Joyful Mysteries

                Annunciation

                (1) John 3: 16

                (2) R. God created an orderly, harmonious world.

                (3) R. Adam and Eve sinned —

                (4) The Ten Commandments

  1. I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.
  2. You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
  3. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
  4. Honor your father and your mother.
  5. You shall not kill.
  6. You shall not commit adultery.
  7. You shall not steal.
  8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
  9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
  10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

                (5) R. What a gift!!

Luke 1: 26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, you who enjoy God’s favour! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Look! You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I have no knowledge of man?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. And I tell you this too: your cousin Elizabeth also, in her old age, has conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ Mary said, ‘You see before you the Lord’s servant, let it happen to me as you have said.’ And the angel left her.

                (6) R. Oh God so loved the world —
                    Mary loved the Father —

                (7) R. Mary was from the first moment
                    of conception
                    "conceived without sin"

                (8) R. The Christian life is a response
                    to God's gift of Himself.
                    God gives us a share in His life
                    in baptism —

                (9) R. We respond in love by giving ourselves
                    to God and our fellowman, by
                    dynamically living out this life
                    of grace, this Christ-life, in
                    the pattern of death-resurrection.

                (10) R. Mary shows us her "yes" to God!!

                The Visitation

                (1) Luke 1: 39-45

Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’

                (2) R. Mary and Elizabeth were both
                    filled with the Holy Spirit —
                    It shows their self-less-ness
                    as the Holy Spirit speaks through
                    them —

                    They were empty vessels —
                    not full of self — they
                    were being all God wanted them
                    to be —
                    Elizabeth carrying John —
                    Mary carrying Jesus —

                (3) R. God calls, we respond
                    The perfect handmaid of the Lord —
                    Mary shows us her response —
                    Elizabeth in her old age is not
                        barren any more, but carrying
                        John.

                (4) R. They are not getting in the way
                    of the heavenly Father's Plan
                    for them —

                (5) R. In the beginning God said
                        "Let there be light"
                    And the command is responded
                        to "and there was light"

                (6) Exodus 14: 13-14

Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid! Stand firm, and you will see what Yahweh will do to rescue you today: the Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Yahweh will do the fighting for you; all you need to do is to keep calm.’

                    R. God blesses us when we
                    obey Him — He helps us in
                    battle when we battle for Him —

                (7) R. We see all that happened to us
                    Adam and Eve's descendants because
                    they disobeyed God —
 

                (8) 1 Samuel 15: 22-23

                (9) R. Hannah was Samuel's mother —

1 Samuel 1: 9-20

When they had finished eating in the room, Hannah got up and stood before Yahweh. Eli the priest was sitting on his seat by the doorpost of the temple of Yahweh. In the bitterness of her soul she prayed to Yahweh with many tears, and she made this vow, 'Yahweh Sabaoth! Should you condescend to notice the humiliation of your servant and keep her in mind instead of disregarding your servant, and give her a boy, I will give him to Yahweh for the whole of his life and no razor shall ever touch his head.' While she went on praying to Yahweh, Eli was watching her mouth, for Hannah was speaking under her breath; her lips were moving but her voice could not be heard, and Eli thought that she was drunk. Eli said, 'How much longer are you going to stay drunk? Get rid of your wine.' 'No, my lord,' Hannah replied, 'I am a woman in great trouble; I have not been drinking wine or strong drink — I am pouring out my soul before Yahweh. Do not take your servant for a worthless woman; all this time I have been speaking from the depth of my grief and my resentment.' Eli then replied, 'Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant what you have asked of him.' To which she said, 'May your servant find favour in your sight.' With that, the woman went away; she began eating and was dejected no longer.

They got up early in the morning and, after worshipping Yahweh, set out and went home to Ramah. Elkanah lay with his wife Hannah, and Yahweh remembered her. Hannah conceived and, in due course, gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel, ‘since’, she said, ‘I asked Yahweh for him.’

                (10) R. Hannah's prayer when she conceived:

1 Samuel 2: 1-11

Hannah then prayed as follows: My heart exults in Yahweh, in my God is my strength lifted up, my mouth derides my foes, for I rejoice in your deliverance. There is no Holy One like Yahweh, (indeed, there is none but you) no Rock like our God. Do not keep talking so proudly, let no arrogance come from your mouth, for Yahweh is a wise God, his to weigh up deeds. The bow of the mighty has been broken but those who were tottering are now braced with strength. The full fed are hiring themselves out for bread but the hungry need labour no more; the barren woman bears sevenfold but the mother of many is left desolate. Yahweh gives death and life, brings down to Sheol and draws up; Yahweh makes poor and rich, he humbles and also exalts. He raises the poor from the dust, he lifts the needy from the dunghill to give them a place with princes, to assign them a seat of honour; for to Yahweh belong the pillars of the earth, on these he has poised the world. He safeguards the steps of his faithful but the wicked vanish in darkness (for human strength can win no victories). Yahweh, his enemies are shattered, the Most High thunders in the heavens. Yahweh judges the ends of the earth, he endows his king with power, he raises up the strength of his Anointed. Elkanah then went home to Ramah, but the child stayed in Yahweh's service, in the presence of Eli the priest.

