sins”.

The last of our Sunday readings from Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome emphasises that we belong to the community of all believers, both those alive now – and in the future – and those who have died. Our lives have influence on others. Linking both to Sirach and Matthew in the next verse Paul says “Why do you pass judgement on your brother?”

In today’s Gospel Sirach’s advice to forgive is graphically illustrated: Jesus tells Peter we must always forgive. We are saved by forgiveness – ours as well as Christ’s.

Psalm Response: The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy.
Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 27:30-28:7; Ps 102: 1-4. 9-12 r.8; Rom 14: 7-9; Matt 18:21-35

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART

– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade (bernardinodandrade@gmail.com)

I WILL FIGHT

Remember the words of General William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army and a friend to the down and out? Three months before his death he wrote: “While women weep as they do now, I’ll fight; while little children go hungry as they do now, I’ll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight – fight to the very end.” What has happened to us? “If any man or woman would be my disciple,” Jesus says to us, “Let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” That is the word we desperately need to hear.

THAT’S THE REASON, RUTH

You may know the thrilling story of Glen Cunningham, a young man whose legs were so badly burned when he was a boy that doctors said he would never walk again. However, this determined champion went on to win an Olympic gold medal as a miler. Even more importantly, Glen Cunningham devoted his life to helping troubled young people. Once, his wife asked, “Glen, why do we have to give so much more than others? No one else is doing what we are.” Glen answered, “That’s the reason, Ruth. No one else is doing it.”

THE LEAST COMPASSIONATE PEOPE I EVER KNEW

Michael Slaughter in his book, Unlearning Church, tells about a religion editor from a local newspaper who came to his Church to interview him about a conference they were having. At the end of the interview, he asked if she went to Church. He assumed she did, since she was a religion editor. She said, “No, I am a Buddhist. I was raised in the Church,” she went on, “but about ten years ago, I became interested in Buddhism because the highest value of Buddhism is the value of compassion.” Michael Slaughter says her next comment made him feel as if she had put her hand in his chest and squeezed his heart. “The people I grew up around in the Church,” she added, “were some of the least compassionate people I ever knew.” “Ouch,” says Michael Slaughter, and then he adds, “Yet Jesus is compassion made visible.” And he’s right. Jesus is compassion made visible. Having Jesus’ name, but not his heart is a dangerous combination. It can make us turn away people that Jesus is calling us to embrace.

Love and Peace,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade

Scripture Readings 10th September 2017, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Ezek 33:7-9; Ps 94(95): 1-2. 6-9 r.7-8; Rom 13:8-10; Matt 18:15-20

Ezekiel says the authority of religious leaders comes with a daunting responsibility. Religious leaders who fail to instruct people correctly will suffer the same fate as the sinners they have failed to guide wisely. After the exile in 587 BC Ezekiel promises hope for a future return to Jerusalem – providing individuals accept responsibility for sins and purify themselves of false gods.

The joyful processional Psalm 94(95) urges us to give to God the praise and thanks we owe him. Even after the Hebrews quarrelled and put God to the test at Meribah, God gave them water in the desert.
Paul advises the Romans that each person is responsible for their actions: obey secular authorities, whose authority comes from God. Above all “love your neighbour as yourself”.

Matthew’s Gospel authorises groups of Christians to challenge wrongdoers. But the awesome authority of the Church to bind and loose on God’s behalf is put into context by the last verse of the Gospel reading. Jesus will be in the midst of those who meet in his name – and will therefore ensure their decisions are in tune with God’s will. The Church’s power to include or exclude individuals is only to be exercised after due deliberation by the whole Christian community.

Psalm Response: O that today you would listen to his voice! “Harden not your hearts.”

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – I found God by Surprise

catia– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade (bernardinodandrade@gmail.com)

Cátia and Helena, our musicians on Sunday morning Mass, often sing a Portuguese Hymn for the Thanksgiving. The Hymn is called “Encontrei Deus de Surpresa” (I found God by Surprise). The words of the song are so beautiful that I wanted to share it with the English community who will be attending Mass today. Translations are always difficult, and hymns and poems are even more difficult. I did my best to translate the Hymn. Here it is, in Portuguese and in English:

Encontrei Deus de surpresa I found God by surprise
no caminho que eu seguia. On the road that I was following
Encontrei, tenho a certeza, I found Him, I am very sure
como do sol que me guia! As the sun that guides me.
1) Tão perto de mim O vi 1. Very close to me I have seen Him
e de mim tão diferente And from me He was so different
que todo me confundi That I was so confused
ao vê-Lo assim tão presente. When I saw Him very present.
2) Quis escusar-me, confesso. 2. I wanted to escape, I confess
Ele Senhor, eu vassalo, He was my Lord and I was his servant
mas o único processo But the only way to escape
de fugir é abraçá-lo. Was to run and hug Him3)
Preferi Jesus antes de mim. 3. I have preferred Jesus over me
Tudo fiquei a lucrar. And I gained everything.
Minha alegria é sem fim! There is no end to my joy!
Só me apetece chorar! I only feel like crying!
4) Preferi Jesus antes de mim 4. I have preferred Jesus over me
Tudo fiquei a lucrar And I gained everything
Minha alegria é sem fim There is no end to my joy!
Só me apetece cantar! I only feel like singing!

