Joseph: A Pure Heart

But just when he has resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

                                                                   Matthew 1: 20-21

In Matthew 1: 18-24, the angel announces to Joseph that Mary is to have a son that would save the world from their sins. However, before he was graced with the news, he noticed that Mary was with child, though they had not yet married. Joseph was afraid to accept Mary as his wife for fear of ridicule and disgrace. However, the angel told him to dismiss these fears, for the child had come by the blessing of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit. So, Joseph accepts Mary as his wife.

Throughout the reading, the term “accepted her as his wife” or took her as his wife” is used multiple times. So, one of the themes of the reading is acceptance. While Joseph was hesitant to accept Mary because of what appeared to be sin (but it wasn’t), he eventually came to accept her, despite any attention that it may draw.

The Catechism states in paragraph 2519:

 The "pure in heart" are promised that they will see God face to face and be like him. Purity of heart is the precondition of the vision of God. Even now it enables us to see according to God, to accept others as "neighbors"; it lets us perceive the human body - ours and our neighbor's - as a temple of the Holy Spirit, a manifestation of divine beauty.

The Core Value of Archbishop Hoban High school that most relates to this passage is Discipline.  Discipline is the first reason that causes Joseph to second guess staying with Mary.  Joseph is only trying to obey the laws of marriage when he considers a quiet divorce from Mary. When he is told to not divorce Mary and to support her throughout her life with this child, Joseph is challenged with discipline. Joseph does what he is told with respect and honor. As it is said at Hoban, “We challenge each student in mind, spirit, and body.”, and Joseph is challenged in the exact same manner. Discipline brings success, and Joseph would have not been prosperous.

Prayer of Trust

My Lord God,

I have no idea where I am going.

I do not see the road ahead of me.

I cannot know for certain where it will end,

Nor do I really know myself.

And the fact that I think that I am following

Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.

But I believe that the desire to please you,

Does in fact please you.

And I hope I have the desire in all that I am doing,

hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the

right road though I may know nothing about it.

Therefore will I trust you always though I may

seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear for you are ever with me and

you will never leave me to face my troubles alone.

Thomas Merton 

Is It a Test of the Lord?

Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:10-14

In this passage Ahaz is refusing to ask God for a sign which God is offering to him.  His excuse of not wanting to test God is just that, an excuse.  He is denying God’s will so that he can bargain with the Assyrians.  Bargaining with the Assyrians is against God’s will and is a way of encouraging idolatry.  Ahaz is committing a serious sin.

The Lord has given King Ahaz the opportunity to ask a sign of the Lord, but he denied the testing of his Lord. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church says, "To this purpose, man strives to interpret the data of experience and the signs of the times assisted by the virtue of prudence, by the advice of competent people, and by the help of the Holy Spirit and his gifts."(CCC 1788) Ahaz believes that the Lord does not need to give him a sign, because Ahaz does not believe in God and has no intention of doing his will. The Lord can give many powerful signs to his people to lead them in the right direction. An example of this powerful sign, Isaiah told Ahaz that a women would give birth to a child, Immanuel.

This passage is most closely related to Hoban’s core value of Reliance on Divine Providence.  Living out this value means honoring God’s presence in our lives and acting according to His will.  We must honor Him knowing that He has a plan for us and will always provide for us.How is our lives an example of the presence of God?  What do I need to do to be a sign that God is with us?

Call on the Lord when you need help,

for He will never turn His back on you.  

Lord, give us the courage to ask for your help

when we need it.  

May we never doubt your strength and miracles.  

When we are having troubles and don’t know what to do,

show us a sign that you are with us

and that everything will be alright.  

No matter how hard times may get,

remember, never lose faith.  

Amen.

The Glory of God

Lift up your heads, you gates;

  be lifted up, you ancient doors,

  that the King of glory may come in. Ps.24:7

 In Psalms 24, verse 1 declares God possess everything on the earth because God made everything. Verse 3 describes the hill of the Lord as Zion. It was a hill in Jerusalem. Solomon built the temple on it and he did this after David died. The holy place was the tent with the Ark in it. The temple is where the Ark was housed.  Verse 4 defines righteousness as being a person with  “clean hands and a pure heart.” It is when we desire to be righteous that we are a forgiven people. Verses 7-10 remember the time when David brought the Ark into Jerusalem. Where God’s law is revered, God is with the people. God was so great that Jerusalem needs no protection! So this faith is proclaimed by declaring that the gates should, "Lift up your heads".  Jerusalem was a city long before David came. Many kings had lived there but they were not kings of the Jews. But what makes Jerusalem unique, is that the Law of God dwells is this city.

