tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945982682995454272024-03-13T09:05:31.247+00:00Father Dylan James: Sermons, Talks, Lectures & more"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb 13:8)Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.comBlogger682125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-63262834060802089072023-04-27T22:57:00.007+01:002023-04-28T02:08:14.445+01:00Sermons & Talks are now on Audio, links below<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>My <i>entire</i> audio list (sermons, talks, lectures) </b>is at:</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-size: large;">Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcyRXrfn1viFpZLWeDXxH" target="_blank">here </a></span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-size: large;">Apple Podcast <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/father-dylan-james-sermons-talks-lectures-and-more/id893202294?mt=2" target="_blank">here</a></span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-size: large;">Anchor <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fatherdylanjames" target="_blank">here</a> (now called Spotify for Podcasters)</span></p></blockquote></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A complete playlist of my <i>talks</i> is on Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5NL7lA5xbEDNrzmJRxyPe8?si=7bedbbf02ccc4469" target="_blank">here</a></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some selected playlists of my talks:</b></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Opus Dei Formation Talks for seminarians are <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3q4saforSAy9W1nlXOyteN" target="_blank">here</a></span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spirituality talk series for West Moors parish is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xKF1UP09NA0BgTGNKKmY1?si=ea070e3b2f9a4508" target="_blank">here</a> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Talks by Fr Dylan James (a complete playlist) are <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5NL7lA5xbEDNrzmJRxyPe8?si=f888c10f1e484566" target="_blank">here </a></span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Evangelisation talk series to West Moors parish is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/74fwbDZmw1yQOe8ZJVjUe0?si=b9237399318d4e39" target="_blank">here</a> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Moral Theology talk series to Shaftesbury parish is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/04QVSe0OMdvx1HbkCvTypN?si=205ee0c556d6487e" target="_blank">here</a></span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Retreat talks for Kenwrick T1-T2 seminarians, January 2022, are <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5YbPB1xBrSXq0lECYTNkZk?si=fafa683cb26c4134" target="_blank">here</a></span></p></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Seminary Lectures are here: </b></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Moral Theology seminary lectures <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1WoCAsso6lEAXA13xtktb3" target="_blank">here</a> UTHE105; and the text of these lectures is <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lBzlh33D0OWTplId867RY59aNIJnu-HE?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a></span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sexual Morality seminary lectures <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3m4ZYCXhbOL1Oi2eO98oi5" target="_blank">here</a> CL701; and the text of these lectures is <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17z3c4mgxnT6k-MmDkqnbGlqoMl3NxUGl?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a></span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Moral Theology lectures for Ordinariate clergy formation are <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6QSOmVdLcdn9XoMmCQNXgZ?si=95965bad2f454051" target="_blank">here</a></span></p></blockquote></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-82801434445703646752023-04-27T22:46:00.001+01:002023-04-27T22:49:51.828+01:00CL702 Bioethics<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKgZ03vZvUDwtzP7vTV9xTqIBhDFbG759vkJysKHyN_RVYgeTV3fov5_TtfTdkvZGPdLANgyZ8fmm8jUyWwCsYE2P3DnpSL_qq32fu92WrGaWvkakFtlULpAxTVZkuyyqvLOCUHoNYwOErljrIT7QYU_WrpFYEQZAQIKh9uEuMnRIivtmlnFWq764XQ/s474/Populi%20image%202021-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="474" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKgZ03vZvUDwtzP7vTV9xTqIBhDFbG759vkJysKHyN_RVYgeTV3fov5_TtfTdkvZGPdLANgyZ8fmm8jUyWwCsYE2P3DnpSL_qq32fu92WrGaWvkakFtlULpAxTVZkuyyqvLOCUHoNYwOErljrIT7QYU_WrpFYEQZAQIKh9uEuMnRIivtmlnFWq764XQ/w313-h293/Populi%20image%202021-22.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">This page refers to the Bioethics course taught by </span><span style="font-size: large;">Fr Dylan James at the Josephinum Seminary in </span><span style="font-size: large;">Columbus, Ohio. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The texts of the 2022-23 lectures is available at a Googledrive folder <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xlw_7b177XkjTMOwNJDgrqvxFKIbq6ep?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There is no audio available for this course.</span></p><p> </p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-8812480110219502702022-08-24T16:00:00.002+01:002023-04-27T22:37:30.370+01:00UTHE105 Life in Christ: The Catechism and Moral Theology<style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVn-ZLQILU1OzRxsZ4ZhMMNbWtFw03HJP-PEajU1VidfX1MwpONHJxFxNwJCxXTrZ6RhDZY0pDdZB-8B0_KflImGmHGQTXpmYgzJoY9gvATWmI0huwBAnSzT0J4SBYQSIBjh0_1VlJiTO/s1280/ethics-2991600_1280.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVn-ZLQILU1OzRxsZ4ZhMMNbWtFw03HJP-PEajU1VidfX1MwpONHJxFxNwJCxXTrZ6RhDZY0pDdZB-8B0_KflImGmHGQTXpmYgzJoY9gvATWmI0huwBAnSzT0J4SBYQSIBjh0_1VlJiTO/s320/ethics-2991600_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></span>This course is an introduction to Moral Theology, </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">teaching in parallel with the third part of the Catechism.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This course is taught by Fr Dylan James at the Josephinum Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Audio of lectures available on a Spotify playlist <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1WoCAsso6lEAXA13xtktb3">here</a></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Word documents of each lecture are available in a Googledrive folder <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lBzlh33D0OWTplId867RY59aNIJnu-HE?usp=sharing">here</a></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Aug 24th<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Introduction: What is Moral Theology?<span> </span>What is the Catechism? What’s in this course?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Aug 26<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">A History of Moral Theology<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Aug 31<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">The Sources of Moral Theology: Scripture, Tradition, Magisterium<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="Normal1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Sept 2<sup>nd</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">(a) What is Man?<span> </span>The Image of God<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Beatitude</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sept 7<sup>th</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">(a) Freedom <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">(b) Sin as a Perversion of the Quest for happiness <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sept 9<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">(a) The End doesn’t Justify the Means</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(b)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Appendix: The Principle of Double Effect </span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="Normal1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Sept 12<sup>th</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Conscience </span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sept 16<sup>th</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">(a) The Passions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">(b) Virtue <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="Normal1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Sept 21<sup>st</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Virtues & Vices: A look at some inter-relationships<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="Normal1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Sept 23<sup>rd</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Mortal and Venial Sin <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="Normal1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Sept 28<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">The Natural Moral Law <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sept 30<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">The Natural Moral Law</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">, continued<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Oct 5<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Quiz: See the list of 7 Catechism definitions to be memorized<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Oct 7<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Review Class <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Oct 12<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Law, Obligation, Epikeia, Probabilism<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Oct 14<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Midterm Exam <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Oct 26<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Grace, Merit, and Justification <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Oct 28<sup>th</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB">Society and The Common Good <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Nov 2<sup>nd</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Civil Law, the Government, and the Common Good<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Nov 4<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">The Ten Commandments: An Introduction & Summary<i>; Dies Domini</i>: The Lord’s Day<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Nov 9<sup>th</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Abortion, Euthanasia, Death Penalty <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Nov 11<sup>th</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">The Family and Marriage (Unity & Fertility)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Nov 16<sup>th</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Divorce and Second Unions<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Nov 18<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Self-Defence & Just War<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Nov 30<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Environmental Ethics</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Dec 2<sup>nd</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">(a) Social Doctrine and Capitalism<span> </span></span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">(b) Truth and Lying<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Dec 7<sup>th</sup><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">27)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">(a) Chasity: Integrating the Desires, not suppressing them<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">(b) The Battle for Purity<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">(c) Covetousness, Poverty and Purity of Desire</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span lang="EN-GB">Dec 9<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">28)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Review Class<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></b></p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-22982522303014704662022-08-22T14:30:00.002+01:002023-04-27T22:35:05.796+01:00CL701 Sexual Morality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30v-GHSMr1dTJtcZ5FqmO_MkodmKRIjIUNIklvTaogJUYj0T6_qW854oOqEcVmaDQfcysAx9jQVuIGBn6XQScxOtF9WeuvCqJ9bArv7nXoAb8G3M7LWd7tCzwFyBSmmaipHex5bXmWaQ4/s1280/gender-312411_1280.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30v-GHSMr1dTJtcZ5FqmO_MkodmKRIjIUNIklvTaogJUYj0T6_qW854oOqEcVmaDQfcysAx9jQVuIGBn6XQScxOtF9WeuvCqJ9bArv7nXoAb8G3M7LWd7tCzwFyBSmmaipHex5bXmWaQ4/w251-h200/gender-312411_1280.png" width="251" /></span></a></div><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">This course is an introduction to Catholic Sexual Morality, as given by Fr Dylan James at the Josephinum Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.</span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div>Audio is available on Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3m4ZYCXhbOL1Oi2eO98oi5" target="_blank">here</a></span></i><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Word documents of lectures are available at a Googledrive folder <a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/17z3c4mgxnT6k-MmDkqnbGlqoMl3NxUGl?usp=sharing">here</a><br /></i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Aug 22<sup>nd</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Introduction; Sex and the New Evangelisation</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Aug 25<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Chastity and Society: A historical look at the Judeo-Christian approach<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Aug 29<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">The Bible and Sexuality: An Overview (part 1)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Sept 1<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">The Bible and Sexuality: An Overview (part 2)</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Sept 8<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">‘Gender Ideology’ (i): An introduction to the problem <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Sept 12<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black;">Gender</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black;"> (ii): Seminar Discussion of Holloway, Augustine, and Edith Stein <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Sept 15<sup>th</sup> <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">The Ends of Sex and Marriage: Procreation, Union, Remedy for Concupiscence<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Sept 19<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Virtue and Sex: Chastity (i)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Sept 22<sup>nd</sup> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Virtue and Sex: Chastity (ii)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Sept 26<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Virtue and Sex: Chastity (iii)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Sept 29<sup>th</sup> <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Theology of the Body (i)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Oct 3<sup>rd</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Theology of the Body (ii)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Oct 6<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Review session<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Oct 10<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Midterm exam <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Oct 13<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Marriage and Civil Law & Counterfeit ‘Marriages’</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Oct 24<sup>th</sup><sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Homosexuality (i)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Oct 27<sup>th</sup><sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Homosexuality [ii] <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Oct 31<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Responsible Parenthood: NFP or Contraception?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Nov 3<sup>rd</sup> <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Contraception (i): Janet Smith’s ‘Naturalist’ Argument of Contraception </span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Nov 7<sup>th<o:p></o:p></sup></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Contraception (ii): Janet Smith’s ‘Naturalist’ Argument of Contraception </span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Nov 10<sup>th</sup><sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Contraception: Germain Grisez’s ‘Anti-Life Choice’ Argument against Contraception </span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">Nov 14<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Divorce, Remarriage (and Holy Communion): The situation pre-Amoris Laetitia<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nov 17<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Divorce, Remarriage (and Holy Communion): Amoris Laetitia</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">: <b>Breaking Tradition, or, A Strategy to implement the Tradition?