June 6, 2008 is a First Friday.
If you're joining us in the devotion of The Sacred Heart of Jesus on First Fridays, don't forget to attend Mass!
(Learn more about First Fridays)

One of the best ways we can reflect on our everyday lives is by thoughtfully praying the Act of Contrition. If you do not say this prayer regularly, why not consider making it a daily habit this summer?

We are going to study sin this summer!

We decided it is by understanding what constitutes a sin that we can avoid sin in the future. First we'll learn the deadly sins, then, over the next several weeks, figure out what each one entails.

Learn the seven deadly sins:

• Lust
• Wrath
• Gluttony

• Avarice
• Envy
• Sloth
• Pride

Use your green candle Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
to celebrate  Ordinary Time.

• Tuesday, June 3 use a red candle for the memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions. These twenty-two teens and young adults were victims of a 19th century Ugandan persecution against Christians who refused to take part in homosexual activities. In addition to these Catholic men, there were also young Anglican men who were likewise executed for refusing to engage in immoral practices. The non-Catholic Christians were commended for their strong faith by Pope Paul VI at the 1964 canonization of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions.
   
• Thursday, June 5 use a red candle for the memorial of St. Boniface, 8^th century bishop and martyr. St. Boniface was chosen to be the abbot of a monastery, but asked to be sent to preach to non-Christians instead. He chose missionary work over a comfortable position with power. Apparently he was successful converting people to Christianity - his enemies killed him.

We have a number of friends and family members who are in need of prayers for healing, reconciliation, and peace of mind. We have decided to add

Mealtime Prayers for Loved Ones

to our grace before meals during the month of June. We will set up a prayer bowl next to our kitchen candle, write down the name of people who need prayers, and place their names in our bowl. That way we will remember to pray for our loved ones at each meal throughout the month. After all, it seems our best memories always revolve around food!
 

Rare opportunity for self-reflection

Why is this week such a rare opportunity for self reflection? Because we hardly ever hear this set of readings during our Sunday lectionary cycle. In fact, from 1999-2016 we only hear these readings three times! (years 2000, 2008, 2010) Other years we hear readings from the Sundays of Lent or Solemnities such as Pentecost, the Holy Trinity, or Corpus Christi. So this week listen closely. The message may be uncomfortable, but it is necessary nonetheless.

Our first reading is from the book of Deuteronomy, the book that repeats and explains the law God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. This week we hear Moses telling the Israelites to listen to his words. They are blessed when they know and obey the commandments. They are cursed when they ignore the commandments. That is quite a challenge! How familiar are we with the Ten Commandments? How often do we really listen to what they are telling us? Do we know when we are obeying or breaking a commandment? It is only when we listen to God and know His commandments that we can live them in our everyday lives. (If you need a little help with the commandments, click here!)

The second reading is from St. Paul's letter to the Romans. We'll be hearing this letter most of the summer, and it can be a challenge. The verses this week have been the source of disagreement and misunderstanding for centuries, and it is best to thoughtfully consider their message. Paul states, "...a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law." When considered with the other two readings this Sunday, it is apparent that Paul is teaching us that faith is a gift from God, and when we accept that gift we are no longer the same. We have a complete conversion of heart, so our choices are no longer, "What can I do to avoid getting into trouble?" but are now "What can I do to show my love of God?" True faith, or lack thereof, is evident in all we do and say. True faith allows us to make decisions that build God's Kingdom, rather than destroy the Kingdom bit by bit. Faith alone does not save us. Faith and God's gift of salvation allows us to live Christian lives thanks to the love of God. True faith allows us to produce the fruits of the gifts of God and serve one another.

In Matthew's Gospel Jesus describes the difference between a false prophet and a true disciple. Many people will say and do things in the name of the Lord, but will continue to live selfish, evil lives. A true disciple will listen to the Word of God, then act on that Word. It is only through listening to God and choosing to do His will that we build a strong foundation.

A friend of ours pointed out God gave us two ears and one mouth. That means we should listen twice as often as we speak. That certainly seems to be the point of our readings this Sunday. We get busy, we fail to reflect on our everyday lives and actions, we do not take the time to listen to God's Word and make the choice to follow His will. Ordinary Time is designed to be quiet time to do just that - take time out from the celebrations and holidays to listen to God so we can truly accept His will in our lives.
 

Lectionary readings for the 9th Week of Ordinary Time: