Day: June 11, 2016

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Thursday, 16 June 2016 : 11th Week of Ordinary Time (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Matthew 6 : 7-15

At that time, Jesus spoke to the people and to His disciples, “When you pray, do not use a lot of words, as the pagans do, for they believe that the more they say, the more chance they have of being heard. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need, even before you ask Him.”

“This, then, is how you should pray : Our Father in heaven, holy be Your Name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, just as we have forgiven those who are in debt to us. Do not bring us to the test, but deliver us from the evil one.”

“If you forgive others their wrongdoings, your Father in heaven will also forgive yours. If you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive you either.”

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Thursday, 16 June 2016 : 11th Week of Ordinary Time (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Psalm 96 : 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7

The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the distant islands be glad. Clouds and darkness surround Him; justice and right are His throne.

Fire goes before Him, burning His foes on every side. His lightning lights up the world; the earth watches and trembles.

The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim His justice, all peoples see His glory.

Shame on worshippers of idols, on those proud of their worthless images. Let all spirits bow before Him.

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Thursday, 16 June 2016 : 11th Week of Ordinary Time (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Sirach 48 : 1-15 (Greek Septuagint version Sirach 48 : 1-14)

Then came the prophet Elijah like a fire, his words a burning torch. He brought a famine on the people and in his zealous love had them reduced in number. Speaking in the Name of the Lord he closed the heavens, and on three occasions called down fire.

How marvellous you were, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Who could ever boast of being your equal? By the word of the Most High you brought a dead man back to life; you brought kings to destruction and thrust famous men from their beds. You heard a rebuke at Sinai and sentences of punishment at Horeb; you anointed kings to be avengers and prophets to succeed you.

You were taken up by a whirlwind of flames in a chariot drawn by fiery horses. It was written that you should be the one to calm God’s anger in the future before it broke out in fury, to turn the hearts of fathers to their sons and to restore the tribe of Jacob. Happy are those who will see you and those who die in love, for we too shall live.

Such was Elijah, taken up in a whirlwind, and Elisha was filled with his spirit. During his life no leader could shake him, no one dominated him. Nothing was too difficult for him and even in death his body prophesied. In life he worked wonders, in death his deeds were amazing.

Despite all this, the people were not converted and did not turn away from sin; not until they were deported far from their country and scattered over the earth.

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Wednesday, 15 June 2016 : 11th Week of Ordinary Time (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, on this day we are reminded of what we as Christians have to do as part of our faith, and God reminds us that whatever we are doing, we should not do it for ourselves, but rather, we have to do it for the sake of the Lord our God. This is what we often tend to forget and which we also tend to overlook.

We just have to look at the examples of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law at the time of Jesus, whose teachings do not correspond to the actions which they have taken. They preached one thing, but then in their actions they were not genuine in their faith. Jesus elaborated extensively on that matter, criticising them as hypocrites and those who sought to bring about their own personal glory.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us just see some of the examples. The Pharisees were overly concerned about their appearances and about how the people perceived them and their actions. They feared that the people would abandon them and their teachings for Jesus, Who taught with authority and with truth, and who did not just preach but also practiced what He preached.

And Jesus our Lord was right in criticising them, because their actions were not done for the sake of the Lord and His people, but instead, they were meant for themselves, to advance their own positions and to satisfy their own need and greed. They prayed in public places with a loud voice and with great appearances so that the people would see them and what they were doing, and then praise them and gave them the prestige and honour which they desired for so much.

And when they fasted, they fasted publicly, showing sad and gloomy faces, to show others that they were fasting, just as Jesus mentioned. And He pointed out that in doing so, they risked themselves, or indeed they had purposefully done so, that they again might be noticed by the people. And they gained the satisfaction when people praised them for what they have done, and they grew proud in their hearts.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, what the Pharisees had done then, are also applicable to us all as well. How often was it throughout our history that we have acted in ways so as to satisfy our own personal desires and wants? And how often is it that men had been so selfish so as they forgot about others around them, or even trample at them in order to fulfil our own needs?

And the most important of all, is that the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law did not give glory to God and neither did they love Him or have true faith for Him when they did all the things they have done. They did it for themselves, and not for God or for His people. And that was exactly why the Lord rebuked them and condemned them harshly for it.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, from all that we have heard and discussed today, let us all come to the realisation that each and every one of us as Christians must have genuine and living faith in our God, and this means that we must truly have that devotion for our God, and when we do everything, let us do it for the Lord our God.

May God strengthen our faith and empower us always to be filled with faith, hope and love, so that in all the things we do, we will always be ever faithful to Him, our Lord and God, and be worthy of His life everlasting. Amen.

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Schedule of World Youth Day 2016 (27-31 July 2016) – Krakow, Poland

Wednesday, 27 July

4:00pm Arrival at John Paul II International Airport Krakow–Balice WELCOMING CEREMONY
5:00pm Arrival at Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow MEETING WITH AUTHORITIES AND DIPLOMATIC CORPS
5:40pm COURTESY VISIT WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND
6:30pm WAWEL CATHEDRAL – MEETING WITH POLISH BISHOPS Silent prayer at the Tomb of St. Stanislaus, where the relics of Pope St. John Paul II are also displayed, veneration of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel behind the altar.
Address by the Holy Father
IN THE EVENING: BISHOP’S RESIDENCE IN KRAKOW After dinner, the Holy Father will appear in the Papal Window to greet the faithful gathered in the square in front of the Bishop’s Residence in Krakow.

Thursday, 28 July

7:40am Transfer to Balice, along with a stop at the CONVENT OF THE SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION Sisters from this community, along with some students from the schools they run, will be gathered at the entrance to the Chapel of Saints John the Baptist and John the Apostle. Silent common prayer.
9:45am Arrival at JASNA GÓRA MONASTERY in Częstochowa Prayer in the Chapel of the Miraculous Image
10:30am MASS on the occasion of the 1050th anniversary of the baptism of Poland This Mass is an event of national importance, in the framework of the Jubilee Year of the 1050th anniversary of the baptism of Poland.
The Sanctuary area can accommodate about 300,000 faithful. Bishops and many Polish priests will concelebrate, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Poland and the highest authorities of the country.
5:00pm Consignment of the keys to Krakow and tram ride to Błonia Park
On the square in front of the Bishop’s Residence, the President of Krakow will consign the keys to the city to the Holy Father. Disabled youth will accompany Pope Francis in the tram to Błonia Park.
5:15pm Arrival at Błonia Park. Popemobile ride among the faithful. Approx. 600,000 young people are expected.
5:30pm WELCOMING CEREMONY (approx. 1.5 hrs.) After dinner, the Holy Father will appear in the Papal Window, greeting the faithful gathered in the square.

Friday, 29 July

7:00am PRIVATE MASS in the chapel of the Bishop’s Residence in Krakow
9:30am VISIT TO AUSCHWITZ This year marks the 75th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Maximilian Kolbe.
The Holy Father will walk into the concentration camp, passing through the entrance gate on his own. At the entrance to the courtyard of Block 11, the Holy Father will meet individually with 15 camp survivors. Private prayer in the cell of the martyrdom of Father Kolbe.
10:30am VISIT TO BIRKENAU CAMP The Holy Father will travel by car from the main gate of the camp, along the railway line, up to the square in front of the International Monument to the Victims of the Camp, where about 1,000 visitors will be gathered. He will stop for a silent prayer in front of the monument. Individual meeting with 25 “Righteous Among the Nations.”
Address by the Holy Father.
4:30pm Transfer to Kraków-Prokocim.
VISIT TO UNIVERSITY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL This hospital, one of the most important in Poland, treats approximately 30,000 hospitalized and 200,000 outpatient children each year.
About 50 sick children will be gathered in the lobby with their parents.
Address by the Holy Father.
Private visit to some areas of the hospital’s emergency ward on the ground floor, accompanied by the Director and parents. Prayer in the hospital chapel.
6:00pm WAY OF THE CROSS with youth in Krakow’s Błonia Park At the end of the Way of the Cross, the Holy Father will deliver a short address.
After dinner, the Holy Father will appear in the Papal Window, greeting the faithful gathered in the square.

