1/6 ” Hi, I’m An Apostle! Are You?!” – Rm 1:5-7

Getting ready for the snow storm coming in today.  Hey Al, how’s the global warming thing going anyway? 

Holy Scripture

 

Quote or Joke of the Day:

  

 Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the church for a face-lift.

  

Today’s Meditation:

  

Through Him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of His name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy.  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (NAB Rm 1:5-7)

  

“Obedience of faith for the the sake of all…”!  This is a pretty heavy statement for being one of the first lines in the letter to the Christians of Rome.   Faith in God’s work by Jesus Christ.  It also relates to God’s gift of new life that was made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and still continues through the actions of the holy Spirit.  

Paul implies that the Romans know something of his personal history.  Paul was a Roman citizen, a devout jewish leader, and a real pain to the first Christians, until he converted.  Paul’s post-conversion christian faith was at least as strong as the original apostles, and I believe stronger than some of them.  I believe Paul, and at least one of the apostles, had verbal feuds about how to lead the early church.  I wonder if Peter ever regretted the conversion of Paul?  Probably not. 

Paul called all of us to be holy.  He often referred to Christians as “the holy ones” or “the saints,” and the Christian community regarded its members as sanctified by baptism (see Romans 6:22; 15:16; 1 Cor 6:11; and Eph 5:26-27).  Christians are called to holiness (1 Cor 1:2 and 1 Thes 4:7), by making their lives conform to the gift they have already received by Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.  We are called to NOT be stagnant in our faith.  We are to show our faith, and not hide it.  It is OK to go against the grain sometimes, when it is necessary to show our love for others, without any prejudices. 

Lord, please help me to be a good christian.  Please help me in doing what is right and just, regardless of what a corrupt society and world may exist.  Please allow the Holy Spirit to work through me, and to live in me always.  Amen. 

   

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

  

*****

  

Franciscan Saint of the Day: Blessed Didacus Joseph of Cadiz 1743-1801

  

This humble Capuchin, who could make no progress at school, this “dunce of Cadiz” was later on admired by the world as the savior of the Faith in Spain, as a second Paul, as the apostle of his century.  His lineage dated from the Visigoth kings.  After he had taken the habit of St. Francis with the Capuchins in Seville, had been ordained to the priesthood, and had prepared himself by a holy life, he was appointed to the task of preaching.  Everybody marveled at the singular power and unction of his words, which swayed his audiences and left an impression on their lives.  But most astonished of all was the venerable Dominican, Antonio Querero, a fellow student of Didacus, who knew how difficult study had been for him.  A child, however, solved the problem one day during a sermon, when he shouted aloud in the church: “Mother, mother, see the dove resting on the shoulder of Father Didacus!  I could preach like that too if a dove told me all that I should say!”  

And there was the secret.  Because of his humility and virtue, the Holy Spirit had converted this unlearned man into the most celebrated preacher in Spain.  But how Father Didacus prayed before his sermons!  How he scourged himself even unto blood, in order to draw down God’s mercy upon the people! 

Once when his superior chided him because of the austerity of his life, the saint replied: “Ah, Father, my sins and the sins of the people compel me to do it.  Those who have been charged with the conversion of sinners must remember that the Lord has imposed upon them the sins of all their clients.  By means of our penances we should atone for the sins of our fellowmen and thus preserve ourselves and them from eternal death.  It would hardly be too much if we shed the last drop of our blood for their conversion.” 

In this disposition he journeyed through all Spain and infused new Catholic life wherever he went.  In a very pronounced way he preached the praise of the most Holy Trinity and of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Honors did not escape him.  He was appointed extraordinary consultor of the Church, synodal examiner in almost all the Spanish dioceses, honorary canon, and honorary doctor of several universities.  He died in 1801, in the 58th year of his highly blessed life, and was beatified by Pope Leo XIII. 

from: The Franciscan Book of Saints, ed. by Marion Habig, ofm.,

© 1959 Franciscan Herald Press

(From http://www.franciscan-sfo.org website)

  

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #6:

  

They have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; they have been united more intimately with the Church by profession. Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words.  Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, let them devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops, and priests, fostering an open and 7.trusting dialog of apostolic effectiveness and creativity. 

“Popes Do Read the Bible!” – Jer 3:15

This is Missouri; not Canada.  We should not be this cold.  This weather really makes me wonder about global warming.  The good news is that my boys are back in school – YEAH!!!

