"Gus Busbi" Book Study Recap: Chapters 27 - 33

On April 26th, our Weary Travelers men's small group continued our book study on "Gus Busbi," a novel by Catholic author Jim Sano. It is the second book in the Fr. Tom Fritzpatrick series. We had evocative discussions about the various themes that are covered in Chapters 27-33.

One of the Weary Travelers shared a wonderful story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restitution that led to healing from a wound that was inflicted years ago because of prejudice and racism. It was a powerful story and reminder of how generational racism can end through acts of love. I shared with my brothers that I tell all couples who go through marriage class that, despite what happened in their family or origin, they have the opportunity as husband and wife to make their lives how they desire, starting with their faith and going from there.

We then discussed the story of Jamiel, Gus Busby, and Fr. Tom. We discussed how Busby and Jamiel are good for each other. Jamiel helps Gus Busbi to live a life of purpose once again, while Gus Busbi is the male model (and perhaps even the father-figure) that Jamiel earns for his entire life. Even more than this, because of his affection for Jamiel (and his mom, Celia), Gus Busbi returns to St. Francis for the first time in over 3 years. Moreover, Gus Busbi starts to reflect on his own relationship with God and how it had taken a tremendous hit since his tragic losses three years before. Another important turning point is Gus Busbi's realization of why he had not returned to Mass and, in a dramatic way, he realized this while Fr. Tom prayed the "Our Father" (or the Lord's Prayer) with him. I will not spoil the story but it has a lot to do with forgiveness. 

For Jamiel, while he still wants so much to hold on to his old life and hang with his friends from his old neighborhood, we agreed that he is starting to realize that it might not be the best thing for him. This confuses him in the same way that Gus Busbi's tragic past still haunts him but, together, they are helping each other overcome their past as they continue to spend more time together - fixing a leaky faucet, planting a garden, or playing basketball. We also get a glimpse into the fears that overwhelms Willie when he shares these fears with Reverend Rich during their visits.

Finally, Fr. Tom introduces Gus Busbi to his good friend, David Kelly (from "The Father's Son"). They have been friends for two years. How cool is that?! Overall, we had wonderful discussions about the book. We shared our own experiences. We also discussed "Open Wide Our Hearts." 

. . .

Invitation to "Gus Busbi" Book Study - https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/01/invitation-to-gus-busbi-book-study.html

"Gus Busbi" Book Study Recap: Chapters 1 - 5 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/03/gus-busbi-book-study-recap-chapters-1-5.html

"Gus Busbi" Book Study Recap: Chapters 6 - 19 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/03/gus-busbi-book-study-recap-chapters-6-19.html

"Gus Busbi" Book Study Recap: Chapters 20 - 26 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/04/gus-busbi-book-study-recap-chapters-20.html

 

Men's Faith Sharing Small Groups - A Report of the Spiritual Director (4/24/2023)

Tonight, I had the blessed opportunity to attend the Knights of Columbus, Austin Chapter Meeting at St. Thomas More Catholic Church (see picture below of their banner). My Spiritual Director Report focuses on men's faith sharing small groups.

I shared with my brother Knights how during Lent, we had the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that help us to grow in our Catholic faith and our spirituality. We also had the weekly Stations of the Cross and Fish Fry. However, while the Church celebrates the Easter season for 50 days, many of us become like the rest of society and celebrate Easter Sunday only, forgetting to carry the joy of the Resurrection beyond Easter Sunday. Perhaps its because we do not have similar practices for Easter that we have for Lent (pray, fast, and almsgiving) and so we return to our old ways, just like the apostles did after the Resurrection and returned to their life of fishing.

So how do we keep the joy of Easter for more than one day, perhaps even more than 50 days. Well, as a start we can live out the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love (charity). Our Lenten practice of praying can transform and grow our faith. Our Lenten practice of fasting can give us hope that there are certain things in our lives that we can let go of so that we have more time and room for Christ. Our Lenten practice of almsgiving should increase our desire to love our neighbors through acts of charity.

With these things in mind, I shared the below quotes from the Supreme Chaplain of the Order and the Bishop of Austin and challenged my brother Knights with the following. I encouraged them to celebrate the Easter season with your family, to keep the Resurrection alive in your hearts and the hearts of your family, and to read and reflect on Scriptures together (using lectio divina). I also encouraged them to start men’s small groups for faith sharing with brother Knights in each council, and to practice lectio divina.

I commended them for their acts of service - the first pillar of the Order (charity) - to their parishes and communities. However, I also reminded them that they are first and foremost Catholic gentlemen and leaders and teachers of the faith in their families. I invited them to break open Scriptures with their family by reading Scriptures, allowing the words of God to permeate their body, heart, and soul, and allow the Holy Spirit to open their hearts to how God's words speak to them and call them to Him. I encourage them to take time during their Council and Assembly meetings to break into small groups for faith sharing so that they can support each other with prayers. As Scriptures tell us: iron sharpen iron.