Saturday, 30 July

8:30am VISIT TO DIVINE MERCY SANCTUARY IN ŁAGIEWNIKI
Chapel of St. Faustina Kowalska. Sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy will be present, along with the girls in their care. Prayer in the chapel before the tomb of St. Faustina.
8:45am Transfer by Popemobile to the DIVINE MERCY SANCTUARY.
9:00am Passage through the Holy Door of Mercy The Holy Father will enter the Sanctuary through the Holy Door of Mercy.
9:15am Liturgy of RECONCILIATION with the participation of youth The Holy Father will confess five young people in the following languages: Italian, Spanish, and French. Pope Francis is the third pope – after St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI – to visit the Divine Mercy Sanctuary, but the first to confess.
10:30am HOLY MASS in the JOHN PAULL II SANCTUARY with priests, consecrated persons, and seminarians from Poland.
Around 2 thousand people will be in the Sanctuary: priests, religious, consecrated persons, and seminarians from Poland. 5 thousand will be able to participate in the Mass on the vast square in front of the shrine.
1:00pm LUNCH WITH YOUTH The Holy Father will eat lunch with the Archbishop of Krakow, a translator, and 12 youth representatives from different countries: one boy and one girl from each continent, as well as a boy and a girl from Poland.
7:00pm Arrival at CAMPUS MISERICORDIAE Passing through the Door of Mercy with five youth representatives
7:30pm PRAYER VIGIL WITH YOUTH

Sunday, 31 July

8:45am Arrival at CAMPUS MISERICORDIAE Blessing of two Caritas buildings: House of Mercy for the poor and elderly, and Bread House – a food pantry for the needy
Passage among the faithful
10:00am FINAL MASS to mark the end of World Youth Day The sending out of youth as witnesses of Divine Mercy. Announcement of the location and year of the next World Youth Day.
5:00pm Arrival at Tauron Arena for a MEETING WITH WYD VOLUNTEERS and the Local Organizing Committee and benefactors
6:15pm Arrival in Airport Krakow–Balice (military part).
FAREWELL CEREMONY OF THE HOLY FATHER
(Information and schedule courtesy of World Youth Day 2016)
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Wednesday, 15 June 2016 : 11th Week of Ordinary Time (Gospel Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Matthew 6 : 1-6, 16-18

At that time, Jesus spoke to the people and to His disciples, “Be careful not to make a show of your righteousness before people. If you do so, you do not gain anything from your Father in heaven.”

“When you give something to the poor, do not have it trumpeted before you, as do those who want to be seen in the synagogues and in the streets, in order to be praised by the people. I assure you, they have been already paid in full.”

“If you give something to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your gift remains really secret. Your Father, Who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.”

“When you pray, do not be like those who want to be seen. They love to stand and pray in the synagogues or on street corners to be seen by everyone. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father Who is with you in secret; and your Father Who sees what is kept secret will reward you.”

“When you fast, do not put on a miserable face as do the hypocrites. They put on a gloomy face, so that people can see they are fasting. I tell you this : they have been paid in full already. When you fast, wash your face and make yourself look cheerful, because you are not fasting for appearances or for people, but for your Father Who sees beyond appearances.”

“And your Father, Who sees what is kept secret, will reward you.”

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Wednesday, 15 June 2016 : 11th Week of Ordinary Time (Psalm)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Psalm 30 : 20-21, 24

How great is the goodness which You have stored for those who fear You, which You show, for all to see, to those who take refuge in You! In the shelter of Your presence You hide them from human wiles; You keep them in Your dwelling, safe from the intrigues of wagging tongues.

