St. Mathew, John 15,19-17

Posted on 23. February 2023 by Peter Prochac

Before we get to the election of Matthew, let’s stop at the person of Judas, as Luke presents him in the Gospel and Acts. Jesus himself chose him from among his many disciples into the group of the Twelve, whom he called apostles (Lk 5:13f). In the Passion narrative, we read that Judas, into whom Satan entered (Lk 22:3), led those who came to capture Jesus and betrayed him with a kiss (Lk 22, 47-48). Of the Gospels, only Matthew speaks of Judas’ death (Mt 27, 3-10).

Marek and John are silent about his tragic end. Lukáš mentions him for the last time in the Acts in today’s reading. However, the lectionary omits the mention of death, which is a shame, because we would see that church tradition actually preserved two versions. According to the Acts, he died by falling head down. More important than the manner of death is the iniquity (Acts 1:18) that he committed. More importantly, God can correct the consequences of even the greatest betrayal.

WITH Peter, who now initiates the filling of Judas’ place in the congregation of the Twelve, knows about this. His place was about to be replaced because he betrayed Jesus. He was weak, even the weakest, he made a big mistake, but he was forgiven. Therefore, he can testify to others that Jesus is faithful, even if we are unfaithful (Fausti, 64-65). Peter argues with the words of Scripture: “Let another take over his office.” (Psalm 109:8).

It is necessary to restore the number of the Twelve because it is through them that God wants to address the message of salvation to the twelve tribes of Israel, which will gather at Pentecost in Jerusalem (Fitzmyer, 221). Who is a more suitable candidate to witness Jesus’ resurrection (v. 22)? Perhaps we would choose Joseph, who was called Barsabas (son of the Sabbath) and had the surname Justus (just). But God pointed to the unknown Matthew (God’s gift).

It is a joy to decide between good and good. The community prays and then lots are drawn. The prayer is short but deep and inspiring. It begins with the address Lord, you know the hearts of all people (v. 24). The lord is Jesus; he restores the community of his apostles. When the Lord looks into our heart today, let him find good in it. And together with the apostle Matthew, let’s try to be a gift from God to others.

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Let us be people of sacrifice.

Posted on 22. February 2023 by Peter Prochac

Lent is a time to establish peace in your heart. An opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation, correction, and reevaluation of opinions, attitudes, and opinions that destroy inner peace and joy. And that is why the words of Jesus apply: “Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself…” (Luke 9:23).

Sprinkling the head with ashes is a symbolic gesture of a new beginning. Ashes are created by burning something, not just last year’s branches blessed on Palm Sunday. Fire destroys, but at the same time, it allows a new life to begin. During combustion, the activity of fire produces heat and light. It is possible to deduce from them what people and God expect from us. Christ does not want our destruction, but our life. Ash is actually dust. Faith teaches us that our natural life will end in dust. The body succumbs to corruption, only the soul passes through death to a new life, when the glorified body will follow it in the resurrection. Lent and the thought of the cemetery, death, and what will follow for each of us, are not unnecessary. Vice versa. Christ’s suffering and death for us end with the Easter hallelujah, the resurrection when Christ conquered death so that we may have eternal life.

New life is also associated with ashes. It is being built again on the burn site. A new, more beautiful, more beneficial one emerges when a person understands that life must go on.  Let’s also recall another image: During Lent, gardeners make the final preparations so that the harvest will be rich. However, they are not immune to frost. That’s why they breed new varieties of trees, more resistant to frost so that the harvest is more certain. However, when the gardener expects frost, by setting fire and using smoke in the garden, he can at least partially protect the crop as long as the frost is not too strong.

This is precisely why a Christian does everything, thinks, acts, is not satisfied with less, but longs for great ideals. Lent is the time to prove that we will not be influenced by disgust, but will be open to the needs of the soul and the salvation of ourselves and our neighbors. We realize that a living desire for God will protect us from mediocrity and conformity. Frequent meetings with Christ during Lent in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving will enrich our spiritual life with new light and guide us on the way to follow Christ, as his witnesses. Lent is also a challenge to show the world that it is wrong when it underestimates, ironizes, and recognizes the practices of fasting. Yes, by fasting in the spirit of losing weight, a person can survive illnesses at another time. During the liturgical fast, however, many of us come together and united spiritually and physically in prayer, we can overcome ourselves and encourage and inspire others to change as well.

Let’s remember something from Lent in our life that can serve us for specific deeds. Let’s experience Lent together. For example, we strengthen the fraternal community that we are to experience fully in heaven. Let’s protect ourselves from bad examples, offense, and sin. 

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Ash Wednesday

Posted on 21. February 2023 by Peter Prochac
Ashes on the heads – a sign of the beginning of the fasting

(Mt 6.1-6.16-18)

Ashes on the heads are not enough, a change of life is needed.