. . .

Report of the Spiritual Director, K of C Austin Chapter (4/24/2023)

The need for men’s faith sharing small groups and the practice of lectio divina - oratio, mediatio, contemplatio. Conversation with the man who organized Exodus90 and their struggle to keep the men together in faith and fellowship post-Exodus90.

• Lent ⇒ Easter
• Pray ⇒ Faith
• Fast ⇒ Hope
• Almsgiving ⇒ Love (Charity)

Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori (Columbia, April 2023): “The Church encourages all to read, study and pray over the sacred Scriptures. Not everyone can be a Scripture scholar, but each of us can learn to read the Bible prayerfully, and to listen to the Lord speaking. . . Father Michael McGivney, who preached the Word of God and who followed Christ so closely, would want us, his Knights and families, to allow Jesus to open our minds and hearts to the Scriptures. As we encounter Christ in Scripture, we will see him give form and substance to the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity that are at the heart of the Order and lead us to celebrate the Eucharist with ever greater joy and devotion. . . I recommend the practice of lectio divina, the prayerful reading of Scripture. . . to [read] short passages, ponder them carefully, listen to the voice of Christ, and respond with a grateful heart.”

Bishop Joe Vásquez (Catholic Spirit, April 2023): “In the Easter season, during the first reading at Mass instead of reading from the Old Testament, we read from the Acts of the Apostles. These readings tell us the story of the church’s earliest days and how the faith spread through the work of the apostles and the Holy Spirit.”

Deacon Phúc’s challenges for all Knights for the month of May

PERSONAL & FAMILY: Celebrate the Easter season with your family. Keep the Resurrection alive in your hearts and the hearts of your family. Read and reflect on Scriptures together.

COUNCIL: Start men’s small groups for faith sharing with brother Knights in each council. Practice lectio divina.

Reflecting on Saint Mary Cathedral

I had the blessed opportunity to serve with Fr. Doug Jeffers yesterday morning (4/20) (6:30 Mass) for the anniversary of the dedication of Saint Mary Cathedral. 🙏🕊❤️

I started attending Mass at Saint Mary Cathedral during Diaconal Formation back in 2014. Initially, I went to the 12:05 Mass but, because of work, it was hit-or-miss for me. Then, Theresa found that there was the 6:30 Mass in the morning so I started attending Mass before I head to the office.

Ever since then, I have had the blessed opportunity to do Communion Services, serve at Mass on Monday mornings, and sometimes even serve with Bishop Joe Vásquez on Solemnities and various Masses on Holy Days of Obligation.

I invite you all to join me for Mass at 6:30 A.M. It is a wonderful way to start the day and helps you maintain a peaceful, joyful frame of mind throughout the day.

. . . From Diocese of Austin Facebook post. . .

Today is the anniversary of the dedication of the parish that is now recognized as our Cathedral 🎉🙌

 ▪️ Before becoming the Cathedral of the Diocese in 1947, the church at Tenth and Brazos Street had a different location and history of names.

 ▪️ The church, originally named St. Patrick's, was built at the Northeast corner of Brazos and Ninth Street in 1858. In 1866, St. Patrick's was renamed St. Mary's of the Immaculate Conception. (Later, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception was recognized as the Patroness of our Diocese.)

 ▪️ In 1873, the cornerstone was laid for a new church at Tenth and Brazos Street. Eleven years later, the new church was completed and dedicated on April 20, 1884. 

-----

The blueprints you see are authentic blueprints of the current Cathedral. The other images are from the 1900s.

Easter Reflection - Gamaliel

Sisters and brothers in Christ, in those moments when we are frustrated by what is going on in our nation, our society, and perhaps even in our parishes and families, we need only to remind ourselves of what Gamaliel said to the others in the Sanhedrin.

Gamaliel said to them, "So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God." Then, we pray with confidence: "Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you."

Today's reading is a good reminder that the things that are of God are eternal. And, although it might seem like a long time when we are living through it, the things that are not of God will eventually pass into oblivion, just as Theudas and Judas the Galilean did. For our part, we stay true to the Way, the Truth, and the Life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and, as hard as it may be, know with confidence that the Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee.

A large crowd followed him,

because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick.

Jesus went up on the mountain,

and there he sat down with his disciples.

The Jewish feast of Passover was near.

When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him,

he said to Philip, "Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?"

He said this to test him,

because he himself knew what he was going to do.

Philip answered him,

"Two hundred days' wages worth of food would not be enough

for each of them to have a little."