Love the Lord, all you His saints! The Lord preserves His faithful, but He fully requites the arrogant.

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Wednesday, 15 June 2016 : 11th Week of Ordinary Time (First Reading)

Liturgical Colour : Green

2 Kings 2 : 1, 6-14

YHVH took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. It happened this way : Elijah and Elisha had left Gilgal, and Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, I beg you, for YHVH is only sending me to the Jordan.” But Elisha answered, “I swear by YHVH and by your life that I will never leave you.”

And as they went on their way, fifty fellow prophets of Jericho followed them at a certain distance. When Elijah and Elisha stood by the Jordan, Elijah took his mantle, rolled it, and struck the water with it. The water parted to both sides and they crossed over on dry ground.

After they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “What shall I do for you before I am taken away from you? Ask me.” Elisha said, “Grant that I may have the best of your Spirit.” Elijah answered, “Your request is most difficult. Yet if you see me while I am being taken from you, then you shall have it. But if not, you shall not have it.”

As they were walking on the way, a chariot of fire with horses of fire stood between them, and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw him and cried out, “Father, my father, chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” When Elisha lost sight of him, he took hold of his own clothes and tore them. He then picked up the mantle which had fallen from Elijah and returned to the banks of the Jordan.

There he struck the water with the mantle, but it did not part. So he asked, “Where is YHVH, the God of Elijah?” And as he struck the water again it parted. Elisha crossed over.

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Tuesday, 14 June 2016 : 11th Week of Ordinary Time (Homily and Scripture Reflections)

Liturgical Colour : Green

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, continuing from the discourse of yesterday’s Scripture reflections and passages, we move on to the theme of mercy and forgiveness from God, which He gives to all those who have shown genuine and true desire to be forgiven, and whose heart were filled with regrets for the wicked acts and things which they had committed in life.

In the first reading today, we had the example from the Book of Kings telling us about the same king Ahab, who also caused the death of Naboth of Jezreel in order to seize his vineyard to be his own. God spoke to him through the prophet Elijah, warning him of the impending punishment that he had earned for having committed such heinous and wicked a crime, and therefore the anger of God was upon him, and destruction awaited him.

But king Ahab, as sinful as he was, he was still capable of showing regret and humility, humbling himself before God and lowering himself, unworthy before God, knowing full well the sins which he had done. And God saw his regret and desire to recant his sinful ways, and gave him a reprieve, although he was still not forgiven for all the multitudes of evil deeds which he had done.

In the Psalm, we heard the famous psalm of David, which was likely composed when king David had sinned before the Lord, either when he committed adultery with the wife of another man, Bathsheba wife of Uriah and plotted for the latter’s death, or when he proudly asked to count his vast dominions and peoples, conducting a census of his whole kingdom despite the advice otherwise given by his advisors.

David showed great remorse and he was filled with great shame. However, unlike Ahab, it was likely that his remorse was far more genuine, and in his heart, ultimately, unlike Ahab, David was still truly faithful and still loved the Lord his God fully and with great devotion. And that is why, although calamities did befall him and troubles found their way to him, but God forgave him and made his reign secure.

And lastly in the Gospel today, Jesus made it all fully well known, of what God is expecting from us, with regards to love, and with regards to our relationship with one another. He expects us to love tenderly, and to love with our heart, and without prejudice or bias. And when we love, we should love all, even those people who have not loved us first.

It is our human nature that we mankind tend to do what only benefits us, and not those things that do not benefit us. We tend to seek things that we can reciprocate with, and hence, we tend to love only those who also love us. But God calls us all, as Christians, as those who believe in Him, His beloved children, to love far more than what our human nature leads us to believe.

We are all called to love with our hearts, to love all, even those who have not loved us, and even those who have hated us and persecuted us, so that the love which we have is truly genuine, rather than just a mere reciprocation or one that is borne out of obligation to repay whatever we have received. Let our love be pure and true, and let us all pray today, that God will help us and guide us that we may love Him and His people ever more. God bless us all. Amen.