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Feb
14

Gospel of Matthew 21, Jesus Enters Jerusalem

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Day 21, Matthew 21 -

Good day everyone!

Happy Resurrection Day (6th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

and Happy St. Valentine’s DAY!

How wonderful to have the day of LOVE fall on the TRUE DAY of LOVE this year!!!  SUNDAY!

We are going to talk about love today!!!  Because this journey through the Gospel is a love letter — from God himself!  It is the greatest love story ever created!

So today no matter who you are – and what your situation I want you to stop as you read this – and know something deep in your heart at the level of your being — YOU ARE LOVED!

GOD LOVES YOU!  Father – Son – HOLY SPIRIT!

There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends -

- Jesus calls you His friend!  And at the HOLY Sacrifice of the Mass today you should experience this love — you might not be able to feel it but you will experience it!  This love will transform you today!

OK I’d better jump right in because today we have a long chapter -

- Jesus enters Jerusalem — and I don’t know about you but I got excited reading this.

I have mentioned that I was in Jerusalem — and YOU have to understand that I thought I was in spiritual DISNEY WORLD!  It was a magical place and it was much smaller than I had imagined — I mean you could get to all the attractions — well at least I called them “attractions” pretty easily! 

And of course I was not scared in the least — I felt like a kid in a candy store — and wanted more more more!

The road that Jesus entered Jerusalem on — I drove up in a sports car going 100 miles an hour — I thought I would die on that road -

- my point is that the people go on living and these “attractions” are commonplace – they live amongst them!  It hit me that we do the same thing

– we live amongst many miracles and events that have taken place in our lives — and so today is a good day to stop and thank God for the many miracles and graces you’ve experienced in your life — and tell God that you love HIM!  Not just praise and giving thanks…

but worship — do Him homage and give HIM your HEART!!!

I shout out three Hosannas in this chapter!

  1. Hosanna in the Highest!
  2. Hosanna from the Heart!
  3. Hosanna to the Cornerstone!

1- Hosanna in the Highest – I am so fired up because this chapter is so perfect for today the day of love!! 

Hosanna – what does it mean? — it means a shout of praise and adoration to God!  Originally it meant a cry to God for deliverance!  And so here we see Jesus entering Jerusalem – and the people crying out to the deliverer and shouting praises to God.

St. Matthew lays this out perfectly that all these things had been prepared and planned by God Himself — right down to the ass, tethered, and a colt… and if there is any problem tell them “\…

“The Master has need of them”  another fulfillment of the prophets words…

“Say to daughter Zion,

‘Behold, your king comes to you,

meek and riding on an ass,

and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

The disciples were obedient — did what they were told so that the plan of God could unfold –

See how all the cloaks were thrown down — both on the animal for Jesus to sit on — and on the ground for Him to pass –

The significance I see is that for them back then — the cloak was all they had — they gave up and surrendered for the Lord to passover the one thing they really required to survive in that weather —

This passing over signified that He was in fact the deliverer they had been waiting for — and Matthew makes clear what they were shouting and that they preceded Him and followed Him without ceasing these words…

“Hosanna to the Son of  David;

blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;

hosanna in the highest.”

Now Son of David — acclaiming Him as royalty!  Of David’s line! 

Now we continue that shout of praise at every Mass!!!  After we have been prepared by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit has gotten us ready –

We shout Hosanna in the HIGHEST! 

…and then we fall to our knees and we move into the liturgy of the Eucharist! 

At that point the prayers of consecration begin where the Priest (acting in the person of Christ) prays and Jesus says the words through the priest that His BODY would be fully present in the HOST –

– and we are reverently adoring the LORD as the Lord makes present the actions of His Last Supper — so that we may enter in!

Entering into Jerusalem — is entering into the HEART of Israel!

And so whenever I read Jerusalem — I substitute it with the “heart”— or “heart of God” because He has a huge heart for Jerusalem!!! 