</b></span><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #202122;"> Malta vs Poland</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nov 21<sup>st</sup> <span> </span><span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Masturbation and Pornography</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nov 28<sup>th<o:p></o:p></sup></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black;">Education in Chaste Love<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dec 1<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">26)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-GB">Some Specific Sexual Issues<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dec 5<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p></div>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-14181554726799726372022-05-01T06:00:00.014+01:002022-05-01T06:00:00.194+01:00Quo Vadis, 3rd Sunday Easter, Year C<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Quo-Vadis--3rd-Sunday-of-Easter-Year-C-e3udkl" width="400px"></iframe><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6oik-Tvi-iziE1G6nY8Xoqdkb90dZFFlv-0bsNb2xF-lxV3MP6XZe6jPqVn10hykw-Lczq5YM01bEJR1zgwGhZ1le9xHQ699WwMtia9hSiXhEh08X6BuOp-rP83ExwgFgy_kXbbTSJ68/s1600/Domine%252C_quo_vadis.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1157" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6oik-Tvi-iziE1G6nY8Xoqdkb90dZFFlv-0bsNb2xF-lxV3MP6XZe6jPqVn10hykw-Lczq5YM01bEJR1zgwGhZ1le9xHQ699WwMtia9hSiXhEh08X6BuOp-rP83ExwgFgy_kXbbTSJ68/s400/Domine%252C_quo_vadis.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><p>Jn 21:1-19; Acts 5:27-32.40-41</p><p><br />I don’t know if you’ve every wondered what size shoe Jesus takes, but the answer is a size 10, and the reason we know this connects an ancient Tradition with the prophecy in today’s Gospel.<br />Many of you will be familiar with <i>Domine Quo Vadis</i> account. This isn’t recorded in the Scriptures but we find it written about in a non-canonical source called the <i>Acts of St Peter</i>. It describes how, near the end of St Peter’s life, there was a persecution of the Christians in Rome. And Peter fled. He fled out of the city along the Appia Antica, the ancient road out of the city. And as he was hurrying along he saw the Lord Jesus: Jesus was coming the opposite direction, carrying His cross, heading to Rome. Peter asked Him, ‘Domine Quo Vadis’ [Where are you going Lord?]. To which the Lord answered, ‘I am going to Rome, to be crucified again’. The vision vanished, but left His empty footprints on the rock. Peter was called to fill those empty footprints. Peter knew from this that he was called to return to Rome himself, to suffer and die for the Lord, as the Lord had prophesied so many years previously on the side of the Lake of Galilee. And so Peter died Saint Peter.<br /><br />The gospel account we heard taught us a lot about St Peter’s call. He was established as the shepherd over the other shepherds: the prince of the apostles. He was called to suffer martyrdom: to be taken where he would rather not go. He was, in all, called, in those final words, to “follow me”.<br />But, if Jesus called him to so much, what did Jesus ASK him in His questions of him? Only one simple thing. A simple thing that was so important He asked it three times: ‘Do you love me?’<br /><br />What of us? Do we love Him?<br />Why should I love Him? Well, the answer to that might lie in why Peter loved Him.<br /><br />The answer to why Peter loved Him lies, at least in part, with the change that the Resurrection brought about. A change that indicates why it is the RESURRECTION and not only the Cross that is what enables us to carry OUR cross.<br />Before: Peter was weak, he ran away when Jesus was arrested, he denied Him three times.<br />After: he was bold, strong, as we heard in the first reading: he was ready to be whipped and suffer for Jesus.<br />We know that Peter was strong because of Grace, but I think there is another reason:<br />Peter now knew Jesus in a way that he had only imperfectly known Him before.<br />Peter had an experience of Him as something more.<br /><br />Why did Peter love Him?<br />He knew Him: He knew Him as one who FORGAVE Him: threefold profession = threefold forgiveness<br />He knew Him as one who LOVED Him: sought Peter out after the Resurrection<br />-the Lord didn’t look for a new set of better apostles<br />He knew Him as a TRIUMPHANT Lord, risen from death. He knew Him as his God.<br />He knew Him as the MEANING of life.<br />As Peter had professed previously, when they couldn’t comprehend Jesus’s claim to be the Bread of Life, to feed them with His own flesh. ‘Will you, too, now leave me?’, ‘Lord, to whom would we go, you have the words of eternal life’<br />He knew Him as one who would PROVIDE for him: produced the miraculous catch of fish<br />-provided for him by His own self as food: fish as food:<br />Greek word for Christ was fish: Ichthus<br />-provided for him even if it meant WITH the Cross of suffering to share.<br /></p><p>All of these reasons were only FULLY manifest in the light of the resurrection: triumphant, meaning of life, provider, forgiver, lover. The resurrection made it possible for Peter to love the Lord in a way that he had never loved Him before. To follow Him, in a way that he had never followed Him before.</p><p>These same reasons are why I should love Him. Are why I should accept all the little sufferings, and big sufferings, that my call to follow Him involve. To be good, to be patient, considerate, thoughtful of others, to accept my illnesses and weaknesses, to offer them as a prayer to the Lord.<br /><br />So, how do I know that Jesus takes a size ten shoe? Because I take a size ten shoe. And, like you, I know that I am called to fill the shoes of the fisherman: to suffer as he suffered. Because, like Him, I know my following of the Lord is founded on that same question, ‘Do you love me?’<br /><br />____________________________________<br />The full text of the account in <i>The Acts of St Peter</i> (XXXV):<br />“And as they considered these things, Xanthippe took knowledge of the counsel of her husband with Agrippa, and sent and showed Peter, that he might depart from Rome. And the rest of the brethren, together with Marcellus, besought him to depart. But Peter said unto them: Shall we be runaways, brethren? and they said to him: Nay, but that thou mayest yet be able to serve the Lord. And he obeyed the brethren's voice and went forth alone, saying: Let none of you come forth with me, but I will go forth alone, having changed the fashion of mine apparel. And as he went forth of the city, he saw the Lord entering into Rome. And when he saw him, he said: Lord, whither goest thou thus (or here)? And the Lord said unto him: I go into Rome to be crucified. And Peter said unto him: Lord, art thou (being) crucified again? He said unto him: Yea, Peter, I am (being) crucified again. And Peter came to himself: and having beheld the Lord ascending up into heaven, he returned to Rome, rejoicing, and glorifying the Lord, for that he said: I am being crucified: the which was about to befall Peter.” http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/actspeter.html<br />The presence of the Apostle Peter in this area, where he is supposed to have lived, appears to be confirmed in an epigraph in the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian that reads Domus Petri (House of Peter). A later epigram by Pope Damasus I (366–384) in honour of Peter and Paul reads: "You that are looking for the names of Peter and Paul, you must know that the saints have lived here." There are two footprints on a marble slab at the centre of the church which are a copy of the original slab that has now been moved to the nearby Basilica of St Sebastian at the catacombs.</p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-51147559086040088192022-02-14T18:47:00.002+00:002022-02-14T18:47:17.381+00:00Sermon: Perseverance, Monday Week 5 Year II<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Sermon-Perseverance-e1ecsn3" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-87837725592226991662022-02-01T12:00:00.001+00:002022-02-08T22:53:49.540+00:00Sermon: Talitha kum, Tuesday 4th Week Ordinary Time<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Sermon-Talitha-kum-e1dpaum" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-6928279683317669672022-01-10T00:00:00.002+00:002022-02-08T23:04:10.429+00:00Retreat Talks: The Priest as a Man of Hope<p>The following is the audio of retreat talks that were given for T1&T2 seminarians of Kenrick seminary, at the Savior Retreat Center, Kansas City.</p><p><br /></p><p>
(1) The New Evangelisation, America, and the Diocesan Priest: Setting our context</p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Retreat-Talk-1-The-New-Evanglisation-as-our-Context-e1co1vh/a-a77b45i" width="400px"></iframe> </p><p><br /></p><p> (2) The Priest as a Man of Hope</p><p>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Retreat-Talk-2-Priest-as-a-Man-of-Hope-e1cqj30/a-a77jd4n" width="400px"></iframe> </p><p><br /></p><p> (3) The Priest as a Man of Faith</p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Retreat-Talk-3-Priest-as-a-Man-of-Faith-e1cqjan/a-a77jed9" width="400px"></iframe> </p><p><br /></p><p> (4) The Priest as a Man of Love</p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Retreat-Talk-4-Priest-as-a-Man-of-Love-e1cs6d8/a-a77op31" width="400px"></iframe> </p><p><br /></p><p> (5) The Priest's Undivided Heart: Celibacy</p>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Retreat-Talk-5-The-Priests-Undivided-Heart-e1ctk18/a-a77u1af" width="400px"></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-88614982449973832442021-12-14T19:49:00.007+00:002022-02-08T22:54:55.196+00:00Sermon: St John of the Cross and Advent<iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Sermon-St-John-of-the-Cross-and-Advent-e1bn1op/a-a73gtdf" width="400px"></iframe>
<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Today St John of the Cross <b><i>enters our advent season</i></b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">a figure that, I’d suggest to you,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">might be seen as as unwelcome as a skeleton at a Christmas feast:</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">We've <b>just had Gaudete Sunday, joy</b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">recalling that even <b><i>as we wait He is already here</i></b>. </p></blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Yet, just <b>after such a pleasant lightening</b> of the mood,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">here comes Mr self-denial, Mr suffering, Mr Cross.</p></blockquote><p><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">(1) The need for purging</b></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> He's not FULLY here</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">There is </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">MUCH that stops</b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> Him coming</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">and ONE of the things that STOPS Him </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">from entering my soul, and entering my life,</span> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">is my failure to embrace the Cross.</span></p></blockquote></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Even physically, </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">before I am </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">feed my belly</b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> more for Christmas,</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> I must be purged of what already fills me</span></div></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Spiritually, it is even more true:</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">I must be </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">purged of</b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> so much in my </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">heart</b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">, for Christ to have room to enter at Christmas</span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Thus:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">The </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><i>dark night:</i></b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">of the senses,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">of the soul</li></ul><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><i>Self denial<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b><br /><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">love of the Cross</li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><b>(2) Contrasting</b></span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> joy and pleasure:</b></div><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Joy, spiritual joy,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">is fully compatible with the Cross</span></li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Physical pleasure </li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">was obviously <b>not part of Christ’s experience on the cross</b> </li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And there are very <b><i>real pains that accompany</i></b> the purging,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> of the dark night (in its many forms)</span></li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Yet,</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The fruit of love is joy</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Physical pleasure<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">comes<b> from contact </b>with <b>physical goods</b>, like donuts, and turkey</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></b></li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Spiritual joy</b>,</li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">come from contact, from <b>union</b>, with t<b>he spiritual good</b>, with God</li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">LOVE is that union, and love brings JOY</li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><b>(3)</b> </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">My love needs re-ordering</b></div><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The love in my heart is very confused very disordered</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My yearning for the <b>things of this world</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">(the things that God made)</span></li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">so often distracts me from, rather that leads me to, Him</span></li></ul></ul></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And so,</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I need that skeleton <b><i>at my Christmas feast</i></b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I need St John of the Cross<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">to re-order my heart</span></li></ul></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>”the gate that gives entry… Is the Cross. </i></b><b><i>Many seek the joys that can be found through it, but few desire to pass through it” </i></b>(St John, office of readings)</li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><b>(4)</b> </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Penance in Advent</b></div><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In the Latin Church, our Church:</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">we associate penance with <b>Lent</b></li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But there is <b>also a tradition</b> of penance in Advent</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We might say:</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Lent </b>is about penance, for past sins</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Advent</b> is about <b>repentance FROM</b> them,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> to be ready for His coming, preparation</span></li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But,</li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">part of such preparation needs to include <b>self denial and the Cross</b></li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That's part of why having all these CHRISTMAS parties in the midst of ADVENT is so DAMAGING</li></ul></ul><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><b>Summary</b></span></div><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(1) The need for purging</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(2) The difference, but not contradiction, between physical pleasure and spiritual joy;</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(3) My love needs re-ordering</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(4) Advent penance does such a re-ordering</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Christ wants</b> to come,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">this is the whole message of advent</li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>The Church prays</b> for Him to come</li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I pray for Him to come</li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You pray for Him I come</li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>But, on this feast</b> of St John of the Cross,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc; text-align: left;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">let’s remember that a continual part of getting ready for Him to come<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul></ul><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-73325515923624720752021-11-08T12:00:00.001+00:002021-12-04T01:40:01.775+00:00Seeking HimMonday 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, 8th Nov 2021, Josephinum <div>Wis 1:1-7 </div><div>I want to say a few words finding the Lord, </div><div> and how we can stop ourselves finding Him.
