Category: Domestic Church

Let’s not give up on each other…

By Cathy Loh
Diocese of Palm Beach Director of Marriage, Family Life, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry

“It is not good for the man to be alone…” declared God in the Garden of Eden after he created Adam, the first man (Genesis 2:18).  Why is this important?  Because we are made for relationship, for friendship.  We are made in the image and likeness of God who is a community, a trinity, three persons in one God.  So, being made in God’s image means that we are made for relationship, with God and with each other.

Our innate need for relationship is why the isolation experienced during this past year of COVID-19 lockdowns, social distancing and masks has been harmful to so many.  It is well documented that babies need regular physical touch for normal cognitive development and to learn to relate socially.  It is not only newborns who need touch to thrive, adults also need contact for their physical and emotional wellbeing.  Imagine the toll on the elderly and the sick, who have had to face so many days separated from loved ones, deprived of a hug or kiss or reassuring pat on the arm.  Not to mention the impact on the spouses, children, or other relatives of those isolated from them. While technology can be a blessing and enable us to “see” our loved ones, it is a poor substitute for physical presence. Sometimes this virtual connection is not even possible.

Another experience of isolation or deprivation comes in the form of faces hidden behind masks.  My heart aches for the little ones, toddlers, children who may not be deprived of physical touch, but are deprived of a smile or other facial expressions blocked by masks.  What impact will these masks have on children’s social interactions and their ability to interpret facial expressions in the future?  Time will tell.

While we navigate this uncharted territory of a worldwide pandemic, we need to consider the unintended but natural and not surprising consequences of our actions.  We must prudently balance protection in the present with protection for a future.  We must remember that God created us for relationship, for community.  To deprive the healthy, let alone the young, frail, sick or elderly, of contact with their loved ones, is to deny our innate need for community and risk our spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

As we enter into this penitential season of Lent, let us remember how much we have already given up this past year.  Let us consider our loved ones and how we might reach out to offer them consolation and fellowship.  Let us consider how to prudently balance the spiritual and emotional needs of those we love with their physical safety needs.  Let us not overlook our own need for connection and community.  To continue to emphasize one need at the expense of the other may mean we are resting in a false sense of security rather than prayerfully trusting in the God who made us in His image for community.

Here is what the scriptures have to say…

Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 Where a lone man can be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken.

 Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Have You Lost Your Wonder?

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Diocese of Palm Beach Coordinator of Family Life

Recently someone reminded me of the process that occurs when we use the internet.  I am neither a tech savvy person nor a tech ignorant person, I am probably somewhere in between.  In my words: Internet makes the Web possible; it is a huge network of computers which communicate together, many call it an “information superhighway”.  So, when we want to watch a funny cat video, or answer important questions like “what sound does a cardinal make” or “who was the lead singer of the Foundations”, you type your question, and that question enters the information superhighway.  This superhighway includes a trip to space where it bounces off a satellite comes all the way back to earth and communicates with a network of computers, probably bounces off another satellite in a different part of outer space and then the information finds its way back to your computer.  It is quite amazing when you think about it.  Yet, as I was reminded, how many times do you get upset that your internet is too slow?  Have you ever sat back and thought about the amazing process that happens each time you hit enter?  I was also reminded of a time when we had to research or ask other people about our questions.  Sometimes when we ask someone a question, a conversation begins and if you are fortunate this conversation will lead to a lasting friendship or a great discovery.  There was a time when we looked in books or went outside to observe and listen, we talked to other people and continued to ask the questions until we found an answer.  Sometimes it took a long time, but it allowed us to wonder, what is the answer? We learned how to search for knowledge and information, and we discovered amazing things.

We are living in a fast-paced world.  We expect things to happen immediately, and we get upset when they do not.  Many of us cannot even wait in a line anymore.  We have forgotten what Wonder is!  Take a moment to look around you, pause from the information superhighway and physically survey all the amazing things you come across in a day.  Use your senses!  God created the world, and it is filled with so much more than we take the time to see, hear, taste, touch, and smell.  Have you ever been driving, when the sun is rising, and it gets in your eyes?  Do you take time to stop and see the beauty of the sunrise, or do you complain about its brightness?  God created that amazing light and it gives us warmth, colors, and life.  The person next to you could be making you happy, sad, angry, or just sitting there.  God created that person to be unique, unrepeatable!  God created each of us in His divine image, male and female He created us.  Embrace the thought that God loves you so much that even before you were born, he was in love with you!  Embrace the beauty in your masculinity or femininity and that God created you perfect!   We have been inside too long; we have been fixated on our phones and computers too often.  Praise God by going outside and looking at the beauty of all creation!  Thank God for each day and for all the goodness that surrounds us!

Here is what the scriptures have to say…

Luke 5:26 Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.”

Psalm 96:11-12 Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them. Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice before the Lord who comes…!

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1299 At the Sacrament of Confirmation – In the Roman Rite the bishop extends his hands over the whole group of the confirmands.  Since the time of the apostles this gesture has signified the gift of the Spirit.  The bishop invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in these words:  All powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life.  Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their help and guide.  Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence.  Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Matthew 6:25-29 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are not you more important than they?  Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan?  Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wildflowers grow.  They do not work or spin.  But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.  If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ Or ‘What are we to wear?’  All these things the pagans seek.  Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.  Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.   

