Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 15:1-6; PS 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5; Jn 15:1-8

Reflection:  We are reminded yet again today that we can do anything through God, but there is very little we can do on our own.  “Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.”  God has blessed us all with varied and unique talents, and with His help and guidance we can bear much fruit in this world.  In those times when we think we have life under control and we no longer needs God’s help, let us always be reminded that all that we have comes from Him.  We were created by God and we have been blessed by God with many things, so all that we do and all that we accomplish is done through God as well.

Reflection for younger saints:  We always need God’s help and God’s guidance in living our life the best way that we can.  When we try to live without God, we will fail.  With God’s help, we can do great things.

Big Picture:  With God’s help, we can do great things.

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Where do all of our gifts and talents come from?  How do we thank God for those gifts and talents?  (By sharing them with others, and by giving praise and thanks to God for the ways He has blessed us.)  What gifts and talents has God given you?  How can you share them with others?
     Older saints:  How has God blessed you and helped you to bear great fruit?  How have you given praise and thanks to God for all your blessings? 

Fun Fact:  The sixth commandment is:  Thou shalt not commit adultery.  In this we are commanded to be pure and modest in our behavior, as the Holy Spirit lives in us and we are called to prepare a proper dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.  The sixth commandment forbids all impurity and immodesty in words, looks and actions (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 93).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Joseph the Worker
     What they are remembered for:  The feast of St. Joseph the worker is meant to remind us of the very human nature of Jesus’ upbringing, as well as our need to “build” something just as Jesus and Joseph did.  We may not all be called to carpentry, but we are called to build up the Church in whatever way God asks us to.
     Feast day:  May 1
    
Daily Notes: 

"We can't help everyone. But everyone can help someone."

Sometimes we can become paralyzed by thinking about all the troubles and changes we want to make in the world.  We can become so overwhelmed that we simply do nothing.  "We can't help everyone.  But everyone can help someone."  Rather than trying to conquer the world, if we each help and serve someone, we can work together to change the world. 

How is God calling you to serve and to draw others to Him and to His Church?  Do others see God's love and service in you?  Sometimes the simplest of actions will open people's eyes to the love of God.  These small moments can be the moments that change their lives forever.  Take a few minutes of prayer today to ask God how He is calling you to be His hands and feet.  Reflect on the one or two people in your life who need to see God's love right now. 

"We can't help everyone.  But everyone can help someone."  Who is that someone who needs your help and your love today?  Put aside your own plans and your own desires and let them see God's love and God's light in you today!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Daily Readings:
ACTS 14:19-28; PS 145:10-11, 12-13AB, 21; JN 14:27-31A

Reflection:  “But the world must know that I love the Father and that I do as the Father has commanded me.”  Will people say this of us when we depart this world?  Will they know our love and service to the Father from our actions and the way we lived our life?   Our lives must image God through our service, our love, our devotion, and our prayer.  When we leave this world we will leave a legacy behind us.  What will that legacy be?

Reflection for younger saints:  Jesus is preparing His disciples for His assension into heaven.  Jesus reminds us that He loves the Father and that He always did as God commanded.  God asks us to love and serve Him just as Jesus did.

Big Picture:  How will you be remembered?

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Jesus tells us that he loves God and He always followed God’s commands.  We are to live like Jesus, so how are we to live?  How do we love God?  (By visiting Jesus in the adoration chapel, by going to Mass, by loving and being kind to others.)  How do we follow God’s commands?  (By following God’s 10 commandments, by obeying the teachings of the Catholic Church, and by listening to God when He talks to us in prayer.)

     Older saints:  How does the world know you and see you?  Do others know you love God?  Do others know you faithfully following God’s commands?  Reflect on 1-2 changes you need to make in your life so that others will know your love and obedience to God.

