St Joseph's Parish Toms River:

When the disciples gathered for the “first” Pentecost, the stage was set for something dramatic to happen. The Jewish feast of Pentecost was a harvest festival but also the celebration of God’s covenants with the Israelites, especially Moses receiving the law at Mt. Sinai. So when the roaring wind of the Spirit swept in, it seemed to be coming all the way from the breath of God that swept over the waters at the creation of the world. And the gift of tongues undid the post-Tower of Babel confusion: now, many languages, but everyone understands. In that first Pentecost God gifted the church with God’s presence, with signs of a new covenant and a renewal of creation that would go out to the whole world. Catch that Spirit today.

Today’s readings: Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23

“And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind.”

Monday, May 12

Feast of Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs

Not in words only, but deeds

The New Testament Letter of James is not without contention in Christian history. Whatever its authorship, its purpose is clear: to remind us of what is expected in the daily living of those who belong to Christ Jesus. James encourages those who bear trials—perhaps not unlike Nereus and Achilleus, ancient and otherwise unknown martyrs whom we celebrate today. The oppression that most interests James, however, is that which divides the rich and poor, an injustice no Christian should stand for. James is all about faith in action. Sadly, the divide between rich and poor is as true today as ever, even in our own country, and just as wrong.

Today’s readings: James 1:1-11; Mark 8:11-13

“The testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Tuesday, May 13

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

Good to see you!

In a wonderful book called Our Lady of the Lost and Found, by Diane Schoemperlen, which Mary lovers should not miss, Our Lady appears to a modern-day unsuspecting Protestant woman. “It’s me, Mary,” she says. “Mother of God.” Not getting a reaction, Our Lady winsomely continues introducing herself with a litany of names by which she’s been known throughout history. Finally, the narrator has the presence of mind to answer: “Hello.” Some of us might do no better. Those who have reported apparitions of Mary have often had a hard time upholding their end of the conversation. Prepare by starting the conversation today.

Today’s readings: James 1:12-18; Mark 8:14-21

“Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and fail to see? Do you have ears and fail to hear?”

Wednesday, May 14

Feast of Matthias, apostle -- Like winning the lottery

Awareness of our vocation doesn’t arrive in cookie-cutter fashion. Some of us always knew what we were born to do, and others discover it along the way. One young girl knew she wanted to be a speech therapist when she saw a soap opera character play the role. An encounter with an enthusiastic teacher can lead to a life in education. A visit to an art museum can awaken the creative urge, or a lifelong hobby can become a business venture. Matthias became the 13th apostle by a casting of lots. Keep your eyes open; vocation will find you.

Today’s readings: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; John 15:9-17

“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”

Thursday, May 15
Feast of Isidore -- Food for thought

“Eating is a moral act,” says the National Catholic Rural Life Conference (www.ncrlc.com), an organization that “applies the teachings of Jesus Christ for the social and economic development of rural America with responsibility for the care of God’s creation.” By providing spiritual support, education, and advocacy, the NCRLC helps rural people shape their own destinies and lead lives of dignity. As we honor Isidore, a Spanish farmer of simple means remembered for his generosity with those less fortunate, today is a good day to take a look at the U.S. Catholic bishops’ 2003 pastoral letter on food and farm issues, For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food.

Today’s readings: James 2:1-9; Mark 8:27-33

“Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?”

Friday, May 16

A world away

The news is full of stories of people in positions of power who have misused their status for personal advantage, and so it’s easy to dismiss as “not intended for me” Jesus’ famous question to his followers, what profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? But the “whole world” is a relative term, and we have all sought it at various times—whether that world is money, influence, or the admiration of our family. Any time we let the ends justify the means, we are seeking to gain the whole world. In what ways have we sought to “gain the whole world” and what has been lost in the pursuit? What small change can we make today to rebalance our priorities?

Today’s readings: James 2:14-24, 26; Mark 8:34-9:1

“For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for the sake of the gospel will save it.”

Saturday, May 17

Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary -- Knowing the Beloved

The Catechism of the Catholic Church has this whopping statement to make about Mary: “The Marian dimension of the church precedes the Petrine” (no. 773). In other words, she’s bigger than the pope and has more primacy than Peter. And she, like the Father, can speak of her beloved Son and the need for us to listen to him. Mary knew Jesus in her body just as we know Jesus in our own bodies through the mystery of the Eucharist. From within his words still speak to us when we study the gospels. Wouldn’t today be a good day to listen to what he has to say?

