Reflecting on "Give Up Worry for Lent" Parish Mission with Gary Zimak

After the third and final night of the Lenten Parish Mission, as my wife and I were leaving, I said to her that the KEY to a worry-free living is a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is as simple as that. Thank you for the reminder, Gary Zimak.

NOTE: Many of the Bible verses that Gary Zimak cited to of when Jesus talks about worry can be found in my homily for the Second Sunday of Lent. I invite you all to read it at this link here: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/homily-for-second-sunday-of-lent-year-b.html.

Below are my notes, thoughts, and comments on the Lenten Parish Mission.

Night 1

Here is the video recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdrG0Vdul50

Giving up: giving up something that is keeping us from God (redemptive suffering)

Giving in: surrendering to God (thy will be done)

Giving out: external action that is an outward manifestation of our internal change

Mark 1:15 - Jesus said:

"This is the time of fulfillment.

The kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent, and believe in the gospel."

The time is now; we are in Lent. The kingdom of God is here because Jesus is alive with us - yesterday, today, tomorrow. Change (metanoia) internally which leads us to act differently externally. Jesus wants us to render our hearts. Have confidence in the word of God.

Paraphrasing what Jesus said in Mark (1:15) and applying it to Lent: "Lent has begun. My kingdom is here. Plenty of spiritual benefits offered and available to us. Change the way you think. And believe and have confidence in my word."

Worry is attempting to control the uncontrollable.

Fear: An emotion given to us from God. Not right or wrong morally. Fear can lead us to worry.

Worry: "What ifs" and "worse case scenarios" that we ruminate on. Worry takes God out of the picture. We do not trust that God can help us so we feel that we have to do it on our own.

Concern: Concern is rooted in facts, real situations with actions that we can take, i.e., concern about layoffs so we update our resume to prepare to look for another job.

Worry and faith cannot coexist. We can be concern and have faith. When we worry, we go against our faith. Storms are a part of life. Jesus tells us that if you listen to what I say and put my words to action, then you will not crumble because you are standing on a rock foundation.

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. . . my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Night 2

Here is the video recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_iodG4exvY

Get into boat with the apostles and go into the storm at sea with them. Trust that Jesus is in the boat with you in the midst of the tempests in our lives.

The first journey into the storm at sea is in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 4, verses 35-41.

We become a "captive audience" to Jesus when we go into the storms in our lives. Jesus does care about us; we only need to gaze upon the Crucifix to know how much our Lord cares for us.

Jesus asked them: “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

Faith is not a feeling; it is a choice. We have to choose to believe that Jesus cares about us. He said to them, "Let us cross to the other side." He knew that they would cross to the other side, but the disciples did not. They must trust and have faith to follow Jesus.

If we are baptized, then we cannot say that we have not faith. We might have "weak" faith but we have faith. Our faith in God will help us get through one storm and prepare ourselves for subsequent storms to come in life because they will come. This helps us face future storms with hope, knowing that Jesus is with us in the boat.

After Jesus calmed the storm, we have what was the first small group discussion to reflect on what just happened to them.

The second journey into the storm at sea is in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 14, verses 22-33.

Jesus found the need to pray and went up the mountain by himself to pray. We need to be like Jesus. We think we are too busy to pray, Jesus was much busier than us and he still had a need to pray and found the time to pray.

The fourth watch of the night is the hours from 3:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. It is the darkness before the dawn. We do not like faith because we are a control-freak; however, Jesus is way is better than our way, his thoughts better than our thoughts.

Jesus comforts us in the midst of the storms in our lives, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."

Jesus said to Peter, "Come," and Peter walked on the water toward Jesus. Peter started to sink under the weight of his fears and problems when he lost focus of Jesus in his life. Peter cried out, "Lord, save me!"

"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" We doubt because we do not trust in Jesus. Let us pray for an increase in trust and confidence in God.

Sometimes, Jesus permits the storms to rage in our lives. Sometimes, he calms the storms. However, Jesus is in the storms with us, ready to grant us his supernatural peace.

Another small group gathering to worship the Lord our God. There is hope if we turn to Jesus because he is our hope in the storms of our lives.

Would you rather be in the storm with Jesus or in the boat without Jesus?

Night 3

Here is the video recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFHPANMTfgU

Prayers:

Lord, save me.

Come, Holy Spirit.

Jesus, I trust in you.

Divine mercy and those of us who worry

God loves us. His mercy is greater than our sins.

Here is the link to his article in the National Catholic Register, titled: Are You Anxious? Do You Worry? The Divine Mercy Message Is for You 

Here is the link:

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/are-you-anxious-do-you-worry-the-divine-mercy-message-is-for-you

WOW!! --- "Mercy is love that meets suffering and does something about it."

"My child, know that the greatest obstacles to holiness are discouragement and an exaggerated anxiety." (Diary of St. Faustina, 1488) ("exaggerated anxiety" is when we are anxious and we should not be, such as fear about the future, and is rooted in the deadly sin of pride.

The remedy is to walk with the Lord and trusting in Him. --- "How painfully distrust of My goodness wounds Me! Sins of distrust wound me most painfully." (Diary, 1076) AND "My child, all of your sins have not wounded My Heart as painfully as your present lack of trust does." (Diary, 1486) --- This should be how motivation to give up worry.

Worry is when we try to control the uncontrollable, but this is what Jesus tells us. --- "Do not fear; I will not leave you alone. Do whatever you can in this matter; I will accomplish everything that is lacking in you. You know what is within your POWER TO DO; DO THAT" (Diary, 881). --- Okay to be concerned because concern motivates us to put into action our plan, something that we can do.

WOW!! --- "You will give me pleasure if you hand over to me all your troubles and griefs." (Diary, 1485) --- THANK YOU, LORD!