Lenten songs, with their melody and lyrics, are one of the factors that call for a change in approach to everyday things, duties, and values. The song “Approach, approach here sinner, take ashes for repentance” (JKS 125), continues with the words: “you are only dust, to dust you will return. The song “Holy Lent begins” (123), has current thoughts. “He exhorts us to repent, to tame God’s wrath early, to free ourselves from punishment.” (2.) “Let us not only abstain from carnal food, but also protect ourselves from anger, sin, and all iniquity.” After the merry days of Shrove Tuesday, the season of Lent addresses us
seriously and responsibly approach repentance.

Let’s start with the call of the Lord Jesus: “When you go to pray, go into your room, close the door behind you, and pray to your Father who sees even in secret” (Mt 6:6).

In the Gospel, apart from prayer, Jesus talks about fasting and almsgiving. These three practices are the realization of today’s ashes on the heads.
Prayer brings you closer to God. In it and through it we know God, his goodness, love, and mercy. In prayer, we can experience the closeness of God. There comes a time when prayer should take priority over other values ​​that we have prioritized. In particular, joint prayer in the family, among friends, visiting the church even on weekdays, the joint and personal prayer of the Way of the Cross, a meditation on the suffering of the Lord Jesus, praying the painful rosary, studying and reading the Holy Scriptures. This amount can be alternated, used to penetrate the mystery of the love of Christ, who suffered and died for us.
An important factor during Lent is not only abstaining and limiting food but knowing how to share food with those who do not have it. Lent is a time of renunciation, limiting pleasant and permitted things, such as noisy entertainment, watching television, listening to the radio, reading non-spiritual literature, and participating in actions and events where the soul and spiritual life are suppressed or limited. It is recommended to give up things that we normally consume during the year, such as cigarettes, coffee, and alcohol. It is true that this renunciation and restriction is strenuous and requires strong courage, the right motion ve, and free conviction, but also the joy that we are doing something more for the growth of our faith, for the consolidation of moral principles, and the expansion of knowledge about God, the Church, and salvation. In Lent, under the influence of graces, we can make a decision that we did not have the strength to make at other times. To part with sin, especially with a close opportunity for sin, can be things, places, events people. Lent is a time of grace, when looking at the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, we are more open to graces and, under their influence, work on ourselves, strengthen the family, and put relationships in order in the family, among neighbors, friends, and at the workplace.
Lent time can also be used for almsgiving. Not only to put things in order and sort out the unfashionable and unnecessary, but also to be able to give up things to make life easier and more pleasant for others, to make them happy, and to let them feel our love. Alms does not mean giving only from surplus but also being able to accept personal needs. Jesus said to the first disciples: “Foxes have their dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Mt 8:20).
Lent is a time to establish peace in your heart. An opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation, correction, and reevaluation of opinions, attitudes, and opinions that destroy inner peace and joy.

Sprinkling the head with ashes is a symbolic gesture of a new beginning. Ashes are created by burning something, not just last year’s branches blessed on Palm Sunday. Fire destroys, but at the same time, it allows a new life to begin. During combustion, the activity of fire produces heat and light. It is possible to deduce from them what people and God expect from us. Christ does not want our destruction, but our life.
Ash is dust. Faith teaches us that our natural life will end in dust. The body succumbs to corruption, only the soul passes through death to a new life, when the glorified body will follow it in the resurrection. Lent and the thought of the cemetery, death, and what will follow for each of us, are not unnecessary. Vice versa. Christ’s suffering and death for us end with the Easter alleluia, the resurrection when Christ conquered death so that we have eternal life.

New life is also associated with ashes. It is being built again on the burn site. A new, more beautiful, more beneficial thing is created when a person understands that life must go on.
Let’s also recall another image: During Lent, gardeners make the final preparations so that the harvest will be rich. However, they are not immune to frost. That is why they are breeding new varieties of trees, more resistant to frost so that the harvest is more certain. However, when a gardener expects frost, setting a fire and using smoke in the garden can at least partially protect the crop, as long as the frost is not very severe.
That is why the Christian does everything: he thinks, he acts, and he is not satisfied with less, but longs for great ideals. Lent is the time to prove that we will not be influenced by disgust, but will be open to the needs of our soul and salvation, as well as those of our neighbors. We realize that a living desire for God will protect us from mediocrity and conformity. Frequent meetings with Christ during Lent in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving will enrich our spiritual life with new light and guide us on the way to follow Christ as his witness.
Lent is also a challenge to show the world that it is wrong when it underestimates, ironizes, and recognizes the practices of fasting. Yes, by fasting in the spirit of losing weight, a person can survive illnesses at another time. During the time of liturgical fasting, however, many of us come together and united spiritually and physically through prayer, we can overcome ourselves and encourage and inspire others to change as well.

Let’s remember something from Lent in our life that can serve us for specific deeds. Let’s experience Lent together. For example, we strengthen the fraternal community that we are to experience fully in heaven. Let’s protect ourselves from bad examples, offense, and sin.

