News // Pray

Money Changers

2009-11-09T01:00:00-05:00

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!”

His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body.

After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. Jn 2:13-22

The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Zeal for God’s House

2009-11-09T01:00:00-05:00

Guest writer, Chris Gautsch ’11, Keough Hall, Theology and Music

The familiar story from John’s Gospel of Jesus driving out the money-changers and vendors (Jn 2:13-22) is an example of something that we don’t often see in Our Lord: anger, intense emotion. But it was not the anger we might feel when someone cuts us off on the freeway, or when family members or friends annoy us, or when the person in front of us in line takes the last chocolate doughnut and we really wanted that chocolate doughnut. No, it is anger over an injustice done to another – in this case, to God Himself and to worshippers. The Temple was a place where God’s presence dwelt, and as such, a place that deserved to be treated with respect.

Jesus’ reaction, though it seems a little bit uncharacteristic, is indeed the proper reaction, for the money-changers and vendors had, by their presence and their actions, hindered the ability of others to worship in the place where worship of God was most fitting – in His presence. God is, of course, present in our churches today as well, in the tabernacle. Shouldn’t we treat Him and His dwelling-place with proper respect?

A good friend of mine who is currently studying abroad was recently praying as she visited one of the many beautiful churches in Paris, and asked the Lord if He preferred living in some churches over others, if He had a favorite place to dwell, and His answer was immediate and clear: “you.” It is so easy to forget that God, in addition to dwelling physically in the tabernacle in the form of the Eucharist, also dwells spiritually in us. Our hearts are temples for the Holy Spirit. Let us drive out the money-changers and vendors in our hearts, those things which hinder our proper worship of God.

The Apostles, upon seeing Christ’s reaction, “recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me” (Jn 2:17). What exactly does this mean? My first thought was that “zeal” refers to the passion and anger Christ felt in that moment. But upon further reflection, it occurred to me that maybe “zeal” actually refers to the love and the profound respect (a respect so deep that it became passionate) Jesus had for God’s dwelling-place. His zeal was not the reaction; rather, it prompted the reaction.

So, let us pray today for that zeal for God, the ability to love Him above everything else. Let us pray for the courage to stand up, to speak out, and to work against injustices. Let us pray today, on this feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, that we might foster by our own actions a greater respect for the places where God dwells, both physically in the tabernacle and spiritually in our hearts. Let us pray for a greater love for Our Lord, that we might grow closer to Him every day.

Prayer - November 9

2009-11-09T01:00:00-05:00

Dear Lord,
Repeatedly you speak up to those who demean others, who harm the innocent. You never try to please others just so you will look good to the decision makers. You never say one thing, then twist your words to protect yourself from criticism. Above all you stand true to your friends — giving up all for them, living out your Father’s calling.

Too often we walk with styrofoam spines — retreating when we should speak up, hiding when we should take the bullet for our friend. Let us approach our day with the passion, integrity, and honesty that you directed toward the money changers; let us move forward with tenacious compassion! Kathleen M. Sullivan ’82MA ’87PhD

The Dishonest Manager

2009-11-06T01:00:00-05:00

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.’

Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.’

So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He answered, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.’ Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘A hundred containers of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and make it eighty.’

And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. Lk 16:1-8

Prayer - November 6

2009-11-06T01:00:00-05:00

Dear Lord,
As we move through this day keep us mindful of what really matters. It is so easy to lose perspective. To be sucked into the stresses of work and the many needs of those at home. I will do my best; open to your call, and confident that your grace will not just sustain me but also energize me! I want to follow you….just keep close by. Kathleen M. Sullivan ’82MA ’87PhD

"Ad Usam"

2009-11-06T01:00:00-05:00

Guest writer, Rev. Ronald J. Nuzzi, Senior Director, The Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program, Alliance for Catholic Education, University of Notre Dame

Oblate priest Father Ron Rolheiser tells a delightful story about his seminary days, during which many books and materials were given him for the purpose of education and formation for priesthood. Into each book, Rolheiser reports, seminarians were required to write the Latin words Ad Usam, meaning “for use.” Never their name or address, or even the class the text was for. Only the words ad usam.

The exercise proved instructive as a way to understand what we would today call stewardship, an often neglected aspect of the spiritual life. We speak rather easily of ownership in all things-my job, my house, my family, my desk, my computer, my children, my parents, my money, my reputation. The possessive adjective “my” falls easily off the lips without as much of a hint of the possibility that it might be otherwise.

And who would quibble with me, standing at the door of my office, next to the name plate announcing and protecting my space? No one would dare presume to drive my car or make a call on my cell phone without asking permission first. After all, these things belong to me.