Fun Fact:  The fifth commandment is:  Thou shalt not kill.  In this we are commanded to care for our spiritual and bodily well-being, and to do the same for our neighbor.  The fifth commandment forbids murder, suicide, fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, drunkenness, reckless driving, and bad example (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 93).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Pius V
     What they are remembered for:  St. Pius V was Pope during a difficult and challenging time for the Church.  He was faced with bringing the Church back together following scandal, corruption, and the Reformation.  After the Council of Trent closed in 1563, Pope Pius V was in charge of implementing all the sweeping changes that were adopted.  With his background as a Dominican friar, Pope Pius V was devoted to prayer and fasting as a part of his service as Pope.
     Feast day:  April 30
    
Daily Notes: 

Monday, April 29, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 14:5-18; PS 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16; Jn 14:21-26

Reflection:  Jesus’ time has barely passed and people are already trying to serve and worship Paul and Barnabas as gods.  They are trying to establish new churches and new leadership out of the men who are trying to guide them toward loving and serving God.  Do we not see this same mentality in our own culture?  We have come to serve money and success, rather than living out God’s command to love others and humble ourselves.  We see new churches started out of obedience to and service to individuals and their teachings, rather than obedience to and service to Jesus and His teachings.  If only those guiding others to worship money, success, and themselves would act as Paul did in proclaiming “men, why are you doing this?  We are of the same nature as you, human beings” and guide us all back to Jesus’ one, holy , catholic, and apostolic Church.

Reflection for younger saints:  The people try to serve Paul and Barnabas and say they are gods.  Paul and Barnabas tell them they are wrong, there is only one God, and they run away from them.  We must only serve and worship one true God and His Catholic Church.

Big Picture:  One God and one Church

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Can we worship people or things?  Did Jesus establish one Church or many?  Who must we serve and worship?  What Church must we follow?  Why?
     Older saints:  Reflect on how our society has come to worship success, money, individual beliefs, and churches established by individuals.  How have you been sucked into these trends?  What must you step back from to keep your eyes set on God alone?

Fun Fact:  The forth commandment is:  Honor thy father and thy mother.  In this we are commanded to honor, respect, obey, and help our parents.  By doing these things for our parents, we are also doing them for God.  The forth commandment forbids disrespect, unkindness, and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 93).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Catherine of Sienna
     What they are remembered for:  St. Catherine of Sienna is a magnificent example of completely surrendering your life to God.  St. Catherine of Sienna was the 23^rd child in her family, and she protested her parent’s trying to find her a husband by cutting off all her hair.  She was a member of the Dominican Third Order who wrote letters to guide and encourage the faithful and spoke out against the political issues of her day.  She devoted the end of her life to prayer for the unity of the Church during the time of the Great Schism.
     Feast day:  April 29
    
Daily Notes: 

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Readings:
Acts 14:21-27; Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13; Rev 21:1-5a; Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35

Reflection:  “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”  God does not promise us an easy life, but He does promise that “He will always be with us as our God.”  We should find great strength and great comfort in knowing God is always by our side.  And if we love God and love one another we can hope in the glory of the resurrection and eternal life in heaven.  While our life on earth may be filled with hardships, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain” when we join our Father in heaven.

Reflection for younger saints:  God does not promise us that our life will be easy.  Instead, it may be very difficult and hard.  But, our struggles will be worth it when we join God in heaven.

Big Picture:  Life contains hardships; heaven will be filled with joy

Discussion Starters:

Younger saints:  Does God say our life on earth will always be easy?  When will we experience a life of joy?  Why will heaven be so joyful?  (Because we will be with God.)

Older saints:  Do you sometimes get frustrated and discouraged by hardships in your life?  Does it help to know that those hardships are God’s way of perfecting us so we can be worthy of heaven?  How can you more fully embrace the hardships in your life?  How can you teach others to do the same?

Scripture Verse for the Week:  “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”  Acts 14:22

You are now entering the mission field:  Donate to a local homeless shelter (Corporal work of mercy:  to clothe the naked.)

