Author: ANTONINO

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART

  – Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade
1
WHAT ARE WE CHRISTIANS «SELLING»?
One day a man called a Church by mistake. The Church receptionist happened to be distracted at the time, and did not answer the phone in the usual fashion. She just said “Hello.” The man said, “I want to order one pound of Barbecue, two pints of Cole slaw, and a dozen hush puppies.” The receptionist said, “Wait a minute, sir. We are not a food service operation. You must have the wrong number.” The man hesitated a moment and then asked, «What business are you in?”
That’s a fair question to ask. What is our mission? What is our principal message or service or goal? While all our tasks are important, none of them is our central mission. We are here, first and foremost, to declare this Good News: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down from Heaven as the “Lamb of God” to save us from our sins by His sacrificial death on the cross. And his favorites are the unloved, the week, the hungry, the wounded, the sinners…
2
THIS IS THE KIND OF BUSINESS
A young soldier was utterly humiliated by his senior officer. The officer had gone beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior in disciplining the young soldier and knew it, so he said nothing as the younger man said through clenched teeth, “I’ll make you regret this if it is the last thing I ever do.” A few days later their company was under heavy fire and the officer was wounded and cut off from his troops. Through the haze of the battlefield he saw a figure coming to his rescue. It was the young soldier. At the risk of his own life, the young soldier dragged the officer to safety. The officer said, apologetically, “Son, I owe you my life.” The young man laughed and said, “I told you that I would make you regret humiliating me if it was the last thing I ever did.”
That is God’s kind of revenge. “Behold the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world…” Something happened on Calvary that bridged the gap between a Holy God and unholy humanity. We see Christ in His majesty but especially in His mercy.

Fr. Bernardino Andrade (bernardinodandrade@gmail.com)

Scripture Readings 29th January 2017, 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Zeph 2:3,3:12-13; Psalm 145; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Matthew 5:1-12

About 630 BC Zephaniah strongly denounced the idolatry that had developed during the reign of Josiah. He prophesied “A day of wrath, … a day of darkness and gloom” – from which we have our hymn Dies Irae. But God would leave a remnant of humble and lowly people – from whom tradition believes Jesus’ and John the Baptist’s parents came, and also Simeon and Anna.
Continuing his letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminds them “the world did not know God through wisdom”. God has made us members of Christ, who has become our wisdom. God’s plan works in ways that seem foolish and weak to us. We have nothing to boast about except the Lord.

About forty years after Jesus died, Matthew followed Mark in writing a gospel, which he arranged as five collections of sayings by Jesus, alternating with five collections describing what Jesus did. The first collection of sayings, the Sermon on the Mount, starts with the Beatitudes, which we hear today. Over the remaining Sundays before Lent we hear the rest of this Sermon, in which Jesus develops the Commandments given to Moses into positive ways of living. Although much of the promised happiness of the kingdom of God is in the future, it does extend to the present time in anticipation.

Psalm Response: How happy are the poor in spirit: theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – People Helping People in the World

The Association People Helping People is crossing the boundaries of Madeira and Portugal.

Mrs. Jane Caldwell, from England, wrote a book called «Frozen Stiff». This book will be put for sale at the Chapel Penha de França where we have our regular Sunday Mass in English. On the bottom of the book’s cover we can read «All profits from the sale of this book, will go to the Madeiran Charity PHP – “People Helping People”».

Thank you Mrs. Caldwell and thanks to your husband Peter Caldwell for his unconditional support.

God loves you and so do I,

Fr. Bernardino Andrade

I invited Mrs. Caldwell to tell you more about her book, below….

FROZEN STIFF – a thriller by Agatha Frisky

During the past fifteen years we have had many wonderful holidays in this beautiful island. We have been impressed with the friendly and resilient people, but sadly also by the poverty that exists on the island. As a result, we have become staunch admirers of PHP (People Helping People) and I have now written a novel to help the project. It is a light hearted, slightly romantic detective story, set in some places people may recognize; it is a typical holiday read.

“Frozen Stiff” by “Agatha Frisky” will be on sale next Sunday after Mass at Capela Penha de França for 10 Euros; absolutely every cent will go directly to PHP.  Alternatively, it is available as a Kindle e-book for £3:50.