One of his disciples,

Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him,

"There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish;

but what good are these for so many?"

Jesus said, "Have the people recline."

Now there was a great deal of grass in that place.

So the men reclined, about five thousand in number.

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks,

and distributed them to those who were reclining,

and also as much of the fish as they wanted.

When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples,

"Gather the fragments left over,

so that nothing will be wasted."

So they collected them,

and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments

from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.

When the people saw the sign he had done, they said,

"This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world."

Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off

to make him king,

he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

"Gus Busbi" Book Study Recap: Chapters 20 - 26

On April 12th, our Weary Travelers men's small group continued our book study on "Gus Busbi," a novel by Catholic author Jim Sano. It is the second book in the Fr. Tom Fritzpatrick series. We had evocative discussions about the various themes that are covered in Chapters 20-26.

One of the questions that we explored in our discussion is one that Jamiel pondered himself, in chapter 20, saying: "Am I my real self in any of them?" In essence, Jamiel is wondering to himself which version of himself is the most authentic - the Jamiel at home with his mom, the Jamiel who hangs around with this friends from his old neighborhood, the Jamiel at Saint Francis School around Fr. Tom & Angelo, or the Jamiel who is helping Gus Busbi. Will the real Jamiel please stand up. . . please stand up! (think Eminem). What about us? When are we our true, authentic self? When we are with our families? Our friends" Around co-workers? At church? Or do we wear different masks depending on the people or situation? More importantly, are we our true, authentic self in our relationship with God? The interesting thing is, God knows us better than we know ourselves and, yet, we try to hide our true, authentic self from our Father in heaven.

We then explore Jamiel's own biases and prejudices in his interaction with Gus Busbi, as well as the "victim" mentality that Jamiel has, which causes him to react in a hyper-defensive way. We talked about the differences between Jamiel and his mom, Celia, who - rather than be a "victim" - gets along fine with Gus Busbi. Moreover, we talked about the difference between Gus Busbi and his brother-in-law, Mike, and how they respond to loss in their lives. Of course, we all grieve the loss of loved ones in different ways but how do we not allow grief to paralyze us and prevent us from being the best version of ourselves. However, we also talked about the importance of not making assumptions but being will to ask someone, "What happened to you?", to have a better understanding of where they are coming from. This can be difficult but it allows us to understand one another better. ("What happened to you?" - is also the title of a book by Oprah Winfrey.)

Finally, we discussed how Gus Busbi is starting to lower his defenses and opening himself up to others, particularly to Jamiel and his mom, Celia. He even apologizes to Jamiel. And while Jamiel is not ready to talk with him about what's going on in his life, Gus Busbi asked Jamiel if everything was alright. This is a huge milestone for him in his relationship with Jamiel. In the end, I think the both of them realize that, as children of God, they have the same DNA. We closed our book study with discussions about institutional and systemic racism in our society, which we all agree that Jamiel is having to overcome in his life.

. . .

Invitation to "Gus Busbi" Book Study - https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/01/invitation-to-gus-busbi-book-study.html

"Gus Busbi" Book Study Recap: Chapters 1 - 5 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/03/gus-busbi-book-study-recap-chapters-1-5.html

"Gus Busbi" Book Study Recap: Chapters 6 - 19 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/03/gus-busbi-book-study-recap-chapters-6-19.html

Easter Reflection - Tell people about this life

Sisters and brothers in Christ, as I listened to the first reading proclaimed this morning at Mass, this verse from the Acts of the Apostles struck me: "Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life." The angel of the Lord freed the apostles from their imprisonment and told them to go and tell others about "this life" - this life in Christ, the risen Lord, the Resurrected Lord.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ desires to free us from slavery to sin so that we may truly be an "Easter people" (JPII), filled with faith, hope, and love. Our Lord also desires and calls us to "go forth and make disciples of all nations". In other words, to tell people about this life in Christ, our life in Christ. Yet, oftentimes, we seem "flat" during the Easter season. We are witnesses of this because the pews of churches are less filled the Sunday after Easter Sunday.

Perhaps it is because we forget that Easter is a season and not just one Sunday. Or perhaps it is because during Lent, we have concrete actions to take - pray, fast, and give alms - and nothing similar to that for the Easter season. How can we carry the joy of Easter through the Easter season and beyond?

Our Lord gives us a hint in today's Gospel, telling us: ". . .whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God. We must live as children of light, enlightened by the renewal of our baptism to be the light of Christ in the world and authentic witnesses to God's love, mercy, and forgiveness in the world, starting with our family. That is how we ought to life the joy of Easter, not just on Easter Sunday, but throughout the Easter season and beyond. And then, we must go forth and tell people about this life in Christ that is so freeing, so peaceful, so joyful.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,

so that everyone who believes in him might not perish

but might have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world might be saved through him.

Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,

but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,

because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.

And this is the verdict,

that the light came into the world,

but people preferred darkness to light,

because their works were evil.

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light

and does not come toward the light,

so that his works might not be exposed.

But whoever lives the truth comes to the light,

so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Mary knew

Mary knew her heart would be pierced, yet she never left her Son's side, even as he hung on the Cross. She held him close to her after they took him down from the Cross - her Immaculate Heart close to his Sacred Heart - one heart and one mind. I have no doubt Mary was the first person Jesus embraced after his Resurrection. 🙏🕊❤️🥰😍 #faith #hope #love

Reflecting on Divine Mercy Sunday and forgiving injuries

Sisters and brothers in Christ, today is Divine Mercy Sunday and, in the Gospel reading, Jesus tells the disciples "Peace be with you. . . Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." Fr. Charlie gave an evocative homily on forgiveness, saying that forgiveness is our decision and being willing to offer forgiveness willingly and unbegrudgingly frees us to love as God desires us to love. However, he explains that reconciliation requires those involved to be willing to reconcile with each other and move on.

Fr. Charlie also pointed out that the crucifix in our sanctuary (see below) is known at the "Mercy Crucifix" because it depicts the moment when Jesus is on the Cross and said to his Father in heaven: "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Moreover, he shared that the image of the Divine Mercy depicts Jesus' left foot in front of his right foot, which tells us that Jesus does not stay back and wait to forgive but he comes to us and forgives, just as Jesus appeared to the disciples and forgave them for abandoning him in his time of need. We are reminded to forgive every time we pray the "Our Father", saying ". . .and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. . ."

After Mass, a parishioner came up to me and we talked about forgiveness. She shared that a while back a young man drove recklessly and "t-boned" her car with his car. As a result of the collision, she is in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. She shared that while she had already forgiven him and pray for him (and his family), wherever he may be, there are times when she gets really angry at him because she cannot do something that she would normally be able if she had not been seriously injured in the collision. She was very distraught when she told me this and my heart ached for her. We talked about forgiveness, about bringing her anger to Christ and putting it at the foot of his Cross, and about asking the Holy Spirit to strengthen her in those moments of anger. I also told her to give herself the grace to allow herself to be angry in those moments but also to trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I prayed with her and then she left. Please keep her in your prayers for healing.

Jesus, I Trust in You. 

Invitation to join a small group at Saint Albert the Great

Friends, sometimes being at a large parish, like Saint Albert the Great, can be overwhelming and even lonely. It does not have to be that way. Fr. Charlie started the small groups for faith sharing during the pandemic and they have grown since. There are groups for men, women, married couples, etc.

When I started attending Mass at Saint Albert the Great back in 2005 or so, I was blessed to have Theresa with me. Then, through the marriage preparation process, we got to know more people (engaged and married couples) at the parish, as well as through the R.C.I.A. process. After I became a Catholic, I joined the Knights of Columbus and my circle of parishioners/friends grew exponentially over time.

Currently, I am part of a men's small group, called the Weary Travelers, that came out of my time in Exodus90 last Lent. We are doing a book study on Catholic author Jim Sano's novel "Gus Busbi". A few of us in the small group have been meeting for a year now and the friendship and fellowship are wonderful!

Consider joining at small group (or small groups) at the parish. There is also one for married couples that is starting up, called Together in Holiness. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙏❤️🕊

. . .

Information re Small Groups

Looking for a new way to get involved in our parish, meet new people and build a faith community? 

Small groups may be for you! Small Groups is where our large church gets small. Groups are 6-12 people who meet to discuss faith, go deeper in the weekly message, and support one another in their relationship with Christ. 

Fill out the form in the link below to be connected with one of our small groups!

https://saintalbert.org/small-groups

Exult, let them exult. . . (Easter Vigil 2023)

 In 2008, I followed Jesus as He led me home to Rome at the #EasterVigil. Last year, I had the blessed opportunity to carry the Paschal Candle. Then this year, fifteen years later, I had the blessed opportunity to sing the #Exsultet, or #EasterProclamation. 🎼🎵🎶

I am grateful to Deacon Dan Lupo, my Co-Director of Diaconal Formation at the time, who put on a workshop before Ordination, in 2019, to help us with the Exsultet. He also shared several wonderful #YouTube videos that I used when I started preparing with earnest at the start of #Lent back in February. #diakonia

Most of all, I am grateful to Fr. Charlie who suggested that I go see our Coordinators of Music - Ben and Liliana - for pointers. That was the first time that I sang the Exsultet in front of someone other than my wife. Moreover, the tips that Ben shared with me were invaluable and helped me tremendously the night of the Easter Vigil. 🙏🕊❤️

After one final practice with Ben an hour before the Vigil, I went before the Blessed Sacrament and prayed. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit from the time Fr. Rito offered to hold my candle for me to the blessing from Fr. Charlie to my incensing the Exsultet and Easter candle to the the #Amen at the end of the Exsultet. I was nervous yet I felt at peace and filled with joy.