Notes:

 

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 13:44-52; PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Jn 14:7-14

Reflection:  In calling us all to a life of evangelization, God is asking us all to “be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.”  It somehow gives our task of sharing the Good News so much more importance when we are viewed as instruments of salvation.  When we share the teachings of Jesus and His Church with others, though, we are making it possible for them to one day experience the joy of heaven.  For, if they do not know and love God, how can they honor, serve, and obey Him so that one day they might kneel at His feet?  Just as the Father dwells in Jesus and does His works through Jesus, He also dwells in us and does great works through us.  “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do.”  Are you doing the works of the father and being an instrument of salvation, or are you sitting by and letting others carry your load and do your work?

Reflection for younger saints:  God wants us all to be an instrument of salvation.  We do this by loving others and teaching them about God.  They must know God so they can love and serve Him.

Big Picture:  We are God’s hands and feet

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  God asks us to be an instrument of ________.  How do we do this?  Why do we have to teach others about God?
     Older saints:  How are you being an instrument of salvation?  How is God calling you to take it up a notch?

Fun Fact:  The third commandment is:  Remember thou keep holy the Lord’s day.  In this God commands us to worship and honor God in a special way on Sunday, which is the Lord’s day.  On Sunday we should give all of our time to the things of God.  The third commandment forbids unnecessary labor of the body on Sunday (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 88).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Simeon
     What they are remembered for:  Saint Simeon is thought to be a cousin of Jesus who was likely present in the Upper Room on Pentecost.  He was the second bishop of Jerusalem after his brother James was martyred.  He later met a martyr’s death when he was crucified for being a Christian.
     Feast day:  April 27
    
Daily Notes: 

Friday, April 26, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 13:26-33; PS 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab; Jn 14:1-6

Reflection:  It can be hard to read today’s Gospel without singing for joy at the truth and beauty within it.  In times of struggle and trouble we find hope and strength in our creator.  “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”  Our savior has gone before us to show us the path to salvation, for He is “the way and the truth and the life.”  The more we die to ourselves and the ways of this world, the more we are able to follow the way that Jesus has shown us.  The more we read His word and His Church’s teaching, the more equipped we are to know His truth.  The more we truth in the eternal life He has gained for us, the more willing we are to take up our own crosses and strive for spiritual perfection so we might attain the glory of heaven.

Reflection for younger saints:  Jesus is the way and the truth and the life.  We must follow Jesus’ example, know his teachings and His scripture, and we will gain the glory of heaven with Him one day.

Big Picture:  Follow Jesus’ example and know His truth.

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Jesus says “I am the ______ and the _______ and the ______.”  What is He telling us?  (Follow His example and know His teaching and you will be able to join Him in heaven.)  Is it enough just to know and love Jesus?  (No, we must also follow His example and live as He did.)
     Older saints:  Jesus says “I am the ______ and the ________ and the _______.”  How are you following His way?  How are you not?  How are you learning and knowing His truth?  How are you not?  Make a list of 2-3 goals to help you improve how you know and follow Jesus.

Fun Fact:  The second commandment is:  Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.  In this we are commanded to always speak of God, the saints, and holy things with reverence and respect (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 87).

    
Daily Notes: 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Daily Readings:
1 Pt 5:5b-14; PS 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mk 16:15-20

Reflection:  “So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.  Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.”  Surely we live in a time when many are worried.  People are worried for their safety, for the state of our environment, and for the state of religious freedom.  What we tend to lose sight of is our trust in our Lord.  If we obey God’s command and “go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” we will bring more faithful and humble souls to God to do His work and to strengthen the Church.  “Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” and his current method is fear.  Let us “be sober and vigilant” and put our faith and trust in the Lord. 

Reflection for younger saints:  Sometimes we can be worried and afraid.  The devil likes to make us feel this way.  Instead, we must trust in God and know that He is always with us and always guiding us as long as we are willing to listen to Him.