Last year, the high school class collected a thousand crowns by giving up sweets and donating the saved money to an institution for mentally disabled children, to their peers.

During Lent, the family limited their television viewing to news only, and at the end of Lent, everyone stated that it was the most beautiful Lent. They had time to talk, play, and pray together.

There is one less smoker in the world. Johann tried it through fasting without a cigarette and has not smoked for a year.

The number of children and men in the church increased in the parish. Yes, they started with a controlled event in the church, which was appropriately rated after Easter. Since then, several have continued to regularly participate in the holy mass even on working days.

Ivana is a girl who is admired by many girlfriends and boys today. Why? She gave up sweets and dinner during the fast and started exercising regularly. She became more pleasant, and kinder, so she decided to continue even after the fast. She is a beautiful, slim young lady who has also changed her expression and behavior.

Five years ago, Vlado started reading Holy Scripture during Lent. Who among us can say like him: I have read it all, Old and New Testament. Today, he can also quote from the Scriptures appropriately. His life is marked by Scripture. He won’t go to seminary, but many girls are already noticing him. He is fair, honest, tactful, and sociable, and especially he feels that he has found what gives strength to live, God.

There are more changes. Isn’t it ours too? In what and with what intention to enter the fasting period? That we are not cowards, it is right to be weak. Today’s world needs conscious and holy Christians.

It is right that we don’t stop at Lenten songs and, after all, only today. Because that would not be the same towards God, the Church, the parish, or towards oneself. The words are a challenge: “Christ, for this suffering, give us a source of the holy faith, preserve us, Christ!” Amen. (JKS 121.4).

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Vatican expert Andrea Gagliarducci 

Posted on 20. February 2023 by Peter Prochac

I don’t think Francis will resign, I don’t see a war between the cardinals

An interview with an Italian journalist about the synod in Prague, criticism of Pope Francis, and the trial in the Vatican.

I don't think Francis will resign, I don't see a war between the cardinals

Photo:Adam Rábara

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Vaticanist Andrea Gagliarducci, who works for the Italian agency ACI Stampa, its American sister Catholic News Agency, as well as the National Catholic Register, participated in the continental synod meeting in Prague (February 5-12) as a member of the editorial board. She recorded the events at the event and created a draft of the final document.

We asked the Italian journalist about his view of the debate in Prague, and also about several topics related to current events in the Vatican and the church.

The Continental Synod in Prague has ended. Do you agree with the view that German representatives were left almost alone in the sense that most countries were against German positions?

I see about two points here. What we perceive from the synodal journey in Germany is much more advanced than what is the goal of the worldwide synodal journey. I have the impression that the Germans are trying their best to achieve some results. However, the German delegation did not seem negative about the Prague meeting. Maybe she was disappointed, but not negative.

In general, the German approach is not the approach of other European churches. There is an obvious dividing line between the German way and the way of others. And that’s even if we look at churches with a similar nature, such as French or Belgian ones. The same concerns, sometimes even the same solutions, but different approaches.

Did anything surprise you during the meeting?

If we talk about surprise, I was very surprised that many felt the need to emphasize the importance of the priest and the bishop. Let’s say that even France, in its speech, which was very open, very “progressive”, if we want to use a sociological term, still talked about the importance of priests returning to evangelization. It was not a matter of course.

The chairman of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, Lithuanian Archbishop Grušas, said during the event that the difference between the West and the East is visible in Prague. How do you see it?

There are significant differences that stem from history. They cannot be denied, and when you put all the churches together, you realize that these differences exist. It is a different type of approach, a different type of experience. In the East, secularization is still accompanied by the memory of religious persecution. In the West, secularization is also the cause of hidden discrimination against Christians, as various reports show. The difference seems important to me. Let’s move on to some “Vatican” topics. After the death of Benedict XVI. and the Australian Cardinal Pell, we witnessed the criticism of Pope Francis in different ways. Monsignor Gänswein’s book, then Cardinal Pell’s article, and so on. František himself criticized it during the return flight from Africa. How do you rate what happened in January? Above all, I think it was the media that gave weight to the statements of Gangway, Müller, and even Pell. They didn’t say anything other than what they always said, their attitudes were known. But the timing…… of course, the circumstances were specific. It would probably be good if Gänswein’s book had not been published so immediately after the Pope’s death, and perhaps some things could have been said differently. But criticism of Francis was already there before and did not come out until the death of Benedict XVI. However, Pope Francis reacted to the media and media perception, not to reality. He spoke to his critics, but none of them seem to have even thought about the answer he gave on the plane. The Pope was reacting to media perception, and that cannot represent the whole reality.

Photo:/Adam Rábara

For example, Ross Douthat wrote in the New York Times that there is a war between the cardinals, and other authors, such as Massimo Franco of Corriere della Sera, think that we have entered a phase of the pontificate in which everything will be tougher. Is the term “war between the cardinals” too strong, or does it correspond to reality?