Today’s readings: James 3:1-10; Mark 9:2-13

“From the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ ”

84874

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time.

Sunday, May 4, 2008 Seventh Sunday of Easter/The Ascension of the Lord

The torch has been passed

Whether or not we’re asked to believe that in the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord Jesus literally levitated to the clouds, we can still understand the imagery. We’ve seen film taken from rockets as the launch pad grows smaller and gradually we see more and more of the earth, even to its entirety. The higher you go, the more is within your range of view. So also the message of Christ begins in a tiny country 2,000 years ago, but its purpose and effect go out, wider and wider, to all the world. How? The angels charmingly tease the disciples: “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” In other words, “You who are church, you who are the body of Christ on earth: Get going. You’ve got work to do.” Christ is no longer here in his flesh, but Christ is here in yours.

Today’s readings: Seventh Sunday: Acts 1:12-14; 1 Peter 4:13-16; John 17:1-11a/Ascension: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem . . . to the ends of the earth.”

Monday, May 5

Easter weekday

Empty or full?

What is Saint Paul’s problem? He seems to be splitting hairs in Acts when he insists that the baptism rendered by John the Baptist isn’t as good as the baptism in Jesus’ name. But remember: John baptized folks for the sake of repentance. This emptied you of former sins. Meanwhile, the baptism of Jesus fills us with his Spirit. Jesus once warned about the danger of sweeping your house clean of demons and leaving it vulnerably empty. It’s never enough to get rid of the bad. We’ve got to embrace the good. Open your heart to the Spirit of goodness.

Today’s readings: Acts 19:1-8; John 16:29-33

“Paul said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ ”

Tuesday, May 6

Worldly wisdom

In various faith circles you will hear the call to be “in the world but not of it.” What does being in the world suggest to you? Perhaps it evokes images of our mortality, our limitations, the fact that we all fall under the laws of nature. Or perhaps it evokes images of overreaching materialism, of the desire for worldly possessions. But might the words also lead us to ponder the incarnate (literally, “enfleshed”) nature of our faith and our God? No other tradition brings the divine and the human together in quite the same way as Christianity does, where the two realities coexist in one person. Perhaps this is what it can mean to be “in the world but not of it.”

Today’s readings: Acts 20:17-27; John 17:1-11a

“And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world . . . .”

Wednesday, May 7

Easter weekday

And the work goes on

At his death, Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa said, “Don’t let it end like this. Tell them I said something,” a hope to be remembered by at least a memorable word. As Easter continues to echo in 2008, we have not only noble words and mighty deeds by which to remember the Risen One, but a monumental task because he did not wish to leave only what he said and did, but that the Father’s work continue through our own hands. He had been sent; he sends us—perhaps with memorable words or deeds of our own but assuredly with the task of loving one another. If we do, his transforming love will not end.

Today’s readings: Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11b-19

“As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.”

Thursday, May 8

Easter weekday

See how they smile

“I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together.” So goes the opening line of the Beatles hit “I Am the Walrus.” Who’s to know if “the eggman” is an Easter reference or if John is the walrus? But the verse bears an uncanny resemblance to the Lord’s words in the gospel: “I in them and you in me, that they may be . . .” together! Togetherness is a sweet goal; it is the joy of relationships, family, and community. It is the unity of the Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost. Pray for the love of God and you might be the walrus!

Today’s readings: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; John 17:20-26

“And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”

Friday, May 9

Easter weekday

The God of second chances

The story of Saint Peter is one of the most fascinating in the New Testament. He veered between misunderstanding and understanding, denial and faith, but always came through in the end. He got second chances and took advantage of them. Having breakfast with the risen Jesus and the other disciples, he had the opportunity to reverse his earlier three denials of knowing Christ when Jesus asked him—three times—if Peter loved him. To each of Peter’s professions of love, Jesus responded with “feed my sheep, tend my lambs”: Jesus the good shepherd was telling Peter to be the same for the community. Despite life’s failures, God always holds out the offer of return. Be like Peter and accept it.