Our first reading: </div><div>“seek Him…
…He is found…
He manifests Himself…” (Wis 1:1-2) </div><div><br /></div><div> (1) First, I want to note the joy of finding Him. </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• To find someone who loves us </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">-is a great thing </div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• To find direction, knowledge, guidance, meaning </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">-is a great thing. </div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>There are many people out there who have never experienced that joy </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> -let us thank Him. </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div><br /></div><div> (2) Second, I want to note that He WANTS to be found </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• The maker of heaven and earth </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• The “wisdom” directs all things </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• The “Spirit” that “fills the world” </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div> -He WANTS to be found </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div> -He wants to ENTER in </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div><br /></div><div> (3) Third, the sadness of losing Him </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• To “find” the Lord Jesus is not a one-way street </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>I’m pretty sure: </div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>Everyone here either has, or will, lose Him </div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> -repeatedly </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div> • We can “lose” Him in many senses: </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>He withdraws His consolations </div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>-challenging and calling us to seek Him deeper </div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• We can lose Him due to our own fault </div></blockquote></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> (4) Fourth, what CAUSES us not to find Him. </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• As already noted: </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">He can draw away from us, SENSIBLY, APPARENTLY </div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">-in order to draw us closer </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• But, today’s Wisdom text focuses: </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">Our own lifestyles stop Him </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• Negatively: </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>“sin” </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>-how can God dwell in a heart full of sin? </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">“lies”, “perverse counsels”, “blasphemy” </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>-wisdom cannot enter when un-wisdom fills the heart </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>pride, </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>arrogance, </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>those who “test Him”, </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>those who “disbelieve” and doubt Him </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>-The Almighty enters the HUMBLE heart </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">Failing to “forgive” c.f. our Gospel text </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• Positively, </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>“integrity”,</div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>“justice”, </div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>“goodness”, </div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>the “listener” </div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> -when we dispose ourselves to Him, He comes </blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><div>So,
When you sense that you have found Him, </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div> then
watch your heart, </div><div> watch your virtue </div></blockquote><div>When you sense that you’ve lost Him, </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> then
know He still wants to be found
</div></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>To recap: </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• There is JOY in finding Him; </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• He WANTS to be found </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• There is SADNESS in losing Him </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>• But whether our loss of Him is our fault, </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div> or, His trial, </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div> either way:
He can be RE-FOUND
</div></blockquote></blockquote>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-81994013020343651042021-11-06T11:00:00.039+00:002021-12-04T01:47:50.651+00:00Helpers in the New Evangelization<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Saturday 31<sup>st</sup> Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, Josephinum</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want to say a few words about <b><i>the helpers God will send you</i></b> in your task as priests</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">in the context of the <b><i>New Evangelization</i></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Three points in my sermon</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(1)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>First point: the “secret” that <b><i>we must make known</i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">St. Paul spoke of:</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“the revelation of the mystery [previously] kept secret”</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<b>Greek for ‘mystery’</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Doesn’t mean something <b>odd and ’mysterious’</b></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It means a secret that is secret no more</p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">-it’s now ‘revealed’,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-the truth of Christ, in Christ<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-the truth of the <b><i>meaning of</i></b> the cosmos,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">the meaning of life,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">the meaning of the individual lives of all those you talk to</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That “secret”,</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>must be “made known</b> to all nations”</p></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Our task as priests of the New Evangelization:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To make Christ known</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To hand on the “secret”</p></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(2)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Second point, a brief one: The New Evangelization is a tough task<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>If you feel ready</b> for this task,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">then you probably don’t grasp its magnitude</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(3)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Third point, my <b>main </b>one:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">You are NOT going to be ALONE in this task.</p></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We heard in our <b><i>first reading</i></b> St Paul refer to <b>many people who helped him</b> along the way</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">They might seem like <b><i>random names</i></b> to us,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Priscilla</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Aquila<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Etc</p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-13 names in that short passage</p></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">St. Paul was the “<b><i>apostle to the gentiles</i></b>”,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">as we are called to be apostles to gentiles <b><i>of our own day</i></b></p></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">St. Paul <b><i>recounts </i></b>in multiple epistles <b><i>the difficulties he faced:</i></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Scourged 5 times, beaten three times, shipwrecked three times, stoned, imprisoned</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hungry, thirsty, in pain, in weariness (2 Cor 11 24-27)</p></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But, <b>also,</b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>He recounts</b> in almost all of his letters, <b><i>names of people who aided him in the task<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-even while his letters are about other things,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">his sense of gratitude to them is such that he keeps mentioning them by name</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">St. Paul <b>set out without knowing these people</b>, these helpers</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">God, however, knew who He had planned to raise up to help him in the task</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He has likewise planned co-workers <b><i>in your part</i></b> in the task</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>For me:</i></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Each parish</i></b> I’ve been sent to I’ve had <b><i>a different challenge</i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>But each</i></b> parish has also had <b>helpers that God had prepared</b> for me</p></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>We aren’t meant to fight alone</i></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We come <b><i>to seminary</i></b> to <b>train as a band of brothers</b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">to stand alongside <b><i>men of the same vision</i></b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">men who <b><i>learn as we learn,</i></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">men who <b><i>pray </i></b>and come <b><i>know the Lord</i></b> as we come to know Him</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We don’t work alone</p></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And, <b>even after you’re sent out</b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">You’ll <b><i>still not be alone</i></b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">because God knows WHO He has in mind to aid you</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>What are the names of</b> the people that are going to aid you?</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>You don’t know</b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I don’t know</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>But God knows</b> -He has them ready</p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">She’s unlikely to be called Priscilla</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">He unlikely to be called Andronicus<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But they are there <b><i>waiting for you -God has them ready</i></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And there are even more,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">that will <b>start out indifferent</b> BUT <b><i>by your words</i></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">but rapidly rise to become your co-workers -all in God’s plan</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, those three points:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(1)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There was <b>a “secret” made known</b>, and that WE must make known again</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(2)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The New Evangelization is a daunting task</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(3)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God has <b>named and chosen people</b> to aid you in the task</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You can <b><i>start PRAYING</i></b> for them already</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You can have a <b><i>mindset LOOKING</i></b> to find them</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 46px;">-but <b><i>EXPECT them</i></b>: God has them ready</p></blockquote></blockquote>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-27520521774311744622021-10-06T12:00:00.001+01:002021-12-04T01:53:44.392+00:00Lord teach us to pray<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Wednesday Week 27 Ordinary Time, Josephinum 6<sup>th</sup> Oct 2021</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Lk 11:1-4</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want to reflect on the request of the disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray”.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want to start by noting that there is something amazingly beautiful about seeing <b><i>a man in love.</i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>First</i></b>, to see a man in love <b><i>with his new wife</i></b>, or his young pregnant wife:.</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>A man whose <b><i>eyes follow </i></b>her,</li><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>A man whose <b><i>thoughts</i></b> are obviously concerned <b>for her,</b></li><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>A man who is clearly <b>not just caught up in himself,</b> but is thinking <b><i>about HER.</i></b></li></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s a <b><i>beautiful</i></b> sight.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s a <b><i>manly</i></b> sight.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Second</i></b>, a man in love with God.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To see a man, a <b><i>young</i></b> man, <b><i>caught up with God,</i></b> is a beautiful sight.</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>To see him in <b><i>chapel</i></b>, <b>gazing</b> at the <b><i>tabernacle</i></b>.</li><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>To see him reading his <b><i>Bible</i></b>, caught up with the <b><i>God he is discovering.</i></b></li><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>To see him, <b><i>to hear him, confess </i></b>and repent, because he loves and <b><i>he wants to love MORE.</i></b></li><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><b><i>To see him</i></b> excited to <b><i>know more</i></b>, learn more, <b><i>LOVE</i></b> God <b>more</b>.</li></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s a beautiful sight.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s a manly sight.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We’re <b><i>made to give</i></b> ourselves away, we’re made for self-gift,</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And to see man live that out is an amazing sight.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Back to our <b><i>Gospel</i></b> text.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s seems to me that <b>when the disciples looked at their Lord</b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">They saw a man in love.</p></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">They saw Him <b><i>rose early</i></b> to go and pray alone</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">They saw Him seek to <b><i>leave the crowd</i></b>, to be alone in prayer<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">They HEARD Him speak of God,</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With an <b><i>intimacy</i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With a <b><i>love</i></b></p></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">They <b>saw Him pray</b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">They saw a man in love</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And it must have been <b><i>an even more amazing sight than </i></b>the sight of men in love that you and I have seen.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And, small surprise, <b><i>they said,</i></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">“Lord, teach us to pray”.</p></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>To ask </b>the Lord Jesus to “teach us to pray”,</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Is to <b>ask Him to introduce us into</b> the heart of His relationship with the FATHER</p></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">it’s no small thing that He responds</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>by teaching them a prayer that starts,</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Our Father…”</p></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(Pause).</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Shifting focus.</i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There <b>never comes a time</b> when we no longer need to LEARN how to pray.