Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross Booklet (2012) PDF Download

Adapted from Stations of the Cross from Catholic Relief Services, Environmental Stations of the Cross and Food for the Poor.
Provided by the Buffalo Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

In the 1960′s, Rose Kennedy, publically admitted one of her children, sister to President John F. Kennedy, was mentally deficient. In that one moment, a family secret became a public issue. And a responsibility of society. History judges nations on their sense of compassion. America continues to struggle with its treatment of the disabled. So did the people of a small, lake-shore town two millennium ago.

In 2012 – What does it mean to be “disabled?” Is it possible to be morally “disabled?“  How?  In light of the movies, television programs, language, violence, etc.  have we, as a nation become morally disabled?

Today’s readings move us step by step from the acknowledgment of wrongdoing, through forgiveness received, to the promise of new possibilities. With the psalmist we cry out: “O Lord, have pity on me; heal me, though I have sinned against you.” We often find it very difficult to admit that we have done something wrong, or even that we have made a simple mistake. Such an admission seems an affront to our dignity, suggesting that we are less than we think we are, or that we would like others to think we are. But deep in our hearts we know that if we are to be honest, we must admit our guilt.

Today’s Gospel offers a striking portrayal of the eagerness of Jesus to forgive. We see the paralytic man being lowered into the room through the roof. He believed that Jesus could heal him of his physical ailment, and because of his faith he received even more than he had hoped. He walked out of the house a new man. Faith in the power of Jesus worked a miracle. Actually, it worked two miracles: the forgiveness of sin and the healing of infirmity.

In the first reading, Isaiah speaks of the newness, the second chance that is given to us by our gracious God: Leave the past in the past; I am doing something new. The image that the prophet uses sounds a chord of hope. God provides a way for us through the deserts of our lives; rivers of life-giving water appear in the wastelands of human experience. Though our sinfulness may have swept away our sense of peace and well-being, God promises: Your sins I remember no more.

It is most consoling to realize that we have been forgiven, first by God and then by others. But we experience something quite different when we are called on to forgive others. The challenge placed before us at such times is often measured by the hurt or anger that we have to bear. It is much easier to overlook the failings of little children than it is to forgive adults, who should know better. The more serious the offense suffered, the harder it is to be open to the offender.

Is it too much to hope for genuine forgiveness coupled with the willingness to change one’s life? Some would say yes, and might consider attempts at reconciliation signs of foolhardiness. Others are more hopeful, and they would regard these attempts as signs of great generosity of heart. There are husbands and wives who do forgive each other and recommit themselves to mutual respect and love. Not everyone operates according to the principle: One strike and you’re out! Perhaps one of the most remarkable examples is the movement toward reconciliation taking place today in South Africa.

Finally, Jesus did not heal the paralytic man on condition that he embark on a new way of living. God seems to forgive us first. It is the realization of having been forgiven that then prompts us to change our lives for the better. Hence, the words we use in forgiving may seem trite, but our acts of forgiveness are often marvelously transformative.

Praying with Scripture

•Reflect upon and be grateful for the healing that you experienced as the result of having been forgiven.

•Pray for the generosity of heart to forgive someone who has offended you.

•Be courageous! Take steps toward reconciliation with someone from whom you may be estranged.

Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., is professor of biblical studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Mk 1:40-45

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said,
“If you wish, you can make me clean.”
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand,
touched him, and said to him,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
Then, warning the him sternly, he dismissed him at once.

He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything,
but go, show yourself to the priest
and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed;
that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter.
He spread the report abroad
so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly.
He remained outside in deserted places,
and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Gospel Mk 1:29-39

Gospel Mk 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues,
preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Feb. 2nd World Day for Consecrated Life

World Day for Consecrated Life

In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church.

Resources to help you promote World Day for Consecrated Life

Prayers of the Faithful

Those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience seek to live their Baptismal promises more intensely.  May the consecrated persons of this community of faith have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and serve with open hearts and willing spirits.  We pray to the Lord…

We are thankful for all who have responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to be a consecrated person. May they experience the support of the Church as they continue their growth in holiness. We pray to the Lord…

Short bulletin quote

World Day for Consecrated Life will be celebrated in the Church on Wednesday, February 2, and observed on Sunday, February 5, 2012, in parishes.  Please pray for all those who have made commitments in the consecrated life, and be sure to thank them on their special day.  May they continue to be inspired by Jesus Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.

January 22 is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday!

Click here for more information

“Here I am!”

FIRST READING: 1 Samuel 3:3-10;-19. Samuel was lying down within the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, lie down again.” So he went and lay down. And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “IAnd the Lord came and stood forth, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for thy servant hears.”

And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.

APPLICATION:God’s ways are surely wonderful!

All of us have a vocation, a call from God in this life. Each individual has duties to perform which, if faithfully carried out, will earn for him the place God has planned for him in the eternal kingdom. A few are called to be the leaders of their fellowman. The vast majority are called to follow the leaders by loyally obeying the laws enacted for their just government. Each one of us has a call from God, a part to play in the temporal and spiritual affairs of this life. The future status of each one of us will be determined by the manner in which we carried out our role on earth.

PRAYER TO KNOW ONE’S VOCATION

Lord, my God and my loving Father, you have made me to know you, to love you, to serve you, and thereby to find and to fulfill my deepest longings.   I know that you are in all things, and that every path can lead me to you.
But of them all, there is one especially by which you want me to come to you.  Since I will do what you want of me, I pray you, send your Holy Spirit to me:  into my mind, to show me what you want of me;   into my heart, to give me the determination to do it,   and to do it with all my love, with all my mind, and with all of my strength right to the end.

Jesus, I trust in you. Amen

(Prayer taken from USCCB Website)