So amazing this is Valentine’s and we see Jesus entering the very heart — I mean Jesus will weep over Jerusalem -

- Jerusalem is an image of the heart in the body that God loves!!!  All through the Old Testament we see a relationship God has with Jerusalem — and God being jealous over Jerusalem having false idols and committing adultery —

When Jesus enters Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked,

“WHO IS THIS?

And the crowds replied,

“THIS IS JESUS the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee”

can you just picture this seen — Jesus is shaking things up!!!

2- Hosanna in the Heart –  You see here Jesus entering the heart -

- but He cannot enter in unless He is received — and that is why all the people are here — if they hadn’t been He wouldn’ t have entered — well now that He is here …

it’s TIME TO CLEANSE —  the temple!

You see Jesus will enter a heart and then if received He will begin the process of cleaning house!!! 

For Jesus to dwell it must be clean in the heart!

The same way we read of those in the market place — idle —

Jesus enters the temple area — temple is deep interior of heart –

and He drives out all those engaged in selling and buying there -

- HE OVERTURNED

—the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves —

WAIT?  I thought Jesus was nice???  Does that sound NICE?

HE tells them…

“MY HOUSE shall be a HOUSE of prayer —

but you are making it a den of thieves!!!!!!!

Now look at house and make it heart —-

YOU see what was happening here was that for people to worship and meet all the laws and rules that went along with that the temple was charging money to change peoples money to buy sacrifices — because people came from all over and their money was not all the same as the Jewish money –

so that is like if you go to a show and to even see the show from your seat you need binoculars — and so you can bring your own — but they are too big to fit in your purse — so they sell them there — but first they are going to charge you to change your money into their money — then you still have to pay for the binoculars –

Now the blind and lame are approaching

Jesus IN THE TEMPLE AREA — and HE CURED THEM –

Of course the Scribes and Pharisees are furious!!! 

And when they approach Jesus about it === He says a verse I LOVE —

“OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF INFANTS and of NURSLINGS (BABES)

YOU HAVE BROUGHT FORTH PRAISE”

this is from OLD testament reading…actually the Psalms 8:3- the love songs of God!

Then Jesus left them and headed for Bethany — this is a town in the area— but not in the temple area — outside the gates — it is very hilly there — so up the hill and over toward the east –

-  Bethany is a town on the east side of the Jordan where John the Baptist had been Baptizing!  That is where He spent the night!!

NOW in the morning — when Jesus was heading back to the city —it says

HE WAS HUNGRY –

- I’ve never seen anywhere in his life that He was hungry — I mean yes in the temptation — and then we see Him say “I THIRST” but not that He was hungry –

NOW oh my GOODNESS — check this out — Jesus seeing a fig tree by the road — on His way — went over to it!

BUT

HE FOUND NOTHING ON IT — EXCEPT LEAVES —- NO FRUIT!!!

NOW I don’t know if you like figs or not — or if you ever tasted a fresh fig!!!

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE IT!!!

I have two brothers — Italian — and fig trees are a big deal!!

MY one brother Charles — LOVES FIGS!!!  He has spent most of the last few years buying different trees and planting them mostly in giant planter pots and nurturing them like children –

- he spends the whole year tending to them and then he waits for the season – I think it is July or August -

- he waits to see if he will have figs — and usually there are no figs — maybe one or two — I mean this has been labor for years –he even sent me home with a fig tree once — to see if I would have any luck with it — but he forgot I am not the green thumb in the family HE IS —

then MY other brother Frankie — He buys a house with a HUGE — I mean HUGE FIG TREE —  like an apple tree it was crazy —- and it always produced lots of figs — bottom line that tree had roots —

So why do I bring this up —–

Well again think of the heart and cleansing of the heart which is what this whole section is about —

When Jesus passes by and comes to you —- HE is hungry for LOVE —

YES that is right — the God of the Universe is Hungry for YOUR LOVE!

…and when HE comes to you… His tree… what does He find? 

Does He find that fruit has been produced on your tree?  LOVE?

Or does He find just leaves?

We must be rooted on His vine and receive Him so He can produce good fruit in us — and that fruit is love!

