Dear Parishioners:
Our journey through Lent is coming to its close. With Palm Sunday, we now enter into the “High Holy Days” of our Catholic Faith. The central Liturgy of the Catholic Church crosses over four days, from Holy Thursday evening to Easter Sunday. The Triduum – counted as three days in the ancient Jewish way, from evening to evening – offers one great Liturgy that leads us deep into the Paschal Mystery.
At the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening, we celebrate the Gift of Priesthood, the Call to Serve and the Institution of the Holy Eucharist. Good Friday recalls the Passion of the Lord. Holy Saturday reminds us of the time of darkness before the dawn of Resurrection. The Solemn Easter Vigil carries us through the night to the new day of Eternal Life.
Our RCIA participants stand before us as a reminder of the truth and power of our Catholic Faith, entering into the life of grace through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Let us pray with them and for them as they join us for the first time at the Altar.
On Tuesday evening, the Diocese of Columbus also experiences the Chrism Mass, which is properly the Mass of Holy Thursday morning. At this Mass, the Bishop blesses the Holy Oils that will be used for the celebration of the Sacraments throughout the coming year. The Bishop and Priests of the Diocese also renew the promises of their ordination and ask for the prayer of the priestly people. If you have never had an opportunity to participate in this Mass, you are encouraged to do so, at St. Joseph Cathedral on April 19 at 6 p.m.
Let the Liturgical events of Holy Week and the Triduum enter into your awareness, whether you are able to attend or not. Easter is the most important expression of our Faith. Don’t miss it!
The Year of Prayer: Prayer Recalling the Passion & Resurrection of the Lord
Dear Lord Jesus, by Your Passion and Resurrection You brought life to the world. But the glory of the Resurrection came only after the sufferings of the Passion. You laid down Your life willingly and gave up everything for us. Your body was broken and fastened to a Cross, Your clothing became the prize of soldiers, your blood ebbed slowly but surely away, and Your Mother was entrusted to the beloved disciple. Stretched out on the Cross, deprived of all earthly possessions and human aid, You cried out to Your Father that the end had come. You had accomplished the work given You, and You committed into His hands, as a perfect gift, the little life that remained to You. Lord, teach me to accept all afflictions after the example You have given. Let me place my death in Yours and my weakness in Your abandonment, Take hold of me with Your love, that same foolish love that knew no limits, and let me offer myself to the Father with You so that I may rise with You to eternal life.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
“Timothy, my co-worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my
relatives.” (Romans 16:21)
St. Paul gives credit where it is due and he does all he can to keep folks connected. This short greeting from the Letter to the Romans shows Paul’s interest in ensuring that the Gospel is understood as “a family affair.” Our Timothy is among those named as offering greetings and some of Paul’s own blood relatives are included as well. It is not certain whether any of these were already known to the Roman community or whether this note serves as an introduction. Paul himself had not yet been to Rome, though he had met a number of those who were from Italy in his travels through Greece.
The Gospel does not belong to individuals. It is always a communal reality. When a community hears and proclaims the Good News in words and in shared actions, including worship, the Gospel takes root. Families become larger by their opening to the others and drawing them in. The greetings offered are not superficial. They are a heart-felt welcome into the awareness of a mutual belonging. We are called to live this way.
Reflections on the Liturgy: NICENE CREED
I believe in one God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
One change that occurs in the first section of the Nicene Creed is the return to the singular form for the translation of the word Credo, “I believe.” It is important to note that this is not meant to be a change in the meaning of the recitation of the Creed as a communal act of Faith. Rather, it is a direct translation of the word as it appears in Latin (Credo) and in the Greek original (Πιστεύω Pisteuo). The Church stands together as the One Body of Christ, united in the Act of Profession of Faith. Each unique person’s “I believe” is one with the voice of the One Bride of Christ, who says “I believe.” It is interesting to note that this unity is emphasized in the Churches of the East where the Sign of Peace is given by the clergy during the Creed: One Church, One Faith.
The decision to change “seen and unseen” to “visible and invisible” is perhaps an effort to stay close to the Latin text, since the words used have cognates in English. This particular article of the Creed is Scriptural: “For in him all things were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible.” (Colossians 1:16) The primary meaning of this is the fact that God is Creator of all that exists. The material and spiritual worlds are from one source, the All Good and Loving Creator.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor April 10
Dear Parishioners:
Thirst, Light, and Life are the themes found in the heart of Lent with the Scriptures of the Samaritan Woman, the Man Born Blind, and the Raising of Lazarus. Our RCIA participants experience Scrutinies based on these themes, inviting them and all of us to reflect upon our deepest aspirations, our need for enlightenment and our hope of Eternal Life.
When we look at our lives with these in mind, we find that the world’s concerns are put in their proper perspective. What happens to us is not as important as how we respond to it. When our response comes from the deepest part of ourselves, we open up a place for growth in Faith, Hope and Love. We come to know God and ourselves better, and we are in touch with Reality instead of a world of our own creation. Imagination is given a capacity to be silent in the face of the Promises God makes to us in Jesus: Springs of Grace, True Understanding and a Capacity to Worship in Spirit and in Truth, and Resurrection into a Living Relationship with the Trinity.
The world is in need of witnesses, true examples of the power of Faith to transform and to shape us in the image of God. We must be witnesses if we are true to our identity as God’s People. Are you aware of the promise of God in your own life? Have you really given yourself over to the grace that is offered? Now is the time to search your heart, to scrutinize your spirit in order to discover where God is working in your soul. The Spirit has been sent into our hearts and is awaiting our welcome.
The Year of Prayer: An Act of Consecration in the Universal Call to Holiness
O Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior, my Master, my Love,
I give myself entirely to You this day
in and act of offering to consecrate myself
—all that I am, all that You have given me—
in union with Your Sacrifice of the Cross.
Lord Jesus, I offer myself for the salvation of souls
and the consecration of all the world in Your holiness.
Accept me as a living victim of Your Lord,
so that Your Church may be transformed in Your holiness
to be a sign of salvation for all the world.
Master, I offer myself for Your Vicar on earth,
for all bishops, priests, deacons, religious
and for all Your faithful people,
so that we all may have hearts made only for Your Love.
As a member of Your Mystical Body,
grant that I may participate in Your Eucharistic Sacrifice
with even greater love and reverence.
Take me, Lord Jesus, and with me Your Church
and all the world in Your Love
to Your Father, in the power of the Holy Spirit,
now and forever. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
“As Paul was about to set sail [from Greece] for Syria, he decided to return by way of Macedonia. Sopater, the son of Pyrrhus, from Beroea, accompanied him, as did Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia.” (Acts 20:3-4)
St. Timothy knew how to be with St. Paul in a small group. He also knew how to take his place in a crowd. No doubt Paul relied on him for many things. The diversity of types that were gathered together as followers of Christ were a sign of the universality of the message, the Good News of the Gospel. Flexibility of plans and a willingness to change when the need arose was also a sign of docility to the Spirit and to a concrete realism concerning human nature. Paul and Timothy sought to follow the Spirit’s lead and they acknowledged limitations.
We are all called to make room for people who act and think differently than we do. In seeking to do God’s will, we must be open to all the possible roads that lead where we want to go. The contributions of each soul are to be valued and we must learn how to cooperated with differing opinions and manners of operation.