The word war is strong because we don’t realize that when we talk about the church, we often talk about isolated positions or small groups.

War is fought with armies. I don’t believe there is a war going on between the cardinals, simply because no one would want to be pope and face such a difficult situation as it has.

However, I believe that everything has become harder because of Benedict XVI. with his presence, guaranteed the peace and tranquility that is missing now. If there was no harshness towards Pope Francis, I think it is thanks to the presence of Benedict XVI.

There was also a theory that Francis was waiting for Benedict’s death so that he could resign himself. Today, however, it seems that he wants to complete, for example, the synod and also the reform of the Roman Curia and the Roman Diocese. Your view?

I do not believe that Pope Francis would ever consider resigning. Rather, I believe he pretends to do it, but can only think of it if his health gives him some expectation.” There is only one essential question about the direction of the church: will the church still be able to evangelize?”

Sure, we’re seeing an acceleration in decisions, which is noticeable, but it could also mean that things have matured for him. And then, of course, he’s at an age where he rushes to finish what he started.

How do you evaluate the Pope’s words, which he said at a meeting with Jesuits in Africa, about the fact that the service of the Pope is for life and that resignations of popes should not become a “fashion” or a normal thing? The Pope seems to have changed the discourse a bit on this issue, doesn’t he?

I do not believe that Pope Francis will ever change his mind, and I have never considered the possibility of Francis resigning.

The Pope played a little game – as he always does – by suggesting that there were possibilities of abdication, but he always spoke only of extreme situations, such as an obstacle on his part.

What about the letter he wrote after his election that he mentioned now?

Even in that case, the very letter of resignation, which he says he left to Cardinal Bertone, leaves doubts about the interpretation: who would take care that the office of the Pope finds itself in chaos, because of some obstacle on the part of the Pope to carry out his function? How can such an obstacle be defined?

These are more like school hypotheses that the Pope expresses. But it never seemed to me personally that he wanted to resign under any circumstances. Only in extreme cases.

According to Vaticanist Ivereigh, the “anti-Franciscans” have come to believe that Francis’ pontificate is coming to an end in the last year and have decided to launch an initiative to elect a pope at the next conclave who will reverse the church’s current direction. Is it too much of a fantasy?

I am convinced that such a portrayal of the church is not good for the church or reality. There are no opposing blocks, rather there are many nuances. Plots of this kind would require preparation and organization that I do not observe.

And what does it mean to reverse the current direction of the church? Where should it go, and where should it return? Because if the current direction means, for example, the cancellation of the release of the old rite, then it is a minimal thing, it is not an act of direction of the church.

Reforms may disturb these people.

Pope Francis indeed carried out many reforms. But as far as I can see, the critics are responding to organizational and ideological issues rather than structural ones. The question about direction is one: will the church still be able to evangelize? That is the only question we have to ask ourselves. The rest is prosaic. Sometimes necessary, but mundane.

You follow in detail the trial in the Vatican, in which ten people, including Cardinal Angelo Becciu, are accused of financial embezzlement. It turns out that Pope Francis knew a certain amount of information about queaboutionable financial operations. Can this fact be decisive for the acquittal of the defendants?

Defendants can be acquitted if the Pope so wishes because, in a Vatican trial, the Pope is always the final judge. The Pope knew practically everything, and it seems to me that steps were hardly taken without the Pope being informed.

I think that in the end only some will be convicted and that for the minor offenses, they are accused of the process will go to waste. This is my impression from the hearings. However, maybe it will be proven in the upcoming hearings that I am wrong. Everything remains to be seen.

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Give preference to others.

Posted on 20. February 2023 by Peter Prochac

Jesus talks about it in the Gospel. “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mk 9:35).

Jesus touched the mindset and opinions of his disciples many times with his words. This is also told in the conversation with the disciples after arriving in Capernaum, when on the way they talked about “which of them is greater” (Mk 9:34). Jesus clearly and radically clarifies how much the orders in the kingdom of God differ from their average of human thinking. The thinking of the disciples was simple. When they said “which of them is greater” (Mk 9:34), they were probably thinking of something like ministerial chairs at the office of the Messiah. They had the idea that they would certainly be some kind of leader. Probably the impetus for the conversation was that Jesus sometimes took Peter, James, and John aside. The disciples are still marked by ambition. A change occurs when Jesus asks: “What were you talking about on the way” (Mk 9:33)? The apostles are silent. Jesus is God and knows everything, and therefore he strongly admonishes them, pointing out that greatness in the kingdom of God is gained by service.

There is a significant difference between a purely human, natural procedure and what applies in the kingdom of God. In the kingdom of God, service has a dominant place – but not to the powerful and higher, but to the least, the last; and therefore Jesus places a child in the middle. The child symbolizes – what is small, insignificant, and weak. The disciples are instructed that what is done in this seemingly insignificant place to man is as valuable as if the service were rendered to the Father himself. Being able to realize these words of Jesus is very difficult. Only the one who learns to act in the name of Jesus can do it, to whom God has become so great that he no longer has to look for himself, but has room for God. In the kingdom of this world, it is useful to bow down to those who are superior, to those who have power, fame, and money…In the Kingdom of God, only the one who takes care of such “little ones” has value, but that naturally does not mean that we exclude the respect of higher-ranking, superiors and the like. This also includes respect, gratitude, attention, and the like. The extent and way to take care of the “poorest” is determined by time and other circumstances of the time and environment. It is necessary to understand things in the spirit that we do to Jesus himself.

Jesus showed us the way. It is the path of humility. A person should be able to recognize his weakness or smallness. The value and dignity of a person do not lie in the fact that someone is a person, but in the fact that he is a man of God. The label “God” conditions humanity more. To be aware that being human is the decision of God, who created me in His image and likeness.

How do I stand when others are favored? Can I step back and let others take the lead? Can I be happy when others excel, are better, and are more successful? Jesus reminds us: “Whoever wants to be first, let him be last of all and servant of all” (Mk 9:35). Meaning: the more someone is needed, the more valuable his position is. Titles and status do not determine primacy. The most needed are those, who know how to quietly perform service for others. Jesus appreciates a service attitude. Jesus’ attitude of service should affect us too. He came to serve and not to be served. When I put others before myself, consciously and voluntarily, and out of love, I will be even more of a gift to others.

The world requires not only productive people but also those who quietly, in the background, fulfill the will of God. Honors, places of honor, glory, what the world notices today, and what the people of this earth long for, let us leave to others, let us ask ourselves to be faithful to the vocation to serve. Suggestion for adoption: To act in such a way that, by serving others, I follow Christ.

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LOVE OF NEIGHBOR.

Posted on 19. February 2023 by Peter Prochac

Both stages of the path of enlightenment are characterized by a larger 
magnanimity. Leave the love of possessions and give place to love, which imitates God’s love, which longs to be given. It is often inappropriately called “altruism”, but this term generally refers to active forms of congenital magnanimity. He is like that in the virtue of love for his neighbor fire and enthusiasm that an altruistic person can rarely boast of.
Love for people grows gradually because they are God’s children and in many ways, they reflect Christ’s presence. A glimpse of Christ’s presence in the needy, which man catches on the path of purification, now replaces care and interest in everyone we meet. I can still love my enemies, and this is a clear sign of the effect of virtue. Psychology does not see any sense in this. For her love of enemies is a pathological trait. He does not neglect the virtue of love on the path of enlightenment at all the aspects of justice and its requirements, because all virtues complement each other. A person can be hungry and thirsty for justice, and at the same time pray for oppressors and persecutors. The saint then gave us an example, Maximilian Kolbe wrote: “Do not be sad about difficulties of our time, but offer your lives to all souls saved by the love of God.” A special love, called “apostolic enthusiasm”, is a sincere desire to fulfill the Christian mission by bringing salvation to the world. This element has a special importance on the path of enlightenment. Although all Christians are theoretically called to spread the gospel in a way that belongs to their profession, apostolate — work and for the spiritual good of people — will be an opportunity only for those people who read such books as this one. If you are reading this book, you are probably called to be apostles, and witnesses of the gospel. Even if your vocation is a vocation of prayer in a closed way of life, whether in the community or solitude, you have probably been chosen by God’s providence to consciously do something for the kingdom of God. The effect of the path of enlightenment should be important to you.
A person on the path of purification will be able to work in the apostolate with enthusiasm and professional interest. Effort, failure, and lack of opportunities will be difficult and demanding for him. Although we are sure that I am fulfilling God’s will, we expect some earthly reward or at least some encouragement, as the apostles also expected. “See, we left everything and followed you. So what of it will we have?” (Mt 19, 27) There are always certain limits to what we give because we are limited in what we can give at all. We work only by our forces; thus, we completely exhaust them and reject the impulse of infused virtues. it’s sad when the religious life and the spiritual state can create so much habitual mediocrity, that then every answer to he understands and perceives the fervor of infused love as a threat to others. As individuals, we are sometimes deaf to the call of poured love. We admit it when together with others we criticize those who feel the desire to do a little more.
But when the moment comes in which the apostle reaches another step on the spiritual path — the path of enlightenment will stop him to depend on the opinion of other people. It will be difficult for others to cope with impartiality towards criticism, with impartiality and with zeal. It can be painful for an apostle to find no support. He will then feel abandoned, isolated, and misunderstood, but he will find help and support in the power of love.
Contemporary psychologists who have researched more advanced stages of inner life noticed the effect of infused virtue, but they could not name it. Fritz Kunkel, an American psychiatrist dealing with spirituality, sensitively wrote about the manifestations of infused personalities: The closer we get to the center, the more we leave behind ideas, and the more our fears turn into anxiety. And anxiety, if we face it, turns into awe. What before seemed like a dark force, now appears as a force of light. After the Great and strong wind comes to the earthquake, after it the fire, and after the fire a quiet, sweet noise (1 Kr 19,11-13).
The terrible and destructive aspect of divinity — “tremendous” in theological language — creates a subjective experience in man, which is necessary if our religious beliefs and our austere theology are shattered by God’s grace. We live in a prison that we call our castle. A foreign soldier breaks through the door to deliver us, and he will tear down the walls of our castle. And we fight with him until the last strength of our doranyan “me”. We call the soldier a scoundrel, a villain, and a devil. And we defend ourselves until we are exhausted, overwhelmed, and disarmed. And then, looking at the winner with impartial objectivity, we recognize our defeat and the winner: St. Michael puts his sword into its scabbard with a smile.

