Readings:

Wisdom 12, 13, 16-19,   You judge with clemency

Psalm 86,   Lord, you are good and forgiving.

1 Corinthians 3, 6-8,  the one who plants and the one who waters each have one purpose.  

Matthew 13, 1-23,  Kingdom Parables

  

Homily by Mike

Recall the Responsorial response that we sang together last Sunday, ‘The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest."  Of course, the sower of the seed is the Lord who sows the Word of God.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit that seed becomes alive within our hearts.  So, we are likened to the fertile soil that receives the seed to be shared with others by word and example.

I commend you for doing just that, for we have gathered here today to be fertile soil with and for one another.  Led by the Spirit we have come to nourish one another with hymns, sacred psalms and prayer with a meal of fish and bread: The Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist.

 

 

When we entered through those open doors, we were greeted by; a stanza of psalm and the tuning of guitar; those being chosen to present the Scriptures; bite sized bread being made ready for the meal, along with grape juice that is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit being poured out for all; early pictures being taken for the blog; the altar being covered with table cloth and candles, sweet bread and coffee being placed on the back tables for fellowship after Mass; and hugs given to John and Ro and to those who have not taken seat yet.

 

 

The opening hymn announced the coming of the procession of those assigned to the Table, both young and old.  We sit to reflect on where we are and why.  John welcomes everyone, visitors by name first…which he has written on a small piece of paper, if necessary.  We become aware of the status of those who have or are about to have surgery; those who we will visit; or send a card; or bring dinner.

 

And we will join our hands and hearts as fertile soil to live the Lord’s prayer to bring about the kingdom of God here and now and grant one another with a sign of Christ’s peace in the unity to which we have been called.  Children are invited to the Table, visitors as well, all are invited for God has no favorites. ‘ We love each person here as Christ has and does love each of us.’  We are brothers and sisters. 

 

 

We are anointed with the sacred oil, for together, we are the fertile soil, who forgives others as God has forgiven us.   We smile, one and all, granting young and old happy birthday or anniversary with a simple small cut of cake.  Alleluia, Deacon Mike

 

 

 

Readings:

Jeremiah 38, 4-6, 8-10,   They threw Jeremiah into the cistern.

Psalm 40,  Lord, come to my aid.

Hebrews 21, 1-4,  We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.

Luke 12, 49-53, Do you think I have come to establish peace on the earth?

 

 

Jeremiah Observations:

Author:  really Jeremiah or at least his scribe.

Date:  after the Babylonian Captivity again, say 555 years before Chrsit. Jeremiah sees the Babylonian catastrophe coming and says it is going to be how Yahweh punishes the people for their evil and unjust ways.

Subject:  Jeremiah is the classic prophet.  He does the 3 things characteristic of a prophet.  He criticizes the behavior of the people.  He promises punishment from Yahweh.  He indicates that a better day will come.    Jeremiah lives to see the punishment, that is the Captivity.  Probably not the return from captivity.

Our selection:  Jeremiah pays the price of most real prophets.  The people are enraged, turn against him, and watch what happens.  

 

 

Do you think
I have come to establish peace on earth? 
No!

This morning I would like to talk about this line supposedly attributed
to Jesus that he has not come to establish peace on earth.  “No,” he says.  As you can probably guess, I don’t like this
statement.   I can see him aiming it at
the big people who are abusing the poor.

 

However, I live on the passage from John 15 where he says, “As the
Father has loved me, so I have loved you, live in my love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in
you and your joy may be complete.”  There
are numerous other lines where Jesus says, “Peace.”

 

So, I confess I not only don’t like this line, but have my doubts about
who said it or wrote it.  Instead I focus
on the positive, on peace.  I see this
everywhere.  Let me give you a bunch of
examples. 

I had and saw peace and joy Friday when I was honored to do Ryan McClurg’s
wedding in Ogden, Utah.  I was
overwhelmed by it when I saw the tears in Diane’s eyes as I stood with Ryan in
front of everyone at the very beginning of the wedding.

 

Then when his fiance, Grace came up the aisle with tears pouring down
her face, the peace and joy was even stronger. 
I had a hard time getting started. 
The whole wedding and reception was peace and joy.

I experienced peace and joy when I saw the peace and joy in Ryan’s face
and remembered the difficult days he went through after breaking his ankle in
his freshman year at OK State on his football scholarship.  His football days were over and it really hit
him hard.  He had been tight end on one
of Plano Senior High 5-A state championship teams.  We talked about that time and he is so happy
to have gotten through it.