 

Pope Benedict XVI

 

Quote or Joke of the Day:

  

 “I would have made a good Pope.” (Richard M. Nixon)

  

Today’s Meditation:

  

I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently.  (NAB Jer 3:15)

 

What an awesome verse for Catholics.  In the Old Testament, I found proof for the succession of the Apostles to our current pope: Pope Benedict XVI.  There are plenty of such verses in the New Testament, but I love that I found this one in the OT.  The Catholic Church had been started with the first Eucharist, and that Eucharist has continued uninterrupted, through a line from Jesus to the Apostles, and through their successors: the bishops and Pope.  No other Christian congregation can rightly claim this same succession.

Jesus, the true shepherd; ruled wisely, prudently, and with compassion.  The image we see often in paintings is with His heart exposed.  Why?  It proves that He was MAN, as well as divine.  Jesus gave this same heart and body to reclaim His people.  The compassion, wisdom, and piety continues through the bishops and Pope by way of the Holy Spirit.  These men, as is published often in the news, may be susceptible to the evils of free-will; but when teaching the faith, in union with the Magisterium, do so without error.  The Holy Spirit can do no wrong, for He and not man, is perfect.  

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

  

*****

 

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #5:

  

Secular Franciscans, therefore, should seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ in their brothers and sisters, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in liturgical activity. The faith of St. Francis, who often said, “I see nothing bodily of the Most High Son of God in this world except His most holy body and blood,” should be the inspiration and pattern of their Eucharistic life.  

   

   

“Ding Dong, the Wicked King is Dead Dorothy!” – Mt 2:19-23

Monday morning, and the wind chill is -12 degrees F.  That is almost unheard of in St. Louis.  Plus, it is going to be this cold all week.  One of the benefits of being a retired paramedic, is that I don’t have to go outside.  We need to pray especially for those people that have no home to warm themselves:  the poor and indigent, the homeless, and anyone else without heat.  Let’s also pray for those that work outside, especially the public safety people, EMS, fire, police, tow operators, street and water workers, etc.  

Return from Egypt

 

Quote or Joke of the Day:

  

 “It can not be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!”

 http://thinkexist.com

Today’s Meditation:

  

When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”  He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.  But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee.  He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazorean.”

  

This is the third dream Joseph had received from God, through an angel.  Each of these dreams started a ‘road trip’ for Joseph, Mary, and the newborn King.  The first started the trip to Jerusalem, the second to flee Palestine, and this to return to Palestine after three years.  The verse, “For those who sought the child’s life are dead” is also related to the exodus of Moses, who had fled from Egypt because the Pharaoh sought to kill him (Exodus 2:15), was told to return to Egypt, “for all the men who sought your life are dead” (Exodus 4:19). 

Joseph knew that the regions had been split in two.  With the agreement of the emperor Augustus, Archelaus received half of his father’s kingdom, including Judea, after Herod’s death.  He had the title “ethnarch” (“ruler of a nation”), and reigned from 4 B.C. to A.D. 6.  Joseph went to Nazareth, knowing that it was not in Archelaus’ territory, and thus no fear to Jesus. 

The town of Nazareth is not mentioned in the Old Testament, and no prophecy can be found in the Old Testament.  The expression “through the prophets” may be due to Matthew’s seeing a connection between Nazareth and certain texts with remotely similar words to the name of that town: Nazareth.  In Isaiah 11:1, the Davidic king of the future is called “a bud” (neser) that shall blossom from the roots of Jesse; and in  Judges 13:5, 7, Samson is called one who shall be consecrated (a nazir) to God. 

Jesus is home, but problems for Him probably did not stop.  Remember, all male children around His in Nazareth were killed.  There may have been resentment and jealousy from other families.  Reputations could have preceded their return.  Many in the town see Mary and Joseph as ‘normal’ and definitely not a “Holy Family’ with a messianic king as their child.  I wonder what it was like for them, and how did they handle the problems they encountered? 

  

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

  

*****

  

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #4:

 

 

The rule and life of the Secular Franciscans is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.  Christ, the gift of the Father’s love, is the way to him, the truth into which the Holy Spirit leads us, and the life which he has come to give abundantly.  Secular Franciscans should devote themselves especially to careful reading of the gospel, going from gospel to life and life to gospel.  

