As time goes on, I hope to share some notes from my Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St. Timothy and St. Paul. This will be an ongoing part of our Parish Golden Jubilee.
The heart of the journey was some time at Ephesus. According to tradition, this ancient city was the location where much that we take for granted as our Christian heritage came to fruition. Many of the figures of the early Christian community spent some time there. Quite a number of our Scriptures seems to have originated from there. For us, the fact that our Patron St. Timothy was the first Bishop of Ephesus is significant. Tradition also tells us that St. John the Apostle and the Blessed Virgin Mary had a home there together.
Footsteps Pilgrims at the House of Mary in Ephesus
On the grounds of the House of Mary, there is a Franciscan monastery. Our pilgrim group had a lovely Mass there and all of you were held in prayer in a special way.
House of Mary and Statue in Monastery Chapel
Notice the St. Timothy Parish and School Directories
at the foot of our Blessed Mother
Countdown to our Golden Jubilee: Getting to know Saint Timothy.
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the Word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. (II Timothy 2:7-10)
When many of us were young, we heard three words from the good Religious Sisters who taught us: “Offer it up.” They would give this advice in response to any situation where there was an experience of pain or suffering. St. Paul’s words to St. Timothy offer this model. Paul is able to acknowledge that there is a purpose and meaning to the hardships he experiences for the sake of the Gospel. He is confident that his sufferings are beneficial for those to whom he preaches.
Salvation comes from Jesus Christ, raised from the dead and a descendant of David, and yet, those who receive the Gospel also have a share in bringing salvation to others. We are called to remember this, especially when we feel constrained by the world around us. The Word of God is never contrained.
Reflections on the Liturgy:
The Mass is a tremendous gift that is often taken for granted. The change in the English version that we will experience at the beginning of Advent will challenge us to pay close attention to what we say. It is an opportunity to renew our understanding of the depth and meaning of the Liturgy. This effort to understand also serves to call us to a deeper attention to our prayer outside of the Mass.
All the forms of prayer that Christians experience must flow from and prepare for a worthy celebration of the Mass. It is important to realize that Mass is the highest form of prayer, because it is the prayer of Christ Himself. In these last weeks before we begin to make use of the new Roman Missal, we can prepare by looking into the forms of prayer that make up our daily lives.
There are four primary ways of prayer: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
Contrition is an attitude of realism concerning our own sinfulness. We are sorry for our sins, not for fear of punishment (that is attrition), but because we are aware of the harm our sins cause and because we love God and do not wan to offend Him.
In our worship, we must first express our sorrow for sin and ask for God’s Mercy. True worship of the Living God can only be given by a contrite heart. The Mass begins with an expression of sorrow.
The Confiteor is our confession of sin and our acknowledgement of our need for God to put us back in right relationship with Him and with the Church. Our cry of “Kyrie, eleison; Christe, eleison; Kyrie, eleison” is a call for Mercy. The expression of God’s Mercy by the priest is a reflection of what happens in the Sacrament of Penance through absolution.
“I am sorry” is an expression that is healing in human relationships. “Please forgive me” is said as an act of humility that creates room for growth and renewal among human beings who have hurt one another. This is also true in relationship to God.
An examination of conscience precedes confession of our guilt before we approach the Sacrament of Penance. We would do well to approach Mass with a similar self-examination, to discover our attitudes and to ensure that we are properly disposed toward this act of worship.
During Mass, there are moments of silence that invite us to recognize our need for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Before receiving Holy Communion, we ask the Lord “but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” Opening our hearts to God, being truly contrite, we allow Him to bring us to the transformation that brings salvation and forgiveness of sin.
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