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">One of my <b><i>own annual formation goa</i></b>ls this year is</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To improve the <b><i>quality of my mental prayer<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To have my time with HIM</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Not just </b>be<b> vegging-out </b>in the chapel</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Not just </b>sitting in <b>distractions<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">But being intimate with Him</p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Because I am still learning how to pray,</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">after 22 years a priest</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">after 30 years with a committed daily schedule of mental prayer or meditation<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’ve been attending the <b><i>prayer laboratories<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’ve been <b><i>reading and re-reading books</i></b> on method in mental prayer</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Because<b><i> I want</i></b> the <b>wisdom of the saints</b></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Methods of the saints</b></p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want to <b>share with you</b> my favourite short summary of such methods, such techniques against distraction etc</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">25 copies here</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>We ALL</i></b> <b>still need to learn</b> how to pray</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The disciples saw in the Lord Jesus a man in love</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A man who was <b>not just a man</b></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A man <b>whose love was the inter-personal love of the Trinity</b> somehow visible on earth<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Let’s hear those words of the disciples, <b><i>their request</i></b>, and <b><i>make it our own:</i></b></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 23px;">“Lord, teach us to pray”.</p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-31840847553395363492021-09-22T12:00:00.001+01:002021-12-04T02:01:21.514+00:00Apostolic Poverty<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Wednesday Week 25, 22<sup>nd</sup> Sept 2021, Josephinum</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Luke 9:1-6</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Today I want to reflect on apostolic poverty,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">on poverty and the diocesan priesthood.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>In our text</i></b> we heard the Lord say:</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Take nothing for your journey. No staff, no bag, no money, no spare tunic, etc (Lk 9:3)</li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But, we know that <b><i>elsewhere He says</i></b>:</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Take a purse, a bag, and a sword (Lk 22:35-6)</li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">An obvious and <b>standard interpretation</b> of these 2 apparently conflicting texts is this:</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>some of His commands are <b><i>specific to a specific mission,</i></b></li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>specific to a time and place</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There is a general rule we could phrase as this:</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Poverty is <b><i>measured by</i></b> the needs of the mission</li></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Today, in our era:</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Pope St John Paul II has reminded us of the demands of poverty and simplicity of life for <b><i>the diocesan priest</i></b></li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We take <b><i>no vow</i></b> of poverty, not even a simple promise</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Yet, JPII teaches us:</li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>The diocesan is called to live poverty <b><i>for the sake of our apostolate</i></b></li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Poverty is REQUIREMENT OF living our state of life</li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>I need to avoid all that “smacks of worldliness” (canon law 282.1),<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>I need to adopt “a simple life” (directory, 67),<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>“In all aspects (living quarters, means of transportation [car], vacations etc) the priest must eliminate any kind of affectation and luxury”(n.67).<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></li></ul><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>I need to have the Lord for my “inheritance” (directory, 67) rather than earthly possessions as my inheritance.</li></ul></ul><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">And there is </span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><i>twofold reason:</i></b></li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><b><i>First,</i></b> to follow the Lord better:</li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>“voluntarily embracing POVERTY to follow Christ more closely.”(n.67).<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></li></ul><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><b><i>Second</i></b>, as <b><i>a </i>MEANS</b> to grow in “apostolic charity”</li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>The <b><i>freedom</i></b> of poverty frees me to love,</li><ul><ul><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">love like an apostle, <b><i>living for others</i></b></li></ul></ul></ul></ul></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Living <b>“a simple life” is not simple,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><ul class="ul1"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>it involves dozens of significant financial <b><i>decisions per year</i></b></li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>it involves multiple <b><i>daily and weekly</i></b> smaller decisions</li></ul></ul><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Responding to what seemed (to my Bishop and me) as a call of Providence,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I came here. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I gave up a 6 bedroom rectory,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">a private garden,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">and threw away a thousand books,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">to name a few things.</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Charity called, I was happy to follow,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">but I knew <b><i>various things couldn’t follow with me.</i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>I needed that interior freedom</i></b></p></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But, I also stand here with an iPad and an Smart Watch<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(though not the most recent version -one of my constant criteria:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">never have the most recent model phone)</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Difficult decisions. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Qu: What is the criterion to judge?</i></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">An: The needs of the mission,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">which takes us <b><i>back to today’s text.</i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>(1)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For some</i></b> missions,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">take a “<b><i>spare</i></b>” tunic and two swords<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">-you need to be <b>ready for the task.</b></p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>(2) For other</i></b> missions,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>take neither</i></b> staff nor bread nor money<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">-<b>the Lord will provide.</b></p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>(3) In all</i></b> missions:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Apostolic charity is the measure. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What I possess: </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> it must not hinder me from loving with the freedom of apostolic loving<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> </p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> it must aid me in my mission<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To close:</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Three questions to take away:</p><ul class="ul1"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>What <b><i>did</i></b> you give up to come here, give up already?</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>What do you <b><i>expect</i></b> to give up in the future, to not possess because you’re a priest?</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>What are you <b><i>willing</i></b> to give up, for the sake of the mission?</li></ul></ul>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-71493305134909337252021-09-13T12:00:00.001+01:002021-12-04T02:07:07.425+00:00Humility<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Monday 23<sup>rd</sup> Week Ordinary Time, 13<sup>th</sup> Sept 2021, Josephinum</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Lk 7:1-10</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want to focus on the words of the centurion,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">words that holy Mother Church puts on our lips at every Mass:</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof”</li></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’d like to walk you through 3 phases of faith and humility, and for you to ask yourself where you fit in these phases, and maybe, where you have fit in your own past.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">First phase:</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For those of us raised after the cultural revolution of the 1960s,</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Humility often does not come naturally to us:</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>We were raised on self-affirmation</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>We received little discipline<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>We were told we were good.</li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To my generation,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">we would tend to think:</p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>“Lord, actually I AM worthy,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>and I just don’t need you to enter under my roof”</li></ul></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A second phase:</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">When I went to college I found the Lord,</p><ul class="ul1"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>I came to know Him “personally”, as we say.</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>But, if I’m honest, I still thought of myself as “worthy”.</li></ul></ul><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And while I wouldn’t have phrased it exactly like this, I think it would be true to say that my attitude was:</p><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>“Lord, I AM worthy,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><ul><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But you bring added value to my life, added meaning</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So,</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For MY own sake, please do come and enter in”</li></ul><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>That is NOT the faith of the centurion</li><ul><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That’s a “faith” that is a problem</li></ul></ul></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Still today, I know this is a problem in my spiritual life:</p><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>My self-affirmation</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>My lack of being criticised as a child,</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>My upbringing has been such that I struggle to say,</li><ul><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“I am not worthy”</li></ul></ul></ul><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Yet,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><ul class="ul1"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>I know my eternal salvation depends on having the ‘unworthiness’ of the centurion</li></ul></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We need to be in a third phase, one that has a humility born of faith.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Let’s connect those 2 things: faith and humility</p><ul class="ul1"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>The words of the centurion expressed humility, :I am not worthy’</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>But the Lord praised him for his “faith” –‘not even in Israel have I found such faith”</li></ul></ul><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">True faith recognises the Lord for WHO He is:</p><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>He is God</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>He is much greater than me</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>He is pure; He is goodness,</li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“me?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>‘’I am not worthy’</li><ul><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Real faith SEES this</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Real humility ACCEPTS this</li></ul></ul></ul></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Where are you in those three phases of humility and faith?</p><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">If you are one of the post-1960s generations who struggle to be humble, then pray</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Pray for what is MOST important:</span></li><ul><ul><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Not healing the body</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But healing what is wrong in your soul:</li><li class="li2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed”</li></ul></ul></ul></ul>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-74403750814919073932021-09-07T12:00:00.001+01:002021-12-04T02:13:28.592+00:00“Power came forth from Him [that] healed them all.”<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tuesday 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Josephinum seminary</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Power came forth from Him [that] healed them all.” (Lk 6:19)</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To return to one of <b><i>my favourite questions</i></b>:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">What was it like to be in His presence?</p></blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And, as I often reflect, <b><i>the reaction of the people shows</i></b> us so much:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>They sought</i></b> Him out.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">They came from <b><i>vast distances</i></b>:</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>The phrase</i></b>, “the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">means the <b><i>Mediterranea</i></b>n -not the nearby lake of Galilee</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">means they came <b><i>from gentile as well as</i></b> Jewish towns</p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">-as St Bede and St Cyril note, in St Thomas’s <i>Catena Aurea</i> (p.206)</p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>They came<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">“to hear”</p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“to be healed”</p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To have “unclean spirits” cast out</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Power came forth from Him [that] healed them all.” (Lk 6:19)</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(pause)</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As priests, power goes forth from us too.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As priests, it is <b>a power<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>to teach,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><i>that they might again “hear”,</i></b> in a world of confusion</p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>to comfort and console</b> the distressed,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><i>that they might again “be healed”</i></b> in a world of brokenness</p></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The people long ago sought to “touch” the Lord</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In many ways, they <b>seek to touch us too</b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">NOT</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">not because of something that is ours per se,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">but <b>because of something we ourselves have touched</b> and continually touch:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><i>The Lord</i></b> </p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>St Ambrose</i></b> points out <b><i>a symbolism</i></b> to be found in this passage (in St Thomas’s Catena Aurea (p.207)):</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jesus ascends the “<b>mountain</b>”, to the heavenly,</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">before DESCENDING to the “<b>plain</b>”, to the crowd, the earthly</p></blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Thus, might well say that,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The <b><i>mountain and the plain</i></b> both meet in Him</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Heaven and earth</i></b> meet in Him</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>God and man</b> meet in Him</p></blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And, <b>if we want that “power” to touch others</b>, this is what we must <b><i>first touch ourselves</i></b>.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(pause)</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Here in seminary</b>, there are <b><i>many things we seek to do</i></b> in you and to you</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We seek to <b><i>teach</i></b> you</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We seek to form and remedy <b><i>human i</i></b>ssues in you</p></blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But these, and many other things, PALE in comparison to the importance of <b>leading you to a deeper encounter with the Lord.