 

I experienced peace and joy when our Cole, who was there, of course,
with Chuck and Erin, Ryan’s big sister, did a great one.  There was a little blond girl his age named
Peyton whom Cole frequently informs everyone he will marry.   At one point
Thursday or Friday he put her head into the ice chest where the beer and drinks
were chilling.  What a hoot.

 

This was followed by, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”  And they are back being best buddies. 

Peace and joy was found on the big back porch of a big old mansion the
McClurgs rented.  At least 20 people
stayed there along with 4 or more little kids around Cole and Peyton’s
ages.  2 hours sitting on that porch
early in the morning drinking coffee and watching the kids play in the house
and yard was total heaven.

 

Closer to home, how about the peace and joy of Leo getting his head
stuck in the chair up here last week? 
And Beth coming to Shonda’s rescue to pull Leo straight out?

And the week before that, how about Emma, who has been shy once upon a
time, slowly coming up here as we celebrate, finally climbing right up beside
me and laying her little toy car on the altar?  
Talk about peace and joy.

 

I do not even talk here about the peace and joy that comes from working
Habitat on a Saturday. 

It is there, folks, despite what the writer of this line says.  Every day. 
You just got to look or, rather sometimes, look back. 

Your peace and joy, today?

 

 

 

 

Special Thanks edition for Sunday's celebration and birthday brunch.

 

 

A colorful community for a colorful room at Legacy

 

 

Welcome this Sunday: Catholic Mass with coffee & juice, and pastries, some bought, some home-made. 

Time: 9:30; Celebrate with the Community  & John Cade, Mike Carrell,  &  Stack  

Place: Legacy Charter School,  601 Accent Drive, Plano, TX 75075

 

 

WOW!  Where to begin.

 

We have heard that people discover that the Blog has stopped coming.  Typepad tends to drop people for no reason.  So if this happens to you, just sign up again by going to www.johnstackministries.com

 

 

I would like one of each, please.

 

Readings:

Malachi, 1-4,  I am sending my messenger to prepare the way.

Psalm 24.  Who is this king of glory?  It is the Lord.

Hebrews 2, 14-18,  He was able to help.

Luke 2, 22-40, The Presentation

 

 

Thanks, Jackie, for The Best Cake.

 

Activities:  

ROMEO MEET: Friday, January 31, 2020,   Jason's Deli, Collin Creek Mall, west side of Central, 1:00.  Welcome all wakos, you will fit right in.  

 

 

Better hurry up before it is all gone!

 

JULIETS

Lunch with the Juliets

Hi Ladies

We all are looking forward to a great Valentines Luncheon Friday, February 7th at 12:30.  We will meet at Cafe Amoire 600 N. Coit Road Richardson (Coit and Arapaho) It is a BYOB.  

Please let me know who will be joining us. Looking forward to celebrating Valentines Day.  Per the owner, reservations are required.

Have a good day,  Marilyn

972-491-7068

 

 

Anything left?

 

True?

60 MIGHT BE THE NEW 40, BUT 9:00 IS THE NEW MIDNIGHT…   (and 80??)

 

 

Kenny, did you eat all the guacamole?

 

What's up in Ye Old Catholic Church?  Like…

Francis is dragging the Church into the new century,

https://international.la-croix.com/news/francis-is-dragging-the-church-kicking-and-screaming-into-the-20th-century/11521

 

 

 

Here comes trouble!

 

Swap Sunday, February 16th, "It's still good, but I don't want it, you can have it".  Gather all your good stuff that you can't use anymore and bring it with you on 2/16.  Everything's free.  

 

See you Sunday, J.S.

214-783-0443

 

 

Anybody know these characters?

 

JSM Mission-Faith Statement: 

 Help create a Catholic Community that welcomes all God’s People, provides for and challenges spiritual and total growth.

Reaches out to help people who are disadvantaged and make the world we live in a better place to live.

 

And the banner says, Aged to Perfection.  No laughter, please.

 Readings:  

 Proverbs, 9, 1-6, Wisdom had built her house

 Psalm 34, Taste & See the Goodnesss of the Lord (2^nd week)

 Ephesians, Giving thanks always and for everything

 John, 6, 51-58,  I am the living bread that came down from heaven.

Proverbs:

What are they: a collection of moral & religious teachings in the form of pithy sayings.  For example: "Better to eat a dry crust of bread with peace of mind than to have a banquet in a house full of trouble" (17, 1); "Being cheerful always keeps you healthy" (17, 22).

Some a bit tough: "Don't hesitate to discipline a child.  A good beating won't kill him" (23, 12).

Some amusing: "A nagging wife is like water going drip-drip-drip" (27, 15); "Better to live on the roof than to share the house with a nagging wife" (25, 24). 