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Illness
Understanding Illness…

Posted on 19. February 2023 by Peter Prochac

We often dwell on various life events. One of them is an illness. No person has not been or will not be sick. And no one is more eager to see a child’s recovery than a parent. This fact is dramatically depicted in the story of the boy’s father, who suffered from epilepsy. This man must have heard hundreds of reports of Jesus’ miracles; maybe he even saw some with his own eyes. Now he asks Jesus to show the same power and mercy to his son. “If you can do anything, have mercy on us and help us!” (Mk 9:22b) The parents’ great desire for their child to be healed. They must have already tried many times to find a doctor. They were even so close that they begged Jesus’ disciples. But it is interesting to note that they were unable to cure this son.

Why? They wondered about it themselves, and that’s why they asked Jesus. They received the answer: “This kind cannot be driven out by anything except prayer.” Let’s note well this answer:
“…only by prayer”. The healing that Jesus gives is not only about the healing of the body, but also of the soul. And therefore only human ones are not enough abilities. Man does not have a solution to all problems. But God is Lord even over man, he can do everything. We must gain such trust in him that we can turn to him in joys, but also in sorrows. The key to the growth of our desire and zeal is prayer and fasting. To pray in truth and intercede effectively, we must believe and trust that “the earnest prayer of a righteous man availed much.”(James 5:16). Such a conviction will lead us further than prayers, which are only the repetition of requests. Rather, we will enter into God’s presence, discern what is in God’s heart, and then pray according to his will, uniting our heart and will with his heart and will.

When a person is healthy, he is satisfied and can work with joy and spread joy around him. Let’s learn to ask for such health. For the health of the body, but also of the soul. Then we will freely experience life with Christ. We have something to pray for – for ourselves, our beloved children, for our parents. Let’s not forget that the most effective is prayer. 

St. Augustínus lived a very free and scandalous way of life in his youth. Faith and relationship with God somehow did not attract him. And yet he had a mother who never stopped asking God for him in her prayers. She prayed for him for about 18 years. And it paid off! Today we venerate her son as a saint. Even Monika herself got this promotion. 

It is worth asking, and it is worth praying, dear brothers and sisters!
God, we want to pray often and daily for ourselves and for all those whom you have entrusted to us. Give us perseverance in prayers.

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Pope Francis on resignation. 

Posted on 17. February 2023 by Peter Prochac
As Benedict XVI. and Francis see the retired pope? Quite different
 

The service of the Pope is for life, resignations should not become “fashion”

The service of the Pope is for life, resignations should not become "fashion"

Pope Francis at the stadium in Kinshasa on February 2, 2023. 

At a meeting with Jesuits in Africa, the Argentinian pontiff spoke about the resignation in a different way than he used to.

Resignations of popes should not become a “fashion” or a normal thing. The service of the Pope is for life.

This is how Pope Francis expressed himself at the beginning of February at a meeting with Jesuits during his visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Father Antonio Spadaro published the transcript of the interview with 82 Jesuits that took place on February 2 at the Kinshasa Nunciature on the website of La Civiltà Cattolica magazine.

During the discussion with the Jesuits, the Pope was asked whether he was considering resigning, as reported in the media.

“I indeed wrote my resignation two months after my election, and I handed this letter to Cardinal Bertone. I don’t know where this letter is. I did it in case health problems impaired my ministry, and impaired my consciousness to the point where I needed to resign,” the Pope recalled at the beginning of the fact, which he said for the first time last December for the Spanish newspaper.

Then he continued:

“However, this does not mean at all that the resignation of popes should become, let’s say, a ‘fashion,’ a normal thing. Benedict dared to do it because he didn’t feel up to continuing because of his health,” Francis said.

According to him, this is “not on the agenda at the moment. I am convinced that the ministry of the Pope is ad vitam. I see no reason why it shouldn’t be. Consider that the service of the great patriarchs is always for life. And the historical tradition is important”.  

However, when, according to the Pope, we instead listen to various “speeches”, then “we should change the Pope every six months!”

In the past, he spoke a little differently about his resignation

Reuters notes that the pope’s words from a meeting with African Jesuits differ from previous statements, in which Francis said longer life expectancy and improved medicine could turn retired popes into institutions in the church.