While the ownership question is a bit different when it comes to people rather than things, we persist in using the same language. My sister and my parents are not, of course, my property. When mothers and fathers speak of their children, they do not intend to suggest that their offspring are mere possessions. The possessive is directed at distinguishing family groups from one another. Though not my possessions, my children are not your children.

And the quality of that relationship, of certain individuals being related to me, creates a different set of expectations when it comes to social and civic engagements. For example, we say things like, “I will decide what is best for my children,” or perhaps, “as long as you live under my roof, you will follow these rules.”

We have this deep-seated understanding that things actually belong to us, that we own them. We have a way of dealing with loved ones that suggests a priority of our relationship and a set of obligations to accompany that relationship. We easily forget the essential truth, alluded to in today’s Gospel, that we are but stewards of God’s creation. What we call ours is really God’s, given to us for a short time.

In reflective moments or theological discourse, we may even acknowledge this truth. In prayer, it may come to us as a graced insight. But in the routine of everyday life, we place our markers around people and things, labeling them “mine” so as to separate them from “yours.”

But if we could see as God sees, if we could see the universe as God sees it, we would adopt a new language with a more universal reach. We would see one human family, brothers and sister in Lord, all having come from God, all returning to God. And we would see the goods of this earth as God’s bounty, never our own, given to us ad usam. We are stewards, not owners.

Leaves the Ninety-Nine and Finds the One

2009-11-05T01:00:00-05:00

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

So he told them this parable: “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices.

And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

“Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Lk 15:1-10

Prayer - November 5

2009-11-05T01:00:00-05:00

Lord God, I am thankful that I may come before you, confused, even puzzled at times at my failures and weakness in serving you. I know that if I seek forgiveness from my heart, I shall find it. You have assured me that even the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner turning back to the Lord of love and forgiveness.

Hear my prayer, Lord, look not at my failures, but at my heart that desires to be one with your grace and call. Let me honor you in word and deed, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rev. Herbert Yost, CSC

Just Where You Are

2009-11-05T01:00:00-05:00

In the Judean hills it was easy for a sheep to stray and become lost. When the shepherd put the sheep in the cote at night, he counted them. A sheep missing sent the shepherd on his way to track it down and bring it back to the fold. Once a sheep would realize that it was no longer with the flock, it would lie down and refuse to move, leaving the shepherd no choice but to carry it back. Shepherds are incredible caregivers!

Imagine the parable Jesus might have told this crowd to communicate his feelings toward those who had removed themselves from him — a parable that conveyed anger, abandonment or punishment to the drifter. Instead our Shepherd is not waiting for us to find our own way home to him; he is searching us out and carrying us home. This day receive the Shepherd’s tender love for you – just as you are – just where you are. Kathleen M. Sullivan, ’82MA ’87PhD

Cost of Discipleship

2009-11-04T01:00:00-05:00

Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.

Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’

Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace.

So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions. Lk 14:25-33

A Song in the Dark

2009-11-04T01:00:00-05:00

A man visited a friend’s house and heard the music of a bird singing. It was not the ordinary sound of chirping; instead it resembled the strains of a lovely melody. When the visitor glanced around the room, he saw a beautiful bullfinch in a birdcage. The lady of the house explained that it had been taught to sing that way at night. The teacher would repeat the notes time and again until the bird was able to mimic them. But this was possible only because it was dark and the bird’s attention would not be diverted.

Maybe we’re like that bird — out of our darkness will come a great song. Frequently we wonder “why do I have to suffer?” Why must darkness accompany me? The meaning of life becomes clearer when we realize that we find purpose when our search leads us from why to whom. Suffering, especially chronic physical sickness, deep emotional pain, and death itself, causes a personal crisis that forces us to go deep into ourselves. We ask those questions that are most fundamental to our human existence.

Our personal cross, which cannot be transferred to anyone else, is an essential aspect of our walk with the Lord Jesus. We just need to be sure that we don’t waste our suffering. Ultimately how can we allow suffering to be our teacher? What is it we need to change about ourselves to walk through the pain? What is it we need to surrender in this process? How can we take our hardship and ease the burden of someone else? How can we be present in a much deeper way because of our journey?

Jesus also tells us that “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” What a blunt statement! Inherent in loving Christ is suffering for Christ. You can’t get around this. Be assured, though, we are not orphaned to handle this inevitability. His Grace will sustain us even when we doubt ourselves the most, even when fatigue overcrowds us, even when fear, loneliness, or bitterness tries to overpower us. Place your day in His care, move forward with confidence and practice your song. Kathleen M. Sullivan, ’82MA ’87 PhD

Prayer - November 4

2009-11-04T01:00:00-05:00

Help me, Lord, to take into my life your warning that answering your does not free me from difficult decisions. I shall have to make choices, and some of these will be difficult to accept.

