Reflections of Caritas

"So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.” – Hebrews 4:16

Pope Francis has declared an Extraordinary Jubilee – the Year of Mercy – beginning on December 8^th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It is considered “Extraordinary,” because it is being called outside of the typical period of years between jubilees (usually 50). The last Extraordinary Jubilee was declared by the future Saint Pope John Paul II in 1983 to celebrate 1950 years since the Lord’s death and resurrection.

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"How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" – Mark 10:23

Take a moment and tally up all the “stuff” you have. Perhaps you’re reading this on your computer or phone. You’re wearing clothes (I hope!). Most likely, there is food in your refrigerator and possibly a car in your driveway. You might have several books or movies.

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“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”  – Mark 10:14

The Scripture readings for this Sunday tie the creation story of man and woman found in the Book of Genesis to Jesus’ teaching about marriage in the Gospel of Mark. The Lord affirms that humans have been made in the very image of the Living God and that this is expressed through the complementarity of the male and female sexes. He explains that, through marriage, God unites a man and woman as “one flesh” in a bond that is not meant to be broken.

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“Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets!”  – Numbers 11:29

When most people think of a prophet they envision a shrouded figure peering mysteriously into a crystal ball, but the real prophets in the Biblical tradition were not fortune-tellers. The word “prophet” comes from the Greek pro-phanai, which means “to speak for someone or in the name of someone.” The prophets were God’s messengers and mouthpieces for communicating His will to the Israelite people.

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