After returning from Canada last July, František said advancing age and illnesses, including knee problems that force him to use a cane and a wheelchair, made him realize he had to slow down “or decide to step down.” In August, he again said that the popes who resign are humble.

In 2014, Francis said that Benedict’s resignation should not be considered a “unique case” and that the German pope’s resignation opened the door to the institution of pope emeritus.

In mid-July of last year, the Argentine pope described very specifically his idea of ​​how he could operate if he one day decides to step down.

He stated that he would like to be considered an emeritus bishop of Rome rather than a pope. “If I live to resign, I would like to devote this time to confessing the faithful and visiting the sick in some Italian parish,” he told the Mexican television station Televisa.

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At the meeting with the Jesuits in Africa, the Pope also commented on the wars in the world. According to him, the whole world is at war.

“Syria has been at war for 12 years, then Yemen, Myanmar with the Rohingya drama. There are also tensions and conflicts in Latin America. And then this war in Ukraine,” said the pontiff.

In his own words, he asks himself if humanity will have the courage, strength, or even the ability to turn back. “I don’t know: that’s the question I’m asking myself. I’m sorry to say it, but I’m a bit of a pessimist.’

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Seventh Sunday A in ordinary Time, Matthew 5,38-48

Posted on 16. February 2023 by Peter Prochac

I read such a sentence not long ago. The Pharisee says: “If there are two righteous people in the world, it is me and my son.” If there’s only one in the world, it’s me.”

I remembered her while reading today’s Gospel about reflecting on the surrounding life. We can sigh: “Lord, when will we who are believers finally find the time to read the Holy Scriptures, or at least the Gospels?” If we read the Gospels at least, there would certainly be fewer shocking cases, anger, quarrels, accusations, and unre, st in families and workplaces. But we are like the aforementioned Pharisees, believers only when something suits us, but nothing more.

Let’s think about the words of Jesus himself when he tells his disciples: “But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. After all, he makes the sun rise on the bad and the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust” (Mt 5,44-45).

Have we understood, or are we still grumbling, contradicting, and unwilling to depart from our truth? In the East, the principle of equal revenge still applies, especially in the case of death – murder, namely to fulfill the obligation of blood revenge. It is an unwritten law whose duty it is to fulfill, and they even say it is imposed by God. Where? Why?
Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees that it is not written in the Old Testament that one should hate one’s enemy … but that is probably how the scribes taught it anyway. Love for the enemy is a purely Christian doctrine.
In the Third Book of Moses (Lev 19:18) we read: “Do not take revenge and do not harbor anger against the members of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself!” I am the Lord!”
But what did the people do? They explained it to each other in such a way that only the people of Sukemia should be loved, not others. The Jews hated publicans, today’s customs officers, and looked upon them as the greatest sinners, especially because they served the hated Romans, and they often committed wrongdoing in trade. However, they were not all the same. After all, customs officials also came to John to be baptized and asked what they should do. He answered them: “Do not demand more than what they have assigned to you!” (Luke 3:13) . And Zacchaeus, when he recognizes the beauty of Christ’s teaching, says: “Lord, I will give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have deceived anyone, I will return fourfold” (Luke 19:8).

And those were the hated toll collectors. It is appalling that we, who have already recognized the beauty of Jesus’ words, with which the Gospel has been proclaimed for two thousand years, who have already heard hundreds of sermons and been encouraged, even after being forgiven by God himself in the sacrament of reconciliation, are worse than the Old Testament Jews. We often only love those who love us. But Jesus asks: “What reward can you expect?” (Mt 5:46).
We greet only our brothers, and friends, from whom we expect to return our attention. Shouldn’t we think again about the words of Jesus: “What strange thing are you doing? Don’t the Gentiles also do this?” (Mt 5:47) And the last sentence from today’s Gospel is like a cry, the call of the heart of Christ: “Be ye therefore perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48).
Do we want to leave today as cold and indifferent as if nothing happened, as if we heard nothing? After all, only a dead person is so cold, and we are alive! After all, when we took the trouble to come here to the church on this day, something certainly warmed us, we certainly came here to change something in our lives. Or do we just want to wait until infinity, until the last breath or the last beat of our heart, for the other person to bow down and not me?! And at the same time, we will be at each other’s throats – I am right, I am right, I am satisfied, nothing?!
Don’t you think that it is we, who are present here, and not those at home, outside, who should fulfill these words of Christ?! We have a lot to fix, we have a lot to be grateful to Jesus for!