We have been blessed the past 3 years with Fr. Piega and Fr. John who sang the Exsultet so beautifully for us. I am glad for the opportunity to follow in their footsteps to give God praise and glory in such a special way. 🎼🎵🎶🙏🕊❤️ #Exult, let them exult. . .

Complete Lenten Homily Series on the Corporal Works of Mercy 2023

From Saint Albert the Great's web-page on the Corporal Works of Mercy Homily Series:

We have now begun the Lenten Season and celebrate this weekend the First Sunday of Lent. Lent is a time for us to identify ONE sin that we would like to be freed from during Lent. After identifying this ONE sin we use the pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to allow Jesus to satisfy the hunger of what we truly desire. During Lent we will be starting a new Homily Series on the Corporal Works of Mercy.

The corporal works of mercy that we will soon be reflecting on are visiting the imprisoned, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, giving drink to the thirsty, visiting the sick, burying the dead and clothing the naked. Each week we will reflect on how the work of mercy is tied to the Gospel of the week and how we can seek to live out the work of mercy in a concrete way in our life.

Ash Wednesday: Visit imprisoned

Readings: Jl 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Podcast: None

1st Sunday: Feed the Hungry

Readings: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Rom 5:12-19; Mt 4:1-11

Podcast: https://saintalbert.podbean.com/e/fr-charlie-garza-1000-am-mass-homily-english-1677474415/

2nd Sunday: Shelter the Homeless

Readings: Gn 12:1-4a; 2 Tm 1:8b-10; Mt 17:1-9

Blog: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/03/deacon-phucs-homily-for-second-sunday.html

Podcast: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/homily-for-the-second-sunday-of-lent-352023-year-a/

Podcast: https://saintalbert.podbean.com/e/deacon-phuc-phan-500-pm-mass-homily-english-1678294233/

3rd Sunday: Drink to the Thirsty

Readings: Ex 17:3-7; Rom 5:1-2, 5-8; Jn 4:5-42

Podcast (Fr. Charlie Garza): https://saintalbert.podbean.com/e/father-charlie-garza-1000-am-mass-homily-english-1678836019/

4th Sunday: Visit the Sick

Readings: 1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Eph 5:8-14; Jn 9:1-41

Blog: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/03/deacon-phucs-homily-for-fourth-sunday.html

Podcast: https://phucphan.podbean.com/e/homily-for-the-fourth-sunday-of-lent-3192023-year-a/

Podcast: https://saintalbert.podbean.com/e/deacon-phuc-phan-1000-am-mass-homily-english-1679287302/

5th Sunday: Bury the Dead

Readings: Ez 37:12-14; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45

Podcast (Fr. Charlie Garza): https://saintalbert.podbean.com/e/fr-charlie-garza-500-pm-mass-homily-english-1679856531/

Palm Sunday: Clothe the Naked

Readings: Mt 21:1-11; Is 50:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Mt 26:14—27:66

Podcast (Fr. Charlie): N/A

Lenten Reflection - Day 37 - What happened to you?

Sisters and brothers in Christ, since the Parish Lenten Mission, with Mobile Loaves and Fishes CEO, Alan Graham, I have been listening to the audiobook that he recommended - "What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey. As I listened to how our behaviors are formed at a very young age, it only affirmed for me that we are oftentimes the sum of our life's experiences, even as an infant. Those of us who grew up in a loving, nurturing family have a very different outlook on life than those of us who grew up in a  broken home. Our experiences of love, or lack thereof, shape our world-views and interactions with others around us.

At the same time, though, there is hope and that hope is the person Jesus Christ. Saint John Paul II reminds us that “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures, we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son Jesus.” This hope is for everyone. This hope was for Judas Iscariot, yet he choice to betray our Lord. As we heard in the Gospel on Monday, and the Passion reading on Palm Sunday, Judas Iscariot was already betraying the trust placed in him by our Lord and his fellow apostles when he took some from the collection for himself.

His betrayal of Jesus did not happen overnight but through our behaviors over time, particularly those that lead to sin and temptation. Therefore, we must safeguard against these behaviors or we, too, will find ourselves betraying our Lord and Savior for our own version of "30 pieces of silver." As we enter the Sacred Triduum tomorrow with Holy Thursday, let us dive even deeper in prayer, fasting, and acts of love (charity), and stay focus on our Lord's Passion and how he invites each of us to walk the Way of the Cross with him throughout our lives.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,

went to the chief priests and said,

"What are you willing to give me

if I hand him over to you?"