“The King of Biblical Infantcide” – Mt 2:15-16

It is an extremely cold, but an absolutely beautiful Sunday in the “Gateway to the West” city.  The crisp air augments the frozen stillness of nature, as I look out my kitchen window.  When I look in the other direction, I see several of my children wrestling and screaming, while playing with the dogs.  I think I will just look out the window all day. 

Herod

 

Quote or Joke of the Day:

  

 You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him!

  

Today’s Meditation:

   

He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”  When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.  (NAB Mt 2:15-16)

  

Jesus, the Son of God, was called out of Egypt in a “new” exodus. The father-son relationship between God and the nation is re-emphasized.  Here the “son” is not a group, like in Moses exodus,  but a child who stands in a unique relation to God.  Jesus is the son of David,  Abraham,  Mary and Joseph, but, above all, the son of God. 

I wonder how the Holy Family survived in Egypt.  Did Joseph get jobs?  Did they use the gold given to them by the Magi?  Did they have relatives in Egypt they could rely on?  To be stranded in a far off land for three years had to be a trying and upsetting time for all three of them. 

Bethlehem was a small town.  When Herod ordered the killing of the infants in the town, about 20 to 30 probably were murdered.  It could have been hundreds if Jesus was born in Jerusalem.  We, as Catholics, recognize the martyrdom of these baby boys every year, with a Mass for the “Holy Innocents.”   These babies, none of them Christians, are recognized for their role in bringing Christianity to the world.  It proves all that all life has a purpose, and is sacred.  Herod killed 30 babies, and is considered a soldier of the devil.  Well over 30 babies are killed before lunch in the United States alone, just for the ‘convenience’ of a girl not wanting to be a mother; and our society doesn’t even flinch.  Instead of calling us “Americans,’ maybe we should be called “Herodians!” 

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

  

*****

  

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #3:

  

The present rule, succeeding “Memoriale Propositi” (1221) and the rules approved by the Supreme Pontiffs Nicholas IV and Leo XIII, adapts the Secular Franciscan Order to the needs and expectations of the Holy Church in the conditions of changing times. Its interpretation belongs to the Holy See and its application will be made by the General Constitutions and particular statutes. 

“Dreams, or a Nightmare?!” Mt 2:12-14

 It is a blustery and very, very, very (I hope my college English Professor isn’t reading this) cold Saturday.  It is Sooo cold that the polar bears at the St. Louis Zoo want inside!  I hope everyone had a great New Years celebration.  My wife had to work both days (she’s a nurse), so the boys and I ‘bach-ed’ it, surviving on appetizers and Imo’s Pizza. 

Herod

Quote or Joke of the Day:

 

 Who travels for love finds a thousand miles not longer than one. (Japanese Proverb.)

 

Today’s Meditation:

 

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.  When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”  Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.  (NAB Mt 2:12-14)

 

The magi and Joseph were both warned in dreams.  Angels, the messengers of God, came in the dreams of many throughout the Scriptures.  I wonder if the reception of a message from God, coming in a dream, is because while we sleep our minds are OPEN to receiving God’s word.  I believe we put up a wall to this communication while awake.  We don’t want to let anything get in our way, while we navigate our daily wants and obligations.

Moses, Mary, and Abraham were totally open to God even while awake.  They had no walls to communication; and matter of fact, they all wanted to communicate with God, and to follow “all” of God’s commands without hesitation.  God came to them without any having to navigate any obstructions.  I pray that I can become this open to His word as readily as these great people of the bible.

The other topic of these verses was the flight to Egypt.  Moses could be related to the child Jesus with the similarities in this flight.  Jesus was in danger from a ruler, and needed to leave in order to live.  Jesus had His own Exodus, in a sense.  Moses Exodus was to take people of “Israel” to a promised land, and out of danger; and Jesus’ exodus was to take the “promised” to a different land, and out of danger, and thus saving all people, including the people of Israel.

Egypt was a traditional place of refuge for those fleeing from danger in Palestine (see 1 Kings 11:40; Jeremiah 26:21), but the main reason the child is to be taken to Egypt is that he may relive the Exodus experience of Israel.  I wonder how difficult it was for a newborn infant, and a new, teenage mother to travel to a far away place like Egypt?  This was a foreign land, with different customs and traditions.  Even the foods may have been significantly different.  Hebrew and Greek were spoken throughout the Roman Empire, but was Joseph and Mary’s everyday language and dialect spoken?  How did they support themselves?