Today’s readings: Acts 25:13b-21; John 21:15-19

“Jesus said to Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ ”

Saturday, May 10

Easter weekday

Limited options

We only have one choice as disciples: Follow Jesus. We can whine and rail and question and doubt, but in the end our task remains the same: Follow Jesus. What does it mean to follow Jesus? To be willing to give our lives for the sake of others. It sounds extreme, but most of us do this every day as we care for our families, serve in our communities, and provide dedicated work on the job. Giving of yourself doesn’t require anything in return. So nothing can stop the process. No waiting around for gratitude or favors or comparing who got what. Just follow Jesus.

Today’s readings: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; John 21:20-25

“Jesus said to Peter, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!’ ”

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sixth Sunday of Easter

With you always

When Jesus was saying farewell to his disciples in the Gospel of John—praying that farewell, really, because what he had to say to them he said to God in prayer—he promised he would not leave them alone. He would send his Spirit, an Advocate, to be present to them until he returned. And lo and behold, at Pentecost it happened. Christ did not go away; he remained in a different form. So if you want to know what the Holy Spirit is, just think of it as Jesus’ ongoing presence, which is always with you.

Today’s readings: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21

“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.”

Monday, April 28

Easter weekday

Come stay at my house

God has bestowed so many gifts on creation. In fact, the world is here in the first place because God’s love overflowed—God wanted to share the divine love. God even sent Jesus and became human so as to invite people more deeply into life in God. So shouldn’t the response to all this generosity be a generous one in which we welcome God into our lives, are open and inviting with God in prayer, and honor and care for our world and its creatures? Start opening doors today.

Today’s readings: Acts 16:11-15; John 15:26-16:4a

“If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.”

Tuesday, April 29
Feast of Catherine of Siena, virgin, doctor of the church

Catherine the great saint

Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) lacked formal schooling and died at a young age, yet she managed to become a counselor to popes and a renowned philosopher and theologian. Her many letters are considered a treasure of early Italian literature. She even achieved the rare distinction of being named doctor of the church, one of the first two women to be so honored in 1970 by Pope Paul VI (the other being Teresa of Ávila). Yet perhaps her greatest witness was her dedication to the ill and the poor, whom she served in hospitals and homes. She packed several saintly lives into her brief lifetime and provides us a lifetime of inspiration.

Today’s readings: Acts 16:22-34; John 16:5-11

“But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ ”

Wednesday, April 30 -- Easter weekday - Religiously speaking

You hear a lot about how many people these days are “spiritual but not religious.” That they pick and choose the pieces of their spirituality without much connection to organized religion. But recent surveys paint a different picture: More than half of Americans between the ages of 21 and 45 are not involved in religion. Any religion. They live without it, don’t understand it, and think it’s pretty much inhabited by the backward-thinking and occasional pathological examples they see in the news. This situation, however, does not call for condemnation but education and reaching out. Those who believe know that faith is a natural and even necessary part of life; in fact, it’s the most important. So try to guide—gently—a “nonreligious” person to recognize the need for a loving God that’s in all of us.

Today’s readings: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1; John 16:12-15

“Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city . . . I found . . . an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ ”

Thursday, May 1 -- Easter weekday; National Day of Prayer - A day to pray

Today is our National Day of Prayer. It is a day whose roots reach all the way back to the Continental Congress of 1775, when the delegates declared that a day be set aside to pray for our fledgling nation. It has had an uneven history since then (largely because of our unease with “government-mandated” prayer), but some of our most illustrious presidents, including Washington, Madison, and Lincoln, were advocates for a day of prayer. Harry Truman finally signed the bill into law in 1952.

It’s good to be reminded that our prayers are needed for the benefit of something larger than our own narrow circles of concern. Today, plan to set aside a few extra moments to pray for our country and our leaders.

Today’s readings: Acts 18:1-8; John 16:16-20

“Crispus, the official of the synagogue, became a believer in the Lord, together with all his household.”

Friday, May 2
Feast of Athanasius, bishop, doctor of the church - Trouble ahead, trouble behind

It was not unusual for Saint Paul to be hauled before courts and officials because of his preaching of the gospel. He had a way of stirring things up. So did Saint Athanasius, the fourth-century bishop of Alexandria in Egypt, who spent a total of 17 years in exile for defending the doctrine that Christ was both fully human and fully divine. God calls us to stick with our beliefs whatever the cost to our personal comfort zones. And as God did for Paul and Athanasius, God changes those costs into the blessedness of closeness to the divine.

