THE HEART OF A SEMINARIAN

A Roman Catholic Seminarian opens up his Heart and shares the Faith he Loves.

SUNDAY’S READINGS FOR MASS

January 30, 2005 – 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Zephaniah 2: 3; 3: 12 - 13

Psalm 146: 6 – 7, 8 – 9, 9 – 10

I Corinthians 1: 26 – 31

Matthew 5: 1 – 12a 

Explanation

The readings of this week might just be biggest readings on improving your faith that you will ever find.  These are readings that you can meditate on for a long time.  As always, the week revolves around the Beatitudes, namely “Blessed is the poor in spirit.” (Mt 5:3)  I remember when I was in college, money was short.  I used to love when my parents came to my baseball games, because they would always help with some money.  This would usually mean that I could eat supper that evening, because our games got over after the kitchen closed.  I was poor.  I cannot express the amount of joy that I felt when I surprisingly found a five dollar bill in my pocket.  I often reflect on that time and wonder if I still can find that same joy in a five dollar bill.  When finding a five dollar bill in my pocket, would I think nothing of it or be grateful?  This does not solely mean the poor in the monetary sense.  To be poor in spirit is to live your life realizing that everything you have is a gift from God.  When I saw that five dollar bill in my pocket, I thanked God for it.  Would I still do the same?

The challenge for us in our lives is to live our lives in gratitude for all the gifts that we receive with no regard to the size.  Here is a personal example in my life and a challenge.  Before I go to bed, I review my day and I constantly thank God for everything.  Thank you for waking me up at an early hour, thank you for scripture, thank you for all-bran and milk, etc.  Then at the end of that, I write down one thing that I was most grateful for in my day.  The twist is that I never allow myself to name something twice.  So if I wrote that I was most grateful for the opportunity to write in my blog, then I cannot write that down again on my grateful sheet.  This causes me to look deeper into my day to be truly grateful.  One time, I went to breakfast and was mad because there were no spoons.  I realize that I took having a spoon for granted, so I wrote that night that I was thankful for spoons.  It is small, but it is a gift from God. 

Many times, I wondered why God picked the apostles to be apostles.  They were fishermen and other lowly jobs.  Why did he not pick a commander, a wealthy man, or a politician?  The reason is simply; the apostles were totally dependent on God while the others would have tried to solve problems using their own gifts and power.  We must not remain comfortable in our faith.  Challenge ourselves to be dependent on God.  Challenge ourselves to be vulnerable.  Let us challenge ourselves to be uncomfortable and scared, because only then will you see the great things God can do in your life. 

   In the first reading, it speaks of the “humble and lowly” which is the same word translated as “poor in spirit”.  They will lead the people.  The second reading is another segment of 1 Corinthians 1, but this message applies well.  It speaks of how God will use the weak of the world to shame the strong, so that no one can boast except in the Lord.  Please read these scriptures.  It is truly amazing.

Scripture: Zephaniah 2: 3; 3: 12 - 13, Psalm 146: 6 – 7, 8 – 9, 9 – 10, I Corinthians 1: 26 – 31, &

Matthew 5: 1 – 12a

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SUNDAY’S READINGS FOR MASS

January 23, 2005 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 8: 23 – 9: 3

Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13 - 14

I Corinthians 1: 10 – 13, 17

Matthew 4: 12 - 23

 Explanation

The key to these readings is Isaiah prophesizing “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." (Mt 4:15-16, cf. Is 8:23-9:1)  In the past 2 weeks, we have seen the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist (Mt 3) and afterwards John the Baptist announces Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (Jn 1).  Then later after his temptation (Mt 4), he finds out that John has been arrested by Herod.   As a result, Jesus moves to Capernaum which by Matthew is the region of Zebulun and Naphtali and thus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah; the prophecy that this region will see a great light. 

This light is the Lord, who is “my light and my salvation.” (Ps 27:1)  This is actually one of my favorite Psalms.  It speaks of total trust and faith in God through all trials and tribulation.  I do recommend taking time to read this Psalm.  God or bad, I do not know, but this is the Psalm Kobe Bryant tattooed on his arm during the problems with his trial (in case you wanted to know). 

Finally, how does the 2^nd reading fit in, because it does not speak at all about light?  Truth being told, the Church did not pick it due to association.  She picked it, because every week the Church will take you through the letter to the 1 Corinthians.  Last week, the 2^nd reading was 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3, this week it is 1: 10-13, 17, and next week will be 1: 26-31.  Who says Catholics do not go through the Bible?  Anyways, this reading like most of the letter to the Corinthians is about being united instead of divided over status.