 

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

 

*****

 

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #2:

 

The Secular Franciscan Order holds a special place in this family circle. It is an organic union of all Catholic fraternities scattered throughout the world and open to every group of the faithful. In these fraternities the brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for perfect charity in their own secular state. By their profession they pledge themselves to live the gospel in the manner of Saint Francis by means of this rule approved by the Church.

“Holy Smoke, Spice with a Price” – Mt 2:11

It is a new year, a new decade, and for some a new life with Christ.  Last night was also the second full moon of the month of December: a BLUE MOON.  A Christian dedicates his life to Christ, and attempts to live a life worthy of Christ’s kingdom on a daily basis.  Because of free-will, temptation, the mark of original sin on our souls, and the effects of evil in today’s society, most of us fail each day.  That is why we have to begin anew each day: a daily “conversion” to God.  Sometimes, something catches and a person learns to live a life in the fashion of Christ; imitating Christ in all ways possible for a human.  A true role model for all Christians; and Catholics call recognize them as “Saints.”  These saints come around “once in a blue moon.”    

Today is the Solemnity of the Mother of God

& Happy New Year!  

The Magi with Baby Jesus and Mary

 

Quote or Joke of the Day:

  

 Peace starts with a smile.

  

Today’s Meditation:

  

… and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.   (NAB Mt 2:11)

 

 

I picture the beautiful Jesus, all wrapped up, and being held by His mother: Mary.  Animals present in the background, shepherds caring for them, and fixing meals for all, when the magi enter the cave Jesus used as His home at this time.  The awe these magi had must have been astounding.  Did shivers go down their spines?  Did their eyes swell with tears? Did the scene meet their expectations? 

The gifts given to Jesus can be found in Old Testament  prophesies.  In Isaiah 60:6,  “Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; All from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.”  And in Psalm 72:10-11, “May the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute, the kings of Arabia and Seba offer gifts.  May all kings bow before him, all nations serve him.”  Did the magi know that their gifts were predicted, or did they bring these gifts because of the prophecies.  Either way, the gifts had significant roles attached to them. 

Gold signified the kingship of Christ.  Even then, gold was considered precious.  Gold was not the standard money used by most at this time, and those that had gold, were obviously wealthy. 

Frankincense identified his divinity, and role as Priest.  It was used as a medicine, and it was also  burned to carry prayers to heaven.  

Myrrh came to represent His redemptive suffering, and His birth to Die!  For me, it was the most mysterious, and unknown gift of the magi.  Myrrh was known to heal wounds, and had strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.  It was commonly used in incense, perfumes, and ointments during Jesus’ time.  But, its most notable use though, was not in healing or health, but in embalming the dead.  Not surprisingly, it was one of the spices used in Jesus’ burial. 

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

  

*****

  

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #1:

  

The Franciscan family, as one among many spiritual families raised up by the Holy Spirit in the Church, unites all members of the people of God — laity, religious, and priests – who recognize that they are called to follow Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi.  In various ways and forms but in life-giving union with each other, they intend to make present the charism of their common Seraphic Father in the life and mission of the Church.   

“My King is Bigger Than Your King!” – Mt 2:3-8

It is New Years Eve today.  I am anticipating the coming new year with anticipation and hope.  I recently realized hope is the only action verb I can think of that depends on itself to come true:  Hope depends on Hope!  Faith depends on hope as well.  It is what gets us through those trials, when faith is challenged.  To me, both hope and faith are graces from God with each working in the other.  And together, there is a synergistic effect greater than each separately.  Jesus showed us this on the cross: three nail equals four-giveness (Sorry for the pun but anyone who knows me, knows I love puns.)!    

King Herod with the Magi

Quote or Joke of the Day:

     

 Give God what’s right — not what’s left.

     

Today’s Meditation:

     

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.  Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.  They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: ’And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”  Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.  He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child.  When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”  (NAB Mt 2:3-8)

 

King Herod reminds me of the ‘typical’ politician, even today.  He was no different than the Sanhedrin and Sadducees later in Jesus’ life.  Nor is he any different from the politicians of today!  All have the need to be superior to all others.  All are filled with greed, narcissism, suspicion of friends and foes, and fear of losing power. 

Herod had no interest in paying Jesus homage.  He was tyrannical, and wanted to eliminate any threat to his power.  He had no idea where this new ‘messiah’ was, but he knew that even as an infant, Jesus’ presence was a threat from those following Him rather than the “King” of Judea: Herod. 