Perspective

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Diocese of Palm Beach Family Life Coordinator

Happy New Year!  November 29 marks the beginning of a new Liturgical Year.  We begin Advent with Liturgical Cycle B and similar to the beginning of a new calendar year, it is a great time to reflect on this past year’s spiritual journey.   When I look back, I realize this year was different and I need a different perspective.  It has been a year of spiritual turmoil…but also, a year of great spiritual growth.  There have been many moments of desolation but there are so many moments and blessings for which to be thankful.  In 2020 we have had to find new ways to relate to others and new ways to minister to others.  What is God trying to show us in all these changes?   

I was reflecting on the many great homilies I heard over the past year.  It is crazy to think that many of them were online or on TV in my living room with my family gathered around our makeshift altar.  It was not the best way to worship, it was certainly different, but by the grace of God and technology, we could still praise Him in our community, our domestic church. While we did receive spiritual communion, “at home Mass” brought a longing for the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and what a great lesson we learned from this…perspective.  In several homilies I heard about the times of religious persecution, times when people had to hide in caves, forests, or even basements to give praise to God. Today, some people must still hide to praise God and many communities wait for a priest to visit before they can attend Mass…perspective.  One of my favorite homilies stressed the privilege of voting for a candidate who will lead our nation.  Whether our preferred candidate is elected or not, life goes on.  Christ is still and will always be King of Heaven and Earth.  We praise Him morning, noon, and night. We thank Him for the graces we receive and the blessings of creation.  We pray for our daily bread, for mercy and forgiveness.  We are loved by Him who made us in His image and likeness…perspective. 

Let this Advent be a time to adjust your perspective.  We have so much to be thankful for, it is right in front of us!  “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Perspective!

Here is what the Church and Scripture have to say…

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.

Prayer for Spiritual Communion:  My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.  I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.  Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.  I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.  Never permit me to be separated from You.

Romans 8: 37-39 – In all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 5: 1-16 – When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.  He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.  Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.  Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.  Thus, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  “You are the salt of the earth.  But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?  It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.  You are the light of the world.  A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.  Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

The Nature of Sacrifice

Guest Author: Javier, a 15-year-old from the Diocese of Palm Beach

This was sent to the Office of Family Life.  There is such maturity and beauty in Javier’s words.  As you read, remember the Mass is a participation in the Last Supper, the One, never-ending sacrifice….

The Last Supper, the Sacrifice of the Cross, and the Sacrifice of the Mass are all connected and inseparable. Each share the essential elements of a sacrifice, but their timelines meet outside of space and time.  They come together as the perfect sacrifice, wholly pleasing to God.

The nature of a sacrifice requires several elements. The first element of a sacrifice is a visible gift. The gift must be offered as a victim for God alone. Only a proper, authorized person is permitted to make this oblation. The purpose of the sacrifice is to give homage, adoration, and thanksgiving to God and to atone for man’s sins. Lastly, the offering must be pleasing and acceptable to God.

Each of these elements of a sacrifice are present on the Cross. The visible gift is Jesus.  He offered himself to God as a complete victim. He is slain and immolated for the sins of man. By His death, He merited salvation for humanity. Jesus, as the High Priest, was authorized to perform this sacrifice. Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross was acceptable to the Eternal Father.

In the Mass, Jesus is the perpetual victim as the visible gift in the bread and wine.  Through transubstantiation, the bread and wine changes into Jesus’s Body and Blood. Antagonists may argue that the sacrifice is not valid since Jesus has been offered as a victim once before. However, when Christ is present on the altar at the consecration of the Mass, He is truly present anew as the victim of our salvation. Man’s sins have offended God greatly.  Jesus’s suffering and death alone can satisfy God’s justice. Through the Sacrifice of the Mass, God is adored reverently and perfectly. This special oblation can only be offered by the authority of a Catholic priest. The Sacrifice of the Mass is identical to the Sacrifice on the Cross, only in an unbloody manner.

At the last supper, Christ commanded the Apostles, “Do this for commemoration of Me.” (56) Priests today, continue to offer Christ’s death in response to this command. At the Last Supper, Christ instituted Holy Orders. At that table, He gave His Apostles and their successors the power and authority to offer His forthcoming Sacrifice on the Cross anew in all future Masses.

The Last Supper, the Sacrifice of the Cross, and the Sacrifice of the Mass are the same sacrifice. They are all connected and cannot be separated. At the Last Supper, Jesus points to His future Sacrifice on the Cross. The Sacrifice of the Cross is commemorated at the Mass. The Sacrifice of the Mass remembers and commemorates the Sacrifice of the Cross. The sacrifices of the old, meet in the present moment and await the future.

Bibliography: Laux, John.  MASS AND THE SACRAMENTS. New York: Benziger Brothers, 1934. Print

Here is what the Church and Scripture have to say…

CCC #1367  The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice:  “The victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different.”  “And since in this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner…this sacrifice is truly propitiatory.” 

1 John 2: 2 He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.

1 Peter 2:5…and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a hold priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:10 By this “will”, we have been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.