When we are going through a storm, remember to turn to Jesus. --- Jesus said, "I am very pleased that you confide your fears to Me, my daughter: Speak to Me about everything in a completely simple and human way; by this you will give Me great joy." (Diary, 797)

Yes! Jesus is worthy of our trust!

We cannot be worry and pray at the same time.

Redemptive suffering - unite our suffering with the suffering of Jesus on the Cross. When we embrace our cross out of love for Jesus and follow him, we share in Jesus' mission for the salvation of soul. God will bring about a greater good - our purification through suffering.

All suffering is temporary - gone in this life or in the next life in heaven.

In the midst of our suffering, we can find supernatural peace through Jesus.

Romans 8:28 is a comforting verse in Scripture: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

I read this article today: https://sports.yahoo.com/stacy-wakefield-wife-of-late-former-red-sox-pitcher-tim-wakefield-dies-of-pancreatic-cancer-193327959.html --- We can only believe that God can bring comfort and peace to their children and bring good out of these tragedies --- two parents dying and leaving behind their children. Only God can bring about hope and healing for their families (think of the woman hemorrhaging for 12 years and Jairus' daughter who is on the verge of dying (and died)).

Do we choose to believe, by faith, that Jesus can help us in some way? Pray. Pray. Pray.

Sometimes, God lets the storm remain. In those time, let us remain hopeful, prayerful. Invite Jesus into the storm with us and suffering, it will get better. He will either take it away, make us wait, or give us the grace to weather the storm. Most of all, he will give us peace if we trust in Him.

Never give up on Jesus, even when we are surrounded by cynics. Jesus tells us, "Do not be afraid. Have faith."

Jesus is the answer.

Giving up worrying is surrendering and accepting Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior.

Things we can do to change out lives:

1. Go to Mass as often as you can. Go to Daily Mass if you can

2. Go to Confession. Frequent the Sacraments.

3. Read Scripture. Jesus speaks to us in Scripture.

4. Pray in the morning and at night.

Mark's version of the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8) --- Jesus gives us a glimpse of his glory and his peace. Then, Jesus will lead us down the "mountain" and accompany us in our journey in life. He will never abandon us but will help us carry our cross each and every day.

Here is the link to his web-site: https://followingthetruth.com/

Lenten Book Study "Self Portrait" - Chapters 13, 14, 15, 16

Once again, I am leading a book study. This time the book is Jim Sano's novel "Self Portrait", the 3rd 4th book in the Fr. Tom series. It is a mini-book study over 4 evenings - Feb. 13th, Feb. 20th, March 5th, and March 19th - covering 8 chapters during each meeting.

To help us with our discussions, I came up with questions for us to reflect on and prepare to share during the meeting. The questions are:

• Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?
• Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
• Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
• Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
• What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?

Below are my thoughts on chapters 13, 14, 15, 16.

Which character struck you the most in the chapters? Why?

I would say Fr. Tom because he is still tormented by his past (read "The Father's Son" to find out why). He has moved forward from what happened but he still carries the guilt of his actions with him and is remorseful.

Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?

Billy because, after his nightmare about his son, Patrick, he found himself standing in front of St. Francis Church and went inside. Once he entered the church, he did not feel alone because he was in the presence of God. When I feel lost, sitting before the Real Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament brings me peace and comfort. Even though the problems do not go away, I take comfort in knowing that Jesus is with me always.

Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapters? Which one? Why?

Fr. Tom because, like many of us, our past can stay with us and torment us. He was able to move forward because he turned to God for help and now he is helping others - from David Kelly to Gus Busbi, to the Comghan and now Billy.

Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?

Once again, Billy is struggling with Patrick's suicide, fearing that his son's soul is burning in Hell. More than that, Billy blames himself for not being there for his son, saying, "He needed a dad, and I wasn't there for him. . . He killed himself because I wasn't there to save him, to love him, to stop him.

What do you find most compelling about the chapters? Why?

Fr. Tom's ability to get Tobin "Tobey" Hope to reveal that Reggie Hope is his uncle. Detective Brooks' masterful interrogation of Tobey and, at the same time, earning Tobey's trust by keeping his promise not to get Tobey in trouble with his mom if he is honest with Brooks.

Previous chapter(s):

Chapter 1 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter.html

Chapter 2 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_13.html

Chapter 3 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_9.html

Chapters 4 & 5 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_17.html

Chapters 6, 7, 8 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait.html

Chapters 9 & 10 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait_20.html

Chapters 11 & 12 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait_94.html

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-64) - A Purposeful Life

Dearest Goddaughter,

We have heard or have said this ourselves - "I have been preparing for this moment my entire life" - when it comes time for us to fulfill the goal in which we have worked hard for all of our lives. As we hear in today's Gospel (and many times in the other Gospels), Jesus knew exactly where his journey in life would end: crucified on the Cross for the salvation of all men so that he can reconcile us to the Father.

Saint John the Evangelist wrote:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only 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" (John 3:16-17).

And, according to Saint John, this is our purpose in life:

"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 Son of God" (3:18).

Our whole life's purpose is to get to heaven, to return to the Father, to be in paradise for eternity with our Lord and our God. Jesus came to lead us back to the Father. The path is through the Cross of Christ. Those who have eyes ought to see. Those who have ears ought to hear. But during our time sojourning in this world, we look to Jesus on how we ought to live our lives, to serve and not to be served. 

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Jer 18:18-20 and Mt 20:17-28 (below).

. . .

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem,

he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves,

and said to them on the way,

"Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem,

and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests

and the scribes,

and they will condemn him to death,

and hand him over to the Gentiles

to be mocked and scourged and crucified,

and he will be raised on the third day."

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons

and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.

He said to her, "What do you wish?"

She answered him,

"Command that these two sons of mine sit,

one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom."

Jesus said in reply,

"You do not know what you are asking.

Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?"

They said to him, "We can."

He replied,

"My chalice you will indeed drink,

but to sit at my right and at my left,

this is not mine to give

but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."

When the ten heard this,

they became indignant at the two brothers.