Reflections on the Liturgy: AT THE GOSPEL
Deacon (or Priest): The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon (or Priest): A reading from the holy Gospel according to N.
People: Glory to you, O Lord.
The People’s parts for the dialogue before the Gospel have minor changes: “And also with you” becomes “And with your spirit” as has already been discussed.
The response to the announcement of the Gospel has just the addition of the “O” before “Lord.” This change, interestingly enough, does not have a correspondence in the Latin. The Latin expression translated here is Gloria tibi, Domine. The word Domine is in the Vocative, that is, direct address. In English, this form does not often have any difference from the Subject form (Nominative), so the “O” is added to emphasize that it is speaking formally to God. It is true that we don’t tend to make use of the “O” in ordinary conversation, but we do find it in poetry and in expressions that are meant to be lofty and emphatic.
St. Timothy Debt Elimination – a real possibility!
A Challenge Donation for up to $50,000 toward repayment of the Parish Building Loan has been offered as an incentive to retire the parish debt. Our current debt is down to about $170,000. If we can reach donations or new pledges to meet the challenge donation, we will be well on our way to completing the Campaign for St. Timothy….
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our Golden Jubilee could also be a celebration of the “burning of the mortgage” in the life of St. Timothy Parish? There would be dancing on the tables!
Looking ahead to May and the Bishop’s Annual Appeal
Thirst, Light, and Life are the themes found in the heart of Lent with the Scriptures of the Samaritan Woman, the Man Born Blind, and the Raising of Lazarus. Our RCIA participants experience Scrutinies based on these themes, inviting them and all of us to reflect upon our deepest aspirations, our need for enlightenment and our hope of Eternal Life.
When we look at our lives with these in mind, we find that the world’s concerns are put in their proper perspective. What happens to us is not as important as how we respond to it. When our response comes from the deepest part of ourselves, we open up a place for growth in Faith, Hope and Love. We come to know God and ourselves better, and we are in touch with Reality instead of a world of our own creation. Imagination is given a capacity to be silent in the face of the Promises God makes to us in Jesus: Springs of Grace, True Understanding and a Capacity to Worship in Spirit and in Truth, and Resurrection into a Living Relationship with the Trinity.
The world is in need of witnesses, true examples of the power of Faith to transform and to shape us in the image of God. We must be witnesses if we are true to our identity as God’s People. Are you aware of the promise of God in your own life? Have you really given yourself over to the grace that is offered? Now is the time to search your heart, to scrutinize your spirit in order to discover where God is working in your soul. The Spirit has been sent into our hearts and is awaiting our welcome.
The Year of Prayer: An Act of Consecration in the Universal Call to Holiness
O Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior, my Master, my Love,
I give myself entirely to You this day
in and act of offering to consecrate myself
—all that I am, all that You have given me—
in union with Your Sacrifice of the Cross.
Lord Jesus, I offer myself for the salvation of souls
and the consecration of all the world in Your holiness.
Accept me as a living victim of Your Lord,
so that Your Church may be transformed in Your holiness
to be a sign of salvation for all the world.
Master, I offer myself for Your Vicar on earth,
for all bishops, priests, deacons, religious
and for all Your faithful people,
so that we all may have hearts made only for Your Love.
As a member of Your Mystical Body,
grant that I may participate in Your Eucharistic Sacrifice
with even greater love and reverence.
Take me, Lord Jesus, and with me Your Church
and all the world in Your Love
to Your Father, in the power of the Holy Spirit,
now and forever. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
“As Paul was about to set sail [from Greece] for Syria, he decided to return by way of Macedonia. Sopater, the son of Pyrrhus, from Beroea, accompanied him, as did Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia.” (Acts 20:3-4)
St. Timothy knew how to be with St. Paul in a small group. He also knew how to take his place in a crowd. No doubt Paul relied on him for many things. The diversity of types that were gathered together as followers of Christ were a sign of the universality of the message, the Good News of the Gospel. Flexibility of plans and a willingness to change when the need arose was also a sign of docility to the Spirit and to a concrete realism concerning human nature. Paul and Timothy sought to follow the Spirit’s lead and they acknowledged limitations.
We are all called to make room for people who act and think differently than we do. In seeking to do God’s will, we must be open to all the possible roads that lead where we want to go. The contributions of each soul are to be valued and we must learn how to cooperated with differing opinions and manners of operation.
Reflections on the Liturgy: AT THE GOSPEL
Deacon (or Priest): The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon (or Priest): A reading from the holy Gospel according to N.
People: Glory to you, O Lord.
The People’s parts for the dialogue before the Gospel have minor changes: “And also with you” becomes “And with your spirit” as has already been discussed.
The response to the announcement of the Gospel has just the addition of the “O” before “Lord.” This change, interestingly enough, does not have a correspondence in the Latin. The Latin expression translated here is Gloria tibi, Domine. The word Domine is in the Vocative, that is, direct address. In English, this form does not often have any difference from the Subject form (Nominative), so the “O” is added to emphasize that it is speaking formally to God. It is true that we don’t tend to make use of the “O” in ordinary conversation, but we do find it in poetry and in expressions that are meant to be lofty and emphatic.
St. Timothy Debt Elimination – a real possibility!
A Challenge Donation for up to $50,000 toward repayment of the Parish Building Loan has been offered as an incentive to retire the parish debt. Our current debt is down to about $170,000. If we can reach donations or new pledges to meet the challenge donation, we will be well on our way to completing the Campaign for St. Timothy….
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our Golden Jubilee could also be a celebration of the “burning of the mortgage” in the life of St. Timothy Parish? There would be dancing on the tables!
Looking ahead to May and the Bishop’s Annual Appeal
Sunday, April 3, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor April 3
Dear Parishioners:
The Gospel of the Man Born Blind offers the themes of light and darkness, sight and blindness, seeing and not seeing, to our spiritual understanding this weekend. We are invited to acknowledge that the world around us is not always as it seems and that the answers to our questions must come from a level different from that in which the problems arise. “Whose sin caused this?” is the wrong question. Fault and Blame are a pastime in which we often indulge, but it never succeeds in offering true peace.
The next time you are in an argument, try this on for size: “You get to be right this time” or “It’s my turn to be wrong.” Then what happens? Do you not find that you can go deeper once that disagreement is out of the way? “This happened so that the works of God might be made visible through him.” Forget that question, now watch this!
Someone should do a screenplay with this Gospel tale. It is truly funny when you get into the movement of things. The Man Born Blind is the only one who can see. Everyone else around him lacks insight into the way things really are. The people who saw him as the blind beggar every day are not sure it is the same man when he is able to see. His own parents won’t acknowledge more than that he is their son and they distance themselves from all the hubbub surrounding him. The religious leaders miss entirely the import of the miracle of his sight, and so, although they claim to see, they remain blind to Who Jesus IS.
We are called, in our time, to open our own eyes to the truth of things. Can we recognize and acknowledge that we are in need of Salvation? God alone is God. Only God can save. Jesus is the Word of Salvation, spoken in our very nature. Hearing that Word, we can open our eyes and our blindness is healed. What are you called to see?
