Discipline

Tuesday August 21st 2007
Filed Under Whole Community Catechesis 

It is no accident that the words “disciple” and “discipline” are nearly identical. Their relationship in Christian faith and life, however, has fallen somewhat out of favor in the past generation, as certain prescribed Church rules and regulations have been reduced and relaxed. These rules were often referred to as “disciplines.” We are mistaken, however, to think that it no longer takes discipline to follow Christ. Read more

Ways to live a holier life

Saturday August 11th 2007
Filed Under Whole Community Catechesis 

“When Jesus said we should be holy, he was just talking to his disciples, right? After all, how can regular people be holy?” In fact, we are all called to be holy. On its simplest level, that means living a life centered on God. This is done by talking with him a lot, imitating his behavior, and developing a love and respect for his creations. It also means loving and participating in the Church he established on Earth to help us be holy. Here are some ways to add holiness to your own life:

  • Make more time for prayer. Spending time together is the best way to get to know God better. Get up early, pause before meals, and go to bed later.
  • Go on a personal retreat. Plan a pilgrimage to a holy site. Visit area shrines and other historical religious sites.
  • Be a voice in the wilderness. Don’t worry if you are the only one saying or doing the right thing.
  • Share and share alike. God wants us to take care of each other. Look for more ways to share your money, time, and talents with someone who needs them.
  • Celebrate the Sacraments. Do whatever you need to do to be able to receive Communion. Go to confession and celebrate God’s forgiving spirit.
  • Practice respect. Treat all people with the dignity they deserve as children of God. Use respectful language with everyone in your life.
  • Learn to let go. Think carefully before arguing, fighting, disagreeing, or criticizing. Be an instrument of peace.
  • Share your faith. Talk about God with anyone who will listen. He doesn’t want us to keep his love all to ourselves. We have to pass it on.

Who are you - ¿Quién Eres Tú? - Whole Community Catechesis

Tuesday July 17th 2007
Filed Under Whole Community Catechesis 

WHO ARE YOU?
In Sunday’s Gospel passage, Martha joins the ranks of her ancestors who freely contested the situations in which they found themselves. She doesn’t merely gripe about her sister’s laziness; she does it without restraint to the one she addresses as “Lord.” Her tone, “Do you not care?” is somewhat accusatory (Luke 10:40). She must have felt quite trusting of her relationship with her sister and her Lord, in order to address Jesus in such a forthright manner. Jesus does not hesitate to give her a straightforward reply. He doesn’t contradict the need for the serving that must be done. He would, in fact, one day imitate the servile hospitality of Abraham’s foot-washing. Martha had welcomed him, washed the feet at which Mary sat, as Abraham welcomed his visitors. She scurried for a meal, as did Sarah for her guests. All necessary, but her anxiety and worry kept her from “the better part” of knowing her sister and knowing Christ. May we all be a bit like Martha, ready to welcome, to bear the burden of serving, to call others to serve with us, but always, with Mary, in the assurance of those who sit attentively at the feet of the Lord.

Today’s Readings: Genesis 18:1–10a; Psalm 15:2–5; Colossians 1:24–28; Luke 10:38–42

 ¿QUIÉN ERES TÚ?
En el Evangelio de hoy, Marta se une a la lista de sus antepasados, que se habían atrevido a disputar las situaciones en que se encontraban. El tono de su pregunta –“Señor, ¿no te importa…?” es bastante acusatorio. (Lucas 10:40) Marta tiene que haber estado bien segura de su relación tanto con el Señor como con su hermana, cuando le pudo hablar a Jesús en ese tono tan franco y directo. Jesús no niega que hace falta que alguien haga el trabajo de cocinar y de servir la mesa. Él mismo, un día, había de imitar el servicio hospitalario de Abraham, lavando los pies a sus discípulos. Marta lo había recibido con alegría, y al igual que Abraham había lavado los pies de los tres extraños, ella le había lavado a Jesús los pies; esos pies junto a los cuales estaba sentada María ahora. Al igual que Sara, Marta también se había atareado para preparar una cena para sus invitados. Todo eso era necesario, pero su preocupación y su inquietud la alejaban de esa “mejor parte”, que era comprender a su hermana y conocer a Cristo. Conceda Dios que todos seamos un poco como Marta, siempre dispuestos a recibir a quien llegue, a llevar la carga de servir a los demás y a llamar a los demás a que se unan a nuestro servicio; pero, al igual que María, siempre con esa seguridad que tienen los que se sientan a los pies del Señor y escuchan atentamente sus palabras.
Lecturas de hoy: Génesis 18:1–10a; Salmo 15:2–5; Colosenses 1:24–28; Lucas 10:38–42