So Jesus says to the tree —(cursing it)

“May no fruit ever come from you again”

and IMMEDIATELY the fig tree withered!!!

OK is that NICE? 

What happened to God is love?  Wasn’t that tree a good person?  I mean I am sure there were some good reasons why that tree had no fruit — or should I say excuses????  OUCH!

NO FRUIT —- NO LOVE — NOT GOOD!

YIKES — the disciples were amazed and asked Him why this happened immediately?

Jesus said,

“Amen, I say to you, if you have faith and do not waver, not only will you do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea’, it will be done”

WHATEVER YOU ASK FOR IN PRAYER WITH FAITH, YOUR WILL RECEIVE”

I wonder if my brother ever cursed those fig trees??? hmmmmm

maybe he has more faith than I thought he did?

Well it sounds harsh but truth is Jesus is very clear about things here –

…and I also see the withering of the fig tree as another image of sin in our hearts — Jesus comes in and cleanses and commands things to go and they wither -

- if we believe and receive — He will work miracles in our hearts!

3- Hosanna to the Cornerstone! – Do You know what a cornerstone is?

A stone in the middle of a building uniting two intersecting walls — reminds me of Jesus in the center of the cross!

And what is He uniting?  Humanity with Divinity!

Also — often such a stone is inscribed and is laid at a ceremony marking the origin of a building! 

hmmmmm sounds like the sign that went up at the crucifixtion

“Jesus King of the Jews”

…and that scene there which was the origin of the church — when Jesus was pierced and the blood and water flowed — this is a time we can see the church being born —

Lastly, cornerstone is an indispensible and fundamental basis — meaning it is critical to the topic or arguement -

– THERE IS NO GETTING AROUND JESUS when we talk about salvation!

We see here first the parable of the Two Sons –

the first son says NO — I will not —– to working in the vineyard —

but afterwards HE changed His mind and went!

The second said yes to the Father and then did not go!

Of course the first son… the one who turned around did the will of the Father!

This should put a fire under some of us to get up and get to work!!!!

Faith without works is dead!  We want an on fire faith — full and living!

God’s will is love — for you to know him, serve him and love him in this life and to be happy with Him in the next life!

Whatever it takes for you to be able to get to know God to serve and love HIM!  Is what you must do!

I heard a priest say… we should read the word of God every day!

He says — NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST – NO BIBLE NO BED!

The Parable of the Tenants is where we really start to get the message here!

The Pharisees are tenants leasing land – from God! As Jesus is speaking to them — but the tenants are also you and I!

The first set of servants that were killed were the prophets—

This parable predicts the crucifixion — and then when he says He will find other tenants == that would be the gentiles and you and I –

Again we see the theme of we human beings producing good fruit — that the father will collect —

This fruit is not for us — but an offering to the Father through Jesus — and for the Kingdom and God’s glory!

We have to take the focus off ourselves — it is not just so we can enjoy love peace and joy — but so that those fruits can build up the kingdom …

Jesus confronts them with the Scripture…

“The Stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;

by the Lord has this been done,

and it is wonderful in our eyes”?

Then He says to them…

The Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit!

The one who falls on this stone will be dashed to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls —

Well of course the Pharisees knew Jesus was speaking about them!!!!

And that just about did it — only because they feared the crowds who regarded Jesus as a prophet at this point — did they hold off!!

But Jesus is getting pretty specific now! 

Jesus is either the stone that intersects the two walls — or He is the stone that people will reject and then stumble over —

These words are worth meditating  on over and over –

- where is HE in your life?

Are His teachings the foundation in your life? 

Is Jesus YOUR ROCK that you hold onto — that holds you together and keeps you in right relationship with the Father?  With the Trinity?

Or is JESUS and His teachings something that you end up having to skirt around — or that you reject or trip over??? 

HE is saying that if you fall on this stone you will be crushed — I can testify that my house was not build on and with the rock as the center and that is exactly what happened — I was crushed — dashed to pieces —

But thank God like the first son — I was by grace able to change my mind — well again grace — but I said YES — what is required is your YES!!!