</b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The “power” <b><i>that people will seek in you</i></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The “power” that <b><i>can “go forth” from</i></b> you</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-this power is not YOURS but HIS</p></blockquote><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, we must <b><i>first see</i></b>k to come and <b>touch Him ourselves</b>.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 23px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-14109869943840002212021-08-30T14:27:00.015+01:002021-12-04T01:29:10.654+00:00Sermon: Fixed on HimMonday Wk 22, Josephinum, Lk 4:16-30 <div><br /></div><div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Sermon-Fixed-on-Him-e16lg0c/a-a6ehikc" width="400px"></iframe> </div><div><br /></div><div>I preached on this gospel last year, and as fate or the liturgist, has directed, </div><div>I’m preaching on it again this year. </div><div>It’s <b><i>one of my favourite lines in the Bible</i></b>, because it reminds me of two things: </div><div>First, how people REACTED to the Lord </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div> -the awesome power of His personality </div><div> -I love pondering on how people responded to Him, </div><div>because it teaches me about HIM. </div></blockquote><div>Second, this phrase sums up how I know I need to still react to His awesomeness today: </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">I need to be FIXED on Him. </div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Let’s ponder for a moment, the different ways people REACTED to the Lord? </div><div>We might think of: </div><div>The guards who were sent to arrest the Lord, but returned to their superiors empty- </div><div>handed simply saying, </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">“No one has every spoken like this man”. </div></blockquote><div>The crowds, who said of Him, </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">“He has done all things well”. </div></blockquote><div>His preaching manner summed up by the evangelist, saying, </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">“He spoke with authority, and not like the scribes and the pharisees.” </div></blockquote><div>No wonder we get the line in today’s text: </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">“All eyes on the synagogue looked intently at Him”. </div></blockquote><div>(Pause) </div><div>Yet, that awesome power of His person also had others reject Him: </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">In this passage, it starts with fascination but ends with them trying to throw Him from the cliff. </div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>What of me and you? </div><div>There is another reaction to Him that I fear: </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>Indifference, somehow letting Him pass by. </div><div>Knowing that there is BACON at the PCJ breakfast, in less than an hour, and my mind not being with Him. </div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div> I want, in contrast, to be “fastened” onto Him in everything I do during the day: </div><div>When I study, </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>to study for love of Him, remembering Him, </div><div>because it’s what HE wants of me, </div><div>Even if you’re looking at Greek </div></blockquote><div>When I chat with guys, </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>to do so with a heart that loves them BECAUSE He loves Him, </div><div>Because He loves even better than I do. </div></blockquote><div>When I eat bacon, </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>to rejoice in His presence, </div><div>Because bacon is one of the signs that God is good. </div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>(Pause) </div><div>But if I’m going to “fixed” on Him in bacon,
I need to be fixed on Him where He is MOST particularly:</div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"> The Tabernacle.</div></blockquote><div>As I said last year: </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">When I genuflect, especially, <b><i>I need to know that I am greeting and honouring a PERSON</i></b> </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">I need to utter a little prayer of love
HE is here! </div></blockquote><div>In contrast, a genuflection
can LOOK like an empty action; can BE an empty action </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">-rather than <i><b>a pivot around which my daily awareness of His presence moves</b></i>. </div></blockquote><div>An action: </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">With eyes fixed on Him </div><div style="text-align: left;">With a heart fixed on Him </div><div style="text-align: left;">With prayer directed to Him </div><div style="text-align: left;">With a body posture, a straight back, worthy of an act reverencing Him who the crowds gazed stupefied before.</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>“The eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at Him”. </div>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-69985423053925196072021-08-25T12:00:00.083+01:002021-12-04T02:27:32.362+00:00St Joseph the Worker<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Wed 25<sup>th</sup> Aug 2021, Josephinum</b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><b></b><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Today we’re keeping a votive Mass of St Joseph.</p><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Formators want us to focus our house Josephinum devotion<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><b><i>Wednesdays and the 19<sup>th</sup></i></b> of the months are days traditionally given to St Joseph</li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have special prayer I always say on those days<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul></ul></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>What to say</i></b> about St Joseph?</p><ul class="ul1"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>It might be thought that <b><i>we don’t know much</i></b> about St Joseph,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>but</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>what we do know gives us <b><i>much to reflect</i></b> in and much to learn from</li></ul></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>How start?</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Votive Mass of St Joseph <b>the WORKER</b></p><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Start of lectures and schoolwork today, thus the WORKER</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>What to say?</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>What to LEARN?</li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Not only an <b>example</b>, <b><i>also a powerful</i></b> patron and protector</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But, <b>today</b>, focus on <b>example</b></li></ul></ul></ul><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3 points</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(<b>1)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He slept</b></p><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><b>What do the Gospels record</b> St Joseph doing?</li><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">More than ANYTHING, they record him <b>sleeping</b></li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4 times the Gospels record an angel speaking to him while <b>dreaming</b>, while SLEEPING</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, he slept</li></ul></ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>WHY did he sleep so much?</li><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He worked HARD</li></ul></ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><b>You can’t work unless you sleep</b></li><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Do you <b><i>want to work well? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b></li></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Then sleep well -go to joseph</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Do you struggle to sleep?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Go to Joseph</li></ul></ul></ul><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Sleep:</span></li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You can’t be a good priest or seminarian UNLESS you have a regular pattern of sleep</li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>How many</i></b> hours do you take?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Enough?</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Do you go to <b><i>bed on time?</i></b></li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Do you get the <b><i>physical exercise</i></b> you need to sleep well?</li></ul></ul></ul><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">St Joseph slept</span></li></ul></ul><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><b>(2) Silent Doer</b></span></div><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">St Jospeh is often called a 'silent' man</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">There is not a single recorded word spoken by St Joseph</span></li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He went to <b><i>Bethlehem</i></b></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He went to <b><i>Egypt<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b></li></ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He <b><i>returned<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></b></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">and <b><i>went to Nazareth</i></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">he went to the <b><i>temple in Jerusalem</i></b></li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<b>not a single recorded word</b></li></ul></ul></ul><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">A DOER not a chatterer</span></li><li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">A MAN</b></li><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Scientifically, we know <b>women speak many more words</b> in a day than men</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Women <b>talk and communicate</b></li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Men <b>DO</b></li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">St Joseph: a man’s man</li></ul></ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Be <b>a DOER</b></li><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Get stuff DONE</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Don’t chat about what you plan</b> to do, DO IT</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Nike: Just do it</li></ul></ul></ul></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b>(3) Union with God</b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><b>WHAT </b>did St Joseph <b>do?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The things God told him (via the angel),<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">in fact, ONLY things God told him</li><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">“</span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><i>He did all that the angel told him to</i></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">…” (Mt 1:24)</span></li></ul></ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Our Lady at Cana, “do whatever He tells you”. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">St Joseph, probably deceased already, but he’d been living this in everything we see recorded of him</li></ul></ul><li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">What should WE do? </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></li><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What God wants,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">looking to what He wants, etc</li></ul></ul></ul></ul></ul><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><b>Lord, what do you want ME to do now? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></li><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Lord, would like me to <b><i>procrastinate</i></b> a little longer right now?</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Lord, would you like me to <b><i>do this easy thing</i></b> rather than this important thing?</li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Tidy my sock drawer rather than write that paper?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></li></ul></ul></ul><li><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Be like St Joseph:</b></li><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Always seek to God’s Will</li></ul></ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Be a DOER</li><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But <b><i>a DOER of</i></b> <b>what GOD wants</b> of us,</li></ul></ul></ul></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b>(4) Many other things -other sermons to be given...</b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Summary:</b></p><ul class="ul1" style="text-align: left;"><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><b><i>We’re in his seminary, the 'Josephinum' </i></b></li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>We’re starting our <b><i>school work</i></b> of classes</li><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: Menlo; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Let’s look to him as <b><i>a model of work:</i></b></li><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sleep,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">as he slept,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4 times recoded in the Gospels</li></ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Do<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-without needing to talk<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>get it done, don’t get it talked about</i></b></li></ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Do it in union with God<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>look to God to do the right work</i></b>,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li></ul><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: disc;"><ul><li class="li1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">as he “did the angel told him to do”</li></ul></ul></ul></ul></ul><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-36051396906572883912021-06-25T15:00:00.003+01:002021-06-25T17:10:06.989+01:00Farewell Camp Gray: Coming Down the Mountain<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Sermon-Coming-down-the-Mountain-Leaving-Camp-Gray-e13e5ob" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRAfKGNhdMm4XxtzUV-ddJ3HUTd4Fo-6y_IkWoD1qrAVV9_cbE1PNxmsLiHoOAmEhp7JpFP3pe1BUvKCH1zbFoywlvbohyaJiPuuu3TktU0gP2AlqdhRYa9YTGw7JkBcyQKfGS_530t1a/s1024/2021-06-07+00.40.43.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRAfKGNhdMm4XxtzUV-ddJ3HUTd4Fo-6y_IkWoD1qrAVV9_cbE1PNxmsLiHoOAmEhp7JpFP3pe1BUvKCH1zbFoywlvbohyaJiPuuu3TktU0gP2AlqdhRYa9YTGw7JkBcyQKfGS_530t1a/s320/2021-06-07+00.40.43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Friday Week 12 Ordinary Time<div>Mt 8:1-4 </div><div>Those of you who have seen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib6WX2CxDi0" target="_blank">the ‘Paradox’ YouTube</a> about Camp Gray, may remember its image of the mountain: </div><div>Camp Gray is a mountain where people can come and ‘go up to the Lord. </div><div>But, just as Peter, James, and John had to come down from the mountain, </div><div>We all have to one day come down from the mountain, </div><div>because there is work for us to do in the valley. </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>Staffers have to leave, </div><div>Priests have to leave, </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">And, today, I have to leave. </div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div> In our Gospel text had the Lord Jesus come down from the mountain. </div><div>My time with you has begun and ended with the lectionary gospel texts being with Him teaching from the mountaintop. </div><div>It seems very ‘Camp Gray’ to leave with Him coming down the mountain. </div><div><br /></div><div>What does He DO when he comes down the mountain? </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">Immediately, He is back to His ‘normal’ work of healing the sick. </div></blockquote><div>The leper is hesitant in asking, saying, “If you want to…” </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">But He immediately returns to His work: </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">“of course, I want to, be healed” </div></blockquote></blockquote><div><br /></div><div> It is a continual pattern of our Christian living that </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div> we go FROM the Lord </div><div> TO be WITH the Lord. </div></blockquote><div><b><i>We go:</i></b></div><div>From the Tabernacle in the Chapel </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">To serving Him in the person of His little ones, </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"> at table in the dining room;</div></blockquote></blockquote><div>From receiving Him in Holy Communion </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>To serving Him in the person of His little ones, </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"> adjusting the straps on their bike helmets. </div></blockquote></blockquote><div>Always with the Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div>This must be our vision: “Always with the Lord”. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not too many weeks from now, you too will have to leave the mountain. </div><div>Let, “Always with the Lord” be your vision. </div><div><b><i>Now: </i></b></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>In the tabernacle </div><div>In Confession </div><div>In Mass </div><div>In service of His little ones. </div></blockquote><div><b><i>Then: </i></b></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>In your daily duties: </div><div>Study, </div><div>Love of family </div><div>Love of friends </div><div>Regularity in prayer. </div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Always the Lord: </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>On the mountain, </div><div>in the valley. </div></blockquote><div>We don’t get to stay always on the mountain, but we do get to ALWAYS be with Him.