The Jews believed that God was their king and they believed that he went everywhere with the Ark. It was a picture of God as king of Jerusalem. The Psalm calls God "the king of glory" four times. God had special servants and the Jews called them priests.  The priests shouted, "Who is the king of glory?" and all the people answered, "The LORD!"

The Catholic Catechism reminds us that our “glory” comes from God. In paragraph 2809 we are told:

The holiness of God is the inaccessible center of his eternal mystery. What is revealed of it in creation and history, Scripture calls "glory," the radiance of his majesty. In making man in his image and likeness, God "crowned him with glory and honor," but by sinning, man fell "short of the glory of God." From that time on, God was to manifest his holiness by revealing and giving his name, in order to restore man to the image of his Creator.

The core value of Psalm 24 is that of Hope and Zeal which is taught through the Psalm.  It gives us the Hope that God is “the King of glory” and he will forever watch over, teach and take care of us.  He wants us to have a pure heart and forgive those around us, just like he forgave the people of Jerusalem.  We are taught we too are to “stand side by side with all people.”  We are all burdened by the same struggles and weaknesses.  Zeal is also taught within the Psalm, because God wants us to forgive others such as he forgave the people of Jerusalem. We are to continue his good deeds and make sure that all people know of him and his greatness from this day forth.  We are to keep God in our hearts and show his love within our action, just like the Jews kept the Law that was in the Ark. How will you show solidarity with others today? How will you take the step to reconcile with others?  How will you show obedience to God’s law?

 An Act of Hope prayer:

 Oh my God, relying on your infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

Be Christ!

Through Christ we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake.  Romans 1:5

This Scripture is a letter that addressed the gravity of sin, the belief that God redeems us, the necessity of faith, the struggle with sin and the works of the Holy Spirit. It means that we need to be aware of our sins and work towards a better understanding of our faith. It is the good news of Jesus Christ and that through him we are given the privilege and ability to share our faith with others.  This brings glory to Christ. We are also called to belong to Jesus Christ and to be his people.

Paul is telling us and the Romans that we are called to become Christ like and to serve the one true God as saints. In the Catechism we are told that the whole Church is called to “to spread the Kingdom of Christ over all the Earth” The Church is apostolic, and we remain in communion of faith and life with the successors of St. Peter and the other apostles, because we are “sent out” into the world to witness to our faith. (CCC 863) In order to show people that we have been called by Christ we must live with the grace of God.

This Scripture passage is most connected to Hoban’s core value of Zeal. Zeal is the fiery passion that Christians feel to spread Jesus’ message across the globe. Paul says that Jesus has given us the grace to spread his love to all people. This is a huge responsibility that some people seem to ignore. Zeal is about taking action. We have to live our faith out if we are to be considered true Christians. What can we do to bring Jesus mission to all people? How will we bring love to the people around us?

Father in Heaven,

You made me Your child

and called me to walk in the Light of Christ.

Free me from darkness

and keep me in the Light of Your Truth.

The Light of Jesus has scattered

the darkness of hatred and sin.

Called to that Light,

I ask for Your guidance.

Form my life in Your Truth,

my heart in Your Love.

Through the Holy Eucharist,

give me the power of Your Grace  

that I may walk in the Light of Jesus

and serve Him faithfully. Amen.

What Did You Go to See?

What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Mt. 11:7-9

This Scripture is very meaningful; it is about John the Baptist questioning Jesus if He is the messiah. The way Jesus responds to this inquiry was most profound, He proclaims  “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” This was directed to John and it verifies his true faith in Jesus Christ. John is an intelligent man, he sees the divine light radiating from Jesus.  After this, Jesus begins to speak to crowd about John the Baptist. He begins by asking "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see?” this means: “what compelled you to go into the desert?” Next, Jesus asks to the crowd “A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. Then what did you go out to see?” this means: “you were searching for something much more than a rich man, my children what did you go out to look for?” After this He proposed “A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:
  "I will send my messenger ahead of you,  who will prepare your way before you.I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he”, this means: “yes, you searched for a prophet, much more than a prophet. A prophet that would come to light the way for you in the future. John the Baptist is a goodly man, but the one who is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.” Jesus is explaining that He is the messiah that has come to prepare the way, by all his miracles, signs, love and grace, and healing, He did just this.