BE SURE to tell GOD YOU LOVE HIM TODAY!

God bless and enjoy love today!

What do you think?

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  • Anonymous

    After reading the passage for today, and reading Marie’s comments, I saw a video my aunt sent me. It is a video of Patrick Hughes from Louisville (Kentucky?). I had seen this young man before, because ABC did an extreme makeover of his home. He is blind, was born without eyes, and has some condition that make his joints stiff. He is a great musician, however, and part of the Louisville University marching band. His father pushes his wheel chair so he can march. Talk about being a cornerstone. I know from the ABC program that he helps the community, I don’t remember how. When asked about his disabilities, his face lights up and he answers “I don’t have disbilities, God gave me the gift of music.” His Dad calls him his hero, and the relationship with his son is so close and beautiful. Going back to Padre Carlos’ comment, everything doesn’t have to be perfect for us to feel that God is with us. But God in our hearts make life abundant and joyful. This young man has God in his heart and brought God into the middle of his family. God is their cornerstone. And waht is a tragedy for others, is a blessing for them. He probably is happier and has put his talents to work for others more that people who have everything, but don’t have Jesus in their hearts.

    I know this man very well, who has everrything to be happy. Money, lots of money, millionaire (airplane, more than 10 cars, houses in several places, etc.), a big family, two wonderful sons, beautiful grandchildren and people who are faithful to him. And yet, he is one of the most unhappy people I have ever met. And you can tell just by meeting him. He is an alcholic, he doesn’t have a relationship with any of his 5 sisters, he doesn’t have a relationship with his sons, he doesn’t know how to be a good friend, he is always criticing everything around him, and so by 1:00 pm he is gone in alcohol. I don’t think he can face his lufe without the alcohol, which is like his anesthetic. I pray for him every day. And he knows God, but there is so much clutter in his heart that he can’t let Him in. And even though he has harmed a lot of people, he is loved by many, but their love is not received by him. He is right know like the fig tree. I compare him with Patrick, and I see that like the fig tree, he is withered. I pray that he is called, even if it is at the end of the day like those laborers, and the he answers His call. He really needs our prayers.

  • Anonymous

    Happy Valentines Day Jesus!!!
    you know I belong to a Book club, not a religious one though. This is another book club; only our book of choice is the Bible. This is the best Biography ever!!!! And we meet every day, not every 6 weeks!!!

    Moving along…I can just picture Jesus coming into Jerusalem on the ass, I always try to compare with things that happen in our time……so the Pope is coming into town – and there are people everywhere trying to catch a glimpse of him. Everyone is so excited, pushing and shoving to see him…

    Back to Jesus, I wonder how HE felt, very mixed emotions I bet. Since HE was also human…I bet there was sadness mixed in w/happiness, knowing what was going to happen. OR maybe talking to HIMSELF saying; yes you love me today, but – you do not realize how much you will change- very soon.
    Looking back at the previous chapters; HE did a lot during those 3 years, always keeping to the agenda, heading straight to the finale.

    I am working on my fig tree. Some days its an uphill battle! but not because of God, because of me!!

  • http://FiredUpCatholics.com/ Marie Joseph

    I absolutely love this! Your are so right about the bitersweet emotions He must have felt because He was sinless but He did feel– fully human —- and He did know that this would all change but He must have had compassion in His heart thinking – this was a good day — I think that is how we have to look at things — heaven for me is when we have those moments at home when my kids get along — when we are all happy and laughing and nice to each other — I look around and say thank You Lord — because with teenagers — I know it will change and so I accept this great moment as a gift in the midst of the battle — the warfare that goes on for my kids soul everyday!!!

  • http://FiredUpCatholics.com/ Marie Joseph

    Great share! Fantastic that you tied everything together so beautifully! And great way to show the two different living examples — these are perfect ones!! I will pray to for the man — with God all things are possible — we give God everything and He makes something beautiful — we give up all those we love — with your prayers He will know the Lord someday —-Awesome share!