We can learn the opposite of St. Rose of Viterbo. Her life story will certainly touch us. This amazing girl, loved by believers, deserves our admiration, even if she was not a person of international importance. We can rightfully call her a saint because God has given her extraordinary grace.
She was born in 1235 in Viterbo, in the central Italian province of Lazio. As a three-year-old, she resurrected her maternal aunt and thereby performed the first miracle. The first time she found herself in a state of rapture, in ecstasy, she was only eight years old! Then the Virgin Mary told her as a 10-year-old to wear the clothes of a Franciscan Tertiary. In that year, Ružena began her first mission against Emperor Bedrich II, an enemy of the Pope, who had illegally occupied Viterbo. She preached on the streets and in the squares and performed incredible miracles. No one dared to touch this girl, who always had to stand on a rock so that the audience could see her. And stones grew under her feet to make her stand out even more. As a 15-year-old, she was expelled from the city, as she was considered a dangerous element that threatens public order. She took refuge in Soriano and continued her fight against the Emperor there. One morning after prayer in the church, she announced that Bedrich II. he is dead, and after a few days, the messengers confirmed this news. From Soriano to Victoriano, where a certain man who declared himself a magician and miracle worker kept all the people under his influence, Ružena set a wood pyre on fire in the square, then climbed onto it and remained in flames for three hours. When she went down again, and the fire did not burn a single hair, the miracle worker fell at her feet. Ružena set a wooden pyre on fire in the square, then climbed onto it and stayed in the flames for three hours. When she went down again, and the fire did not burn a single hair, the miracle worker fell at her feet. Ružena set a wooden pyre on fire in the square, then climbed onto it and stayed in the flames for three hours. When she went down again, and the fire did not burn a single hair, the miracle worker fell at her feet.
When she was 16, she returned home to Viterbo. She wanted to enter a monastery to spend her whole life there in prayer. However, the religious sisters in the monastery called Santa Maria de la Rose did not accept her, because this teenage girl frightened them with her sanctity and caused them embarrassment.
Ružena remained patient even after their rejection and added with a smile: “You don’t want to accept me alive, maybe you’d rather accept me dead when I die.” She then continued her work for two more years as a simple Franciscan Tertiary, while she exhausted all her youths with her acts of passionate Christian love forces.
She died aged 18 in 1253 and her prediction came true. Pope Alexander IV. this young girl appeared three times, so that finally in 1258 he had her body transferred to the temple of the above-mentioned monastery. The ceremonial transfer of her remains took place on September 4. This day was dedicated to the memory of Saint Rose in Viterbo for a long time. Her body rests in the mentioned monastery and is still, after seven centuries, intact. It became the center of love and respect for its fellow citizens.

Jesus says: “Pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your heavenly Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:45).
If we want to be truly religious people, Jesus has only one request for us. Let’s leave this place happy today because we got rid of the burden that pressed us like a heavy boulder and when we had a clear conscience in this area, let’s pray for the brothers and sisters who are like the aforementioned Pharisee at the beginning of the sermon.

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Knowing how to accept the cross.

Posted on 16. February 2023 by Peter Prochac

The short story is about a man who wanted to get rid of his shadow at any cost. Escape seemed to him the best method. But the shadow was always behind him, no matter how fast he ran. Finally, the person falls to the ground exhausted, and dies. At the end of the short story, there is a lesson that it was enough to stand in the shadow and your own shadow would disappear.

The philosopher Seneca was a pagan, and he taught his students: “If you don’t know which port you are heading for, no wind will be happy for you.”

Christians are aware of the cross’s importance, need, and value for our salvation. Jesus says: “Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself and follow me.” For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt 16:24-25). On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus begins preparing his disciples for the moment he came into the world. He speaks for the first time about his suffering, which he will undergo in Jerusalem under the leadership of the elders, high priests, and scribes. Jesus knows that torture and death await him in Jerusalem. But death will not end his mission on earth. He tells the disciples that he will rise from the dead on the third day. The apostles did not understand at that moment what Jesus was saying about the resurrection. They could imagine suffering and death quite well. Certainly, the apostles did not have the right idea about the mission of the Lord Jesus. In Jesus, Peter sees the Messiah. After all,

And the Messiah should die before their visions of the prophesied Messiah would come true? So it is hard to wonder at Peter’s behavior, that he takes Jesus aside and tells him: “Lord! This must not happen to you” (Mt 16, 24). Why did Peter say such a bad thing, one may ask, when Jesus tells him: “Get out of my way, Satan! You are an offense to me, because you have no sense of the things of God, only for men” (Mt 16:23)! This is what Jesus says to Peter, whom he praised when he confessed who he thought he was. Jesus calls Peter “Satan”. We are not surprised at Jesus, because Peter is still only thinking in terms of intentions relevant to their house. The Messiah was to free the nation from the yoke of the hated Romans. They only understood the expected and prophesied kingdom of the Messiah in earthly terms and did not understand that the Messiah, Jesus, came for something much more. He came to save and redeem all men,

Whoever goes against the will of God is an enemy of God. The devil by his disobedience and every man by his sin set himself against God. Whoever does not accept the will of God is an enemy of God. Peter discourages Jesus from the plans of God, and that is why he is so harshly rebuked by Jesus. Peter wanted to oppose God’s plan.

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