                The Birth of Jesus

                (1) R. We see the importance of John the
                    Baptist and he came to barren
                    Elizabeth —
                    He jumped in Elizabeth's womb
                        when Mary came to visit
                        Elizabeth —
                    We see how Samuel was given to
                        Hannah —
                    We see that Sarah and Abraham could
                        not conceive, but then conceived Isaac —
                    We see that Rachel and Jacob had
                        a problem getting together —
                    But we see the hand of God —
                    They had to be patient and wait
                        on the Lord —
                    We had to wait according
                        to the Plan of the Father
                        until the right time
                        for Jesus to be born,
                        for the Messiah to come

                (2) R. God has a plan for us —

                    God the Father created us
                        from all the possibilities —
                        He made us unique, we
                        have a unique contribution to
                        make —

                    The time for us to be here,
                        as the Father intended, is now.

                    We have a unique contribution to make
                    God the Father had the purpose for our life, now.

                    We get caught up in foolish things
                        in the impurities in us —
                        the devil tries to drive us
                        from the 'mark' God
                        wants

                    In the depth of union with God —
                        in ecstasies — we are so
                        purely responsive —
                        the empty vessel wanting —
                        only what God wants —
                        the Holy Spirit filling us — not being
                        filled with jealousies, angers,
                        possessiveness from the evil
                        spirit trying to take us from
                        the 'mark' of serving God —
                        Serving God as God the Father wants
                            is hitting the 'target' —
                        Being like the evil one who wants
                            us to say "I will not serve
                            God" is missing the 'target'

Fr. Mike says —       "Keeping our focus       on the target"

                (3) R. The Tower of Babel — they were
                        doing their own will —
                    Noah did what God wanted —
                    Noah found favor with God —
                    God knows our heart —
                    He knows how pure is our
                        response —
                    God blesses those who obey Him
                        and live to serve Him —
                    Abraham served God
                    Abraham was faithful to God —
                    Abraham wanted what God wanted
                        even though he suffered —
                    Abraham became the Father of
                        many nations, descendants
                        because of his faithfulness —
                        and the Lord blessed him —
                    God is the most high —

                    Satan wants us to disobey God —
                        not serve God as He wishes —
                        make ourselves in competition
                        with God's plan —
                    Satan is the great deceiver —
                    Satan is the father of lies —

                    Jesus is Lord of the truth —

                    When somebody over us asks us a
                        question for building God's
                        Kingdom and we lie or
                        deceive to get power —
                        we are acting as satan wants —
                        not responding in the order
                        God has ordained for us
                        to obey and serve and help those
                        over us to do the job our
                        Heavenly Father wants —

                    Let's serve our heavenly Father —
                        stay connected to the vine —
                        don't be a barren, disconnected
                        branch — serving satan and
                        bearing no fruit —

                    A saint is one who doesn't ever
                        want to offend God — they
                        want no taint of sin on
                        their soul —

                    They live to serve God and build
                        His Kingdom — Response to God's Love

                (4) R. Remember the cities of Sodom
                    and Gomorrah were destroyed
                    for their wickedness by
                    fire —
                    Lot's wife turned into a pillar
                        of salt for not obeying —

                (5) R. Abraham proved his faith by being
                    willing to offer his own son Isaac as
                    a sacrifice —

                    Abraham shows us about obedience,
                        faithfulness and he had
                        many descendants —
                        as numerous as the stars
                        of the sky.

                (6) R. Rebekah and Isaac were
                    married —
                    Rebekah was barren for
                    about 19 years —
                    Isaac interceded to God —
                    God grants her conception —
                        Esau and Jacob

                (7) R. Joseph was born son of Jacob
                        and Rachel —
                    Joseph was blessed — even
                        though he suffered —
                        he was blessed —

                (8) R. Moses arrived to the Pharaoh's
                    daughter in a basket
                    from the banks of the river —

                    The Lord appeared to Moses in a
                        burning bush —

                    (Jacob had seen a ladder reaching
                        to heaven) —

                    Moses was sent to Egypt to
                        deliver Israel from bondage —

                (9) R. Jesus is the Son of God —
                    Jesus is born in a stable in
                        Bethlehem —
                    Jesus the Savior of the world

                (10) The Song from Jesus

                The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple

                (1) Luke 2: 22-35

                (2) R. There is one true God —
                    We see all through the Old Testament how
                    they fell into idolatry —

                (3) R. King Saul disobeyed God —
                    So Samuel anointed David King —
                    Jesus came from the house of
                        David

                (4) R. From the New Cycle "B" Book to be
                    printed of Fr. Joe's homilies —
                    Book 5

Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

July 19, 2009

HOMILY: There was a man who worked in a museum whose job it was to explain the different exhibits. On one occasion he pointed to the bones of a dinosaur saying the bones were 100 million and 9 years old. Someone asked how they could date those bones so accurately. He said “well, when I started working here, I was told these bones were 100 million years old and I’ve worked here for nine years.”

Today I want to give everyone a little history lesson. I’m not going back to the dinosaurs, but I am going back pretty far – to King David, 1000 years before Christ. When I was in school, I hated history. It wasn’t until we studied the history of the Old Testament in the seminary that I began to appreciate it. I cannot cram 1000 years of history into a couple of minutes. I just want to touch on the parts of Jewish history that are mentioned in today’s reading. If you want to learn more, read everything in the Old Testament, but be sure you have a commentary to help you. Otherwise, you’ll give up in despair because you won’t know what it’s all about - especially the prophets and the historical books.