As you know, we are now in the final months of preparation needed before our Parish Golden Jubilee. The first event has been set, with a special opening Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Frederick Campbell on November 26, 2011. (St. Timothy Parish was officially established November 29, 1961.) Plans for that evening will include Mass, a meal, and a presentation by one who knew our first Pastor, Fr. “Gus” Winkler. We also want to allow the year to unfold with other celebrations and events. Leadership is needed. If you are reading this, decide to be a part of something and bring ideas to your next group meeting. Be sure that it is on your agenda before summer arrives.
The Year of Prayer: Prayer for Guidance
O Holy Spirit of God, take me as Your disciple:
guide me, illuminate me, sanctify me.
Bind my hands that they may do no evil;
cover my eyes that they may see it no more;
sanctify my heart that evil may not dwell within me.
Be my God; be my guide.
Wherever You lead me, I will go;
whatever You forbid me, I will renounce;
and whatever You command me,
in Your strength, I will do.
Lead me, then, into the fullness of Your Truth. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
“Then Paul sent to Macedonia two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, while he himself stayed for a while in the province of Asia.” (Acts 19:22)
Putting trust in one’s co-workers is a sign of confidence that a vision is shared. St. Paul puts his trust in Timothy and Erastus and sends them ahead of him while he wraps up some business in Asia. They have successfully preached Jesus to a group of followers of John the Baptist, imparting the Holy Spirit to them. Trouble has begun to be stirred up by non-believers in the synagogue and by pagans worshiping the goddess Artemis. Paul makes his proclamation of the Gospel in the context of all this controversy. When it becomes clear that he has done all that he is able to do for the moment, he goes on to join the others in Macedonia. It is ironic to realize that our Timothy will return to Ephesus one day as its bishop. The troubles faced by Paul at this moment will not settle, and in fact, it will be in the effort to preach to the same hostility that Timothy will be martyred.
Who are the members of your circle of trust in matters of Faith? Do you share the tales of your struggles with others? Whose witness in the face of difficulties has enabled you to continue to proclaim the Faith in spite of obstacles?
Reflections on the Liturgy: GLORIA
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you,
we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Gloria has a few changes that come from the original text in Latin. As before, a number of these texts now relate more clearly to their source in Sacred Scripture. We are all familiar with the song of the Angelic Choir at Bethlehem. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will.” (Lk 2:14). The Vulgate (the Latin Bible) has this: “Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra, pax in hominibus bonae voluntatis.”
There is a lovely movement from the Hymn of Praise sung by the Angels, the Glory given in the highest, to the kind of praise that human beings have to offer. In order to give high praise from earth, we need to express it in multiple ways. “Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te….” – “We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you.”
Our current translation opted to simplify, leaving out several expressions and rearranging the order for some unknown reason. There is a “build-up” to the acknowledgement of Who God IS, with the titles “Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.” A three-fold expression is repeated using “glory” and addressing God as Lord and King and Father.
Similarly Jesus is addressed with distinct titles as Lord and Christ, Only-Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God and Son of the Father. The cry for mercy is restored to its three-fold pattern as in the Penitential Rite. Here the role of Jesus as God’s Lamb is brought out in great relief. This also comes from Scripture: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)
Parts that are not changed have Scriptural references that have not been obscured: Holy One -- “For you alone are holy” (Rev 15:4) and Most High - “Let them know that you alone, you whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalm 83:19)
We praise God with the highest praise, singing to Him in words of Scripture with titles that remind us of His exalted nature. Earth offers the Trinity tokens of praise and glory that draw us into the Communion of Life and Love shared by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. That gives us Pax – Shalom: Peace and Wholeness in a Living Relationship with God as Church.
The Gospel of the Man Born Blind offers the themes of light and darkness, sight and blindness, seeing and not seeing, to our spiritual understanding this weekend. We are invited to acknowledge that the world around us is not always as it seems and that the answers to our questions must come from a level different from that in which the problems arise. “Whose sin caused this?” is the wrong question. Fault and Blame are a pastime in which we often indulge, but it never succeeds in offering true peace.
The next time you are in an argument, try this on for size: “You get to be right this time” or “It’s my turn to be wrong.” Then what happens? Do you not find that you can go deeper once that disagreement is out of the way? “This happened so that the works of God might be made visible through him.” Forget that question, now watch this!
Someone should do a screenplay with this Gospel tale. It is truly funny when you get into the movement of things. The Man Born Blind is the only one who can see. Everyone else around him lacks insight into the way things really are. The people who saw him as the blind beggar every day are not sure it is the same man when he is able to see. His own parents won’t acknowledge more than that he is their son and they distance themselves from all the hubbub surrounding him. The religious leaders miss entirely the import of the miracle of his sight, and so, although they claim to see, they remain blind to Who Jesus IS.
We are called, in our time, to open our own eyes to the truth of things. Can we recognize and acknowledge that we are in need of Salvation? God alone is God. Only God can save. Jesus is the Word of Salvation, spoken in our very nature. Hearing that Word, we can open our eyes and our blindness is healed. What are you called to see?
As you know, we are now in the final months of preparation needed before our Parish Golden Jubilee. The first event has been set, with a special opening Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Frederick Campbell on November 26, 2011. (St. Timothy Parish was officially established November 29, 1961.) Plans for that evening will include Mass, a meal, and a presentation by one who knew our first Pastor, Fr. “Gus” Winkler. We also want to allow the year to unfold with other celebrations and events. Leadership is needed. If you are reading this, decide to be a part of something and bring ideas to your next group meeting. Be sure that it is on your agenda before summer arrives.
The Year of Prayer: Prayer for Guidance
O Holy Spirit of God, take me as Your disciple:
guide me, illuminate me, sanctify me.
Bind my hands that they may do no evil;
cover my eyes that they may see it no more;
sanctify my heart that evil may not dwell within me.
Be my God; be my guide.
Wherever You lead me, I will go;
whatever You forbid me, I will renounce;
and whatever You command me,
in Your strength, I will do.
Lead me, then, into the fullness of Your Truth. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
“Then Paul sent to Macedonia two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, while he himself stayed for a while in the province of Asia.” (Acts 19:22)
Putting trust in one’s co-workers is a sign of confidence that a vision is shared. St. Paul puts his trust in Timothy and Erastus and sends them ahead of him while he wraps up some business in Asia. They have successfully preached Jesus to a group of followers of John the Baptist, imparting the Holy Spirit to them. Trouble has begun to be stirred up by non-believers in the synagogue and by pagans worshiping the goddess Artemis. Paul makes his proclamation of the Gospel in the context of all this controversy. When it becomes clear that he has done all that he is able to do for the moment, he goes on to join the others in Macedonia. It is ironic to realize that our Timothy will return to Ephesus one day as its bishop. The troubles faced by Paul at this moment will not settle, and in fact, it will be in the effort to preach to the same hostility that Timothy will be martyred.
Who are the members of your circle of trust in matters of Faith? Do you share the tales of your struggles with others? Whose witness in the face of difficulties has enabled you to continue to proclaim the Faith in spite of obstacles?
Reflections on the Liturgy: GLORIA
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you,
we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Gloria has a few changes that come from the original text in Latin. As before, a number of these texts now relate more clearly to their source in Sacred Scripture. We are all familiar with the song of the Angelic Choir at Bethlehem. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will.” (Lk 2:14). The Vulgate (the Latin Bible) has this: “Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra, pax in hominibus bonae voluntatis.”