Big Picture:  Be sober and vigilant

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Who like to make us be afraid?  (The devil.)  Who will protect us from all of our worries and our fears?  What do we have to do to seek God’s protection?  (Come to Him in prayer and trust that He will help us.) 
     Older saints:  Do you live your life in fear, or do you know others who live their life that way?  Do you take those fears to God and find peace in Him?  Do you trust that God will care for you?  Have you shared the Good News with those who are fearful and may not know and trust God?  Sometimes we can become so attached to the things and our life in this world that we become fearful.  We must always keep our eyes focused on heaven and remember that our time here on earth is very short compared to the time we will spend with God in the glory of heaven.

Fun Fact:  We do not pray to the crucifix or to images or statues.  These things help to remind us of the people that we are praying to (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 84).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Mark
     What they are remembered for:  St. Mark proclaimed the Good News about Jesus through his writing of the Gospel according to Mark.  The details of his life and whether or not he met Jesus personally are still unknown.  St. Mark was a cousin of Barnabas and he spent a portion of time traveling and preaching with Paul, though he did not remain with Paul on all of his journeys.  St. Mark’s Gospel centers on the “scandal” of Jesus’ crucifixion.
     Feast day:  April 25
    
Daily Notes: 

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 12:24—13:5a; PS 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8; Jn 12:44-50

Reflection:  “I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.”  Jesus wants to free us from the darkness in our lives.  He wants us to be filled with light.  So what does he want to free us from?  What is the darkness that weighs us down?  Some thoughts are pride, anger, greed, impatience or an inability to forgive.  If our lives are filled with these things our hearts are dimmed by sin.  Instead, Jesus wants our hearts to be a reflection of Him, and our lives to be a reflection of His life.  This means charity, patience, kindness, and love.  These actions are the way we bring Jesus’ light to others, and to ourselves as well.

Reflection for younger saints:  Jesus came to teach us about God and how to love others.  He taught us these things to free us from the darkness of sin.  When we sin (do things that are naughty) we make God, ourselves, and the people around us sad.  When we live a life that is pleasing to God we will be the happiest because we are serving God, and we can make God and others happy too. 

Big Picture:  Follow the light – Jesus

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Do you feel happier when you think about the good things in your life or sad things?  Does thinking about God make you happy or sad?  Does helping others make you happy or sad?  When you hurt others does that make you happy or sad?  Before we do something or say something to others we should think about whether it will make us and God happy or sad.
     Older saints:  Have you ever had an experience where you felt freed from some kind of darkness (physical ailment, a challenge learning something, etc.)?  How did it happen?  How did it make you feel?  What do you need for a similar experience to happen with your faith life?

Fun Fact:  When we pray to the Saints, we ask them to intercede on our behalf.  In doing this we are asking the Saints to offer their prayers to God for us.

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
     What they are remembered for:  St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen was well known for his generosity and his service to the weak and the needy.  He served the poor initially through his practice as a lawyer, but after frustration with the greed of those in practice with him he left his life as a lawyer to be a priest.  He was a follower of St. Francis who was later martyred for his faith.
     Feast day:  April 24
    
Daily Notes: 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 11:19-26; PS 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7; Jn 10:22-30

Reflection:  “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”  While we might sin, and fall astray like lost sheep, if we open our hearts and our minds to God we will always hear Him calling us back.  We are His, and He will love us and forgive us.  We are all marked as children of God, and no one can take us out of God’s hand.  We must “remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart” and encourage all those around us to do the same.  We must listen to the Father’s voice and follow Him. 

Reflection for younger saints:  God is our shepherd and we are His sheep.  If we listen to God’s guidance and follow His commands we will share in eternal life with Him.