“Is he a homeless? Is he a drunkard? Is he a thief? Is he an angel in disguise”, these were some of the questions that crossed my mind before I knelt by his side. Then I remembered Mother Teresa’s words: «When you start by judging you have no time to love».  Then I discovered who he was, and before I blessed him, I started singing: “I FOUND GOD BY SURPRISE”

fatherwith homeless

Love and Peace,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade

 

 

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART

– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade (bernardinodandrade@gmail.com)

“Throw them out! Throw them out!”

The year was 1770, and in a small Italian church, two altar boys prepared for Benediction. Annibale Della Genga and Francesco Castiglioni entered the sacristy, put on their albs, and grabbed the heavy brass candlesticks.
And then they began to bicker, arguing over who would stand on the priest’s right for the procession. Their quibble escalated into a shouting match. Alarmed parishioners turned their heads to the back of the Church to see the commotion, and that’s when it happened: Castiglioni cracked Della Genga over the head with his candlestick. Blood dripped from Della Genga’s injury, and both boys began shoving each other.

Shocked, parishioners screamed: «Throw them out! Throw them out! ». So, the embarrassed priest grabbed the boys, led them to the door, and tossed them out of the church.

Now fast-forward several decades to 1825… Half a million-people gathered in Rome for the great Jubilee celebration. The Jubilee occurred every 25 years, and its grand climax was the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. Traditionally, the Pope would knock on the door three times with a large silver hammer and sing: « Open unto me the gates of justice! »; on the third knock, the door would swing open and the Pope would lead his people through. The symbolism was rich: pilgrims from all over the world coming back home to the Church, following their leader through the great porta fidei, the “door of Faith”.

That Jubilee year, in front of thousands of pilgrims, Cardinal Della Genga made his way to the door. It was fifty-five years after the candlestick incident. Cardinal Della Genga who had become Pope Leo XII neared the door. Turning to the Cardinal beside him – Cardinal Castiglioni –, the Pope said: « Let me have the hammer. ». With a sly grin, Castiglioni replied «Just like I gave you the candlestick? ».

Amazingly, four years later Castiglioni succeeded his friend and became Pope, taking the name Pius VIII. Now if you told any of those pew sitters back in 1770 that they had two future-Popes in the back of their church, they’d have laughed you out of the building: “Those two boys? The ones shoving and whacking each other with candlesticks? ”.

I Am Also A Suspect

A Bishop was sailing for Europe on one of the great transatlantic ocean liners. When he went on board, he found that another passenger was to share a cabin with him. After unpacking his bags, he went to the purser and inquired if he could leave his gold watch and other valuables in the ship’s safe. He explained that he had just met the man who was to occupy the other berth in his cabin and he was afraid that the man might not be trustworthy. The purser smiled, accepted the valuables and remarked: « It’s all right, Bishop, I’ll be very glad to take care of them for you. The other man has just been up here and left his valuables for the same reason! »

Love and Peace, Fr. Bernardino Andrade

Scripture Readings 3rd September 2017, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Jer 20:7-9; Ps 62; Rom 12:1-2; Mt 16:21-27

Jeremiah, probably before 600 BC, and so before the exile, criticised Israel for worshipping other gods. So Pashtur, the chief priest, beat Jeremiah and put him in the stocks. Next day, when he was released, Jeremiah told Pashtur that he would go to Babylon, where he and all his friends would die. Jeremiah then continued with this lament that God had misled him, because he had to suffer so much on the Lord’s behalf, and had begun to wonder – or doubt – whether his call from God was real.

After marvelling last week at the impossibility of understanding God’s plans, Paul goes on to encourage the Romans to “let your behaviour change”. Like Jeremiah, they must “not be conformed to this world”, but be “transformed by the renewal of your mind”, discovering and doing the will of God.

In Matthew’s gospel Jesus starts to instruct the disciples how he is to suffer, in accordance with God’s will. Peter objects, but Jesus turns on Peter with similar words he used to Satan after his Baptism. Poor Peter! He has just been given the power to bind and loose, but now he is told he is not on God’s side, but is thinking like the world!

Psalm Response: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART: Repeated Homilies

– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade (bernardinodandrade@gmail.com)

When Father Luke was appointed the new pastor for the Good Shepherd Parish he asked the Bishop if he could take a two-month vacation before entering his new parish. The Bishop made some arrangements and said yes.