</div><div><br /></div><div>___</div><div>Camp Gray have two posts about me on their Instagram: </div><div>A skit on my accent, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQeUETpnQXK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">here</a>;</div><div>A little intro post, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQZgjy3F3dr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">here</a>, featuring a photo of me before competing in one of the games.</div>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-51178840626640128912021-02-28T05:30:00.100+00:002021-02-28T05:30:03.432+00:00Sermon: Hope, 2nd Sunday of Lent, Year B<div>Mk 9:2-10</div><div>Today I’m going to speak to you about hope. </div><div>Today, the second Sunday of Lent, is one of my favourite Sundays of the year. </div><div> I feel that in many ways it sums up the whole Christian life </div><div> -at least in this world. </div><div>We pass through this world, as a vale of tears,
Just as we are currently passing through Lent. </div><div>We are given reasons to hope, as we live in their world,
Just as the transfiguration is always given to us as a vision of hope this second Sunday of Lent. </div><div>So, hope. </div><div><br /></div><div> First, let’s note hope is something absent from our culture today,</div><div> and absent from your generation. </div><div>My parents’ generation, the people of the 1960s, they had hope. </div><div>Admittedly, not real hope: it was Hippy-hope </div><div>They sang of a better world to come. </div><div>Their science fiction habitually pictured a happier future. </div><div>The problem, is that world was poorly grounded: </div><div>Hedonism, selfishness, rejection of discipline
-this hasn’t built a better world. </div><div>Today, science fiction is dystopian.
We picture the future, and we picture something we fear will be awful. </div><div>So, what we need is hope. </div><div>2 questions: hope in WHAT?
And hope with what BASIS? </div><div><br /></div><div> The transfiguration, </div><div>and the promise of the resurrection, </div><div>and the awareness that this passes through the Cross, </div><div>All this synthesises the Christian message of hope. </div><div>But we can unpack it in more detail. </div><div><br /></div><div> Two pivotal points: </div><div><br /></div><div> (1) The REASON, the BASIS, for our hope? </div><div><b>God is ACTIVE in our world. </b></div><div> The transfiguration was manifested at a pivotal moment: </div><div>He had just predicted His death (Mk 8:31) </div><div>He had just said that to be His follower you must “take up [your] cross”(Mk 8:34) </div><div>AND
He manifested His glory in precisely THAT context: </div><div>The transfiguration is thus a testimony that
God is ACTIVE through the suffering on the Cross; </div><div>God is active through our sharing in it. </div><div>And if He is active THERE on the Cross,
If He is active in the greatest evil in human history -namely, God being killed,
Then He is active through EVERYTHING. </div><div> This, surely, is half of the whole message of the Scriptures: </div><div>It is a record of the deeds of God, </div><div>It is record of how, again and again when we might mistakenly FEAR that He’s absent,
Actually,
He’s there, He’s doing stuff: </div><div>Slavery in Egypt? The Exodus </div><div>Exile in Babylon? Purifying His people and preparing to lead them home </div><div>Both in the big picture, and in the small picture:
He’s active, even amidst our suffering. </div><div>The promise, the example, the testimony that this is so: </div><div>This is the REASON to have hope.
And the Transfiguration was given as pivotal promise and sign of this. </div><div><br /></div><div> He’s active, but… </div><div>(2) What is God active DOING? </div><div><b>Remaking man. </b></div><div>The transfiguration shows <b><i>a vision of man remade.</i></b> </div><div>Looking glorious </div><div>Looking “whiter than any earthly bleacher can make him” (Mk 9:3) </div><div>Making him anew. </div><div><br /></div><div> This goal, however, isn’t just about heaven. </div><div>We are being remade upon earth. </div><div>Man is CAPABLE of being remade, even now on earth
-this is the message and promise of the Gospel. </div><div>In Lent: </div><div> Our penances, our prayers, our almsgiving, are remaking us on earth, even now. </div><div>The New Adam:</div><div> Who was shown forth as Christ on the mountaintop,</div><div> He is being remade, now, through our Lenten works. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to our modern dystopian fears. </div><div>We have hope, even in this world, </div><div> Because we have the promise of how man can be remade: </div><div>Through the transforming power of His grace, </div><div>Through sharing in the mystery of the Cross, </div><div>To become new men, new men in Him. </div><div><br /></div><div>This gives us reason to have hope. </div><div>There is something great in man, </div><div>Something even more significant than the sin and suffering and concupiscence that weighs us down. </div><div>This greatness was shown forth at the transfiguration, </div><div>And it makes us look at fallen man with new eyes, eyes of hope.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To drawn that to a focus and conclusion: </div><div>What does such hope do to my Lent? </div><div>In Lent, possibly already in this second Sunday, </div><div><b><i>It can be hard</i></b>: </div><div>The discipline, the hard work, the struggle of our penance </div><div>The transfiguration gives us a vision to keep us going.</div><div>This failed flesh that I carry as my body, it CAN be transfigured like His.</div><div><b><i>It can be Pelagian</i></b>: </div><div>The heresy of doing it all by my own effort </div><div>very English, also, very American.</div><div>The Transfiguration calls us to a change IN HIM </div><div>As I struggle, I must look to HIM </div><div>As I resolve, I must look to HIM </div><div><br /></div><div>Those 2 things again: </div><div>(1) God is ACTIVE in this world, </div><div> as He was active through the Cross and leading to that glorification </div><div>(2) God has a goal: </div><div> remaking man, remaking YOU.</div><div>Lent is long: 40 days is long.</div><div>Lent is hard.</div><div> It’s <b><i>a kind of sacrament </i></b>of this whole ‘<b><i>vale of tears</i></b>’ </div><div>It’s a <b><i>sign </i></b></div><div>But <b><i>causing something</i></b>: the bringing of a reality beyond: </div><div>A share in the glorified Christ </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div>Manifested at the Transfiguration </div><div>Achieved at the Resurrection </div><div>Can be ours through our participation in Lent
</div></blockquote>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-8913578169295636362021-02-07T05:30:00.001+00:002021-02-07T05:30:03.141+00:00Sermon: For this purpose I have come, 5th Sunday Ordinary Time, Year B<p align="center" class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 21.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 2.25pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Mk 1:29-39; 1 Cor 9:16-19,22-23</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What was it like to meet the Lord?</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was to meet someone who utterly knew </span></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">what He was about</span></i></b></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, His purpose, His mission</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In reading today’s Gospel text, I was struck by this:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The crowds at Capernaum were demanding,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Peter and the apostles demanding…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But HE,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He knew he had somewhere else to be<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He knew he had another group who needed Him<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“… for this purpose I have come”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To meet the Lord was to meet someone who utterly knew </span></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">what He was about</span></i></b></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, His purpose, His mission<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He spoke to you, knowing what He was about</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He came to you, knowing what His mission TO YOU implied</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He preached<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He healed</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He cast out demons<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">-doing these, and all things, knowing what He was about</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Lord comes to us, too, today</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And He still knows what He is about</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He knows what YOU need from Him</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The teaching YOU need, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">what you need to hear TODAY<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The sickness of soul YOU need to be cured of, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">right now</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The demons YOU need have cast out: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">the oppression, the weight, the sin, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">that you need release from TODAY</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The crowds, as we heard, flocked to Him</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What is OUR eagerness in coming to Him?</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Pause)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Lord knew what He was about,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> He knew the purpose for which He had come.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">St Paul, too, knew what He was about.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">There are many things we recognise when we meet someone who knows what they are about,</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But, I’d suggest to you, one of the most striking, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">is when we meet someone who is clearly “about” OTHER people.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Someone whose busyness isn’t with their OWN agenda, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">but with what they see OTHER people need <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">-maybe not what other people WANT, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">but what they need.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">St Paul, in a phrase that I sometimes find terrifyingly exhausting </span></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">as a pastoral model, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">said in today’s epistle:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I have become ALL things for ALL people, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">that I might save some of them”.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To live our lives focussed on others,</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To live our lives so focussed on others that we can talk:</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">liturgy with the trads,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">biceps curls with the jocks,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">and Star Trek stuff with the nerds</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Continually shifting, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">continually becoming all things for all people, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">because that’s just a part of what love is about.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(Pause)</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It’s often said that if you have the honour to meet certain ‘great’ people, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">they radiant the sense that <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">when they’re talking to you, they are utterly interested in YOU.</span></i></b></span><b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I’ve often read such comments from people who met John Paul II and Mother Teresa.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It must have been so, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">to a </span></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">superlative degree,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">to be with the Lord.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And,</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This is the </span></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">terrifyingly exhausting bit: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">if we would be His priests, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">then we must strive to make it so with us too.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To day by day, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">hour by hour, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">minute by minute, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: ".SFUI-Semibold", serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">be continually shifting to be “all things to all people”.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where do we get the power to be such a person?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed.” (Mk 1:35)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If I would be like Him:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To about a man of purpose<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To be about others<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">To be about love<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I must come to Him, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">meet Him, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">be with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Peter went off looking for Him, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">and finding Him said, “Everyone is looking for you”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let us also look for Him, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">That we might become, like Him, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">men of purpose, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 13pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">men for others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-71244694612348407982021-01-26T01:41:00.002+00:002021-01-26T01:42:57.741+00:00Sermon: Conversion of St Paul<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Sermon-Conversion-St-Paul-epfht4" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is <b><i>one simple point</i></b> I wish to focus on today: the PRIMACY of God’s action in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today is the feast of the conversion of St Paul.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When we speak of ‘conversion’ we speak, usually, of someone who changed their mind:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“He’s a convert” -usually means: he used to not be a Catholic<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 216pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now, he is a Catholic,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">AND, <b>If you ask him</b>, he’ll tell you what <b><i>intellectual conviction</i></b> led him to the Catholic Church.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The problem with that narrative is:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That God doesn’t fit into the conversion account<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-this description is about the man changing himself, changing his MIND<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-this description isn’t about GOD changing him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps most worryingly, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">not just about “the convert” but about “the seminarian”<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-this description is one that lends itself to PRIDE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have MADE myself into this GREAT man you see before you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I, the perfect seminarian.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I, the perfect formator.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Saint Paul was not a self-made man.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In contrast, we might say: SAUL was a self-made man.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But <b>God took that “Saul” guy</b> and knocked him off his horse, both literally and symbolically<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God took him, and <b>by His mighty providential planning,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">By His mighty works of miracles -the voice, the blinding, the healing,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">By His mighty grace -worked an inner transformation that made a NEW man:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 144pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Saul no longer</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, but Saint Paul.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 144pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 144pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(Pause)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I read a meme this week, quoting Fr Garrigou-Lagrange, who was probably the greatest theologian of the 20<sup>th</sup>century.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It said:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are two doctrines that preserve us from pride:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One, the doctrine of creation <b><i>ex nihilo<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-If I have been created out of nothing, what pride can I take in myself!?!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Two, the doctrine of the primacy of God’s grace<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-Even my ability to <b><i>RESPOND</i></b> to His grace is itself a work of grace within in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We might note, not on that particular meme, but in St Thomas:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Concerning freedom, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(for those of you who get concerning pondering this)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When God works in us by His grace<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He moves us such that we become <b><i>MORE free</i></b> because of His action<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Not less free<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In a crude analogy:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When a father lifts a child so the child can reach something,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 144pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The father increases the child’s freedom, he doesn’t diminish it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-even more so with God’s grace in us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Back to Saul.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Saul, as we know, was what the <b><u>early Christians</u></b> would have seen as <b><i>a boogy-man:<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A man to frighten little children by telling tales of him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Determined, organised, out to get them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Travelling city to city, getting the proper documentation and authorisation to hunt and destroy them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Saul was a very UNLIKELY CHOICE for an apostle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> if God can make <b><i>something out of nothing,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He can, even more easily, make <b><i>an apostle</i> out of a persecutor</b> and sinner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now, <b>where does this leave us?