Big Picture:  Follow the voice of the Father

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  If God is our shepherd, what are we?  (sheep).  Who’s voice and commandments must we always listen to?  What is it called if we disobey God’s commandments?  (sin).  How can we get forgiveness for our sins?  (The Sacrament of Reconciliation). 
     Older saints:  “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”  Do you take time in your busy day to quiet your heart so you can hear God’s voice?  What routines or habits have you developed to make time to listen to God’s voice?  If you do not have this in your routine yet, take time today to look through your daily and weekly schedule so you can take time to prayerfully listen to God’ voice.

Fun Fact:  The first commandment does not forbid us from honoring the Saints in heaven, as long as we do not give them the honor that belongs to God (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 83).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint George
     What they are remembered for:  St. George was a martyr in the early Church, though there is also much legend that surrounds his life.  A popular Italian fable says that St. George slayed a dragon to rescue the King’s daughter and was responsible for the conversion of Libya. 
     Feast day:  April 23
    
Daily Notes: 

Monday, April 22, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 11:1-18; PS 42:2-3; 43:3, 4; Jn 10:1-10

Reflection:  The Gospel closes with the statement:  “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”  What does this mean to you?  What does it mean to have an abundant life?  Society tells us it is a life overflowing with success, independence, and riches.  Scripture and the Saints who have gone before us show us an abundant life is one filled with prayer, humility, service, and the Eucharist.  No matter what your vocation, we can all live our life more abundantly with Christ.  “Athirst is my soul for the living God.”  How are you quenching your thirst?

Reflection for younger saints:  Jesus came so we might have eternal life and live our life for Him.  If we seek God in all we do we will be happy.

Big Picture:  “Athirst is my soul for the living God”

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Why did Jesus come?  Should we seek riches and success in our life, or seek to love and serve God and others?  What do we need to be happy?
     Older saints:  What is your vision of an abundant life?  Does your vision align with what God desires for you?  How are you striving to attain your vision of an abundant life?

Fun Fact:  We worship God through acts of faith, hope, and charity, by adoring Him, and by praying to Him (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 79).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Abdiesus
     What they are remembered for:  St. Abdiesus was a deacon in a Christian community in Persia.  He was martyred for his faith during the persecutions by King Shapur II.
     Feast day:  April 22
    
Daily Notes: 

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Readings:
ACTS 13:14, 43-52; PS 100:1-2, 3, 5; REV 7:9, 14B-17

Reflection:  We are living our lives for the joy of eternity, not for the joy of the here and now.  Our life on earth can sometimes feel like a “time of great distress.”  We sometimes hunger and thirst, and feel as though we can not be quenched, but when we stand before the throne of God we “will not hunger or thirst anymore.”  Sometimes we can feel like our life is filled with struggles and tears, but when we stand before His throne, “God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.”  Jesus came and bore His cross so that He could give us eternal life.  In the same way, we are called to bear our crosses and sometimes face a life of trial, so that we might one day share in God’s glory and stand before God’s throne in the kingdom of heaven.  So do not despair, and “remain faithful to the grace of God” and you shall receive your reward in heaven.
Reflection for younger saints:  Our life on earth is not always easy.  Sometimes life is hard, and sometimes others are not nice to us, and sometimes we do not have all that we want.  But, if we love and serve God we will get to be with Him in heaven one day.  When we are with God in heaven we will be happy and we will forget about all the struggles we had on earth.

Big Picture:  “remain faithful to the grace of God”

Discussion Starters:

Younger saints:  Did God ever tell us our life would always be easy and happy?  Is life sometimes hard and sad?  What can we remember when we are sad or others are not nice to us?  (God loves us and one day we will be with Him in heaven and we will be very happy.)

Older saints:  Do you sometimes struggle with offering up your suffering and remembering that life is not supposed to always be easy and fun?  Reflect on Jesus’ death on the cross, the martyrs we have learned about, and the reading from the Book of Revelation.  What do we have to look forward to that makes our struggles and our suffering worthwhile?

Scripture Verse for the Week:  “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;* they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” Revelations 7:14

You are now entering the mission field:  Offer up prayers for someone who treated you unfairly this week  (Spiritual work of mercy:  to bear wrongs patiently).