    Jesus came teaching all people, performing miracles, and preaching the good news of the gospel. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “By freeing some individuals from the earthly evils of hunger, injustice, illness and death, Jesus performed messianic signs. Nevertheless he did not come to abolish all evils here below, but to free men from the gravest slavery, sin, which thwarts them in their vocation as God’s sons an causes all forms of human bondage.” (CCC 549) Yes, Jesus came to earth with a mission, to save all men from their sin. The miracles and signs he performed gave testimony to the authenticity of his mission. In addition to that, it affirmed him as the chosen messiah, the Christ of God. His miracles were not meant to totally rid the world of evil, but to give us hope that his power is great enough, that, with his help, we can resist all evil and so become stronger through Christ.

    The core value of Mathew 11:2-11 is reliance in divine providence. Reliance on divine Providence means that God is active and present in our lives. Reliance on Divine providence is prevalent value in Mathew 11:2-11 because John the Baptist is wondering if Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus shows him that he is God’s son by telling him he the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised. Jesus shows his appreciation for John the Baptists by saying that Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he, which showed that John’s love foe God was so strong that he though of him as great. How do you make God an active and visible part of your life?  Do you seek Jesus as John the Baptist did? How are you a part of Christ’s healing ministry?


Prayer to Divine Providence

O Sweet and Tender Providence of God, into Thy hands I commend my spirit, to Thee I abandon myself, my hopes, my fears, my desires, my repugnances, my temporal and eternal prospects. To Thee I commit the wants of my perishable body, to Thee I commit the far more precious interests of my immortal soul, for whose interests I have nothing to fear while I withdraw it not from Thy bosom. Though my faults are many, my misery great, my spiritual poverty extreme, my hope in Thee surpasses all. It is greater than my difficulties, stronger than death. Though temptations should assail me, I will hope in Thee, though I should sink beneath my weakness, I will hope in Thee still, though I should break my resolutions a thousand times, I will look to Thee confidently for grace to keep them at last; though Thou shouldst slay me, even then will I trust Thee, for Thou art my God, my Father and my Friend. Thou art my kind, my tender, my indulgent Parent, and I am Thy loving Child, who cast myself into Thy Arms and beg Thy blessing, who put my trust in Thee, and so trusting, shall never be confounded.

Providence did provide. Providence can provide. Providence will provide. O loving Providence of God we commit this cause to Thee.

------From the Precious Blood and Mother Prayer book


   

This Little Light of God

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. Ps. 146: 5

The meaning of Psalm 146 is that we shall put no one before the Lord. The Lord is all powerful and is the creator of all things. No mortals shall be placed ahead of God. The Lord created the heavens and the earth, and protects all those who have faith in him. He loves the righteous and watches over those who trust in his name. Respecting the Lord is extremely important and praising his name through words and actions is a great way to show trust in the Lord. All things are capable through the power of God. We need to praise the Lord our God forever and carry his name on throughout generations.

In the liturgical year this Sunday of Advent is named Gaudete.  At the beginning prayer of the Mass we are told to “Rejoice!”   The essence of happiness is to rejoice.  We are called to rejoice in what is -- not in pursuit of what we imagine might be. There is plenty to rejoice in, if we will take time to look around us with the eye of faith and love and thanksgiving. We have been assured that “all things work together for good to those who love God.” And it is all the assurance we ever need for permanent happiness. If we wholeheartedly embrace this hope, we shall find God’s great love.  We will be like the shepherds seeking the King of Kings. The humble babe in the manger is not a child of poverty but an Almighty King. We are called to grow in a faith rooted in joy. When we perceive with joyful faith, we comprehend just how all things in our life are working together for good. The third candle of advent challenges the darkness, and gives light to our life.

In the Catholic Catechism we are reminded:

Life extends over all beings and fills them with unlimited light; the Orient of orients pervades the universe, and he who was "before the daystar" and before the heavenly bodies, immortal and vast, the great Christ, shines over all beings more brightly than the sun. Therefore a day of long, eternal light is ushered in for us who believe in him, a day which is never blotted out: the mystical Passover. (1165)

We worship Christ who is our light.  Our God is a God who is Incarnate.  He is Emmanuel God with us.

A Hoban core value is reliance on divine providence.  Simply put divine providence represents the present and activity of God. We are the “light” that makes God visible in our lives.  As Father Moreau wrote:

"With the eyes of faith, consider the greatness of your mission and the wonderful amount of good you can accomplish. And also consider the great reward promised to those who have taught the truth to others and have helped form them into justice: 'they will shine eternally in the skies like the stars of the heavens.' With the hope of this glory, we must generously complete the Lord's work."

 

What is the good that you do each day?  At Hoban?  At home?  Who makes Christ visible to you?  How is prayer a way God lights up the world?

Prayer:

The Light of God before me.
The Light of God behind me.
The Light of God above me.
The Light of God beside me.
The Light of God within me.

From the Prayer of St. Patrick

Wait for the Lord!

    Be Patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.  James 5:7 
In this passage from James, the apostle addresses himself to the poor, who are being oppressed by the rich men. He addresses them as his brothers and does not give this title to the rich. He tells them to be patient under their sufferings and to await the coming of the Lord. He preaches to leave punishing the rich man to God, who will judge his people justly, and put the poor in possession of the eternal kingdom and glory. Waiting for “the fruit of the earth” is a considerable amount of time from seed to full grown fruit, and during this period the man must wait, just as we must wait for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Cheerfully bear all injuries, and establish your hearts, he states. Do not be dismayed, pluck up your spirits, and do not sink under your pressures. Be of courage, pick up your heads, and free yourself of your sorrows.
        In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read about Jesus’ reaction toward the sick, suffering, and oppressed. “Moved by so much suffering Christ not only allows himself to be touched by the sick, but he makes their miseries his own: ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.’” (CCC 1505) According to our faith, we must try to take up our crosses and bear their weight. This does not mean however that we must suffer alone. The Lord knows what we can and cannot handle, and where we show weakness, He is there to pick up the slack. “Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. “ Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus pleads that we rely on him in our times of great hardship and pain. In James 5:7-10, we are told to be patient until the coming of the Lord, like a farmer waits for the rains. We may not be satisfied with this passage because it makes waiting seem easy. We imagine a farmer sitting on his front porch, bathing in the sun, waiting patiently for his corn to grow. But what we don’t understand is that for the farmer, his crop is life or death. If the rains don’t come, he doesn’t have food for himself or his family. The Lord understands that waiting for Him is difficult. Like the farmer who is anxious about the rains, sometimes we doubt that the Lord will ever come. But Jesus tells us that His yoke is easy, that he will take our suffering and impatience and doubt and trade them for love, hope, kindness, and rest. We must be patient in our suffering, bear our crosses and trust that the Lord will be with us always.
Of the ten core Holy Cross Values of Archbishop Hoban high school, the one that relates best to the passage written by the apostle James is the core value of Hope. The Holy Cross constitution states that  “As disciples of Jesus we stand side by side with all people.  Like them we are burdened by the same struggles and beset by the same weaknesses; like them we are made new by the same Lord’s love; like them we hope for a world where justice and love prevail.”
 The suffering  people of James community are being overwhelmed by the treatment of the wealthy people. James goes on to emphasize patience and hope.  The people of the community had started to lose hope that the Lord would one day save them.
This also applies to the feelings of many people of our community of Akron, Ohio who are less fortunate than we are. Hoban High School puts hope into action by giving hope to the people of our community by collecting the astounding number of 44,584 cans. These cans  collected by our student body that will go to many needy families this holiday season. We also serve the poor and vulnerable through our service hours.  Through our retreats we grow closer to God.  God is always with the poor and therefore when we grow in our relationship with God we too grow closer to the poor and suffering. During this advent season, are we taking opportunities to grow closer to God?  Will we make time for a parish teen retreat, Kairos, or Search? Is our prayer increasing?  Are we attending Church weekly?  How are we serving the poor?  Have we increase both our charity and our service?

Prayer of Patience

God, teach me to be patient, teach me to go slow,

Teach me how to wait on You when my way I do not know.

Teach me sweet forbearance when things do not go right

So I remain unruffled when others grow uptight.

Teach me how to quiet my racing, rising heart

So I might hear the answer You are trying to impart.

Teach me to let go, dear God, and pray undisturbed until

My heart is filled with inner peace and I learn to know your will.