But Jesus summoned them and said,

"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,

and the great ones make their authority over them felt.

But it shall not be so among you.

Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant;

whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.

Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve

and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-63) - Lead by Example

Dearest Goddaughter,

My goddaughter, niece, and nephews keep me honest. I remind me to practice what I preach because I think that they observe my actions as much as they listen to my words. Sometimes, they call me out. Most children do, which is why adults sometimes have to say to the kids: "Well, that's because I am the adult and you are the child." LOL

Jesus warns us of this in today's Gospel when he talked about the scribes and the Pharisees, saying, ". . .do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice." In other words, the scribes and Pharisees lord their authorities over others. Jesus tells his disciples that that would not be them. They should be servants first because the Son of God did not come to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45, Matthew 20:28).

Jesus is the servant leader par excellence. I presented on this in my recent #Cor talk on Leadership, which you can find here: https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/cor-leadership-2222024.html. A servant leader puts the needs of others before himself out of charity. As Jesus tells us, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13). That is the mark of a true servant leader.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Is 1:10, 16-20 and Mt 23:1-12 (below).

. . .

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,

"The scribes and the Pharisees

have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,

but do not follow their example.

For they preach but they do not practice.

They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry

and lay them on people's shoulders,

but they will not lift a finger to move them.

All their works are performed to be seen.

They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,

greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'

As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'

You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

Call no one on earth your father;

you have but one Father in heaven.

Do not be called 'Master';

you have but one master, the Christ.

The greatest among you must be your servant.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;

but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-62) - Ignatian Examination of Conscience

Dearest Goddaughter,

In his homily this morning, Fr. Callen Sweeney shared with us the five steps of Ignatian examination of conscience before we go to Confession. They are:

1. Give God gratitude for today.

2. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide our discernment.

3. Examine our conscience (where have we sinned and fallen short).

4. Ask God for forgiveness.

5. Thank God for the graces that one will receive tomorrow.

We do not do this during #Lent only but every day of our lives. When we do this, it will help us to be merciful, because we feel God's mercy toward us. We are able to stop judging and condemning others, because we know that God judges us with mercy and love and does not condemn us. We are able to forgive others because we know forgiveness from God.

This is certainly something for us to reflect on and put in our spiritual toolbox.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Dn 9:4b-10 and Lk 6:36-38 (below).

. . .

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

"Stop judging and you will not be judged.

Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.

Forgive and you will be forgiven.

Give and gifts will be given to you;

a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,

will be poured into your lap.

For the measure with which you measure

will in return be measured out to you."

Homily for the Second Sunday of Lent (Year B - 2/25/2024)

I invite you all to come join us this evening for the first night of our 3-night Parish Lenten Mission with Gary Zimak (zim-mack), titled “Give Up Worry for Lent.” Together, we can learn how to give up worry for Lent. As “homework”, I have been reading his book. Day 4 is entitled “Give Him Your Problems” and the reflection includes this question from Jesus to the blind beggar Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51) As I reflected on this question, I cannot help but wonder to myself: what are our coping mechanisms when we are frustrated, worried, or stressed? Would God be the first person we turn to for help? Would we tell God what we want him to do for us in those moments?

“Give Up Worry for Lent” by Gary Zimak (zim-mack) is one book in a long line of books to help us do the one thing that Jesus asks of us but we cannot seem to do on our own: DEPEND ON GOD. What did God say to the disciples in today’s Gospel? "This is my beloved Son. LISTEN TO HIM." Mary, the Mother of God, also said something similar, “DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU” (John 2:5). In the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 5:25-34), our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ tells us: “DO NOT WORRY about your life” and “DO NOT WORRY about tomorrow, tomorrow will take care of itself”. Christ asks us, “Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?” Rather than worry, Jesus invites us to “[come] to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. . . my yoke is easy, and my burden light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus wants us to surrender our worries, our pain, our suffering. . . and all those things that bind and enslave us. . . over to him so that we can truly be free. 

You see, when worry occupies us, we do not leave room in our hearts for hope. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, talks about hope in his Message for Lent,  saying: “. . .we need to combat a deficit of hope that stifles dreams and the silent cry that reaches to heaven and moves the heart of God. This ‘deficit of hope’ is not unlike the nostalgia for slavery that paralyzed Israel in the desert and prevented it from moving forward. . . The desert is the place where our freedom can mature in a personal decision not to fall back into slavery. . . This, however, entails a struggle. . .” We know we are doing it right when our Lenten offering is a struggle for us. And in those moments of struggle, we should absolutely depend on God. “Let go and let God” should be our mantra. However, Christ does not want us to say, “Jesus, take the wheel,” and then for us to let go of the wheel completely. God desires us to cooperate with him. God wants us to be participants with Him in the unfolding story of our salvation in the same way that He took Peter, John, and James up a high mountain so that he could show them his glory when he “transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white.” The Old Testament is filled with stories of God’s people cooperating with Him. Noah cooperated with God when he built the ark, and from Noah’s son, Shem, we have his descendent, Abraham, our father in faith, who also cooperated with God. 

This Lent, we are doing a Message Series, titled “Give up Worry for Lent: Freedom in Pain and Suffering,”. This week’s theme is “Offer It Up.” “OFFER IT UP” is when we give over to God those things in our lives — our worries, our pain, and our suffering — that we have been clinging onto. A young couple with a newborn offers up their sleepless nights to God for the health and well-being of their child. A wife who is caring for her sick husband offers up her exhaustion and concerns to God for her husband’s health. To the parents — who are clinging onto the pain of losing their child because they believe that pain is the only memory they have left of their child — to them, Jesus says, “Offer your heartache and pain to me and I will give you rest and peace.”