When David was king 1000 years before Christ, David wanted to build a house for God, since there was no Temple for God at that time. God did not give David permission to do so, however God promised David through the prophet Nathan that he would bless him and build David a house in the sense that David’s kingdom would continue forever and one of his descendants would always rule. This blessing lasted through the reign of David’s son, Solomon; but we humans somehow have the ability to sabotage God’s blessings. Solomon turned to pagan gods and over-extended the country financially by elaborate building projects and exorbitant taxes, so when Solomon died there was a rebellion and most of Israel broke away from Solomon’s successor, David’s grandson, Rehoboam. Rehoboam continued to rule over the southern part of Israel, the area we know as Judaea . For 400 years (and this is amazing) the kings of Judaea were descendants of King David. The northern kingdom that rebelled against David’s successors suffered under a succession of kings and rebellions. In less than 300 years the northern kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrians, people from northern Iraq. About 100 years after that, the Babylonians from southern Iraq conquered the Assyrians and took control of the entire Middle East. The conquest of the Babylonians brings us up to Jeremiah whom we heard in today’s first reading. At the time of Jeremiah, here was the situation: the northern kingdom no longer existed. The southern kingdom, Judaea, was still being ruled by David’s descendants but they were not loyal to God or to God’s laws. Jeremiah spoke to these kings as they came into power, the last four being: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoikin and Zedekiah. Zedikiah, the last reigning king, died in disgrace. After the Babylonians captured him, his sons were slaughtered before his eyes, he was then blinded and led off to Babylon in chains where he presumably died. You can read how Jeremiah spoke with them in great detail in the book of Jeremiah. He told them exactly what they needed to do to survive the invading forces of Babylon. His messages were ignored. He blames them and their leadership for the destruction that came upon God’s people. As we heard in today’s first reading, God speaks through Jeremiah: “Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture.” God said he would take over shepherding his people; he would bring them back from exile; he would appoint leaders over them who would serve them well and lead them to peace and security. It took 600 years before God thought the world was ready for this king who would reign and govern wisely, who would do what is just and right in the land.

But then he came, through the announcement of an angel to a virgin who was engaged to a man named Joseph of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel said to her “Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

In last week’s gospel, Jesus sent his apostles out to heal and cast out demons and to call people to repentance. In today’s gospel we are told of their return, excited over their experience and tired. Jesus wanted to some time off, but he couldn’t. The mission of Jesus and his apostles apparently was so successful that a great crowd caught up with them before they had chance to catch their breath. Mark describes Jesus taking compassion on them (his heart was moved with deep sympathy for them would probably be a better translation). He saw them as sheep without a shepherd, - people without leadership, and he began to teach them.

One of the important messages in today’s readings is that in love our Lord leads us, by teaching us and appointing others to teach us. But we need to listen, and we need to keep on listening. We’ll never be finished listening and learning as long as our world suffers from injustice, poverty, hunger, discrimination, war, hatred and killing of innocent people. Christ would be put to death before he would stop teaching. It is to our own great loss when we stop listening. That’s one of the reasons we are here each weekend, to listen and to learn. We call ourselves disciples. The word disciple means learner. When we’ve quit learning, we’ve quit being a disciple.

                (5) R. The Israelites suffered —
                    Many times they would disobey
                        what God wanted —
                    Solomon, David's son, also
                        worshipped false gods
                        towards the end of his life —
                    Solomon did not live up to
                        what God wanted —
                        He disobeyed God's commandments —
                    Solomon had about 700 wives and
                        300 concubines —
                        they brought their false gods —
                    Solomon gradually ceased to be
                        fully devoted to God —
                    This angered God —
                    When Solomon died the Kingdom
                        splits into 2 —
                        Israel and Judah —
                    Jeroboam King of Israel
                    Rehoboam King of Judah —

                    There is the worshipping of false
                        gods in Israel at
                        Bethel and Dan —
                    Jeroboam stopped religious
                        ties with Jerusalem —
                    Judah stopped worshipping
                        false gods —
                    Elijah tells of famine
                        in Israel and
                        it happened —

                    Much struggles took place
                    Struggles, Struggles for power —

                (6) R. God sent prophets —

                (7) Exodus 16: 2-4, 12-15

                    R. From the New Cycle "B" Book to be
                    printed of Fr. Joe's homilies —
                    Book 5

18^th Sunday of Ordinary Time

August 2, 2009

INTRODUCTION: (Ex 16:2-4,12-15; Eph 4:17,20-24; John 6:24-35) The first reading tells us God did not make death. Rather, it came about through the envy of the devil. This is obviously a commentary on the story of Adam and Eve in the garden – how they tried to find their happiness and fulfillment by doing things their way rather than God's way.  They didn’t trust what God told them.  Often we blame Adam and Eve for all the problems in the world and say if they hadn’t sinned we would be in much better shape, but we’re no different. Too often we chose not to trust God and seek our happiness and fulfillment by doing things our way rather than doing what God tells us we must do.  When the reading tells us that those who belong to the company of the devil experience death, it is referring to spiritual death. 

The first reading gives us some background for the gospel.  It tells how God fed his people with manna 1300 years earlier as Moses led them through the desert to the promised land.  In their conversation with Jesus in the gospel, the people refer to this event from the Book of Exodus. 

                (8) R. We see the sorrows of Jesus and Mary.

Seven Sorrows of Mary

(1) The first sorrow: the prophecy of Simeon
(2) The second sorrow: the flight into Egypt
(3) The third sorrow: the loss of the Child Jesus in the temple
(4) The fourth sorrow: Jesus and Mary meet on the way to the cross
(5) The fifth sorrow: Jesus dies on the cross
(6) The sixth sorrow: Jesus is taken down from the cross and laid in Mary's arms
(7) The seventh sorrow: the burial of Jesus

                (9) Song: Little Baby Hands and Feet

                (10) Song: See the Eyes that Look at Mary

                The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

                (1) Luke 2: 48-50

They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’ He replied, ‘Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he meant.