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have many things in my life that don’t seem to change<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Or, that seem to change only very slowly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As long as I think my change is about ME,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then my failure to change is a cause to despair.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> my change, my conversion, is about HIM,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then <b>the whole problem looks different.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">GOD is in charge,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">GOD knows what He is doing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If He can make an apostle out of Saul<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then He can make a saint out you and me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He orders all things mightily,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As St Paul would later put it,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All things work to the good, for those who love the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For all He has called according to His purpose, called to be saints.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (Rom 8:28)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He can take my being one who “loves the Lord” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Even if</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I only live Him <b><i>weakly,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He can take that, build on that, and work all things to the good. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One of my favourite books</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, <i>the Spiritual Combat</i>, by Don Lawrence Scupoli,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Expounds at length about how, <b>even in His permitting my specific sins and falls:<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He works to help me grow in humility,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Helps me grow in awareness that I need to place my confidence IN HIM.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Even in my failings,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“All things work to the good, for those who love the Lord”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Why did God strike Saul from his horse?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Why did He blind him?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because He had a plan for him, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because He loved him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And it has been <b>the same in my life, and yours,<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He allows your sin,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To lead you <b>humility<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To lead you to more<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He sometimes slaps us around a bit,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because He has a plan for us<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 108pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because He loves us<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To conclude,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> we celebrate <b>a conversion;<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today we celebrate the working of God’s grace;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God’s grace converted Saul, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It was not Saul who converted Saul.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Let us rejoice to think: <b><i>He can even convert us.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-83873311812966272582021-01-18T13:37:00.002+00:002021-01-18T13:42:00.771+00:00Sermon: He knows our weakness, Monday Ordinary time week 2, Year I<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Sermon-He-knows-our-weakness--Mon-Wk-2-Yr-I-ep4f9o" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Heb 5:1-10<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The law of the Church, in multiple places but most immediately in the General Instruction at the front of the Roman Missal, says there’s always to be a crucifix on clear display by the altar,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">An image of “Christ crucified” (n.308) that is “clearly visible to the assembled congregation” (c.f. GIRM 117, 122, 306).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Why? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because the sacrifice on the altar is the sacrifice on the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Devotionally, however,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">the crucifix in a church means much more than, dare I say, “just” its relationship to the altar, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and our first reading from Hebrews gets to the heart of it in speaking about how the Son “knows human weakness”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The last four years</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, before I came here,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I was stationed in a church that didn’t have a crucifix, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">with a congregation that had lived its entire existence never knowing a crucifix. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can remember having a public meeting explaining plans to install a crucifix, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I can remember things the people said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One said, “I don’t want a dead man hanging there”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Another sad, “When you see him like that, it just makes you sad”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Such words are words I’m afraid, that aren’t seeing with faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And, it is with faith in what the crucifix portrays<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">that we revolutionise how we think God interacts with us and with the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Is He a distant God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Is a disconnected God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">On the Cross, as Hebrews tells us, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">we see the Son, sharing our weakness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God is close<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God is among us<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the everything when it FEELS like He is absent, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">the Cross shows us that He is not.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Do you feel lonely and isolated and fed up with the isolation of quarantine?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He knew loneliness and isolation in His last night in earth when they locked Him in a cell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Do you feel tired and fed up?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He knew tiredness, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Whatever you feel of human weakness: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He knew mourning, He knew “silent tears”, He knew and knows it all…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All this tell us about God. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And it is a revolution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And, sadly, there is a comfortable middle class false God that tries to hide from suffering, that does not like like cross,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;">(pause)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But, the Cross, and the letter to the Hebrews,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> it also tells us about the priesthood,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and about your vocation to the priesthood.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Pope Francis speaks about “accompaniment”, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">that the priest is to accompany his people, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 72pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">that the priest is to smell of the sheep.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You are weak and human</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and your future parishioners need to know that you FEEL weakness WITH them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You sin, and go to confession,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and your future parishioners need to know that you FEEL this WITH them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(pause)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To conclude, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All Christians need to see themselves on the Cross.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Need to learn to take up their own cross WITH Him<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Need to learn to hang there with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A priest,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">a seminarian,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Needs to learn a devotion to the crucifix</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> that sees himself there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So that he can learn, even more,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“to sympathise with those… in weakness”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-9245091159409158032021-01-17T18:35:00.003+00:002021-01-17T18:40:29.414+00:00Sermon: Stay with Him, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time, Year B<iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Sermon-Stay-with-Him--2nd-Sun-Ord-Time-Yr-B-ep3abq/a-a4cfe45" width="400px"></iframe>
<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"><div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></span></div><div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div></span><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Jn 1:35-42; 1 Sam 3:3-10,19</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I want to return to one of my favourite themes:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">what it was like, as an EXPERIENCE for the apostles to meet the Lord.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">That first encounter;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">The Baptist had said, “Behold!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">And <i>WHAT</i> did they behold?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">when God, the infinite, the Almighty,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;">-when He took flesh and was THERE before them?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">That first seeing Him<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"> -what did He look like? how did His body move?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Pope Francis makes an observation about the text we heard in the Gospel, about that description of the first encounter between the Lord and what was presumably the disciple John:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">Saint John wrote that text many YEARS later, possibly many decades later,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">Yet, he still remembered the precious moment, the exact time, he first met Him:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">“The apostles never forgot the moment when Jesus touched their hearts: ‘It was about the tenth hour [four o’clock in the afternoon]’ (Jn 1:39).”(<i>Evangelii gaudium </i>n.13)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">And, what did they do?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">“They stayed with Him the rest of that day” (Jn 1:39).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">You and I are here today because we also have encountered the Lord.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">We have encountered Him in many different ways:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">Childhood catechesis,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">My First Holy Communion,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">Confession <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">Most of us, also, have had moments when we could specify something tangible:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">When I was in THAT church, in THAT year of life, after THAT problem/blessing/event<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">-but the Lord does not have ONE path He calls by, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;">and our <i>experiences are manifold<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">What is common to us all, is that we have met and been called by the Lord.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">Maybe by a voice that was clear, like Samuel in our first reading;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">Maybe by a silent breeze, like Elijah.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">But, regardless,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">We are here because we were called.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">And even if you don’t yet know if you’re called to be a priest, you know that HERE in this place,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">You are called to “They stayed with Him that day” (Jn 1:39).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Seminary, as know, can have its trials.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">But, even speaking as someone who went to a very bad seminary,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">Seminary is place of unique blessing, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">Because, it is a place to “<i>stay with Him</i>”.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">(pause)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Most of us, I’m sure, are returning from a nice rest and break.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">But many of us, I know, found it hard to PRAY while we were away,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">Found it hard to “stay with Him” while we were away.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">The laity are also called to be with Him,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">But we are uniquely fortunately to have way of life STRUCTURED around making that possible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">So, how are we going to USE that opportunity this semester?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">This semester is going to be rush. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">Less than 11 weeks of being physically resident.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">No mid-term rest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">Still restricted in our movements off-campus.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">But whatever else this semester is going to be, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">We need to <i>make it time to “stay with Him”.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">The apostles stayed with Him 3 years non-stop before He sent them off.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">(pause)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Returning to our Gospel text:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">What did John and Andrew DO when they “stayed with Him that day’?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">Presumably, <i>some of the things we need to do:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">They listened, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;">as we need to listen to hear HIS voice through our lectures and talks and reading these months.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">They looked, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;">as we need to be ATTENTIVE to have Him communicate to us, amidst events, amidst people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">And, <i>most simply, <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">they were PHYSICALLY there, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;">as we need to be with Him in prayer, with Him here in the chapel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">And, today, in class, in prayer, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">the Gospel texts especially need to be what we are reading, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">where we are seeking to find Him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">To conclude.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">“Jesus looked hard” at Peter<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">And He has <i>looked hard at you.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">He chose Peter,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">And He has <i>chosen you.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">He found Peter worthy, worthy to be given a chance to become something more,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">And, somehow, <i>He’s found you worthy too.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">This is our first Sunday together,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">We could <i>do worse than take this image</i> for our semester: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">To “Stay with Him that day”<o:p></o:p></p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-72123599269556409242020-12-06T17:45:00.001+00:002020-12-06T17:48:08.686+00:00Sermon: Comfort my people, 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B<iframe src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Sermon-Comfort-my-People-eneh9b" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