My sisters and brothers in Christ, only when we let go of all those things that bind and enslave us do our hands become free to grasp and hold onto the cloak of the only Person [pointing to the Crucifix] who can heal and strengthen us and give us real peace and true freedom in our lives even in the midst of life’s struggles. When I think of offering it up to God, I think of Christ crucified on the Cross. Saint Paul wrote about this in his letter to the Romans: “He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all. . .” As Jesus hung on the Cross in pain and agony, he united his suffering to every man and offered up his suffering to his Father in heaven for the redemption of all men, saying, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). In the same way, as members of the One Body of Christ, we are called to be participants in the mystery of the redemptive suffering (or self-offering) of Christ when we unite our suffering to the suffering of Christ crucified on the Cross. Saint John Paul II summed up the relationship between Christ’s redemptive sacrifice and our mysterious participation in this way: “In bringing about the Redemption through suffering, Christ has also raised human suffering to the level of the Redemption. Thus each man, in his suffering, can also become a sharer in the redemptive suffering of Christ” (Salvifici Doloris, 19).

Abraham trusted the Lord and was prepared to offer up Isaac but the Lord stayed his hands and blessed him. saying: "Do not lay your hand on the boy. . . I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son. . . because you acted as you did in not withholding from me your beloved son, I will bless you abundantly. . . and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore. . . [and here is the hinge] in your descendants ALL THE NATIONS of the earth SHALL FIND BLESSING. . .  all this because you obeyed my command." Saint Paul states that “[we] know that all things work for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28). Therefore, know that when we offer ourselves up to God — our worries, our pain, and our suffering, not only does He bless us abundantly but we become the vessels, the instruments God uses to bring blessings to countless others so that they, too, may have HOPE through FAITH in God who is LOVE and loves all of us. We become participants in Christ’s redemptive suffering (or self-offering), and that gives meaning and purpose to our own suffering. Amen.

Cor - Leadership (2/22/2024)

At the recent Cor meeting, on Feb. 22nd, I had the blessed opportunity to present on the theme of "Leadership", in particular, servant leadership, which our Lord Jesus Christ is the model par excellence. Below is a script of my presentation.

. . .

Opening Prayer: St. Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.

Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.

Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.

Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.

Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.

Warm-Up Question: Who was (were) your role model(s) growing up? What about them did you admire most, and how do you think that impacted you?

HINT: Write down the qualit(ies) that you admire most in this person(s). Discuss with table members.

Dcn. Phúc: My role model growing up was my dad. He had the courage to leave his country of Vietnam with his wife and two young sons. He worked various jobs - from gas station attendant to a cook in a restaurant to an auto mechanic - to provide for his family. English was not his first language but he was able to make do because what other choice did he have. To this day, my dad is still my role model of quiet strength and courage.

Watch: "Leadership" video https://site-444741.bcvp0rtal.com/detail/videos/into-the-breach/video/6133457734001/leadership

Presentation: Servant Leadership

Our Jesus Christ: Servant Leader par excellence

Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, John, and James and at once they left their old lives behind and immediately followed Christ. There was something about Christ that drew these men to leave everything behind, pick up their crosses, and follow him. . . Matthew 4:18-22. . .

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

The disciples saw Jesus as a leader so they followed him. They realize what kind of a leader he is - a servant leader who puts others before himself - in Matthew 20:25-28. . .

But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Jesus is the servant leader par excellence and he teaches his disciples (and us) to be the same when he washed their feet at the Last Supper in John 13:13-15. . .

You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.

At the Last Supper, the disciples once again argued who among them is the greatest. . . Luke 22:24. . .

Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest.

to which Jesus replied in Luke 22:25-27. . .

He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves.

Then Jesus spoke to Simon Peter in Luke 22:31-32. . .

"Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.”

Peter replied that he was prepared in Luke 22:33. . .

He said to him, “Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you.”

But. . . was he really? Are we? As we saw in video, we say that we are willing to die for Christ; however, are we willing to live for Christ? To live a life of virtue, to be servant-leaders and lead others to Christ, especially our families.

February 22nd is the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle

Jesus entrusted his people to Peter and told Peter to “Feed my lambs”. . . “Tend my sheep”. . . “Feed my sheep”. . . and “Follow me”. . . (John 21:15-19)

Peter learned what it means to be a servant leader like Jesus and urged others to follow him, as he wrote in 1 Peter 5:2-3. . .

Tend the flock of God in your midst, overseeing not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly. Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Like the video tells us. . . eternity is forever. . . that is what we are preparing ourselves and our families for. . . “the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4)

Servant Leaders & KofC

Let us be the “rock” foundation for our family and our community. . . by honoring Jesus first in our lives. . . “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”. . . and leading others to Christ (Matthew 16:16)

Let us be the reason why the “gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against” our families and our Church (Luke 16:18). This is the purpose of Bishop Olmsted's apostolic exhortation to men that inspired the "Into the Breach" series for men by the Knights of Columbus.

"Into the Breach" https://www.archspm.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/INTO-THE-BREACH-ROMAN-CATHOLIC-DIOCESE-OF-PHOENIX.pdf

Let us be servant leaders (excerpt from Robert K. Greenleaf) https://www.greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/

The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader. . .  The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant-first to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served. The best test, and difficult to administer, is: Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?. . .  A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. . . The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.

“Call to Battle” small group discussion Strive for great things. If the virtue of magnanimity involves striving for great things, work to develop this virtue in your own life by examining what you are striving for. Are the true aims of your life things like money, pleasure, “down time,” watching sports and avoiding “hassle”? Or do you have nobler goals such as growing in virtue, fighting injustice, serving your community and leading your family? Identify one “great thing” you would like to strive for in your life and write down specific ways you can move toward that goal.

How can I be a servant leader at home? At the parish?

Dcn. Phúc: How can us men form and train young men so that they can replace us in ministry work at the parish? How can we we inspire young men to become a Knights of Columbus, to serve Holy Mother Church, and to be the right-hand men of our priests and help them care for the parish and fellow parishioners? This is what servant-leaders must do and we look to our Lord Jesus Christ as the servant-leader par excellence.