 

Scripture: Isaiah 8: 23 – 9: 3, Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13 - 14, I Corinthians 1: 10 – 13, 17, & Matthew 4: 12 - 23

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FAITH

This is just an opportunity for anyone to ask questions about the Catholic faith or anything else pertaining to faith.

Answers to people’s questions

Q Do you think the recent events in the world (tsunami, freak weather, events in Middle East, etc.) signal the "end times."

A  With recent events such as the destruction of the Tsunami and the World Series victory of the Red Sox, I can understand your concern.  Take comfort that we will never have hints or warnings of the “end times”.  “That day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” (Mt 24:36)  Jesus Christ does not even know when the “end times” will be, so what makes us determine that we know the time?  Jesus makes it very clear that no one knows the day or the hour (Mt 24:36,42,44,50; 25:13). 

What amazes me is the fascination people have for the “end times”.  People are more worried about the “end times” than the end of their own life.  I have heard many stories of people that have given their life to Christ due to learning about the “end times”.  Your life will end most likely before the world does.  Do you know when you are going to die or end of your time on earth?  Are you ready, if the Lord calls you today?  Do not get caught unprepared like the unfaithful servant (Mt 24:45-51) or the 5 virgins (Mt 25:1-13).

For more information on the Rapture.  Check out Catholic Answers.  Click on "Rapture"

Answers to my questions last week

1) There are scholars who say that Mary might not have conceived Jesus as a virgin.  Why is this absurd to Christianity?

Answer – Without the virgin Birth, Jesus ceases to be Divine.

2) There are scholars that say that Jesus probably was born in a town called Bethlehem that is 10 miles west of Nazareth instead of the Bethlehem in Judea (far south).  Why is this absurd to Christianity?

Answer – They mention the birth in Bethlehem of Judea, because that is the hometown of King David.  This shows his relation to King David.

This week’s question

What can I do to improve this blog?

What have I done that you liked, disliked, wish that I would do more, or do less?

Scripture: Matthew 24: 36, 42, 44, 45 - 51 & Matthew 25: 1 - 13

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IN MY LIFE: IT STARTS AGAIN (Part II)

Last Monday was the beginning of the spring semester in the Seminary.  With the beginning of a new semester and a new year, this is the time of new challenges for people.  Some people have spiritual challenges, academic challenges, social challenges, and as always physical challenges.  These people are no different from me, because I now have myself a set of new challenges.  In this series of postings, I will share my challenges in these areas, my insight on them, and how each impacts my faith. 

PHYSICAL GOALS – I will offer up my sufferings and struggles with my workout and diet as a prayer for someone.

SOCIAL GOALS

Everyone, who knows me, knows that I am a very outgoing person.  I could start a conversation with practically anyone.  If that is true, then why do I need social goals?  My outgoingness is not my only positive quality.  I am also a very determined man and very independent.  As a result of these qualities, I am able to workout by myself, do school work by myself, and everything else without ever needing another person to assist me in the motivation to accomplish my goals.  In my opinion, this is a great quality.  I do not need another person to hold me accountable, to drag me out of bed, or to encourage me to achieve my goals.  I am a determined and independent man. 

            For the longest time, I was happy with myself.  I always thought that I have succeeded in the past due to these qualities and I will succeed in the future due to these qualities.  I have succeeded while I have seen others fail.  Just as I give credit to my success to my strengths, I always blamed their failure on their weakness.  Through it all, there was one problem; I have seen others fail.  The light has never shown brighter than when I saw fellow seminarians struggle.  They could struggle in many areas such as workouts, diets, school work, discernment, or even situations at home.  I began to realize one thing; in the priesthood, it does not mean anything if I succeed while my fellow priests fail.  Also, the mentality of the priesthood is no different than the mentality of a Christian.  We all have talents and strengths.  We all have different areas in which we succeed on our own.  We must not make the mistake that I made in my journey.  There is a difference in being independent and individualistic.  If I am successful in my life without assisting others in their struggles, then that is an individualistic and selfish life.  Look at all your strengths in your life.  How can you use those strengths to help others?  If you already help others, then you can always give more.  Look around, what are the struggles that your friends have in their life?  Be willing to share your life with others.  There might be a life out there that you can help impact.  They odd thing about it; you will find an impact on your life, too.  My goal is to give more of myself to help others reach their goals.