<p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"> </p><p align="center" class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Isa 40:1-5,9-11; Mk 1:1-8</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Today I want to speak of God’s plan to comfort us<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> -His Advent plan to comfort us by His coming<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Today is our last Sunday together</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">When we are next together for a Sunday the year 2020 will be over, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p align="right" class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in; text-align: right;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">and few of us will be sad to see it go.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Now, it’s true, there have been many other, worse moments in history.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">If we think of the history the PCJ has lived through:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Mgr Jessing had to fight through the Prussian war with Denmark<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Members of the PCJ must also have been through <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">WWI and WWII</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">We’ve not had starvation and famine, many have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">We’ve been separated from family, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">but at least we had telephone and zoom -other generations did not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Yet</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">This has been a pretty lousy year<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">A horrible year<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I want comfort</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I’m pretty sure YOU want comfort</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">WHO will comfort us?</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Who?</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">God promised</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">God did</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">God does in every generation</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">HOW does He comfort?</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">In His coming<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">-this is a truth so perpetually available that we easily forget it,</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">His coming makes all things bearable, even joyful.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The presence of a loved one, the present of a friend, makes all the difference:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I might have a shake from Steak and Shake<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">A burger from Chick-fil-et<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And a cookie from the PCJ kitchen<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">but alone, without a friend -it doesn’t feel like much.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Whereas even the worst ordeal become a lighter with a friend.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">WHO is coming? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Your best friend, your greatest friend <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And He says that He comes with “comfort”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The message His commands His prophet Isaiah to proclaim to you is “comfort”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">(pause)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Let’s recall the context of that first promise of coming (Isa 40:1-11):<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The chosen people were at their lowest point:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">They no longer had the land,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">They knew their sin had caused The Lord to take it from them,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">They were in exile, in Babylon, with no reasonable cause for hope.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The cause of hope they had was not natural, but Divine:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">A promise<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Yes, they had sinned, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">but, the promise says, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">their time of guilt has been expiated<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Yes, they were still in a foreign land, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">but, the promise says, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">their God is coming, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">His Glory will be revealed<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The valleys will be filled in,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The mountains laid low<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The rugged ground made plain<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">In a phrase I always feel sums it up:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He is “<span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Coming in POWER”</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">-He is a God who DOES stuff</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">(pause)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I’m going home tomorrow<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ll have 14 days of quarantine,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">BUT I’m going home<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And that’s a comforting thought.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I want to make the point to you, however,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Is that it would be a mistake to make my deepest COMFORT be about going home<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">My real comfort has to be about the presence of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">(pause)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He is coming<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">But<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">There is something WE must do:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">We must prepare<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah said we must, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">“Prepare the way of the Lord”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">John the baptist says, <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">“prepare the way of the Lord”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He will not comfort me if I’m are not ready</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He will not comfort me if I’ve not prepared</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He CANNOT comfort me if I have not prepared <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">-within us, we need to be ready for what He WANTS to do in us and for us</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">But,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">If I’ve prepared,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">As much as I’ve prepared,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He comes<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He comforts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">To return to my opening thought about the year 2020:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">What does 2021 hold?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">We might point to worldly indicators of what it holds, and some of those look good:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">At least one of the 3 vaccines could restore normality to society before 2022. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">It seems, with that, an end to lockdowns and restrictions,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> in society and in the PCJ<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">-an end will be coming!</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">But, it’s still not going to be an easy year<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">So, let’s think of the non-worldly indicator of what 2021 will bring:</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Yes, It’s going to be a LONG year again</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">But, HE could be with me in it<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He WANTS to COMFORT me in it</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Comfort me by His COMING</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">NOTHING can make life as bearable as His Presence<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">As one of our English martyrs said,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">“First friend He was,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Best friend He is,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">All times will find Him true.”(St Robert Southwall)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He was even true to me through 2020.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2.5in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I can make it more so in 2021, if I let Him come<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="s1" face="".SFUI-Semibold", serif"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">“Comfort, comfort my people…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Speak tenderly to Jerusalem…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Fear not and cry out<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And say to the cities of Judah:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">HERE is your God!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He comes with power…His reward with Him…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: ".AppleSystemUIFont", serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Like a shepherd He feeds His flock”</span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194598268299545427.post-89819825215413695202020-11-08T20:14:00.002+00:002020-11-08T20:14:22.607+00:00Sermon: The Seminarian's Bride<iframe frameborder="0" height="102px" scrolling="no" src="https://anchor.fm/fatherdylanjames/embed/episodes/Sermon-The-Seminarians-Bride-em6kn3" width="400px"></iframe><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Mt 25:1-13</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I want to speak to you today about your future wife, your bride, waiting out there for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">In the parable we just heard, the Lord spoke of the bridegroom, and of the ten virgins waiting for him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Whenever we meditate on the parables, we automatically apply one of the roles in the parable to ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">e.g. I consider myself as the prodigal son (Lk 15:11-31), and what his behaviour teaches me;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Or, I consider myself as the lost sheep who is found (Lk 15:3);<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">etc<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">When you became a priest,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">it becomes important to apply the role of the Lord Jesus in the parable to yourself:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">For example: yes, I remain a lost sheep needing to be found,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">But, as a priest, I need to take my inspiration from the behaviour of the shepherd who goes looking for lost sheep.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Let’s take that interpretation to today’s parable:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The bridegroom - is the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The wedding that is coming - is between Himself and the Church, His bride.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And there are wise and foolish virgins – members of His Church.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">They are WAITING for His coming.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Where are YOU in the parable?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You will one day be a priest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You, therefore, will be the bridegroom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You, by ordination, sealed on your soul with a sacramental character,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Will be conformed to the image of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">-you will be the bridegroom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Much priestly writing in recent years has focused on this image:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">John Paul the Great articulated it in <i>Pastores dabo vobis<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">and, much like Benedict’s rearticulation of patristic interpretations<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The notion of the priest as spouse of the Church, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">as bridegroom of the Church, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 3.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">is ancient and patristic.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Why am I celibate?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Because I have a wife: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">the Church<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I am, to apply St Paul’s words spiritually:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I am “a man of one wife” (1 Tim 2:3), the Church <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">This isn’t just practical necessity to free my time for service<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Rather, it’s a spiritually symbolic<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">its ontologically grounded<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">-by my union with Christ THE Bridegroom<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">This will be you:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You will have a wife<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">She is now your bride, waiting for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">In our seminary context, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">I want to present to you the image of your future parish WAITING for you,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Just as the Church universal waits for the coming of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Your congregation will have a mixture of wise and foolish,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Just like the wise and foolish virgins<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">-both are waiting for you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">When you get to your parish, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You will meet those who already wise and good<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You will hear, in all likelihood, tales of problems they have endured:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Lack of good catechesis<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Lack of leadership<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Lack of formation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Horrible scandals<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And, probably, you will wonder why they endured it all<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You’ll wonder why they didn’t walk away<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Why?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Because THEY WERE WAITING FOR YOU<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">In your diocese there are tens of thousands of Catholics who are waiting for you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And, in all likelihood, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You will have a moment, when THEY TELL YOU exactly this:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">They were waiting for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Waiting for you to teach to sanctify, to govern<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">to guide, to lead<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">to shepherd, to care<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">They’re already wise and good, but they still NEED you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">they’re waiting for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">(pause)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">In your future parish,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You will also meet the foolish<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">They are waiting for you too,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">But they lack ‘oil in their lamps’<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">They often don’t know they lack oil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And applying that image differently, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 3in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">it’s YOUR job to bring them oil for their lamps<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 3in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">it’s your job to GET them ready<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Even though, in many ways, they don’t know it,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">the fools need you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">the fools are waiting for you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">In our parable,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The focus was on the virgins needing to be ready for the Bridegroom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Let me be bold enough to reverse that:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">In our seminary context:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You are training to become the Bridegroom<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You are training to get READY<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Your bride is out there<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">some wise, some foolish<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">-she is often not ready<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">-she needs your help to get herself ready.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">-she needs YOU to be ready, yourself<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Seminary is long<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Seminary can be hard<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">But your bride needs you to be ready<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">(Pause)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Some of you, perhaps,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Are on the edge of giving up<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The COVID context is hard<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The seminary regulations are hard<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">And maybe you’re thinking of dropping out <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You’re thinking of spending a year or two doing something else<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 2in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Flipping burgers <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">PCJ life now is hard<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">This might be harder than anything in your future priesthood<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">But,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Your bride is waiting for you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Your bride is needing you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">A final twist in our symbolism here:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Your bride <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">She is only your bride in a secondary sense<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">we only love her in a secondary sense<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Primarily, she is CHRIST’s bride<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Primarily, we love HIM, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">and we love her for sake of our union with Him<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">by reason of our configuration to Him<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">When Peter was asked to shepherd the Church,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">He wasn’t asked if he loved the Church<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Rather, he was asked if he loved HIM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">“Simon, son of John, Do you love me?”(Jn 21:17)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">What, most essentially, gets you ready to love your future bride?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Your love of Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Let’s sum that up:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Your future wife, your bride is out there, waiting for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The Church waits for Christ;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">The people of your parish wait for you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Readiness:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">There will be both wise and foolish in your parish<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Some ready, some not<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Some knowing they are waiting for you, some not<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">You, however, are to get ready for them<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">Get ready to be the bridegroom<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;">by being conformed to the ONE Bridegroom: Christ, the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Fr. Dylan James, Catholic Priest, dual American-British citizenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08821750099773653477noreply@blogger.com0