Closing Prayer: St. Michael the Archangel Prayer

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou,

O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God,

cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits,

who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-61) - Christ is the Sign We Seek

Dearest Goddaughter,

We read in Hebrews 1:1-3 that:

"In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word."

What other signs do we seek? If our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is not enough for us, then who is? Or what is? God reveals Himself fully to us in His beloved Son and through His wondrous Creation. What other signs do we seek? We of little faith, and that is on us, not God.

Fortunately for us, God is loving and merciful and never abandons us. He continues to speak to us and show us the path through Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us pick up cross and follow Jesus. Who are the Jonah's in our lives who God has sent to call us to repentance and belief in the Gospel? Those who have eyes ought to see. Those who have ears ought to hear.

Let us pray that we may see the sign that we seek in our lives: Jesus Christ our Lord.

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;

in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt

and of my sin cleanse me.

A clean heart create for me, O God,

and a steadfast spirit renew within me.

Cast me not out from your presence,

and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

For you are not pleased with sacrifices;

should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.

My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;

a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

(PS 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19) 

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Jon 3:1-10 and Lk 11:29-32 (below).

. . .

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,

“This generation is an evil generation;

it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,

except the sign of Jonah.

Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,

so will the Son of Man be to this generation.

At the judgment

the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation

and she will condemn them,

because she came from the ends of the earth

to hear the wisdom of Solomon,

and there is something greater than Solomon here.

At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation

and condemn it,

because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,

and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

Lenten Book Study "Self Portrait" - Chapters 11 & 12

Once again, I am leading a book study. This time the book is Jim Sano's novel "Self Portrait", the 3rd 4th book in the Fr. Tom series. It is a mini-book study over 4 evenings - Feb. 13th, Feb. 20th, March 5th, and March 19th - covering 8 chapters during each meeting.

To help us with our discussions, I came up with questions for us to reflect on and prepare to share during the meeting. The questions are:

• Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?
• Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
• Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
• Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
• What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?

Below are my thoughts on chapters 11 & 12.

Which character struck you the most in the chapters? Why?

In Chapter 11, it would have to be Billy because of these two sentences from the chapter:

1. "There was an exhausting tension created by the gulf between the person everyone saw and the person Billy knew lay under his skin" (page 66) and

2. "She admired everything about him, but he alone was aware that he deserved none of that admiration" (page 67).

Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?

In Chapter 12, it would have to be Rozzy because she knows her son is not perfect but she loves him. The investigative team goes and pays a visit at the homes of Dougie Jones and Reggie Hope. They talk with Reggie's mother, Rozzy. Remembering Mary's suggestion to look in the ceiling tiles, they found a stash of pot. When questioned about the stolen painting, Reggie said he did not steal it. His mom said that her son was not lying. They did not find anything in Dougie Jones' apartment.

Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapters? Which one? Why?

In Chapter 12, I would say Reggie's mother for the reasons above.

Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?

In Chapter 11, Fr. Tom brings up the Prodigal Son again (pages 67-68) when he talks with Billy about the image of the missing Rembrandt painting.  In their discussion, we can find the Church's teaching on true freedom that is found in faith, hope, and love. Fr. Tom tells Billy: "The light can be scary, but it becomes the place we have the real freedom to be ourselves - to forgive, accept, and love ourselves"

What do you find most compelling about the chapters? Why?

In Chapter 11, it would have to be the "demons" that Billy seemingly is in battle with when he talks about the person that everyone sees (in the light) and the person that lays beneath (in the dark). Will he be able to reconcile these two images? Also, at the of Chapter 12, Angelo found the bike and it belongs to Bubblegum Bob.

Previous chapter(s):

Chapter 1 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter.html

Chapter 2 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_13.html

Chapter 3 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_9.html

Chapters 4 & 5 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_17.html

Chapters 6, 7, 8 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait.html

Chapters 9 & 10 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait_20.html

Lenten Book Study "Self Portrait" - Chapters 9 & 10

Once again, I am leading a book study. This time the book is Jim Sano's novel "Self Portrait", the 3rd 4th book in the Fr. Tom series. It is a mini-book study over 4 evenings - Feb. 13th, Feb. 20th, March 5th, and March 19th - covering 8 chapters during each meeting.

To help us with our discussions, I came up with questions for us to reflect on and prepare to share during the meeting. The questions are:

• Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?
• Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
• Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
• Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
• What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?

Below are my thoughts on chapters 9 & 10.

Which character struck you the most in the chapters? Why?

I would say Myles Connor; see below for my reasons why. I am reminded of this quote from the movie, "Inception":

"Do You Want To Take A Leap Of Faith Or Become An Old Man Filled With Regret Waiting To Die Alone?"

Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?

Myles Connor reminds me of people who feel that God could never forgive them and so they live without hope that comes from the real freedom of being beloved sons and daughters of the Father. Unlike the Prodigal Son who came to his "senses" and returned to his father, many of us are afraid to do so because we feel unworthy and ashamed. We must forgive ourselves and that can be a challenge; however, it can be done by the grace of God and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapters? Which one? Why?

I sympathize with Myles Connor because, to me, he represents all those who have lost their way in life, turned away from God, and now feels that they are beyond God's saving mercy. He certainly regrets the life choices that he made and "felt cheated by his own lack of faith." Moreover, while he is "not blind to the peace and purpose of religion, and God can bring hope to some people," he just never experienced it himself.

Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?

Towards the end of their time with Myles Connor, we find that he is Irish Catholic; however, he is skeptical of "organized religion" to which Fr. Tom responded saying "I always wondered about the appeal of disorganized religions." Fr. Tom tells him about the repentant thief, who was crucified with Jesus, and that he is not giving up on him. Myles expressed how he "felt cheated by his own lack of faith."

What do you find most compelling about the chapters? Why?