They paid him thirty pieces of silver,

and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,

the disciples approached Jesus and said,

"Where do you want us to prepare

for you to eat the Passover?"

He said,

"Go into the city to a certain man and tell him,

'The teacher says, "My appointed time draws near;

in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.""'

The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered,

and prepared the Passover.

When it was evening,

he reclined at table with the Twelve.

And while they were eating, he said,

"Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me."

Deeply distressed at this,

they began to say to him one after another,

"Surely it is not I, Lord?"

He said in reply,

"He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me

is the one who will betray me.

The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him,

but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed.

It would be better for that man if he had never been born."

Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply,

"Surely it is not I, Rabbi?"

He answered, "You have said so."

Ngon Quá Foodie Blog: Deckhand Oyster Bar (Round Rock)

When you go to multiple stores looking for a pair of men's white shoes for a "dinner en blanc" event, you work up an appetite. After finding the pair of white shoes at the Perry Ellis at the Round Rock Outlet, we decided to have dinner at one of our favorite locations for (raw) oysters on a half-shell - Deckhand Oyster Bar, the Round Rock location. They also have a location in south Austin at Hwy 71 and Lamar Blvd, which is our favorite because that location serves curry and salt and pepper wings. Yum! However, the Round Rock location is definitely closer for us.

As with all of our other visits to Deckhand, we ordered a dozen of the Half-Shelled Oysters (raw). We first learned to eat raw oysters from my wife's sister and that was at Pappadeaux's. For the longest time, that was where we would go when we had a craving for oysters. However, the last time we ordered oysters from the Pappadeaux's (off 183 North), the oysters were small and not well shucked but the price was still the same. That was the last time we had oysters at Pappadueax's. Now it is Deckhand and you can see why from the picture below - the are huge and well-shucked! They were delicious! We used to each them with crackers but now - no crackers needed!

Since this location does not have the curry or the salt and pepper wings, I decided to get Deckhand Fried Rice for us to share. The fried rice was delicious. It was seasoned well. You can taste the individual grain of rice. Also, the fresh cucumber slices and matchsticks carrots add freshness to the dish. We made good work of the fried rice while we waited on the main dish - crawfish!

It's crawfish season, y'all! And we enjoyed 3 lbs. of crawfish that was wonderfully seasoned. They also gave us a nice helping of corn on the cob, which soaked in the seasoning nicely. We got gloves to wear as we peel the crawfish, which was great because our hands did not smell like crawfish hours later. Ha!

We also enjoy our meals at Deckhand. I only wish that the Round Rock location would add the curry and salt and pepper wings to their menu but that is their call, not mind. By the way, their papaya salad is excellent! However, when they ask you for spice level from 1 to 10, go with 5 or less. Your stomach will thank you later. LOL

. . .

Other Ngon Quá Foodie blogs:

• Ngon Quá Foodie Blog: Plank https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/03/ngon-qua-foodie-blog-plank.html
• Ngon Quá Foodie Blog: JINYA Ramen https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/03/ngon-qua-foodie-blog-jinya-ramen.html
• Ngon Quá Foodie Blog: Maxine's Gumbo House https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/03/ngon-qua-foodie-blog-maxines.html
• Ngon Quá Foodie Blog: 16th Anniversary Edition https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/05/ngon-qua-foodie-blog-16th-anniversary.html
• Ngon Quá Foodie Blog: Deckhand Oyster Bar (Round Rock) https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2023/04/ngon-qua-foodie-blog-deckhand-oyster.html
• Ngon Quá Foodie Blog: Sushi Koen (Round Rock) https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/07/ngon-qua-foodie-blog-sushi-koen-round.html

Reflecting on Palm Sunday of the Passion of our Lord (4/3/2023)

Sisters and brothers in Christ, what did we do during Lent when the observances of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving got to challenging and difficult for us? Did we give up or did we push through? In today's Gospel, we saw the crowd rejoice in Christ; however, as soon as things start to get challenging, they abandon Jesus. When are those times in our lives where we have abandon our relationship with Jesus and our faith? In those moments, let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us remember that God loves us and that it is those moments of trials and tribulations that we should draw closer to Him, not pull away from His loving embrace.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

At the Procession

When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem

and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives,

Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them,

"Go into the village opposite you,

and immediately you will find an ass tethered,

and a colt with her.

Untie them and bring them here to me.

And if anyone should say anything to you, reply,

'The master has need of them.'

Then he will send them at once."