There is a lovely movement from the Hymn of Praise sung by the Angels, the Glory given in the highest, to the kind of praise that human beings have to offer. In order to give high praise from earth, we need to express it in multiple ways. “Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te….” – “We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you.”
Our current translation opted to simplify, leaving out several expressions and rearranging the order for some unknown reason. There is a “build-up” to the acknowledgement of Who God IS, with the titles “Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.” A three-fold expression is repeated using “glory” and addressing God as Lord and King and Father.
Similarly Jesus is addressed with distinct titles as Lord and Christ, Only-Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God and Son of the Father. The cry for mercy is restored to its three-fold pattern as in the Penitential Rite. Here the role of Jesus as God’s Lamb is brought out in great relief. This also comes from Scripture: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)
Parts that are not changed have Scriptural references that have not been obscured: Holy One -- “For you alone are holy” (Rev 15:4) and Most High - “Let them know that you alone, you whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalm 83:19)
We praise God with the highest praise, singing to Him in words of Scripture with titles that remind us of His exalted nature. Earth offers the Trinity tokens of praise and glory that draw us into the Communion of Life and Love shared by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. That gives us Pax – Shalom: Peace and Wholeness in a Living Relationship with God as Church.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor March 27
Dear Parishioners:
All of us thirst for something. The Samaritan Woman was thirsty for water. Jesus’ thirst was for souls. The readings this weekend invite us to get in touch with the longings that are deep in our hearts. What is it that we really want? When we become aware of the deepest aspirations of our hearts, we are ready to enter into true dialogue with God.
The news we hear is not positive. The world is at war and battles are raging in ever new arenas. Natural disasters come upon nations and peoples across the globe. Families struggle in a volatile economy. The Church is in the news with reports of scandals that challenge our trust in one another. We are all so busy about many things and we easily set aside the means available to help us to meet these troubles. Can we renew our hearing of the Good News and our zeal for proclaiming it?
Jesus meets us where we are. He is truly our Savior and our Lord. When we open our hearts to Him, we discover that there is a strength that comes from within, a well that rises up supplying us with Living Water. We also find out that we have something more to offer one another. We are not left to meet life’s burdens on our own.
Can you find some time for Jesus to speak to your heart? This week, we had an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Did you take advantage of it? If you did, congratulations! Now, allow the grace and mercy you received to influence your encounters with others. If you missed the opportunity with the St. Timothy Parish Penance Service, then find another. Lent continues for several weeks and all the parishes in our neighborhood and beyond will have times for the Sacrament. Every Saturday at 4 p.m., our church is open and a priest is waiting for you.
Have you heard the invitation to meet Jesus in the Eucharist through Adoration on Wednesdays? He is on the Altar from the morning Mass until early evening. You will discover a Peace that the world cannot give if you sit in His Presence and pour out your heart to Him.
Do you have a Catholic friend or two with whom you can speak about your Faith? Jesus sent His disciples two by two for a reason. Two or three who gather in His Name make Him present to one another and to the world. If you have a friend like that or if you are part of a group of Catholics that speak at some depth, share your thirst. Tell someone what you are asking God for. Ask for support in your journey. If you don’t yet have a group, start one!
The Year of Prayer: Obsecro te Domine
I BESEECH Thee, most sweet Lord Jesus Christ,
that Thy Passion may be to me power
by which I may be strengthened, protected and defended.
May Thy wounds be to me food and drink
by which I may be nourished, inebriated, and delighted.
May the sprinkling of Thy Blood
be to me an ablution for all my sins.
May Thy death prove for me unfailing life,
and may Thy Cross be to me eternal glory.
In these be my refreshment, joy, health,
and delight of my heart:
Thou who livest and reignest forever. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
“When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began to occupy himself
totally with preaching the word, testifying to the Jews that the Messiah was Jesus.” (Acts 18:5) Timothy was a companion of Paul and because Paul was connected, he was able to put the young man in touch with others. In this text, we hear about Timothy’s association with Silas. We saw Silas and Timothy left behind in Macedonia while Paul was sent on to Athens to get out of some controversies.
By himself, Paul preached and tried to teach, but he did not have much of a response and he also had to fend for himself. When Silas and Timothy joined him, however, things started looking up. He was able to focus himself on the heart of his message: the long-awaited Messiah is Jesus. He was free to preach the Word without worrying about some more mundane matters. This is part of the gift of Community.
As a witness to St. Timothy’s role, we continue to work together to do what is necessary for all the members of our parish family. Each of us has a role to play. Can we discover our own unique gifts and contribute to the Mission of proclaiming God’s Word and revealing Who Jesus Is as the Christ?
Reflections on the Liturgy: PENITENTIAL ACT, Form B
Priest: Have mercy on us, O Lord.
People: For we have sinned against you.
Priest: Show us, O Lord, your mercy.
People: And grant us your salvation.
Baruch 3:2 is the source for the first part of this form of the Penitential Act:
“Hear, LORD, and have mercy, for you are a merciful God; have mercy on us, who have sinned against you.” This text is from the Greek Bible, the Septuagint, and it is the source for the form that still appears in the Mass: “Kyrie, eleison.”
The latter part comes from Psalm 85:8: “Show us, LORD, your mercy; grant us your salvation.” The word for mercy is hesed, often translated also as “love.” It is the covenant gift that enables us to respond to God as He relates to us.
Many other Scriptures include these expressions of a heart-felt cry for mercy.
Have mercy on us: II Maccabees 2:18; Matthew 9:27, 20:30-31; Luke 17:12-13.
We have sinned against you: Numbers 21:7; Nehemiah 1:5-7; Jeremiah 14:7, 20-21; Judith 7:30.
Show mercy: I Kings 8:50; Sirach 36:11.
Grant salvation: Psalm 118:25.
The new version of this form is a re-translation that does not change the text as the previous translation did. It is not employed very often. But the new translation makes clearer that it is an appropriation of Biblical prayer. God’s own Word supplies our expression of need for His mercy and salvation.
All of us thirst for something. The Samaritan Woman was thirsty for water. Jesus’ thirst was for souls. The readings this weekend invite us to get in touch with the longings that are deep in our hearts. What is it that we really want? When we become aware of the deepest aspirations of our hearts, we are ready to enter into true dialogue with God.
The news we hear is not positive. The world is at war and battles are raging in ever new arenas. Natural disasters come upon nations and peoples across the globe. Families struggle in a volatile economy. The Church is in the news with reports of scandals that challenge our trust in one another. We are all so busy about many things and we easily set aside the means available to help us to meet these troubles. Can we renew our hearing of the Good News and our zeal for proclaiming it?
Jesus meets us where we are. He is truly our Savior and our Lord. When we open our hearts to Him, we discover that there is a strength that comes from within, a well that rises up supplying us with Living Water. We also find out that we have something more to offer one another. We are not left to meet life’s burdens on our own.
Can you find some time for Jesus to speak to your heart? This week, we had an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Did you take advantage of it? If you did, congratulations! Now, allow the grace and mercy you received to influence your encounters with others. If you missed the opportunity with the St. Timothy Parish Penance Service, then find another. Lent continues for several weeks and all the parishes in our neighborhood and beyond will have times for the Sacrament. Every Saturday at 4 p.m., our church is open and a priest is waiting for you.