 Herod’s consultation with the chief priests and scribes have a remarkable similarity to an old  Jewish legend about the child Moses, in which the “sacred scribes” warn Pharaoh about the imminent birth of one who will deliver Israel from Egypt,  and the kings plan to destroy Moses (Matthew 2:11,  Psalm 72:10, 15, and Isaiah 60:6).

 Again, a lowly versus mighty theme is intertwined in this part of the story.  Bethlehem is a small, poor, and lazy village, compared to the metropolitan Jerusalem with its rich and affluent lifestyles.  I just think about all my family vacations, which were spent getting away from the big city, and trying to spend as much time in the rural lifestyle as was possible.   

It is interesting that as I try to go to the basics in  my lifestyle, I am also getting to the basics of my faith.  There is nothing fancy to my belief in God, and being Catholic.  I need only one basic element, and the rest just fall into place:    

All I want is to be in your presence my Lord, Jesus Christ.  With your grace, I want always to see you in this life of exile, and in future life of eternal paradise.  Amen.    

     

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

     

*****

     

Secular Franciscan Order Motto:

     

Pax et Bonum

(Peace and All Good)

“We Three Kings are the Star of the Show!” – Mt 2:1-2

It is New Years Eve Eve (is this good english?!).  The snow is falling, and I am getting sick of it already.  Don’t get me wrong:  I love snow, but the St. Louis Area has poor capabilities to handle the roads, and there are some real “ya-hoo” drivers that think 4-wheel drive means “can go anywhere and do anything, ‘ including swerving in traffic and doing 10 miles over the speed limit.

Again, please pass the word about this site.  I wonder if changing to another site like blogspot wood be better for getting the word out?Please let me know.  Thanks.

 

The Magi

Quote or Joke of the Day:

 

Friends are like stars. You may not always see them but you know they are always there.

http://www.oneliners-and-proverbs.com/

 

Today’s Meditation:

 

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (NAB Mt 2:1-2)

 

“We three Kings of Orient are traveling far … .”  I have sang this song many times, but never truly understood what the Kings journey and significance meant to me and catholicism as a whole.  After meditating and reflecting on these two verses, I will never sing this song apathetically again.  There is a lot packed into these two sentences.  The future rejection of Jesus by Jewish temple leaders and worshipers; and his acceptance by the Gentiles at the very start of His life, are demonstarated in the scene presented in these sentences.

Herod was a King under rule of the Roman emperor.  He was powerful: but not as powerful as the Roman government.  King Herod had to appease, and especially not upset, his Roman leaders.  This King reigned from 37 to 4 B.C.  According to Matthew’s gospel, Jesus had to be born before the year 4 B.C., and not at year 1 A.D. as most Christians think.  Who really knows for sure the exact date of His birth, and who really cares!?  The date is not important:  it’s the God being born a human, for our redemption, that is important.

The Magi were originally a designation of the Persian priestly clan or caste system.  The word ‘magi’ became used for those who were regarded as having more than human knowledge; such as someone that could  interpret dreams, astrologers, or those that performed magic.  In Matthew’s Gospel, the magi are “astrologers.”  Somehow, in the western church,their names came to be Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior; with Caspar being black.   The magi were not Jewish: they were gentiles, and probably from Persia, eastern Syria, or Arabia.

The star being followed by the magi is identified with the messiah in Old Testament.  It was a common ancient belief that a new star appeared at the time of a ruler’s birth.  Matthew drew upon the Old Testament story of Balaam, who had prophesied that “a star shall advance from Jacob” (Numbers 24:17), though in this OT verse the star means not an astral phenomenon, but the king himself.  This ’star’ was a definite heavenly body, and was probably either a supernova, a comet, or a planetary conjunction. 

Just think, a heavenly body brings in the announcement of a heavenly God made human - by a heavenly angel to lowly Jewish shepherds and rich, wise gentile men –  looking towards the heaven. 

  

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

 

*****

 

Prologue to Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule, Chapter 1:

 

… “Oh, holy Father, protect them with your name (cf. Jn 17:11) whom you gave me out of the world. I entrusted to them the message you entrusted to me and they received it. They have known that in truth I came from you; they have believed that it was you who sent me. For these I pray, not for the world (cf. Jn 17:9). Bless and consecrate them, and I consecrate myself for their sakes. I do not pray for them alone; I pray also for those who will believe in me through their word (cf. Jn 17:20) that they may be holy by being one, as we are (cf. Jn 17:11). And I desire, Father, to have them in my company where I am to see this glory of mine in your kingdom” (cf. Jn 17:6-24).

