Weekly Reflection

First Sunday of Advent 
“Only one thing in life matters. Being found worthy of the light of the world in the hour of his visitation.” Fulton Sheen.
 
In today’s first reading, upon returning with high hope from Babylon, the Israelites longed for God’s presence and support in their challenging times. The prophet Isaiah tells of their cry to God; “Return for the sake of your servants, … Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, with the mountains quaking before you, while you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for, such as they had not heard of from of old.” In the second reading, Paul thanks God for showering the Corinthians with spiritual gifts for ministry. Jesus, in the gospel, tells his disciples, “Be watchful! Be alert! For they do not know when the Lord of the house is coming.”

We begin the liturgical year with the first Sunday of Advent (Cycle B – Gospel of Mark). Advent is a derivative of the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” a translation of the Greek word “parousia.” Like Lent, Advent is a season of reformation of our hearts and time to pray – to sharpen our vision of God’s presence in our daily lives. It is celebrated four weeks before Christmas. The season allows us to reflect on the threefold comings of Christ. The first coming experienced in his birth. The second coming is at the end of time. At the same time, the third coming occurs in the daily presence of Jesus in our hearts. While we focus on the second coming of Christ at the closing of the liturgical year, we concentrate on his first coming at the beginning of another liturgical year.

On this first Sunday of Advent, let us be watchful for Christ. He comes in ordinary circumstances as we continue to experience him in our worship, family, scripture, prayer, and everyone around us.

Have a blessed week.
Fr. Patrick Olaleye
frpatrick@stmartinforney.org

Solemnity of Christ the King
"The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist." - Pope St. Gregory the Great
 
In today's first reading, the prophet Ezekiel presents God as the Good Shepherd through the shepherd's imagery. A shepherd that cares for his sheep, shelters and nourishes them. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, reveals Christ's power over death. God, who raised Jesus, will surely raise us. In the Gospel, Jesus presents the scene of the judgment day. Christ the King will separate the goat from the sheep to judge how we have shared his love with our brethren.
 
The last Sunday of the liturgical year helps us reflect on Christ's dominion, judgment and love. In Christ, we find the King of heaven and earth. Christ the King reminds us of his judgment's criteria based on love shared with others.
 
The teaching of the Church on the corporal work of mercy reflects the expectations of Jesus in today's gospel. Remember the corporal works of mercy - Feed the Hungry, Give drink to the thirsty, Shelter the homeless, Comfort the imprisoned, Visit the sick, Bury the dead, Give alms to the poor.   
     
Considering Christ’s judgment hereafter, are you living the dictates of the corporal work of mercy based on the gospel of Matthew 25:31-46?

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“A Christian who withdraws into himself, hiding all that the Lord has given him, is not a Christian! I would ask that you be generous with your God-given talents for the good of others, the Church, and our world.” – Pope Francis.
 
In the first reading, the book of Proverbs presents us with a worthy wife, valued beyond pearls. She is diligent, faithful, industrious, and in fear of the Lord. St. Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, admonishes us as children of light to remain watchful and sober, living in a manner that portrays our readiness for the Lord’s day. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the talents to challenge us in using our talents and gifts for God’s service. We must do something positive and productive with our God-given talents here and now.
 
We have the responsibility to preserve and keep the faith alive by putting to work the gifts given to us by God. There are so many avenues to apply our gifts and talents. Opportunities abound in our homes, offices, and parishes.  For example, in the parish, we should always be willing to share our abilities in creative worship in the Church and various ministries of our parish, such as Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Lector, Usher, faith formation teacher, singer in the choir, volunteer and member of one or more parish organizations and community outreach programs.
 
Do you fan into flame the gifts of God for his glory like the first two servants? Or, like the third servant, you preserve and keep your talent? What will the Lord say of your abilities if he calls you in death today?
 
We all want God to tell us: “Well done, my good and faithful servant!
 
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
“At the hour of death when we come face-face with God, we are going to be judged on love; not how much we have done, but how much love we put into the doing.” Mother Teresa.
 
The first reading teaches that wisdom can be found by those who seek her. In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul consoles the Thessalonica converts on their dead brethren's fate. He says God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will raise them. Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins to teach of the need to be prepared for the coming of Lord's hour.
 
How do we live each day? Are we mindful that God shall call us at an unknown hour? Our faith teaches us that we are pilgrims in this world, and death is inevitable. As such, we must remain vigilant and be ready to meet the Lord whenever he calls us home in the end. 
 
We learn from the wise virgins in our preparation for the day of the Lord. Unlike the foolish virgins, we must make sure we have sufficient oils derived from virtuous acts – oils of charity, compassion and mercy, forgiveness, hospitality, patience, honesty, and humility. 
 
Are you ready to meet the Lord if he calls you in death today? 

Let us remain focus and vigilant as we await the Lord's day.
 
Solemnity of All Saints
“You cannot be half a saint; you must be a whole saint or no saint at all.” – St. Therese of Lisieux

In the first reading, from the book of revelation, John recounts his beatific vision of salvation for God’s chosen people. In the second reading, in his first letter, John attests, we are daughters and sons of God. As such, our hope must rest in him. In his sermon on the mountain, Jesus enumerates and affirms the excellent reward for his followers who live according to the new law.

The Church teaches of the three churches, the militant church, the suffering church, and the triumphant church. The militant church is the church that we belong to on earth. The suffering church refers to the purgatory church where souls have the opportunity for purification. The triumphant church accommodates those who have been washed white in the blood of the lamb.

As we honor our great heroes - sisters and brothers - in faith and placing our hope in God, let us continue to do “ordinary things in an extraordinary manner” for the grace to join the triumphant church at God’s time. 

We are all potential saints. Are you aware of your call to sainthood? “There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future." St. Augustine
  
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
"Spread love everywhere you go.  Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”  -Mother Theresa.

In today's first reading, God speaks to the Israelites on the need not to neglect society's underprivileged. Based on their experiences, they are to be humane to their neighbors. For thus says the Lord, "You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. St. Paul praises the Thessalonians for their faith as examples for all believers. Jesus, in the gospel, responded to the question of the greatest commandment. He summed the law in two – the love of God and the love of neighbors. 
 
The Catholic Church teaches of the Theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love. Because they are like habits that help us relate and lead us to God, they are called theological virtues.  Unfortunately, love the greatest of them is often abused. 
 
Today we reflect on our attitudes and practices of the virtue of love. Does your love for God reflects in the love of your neighbors? St. John reminds us; “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen." (1 John 4:20)
 
What can you say of your love in action?

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Christ is not valued at all, unless he is valued above all.” – St. Augustine
 
Jesus, in today's gospel, was asked, "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" Using the image on the coin, Jesus responded, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and God what belongs to God." The thrust of the parable is a reminder of our dual citizenship. Accountability to the country and God distinguishes us as a true Christian. Jesus is saying, we must be a responsible citizen of the earth and be mindful of our longing for heaven. As the image on the coin is that of Caesar, so are we created in the image of God. 
 
In the Second reading, St. Paul mentioned one way to give what belongs to God, "always giving thanks to God." Today's responsorial psalm identified another way, "give the Lord glory and honor." The first reading reiterates the need to give what belongs to God because there is no other God besides the Lord.
 
We are because of God's generosity. Thus, we must give everything to God – our time, talent, and treasure. Are you paying God his dues?