Happy Reading.
Jane Caldwell (janecaldwell902@gmail.com)

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino

paradox

The Paradox of our Time

It was 1:30 AM, many years ago. I was sound asleep. A big boom wakened me up and every neighbour on the block. We got together on the corner of the street close to my house. Yes, something terrible had happened. When I arrived there, still in my pyjamas, a police officer was very hurt lying down on the pavement. In front of him there was a dead young girl inside her Volkswagen. This police officer was driving fast on a police call and an accident happened.

The neighbours started talking with each other. I asked the lady close to me: «Do you live around here?», she replied «Yes! Right there.». There was just one house between my house and her house. So then I said: «Oh I thought that was Manuel Rodrigues house.», she replied: «Yes. Manuel Rodrigues was my father. He died two years ago.»

I was speechless! My neighbour had died two years ago and I had not noticed. So that morning I promised that this was not going to happen in my life again. Then I found this text called The Paradox of Our Time, that I want to share with you today. It applies deeply to me. I wish this applies to me only. Only me.

God loves you and so do I,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade [bernardinodandrade@gmail.com]

THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We have done larger things, but not better things.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent. Remember, to say, «I love you» to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all, mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. (Anonymous)

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

Isaiah 8:23-9:3; Psalm 26; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17; Matthew 4:12-23

The first reading is from First Isaiah, when, about 725 BC, Isaiah, was advisor to the king of Judah. Ahaz, a weak king, asked Assyria for help, in spite of Isaiah’s advice to wait because “God is with us”. God would send a saviour, idealistically described with words probably used to hail the new king Hezekiah. Assyria attacked northern Palestine, but Isaiah looked forward to the Messiah bringing freedom to the “Way of the sea” ie Galilee.

In our second reading, in this week of prayer for Christian unity, Paul is shocked at the self-glorifying divisions, or “rents”, in the church at Corinth. Whoever baptised us, we were baptised into Christ. With our common baptism we should therefore “be united in belief and practice”. Unity, but not uniformity. Our task is to preach the Good News of Christ’s crucifixion, without following particular teachers or allowing the meaning of the Cross to be obscured by clever oratory.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus has rejected the devil’s temptations and so identified himself as the “Son of God”, capable of not sinning. Hearing of the arrest of the Baptist, Jesus withdraws to Galilee, the “Way of the sea”. He then quotes the verses of Isaiah from our first reading, before starting his mission in Galilee by calling his first disciples.

Psalm Response: The Lord is my light and my help.

Isaiah 8:23-9:3; Psalm 26; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17; Matthew 4:12-23

“DIA DE REIS” (King’s Day) – A tradition in Madeira

Every year on January 6th in Madeira, we celebrate “Dia de Reis” (English: “King’s Day”). According to tradition, it’s to celebrate the day when the newborn baby Jesus, the Saviour, the Messiah, receives the visit of the 3 Wise Men from the East.

The night before, Madeiran families usually gather together with friends and neighbours, who go out and sing traditional songs door to door.

“Bolo Rei” (English: “King Cake”) is a traditional Portuguese cake that is usually eaten around Christmas, from December 25th until Epiphany, on the 6th January. The cake itself is round with a large hole in the centre, resembling a crown covered with crystallized and dried fruit. It is baked from a soft, white dough, and in some of these cakes there is the characteristic dried “fava” (broad) bean or small Wise Man figurine. Tradition dictates that whoever finds the fava bean or the Wise Man figurine, must pay for next year’s cake!

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – Artaban, « The Other Wise Man »

– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade

There’s a story called “The Other Wise Man” by Henry van Dyke.
It’s about a fourth person who is supposed to accompany the other three wise men on their journey to search for the newborn King. The name of the person is Artaban.
As Artaban prepares for the journey, he takes with him a bag of precious stones to give to the baby King. On his way to join the other three wise men, Artaban stops to help a poor person. The delay is just enough to make him miss his rendezvous with the others. Artaban never does catch up with them. He constantly runs into people who need help. And he always stops to help them. Eventually, Artaban gives away all his precious stones.
As the story ends, Artaban is old and poor. He has never realized his dream to meet the King of Kings. But the story doesn’t end here. One day Artaban is in Jerusalem. Authorities are about to execute a criminal. When Artaban sees the criminal, his heart skips a beat. Something tells him that this is the King of Kings for whom he has been searching all his life. Artaban is heartbroken when he sees he can do nothing to help the King.