“Anna Has the Groove On” – Lk 2:36-38

It is going to be a cold day in Missouri.   I can relate to today’s subject.  I feel like I am a lot like Anna.  I feel like she did every time I receive Jesus in the eucharist.

Please pass the word about this Blog Site.  I would like to have more readers.  The main reason for this site are two-fold: To help me with my meditation and reflection, and to share His word.  Thanks, Dan

 

Anna

  

Quote or Joke of the Day:

   

Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

   

Today’s Meditation:

   

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.  And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

   

These verses are interesting when certain names are translated.  Anna means ‘ grace or favor,’ Asher translates to ‘happy,’ and Phanuel becomes ‘the face of God.’  Anna had probably been a widow for sixty or so years, spending her time happily, and entirely, in the temple praising and waiting for the lord.  Makes me wonder about people that only come to church at Christmas and Easter, and those that complain about going every week.   

Simeon and Anna mirror Zechariah and Elizabeth in standing side-by-side before god.  One family brought into salvation the instrument [John] to announce and proclaim the Lord to mankind; and the two in the temple not only were waiting for Lord to come; but recognized the Lord’s entrance, and exclaimed it joyously, and loudly to the world as well.  I pray that I can only be as devout and enthusiastic to my faith as they were.   

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

   

*****

   

Prologue to the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule, Chapter 1:

   

… Oh, how glorious it is to have a great and Holy Father in heaven! Oh, how glorious it is to have such a beautiful and admirable Spouse, the Holy Paraclete.  

Oh, how glorious it is to have such a Brother and such a Son, loved, beloved, humble, peaceful, sweet, lovable, and desirable above all: Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave up his life for his sheep (cf. Jn 10:15) and prayed to the Father saying: …  

“The Ups and Downs of Being Stabbed in the Heart” – Lk 2:33-35

mon    

Simeon at the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Quote or Joke of the Day:

 

When you get to your wit’s end, you’ll find God lives there.

 

Today’s Meditation:

 

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”  (NAB Lk 2:33-35)

 

Simeon’s prophesies seem to be somber.  Many will  reject Jesus.  Even in his hometown of Nazareth, the holy family are ostrisized by neighbors who think Mary was an adulterous for getting pregnant before marriage to Joseph.  Jesus is bringing a new covenent to the people, regardless of staus or nationality.  This is a radical departure from ‘traditional’ judism.  Some did not want to be around Jesus out of fear; fear from ignorance, fear from the watching eyes of the priests, and fear from the Roman government who was concerned about civil unrest and uprisings.

“And you yourself a sword will pierce.”  Mary herself will not be untouched by the various reactions to the life and teachings of Jesus.  Her gift of being the mother of the Lord will be challenged by her son.   Mary, the model believer of Christ, had to decide what her role was going to be in salvation history.  Mary, though being the faithful mother of God, still had ‘free will.’  Family ties do not create faith.  Mary will have to escape to Egypt in order to protect the baby Jesus.  She will have the fear of losing a child for three days.  And, Mary will witness Jesus’ trial, scourging, crucifixicion, and burial. 

But through all of this, Mary never faultered in her faith.  I believe she could handle all these sorrows because she knew what was needed, and expected, from her son; and more importantly, from her at this stage in Jesus’ life.  Even prior to Jesus’ birth, Mary had already surrendered her soul, and her body to God, thus allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell in her and act through her.  Mary had NO doubts about God, even in the worst of times.  We all need to learn from her example.

Please help me Lord, find the strength and fortitude to love and follow you as did your blessed mother, Mary.  Amen. 

 

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

 

*****

 

Prologue to the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule, Chapter 1:

 

… We are spouses, when by the Holy Spirit the faithful soul is united with our Lord Jesus Christ; we are brothers to him when we fulfill “the will of the Father who is in heaven” (Mt 12:50).

We are mothers, when we carry him in our heart and body (cf. 1 Cor 6:20) through divine love and a pure and sincere conscience; we give birth to him through a holy life which must give life to others by example (cf. Mt 5:16). …