Fr. Luke didn’t rest during those two months. He just spent that time trying to study his new parish: visited people, attended a few Sunday and weekday Masses, asked many questions, visited a few homes and took many notes. He got in touch with a few institutions, visited a few bars and a few large and poor families; spent time with the homeless, the drogatics and some people who were excluded and avoided by the society.

During Sunday Masses he could see some «good choirs» performing beautiful hymns but the people were just listening. People were not involved in singing. The readers and ministers of Communion were the same Sunday after Sunday. Two or three people acted like they owned the Church. Hospitality was not the strength of the Good Shepherd Church. He also saw many beautiful and exciting things he wanted to preserve. He was careful in writing everything down… things that needed to be changed… but he was also surprised by some beautiful things and events that were great contributions towards a living Parish.

Finally the day arrived. People were prepared to welcome their new Pastor. Father Luke said a few Masses but there was one of them that was his inaugural celebration with a beautiful choir, lots of flowers and a very well organized procession. The highlight of the day was his homily. Everybody listened with amazement and admiration to his homily. It was beautiful. From the beginning they realized that their pastor was a great preacher. After Mass, all those who could approach him congratulated Fr. Luke for his beautiful homily. Actually, Fr. Luke’s first homily was the theme of the week.

Then the second Sunday arrived. Everybody was excited to hear Fr. Luke. Even those who were not regular Mass attendees were curious to hear him. As usual, after reading the Gospel, Father Luke gave his inspiring homily. Most of the people enjoyed it but were surprised and disappointed that Fr. Luke repeated word for word the homily he had given on the Sunday before. After Mass the compliments were not so abundant and most of the people were not so happy.

The third Sunday arrived. The Mass was beautiful, the same homeless were begging outside the church, the choir kept singing and people listening. This was the Good Shepherd Church. Then came the time for the homily of the so-called great preacher. Beautiful, but nothing new. Father Luke repeated the same homily again, word for word. Of course, the disappointment was becoming very uncomfortable.

Finally a parish organization (including the owners of the church) decided to talk with their new pastor: « Father! We hope you don’t mind but we want to tell you that many people, including us, are very disappointed with your homilies. Everybody enjoyed your first homily. But have you realized that it is the third time that you are giving exactly the same homily that you gave on your first Sunday at our Parish? ».

«Yes, I have realized that. But I have not seen, yet, anybody doing anything about what I said on my first Sunday ».

Love and Peace
Fr. Bernardino Andrade

Scripture Readings 27th August 2017, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Is 22:19-23; Ps 137; Rom 11:33-36; Mt 16:13-20

Today’s Old Testament reading powerfully illuminates the New Testament reading. In Matthew’s gospel reading today Jesus gives Peter power to “bind and loose”. Isaiah, predicting the expulsion of self-seeking officials, describes what this power means: Eliakim, newly appointed as “master of the palace”, is given complete authority to decide who may enter the House of David – and who may not. And he is to be “a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the House of Judah”. Like Eliakim, Peter, and – in chapter 18 – all the apostles, are given authority to make eternal decisions, which will be upheld by God.

In last Sunday’s reading from chapter 11 of Romans, Paul suggested that he was sent as the apostle to the pagans “in order to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them”. Israel, even while attacking the gospel, is still God’s “beloved”, since God never takes back his promises. This week Paul brings us to gasp in awe and wonder at the daring brilliance of God’s plan, which we can never fully comprehend.

This chapter of Matthew’s gospel began with Jesus finally breaking off discussions with the Jewish authorities. Now recognised as divine, Jesus, begins to form his disciples into a community to continue his work after his death.

Psalm Response: Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

Scripture Readings 20th August 2017, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Isa 56: 1, 6-7; Ps 66(67); Rom 11: 13-15, 29-32; Mt 15:21-28

Third Isaiah was writing after 515 BC, when the Jews had returned from exile in Babylon and had rebuilt the Temple. But there is idolatry and injustice. Isaiah looks forward to a time when all peoples will be able to worship in the Temple, both foreigners and individuals with imperfect bodies. All that matters is justice and keeping the covenant.

Paul kept hoping his people would accept Jesus as the Christ. In his letter to the Jewish Christians in Rome he insists that God has not rejected his people: the Gentiles are a branch grafted onto the tree of Israel. In today’s reading he sees the Gentile mission as trying to make Jews envious and so also come to accept God’s mercy, as he has. But the Gentile branch can be broken off if they lose their faith.

In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus has criticised the Jewish leaders for insisting on external purity while disobeying God’s commandments. Nothing entering one’s mouth defiles, only what comes out. In Phoenicia, the only scene outside Israel in this gospel, Jesus heals the Canaanite child. But first he utters the memorable insult that “it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs”.

Psalm Response: Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.