Author: Maybe Solomon is behind chapters 1-29.  Most likely a compilation.

Date: Ca. 300 BCE is considered a possibility with material coming from as far back as 900, during the time of Solomon.

Our Selection: Wisdom is personified and she is preparing a feast or banquet to which the simple people are invited.

Sources: Religious Information Service & Wikipedia

 

One year ago married, Katie Urbanczyk & Sean Baker

Taste & See the Goodness of the Lord, part 2

Our story this morning takes place some days ago at White Rock Lake.  It is early morning, sunrise.  Rosemary & I have been riding our bikes down the White Rock Creek Trail from Royal Lane. 

We cross Northwest Hwy. and begin circling the lake in a clockwise direction.  I get ahead of her & we plan on meeting at the far end of the lake, the south end, at a boat house for skinny boats used by college and high school crews. 

Somewhere along the path, Rosemary passes an elderly guy.  99% of the time both of us yell, “Passing on your left,” as we approach people.  This particular time Rosemary does not say anything.  Mistake.

The guy yells at her, “Why don’t you warn people when you are going by?” 

Rosemary responds, “Because you got those big ear phones on.”

To which he yells, “I can still hear.”

Sounded to me like a little road rage on the bike path.

I confess that I have been in that guy’s place.  I am usually passing people & saying, “On your left.”  I am so fast!

Occasionally some young guy in his designer, color coordinated outfit will zoom by me without a word.  This sometimes startles me despite my little rear view mirror on my helmet.  And I get annoyed.   So I say something like that man, or “Speak up.”

But every time I said something, I felt yucky.  Why?

Because I was no longer tasting the beauty of this jewel of a lake because I was emotionally hooked.

Also because I was no longer seeing the goodness of all the people walking, running, and riding around the lake with me.

Ultimately, I was not peaceful, which is one big reason why I am out there in the first place.

I talked about this with Rosemary and I decided I would not say anything anymore.  Let people be.  Surrender to the reality.  Accept.  And I have.  Mostly. 

The result. 

I consciously taste and see the beauty of the lake each morning we ride.  In fact, so as to counter my obsessive approach to speed and to take time to smell the flowers along the way, Rosemary & I stop at the bridges on both the north & south ends of the lake and just contemplate for 2-3 minutes. 

I also appreciate the people, saying good morning to people I am passing.  Bit by bit, some of the people I see regularly respond, bikers, walkers, and even joggers.   

Finally, I feel peaceful. 

Rosemary saw the same man again and this time warned him.  As she rode by he said, “Thanks for speaking.  You are one of about 5% of the bikers who warn people.”  Does not sound like he is more peaceful.

Do you have any road rage moments on your bike ride through the day that eliminate tasting & seeing the goodness?  What are you doing about it? 

                                                                                   

Readings:

Acts 2, 14, 22-33,  Peter stood up and proclaimed.

Psalm 16,  Lord, you will show us the path of life.

1 Peter  1, 17-21,  Conduct yourselves with reverence..

Luke  24, 13-35,  The disciples were going to a village called Emmaus.

 

Mike's Homily

There was a short story written by Steve Blow in the Dallas Morning News on Easter morning.  It was about a young man who belonged to one of the United Methodist churches, here in Plano.   He was out walking some time before Easter on the east side of the church property when he found an old wooden cross in some deep brush leaning against a tree.  It had become badly weathered, but he recognized it as the one the youth group used in its sunrise Easter services. Now, a decade or so later, after he had repaired, sanded and varnished the cross, it stood that Easter morning at the entrance of the church; later to be surrounded by a group of faith filled friends.

In the beginning of the reading from the John gospel of last Sunday, the eleven disciples had hidden together in an upper room; they had no faith in Christ.  The crucifixion and death of Jesus had filled them with fear.   

It is terribly important for us to be reminded of two things.  The first is that the gospel stories are written as parables; the second is that after Christ returned to the Father in glory, the Church was given the Holy Spirit and the responsibility to be Christ in the world.  Empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit, it was the Church who extended to the disciples in the upper room Christ’s words, ‘Peace be with you;’ as the Father sent me, now I send you;’ ‘receive the Holy Spirit.’

In faith, they believed!  When Thomas returned he did not believe that Christ had come to them. He wanted proof! ‘Unless I place my hand into his side I will not believe.’  A week later, what the Church offered Thomas was not proof, but the opportunity to have faith. ‘Place your hand into my side to receive the treasure of the good news’. 

In the Mark and Matthew gospels the disciples are told in like manner by the Church to follow Christ in faith by going after him to Galilee; for the beginning of the Mark Gospel, occurs in Galilee with the words, ‘The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ the Son of God.’   

The end of today’s parable from the Luke gospel complements last weeks reading from the John gospel, by also addressing the eleven in the upper room.  It begins with two men who are being led by the Church as they attempt to come to understand God’s plan of salvation.  Christ, through the Church, tells them that he is truly present to them in the liturgy of the Word and Eucharist. 

Visualize the likes of Clare, Barb, Maureen, Mary Ellen, Bernadette, Dee and Marilyn, for example, at the tomb when the sun rises on that first Easter morning, only to find the tomb empty.  ‘Didn’t he say that he would rise?’ ‘Don’t you feel his Spirit welling up within you?  It would have been a faith experience for them, too. 

Together they would have been the vision of angels rejoicing as messengers and teachers of the Word. If they had actually seen a bunch of angels singing and praising God, there would have been no faith. Their freedom to have faith would have been taken from them.  It is faith that enables us to become Christ in the world.

So, we have gathered here today in faith, believing that it is by the power of the Spirit that the bread blessed and broken has become for us Christ; that the good news becomes for us Christ; that gathered in his name Christ is present in us, so that we can be Christ in the world.  

Readings: Acts 5, 27-41; Psalm 30, I will Praise You, Lord, for You have Rescued Me; Revelations , 11-14; John 21, 1-14

 

Third Sunday of Easter – Introduction to the Readings

 

 

All of our readings during the Sundays after Easter until Pentecost Sunday come from the same three books, Acts of the Apostles, The Book of Revelation and John’s Gospel.  In today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles the apostles are again brought before the elders of the Jewish community and told to stop preaching.  What we skip over in our reading is an interesting section. 

 

 

The Sanhedrin wants to put the apostles to death, but one of their members, a Pharisee called Gamaliel dissuades this action by reminding the group that there had been other ‘apparent prophets’ whose followers had dissipated after the prophet was put to death and he argues that either of two things will happen:  the apostles will disappear soon, since Jesus has been put to death, or Jesus was the real thing and they had better leave the apostles alone!! 

 

 

Then our reading today resumes just after the apostles are flogged instead of being put to death.

 

 

A few words about the Book of Revelations, since we will be reading from it for the next several Sundays.  The book was probably written about the year 95 to 100 CE, by John, though not the same John who wrote the Gospel.  It is addressed to the seven churches in Asia, namely the whole community at that time, and the churches are enduring harsh persecutions under the emperor Domitian.  The style is mainly apocalyptic, which is a highly stylized form of writing  which is not one we are accustomed to these days.

 

 

Third Sunday After Easter

 

My daughter Rosheen loves to read- it always amazed me how quickly she could get through a book.  A few years ago an old family friend was ill and Rosheen was visiting her and offered to read to her.  Later I remember her telling me how beautiful the language was in the book, something she had not appreciated until she had to read aloud.  Some books are so well written that the language is indeed a joy. 

 

 

Our gospel today is one of those books.  We cannot begin to appreciate how much thought has gone into each and every word in the gospel.  I am not sure how many of you said to yourselves as I was proclaiming today’s gospel and said the word “charcoal fire” now haven’t I heard that recently!!  In fact you did hear it on Good Friday when we proclaimed the “Passion”.  Let me remind you of the piece.   

 

“Now the slaves and guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold , and were warming themselves.  Peter was also standing there keeping warm.”   In today’s gospel we read that Jesus was preparing breakfast over a charcoal fire.  The two events are linked.  In the earlier event, Peter denies even knowing Jesus, three times.  In today’s gospel, Jesus helps Peter get past that denial.  “Peter, do you love me?” Three times Jesus asks Peter, sort of a parallel to the three times Peter had earlier denied Jesus.

 

 

This is another example of the point we discussed on Easter Sunday.  The fact that God always gives us second chances.  Think about what Peter had done.  Jesus had just been arrested, all of the disciples had scattered, Peter had not run away, but was in the courtyard where Jesus was being held.  Remember that earlier that evening Jesus had even foretold Peter that he was going to deny him three times. 

 

 

This denial was no spur of the moment thing.  He had been forewarned, and still he denies even knowing Jesus.  Pretty serious stuff – and still God gives Peter a chance to repent.  God wants Peter back and God wants each one of us back too.  Never let anything cause us to stay away, there is no sin too great.  Remember Peter.

 

Picture 1:  Mass Begins

 

Picture 2:  Altar Helpers

 

Picture 3:  Offertory

 

Picture 4:  John & Anthony