I must grant nothing the power to determine my life style contrary to your message to me about the good life. I must have from you the grace to choose wisely, the courage to say no to myself when necessary, to say yes to your invitation to a life lived in Jesus’ name. Rev. Herb Yost, CSC

The Wisdom of the Horses

2009-11-03T01:00:00-05:00

Just up the road live two horses, the male horse blind from an unfortunate accident. If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell that lets her blind friend know where she grazes and moves throughout the field.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you’ll see how she is always checking on him; he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is – trusting that she will not lead him astray. When the mare returns to the barn’s shelter each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.

As the seasons change and the years accumulate, the mare may someday need a friend to protect her from the dominant, younger horses. These magnificent animals tell our story. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell; other times we are the guide horse, helping others see. author unknown

Jesus reminds us of his expectation: “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” Our Lord asks us to extend our hand with humility and respect – to serve not the leftovers – but our finest for his beloved. It is simply a matter of time when we, too, will face difficulty. We will need guidance, encouragement, a hand up – all in a spirit that celebrates our dignity. Who needs you to ring your bell this day? Someone does. Listen. The God of all creation will direct your path. Kathleen M. Sullivan, ’82MA ’87PhD

The Banquet

2009-11-03T01:00:00-05:00

One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, “Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Then Jesus said to him, “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ But they all alike began to make excuses.

The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my regrets.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my regrets.’ Another said, ‘I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the slave returned and reported this to his master.

Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ And the slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.”

Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’” Lk 14:15-24

Prayer - November 3

2009-11-03T01:00:00-05:00

There is a message for me, Lord, in your story of the one who gave a great dinner, invited many guests, but none of them came. Grant me, Lord to know your call, to respond in charity and kindness to those who need my assistance and help. Rev. Herbert Yost, CSC

The Essence of Eternal Life

2009-11-02T01:00:00-05:00

Guest writer, Kevin Kimberly’11, Psychology and Political Science,O’Neill Hall

If someone asked you to define eternal life, what would you say? You certainly would not say such a thing exists on this physical earth. No fountain, pill, or liquid can give us an infinite amount of time to live. Yet Jesus, in a very real and physical form, came to let us know the true meaning of eternal life, the essence of living forever with Him and His Father. And it is to them that we should look to find the path to eternal life.

Let me guess your first response though! Do phrases like ‘I’m so busy,’ or ‘I don’t have any time for extra things,” sound familiar? The 21st century has become one of calendars, blackberries/smart phones, and down to the detail planning/scheduling. I am certainly guilty of it, as we all are. But what if Jesus had been too busy and just could not fit us into his planner? It is probable that in ‘Jesus’ Planner’ there is very little white space, yet his promise always remains true — to never leave our side. We are no extra thing to him.

All Jesus asks is that we come to Him and be with Him, in both the good times and the bad times. We forget too often to slot Jesus in the ‘forever’ period on our schedules. We fail to remember the reason we have the opportunity to be busy, and we put off what matters most. But when we truly give ourselves to Jesus and claim Him as our own, we receive Him through the Father. There is no greater gift than this because from it comes eternal life. For the true essence of eternal life is not committing a miracle or doing something extraordinary; it is living your life with, for, and in Jesus.

We know that God told us, “Ask and you shall receive.” Ask yourself if you are asking. God answers our needs by providing opportunities to achieve our requests. One of the most powerful and simple prayers I have ever been taught is: “Come, Holy Spirit, Come.” Begin with it every day. You’ll be surprised what six syllables and four words can do for your day and for your journey towards finding the offer of eternal life.

Eternal Life

2009-11-02T01:00:00-05:00

Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day. Jn 6:37-40

Prayer - November 2

2009-11-02T01:00:00-05:00

Merciful Father,
hear our prayer and console us.
As we renew our faith in Your Son,
whom You raised from the dead,
strengthen our hope
that all our departed brothers and sisters
will share in His resurrection,
who lives and reigns
with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Question about the Sabbath

2009-10-30T01:04:00-04:00

On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy. And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to cure people on the sabbath, or not?” But they were silent. So Jesus took him and healed him, and sent him away. Then he said to them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a sabbath day?” And they could not reply to this. Lk 14:1-6

Prayer - October 30

2009-10-30T01:00:00-04:00

Dear Lord,
How would I speak to others and about others if I really believed you stood next to me? Would I surrender my opinion, numb my voice, or feign support if I felt your eyes upon me and your confidence resting on me? I never want to let you down or sell out those who need me to defend them. Help me to bring the Good News on Sunday into my every day. Kathleen M. Sullivan ’82MA ’87PhD