Notes:

Great information on Eucharistic miracles

Visit this site to learn more about Eucharistic miracles.  God is still very much at work in our world and is showing us His true presence in the Eucharist.  May we share our knowledge of these miracles to deepen our own faith and the faith of others in the teaching and the truth of the Catholic Church.

http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/engl_mir.htm

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 9:31-42; PS 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17; Jn 6:60-69

Reflection:  Many of us are familiar with the miracles performed by Jesus during His time on earth, but we may be less aware of those performed by God through the Apostles.  We read about how these miracles became known “and many came to believe in the Lord.”  Our human nature still desires to see in order to believe.  God continues to bless our world with miracles and the knowledge of these miracles continues to draw more faithful to the Catholic Church.  While we may not all experience miracles as we read about in the Acts of the Apostles, we have all been blessed and touched by God’s presence in our lives.  If we share these experiences with others, those stories can bring others to God and the Catholic Church.

Reflection for younger saints:  Today we heard about two miracles performed by God through the Apostles.  They helped a paralyzed man to walk and brought a woman back to life.  God continues to work miracles in our world.  When we share those miracles with others they come to know and love God just as we do.

Big Picture:  Some must see in order to believe.

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  What is a miracle?  (Something amazing that only God can do).  What miracles happened in today’s readings?  Do miracles still happen?
     Older saints:  Take a few minutes to research Eucharistic miracles.  Did you know miracles like this still take place?  Teach a younger sibling or a friend about what you learned about Eucharistic miracles.

Fun Fact:  Following the particular judgment (which takes place immediately after death), each one of us will either go to heaven, purgatory, or hell (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 70).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Marian (also known as Saint Marcian)
     What they are remembered for:  St. Marian embraced his post as the lowest ranked novice in his monastery with a joy that did not go un-noticed.  He had a special way with animals, as even the wild animals seemed to obey his commands.
     Feast day:  April 20
    
Daily Notes: 

Friday, April 19, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 9:1-20; PS 117:1bc, 2; Jn 6:52-59

Reflection:  Today’s Gospel according to John gives us beautiful validation of the Catholic Church’s teaching regarding transubstantiation and the true presence of Jesus’ body and blood in the Eucharist.  Why would the Jews have been quarreling about Jesus “giving us his flesh to eat” if Jesus had said He would give them a symbol of His body and blood?  Surely a symbol would not cause this much of an uprising.  Jesus does not say to eat this symbol, but “unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood, you do not have life within you.” 

Just as Saul needed to be baptized and “when he had eaten, he recovered his strength,” we too must eat of the bread of life so we might have strength for our spiritual journey.  We should seek the Lord often in the Eucharist, because “whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him.”  What greater help and source of strength could we ask for than to welcome our Lord into our hearts and our bodies?  The beauty of the Catholic Church is that it makes Mass and the Eucharist available to us every day of the week in every country in the world.

Reflection for younger saints:  Today Jesus tells us we must eat His Flesh and drink His Blood so we can have eternal life in heaven with Him.  We do this by going to Mass and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.  We should welcome and receive Jesus as often as we can so He can give us the strength that we need.

Big Picture:  Jesus gave us “His flesh to eat”

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  What is it called when the bread and the wine become Jesus’ body and blood?  When this happens, is it just a symbol of Jesus’ body and blood, or is it Jesus’ true body and blood?  When are we able to receive Jesus’ body and blood?  (Daily, by receiving His body and blood in the Eucharist).
     Older saints:  Take a few minutes today to read about transubstantiation and the Catholic Church’s teaching on the Eucharist.  Compare this teaching to Protestant teaching.  How are they different?  Which seems to more properly align to today’s Gospel reading?