Then something remarkable happens. Artaban hears the King’s voice say to him: “Don’t be broken-hearted, Artaban. You’ve been helping me all your life. When I was hungry, you gave me food. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink. When I was naked, you clothed me. When I was a stranger, you took me in.” (Mark Link in Sunday Homilies).

Sunday Mass is not a religious entertainment. Sunday Mass is a «power house» where Jesus inspires us, directs us and strengthens us to go to the world and transform it into one family, where all the people help all the people. This is the Kingdom of God which is the primary goal of Jesus coming on Christmas Day.

God loves you and so do I.
Fr. Bernardino Andrade

Scripture Readings 15th January 2017, 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Isaiah 49: 3,5-6; Psalm 39; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34

Second Isaiah’s servant songs were written after the Israelites had been released from their captivity in Babylon. It is not clear who the servant is: is it Israel or an individual who is to be “the light of the nations”? The servant has been chosen before he was born, all part of God’s plan, and he is to take God’s salvation to the whole world, as well as to Israel.
From now until Lent we read from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, written from Ephesus about 56AD. Paul cannot stop talking about the centre of his life: Jesus, who called him to be his envoy. Those in the “assembly called by God in Corinth”, are called to be holy, part of the universal fellowship of believers, and subject to Christ’s authority. He blesses them with grace – God’s unconditional love – and peace.
John’s Gospel does not have Jesus being baptised. Instead, after the Baptist insists to questioners from Jerusalem that he is not the Messiah, he recognises Jesus. Uniquely he describes Jesus as the Passover sacrificial “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”, the “Chosen one of God”, who “baptises with the Holy Spirit”. This gift of new life in God, is greater than the cleansing given by John’s baptism with water.

Psalm Response: Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.

Isaiah 49: 3,5-6; Psalm 39; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34

Scripture Readings 8th January 2017, Epiphany, Year A

isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 71; Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

 

Third Isaiah was writing just after the Israelites had returned from exile in Babylon. Participation in the future messianic salvation is offered to all who believe in the Lord and keep his commandments. Isaiah visualises the new Jerusalem, illuminated by God, to which all peoples will stream and a time when their offerings will be acceptable. The church’s task is to bring the good news to the whole world.

 

The vision of the universal Church Paul describes in Ephesians matches Isaiah’s image of the new Jerusalem. Paul sees the Church, led by the Spirit, as Christ’s body, part of God’s plan for the whole of creation. And Paul joyfully realises that it was always part of God’s plan that the gospel message is to be taken to all: Gentiles as well as Jews are to share in the inheritance promised by God.

 

In Luke’s Gospel an angel announced Jesus’ birth to poor Jewish shepherds, excluded by their occupation from Temple worship. Today we hear Matthew’s description of Gentile scholars travelling from afar to bring kingly offerings to the new-born child. But they needed the Jewish scriptures to help find him. We too need the Old Testament to help us understand God’s plan and what he has done in Jesus for our salvation.

 

Psalm Response:                                   All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.

 

FROM MY HEART TO YOUR HEART – The Two Women I have Loved The Most

Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade

1.

October 15, 1950. It was the day I entered the Seminary in order to become a priest. I was 12 years old. I came from the country side, one day before, and stayed in Funchal in a friend´s house along with my mother. The following day, carrying, on my shoulders, my suitcase, too heavy for a child, I walked in the direction of the seminary’s building. My mother walked with me. Her presence was such a support for a fragile child who, for the first time, was leaving his family of 13 members.

Before the moment came to say good-bye she glued a simple image of Mary the Mother of God on the inner part of the suitcase cover. It was a simple image she clipped from a newspaper. It was a very simple and inexpensive gift but her words were powerful: «My son, this is a reminder of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and your mother. I am saying goodbye to you but every time you open the suitcase remember that She is here to protect you. Goodbye, my son».

This happened 66 years ago and since then I have always felt their presence. They have been the two women who have loved me the most and they have been the two women I have loved the most.

Today, January first, the Catholic Church celebrates the SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD who has been and will always be present in my life.