This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet

might be fulfilled:

Say to daughter Zion,

"Behold, your king comes to you,

meek and riding on an ass,

and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden."

The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them.

They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them,

and he sat upon them.

The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road,

while others cut branches from the trees

and strewed them on the road.

The crowds preceding him and those following

kept crying out and saying:

"Hosanna to the Son of David;

blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;

hosanna in the highest."

And when he entered Jerusalem

the whole city was shaken and asked, "Who is this?"

And the crowds replied,

"This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee."

At Mass

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,

went to the chief priests and said,

"What are you willing to give me

if I hand him over to you?"

They paid him thirty pieces of silver,

and from that time on he looked for an opportunity

to hand him over.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,

the disciples approached Jesus and said,

"Where do you want us to prepare

for you to eat the Passover?"

He said,

"Go into the city to a certain man and tell him,

'The teacher says, "My appointed time draws near;

in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples."'"

The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered,

and prepared the Passover.

When it was evening,

he reclined at table with the Twelve.

And while they were eating, he said,

"Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me."

Deeply distressed at this,

they began to say to him one after another,

"Surely it is not I, Lord?"

He said in reply,

"He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me

is the one who will betray me.

The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him,

but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed.

It would be better for that man if he had never been born."

Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply,

"Surely it is not I, Rabbi?"

He answered, "You have said so."

While they were eating,

Jesus took bread, said the blessing,

broke it, and giving it to his disciples said,

"Take and eat; this is my body."

Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,

"Drink from it, all of you,

for this is my blood of the covenant,

which will be shed on behalf of many

for the forgiveness of sins.

I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine

until the day when I drink it with you new

in the kingdom of my Father."

Then, after singing a hymn,

they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Then Jesus said to them,

"This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken,

for it is written:

I will strike the shepherd,

and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed;

but after I have been raised up,

I shall go before you to Galilee."

Peter said to him in reply,

"Though all may have their faith in you shaken,

mine will never be."

Jesus said to him,

"Amen, I say to you,

this very night before the cock crows,

you will deny me three times."

Peter said to him,

"Even though I should have to die with you,

I will not deny you."

And all the disciples spoke likewise.

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane,

and he said to his disciples,

"Sit here while I go over there and pray."

He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee,

and began to feel sorrow and distress.

Then he said to them,

"My soul is sorrowful even to death.

Remain here and keep watch with me."

He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying,

"My Father, if it is possible,

let this cup pass from me;

yet, not as I will, but as you will."

When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep.

He said to Peter,

"So you could not keep watch with me for one hour?

Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again,

"My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass

without my drinking it, your will be done!"

Then he returned once more and found them asleep,

for they could not keep their eyes open.

He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time,

saying the same thing again.

Then he returned to his disciples and said to them,

"Are you still sleeping and taking your rest?

Behold, the hour is at hand

when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners.

Get up, let us go.

Look, my betrayer is at hand."

While he was still speaking,

Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived,

accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs,

who had come from the chief priests and the elders

of the people.

His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying,

"The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him."

Immediately he went over to Jesus and said,

"Hail, Rabbi!" and he kissed him.

Jesus answered him,

"Friend, do what you have come for."

Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him.

And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus

put his hand to his sword, drew it,

and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his ear.

Then Jesus said to him,

"Put your sword back into its sheath,

for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.

Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father

and he will not provide me at this moment

with more than twelve legions of angels?

But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled

which say that it must come to pass in this way?"

At that hour Jesus said to the crowds,

"Have you come out as against a robber,

with swords and clubs to seize me?

Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area,

yet you did not arrest me.

But all this has come to pass

that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled."

Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Those who had arrested Jesus led him away

to Caiaphas the high priest,

where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

Peter was following him at a distance

as far as the high priest's courtyard,

and going inside he sat down with the servants

to see the outcome.

The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin

kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus

in order to put him to death,

but they found none,

though many false witnesses came forward.

Finally two came forward who stated,

"This man said, 'I can destroy the temple of God

and within three days rebuild it.'"

The high priest rose and addressed him,

"Have you no answer?

What are these men testifying against you?"

But Jesus was silent.

Then the high priest said to him,

"I order you to tell us under oath before the living God

whether you are the Christ, the Son of God."

Jesus said to him in reply,

"You have said so.

But I tell you:

From now on you will see 'the Son of Man

seated at the right hand of the Power'

and 'coming on the clouds of heaven.'"

Then the high priest tore his robes and said,

"He has blasphemed!

What further need have we of witnesses?

You have now heard the blasphemy;

what is your opinion?"

They said in reply,

"He deserves to die!"

Then they spat in his face and struck him,

while some slapped him, saying,

"Prophesy for us, Christ: who is it that struck you?"