posted by: muniz at 23:19 | link | comments (2) |

SECRETS OF THE VINE – Chapter 2: What God Wants  

         In the teaching of the vine and the branches, there is need to explain a lot of its terminology.  The vine (Jesus) is most often viewed as the part tied to the trellis, but actually it is the trunk that comes out of the ground.  The branches (Christians) are the part tied to the trellis, which produces the fruit.  The vine grower (God) is the one that tends to the branches to help it produce that most possible fruit.  The fruit, which are inward and outward fruit, is how we glorify God (Jn 15:8).  The inward fruits (fruits of the Holy Spirit) are produced when we allow God to nurture Christ-like qualities in us (Gal 5:22).  The outward fruits is our good works (Tit 3:14), which are produced when our motive is to glorify God and we allow God to work through us (2Cor 9:8).  To bear fruit is why we were created and chosen by God (Eph 2:10, Jn 15:16).    

            Now imagine we make a trip to visit a vineyard.  As we approach the vineyard, we notice that the vine grower has already started working picking the grapes, because there are buckets under each branch.  As we walk up to the first bucket, we notice that the bucket is empty.  This is disappointing, but Jesus said that some branches do not produce any fruit (Jn 15:2).  Next, we go to the second bucket, which we see a couple of clusters at the bottom of the bucket.  This is not a lot of grapes, but Jesus said that some branches will at least bear fruit (Jn 15:2).  Then as we went to the third bucket, we notice it is over half full of grapes.  This is reasonable, since Jesus said that some branches will produce “more fruit” (Jn 15:2).  Finally, as we approach the fourth bucket, we cannot believe our eyes.  The fourth bucket is overflowing with the most amazing grapes imaginable.  This should not be a surprise, because Jesus said that some branches will produce “much fruit” (Jn 15:5).  After this visit to the vineyard, hopefully we have a better understanding of the branches that Jesus was talking about.  Each of us is a branch that is producing a certain amount of fruit.  So what bucket are you?  Look at the people around you, how much do you think they produce? 

 4 BUCKETS

1)         No Fruit

2)         Fruit

3)         More Fruit

4)         Much Fruit 

             As for the vine grower, his goal is for each branch to produce as much fruit as possible.  This is easy to understand when looked at with a business point of view.  He wants to get the largest possible harvest out of his branches.  The same is true with God; he always wants us to produce more, because God wants us to produce up to our potential.  Every branch can produce much fruit, but to produce they must first respond to the vine grower and each branch responds differently.  We are created to bear fruit, but we must first desire it.  If we accept the tending of our branch from God, then we will produce much fruit and find fulfillment in our lives.  The next 2 chapters will speak about buckets 1 and 2. 

 Scripture: John 15: 2, 5, 8, and16, Titus 3: 14, Galatians 5: 22, 2 Corinthians 9: 8, & Ephesians 2: 10.

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SUNDAY’S READINGS FOR MASS

January16, 2005 – 2^nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 49: 3, 5 – 6

Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7 – 10

1 Corinthians 1: 1 - 3

John 1: 29 – 34

Explanation

The key to these readings is John stating “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”  Jesus is the Lamb of God.  The Lamb that is led to the slaughter as a sin offering (Is 53:7,10).  The Lamb whose blood will again save Israel (Ex 12), is also the same Lamb that was offered for the Passover meal at the Last Supper as bread and wine (Mt 26:26-28).  By this Lamb, Israel will be restored and the world will be converted [This is the message in the 1^st reading which is one of the 4 servant oracles in Isaiah (Is 42,49,50,53)].  By this sacrifice of the Lamb, no more bloody sacrifices are needed, because God only desires obedience and witnessing of His will (Ps 40).   As a result of the sacrifice of this Lamb, “everyone has been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with those everywhere who call upon the name of the Lord.(1Cor 1:2)”  Jesus Christ became the sacrificial Lamb for you, are you living your life obediently and as a holy witness to His will? 

Scripture: Isaiah 49: 3, 5 – 6, Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7 – 10, 1 Corinthians 1: 1 - 3, & John 1: 29 – 34

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SECRETS OF THE VINE - Chapter 1: Stories from the Vineyard 

            Often when we hear the teaching on the vine and branches, we view it as separate from the story of Jesus.  Just as the parable of the weeds or the feeding of 5 thousand, we see so much of the gospel as individual teachings, but the teaching of the vine and the branches came at a particular time in the life of Jesus.  This was one of Jesus’ last teachings before he died.  As his hour was approaching, he wanted to make sure the Apostles knew his expectations of them.   