Have you heard the invitation to meet Jesus in the Eucharist through Adoration on Wednesdays? He is on the Altar from the morning Mass until early evening. You will discover a Peace that the world cannot give if you sit in His Presence and pour out your heart to Him.
Do you have a Catholic friend or two with whom you can speak about your Faith? Jesus sent His disciples two by two for a reason. Two or three who gather in His Name make Him present to one another and to the world. If you have a friend like that or if you are part of a group of Catholics that speak at some depth, share your thirst. Tell someone what you are asking God for. Ask for support in your journey. If you don’t yet have a group, start one!
The Year of Prayer: Obsecro te Domine
I BESEECH Thee, most sweet Lord Jesus Christ,
that Thy Passion may be to me power
by which I may be strengthened, protected and defended.
May Thy wounds be to me food and drink
by which I may be nourished, inebriated, and delighted.
May the sprinkling of Thy Blood
be to me an ablution for all my sins.
May Thy death prove for me unfailing life,
and may Thy Cross be to me eternal glory.
In these be my refreshment, joy, health,
and delight of my heart:
Thou who livest and reignest forever. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
“When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began to occupy himself
totally with preaching the word, testifying to the Jews that the Messiah was Jesus.” (Acts 18:5) Timothy was a companion of Paul and because Paul was connected, he was able to put the young man in touch with others. In this text, we hear about Timothy’s association with Silas. We saw Silas and Timothy left behind in Macedonia while Paul was sent on to Athens to get out of some controversies.
By himself, Paul preached and tried to teach, but he did not have much of a response and he also had to fend for himself. When Silas and Timothy joined him, however, things started looking up. He was able to focus himself on the heart of his message: the long-awaited Messiah is Jesus. He was free to preach the Word without worrying about some more mundane matters. This is part of the gift of Community.
As a witness to St. Timothy’s role, we continue to work together to do what is necessary for all the members of our parish family. Each of us has a role to play. Can we discover our own unique gifts and contribute to the Mission of proclaiming God’s Word and revealing Who Jesus Is as the Christ?
Reflections on the Liturgy: PENITENTIAL ACT, Form B
Priest: Have mercy on us, O Lord.
People: For we have sinned against you.
Priest: Show us, O Lord, your mercy.
People: And grant us your salvation.
Baruch 3:2 is the source for the first part of this form of the Penitential Act:
“Hear, LORD, and have mercy, for you are a merciful God; have mercy on us, who have sinned against you.” This text is from the Greek Bible, the Septuagint, and it is the source for the form that still appears in the Mass: “Kyrie, eleison.”
The latter part comes from Psalm 85:8: “Show us, LORD, your mercy; grant us your salvation.” The word for mercy is hesed, often translated also as “love.” It is the covenant gift that enables us to respond to God as He relates to us.
Many other Scriptures include these expressions of a heart-felt cry for mercy.
Have mercy on us: II Maccabees 2:18; Matthew 9:27, 20:30-31; Luke 17:12-13.
We have sinned against you: Numbers 21:7; Nehemiah 1:5-7; Jeremiah 14:7, 20-21; Judith 7:30.
Show mercy: I Kings 8:50; Sirach 36:11.
Grant salvation: Psalm 118:25.
The new version of this form is a re-translation that does not change the text as the previous translation did. It is not employed very often. But the new translation makes clearer that it is an appropriation of Biblical prayer. God’s own Word supplies our expression of need for His mercy and salvation.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor March 20
Dear Parishioners:
As we enter into the next several weeks of Lent, we experience in the Liturgy themes that help us to focus our attention on the Paschal Mystery. This weekend, we hear the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus. This wonderful moment in the life of Jesus and His disciples Peter, James and John is a hint of the glory of the Resurrection that is given shortly before His suffering and death. It is a profound experience which reveals many things that can be discovered through a prayerful reflection on the texts.
Our human nature is destined for glory. Already, before the Resurrection, an experience of intense prayer allow an “overflow” of this glory that is seen by the three Apostles. Prayer puts us in touch with God and also with the Saints of every age. Jesus is seen with Moses and Elijah, speaking of what is to happen in Jerusalem. The experience of prayer is not able to be communicated fully from one person to another, and yet there is an aspect of sharing that is possible. The wisdom and insight that come from deep prayer are beyond words, but we can share that contemplative insight in a way that adds richness to the Faith of others. Prayer reveals the belovedness of each of us. Jesus is God’s Beloved Son and in Jesus, each an every one of us is also beloved of God.
The members of the RCIA – now properly called the Elect since the Bishop has called them to the Easter Sacraments – will continue to be held before us for prayer throughout the Lenten Season. This weekend, those baptized in other Christian Communions, Candidates for Full Communion in the Catholic Church, experience a Penitential Scrutiny. The next three weekends our attention will be on three Scrutinies for the Catechumens, the unbaptized. These rites call all of us to do an examination of our hearts to open to the grace God offers through Faith.
The Year of Prayer: A Lenten Prayer
Let me hold fast to You, Lord, whom the angels themselves yearn to look upon. Wherever You go, I will follow You. If You pass through fire, I will not flinch; I fear no evil when You are with me. You carry my griefs, because You grieve for my sake. You passed through the narrow doorway from death to life, to make it wide enough for all to follow. Nothing can ever now separate me from Your Love. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy
Timothy is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as a companion of Paul many times, often in passing. While the “real action” being told is what happens to Paul, we can attend to Timothy’s situation and get a glimpse into the formative influence of the Apostle on his young disciple. Acts Chapter 17 had Paul involved in a number of scrapes. He and several companions including Timothy are in Thessalonica, preaching the Gospel. Members of the local Jewish congregation stir up some trouble for Paul, so he is sent out of town with the hope that things will settle. They end up in Beroea, where Paul continues to preach to some effect. When the Thessalonicans who were stirring up trouble hear that Paul is there, they follow to create more controversy. Paul is sent off on his own to Athens, and we are told that Timothy and Silas are left behind.
This scenario suggests several things. First, Timothy is truly a companion in times of trouble. He is with Paul and others in the midst of difficulty. He knows the score because he sees it played out in front of him. He sees Paul’s perseverance and along with the other companions, he hangs in there with him. He apparently has some skills for keeping a level head when others around him are in turmoil. They don’t feel the need to send him away with Paul. Paul asks that Timothy and Silas join him to continue on with the journey. (Acts 17:14-15)
These reflections show us that even in his early days, our Patron was a rather good witness of Christian discipleship and brotherhood.
Reflections on the Liturgy: PENITENTIAL ACT, Form A Confiteor
There will be a few minor changes in the first formula for the Penitential Rite. The Confiteor, the “I confess” prayer has been retranslated and parts left out in the first translation have been added back in.
I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done
and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.
The two changes in this text come from Latin expressions that were simply left out in the translation we are currently familiar with. It was an effort to “simplify” in accord with the principle of “noble simplicity” that tends to characterize the Latin Rite. However, it left out the fact that often psychologically we need to hear something or say something more than once for emphasis and to penetrate our distractions.
