Bits of the Gospel

We celebrate the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of the Lord in a very emphasized manner. Popular piety is publicly acknowledged and used to show this high and most holy Sacrament. How can we bring this Solemnity and its solemn tone into our depths? We have to look at Jesus, the gift himself. He has gathered all virtues into love, which dares to die for the beloved. He has shown us we can bring healing to most people by showing them that they are important, special, valued, and appreciated. yet, their salvation comes only from witnessing that love is the reason we act in that particular way. And love, at the level of God, is sacrifice of the self. Love is the Language of God and it is the universal language. This universal language is understood [or at least perceived, intuited, in the instincts] by all creatures. It is silent, totally silent. It flows in the forces of nature. That language is not taught, it is acquired effortlessly. Yet, somehow, we need to consciously c...

I have many lessons to learn just as I have learned many. For instance, young people love to predict what s likely to happen in an encounter. predictability reduces the fear of the unknown. knowing what's going to happen allows young people to prepare themselves for it, and perhaps to be predisposed to find enjoyment in it. In this way, successful self-fulfilling prophecy is built into the experience. This principle applies to youth ministers in many ways. Let's talk about my recent experience. We have organized a prayer day which was meant to have some guests present. I told some of the participants before hand that some guests would be present and that they were supposed to share with them freely during the "sharing break". Those who knew this already were very enthusiastic since morning. They arrived earlier than the rest, were well dressed, brought their Bibles and notebooks. The difference was obvious. Some of those who knew nothing came dressed "not very ...

Let me begin by clarifying that this Solemnity should be understood in the context of Resurrection, the Easter Event. The Apostles are clearly sad. The Lord has in the last days behaved "strangely", like one really serious when He says, "I'm going to my Father and your Father, My God and your God." And even more saddening facts, "The world will hate you [read, will treat you badly. Think of the Good Friday Facts fresh in mind!] just they did to me!" (John 16:16-20). It did not feel good at all, nor did the disciples seem to receive it with the faith expected [They received it with the faith they had, their little faith!) Ascension, as it is presented to us, is clearly the feast of glory. First, if we still stick to our faith that God cannot lose his Glory [Not even theoretically!]then we've already admitted that the Son kept his glory through his earthly life: birth, life, teachings, suffering, death and resurrection, even to Ascension. For us t...