Today’s readings: Acts 18:9-18; John 16:20-23

“Very truly, I tell you . . . you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.”

Saturday, May 3 -- Feast of Philip and James, apostles - Believing is seeing

How many times have we thought, “If I could just receive some sort of sign that I’m on the right track. If only I knew where I am going. If only I were sure!” When we find ourselves being caught up in these anxious thoughts, we have only to remember the apostles, the ones who were with Jesus from the beginning. To the very end of his life they weren’t sure exactly who he was. They wondered, they questioned, they doubted. Nevertheless, they followed Jesus in spite of their uncertainty. There is no proof in matters of faith. In the realm of the spirit, “seeing is believing” holds no currency. To see, we must first believe.

Today’s readings: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; John 14:6-14

“Philip said to Jesus, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ ”

84874

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Fifth Sunday of Easter

The view from here

People say the darnedest things when someone dies. They say, “God took him from us” or “God must’ve had a reason.” But according to our faith, Jesus promised to rescue us from death. When, because of age or illness or injury, our mortal bodies can no longer sustain God’s precious gift of life, Jesus promised to “come again” and snatch us from the jaws of death. The Bible says, “In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died” (Wisdom 3:2). God had a reason for giving us life. And Jesus has a reason for saving us from death. Death is not part of God’s plan for us. Only life.

Today’s readings: Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12

“I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”

Monday, April 21
Easter weekday; Feast of Anselm, bishop, doctor of the church

Faith seeking understanding

Anselm of Canterbury, one of the few to be called a doctor of the church, was influential in rejuvenating the philosophical rigor of Catholic thought in the Middle Ages. Though Anselm’s scholastic approach toward Christianity suffered criticism from those who felt he tried to replace faith with reason, the bishop always held that his inquiries into the nature of God sprung from an abiding love and desire for God. Anselm said, “I do not seek to understand in order that I might believe, but seek to understand because I believe.” That’s what people in love do. They ponder all the rare and unique qualities of their love for the sheer joy of the exercise. Follow Anselm’s lead and devote your thoughts to God today.

Today’s readings: Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26

“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send, will teach you everything.”

Tuesday, April 22

Easter weekday

Look for the open door

Saint Paul had reason to suspect his attempt to bring Christ’s good news to the Greeks was ill-fated. Even after making a cripple walk again and astounding the crowds, the Jews stoned Paul and left him for dead. All we are told at that point is that he simply stood on his feet and proceeded into the city of Derbe to continue preaching. Perplexingly, when Paul and Barnabas then return to the church in Antioch, they celebrate the door of faith now open to the Gentiles. That is a peculiar “open door” indeed that leaves one stoned and left for dead! But when failure appeared nearest at hand, Paul found opportunity. Today, find in each of your failures and misfortunes an opportunity for God’s grace to fill in.

Today’s readings: Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a

“Paul and Barnabas called the church together and related how God had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles.”

Wednesday, April 23

Feast of George, martyr - The original dragon-slayer

Old maps would indicate the end of the known world with the phrase, “There be dragons here.” It was a way of saying, “It’s probably not a good idea to go there.” In a legend of Saint George, he did not shy away from doing battle with a dragon. In the only story of a canonized saint fighting such a creature, he not only killed this menacing animal an army could not slay but also saved a princess, preached to the grateful people, distributed his reward money to the poor, and went on his way. Not a bad day’s work.

What dragons of the unknown—of ignorance and the fear that accompanies it—can you slay? What good word or gift can you pass along as you go your way?

Today’s readings: Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8

“Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

Thursday, April 24
Feast of Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest, martyr - A bono idea

Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622) was martyred during a time of great strife between Calvinists and Catholics in Switzerland. Fidelis had a special love of the poor, often giving away his warm clothing in winter. He studied law and was known as “advocate for the poor” because he took on the cases of people who had no one else to represent them. The “pro bono” tradition of free legal aid continues to this day. Legal aid societies in many communities help needy clients find lawyers who will represent them without charge. Consider supporting such a worthy cause in your community, in the name of Fidelis. Visit www.findlegalhelp.org, a website of the American Bar Association, for more information.

Today’s readings: Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11

“As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.”