            At the Last Supper, Jesus shocked them all when he shared the paradox of following him.  As the Apostles had the visions of power and honor, Jesus knelt down to wash their feet (Jn 13:1-20).  Jesus showed that if one is to be a leader, then one must work as a servant.  And also during the walk to the garden, Jesus taught using a vineyard that if we want to have Christ/God in our life, then we must expect to be challenged in our life. 

            These teachings were not easy in my journey with Christ.  I have faced many struggles and have been unwilling to follow at times, but God persevered in his challenges.  I wanted the benefits of Christ/God in my life on my terms, but he wanted more from me and he had bigger things planned for my life.  I fought with him until one day I agreed to change.  I still don’t know everything that God has in store for me.  All that I know is that I am to live my life producing abundant fruit for him and to give glory to him.  How does he want me to produce that fruit and to what extent?  I do not know, but I cannot wait to find out.  My life is not a special case; God has a great plan for you too.  Are you willing to see the plan God has for you?  Do you want to make an impact for God?  Do you want to live the abundantly fruitful life that God desires for you?  If so, then allow God to challenge you.  In prayer, ask God to help you live a life abundant for him. 

Scripture: John 13: 1 – 20 & John 14: 30 - 31

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SECRETS OF THE VINE – Chapter 1: WARNINGS

       In this book, the author might say something that might not be true, so these warnings are to make you aware of them.  First of all in this chapter, I want you to be aware that he might add things to the biblical story that might not be true, such as the conversations amongst the Apostles and the journey to the garden (the route they took and the presents of a vineyard along the route).  All these things are non-biblical additions which may not be true.  Lastly, the Bible does not state that there was a real lamb served at the Last Supper.  On a Biblically based view, Jesus was the sacrificial Lamb, which was offered to the Apostles in the form of bread and wine.  I will explain this further in a future posting closer to Easter.

posted by: muniz at 04:19 | link | comments |

 

IN MY LIFE: IT STARTS AGAIN (Part I)

            Monday was the beginning of the spring semester in the Seminary.  With the beginning of a new semester and a new year, this is the time of new challenges for people.  Some people have spiritual challenges, academic challenges, social challenges, and as always physical challenges.  These people are no different from me, because I now have myself a set of new challenges.  In this series of postings, I will share my challenges in these areas, my insight on them, and how each impacts my faith. 

PHYSICAL GOALS

As this school year began, I started out weighing 210 lbs (5’10’’) and greatly out of shape.  I worked out every week lifting and cardio.  I got down to 194 lbs. (goal is 190 lbs.) in the beginning of November, but the cardio fell with the strict diet.  Even though I stuck with the lifting, my net calories caused me to gain the weight again.  Now, I am 211 lbs, but I am a lot more muscle and in better shape.

Why do I tell you this?  When I played high school and college baseball, the motivation to workout was easy.  After baseball, my motivation turned to being good looking for women.  Now that I am in the seminary, I can’t really use that as motivation anymore.  So what do I do now?  I have the will power to stay somewhat in shape, but I need that motivation to push me to the next level.  Why not faith?

We all need to be pushed to that next level in every part of our life, but why don’t we use prayer intentions as that motivation or as a benefit.  So many times, we do activities that involve sacrificing, but we don’t see the spiritual benefits with it.  With each of these activities, we can offer up our sacrifices for others just as Christ offered his sacrifice for us.  So what do you do that is a sacrifice for you?  Next time when you do it, then do it with a smile, do it without a complaint, and offer it up for others. 

This year I will pick a person each week as my intention.  Now, if I want to skip cardio or eat desert, then I am doing more than gaining pounds.  I am losing an opportunity to help another.

 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1: 3 - 7

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 BOOK REVIEW: SECRETS OF THE VINE

Every other day in the next three weeks, I will write on each of the 9 chapters in the book Secrets of The Vine: Breaking Through to Abundance by Bruce Wilkinson.  In this small (size of your hand) and short (126 pages) book, he shows how God works to lead you to a life of abundant impact and significance for God and how you can cooperate with Him to make it happen.  It will surprise you how much God wants for you to make a difference for Him.  If you ever were confused about where God is leading you or how He works in your life, then by the end of this book, you will have a better grasp on His ways. 