As the investigation into the missing painting continues, Mary gave Billy & Sean the idea to keep a watch on Dougie Jones and Reggie Hope. They did time together at the penitentiary for robbing a liquor store. Thanks to Angelo, they got a "few minutes" with Myles Connor.

Previous chapter(s):

Chapter 1 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter.html

Chapter 2 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_13.html

Chapter 3 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_9.html

Chapters 4 & 5 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_17.html

Chapters 6, 7, 8 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait.html

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-60) - The Word and words of God

Dearest Goddaughter,

I believe that the world would be a better place if we all listen to the Word of God, read the words of God, and allow the Word and words of God to permeate our souls. Through the Prophet Isaiah, in today's first reading, the Lord says that his word shall not return to him void but "shall do [His] will, achieving the end for which [He] sent it."

Our problem is, we do not take the time to read the words of God in Scripture so we do not hear the Word of God speak to our hearts, permeate our souls, and transforms us. If we pray the Lord's Prayer (or the "Our Father") every day, with contrite and humble hearts, we can change the world because the Word and words of God will change us first, heal us first. There are so many resources and apps out there to help us grow in faith; we just need to have the will to do so. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). Let the Spirit guide and strength our flesh.

I encourage and challenge our Called to be One Marriage Class at Saint Albert the Great engaged couples to (1) go to Mass and (2) to pray for each other and pray with each other. Now, with the Sunday 5:00 Mass is that "geared" for young adults their age, we actually attend Mass together as a class before they are done with the class and receive their certificate of completion. However, it is up to them if they are willing to allow the Word and words of God into their lives as married couples. As Jesus says, those you have eyes ought to see and those who have ears ought to hear.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Is 55:10-11 and Mt 6:7-15 (below).

. . .

Jesus said to his disciples:

“In praying, do not babble like the pagans,

who think that they will be heard because of their many words.

Do not be like them.

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This is how you are to pray:

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy Kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

“If you forgive men their transgressions,

your heavenly Father will forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men,

neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-59) - The sheep and the goats

Dearest Goddaughter,

I was listening to Relevant Radio and a caller called into the The Patrick Madrid Show asking about hell. In response, Patrick Madrid read from today's Gospel passage from Matthew on The Judgment of the Nations. In particular, he pointed her to verse 41: "Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Hell is the eternal fire where God casted Lucifer (who was supposed to be the light but became the prince of darkness because of his rebellion against God) and the fallen angels.

Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill. Christ summarized the commandments into his Great Commandment - to love God and to love our neighbors - and his teachings on the Judgment of the Nations gives us a roadmap on how we ought to live our lives in obedience to his Commandments: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the ill, and visit the imprisoned. These are the corporal works of mercy of the Church, and our mission as the baptized of Christ.

Saint Gregory of Nazianzen, bishop, reminds us that God "has given abundantly to all the basic needs of life, not as a private possession, not restricted by law, not divided by boundaries, but as common to all, amply and in rich measure. His gifts are not deficient in any way, because he wanted to give equality of blessing to equality of worth, and to show the abundance of his generosity."

For those of us at Saint Albert the Great Catholic Church, the Servants of Hope at Saint Albert ATX ministry is a way for us to carry out the corporal works of mercy in our local parish community. Therefore, let us put into practice the Lenten observance of almsgiving by (re)committing to take part in the noble mission of the Church, the mission that our Lord Jesus Christ entrusted to us. 

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18 and Mt 25:31-46 (below).

. . .

Jesus said to his disciples:

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory,

and all the angels with him,

he will sit upon his glorious throne,

and all the nations will be assembled before him.

And he will separate them one from another,

as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Then the king will say to those on his right,

‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father.

Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me food,

I was thirsty and you gave me drink,

a stranger and you welcomed me,

naked and you clothed me,

ill and you cared for me,

in prison and you visited me.’

Then the righteous will answer him and say,

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,

or thirsty and give you drink?

When did we see you a stranger and welcome you,

or naked and clothe you?

When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’

And the king will say to them in reply,

‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did

for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Then he will say to those on his left,

‘Depart from me, you accursed,

into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.

For I was hungry and you gave me no food,

I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,

a stranger and you gave me no welcome,

naked and you gave me no clothing,

ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’

Then they will answer and say,

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty

or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison,

and not minister to your needs?’

He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you,

what you did not do for one of these least ones,

you did not do for me.’

And these will go off to eternal punishment,

but the righteous to eternal life.”

Lenten Book Study "Self Portrait" - Chapters 6, 7, 8

Once again, I am leading a book study. This time the book is Jim Sano's novel "Self Portrait", the 3rd 4th book in the Fr. Tom series. It is a mini-book study over 4 evenings - Feb. 13th, Feb. 20th, March 5th, and March 19th - covering 8 chapters during each meeting.

To help us with our discussions, I came up with questions for us to reflect on and prepare to share during the meeting. The questions are:

• Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?
• Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
• Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
• Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
• What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?

Below are my thoughts on chapters 6, 7, 8.

Which character struck you the most in the chapters? Why?

In Chapter 6, I am struck by Mary and the peace and comfort that she finds in her faith. Even as she struggles with her illness, she remains strong for Billy, comforting him when he says to her, "I'd have no life worth living without you." Her response to the challenges that they face together? "We've got to trust in God's plan."

Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?

Billy reminds me of those who have lost loved ones in their lives. For Billy and Mary, it is their son, Patrick, who they lost. . . "Even after fifteen, this was a pain deep in his heart that would not go way. The pain was all he had left now of his only son." Billy clings onto to the pain of losing his son so that he does not lose the memories of his son.

Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapters? Which one? Why?

Once again, I sympathize with Billy, particularly at his retirement party when Fr. Tom shared Billy's legacy and story with the guests. Billy spent 37 years on the police force and Fr. Tom shared stories of others of a "humble but great man who had served faithfully." What was probably most difficult for Billy when when they had a "long moment of silence in recognition of their son, Patrick."

Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?

In Chapter 7, we learn about the Church's teachings on suicide from the conversation between Fr. Tom and Billy, on pages 49-50, and the parable of the prodigal son (from the Gospel of Luke), on page 51. For those whose loved one committed suicide, they may find comfort in this: "The Church teaches that the person is not one-hundred-percent morally culpable if they weren't fully aware or in their right mind at the time [of the suicide]. . . People can suffer greatly from anguish, depression, or fear that can diminish their responsibility. Christ will always judge us fairly and justly - and with love."

What do you find most compelling about the chapters? Why?

 In Chapter 8, Billy looks at his reflection in the winder of Boccaccio's Bakery and wonders to himself: "IT was as if he could see right through himself, something he often feared that others could do. . . Billy wondered if he was hiding his real self the same way Rembrandt had." How does his introspection play out as we show Billy's story.

Previous chapter(s):

Chapter 1 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter.html

Chapter 2 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_13.html

Chapter 3 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_9.html

Chapters 4 & 5 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_17.html

Lenten Book Study "Self Portrait" - Chapter 4 & 5

Once again, I am leading a book study. This time the book is Jim Sano's novel "Self Portrait", the 3rd 4th book in the Fr. Tom series. It is a mini-book study over 4 evenings - Feb. 13th, Feb. 20th, March 5th, and March 19th - covering 8 chapters during each meeting.

To help us with our discussions, I came up with questions for us to reflect on and prepare to share during the meeting. The questions are:

• Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?
• Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
• Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
• Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
• What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?

Below are my thoughts on chapters 4 & 5.

Which character struck you the most in the chapters? Why?

Angelo Salvato, Fr. Tom's "ex-con sidekick", because he does not allow his past to define him but he also does not shy away from it. He uses his experiences and knowledge as an ex-con for good, like in did in "Stolen Blessing" and not in "Self Portrait" to help the authorities solve a mystery. We all have second chances in our lives so let us make the most of the chances.

Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?

Billy because of his devotion to his wife, Mary, to his job as a police officer, and his selflessness toward Kenny Green, the shooting victim whom Billy donated his O-negative blood.

Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?

Certainly it would be Detective Brooks and his reaction when he found Fr. Tom & Angelo at his crime scene. I would invite you to read "Stolen Blessing" (https://www.jimsano.com/stolen-blessing) to fully appreciate Detective Brook's comment: "What's odd is me discussing another case with a priest and his ex-con sidekick" (p. 37-38).

Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapters? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?

Not explicitly, but I liked how the team of investigators took a break from work and went to Dempsey's Pub for lunch and fellowship. God did not create us to be alone but part of a community of faithful to help each other along the way. I would invite you to read "The Father's Son" (https://www.jimsano.com/thefathersson/2016/8/14/the-fathers-son-a-novel-in-process) to read how Dempsey's Pub was the setting for the conversion of David Kelly, with the help of none other than Fr. Tom.

What do you find most compelling about the chapters? Why?

I really enjoyed how author Jim Sano described in-depth how the team of investigators walked through the crime scene, replayed what happened, and worked together to solve the mystery.

Previous chapter(s):

Chapter 1 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter.html

Chapter 2 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_13.html

Chapter 3 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_9.html

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-58) - Fast with Contrite and Humble Hearts

Dearest Goddaughter,

Our Lord sees our hearts and knows our intentions; therefore, when we pray, fast, or give alms, let us do so with contrite and humble hearts. As the Lord warns us in the Gospel reading for Ash Wednesday, let us not fast for show but, with humble and contrite hearts, truly desire to die to our old self and be renewed by entering into a deeper relationship with God this Lent.

Let our hearts be pure and our motives be true. God can help us come to know the fast that He wish. In today's first reading, we learn from the Prophet Isaiah what is acceptable to our Lord:

This, rather, is the fasting that I wish:

releasing those bound unjustly,

untying the thongs of the yoke;

Setting free the oppressed,

breaking every yoke;

Sharing your bread with the hungry,

sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;

Clothing the naked when you see them,

and not turning your back on your own.

Pray. Fast. Give alms. Do all these Lenten observances with contrite and humble hearts and we will hear the Lord say to us: "Here I am!" when we pray, fast, and give alms. 

Today is Friday of Lent in which we fast and abstain from meat. It is also tradition for us to pray the Stations of the Cross on Fridays of Lent. I invite you all to join me tonight at 7:00 for Stations of the Cross. The CDA #2220 Austin will be leading the Stations of the Cross after the KofC Lenten Fish Fry.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Is 58:1-9a and Mt 9:14-15 (below).

. . .

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said,

“Why do we and the Pharisees fast much,

but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn

as long as the bridegroom is with them?

The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,

and then they will fast.”

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-57) - Choose Life

Dearest Goddaughter,

I just listened to Fr. Michael O'Conner's homily and he said something that struck me. In reflecting on what Jesus said to his disciples - If anyone wishes to come after me, he must DENY HIMSELF and TAKE UP HIS CROSS daily and FOLLOW ME." - Fr. Michael said that Christ himself carried the Cross to Calvary; however, it did not end there because he conquered death and rose.

Our Lord invites us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses DAILY, and follow him. In other words, Christ is inviting us to share in his suffering so that we too can rise with him in the glory of his Resurrection. It is certainly a challenge for us, perhaps daunting even. But what choice do we have except to "choose life", as the Lord tells us in today's first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy. How can we "choose life"? Just listen to what the Lord says:

"If you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God,

which I enjoin on you today,

loving him, and walking in his ways,

and keeping his commandments, statutes and decrees,

you will live and grow numerous,

and the LORD, your God,

will bless you. . ."

God sets before us "life and prosperity" or "death and doom", "life" or "death", and "blessing" or "curse". The decision is ours but the choices are obvious. Let us not turn our hearts away from God and perish but turn our hearts to God and live.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Dt 30:15-20 and Lk 9:22-25 (below).