“I have greatly sinned” was David’s response acknowledging his own sin against the Lord in I Chronicles 21:8 (parallel II Samuel 24:10). The threefold repetition happens often in the Liturgy and in Scripture. Consider the Holy, Holy, Holy of the Sanctus and the threefold question of Jesus to Peter: “Do you love me?” in John 21 corresponding to Peter’s threefold denial at the High Priests’ courtyard. We acknowledge our sin to God and to ourselves and so open to the Mercy offered.
As we enter into the next several weeks of Lent, we experience in the Liturgy themes that help us to focus our attention on the Paschal Mystery. This weekend, we hear the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus. This wonderful moment in the life of Jesus and His disciples Peter, James and John is a hint of the glory of the Resurrection that is given shortly before His suffering and death. It is a profound experience which reveals many things that can be discovered through a prayerful reflection on the texts.
Our human nature is destined for glory. Already, before the Resurrection, an experience of intense prayer allow an “overflow” of this glory that is seen by the three Apostles. Prayer puts us in touch with God and also with the Saints of every age. Jesus is seen with Moses and Elijah, speaking of what is to happen in Jerusalem. The experience of prayer is not able to be communicated fully from one person to another, and yet there is an aspect of sharing that is possible. The wisdom and insight that come from deep prayer are beyond words, but we can share that contemplative insight in a way that adds richness to the Faith of others. Prayer reveals the belovedness of each of us. Jesus is God’s Beloved Son and in Jesus, each an every one of us is also beloved of God.
The members of the RCIA – now properly called the Elect since the Bishop has called them to the Easter Sacraments – will continue to be held before us for prayer throughout the Lenten Season. This weekend, those baptized in other Christian Communions, Candidates for Full Communion in the Catholic Church, experience a Penitential Scrutiny. The next three weekends our attention will be on three Scrutinies for the Catechumens, the unbaptized. These rites call all of us to do an examination of our hearts to open to the grace God offers through Faith.
The Year of Prayer: A Lenten Prayer
Let me hold fast to You, Lord, whom the angels themselves yearn to look upon. Wherever You go, I will follow You. If You pass through fire, I will not flinch; I fear no evil when You are with me. You carry my griefs, because You grieve for my sake. You passed through the narrow doorway from death to life, to make it wide enough for all to follow. Nothing can ever now separate me from Your Love. Amen.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy
Timothy is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as a companion of Paul many times, often in passing. While the “real action” being told is what happens to Paul, we can attend to Timothy’s situation and get a glimpse into the formative influence of the Apostle on his young disciple. Acts Chapter 17 had Paul involved in a number of scrapes. He and several companions including Timothy are in Thessalonica, preaching the Gospel. Members of the local Jewish congregation stir up some trouble for Paul, so he is sent out of town with the hope that things will settle. They end up in Beroea, where Paul continues to preach to some effect. When the Thessalonicans who were stirring up trouble hear that Paul is there, they follow to create more controversy. Paul is sent off on his own to Athens, and we are told that Timothy and Silas are left behind.
This scenario suggests several things. First, Timothy is truly a companion in times of trouble. He is with Paul and others in the midst of difficulty. He knows the score because he sees it played out in front of him. He sees Paul’s perseverance and along with the other companions, he hangs in there with him. He apparently has some skills for keeping a level head when others around him are in turmoil. They don’t feel the need to send him away with Paul. Paul asks that Timothy and Silas join him to continue on with the journey. (Acts 17:14-15)
These reflections show us that even in his early days, our Patron was a rather good witness of Christian discipleship and brotherhood.
Reflections on the Liturgy: PENITENTIAL ACT, Form A Confiteor
There will be a few minor changes in the first formula for the Penitential Rite. The Confiteor, the “I confess” prayer has been retranslated and parts left out in the first translation have been added back in.
I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done
and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.
The two changes in this text come from Latin expressions that were simply left out in the translation we are currently familiar with. It was an effort to “simplify” in accord with the principle of “noble simplicity” that tends to characterize the Latin Rite. However, it left out the fact that often psychologically we need to hear something or say something more than once for emphasis and to penetrate our distractions.
“I have greatly sinned” was David’s response acknowledging his own sin against the Lord in I Chronicles 21:8 (parallel II Samuel 24:10). The threefold repetition happens often in the Liturgy and in Scripture. Consider the Holy, Holy, Holy of the Sanctus and the threefold question of Jesus to Peter: “Do you love me?” in John 21 corresponding to Peter’s threefold denial at the High Priests’ courtyard. We acknowledge our sin to God and to ourselves and so open to the Mercy offered.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor March 13
Dear Parishioners:
The First Sunday of Lent is a moment of Election – recognition of our status as God’s Chosen Ones. It is also an invitation to Choose God as First in our lives.
No doubt we all have the experience at one time or another in our lives of not being chosen. We do all we can to prepare for something, but then we are left at the mercy of others who select those who will be “in.” This is a humbling experience. When we happen to be among those who are chosen, we feel accepted. We belong. The team or the group that has invited us into membership is ours. We are “we” and no longer among “them,” that is, those who are outside. It is God’s plan to invite all who hear and accept the invitation to enter His Kingdom.
As members of the People of God, it is our responsibility to ensure that all are able to hear the invitation as addressed personally to them. Lent is a special time to acknowledge the wondrous mystery that we are among the chosen. It is a time to review the temptations that confront us. Jesus’ temptations remind us of what is in us that can turn inward: a tendency to self-sufficiency, a grasp for power and control, a failure to put God first.
Some in our world deny the existence of personal evil, the devil. One response to this is very simple, “then who tempted Jesus?” As the Son of God in the flesh, there is no evil in Him, so no source for temptation except from outside His Person. For most of us, the devil is content to watch us create our own falsehood and just to encourage us down false paths of our own making. For Jesus, the temptation has to be at the root and from beyond what is in Him. It is for our sake that He experiences these temptations and His overcoming of them is a reminder to us of the power of grace at work in our human nature.
The Year of Prayer: Act of Love
O my God, I love You above all things with my whole heart and soul, because You are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for love of you. I forgive all who have injured me, and asked pardon for all whom I have injured.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
Having offered an overview of what we can learn about St. Timothy from Scripture and Tradition, now we can delve a little more deeply into the Scriptures associated with him. Acts 15:36 – 18:22 gives us an account of St. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey. It is in the context of this journey that St. Paul first encounters Timothy.
“Paul reached also Derbe and Lystra where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him, and Paul wanted him to come along with him. n account of the Jews of that region, Paul had him circumcised, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.” (Acts 16:1-3)
This encounter was a real boost for Paul. In the previous chapter, we hear that Paul had to “do battle” for the Gospel with the Apostles in Jerusalem, and then that he had a falling out with Barnabas over their traveling companion John Mark. It was a happy chance that Timothy came on the scene. The good report from other Christians was a plus. And the fact that he was ready and available to join Paul on the journey with Silas was encouraging.
Paul had the opportunity to show that he could compromise when there was good reason. His having Timothy follow the custom of circumcision was a sign that he was willing to work with the folks who felt that Jews should be Jews in practice even in their embrace of Christianity. Recall how hard he had fought to have Gentiles recognized as Gentiles and not constrained to Jewish practices first. Paul was all about freedom in Christ. Our Timothy was one who was willing to work with Paul from the start, even though it was a sacrifice for him personally!
Reflections on the Liturgy:
In the months ahead, we will be making preparations for the change to the new Missal for celebration of Mass. There will be changes in the English that is used both for the People’s parts and the parts said by the Celebrant and the other ministers.
Let’s first begin to take a look at the changes that will take place for the People. The Diocese of Columbus has created cards that will be available in the pews and the new missalettes and worship aids that will be used will include the changes as well.
One change that will be most evident will be the translation of the exchange between the Celebrant and the People that occurs rather often in our prayers. Old-timers will remember the Latin:
Dominus vobiscum.
– Et cum spiritu tuo.
OUR PRESENT RESPONSE
Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.
OUR RESPONSE BEGINNING WITH SATURDAY EVENING MASS NOVEMBER 26 2011
Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And with your spirit.
There are two main reasons for this change. First, the new form of English better represents the response as it is in Latin and in virtually every other language among the vernacular translations of the Mass. (There are a few that are similar to the English form, but that is usually because they were translated from English and not from the original Latin.) When the Liturgy of the Latin Rite is celebrated, it is reasonable to expect the same meaning even though it is in different languages. That is the point of translation in the first place.
The second reason is that the Latin text is directly associated with Sacred Scripture. When different forms and meaning are expressed as an interpretation of the meaning of the original Latin, the connection with Scripture is lost.
In this case, “and with your spirit” comes directly from Scripture.
• St. Paul writes to the Galatians: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18)
• He says to the Philippians: “The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philippians 4:23)
• In his Second Letter to Timothy, he closes with: “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with all of you.” (II Timothy 4:22)
This text speaks to the unity of spirit between St. Paul and the fellow Christians whom he is addressing. When we use the formula in Mass and on other occasions, we are emphasizing the living relationship in the Spirit that we have that enables us to pray from our unity in Christ and to worship the Living God.
Some comment that they do not like the form “and with your spirit” because we do not ordinarily talk that way. But the text is Scripture and its meaning conveys more than a simple response: “yeah, with you too.” Even the formula “and also with you” is different from our daily form of speech. So it makes sense to be more literal in translation and hence more Scriptural, so we can acknowledge in our worship that we are speaking in direct line with those who gave us the Bible and with the Spirit Who inspired them and Who continues to infuse our worship with power.
The First Sunday of Lent is a moment of Election – recognition of our status as God’s Chosen Ones. It is also an invitation to Choose God as First in our lives.
No doubt we all have the experience at one time or another in our lives of not being chosen. We do all we can to prepare for something, but then we are left at the mercy of others who select those who will be “in.” This is a humbling experience. When we happen to be among those who are chosen, we feel accepted. We belong. The team or the group that has invited us into membership is ours. We are “we” and no longer among “them,” that is, those who are outside. It is God’s plan to invite all who hear and accept the invitation to enter His Kingdom.
As members of the People of God, it is our responsibility to ensure that all are able to hear the invitation as addressed personally to them. Lent is a special time to acknowledge the wondrous mystery that we are among the chosen. It is a time to review the temptations that confront us. Jesus’ temptations remind us of what is in us that can turn inward: a tendency to self-sufficiency, a grasp for power and control, a failure to put God first.
Some in our world deny the existence of personal evil, the devil. One response to this is very simple, “then who tempted Jesus?” As the Son of God in the flesh, there is no evil in Him, so no source for temptation except from outside His Person. For most of us, the devil is content to watch us create our own falsehood and just to encourage us down false paths of our own making. For Jesus, the temptation has to be at the root and from beyond what is in Him. It is for our sake that He experiences these temptations and His overcoming of them is a reminder to us of the power of grace at work in our human nature.
The Year of Prayer: Act of Love
O my God, I love You above all things with my whole heart and soul, because You are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for love of you. I forgive all who have injured me, and asked pardon for all whom I have injured.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
Having offered an overview of what we can learn about St. Timothy from Scripture and Tradition, now we can delve a little more deeply into the Scriptures associated with him. Acts 15:36 – 18:22 gives us an account of St. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey. It is in the context of this journey that St. Paul first encounters Timothy.
“Paul reached also Derbe and Lystra where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him, and Paul wanted him to come along with him. n account of the Jews of that region, Paul had him circumcised, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.” (Acts 16:1-3)
This encounter was a real boost for Paul. In the previous chapter, we hear that Paul had to “do battle” for the Gospel with the Apostles in Jerusalem, and then that he had a falling out with Barnabas over their traveling companion John Mark. It was a happy chance that Timothy came on the scene. The good report from other Christians was a plus. And the fact that he was ready and available to join Paul on the journey with Silas was encouraging.
Paul had the opportunity to show that he could compromise when there was good reason. His having Timothy follow the custom of circumcision was a sign that he was willing to work with the folks who felt that Jews should be Jews in practice even in their embrace of Christianity. Recall how hard he had fought to have Gentiles recognized as Gentiles and not constrained to Jewish practices first. Paul was all about freedom in Christ. Our Timothy was one who was willing to work with Paul from the start, even though it was a sacrifice for him personally!
Reflections on the Liturgy:
In the months ahead, we will be making preparations for the change to the new Missal for celebration of Mass. There will be changes in the English that is used both for the People’s parts and the parts said by the Celebrant and the other ministers.
Let’s first begin to take a look at the changes that will take place for the People. The Diocese of Columbus has created cards that will be available in the pews and the new missalettes and worship aids that will be used will include the changes as well.
One change that will be most evident will be the translation of the exchange between the Celebrant and the People that occurs rather often in our prayers. Old-timers will remember the Latin:
Dominus vobiscum.
– Et cum spiritu tuo.
OUR PRESENT RESPONSE
Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.
OUR RESPONSE BEGINNING WITH SATURDAY EVENING MASS NOVEMBER 26 2011
Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And with your spirit.
There are two main reasons for this change. First, the new form of English better represents the response as it is in Latin and in virtually every other language among the vernacular translations of the Mass. (There are a few that are similar to the English form, but that is usually because they were translated from English and not from the original Latin.) When the Liturgy of the Latin Rite is celebrated, it is reasonable to expect the same meaning even though it is in different languages. That is the point of translation in the first place.
The second reason is that the Latin text is directly associated with Sacred Scripture. When different forms and meaning are expressed as an interpretation of the meaning of the original Latin, the connection with Scripture is lost.
In this case, “and with your spirit” comes directly from Scripture.
• St. Paul writes to the Galatians: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18)
• He says to the Philippians: “The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philippians 4:23)
• In his Second Letter to Timothy, he closes with: “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with all of you.” (II Timothy 4:22)
This text speaks to the unity of spirit between St. Paul and the fellow Christians whom he is addressing. When we use the formula in Mass and on other occasions, we are emphasizing the living relationship in the Spirit that we have that enables us to pray from our unity in Christ and to worship the Living God.
Some comment that they do not like the form “and with your spirit” because we do not ordinarily talk that way. But the text is Scripture and its meaning conveys more than a simple response: “yeah, with you too.” Even the formula “and also with you” is different from our daily form of speech. So it makes sense to be more literal in translation and hence more Scriptural, so we can acknowledge in our worship that we are speaking in direct line with those who gave us the Bible and with the Spirit Who inspired them and Who continues to infuse our worship with power.