Friday, April 25

No worries

Worry: It’s one of the hallmarks of the human condition. We worry about money and our jobs and whether our children will grow up to be happy, faith-filled adults. Or maybe we’re anxious about a war, or the economy, or what’s happening in the developing world. We know worry never helped a thing. It has never changed the course of events or averted a disaster or benefited our children. Why do we bother? “Habit” is one answer. “If we don’t, who will?” is another.

We have to admit that there really are no good reasons to worry. Today, let’s consider Peter’s suggestion to “Cast all your worries upon [God] because he cares for you.” Hmm. What would our day be like if we did just that?

Today’s readings: 1 Peter 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20

“Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.”

Saturday, April 26

Easter weekday - Popularity can be fatal

While it’s nice to hear the United States characterized as a Christian country, for Jesus’ face to be on the cover of Time or Newsweek occasionally, for a film about his passion to be a hit—all of these things are ultimately superficial. For a while the crowds pursued Jesus like we pursue rock stars today, but religious and political intrigue and jealousy turned that same popularity against him. Jesus says the world will hate us, too, if we are clearly his disciples who take the part of the excluded, challenging power, speaking out against violence, and standing with those who have no one to speak for them. Feeling a little too much love? Maybe I’m headed in the wrong direction.

Today’s readings: Acts 16:1-10; John 15:18-21

“If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”

84874

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time.

Sunday, April 13, 2008
Fourth Sunday of Easter; Good Shepherd Sunday; World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Of sheep and shepherds

When Jesus asks the Pharisees as to who among them, when losing one of his 100 sheep, would not leave the 99 in search of the one, he speaks as though this were an action most would take. But no reasonable shepherd would do such a thing. Who risks losing 99 to gain one? It makes no economic sense. That Christ would take this risk, then, means that for him, having one of us is no less valuable than if he had 99. His mission to bring the kingdom of God is fulfilled if it is only to find one person. God does not value us in arithmetic terms; he does not try to figure the greatest sum of persons he can bring to himself. Each one of us contains the totality of what Christ came to accomplish.

Today’s readings: Acts of the Apostles 2:14a, 36-44; 1 Peter 2:20b-25; John 10:1-10

“The shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

Monday, April 14 Easter weekday

No more us and them

When the Holy Spirit descends, distinctions among nations and race are dissolved. This global unification, though most notable at Pentecost, can also be found in the Spirit’s calling Peter to follow three Gentiles to Caesarea so that he might give them the Word of God, which up to that point had been reserved for Jews only. Clearly breaking with the social norms of the fledgling Christian Church, Peter obeys the God who “made no distinctions” concerning human salvation. The modern church continues to follow Peter’s lead and align itself with the Spirit when speaking out on behalf of immigrants. Specifically, the church says that all immigrants must be guaranteed the same rights as nationals, especially in regard to wages and labor conditions. The Spirit calls us to give each member of our society equal dignity and opportunity.

Today’s readings: Acts 11:1-18; John 10:11-18

“Peter explained it to them, step by step: ‘The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us.’ ”

Tuesday, April 15 Easter weekday

What’s in a name?

Make a big donation to the church, and get a nice-sounding name, maybe on a plaque somewhere. That’s what happened to an early disciple who gave to the church in Jerusalem and acquired the name Barnabas, “son of encouragement.” But Barnabas gave a lot more than money. He took the newly converted Saint Paul under his wing, introduced him to the original apostles, represented the apostles in the city of Antioch, and became Paul’s colleague as a missionary. Names are important; as with Barnabas, they can reflect what people value and do. Christians are named for Jesus Christ. Do we live up to the name?

Today’s readings: Acts 11:19-26; John 10:22-30

“It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians.’ ”

Wednesday, April 16

Easter weekday

Choose your leaders prayerfully

In an election year it’s interesting to note how the early church chose its leaders. The vibrant community at Antioch had several prophets and teachers to consider. The names Barnabas, Symeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul were all on the ballot, so to speak. The fact that most of us have never heard of three of these guys is telling. One of them, Manaen, had connections to Herod’s court. But powerful friends weren’t valuable assets in the end. Barnabas, trusted in Jerusalem, and Saul, trusted only by Barnabas, got the Spirit’s vote. Prayer and fasting really does work better than eeny-meeny-miny-moe.

Today’s readings: Acts 12:24-13:5a; John 12:44-50