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard.

One of the maids came over to him and said,

"You too were with Jesus the Galilean."

But he denied it in front of everyone, saying,

"I do not know what you are talking about!"

As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him

and said to those who were there,

"This man was with Jesus the Nazorean."

Again he denied it with an oath,

"I do not know the man!"

A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter,

"Surely you too are one of them;

even your speech gives you away."

At that he began to curse and to swear,

"I do not know the man."

And immediately a cock crowed.

Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken:

"Before the cock crows you will deny me three times."

He went out and began to weep bitterly.

When it was morning,

all the chief priests and the elders of the people

took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.

They bound him, led him away,

and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.

Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned,

deeply regretted what he had done.

He returned the thirty pieces of silver

to the chief priests and elders, saying,

"I have sinned in betraying innocent blood."

They said,

"What is that to us?

Look to it yourself."

Flinging the money into the temple,

he departed and went off and hanged himself.

The chief priests gathered up the money, but said,

"It is not lawful to deposit this in the temple treasury,

for it is the price of blood."

After consultation, they used it to buy the potter's field

as a burial place for foreigners.

That is why that field even today is called the Field of Blood.

Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah

the prophet,

And they took the thirty pieces of silver,

the value of a man with a price on his head,

a price set by some of the Israelites,

and they paid it out for the potter's field

just as the Lord had commanded me.

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and he questioned him,

"Are you the king of the Jews?"

Jesus said, "You say so."

And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders,

he made no answer.

Then Pilate said to him,

"Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?"

But he did not answer him one word,

so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Now on the occasion of the feast

the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd

one prisoner whom they wished.

And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.

So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them,

"Which one do you want me to release to you,

Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?"

For he knew that it was out of envy

that they had handed him over.

While he was still seated on the bench,

his wife sent him a message,

"Have nothing to do with that righteous man.

I suffered much in a dream today because of him."

The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds

to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus.

The governor said to them in reply,

"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?"

They answered, "Barabbas!"

Pilate said to them,

"Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?"

They all said,

"Let him be crucified!"

But he said,

"Why? What evil has he done?"

They only shouted the louder,

"Let him be crucified!"

When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all,

but that a riot was breaking out instead,

he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd,

saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood.

Look to it yourselves."

And the whole people said in reply,

"His blood be upon us and upon our children."

Then he released Barabbas to them,

but after he had Jesus scourged,

he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium

and gathered the whole cohort around him.

They stripped off his clothes

and threw a scarlet military cloak about him.

Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head,

and a reed in his right hand.

And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying,

"Hail, King of the Jews!"

They spat upon him and took the reed

and kept striking him on the head.

And when they had mocked him,

they stripped him of the cloak,

dressed him in his own clothes,

and led him off to crucify him.

As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon;

this man they pressed into service

to carry his cross.

And when they came to a place called Golgotha

—which means Place of the Skull —,

they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall.

But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink.

After they had crucified him,

they divided his garments by casting lots;

then they sat down and kept watch over him there.

And they placed over his head the written charge against him:

This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.

Two revolutionaries were crucified with him,

one on his right and the other on his left.

Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying,

"You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,

save yourself, if you are the Son of God,

and come down from the cross!"

Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said,

"He saved others; he cannot save himself.

So he is the king of Israel!

Let him come down from the cross now,

and we will believe in him.

He trusted in God;

let him deliver him now if he wants him.

For he said, 'I am the Son of God.'"

The revolutionaries who were crucified with him

also kept abusing him in the same way.

From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land

until three in the afternoon.

And about three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice,

"Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"

which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Some of the bystanders who heard it said,

"This one is calling for Elijah."

Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge;

he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed,

gave it to him to drink.

But the rest said,

"Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him."

But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice,

and gave up his spirit.

Here all kneel and pause for a short time.

And behold, the veil of the sanctuary

was torn in two from top to bottom.

The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened,

and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.

And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection,

they entered the holy city and appeared to many.

The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus

feared greatly when they saw the earthquake

and all that was happening, and they said,

"Truly, this was the Son of God!"

There were many women there, looking on from a distance,

who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him.

Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph,

and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

When it was evening,

there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph,

who was himself a disciple of Jesus.

He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus;

then Pilate ordered it to be handed over.

Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen

and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock.

Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb

and departed.

But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary

remained sitting there, facing the tomb.

The next day, the one following the day of preparation,

the chief priests and the Pharisees

gathered before Pilate and said,

"Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said,

'After three days I will be raised up.'

Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day,

lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people,

'He has been raised from the dead.'

This last imposture would be worse than the first."

Pilate said to them,

"The guard is yours;

go, secure it as best you can."

So they went and secured the tomb

by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard.