St. Michael Parish: New Beginnings
February 10th, 2015, 7:30-9:00Session 8
Welcome to our 8th session of New Beginnings. Tonight’s lesson will be broken up into three sections
- A discussion on Jesus: A Pilgrimage… Chapter 5: Jordan, pages 96-113
- Section 2: Lectio Divina, the Word February 15th: Mark 1:40–45
February 22nd: Mark 1:12–15
- Introduction to Our Catholic Identity workbook pages 6-8
Welcome to the Sixth Sundays of Ordinary Time and the First Sunday of Lent:
What is Lent?
In his Lenten message for 2015. . . , Pope Francis asks us to "make our hearts firm" (Jas 5:8) and to be "merciful, attentive and generous." Embrace his call to mercy by reaching out to those in need. Be attentive to the Lenten call to prayer; be generous with your time and treasure.
"Through prayer, charity and humility before God, people receive a heart "which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed, indifferent or prey to the globalization of indifference," Pope Francis said in his message for Lent, which begins February 18 for Latin-rite Catholics
Raise Up. Sacrifice. Offer: This Lent, we are encouraged to raise up the needs of the world in prayer, to sacrifice by giving up food and material wants, and to offer our time, talent and treasure as good stewards of the gifts God has given us.
"…how greatly I desire that all those places where the Church is present, especially our parishes and our communities, may become islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference!" — Pope Francis, Message for Lent 2015. . .
During Lent, the Church asks us to surrender ourselves to prayer and to the reading of Scripture, to fasting and to giving alms. The fasting that all do together on Fridays is but a sign of the daily Lenten discipline of individuals and households: fasting for certain periods of time, fasting from certain foods, but also fasting from other things and activities. Likewise, the giving of alms is some effort to share this world equally—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents. Contemplate the meaning and origins of the Lenten fasting tradition in this reflection.
In Lent, the baptized are called to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptized through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a period of learning and discernment for individuals who have declared their desire to become Catholics.
The key to fruitful observance of these practices is to recognize their link to baptismal renewal. We are called not just to abstain from sin during Lent, but to true conversion of our hearts and minds as followers of Christ. We recall those waters in which we were baptized into Christ's death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.
Catholics are also encouraged to make going to confession a significant part of their spiritual lives during Lent. The U.S. Bishops' statement, "God's Gift of Forgiveness: The Pastoral Exhortation on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation" can be distributed and shared in parishes. Dioceses are encouraged to make the sacrament available often during Lent and to use these resources to promote participation. We also have resources to help individuals who have not been to confession in a while "rediscover" the sacrament.
Section 1: Jesus: A Pilgrimage, by James Martin
Chapter 5: Jordan, pages 96-113.
Jesus somehow came to realize that baptism was what God the Father desired for him—to fulfill “all righteousness.” Perhaps this meant publicly aligning himself with John’s ministry. Perhaps before he began his own ministry, he wanted, in a sense, to pay tribute to that of his cousin, as a way of underlining his solidarity with the Baptist’s message. Jesus may also have wanted to perform a public ritual to inaugurate his own ministry.
But there is another possibility, which is that Jesus decided to enter even more deeply into the human condition. Thou sinless, Jesus participates in the ritual that others are performing as well. He participates in this movement of repentance and conversion not because he needs it, but because it aligns him with those around him, with those anticipating the reign of God, with the community of believers. It’s an act of solidarity, a human act from the Son of God, who casts his lot with the people of the time. It has less to do withhisoriginal sin, which he does not carry, than identifying with those who carry that sin. […] The divine one is fully immersing himself, literally in this case, in our humanity.
We need that reminder of Jesus’ humanity. It helps us relate to him, yes, but it also helps us take him seriously. Somehow, we tend to think that because he was God, things were not as rough for him. We tend to discount his actions in ways that apply more tomethan tohim. We have no evidence that he wasn’t completely sincere, that he didn’t completely love us.