Monday, March 7, 2011
A Word from Your Pastor March 6
Dear Parishioners:
Lent begins Wednesday! We have had a long stretch of Ordinary Time and now we enter into the great cycle of the Paschal Mystery. This presents a bit of a challenge, given that the next couple of months are also a busy time of activities that draw our attention. I would like to invite all the members of our parish family to live the Mystery together in a profound way.
Let me offer three suggestions: First, please consider adding one practice of Prayer to your family routine. Take time each Wednesday to adore Jesus in the Eucharist by coming to church during the day. Bring your children and teach them how to pray in silence. Come for five minutes, then ten, then see if you can sped 15 minutes or a half an hour in silence, speaking to the Lord in your heart. If that is not possible, then pray a family Rosary or read from the Bible. This year would be a good year to read the Letters of Timothy. Consider learning to pray part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official Prayer of the Church.
Second, give up something that you enjoy just to express to the Lord that He is more important to you that your own pleasures.. Skip dessert or a favorite food or drink. Turn off the television. Cut out one activity that keeps you apart from your family and find a way to spend real quality time with one another.
Finally, find a form of charity, a way of giving alms, to a purpose or a need that addresses the world’s hunger for justice. Look for a practice that enables you to give of yourself, something that “costs” you for the Kingdom.
An Ideal Lenten Devotion: Christian Prayer, the Universal Prayer of the Church
You are invited to join other St. Timothy parishioners for one, some or all of five Thursdays during Lent 2011: March 10th, 17th and 31st; and April 7th and 14th. Using Shorter Christian Prayer books furnished by St. Timothy parish, we will collectively teach, learn and pray Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. Contact Jeff Baker with questions via 370-5783 or faithful@insight.rr.com. otherwise, guided by the Holy Spirit, just show up at the MPR from 7:00 – 8:00 PM.
The Year of Prayer: Act of Hope
O my God, relying on Your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of Your grace and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
The Scriptures give an account of the beginnings of St. Timothy’s life as a Christian and show him to be a valued co-worker and companion of St. Paul. They also tell us that he spent some time in prison, likely for his witness of Christian Faith. The Letter to the Hebrews has a note as an appendix mentioning “that our brother Timothy has been set free.” (Hebrews 13:23) The Letters to Timothy also point to Timothy’s role as a Bishop, leading a particular church at a young age.
The end of Timothy’s life is not mentioned in the Scriptures. However, Tradition supplies details that are rather interesting. According to a work entitled the “Acts of St. Timothy,” St. Timothy was martyred in Ephesus. At the pagan feast of Katagogia, celebrated in honor of Diana, the goddess worshiped at Ephesus, Timothy was clubbed and stoned to death on January 22, 97, by revelers for his efforts to stop their idolatry. He was buried there and recognized as a martyr. His relics were later translated (moved) to Constantinople by the Emperor Constantine. At the time of the Crusades, they were once again removed and now reside in the Cathedral of Termoli, in Molise, Italy.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
Observance of the seasons and feasts of the Liturgical Calendar is a way for the Church to highlight aspects of the Mystery of Christ in order to lead us to a deeper understanding. The Seasons of Lent and Easter bring out over the course of more than 90 days the central mysteries of our Faith. We are called to live the Paschal Mystery and to recognize that our lives, including our suffering, are meant to be united to the life of Christ, especially in His Paschal Mystery, His suffering, death and Resurrection.
The Season of Lent invites us to pray, to fast and to give alms, in order to prepare ourselves to celebrate the glory of Easter.
LENT BEGINS ASH WEDNESDAY
The following fast and abstinence regulations are observed: Abstinence from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent by all Catholics 14 years and older. Fasting is observed on Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age to 59. Those bound by this rule may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted as necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.
Lent begins Wednesday! We have had a long stretch of Ordinary Time and now we enter into the great cycle of the Paschal Mystery. This presents a bit of a challenge, given that the next couple of months are also a busy time of activities that draw our attention. I would like to invite all the members of our parish family to live the Mystery together in a profound way.
Let me offer three suggestions: First, please consider adding one practice of Prayer to your family routine. Take time each Wednesday to adore Jesus in the Eucharist by coming to church during the day. Bring your children and teach them how to pray in silence. Come for five minutes, then ten, then see if you can sped 15 minutes or a half an hour in silence, speaking to the Lord in your heart. If that is not possible, then pray a family Rosary or read from the Bible. This year would be a good year to read the Letters of Timothy. Consider learning to pray part of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official Prayer of the Church.
Second, give up something that you enjoy just to express to the Lord that He is more important to you that your own pleasures.. Skip dessert or a favorite food or drink. Turn off the television. Cut out one activity that keeps you apart from your family and find a way to spend real quality time with one another.
Finally, find a form of charity, a way of giving alms, to a purpose or a need that addresses the world’s hunger for justice. Look for a practice that enables you to give of yourself, something that “costs” you for the Kingdom.
An Ideal Lenten Devotion: Christian Prayer, the Universal Prayer of the Church
You are invited to join other St. Timothy parishioners for one, some or all of five Thursdays during Lent 2011: March 10th, 17th and 31st; and April 7th and 14th. Using Shorter Christian Prayer books furnished by St. Timothy parish, we will collectively teach, learn and pray Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. Contact Jeff Baker with questions via 370-5783 or faithful@insight.rr.com. otherwise, guided by the Holy Spirit, just show up at the MPR from 7:00 – 8:00 PM.
The Year of Prayer: Act of Hope
O my God, relying on Your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of Your grace and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
The Scriptures give an account of the beginnings of St. Timothy’s life as a Christian and show him to be a valued co-worker and companion of St. Paul. They also tell us that he spent some time in prison, likely for his witness of Christian Faith. The Letter to the Hebrews has a note as an appendix mentioning “that our brother Timothy has been set free.” (Hebrews 13:23) The Letters to Timothy also point to Timothy’s role as a Bishop, leading a particular church at a young age.
The end of Timothy’s life is not mentioned in the Scriptures. However, Tradition supplies details that are rather interesting. According to a work entitled the “Acts of St. Timothy,” St. Timothy was martyred in Ephesus. At the pagan feast of Katagogia, celebrated in honor of Diana, the goddess worshiped at Ephesus, Timothy was clubbed and stoned to death on January 22, 97, by revelers for his efforts to stop their idolatry. He was buried there and recognized as a martyr. His relics were later translated (moved) to Constantinople by the Emperor Constantine. At the time of the Crusades, they were once again removed and now reside in the Cathedral of Termoli, in Molise, Italy.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
Observance of the seasons and feasts of the Liturgical Calendar is a way for the Church to highlight aspects of the Mystery of Christ in order to lead us to a deeper understanding. The Seasons of Lent and Easter bring out over the course of more than 90 days the central mysteries of our Faith. We are called to live the Paschal Mystery and to recognize that our lives, including our suffering, are meant to be united to the life of Christ, especially in His Paschal Mystery, His suffering, death and Resurrection.
The Season of Lent invites us to pray, to fast and to give alms, in order to prepare ourselves to celebrate the glory of Easter.
LENT BEGINS ASH WEDNESDAY
The following fast and abstinence regulations are observed: Abstinence from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent by all Catholics 14 years and older. Fasting is observed on Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age to 59. Those bound by this rule may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted as necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.
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