          In this book, Bruce Wilkinson, who is the author of The Prayer of Jabez, walks through the verses of John 15.  In this scripture, Jesus after the Last Supper leads the Apostles to the garden of Gethsemane.  Along this journey, Jesus teaches about the vine (Jesus), the branches (us), and the vine grower (God), which will clarify God’s desire for your life.  You will find out the meaning of this analogy, understand the 4 levels of bearing fruit, and learn the 3 secrets that will help you realize your potential in God.  

             Throughout these postings, I will also share personal stories of my journey with Christ.  How I have been guided by God and now understand his workings in my life.  This is an amazing little book, which you can buy at any Wal-Mart type stores or any Christian bookstore for around $10.  You can read along with me or just read my comments on each chapter.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I have in my life. 

 Scripture: John 15: 1 - 17

Photo from: http://www.milestoneshop.co.uk/acatalog/secrets-of-the-vine-small.jpg

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SUNDAY’S READINGS FOR MASS

January 9, 2005 – THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Isaiah 42: 1 – 4, 6 – 7

Psalm 29: 1 – 2, 3 – 4, 9 – 10

Acts 10: 34 – 38

Matthew 3: 13 - 17

 Explanation

      The Baptism of Jesus is the very beginning of the public ministry of Jesus.  This is the time when he accepted the mission of being God’s suffering servant [(Is. 53:1-12) for this lesson especially read verse 12]; the mission that will climax at the cross for the remission of sins.  He allows himself to be counted as a sinner by this baptism of repentance.  John refused when Jesus came to him to be baptized, but Jesus told him to do it to “fulfill all righteousness” [“Fulfill” refers to the fulfillment of prophecy and “righteousness” in this context refers to the saving activity of God (NAB footnotes)].  To “fulfill all righteousness” is to submit to the will of God for the salvation of the entire human race.  After the baptism, the Spirit of God descended like a dove upon him, which equipped him for his ministry.  Now, Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all mankind.  To conclude this great event, a voice came from the heavens saying that he was his beloved son, just as by our baptism we become the Father’s beloved son in the Son. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 535-537, 1223-1225)

Life Application

            We must constantly emphasize that while being perfect Jesus allowed himself to be counted as a sinner.  He did not have to lower himself, but he did in order to follow the desire of God.  He did not go to the Jordan drawing attention to his great act of humility, which in my view is only second to his greatest act of humility on the cross.  He approached John in humility and denied the honor John tried to give him.  As a result, God rewarded Jesus with the Spirit and honored Jesus to all by announcing that he was well pleased in him. 

            In our lives, we face many situations that we either feel certain tasks are below us or we want honor for the humble acts that we do, but did we or will we act like Christ?  There are several images of Christ that I will always remember.  During this past fall, members of the Ss. Peter & Paul youth group picked up trash for the extremely crowded Italian Fest in Collinsville, IL.  I saw kids who hated the idea of picking up trash work that weekend despite image and comments by friends.  They did a job that was degrading in the eyes of people around them, but they did it for the group.  Also, I remember my Dad spending endless hours on renovating our high school baseball field.  He just wanted a beautiful place for a family to feel proud of their ancestor who the field was dedicated too.  These and so many acts of humility that go unnoticed will be rewarded and honored by God like Jesus in his baptism.  Remember that the reward and honor that you try to produce cannot be measured with that which is given by God

 Connection

            Isaiah 42 is the first of the servant of the Lord or Suffering Servant oracles (Is. 42:1-4, 49:1-7, 50:4-11, 52:13-53:12), which is a type of Christ (Christ is a New Testament fulfillment of it).  Also, 42:1 – “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased” is very similar to Mt 3:17 – “"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."  In Psalm 29, it repeats the phrase “the voice of the Lord” seven times and verse 4 states “The voice of the Lord is over the waters.”  Finally, Acts 10 has Peter mentioning the baptism of Jesus in his explanation of the history of the ministry of Jesus to Cornellus, a Gentile. 

Note - The liturgical season of Ordinary Time begins after the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. 

Scripture: Isaiah 42: 1 – 4, 6 – 7, Psalm 29: 1 – 2, 3 – 4, 9 – 10, Acts 10: 34 – 38, & Matthew 3: 13 - 17

 

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