Jesus of Nazareth is not simply the man who preaches and performs miracles. Jesus is not a person who, after his baptism, forgets his old life to start anew. Like all of us, he is more than that. He is the boy who played with his friends in Nazareth, and maybe even made human pyramids with them, laughing all the while. He is the adolescent who asked questions and wondered where his life would lead. He is the adult who worked as atektōnfor many years in his hometown.
To Ponder, Reflect, and Discuss:
- How do you relate to Jesus? How did the reflections in this chapter affect and possibly change that?
- How does a deeper understanding of Baptism help you to better relate to Jesus? Do you find lessons in your own Baptism that you didn’t see before?
- What part or parts of your past do you need to open the door to, to see God at work in them and through them?
Section 2: Lectio Divina, the Word
The artoflectio divinabegins with cultivating the ability to listen deeply, to hear “with the ear of our hearts” as St. Benedict encourages us in the Prologue to the Rule. When we read the Scriptures we should try to imitate the prophet Elijah. We should allow ourselves to become women and men who are able to listen for the still, small voice of God(I Kings 19:12); the “faint murmuring sound” which is God's word for us, God's voice touching our hearts. This gentle listening is an “atunement” to the presence of God in that special part of God's creation which is the Scriptures.
The Weekly Readings for the next two weeks:
Gospel Reading for February 15th: Mark 1:40–45
Healed as Proof
Rather than shunning one who is sick, Jesus touches a leper in order to heal him. He instructs the leper to offer proof to the Levites of his cure. Instead, the healed man himself becomes proof of Jesus’ healing power.
Church Teaching: Anointing of the Sick
A Healing Ministry
Jesus showed compassion for those who were sick and called them to believe in the goodness and healing power of God, the Most High. While Jesus did not heal everyone throughout Galilee and Judea, his miracles signified the fullness of the kingdom to come, when all of creation will be made well and whole.
Jesus’ healing miracles announced a much more radical mending, for it is in Christ that the Most High God reaches out to a broken humanity wounded through sin. Jesus Christ achieves God’s victory over sin and death in the Paschal Mystery. The Church continues the healing mission of the Risen Lord by taking care of those who are ill, praying for them, and by celebrating the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
The Sacrament
Though profound in its accomplishment of outreach, the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated within a relatively simple format. The Word of God is proclaimed. Then the laying on of hands in silence by either a priest or bishop occurs. The priest or bishop anoints the person who is sick with the Oil of the Sick and with prayerful words to invoke the love and mercy of the Lord through the receiving of the Holy Spirit’s grace.
The anointing itself takes place as the words are spoken. The forehead is anointed, and if possible, the hands as well. If the sick person is able to, he or she can then also receive Holy Communion. This ritual may be celebrated in all sorts of venues, such as a private home, in the hospital, in a nursing facility, or in a church. Families and friends are encouraged to be present to offer the comfort and support of the entire Church community.
The Effects of the Sacrament
This Sacrament is a vehicle which conveys four distinct effects:
- The Holy Spirit’s special gift: Strength, peace, and courage are received to help the ailing person fight against despair.
- Oneness with Christ: The sick person is joined to the Passion of Jesus, thus making suffering transformative and redemptive.
- Ecclesial link: Because they are united to the Paschal Mystery, recipients of the Sacrament contribute to the holiness of the Church,
- Preparation for the last journey: When celebrated for a dying person, it becomes final preparation for Heaven; final Eucharist in this instance is called Viaticum.
Distinctiveness of Church Teaching
This Sacrament may be celebrated many times in the life of a believer. Jesus Christ is truly the Divine Physician, the One who gave of his life that we might have life to the fullest.
Nothing can separate us from God’s love, not even pain, suffering, and death. Even these situations can be avenues that express faith. In all circumstances of life, we continue to praise God who heals and offers us eternal life.
Key Terms for the reading:
DIVINE PHYSICIAN
Title of Christ who shows his preferential love for the sick throughout the centuries through the healing ministry of Christians (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 1503).
SACRAMENT
Effective sign of God’s grace instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church so that we might have a share in divine life (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 1131).
VIATICUM
The Eucharist that is received by a person who is dying; the spiritual food to help one pass over to God from this world (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 1524).
Gospel Reading for February 22nd: Mark 1:12–15
God’s Good News
The flood in Noah’s day occurred over forty days of rain. Jesus experiences the dryness of the desert for forty days, remaining faithful to his heavenly Father. After this trial, Christ begins his public ministry, proclaiming the Kingdom of God.
Church Teaching: The Covenant
Covenantal Relationship
The understanding of our relationship with God is grounded in the biblical concept of covenant. A covenant (based on the Hebrew word berit) is a sacred bond between us and God. God initiates this covenantal relationship through promises and guarantees. God promises to be our God, if we promise to be faithful to him.
God maintains the Covenant throughout Salvation History. The original relationship made with Adam and Eve was renewed by God with Noah after the flood. Then for the first time in recorded history, God establishes the Covenant with Abraham and promises that Abraham and his descendants will be the Chosen People and as numerous as the stars in the sky. Later God further solidifies the Covenant on Mount Sinai when Moses receives the Ten Commandments. Finally the Covenant betweenGod and humanity is fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of God, who is the Messiah and Savior of the world.
Characteristics of the Covenant
God initiates. The covenant between God and his people is the result of divine initiative. This unique relationship expressed in the Covenant is not between equals. God is superior to us; he is our Creator and we are created in his image and likeness. God reaches out to us with love, caring for us as his children.
God establishes. The Covenant is not subject to human qualifications. God alone sets the terms because human sinfulness cannot compromise his love. The perfect love of God invites people into a profound relationship—saving us, no matter how often we turn away from God. God will always be there for us, he is the one true God whose love is overflowing.
We respond with love: Our proper response to his perfect love is to imitate his love. We accomplish this through obedience to God’s will. The Latin word for obedience, oboedire, means “to hear” or “to listen.” To love like God is to listen to his Word and surrender in faith.
Distinctiveness of Church Teaching
For Christians, these three characteristics also describe our baptismal promises. Through Baptism we enter into a committed relationship with the Lord—a relationship totally owing to God’s initiative of grace.
Baptism imparts a permanent spiritual mark, the seal of the Lord, on our souls, which can never be taken away. God’s commitment to us is not deterred by our sinfulness. Through Baptism we gain entrance into the Church, called to live a life worthy of the Gospel (see Philippians 1:27). Baptism is the gateway to all other Sacraments. We are joined to Christ and his Church, bringing us into communion with God.
Through the Paschal Mystery, God establishes the way in which we enter into the fulfillment of the Covenant. We are to imitate the life of Christ in our own lives. We are to love one another as Christ loves us.
As members of the Church, we are the Body of Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, we are sanctified in Christ and made worthy to give thanks and praise to God the Father.
Key Terms for the reading:
BAPTISM
Sacrament by which one is reborn into new life in Christ (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 1277).
COVENANT
Solemn agreement between God and humanity, establishing a relationship based on mutual commitments and guarantees (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 71).
SEAL OF THE LORD
The indelible spiritual mark conveyed through Baptism as belonging to God (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 1274).
Section 3: Our Catholic Identity
Chapter 3: Jesus Christ, the Son of God
This section of the workbook focuses on Jesus from his birth to his death. In it we will learn of the following: The Annunciation, Incarnation of the Son of God, the Ministry of Jesus, the Baptism of Jesus (which was the focus of Fr. Martin’s chapter in his book tonight), the Revelation of the Father, the Kingdom of God, the Transfiguration, the Paschal mystery, the Passion of Jesus, and the Resurrection of Christ. While we will cover this in one evening, this is by no means the end of the topic. Jesus is at the center of our Faith and this primer into his life will give us a starting point to understand the main points of our Catholic Faith.
We will meet again on the 24th of February.
Homework: For our next meeting on the 10th of Februaryplease read Jesus: A Pilgrimage, by James Martin,Chapter 6:Rejection.