Fun Fact:  The particular judgment is the judgment that will be passed on each one of us immediately after death (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 70).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Alphege
     What they are remembered for:  St. Alphege lived a life of a monk, a hermit, an abbot, and a bishop.  During his time as bishop he was well known for his care for the poor and his personal sacrifices.  He was captured during a time of war and was martyred after refusing to have a large ransom paid for his release.
     Feast day:  April 19
    
Daily Notes: 

Who or what is the “magisterium” of the Catholic Church, and who gave them “authority” anyway?

We sometimes hear the magisterium referenced in the media, usually at times when new teachings or updated writings related to the Church are coming out.  When the magisterium or the Papacy are referenced we also often hear the term infallible thrown about.  But, do we really understand the role of the magisterium or what it means to be infallible?

A simple Google search of the term magisterium will provide you with many sites and sources of the magisterium’s role.  Wikipedia defines the magisterium as “the teaching authority of the Catholic Church” or “the teaching office of the Catholic Church.”  It then goes a little deeper in saying the magisterium is divided into two parts:  the infallible sacred magisterium and the fallible ordinary magisterium.  Now we have introduced that often thrown about term infallible, which is Wikipedia defines as teachings made by this person can be relied on to be certainly true. 

I might be biased, but I have to admit I prefer the explanation of the magisterium that is given to us by the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  "The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 85).  "Yet this Magisterium is not superior to the Word of God, but is its servant. It teaches only what has been handed on to it. At the divine command and with the help of the Holy Spirit, it listens to this devotedly, guards it with dedication and expounds it faithfully. All that it proposes for belief as being divinely revealed is drawn from this single deposit of faith” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 86). 

But, what does all of that really mean? 

Let’s take one step back to see where the magisterium and her authority came from.  The Apostles were given teaching authority so that they might heal, forgive sins, and share the Good News.  This authority of Peter and the Apostles was handed on to all the Popes and Bishops that have come after the first Apostles.  "In order that the full and living Gospel might always be preserved in the Church the apostles left bishops as their successors. They gave them their own position of teaching authority."  Indeed, "the apostolic preaching, which is expressed in a special way in the inspired books, was to be preserved in a continuous line of succession until the end of time." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 77).  “The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 100).  The Holy Spirit continues to guide and inspire the writings and preaching of these bishops with the goal of “preserving God's people from deviations and defections” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 890). 

Okay, now that we understand why they have authority, what authority do they have (i.e. how are they both fallible and infallible)?  In order to ensure that the magisterium professes the faith without error, “Christ endowed the Church's shepherds with the charism of infallibility in matters of faith and morals” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 890).  The Pope “enjoys his infallibility” when he proclaims a doctrine pertaining to faith and morals.  The infallibility promised to the Church is also present when the bishops, together with the Pope, make declarations that are revealed through an Ecumenical Council (i.e. The Council of Trent, Vatican I, or Vatican II).  Declarations that are made infallibly require a “full assent of faith” from all followers of the Catholic Church.  In other words, there is no room for disagreement, as this is now Church doctrine.  Failure to faithfully follow and adhere is not permissible.  Contrary to common beliefs or statements made by the media, the Pope and the bishops are not infallible in every statement they make.  The issue of infallibility is frequently brought up pertaining to matters of Church functioning or improper handling of issues.  The Pope and the bishops are still human, and sinful, and are therefore not infallible or without flaw in every statement and action that they take.  Ordinary statements by the Pope and bishops are considered authoritative, because of their position in the hierarchy of the Church, but are not considered infallible. 

So in summary, the key points are this:

·        The magisterium of the Catholic Church is comprised of the Pope and the bishops in communion with him

·        The purpose of the magisterium is to be the teaching authority of the Church

·        Catholics believe that the magisterium was established by Christ, given His authority, and continues to be guided by the Holy Spirit

·        The Pope is infallible, that is, we know with certainty that the teaching is correct, when he proclaims a doctrine pertaining to faith and morals, or when the bishops, together with the Pope, make declarations that are revealed through an Ecumenical Council