. . .

Jesus said to his disciples:

“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected

by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,

and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Then he said to all,

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself

and take up his cross daily and follow me.

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,

but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

What profit is there for one to gain the whole world

yet lose or forfeit himself?”

Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-56) - Repent, and believe in the Gospel

Dearest Goddaughter,

Today is Ash Wednesday. During the distribution of ashes, the minister has two options: "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return." After reflecting on today's readings and Fr. Doug's homily, I decided to use "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" as I Cross the people's foreheads with ashes.

With two wars raging and other conflicts in world, political discord, the crisis at the border, and the direction that society is moving, the Holy Spirit put on my heart the need for all of us to "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" once again with our words and deeds. "Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned." Oh how great it would be if we were like the people of Ninevah and our leaders like the king of Ninevah (Jonah 3) and repent.

It is never too late for us for repent - to turn away from sin and turn to God - "Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart. . . return to the Lord, your God,. For gracious and merciful is he,, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment" - the Prophet Joel tells us in today's first reading. Indeed, ". . .now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation," Saint Paul tells us.

Let us "be reconciled to God" this #Lent through the faithful observances of pray, fast, and almsgiving. Let our motivation to desire to repent and believe in the Gospel to be this: "For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him."

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Jl 2:12-18, 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 and Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 (below).

. . .

Jesus said to his disciples:

"Take care not to perform righteous deeds

in order that people may see them;

otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.

When you give alms,

do not blow a trumpet before you,

as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets

to win the praise of others.

Amen, I say to you,

they have received their reward.

But when you give alms,

do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,

so that your almsgiving may be secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

"When you pray,

do not be like the hypocrites,

who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners

so that others may see them.

Amen, I say to you,

they have received their reward.

But when you pray, go to your inner room,

close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.

And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

"When you fast,

do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.

They neglect their appearance,

so that they may appear to others to be fasting.

Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you fast,

anoint your head and wash your face,

so that you may not appear to be fasting,

except to your Father who is hidden.

And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."

Lenten Book Study "Self Portrait" - Chapter 3

Once again, I am leading a book study. This time the book is Jim Sano's novel "Self Portrait", the 3rd 4th book in the Fr. Tom series. It is a mini-book study over 4 evenings - Feb. 13th, Feb. 20th, March 5th, and March 19th - covering 8 chapters during each meeting.

To help us with our discussions, I came up with questions for us to reflect on and prepare to share during the meeting. The questions are:

• Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?
• Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
• Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
• Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
• What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?

Below are my thoughts on chapter 3.

Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?

Detective Sergeant Tony Brooks first appeared in "Stolen Blessing." I am glad to see him back in "Self Portrait" to solve the mystery of the heist. 

Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?

I would say Dr. Henri DuBois, the curator of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. He is genuine in his disbelief that the painting is missing - "Impossible", he says. All of us can be like that when something unexpected happens in our lives. The important thing to remember is that, most of the time we cannot control the circumstances in which we find ourselves; however, we can control our we respond.

Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?

Again, I would say Dr. Henri DuBois for the same reasons I mentioned above.

Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?

Not directly, but I think we can learn a lot of trusting in God from Dr. Henri DuBois. He finds impossible in an "impossible" situation and cannot do anything except rely on the investigators to find the missing painting. What he can do, such as inform the insurance company, assist with the investigation, etc., he must do. Same with us. We do want we can and we trust in God.

What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?

Once again, the heist. Let's see how the plot unfolds as the team of investigators look for clues to solve the mystery.

Previous chapter(s):

Chapter 1 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter.html

Chapter 2 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter_13.html

Lenten Book Study "Self Portrait" - Chapter 2

Once again, I am leading a book study. This time the book is Jim Sano's novel "Self Portrait", the 3rd 4th book in the Fr. Tom series. It is a mini-book study over 4 evenings - Feb. 13th, Feb. 20th, March 5th, and March 19th - covering 8 chapters during each meeting.

To help us with our discussions, I came up with questions for us to reflect on and prepare to share during the meeting. The questions are:

• Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?
• Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?
• Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?
• Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?
• What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?

Below are my thoughts on chapter 2.

Which character struck you the most in the chapter? Why?

David Kelly (from "The Father's Son") and Gus Busbi (from "Gus Busbi") are introduced in this chapter. I would invite you to read these two novels (from from Jim Sano). They are great characters who had to overcome their own demons and pasts with the help of Fr. Tom.

Which character reminds you of yourself or someone you know? How?

Fr. Tom reminds me of priests, deacons, and all who have had to help others cope with loss and suffering in their lives. It is difficult to tell someone that God has a plan for their loved ones when all they see is pain, suffering, and loss.

Do you empathize or sympathize with any of the characters in the chapter? Which one? Why?

I would say Billy. While I may counsel and accompany others during difficult and challenging times in their lives, I often wonder about God's plan as it relates to pain and suffering. I know His plan is for our good and not our woe but pain, suffering, and death challenge me. Also, Billy is ready to donate his blood to a complete stranger - Kenny Green - who was shot.

Were there any teachings or references to the Catholic faith that you picked up in the chapter? If yes, what is it and what were your thoughts?

In chapter 2, Fr. Tom talks to Billy about redemptive suffering. It is in response to Billy wondering why God would allow Mary - who has suffered so much with the loss of their son - to suffer with this illness. Scott Hahn wrote that "God allows us to suffer because of His mercy. He won't allow us to escape the plan of maturity that even Jesus Christ had to complete." This is incredible because, if we believe that God can take the bad and make good out of it, then (as Fr. Tom tells Billy) Mary in her suffering becomes an instrument of God to impact the lives of others for good. 

What do you find most compelling about the chapter? Why?

The heist. Let's see how the plot unfolds.

Previous chapter(s):

Chapter 1 https://dcnphuc2019.blogspot.com/2024/02/lenten-book-study-self-portrait-chapter.html