                (2)

                    Excerpt from Mother at Our Side, by Fr. Edward Carter, S.J. 

four 

God's Will—Our Guiding Principle

The above scene describes how Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple after having been separated from Him. As they were returning home after the Passover celebration, they realized Jesus was not with them, and returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. The scene has various lessons for us concerning God's will.

With the Holy Family traveling in two separate groups (Mary with one, Joseph with the other, and Jesus with either from time to time), we understand how Mary and Joseph could have received conflicting stories regarding their Son's whereabouts. The Father's will may have been made known to Jesus in such a way that the timing of His response precluded alerting His parents to the change in His plan. Whatever the details were, we can be assured that there was no error made on the parts of Jesus, Mary, or Joseph. We can base our trust in this on what we know through faith—that Jesus would never have been disobedient or thoughtless toward His parents, and that Mary and Joseph could not possibly have been inept parents.

(3) Excerpt from Mother at Our Side, by Fr. Edward Carter, S.J. - chapter 4 continues

Even so, as people who expect certain behaviors of children and parents, we can be unsettled by some unanswered questions presented. Yet, since this event is included in Sacred Scripture, we know it has tremendous value for us as the Word of God. We also know that obedience to God's will always works in the best interests of everyone concerned, even when it is not obvious, even for quite some time.

The scene reminds us of the guiding principle of Jesus' life—loving conformity to His Father's will. Although Mary and Joseph were returning home, in some way Jesus knew He was supposed to remain in the temple at this particular time. His course of action was no different in this instance than it had been in the past and would be in the future. His Father's will was made manifest, and He obeyed; His Father showed the way, and He followed. The Father's will was always Jesus' way, every day, in all matters. As followers of Jesus, His guiding principle must also be ours.

(4) Excerpt from Mother at Our Side, by Fr. Edward Carter, S.J. - chapter 4 continues

This event in Christ's life also demonstrates that conformity to God's will sometimes brings hurt or sorrow to loved ones. Jesus knew that His remaining behind would cause suffering for Mary and Joseph—we can well imagine their anxiety. Jesus was sorry this had to be. He certainly was not insensitive to His parent's feelings, yet He had to do what He did. There can be similar situations in our own lives. Precisely because we are striving to seek out and do God's will, we may be causing hurt to loved ones. We know, however, there is no other course of action if we are to be open to God's designs for us.

The finding of the child Jesus in the temple illustrates still a further point regarding conformity to God's will. Mary and Joseph knew that somehow it was God's will that Jesus remain in Jerusalem as they themselves headed back to Nazareth. Yet they did not comprehend why all this happened. They recognized God's will, but they did not understand it. They accepted this will, however, along with the pain it produced in their lives.

(5) Excerpt from Mother at Our Side, by Fr. Edward Carter, S.J. - chapter 4 continues

The application of this lesson to our own Christian lives is vividly manifest. At times there occurs an incident we do not understand. We realize that somehow this is God's will, at least His permissive will, yet we do not understand why, and our unknowing is part of our pain.

Mary always perfectly conformed herself in love to God's will. It was her joy to so act. Sometimes the doing of God's will caused her considerable suffering, as we see from the above Gospel scene. Later on, the sword of suffering would pierce her even more deeply.

In summary, we can say that Mary always reached out and embraced God's will with the deepest love, whether this was easy or very difficult. Mary has left us these famous words: Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. (Lk. 1:38). Let us ask our mother to obtain for us the grace to grow in our own conformity to the will of God.

                (6)

shipped from the printers December 17, 1996

Mary appeared December 17, 1996

                From the Red Rosary Book - July 13, 1995 Rosary (excerpt)

                Baptism of Jesus

                (1) Matthew 3: 13-17

Then Jesus appeared: he came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him, with the words, ‘It is I who need baptism from you, and yet you come to me!’ But Jesus replied, ‘Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that uprightness demands.’ Then John gave in to him. 

    And when Jesus had been baptised he at once came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And suddenly there was a voice from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.’

                (2) R. Jesus is the perfect Son.

                (3) Matthew 3: 17  ...‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.’

                (4) R. Water — needed for life
                    the Jordon — straight through
                    the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea

                (5) Mark 1: 7-11

                (6) John 1: 26-31

                (7) R. Jesus commanded the wind to
                    calm in the Sea of Galilee —

                (8) R. Jesus saw Peter and Andrew
                    casting their net into the sea,
                    Jesus was walking by the Sea of
                    Galilee — Peter and Andrew
                    were fishermen —

                (9) R. Jesus called them to be "fishers of men"
                    He told them to follow Him — 

Matthew 4: 18-22

As he was walking by the Lake of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast into the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Come after me and I will make you fishers of people.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him. 

    Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. And at once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.

                    R. Jesus called His first disciples —
                    That was a big catch these men —

                (10) R. The River Jordon is the most
                    important River in Palestine —

                The Miracle at Cana

                (1) John 2: 1-12

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. And they ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the feast had all been used, and the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said, ‘Woman, what do you want from me? My hour has not come yet.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ There were six stone water jars standing there, meant for the ablutions that are customary among the Jews: each could hold twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water,’ and they filled them to the brim. Then he said to them, ‘Draw some out now and take it to the president of the feast.’ They did this; the president tasted the water, and it had turned into wine. Having no idea where it came from—though the servants who had drawn the water knew—the president of the feast called the bridegroom and said, ‘Everyone serves good wine first and the worse wine when the guests are well wined; but you have kept the best wine till now.’

    This was the first of Jesus’ signs: it was at Cana in Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, but they stayed there only a few days.

                (2) R. Jesus performed His first public
                    miracle —
                    God is showing His power in
                        Jesus performing this miracle —

                (3) R. We see the miracles of Jesus then
                    in those He healed —
                    A leper made clean —
                    Healing the centurion's servant —

                (4) R. We see the Power of Jesus in the miracles —
                    Peter's mother-in-law healed of
                    the fever —

                (5) R. Jesus calming the storm at sea.
                    Jesus driving out the devil out
                        of the man —

                (6) R. Jesus healing the crippled, the
                    hemorrhage healed in the
                    woman —

                (7) R. Jarius' daughter raised

                (8) R. Jesus feeding 5 thousand
                    Jesus walking on the water
                    Jesus healed the blind, maimed,
                        lame, dumb.

                (9) R. Jesus healed the blind, cured the
                    sick, cast out devils —

                (10) R. Jesus healed lepers, cripples,
                    blind and
                    Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead —
                    Jesus rose from the dead Himself —
                    Jesus ascended into heaven

                Building the Kingdom of God

                (1) R. The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5: 1-3 

Seeing the crowds, he went onto the mountain. And when he was seated his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak. This is
what he taught them:

How blessed are the poor in spirit:
the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
 

                (2) R. Jesus blessed the children

Mark 10: 14-16

but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.

                (3) Matthew 7: 12

                (4) The Beatitudes

Matthew 5: 3-10

How blessed are the poor in spirit:
the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
Blessed are the gentle:
they shall have the earth as inheritance.
Blessed are those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those
   who hunger and thirst for uprightness:
they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Blessed are the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers:
they shall be recognised
   as children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted
   in the cause of uprightness:
the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.  

 

                (5) R. How many parables Jesus preached
                    involving nature, fig trees,
                    vineyard, vine and branch,
                    the mustard seed, the weed
                    seeds and the good seeds.

                (6) R. Building the Kingdom of God —
                    growth in religion!!
                    the natural law —
                    persevering in prayer —
                    prudence —
                    the truth —
                    Joy —
                    Faith
                    Helping to tell all about salvation
                    Love
                    Blessed for obeying God —
                    Being ready and tell all to be ready!
                    Repentance for sin —
                    Faithfulness — trusting God —
                    Being one —
                    Forgiveness —
                    The Commandments —

                    Living to know, love and serve
                    God with our whole heart,
                    our whole soul,
                    our whole being —

                (7) R. Jesus spoke to us in parables,
                    Jesus worked miracles
                    On the journey to Emmaus —
                    we see Jesus gives us
                    His Word and the
                    Eucharist for our
                    journey here —
                    so we can get to heaven and
                    live to build His Kingdom —
                    catch fish so others can
                    get to heaven —

                (8) Song: A Song from Jesus

                (9)

Prayer for Union with Jesus

Come to me, Lord, and possess my soul. Come into my heart and permeate my soul. Help me to sit in silence with You and let You work in my heart.

    I am Yours to possess. I am Yours to use. I want to be selfless and only exist in You. Help me to spoon out all that is me and be an empty vessel ready to be filled by You. Help me to die to myself and live only for You. Use me as You will. Let me never draw my attention back to myself. I only want to operate as You do, dwelling within me.

    I am Yours, Lord. I want to have my life in You. I want to do the will of the Father. Give me the strength to put aside the world and let You operate my very being. Help me to act as You desire. Strengthen me against the distractions of the devil to take me from Your work.

    When I worry, I have taken my focus off of You and placed it on myself. Help me not to give in to the promptings of others to change what in my heart You are making very clear to me. I worship You, I adore You and I love You. Come and dwell in me now.

-God's Blue Book, January 17, 1994

                (10)

Act of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

"Lord Jesus, Chief Shepherd of the flock, I consecrate myself to Your most Sacred Heart. From Your pierced Heart the Church was born, the Church You have called me, as a member of Shepherds of Christ Associates, to serve in a most special way. You reveal Your Heart as a symbol of Your love in all its aspects, including Your most special love for me, whom You have chosen as Your companion in this most important work. Help me to always love You in return. Help me to give myself entirely to You. Help me always to pour out my life in love of God and neighbor! Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You!

"Dear Blessed Virgin Mary, I consecrate myself to your maternal and Immaculate Heart, this Heart which is symbol of your life of love. You are the Mother of my Savior. You are also my Mother. You love me with a most special love as a member of Shepherds of Christ Associates, a movement created by your Son as a powerful instrument for the renewal of the Church and the world. In a return of love, I give myself entirely to your motherly love and protection. You followed Jesus perfectly. You are His first and perfect disciple. Teach me to imitate you in the putting on of Christ. Be my motherly intercessor so that, through your Immaculate Heart, I may be guided to an ever closer union with the pierced Heart of Jesus, Chief Shepherd of the flock."

                The Transfiguration

                (1) Mark 9: 2-8

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain on their own by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became brilliantly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus, ‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’ Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus.

                (2) R. We know Jesus took Peter, James
                    and John up the mountain —
                    Jesus showed them Himself —

                (3) R. We see that manifestation of God
                    in this mystery —

                (4) R. We anticipate the beatific
                    vision —

                (5) R. We want to have a pure soul —
                    We live to build the Kingdom —

                (6) R. We don't want to offend God
                    by any sin —
                    we love Him —

                (7) R. The Apostles walked with
                    Jesus and He looked like
                    one of them —
                    then He took them up
                    Mt. Tabor and they knew
                    there was a lot more to Jesus — 

                (8) R. We go to Mass and we know the
                    gift more and more of the
                    Mass —
                    We must see beyond appearances

                (9) Matthew 17: 5

... ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’

                (10) R. We pray for faith to see beyond
                    appearances —

                The Institution of the Eucharist and the Last Supper

                (1) Luke 22: 19-20

Then he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ He did the same with the cup after supper, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood poured out for you.

                (2) Sing: I Am the Bread of Life

                (3) Sing: I Love You Jesus

                (4) Sing: Your Presence Pervades My Soul

                (5) Sing: God's Love

                (6) R. These are the mysteries of light.

                Given June 20, 2011

On His Passion

Jesus: My dear child,
I was condemned to death, death on a cross. They gave Me a big cross and made Me carry it. They stood around and glared at Me. It weighed on My shoulder and I pulled at it until it finally moved. Every step was almost impossible as I dragged it, weighing so heavily on My shoulders.

My shoulder felt as if the bones inside would crack and the cross would fall through to the ground. I couldn’t drag it any more. I tried, I fell. I fell and its weight fell on Me. A guard hit Me with something sharp. It really hurt because he wanted Me to move, and fast! People were watching — on with the show! How dare I fall in the middle of the show! He hit Me again and the blow really stung Me. I got up because it hurt so badly. I tried to walk on.

My Mother was in the crowd. She looked at Me and her face looked red and hurt. Tears rolled down her cheeks like rain and as her eyes met Mine, I was hurt so by her sorrow! She was always by My side, silent and loving. She was My mother of love! She is always there next to you when you suffer.

I fell again and he (the guard) really hit Me. It (the cross) was so heavy that he and I together could barely move it. It seemed as I walked, heavier with the sins of the world heaped on it. My hands were bleeding. Blood ran from the wounds of My thorns and My head throbbed, seeming to make the wounds in My head bleed even more. Some of the Blood was dried, some of it running all over My Body. I had so many cuts and bruises — and people watched and laughed!

I am Jesus, Son of the Living God, and they laughed and mimicked Me! Oh, such hardened hearts! How vile can men’s heart become? The devil’s grip is paralyzing and crippling.

The walk was so long up a hill and over rocks — the cross had to be lifted over the rocks. My Body was bleeding so badly! My heart was pounding. I knew that the salvation of all men depended on My love. Therefore, I went through such agony.

end of excerpt

Jesus: I thought of My intense love for you — that many would go to heaven because of My suffering — and I continued to the top of the hill. At the top they laid Me on the cross and with a big hammer nailed My hands to it. It was the worst (suffering) yet. My hands were nailed with big nails and the big hammer. Oh, it was unbelievable! Then, as if that weren’t enough, with a big nail they nailed through both feet.

Then they lifted the cross and banged it into (a hole in) the ground. My shoulders ached from how I hung. My head bobbed and My neck ached and they laughed and said, "Now save Yourself." I hurt so much! I suffered this way for hours — which seemed like forever — and they glared at Me and laughed! My Mother watched in such agony.

For love of you, to My death I gave you My Body. My child, I shed My Blood and gave you My life that you might be with Me forever in heaven — not for a day, a month or a year, but forever with Me in heaven.

I am the true Bread come down from heaven. He who eats My Flesh will have life forever. For the drink I give you is My Blood and food you eat is My Body. Who would lay down his life for a friend? I did, for you. I love you this much, child. Forget about those who reject you. You have My life that I gave you and I give you life eternal.

I am the One true God. I am the Light of life. He who abides in Me will have life eternal, for the drink I give is My Blood and the food I give is My Body. Drink and eat and have everlasting life.

My child, that is all you need to know. Love one another and be good that you may enter into My kingdom.

end of excerpt

Building the Kingdom of Truth

     The Eucharist and the Word is the Bread of Life – In
this world with distorted vision – we spread this book to you
– Focusing on the Word – The Word alive in our Hearts –
Reflecting on the Word – THIS IS TRUTH

     The more we live the Word in our lives, the more we
live Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection in our lives – the
more we know the truth and see more clearly the vision of
our heavenly Father –

     We have been given the Catholic Church – Pillar of
truth – We have been given the Word – We have been
given the Commandments –

     Because of original sin we have distorted vision – Living
in the Word . . obeying the Commandments – Living
according to the Church’s teachings helps us to live in the
truth – to see more the vision of the Father – We know in
this distorted world – THE TRUTH! !

     We pray the Our Father at Mass – We focus on our
Heavenly Father and His Plan for us – We want unity as
children of God

     In spreading these homilies and our writings on the
Eucharist – we want men to be fed more and more with the
Bread of Life – We want to live in the truth – We want to
live in greater faith, hope and love – To live in unity –

     To date – 17 years – we have circulated 15,000,000
Priestly Newsletters loose and in books from Fr. Carter and
other priests.

     We have begun prayer chapters in 8 languages with the
Church's Imprimatur, around the world, so there is a
network of prayer out there praying for our priests, the
Church and the world –

     If we have this devotion to the Sacred Heart and
Immaculate Heart, we are helping ourselves to be more
united in the pure and holy Hearts of Jesus and Mary as
Mary asked for at Fatima –

     When we die there will be a network of prayer around
the world praying for our beloved priests and the Church –

     This to me is the greatest gift I can give to my children
and grandchildren in helping more and more our holy
priests – We hope people love God and others as they dwell
in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

     We pray people love the Church more and more and
thank God for this precious gift of the Church and the
priest and the Word – We pray people live as strong
members of the mystical body of Christ –

     The world is in so much need of prayer and that deep
relationship with Mary, Mother of the Church – The Holy
Spirit works in that Spousal union with Mary helping us to
do God's will –

     Thank you for your willingness to answer God's call in
focusing on the Word and praying for the priests, the
Church and the world with us –

     May God bless you in your mission of loving and serving
God and helping to build the Kingdom of God.

May the Light of Christ shine on the earth as we live
more holy lives in Him and in His Word –

     We should respond enthusiastically to Christ's call to
help build up the Kingdom of truth and love, of justice and
that the peace of Christ is spread on this earth.

     The Shepherds of Christ Movement
 

Co-equal purpose
 

Ministries

1. PRIMARY MINISTRY - CIRCULATING
    PRIESTLY NEWSLETTERS TO PRIESTS ALL OVER
    THE WORLD IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH to promote
    priestly holiness, Fr. Joe’s books and other priests books –

2. PRAYER CHAPTERS praying for the priests and
    the renewal of the Church and the world using the prayer
    manual (in 8 languages with the Church’s Imprimatur).

3. School Rosary Program and Junior Shepherds of Christ Ministry.

4. Nursing Home Ministry.

5. Special retreats and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

6. Apostles of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

7. Promoting the rosary to all, rosary meditations.

8. Prison Ministry to promote prayer and spiritual renewal.

9. Handmaids and Servants of the Good Shepherd.

10. Audio/Video Departments (priestly newsletters on tape).

11. Prayer books, newsletters, newsletter books, and other spiritual aids.

 

John 15: 5-6

I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me,
with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can
do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away
like a branch –and withers; these branches are collected and
thrown on the fire and are burnt.
 

We get our life from Jesus – He is the vine – we are the

branches – A branch cannot bear grapes if it is disconnected

from the vine – We cannot do anything without Him

Sing: Bread of Life

 

John 17: 21

May they all be one, ...
 

     We want to follow Christ! We are to witness to Christ!
We are to live in the truth!

     Oh God send laborers into the harvest — Send those who
will help us spread the Good News. Send us so many young
and eager priests wanting to serve You —

end of excerpt June 16, 2011

Glorious Mysteries

 

Death - Resurrection

                The Resurrection of Jesus

                (1) R. So as we see the suffering for our sins
                    Jesus endured in the Rosary June 20, 2011 —
                    We see what love is more about —
                    Love is giving —
                    Love is sacrifice —
                    Love is wanting God's will —
                    Love is knowing God more and more and
                        what we love we will spend our
                        time on — we will live to do His
                        will —
                        We will not want to offend Our God
                        who is so good to us —
                        Love is truth —
                        Love is seeking reality —
                            the vision of God's plan through
                                the Father's eyes
                    Love is forgiveness —
                    Love is mercy —
                    Love is goodness —
                    Love is faith, hope and seeking a
                        virtuous life —
                    Love is serving God —
                    Love is serving others as God wills —
                    Love is caring, genuinely for others —
                    Love is helping others to be as God desires —

                (2) R. So we see the contrast of the Divine God —
                    Jesus, God-made-Man in suffering
                    for us in the rosary of June 20, 2011,
                    Sorrowful Mysteries —

                (3) R. So we say and God so loved the world —

John 3: 16

                (4) R. Being what God wants us to be — saying
                        a big "yes" like Mary to our
                        vocation —
                        "yes" to God's will —
                        "yes" to truth —
                        "yes" to the commandments of God
                        "yes" as we live following Jesus in
                            complying to the Father's will —
                        "yes" as Mary complied to the Father's will —

                (5) Genesis 12: 1-9

Yahweh said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your kindred and your father’s house for a country which I shall show you; and I shall make you a great nation, I shall bless you and make your name famous; you are to be a blessing!

    I shall bless those who bless you, 
    and shall curse those who curse you, 
    and all clans on earth 
    will bless themselves by you.’ 

    So Abram went as Yahweh told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy–five years old when he left Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had amassed and the people they had acquired in Haran. They set off for the land of Canaan, and arrived there.

    Abram passed through the country as far as the holy place at Shechem, the Oak of Moreh. The Canaanites were in the country at the time. Yahweh appeared to Abram and said, ‘I shall give this country to your progeny.’ And there, Abram built an altar to Yahweh who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the mountainous district east of Bethel, where he pitched his tent, with Bethel to the west and Ai to the east. There he built an altar to Yahweh and invoked the name of Yahweh. Then Abram made his way stage by stage to the Negeb.

                (6) R. Yes to God's will — obedience to God —
                    wanting to please the Father as
                    Mary did

                (7) R. "Yes" to living the life, death and
                    resurrection of Jesus in our lives —

                (8) R. "Yes" to being a fisher of men —
                    like Peter —
                    after the resurrection — after
                    they fished all night —
                    Jesus gave them a great catch

                (9) R. "Yes", "Yes", "yes" to the Plan
                    of the Father —

                (10) R. Jesus paid a precious price so we
                    could share His life

                The Ascension

                (1) Acts 1: 6-9

                (2) R. We are to do on earth what Jesus did —
                    People should see Christ in us —
                    We are to do what God wants us
                        to do —

                (3) R. Look how long the Church has
                    operated as Jesus wanted —
                    Look at the Blood shed by
                    the Martyrs — Look at our
                    holy priests —

                (4) R. God help us to rise to greater
                    holiness —
                    Jesus paid a big price for us —

                (5) R. God help us to be one!!

                (6) Psalm 27: 7-9

                (7) R. The Trinity is the most perfect
                    community

                (8) R. We believe in the Church —
                    We are under the authority of
                        the Church

                (9) R. Help us to be loyal members
                    to the Church —

                (10) R. What keeps us as a
                    community together —
                    it is love of God and
                    love of neighbor —
                    We live in love — In God and
                    We live in love — God In Us.

                The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and Blessed Mother

                (1) Sing: Veni Sancte Spiritus

                (2) R. Say Sequence on Pentecost

    From the Lectionary

                (3) John 17: 22

I have given them the glory
   you gave to me,
that they may be one as we are one.
 

                (4) From Tell My People by Fr. Edward Carter, S.J.

                (5) From the Priestly Newsletter Book III by Fr. Edward Carter, S.J.

                (6) Joel 3: 1-5

                (7) Psalm 104: 1, 24, 29-31, 34

                (8) Acts 2: 1-11

                (9) 1 Corinthians 12: 3-7, 12-13

                (10) Sing: Glory, Glory, Glory Lord

                The Assumption

                (1) R. God never abandons the faithful
                    Sarah thought barren
                    We can choose God — 

                (2) R. There is a constant war between
                    good and evil because of
                    our fallen human nature —

                (3) R. Jesus is the gift —
                    Mary is the Mother of Jesus
                    God is the Center
                    Mary is our Spiritual Mother
                    Mary is Mother of the Priests
                    Help us spread the consecration to the
                        Sacred Heart and to the Immaculate
                        Heart to the priests —

                (4) R. Say "yes" with all our hearts
                    in serving God in our
                    vocation
                    Being faithful
                    Mary is the perfect handmaid
                    of the Lord

                (5) R. God created an orderly harmonious
                    world —
                    If we distort God's order we have problems —
                    God wants holiness like Mary

                (6) R. Mary was holy — Mary was sinless —
                    Mary was taken body and soul
                    into heaven 

                (7) R. Mary wants us in her heart.

                (8) From the Priestly Newsletter Book III by Fr. Edward Carter, S.J.

                (9)

Act of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

"Lord Jesus, Chief Shepherd of the flock, I consecrate myself to Your most Sacred Heart. From Your pierced Heart the Church was born, the Church You have called me, as a member of Shepherds of Christ Associates, to serve in a most special way. You reveal Your Heart as a symbol of Your love in all its aspects, including Your most special love for me, whom You have chosen as Your companion in this most important work. Help me to always love You in return. Help me to give myself entirely to You. Help me always to pour out my life in love of God and neighbor! Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You!

"Dear Blessed Virgin Mary, I consecrate myself to your maternal and Immaculate Heart, this Heart which is symbol of your life of love. You are the Mother of my Savior. You are also my Mother. You love me with a most special love as a member of Shepherds of Christ Associates, a movement created by your Son as a powerful instrument for the renewal of the Church and the world. In a return of love, I give myself entirely to your motherly love and protection. You followed Jesus perfectly. You are His first and perfect disciple. Teach me to imitate you in the putting on of Christ. Be my motherly intercessor so that, through your Immaculate Heart, I may be guided to an ever closer union with the pierced Heart of Jesus, Chief Shepherd of the flock."

 

                (10) Sing: See the Eyes that Look at Mary

                The Coronation

                (1) R. Every life is created with
                    a purpose by God —
                    Every life has meaning — 

                (2) R. There is one truth

                (3) R. Jesus leads us on the path
                    to holiness —
                    Jesus has the roadmap —
                    It is run on love

                (4) R. The devil wants us to have
                    insecurity —
                    Peter was walking on
                    water — then Peter doubted

                (5) Mary's Message - from the Rosary of August 27, 1996

Mary:  I stood beneath the cross of my Son, and my Heart was in such pain for I saw Him before my eyes. I saw Him covered with blood. I saw Him die. My Heart, my children, my Heart to watch my Son, but my Heart, my Heart, how I suffered for my little children of the world that give in to this world and give up the love of my Son. O my little children of light, I give you this message. Carry this light into the darkness for your Mother Mary, for I stood beneath the cross and I cried. I cried for the little ones. I cried for the young ones, the ones that do not care and will lose their souls. How do I make you see for you will not listen to me? What can I do? I come. I appear. I beg. I plead. I give you these gifts from my Son, and you reject me. I do not deliver messages very often anymore for I have been ignored. The message is the same. You do not read the messages I have given to you. Please help me. Help the little children. I appear. I appear. I appear, and I am ignored. I stood beneath the cross, and I cried. I cried, and my Heart was in such anguish for my little children, for I am searching for them this day as I searched for the Child Jesus. Please, please help me. I cannot hold back the hand of my Son any longer. I am Mary, your Mother. I ask you to help my children. You are my children of light.

end of Mary's Message

                (6) R. Everything good we have is a
                    blessing from God

                (7) R. Innocent people suffer
                    with sin
                    We are to be people for others —

                (8) R. The Church is the body of Christ —
                    Christ is the head

                (9) Sing: Holy Is His Name

                (10) Sing: Holy God we Praise Thy Name