  • cuquilavergne

    After reading the passage for today, and reading Marie's comments, I saw a video my aunt sent me. It is a video of Patrick Hughes from Louisville (Kentucky?). I had seen this young man before, because ABC did an extreme makeover of his home. He is blind, was born without eyes, and has some condition that make his joints stiff. He is a great musician, however, and part of the Louisville University marching band. His father pushes his wheel chair so he can march. Talk about being a cornerstone. I know from the ABC program that he helps the community, I don't remember how. When asked about his disabilities, his face lights up and he answers “I don't have disbilities, God gave me the gift of music.” His Dad calls him his hero, and the relationship with his son is so close and beautiful. Going back to Padre Carlos' comment, everything doesn't have to be perfect for us to feel that God is with us. But God in our hearts make life abundant and joyful. This young man has God in his heart and brought God into the middle of his family. God is their cornerstone. And waht is a tragedy for others, is a blessing for them. He probably is happier and has put his talents to work for others more that people who have everything, but don't have Jesus in their hearts.

    I know this man very well, who has everrything to be happy. Money, lots of money, millionaire (airplane, more than 10 cars, houses in several places, etc.), a big family, two wonderful sons, beautiful grandchildren and people who are faithful to him. And yet, he is one of the most unhappy people I have ever met. And you can tell just by meeting him. He is an alcholic, he doesn't have a relationship with any of his 5 sisters, he doesn't have a relationship with his sons, he doesn't know how to be a good friend, he is always criticing everything around him, and so by 1:00 pm he is gone in alcohol. I don't think he can face his lufe without the alcohol, which is like his anesthetic. I pray for him every day. And he knows God, but there is so much clutter in his heart that he can't let Him in. And even though he has harmed a lot of people, he is loved by many, but their love is not received by him. He is right know like the fig tree. I compare him with Patrick, and I see that like the fig tree, he is withered. I pray that he is called, even if it is at the end of the day like those laborers, and the he answers His call. He really needs our prayers.

  • judystefencavage

    Happy Valentines Day Jesus!!!
    you know I belong to a Book club, not a religious one though. This is another book club; only our book of choice is the Bible. This is the best Biography ever!!!! And we meet every day, not every 6 weeks!!!

    Moving along…I can just picture Jesus coming into Jerusalem on the ass, I always try to compare with things that happen in our time……so the Pope is coming into town – and there are people everywhere trying to catch a glimpse of him. Everyone is so excited, pushing and shoving to see him…

    Back to Jesus, I wonder how HE felt, very mixed emotions I bet. Since HE was also human…I bet there was sadness mixed in w/happiness, knowing what was going to happen. OR maybe talking to HIMSELF saying; yes you love me today, but – you do not realize how much you will change- very soon.
    Looking back at the previous chapters; HE did a lot during those 3 years, always keeping to the agenda, heading straight to the finale.

    I am working on my fig tree. Some days its an uphill battle! but not because of God, because of me!!

  • http://FiredUpCatholics.com/ Marie Joseph

    I absolutely love this! Your are so right about the bitersweet emotions He must have felt because He was sinless but He did feel– fully human —- and He did know that this would all change but He must have had compassion in His heart thinking – this was a good day — I think that is how we have to look at things — heaven for me is when we have those moments at home when my kids get along — when we are all happy and laughing and nice to each other — I look around and say thank You Lord — because with teenagers — I know it will change and so I accept this great moment as a gift in the midst of the battle — the warfare that goes on for my kids soul everyday!!!

  • http://FiredUpCatholics.com/ Marie Joseph

    Great share! Fantastic that you tied everything together so beautifully! And great way to show the two different living examples — these are perfect ones!! I will pray to for the man — with God all things are possible — we give God everything and He makes something beautiful — we give up all those we love — with your prayers He will know the Lord someday —-Awesome share!

  • Anonymous

    cuqui, you are so ful of the Holy Spirit. you are an inspiration for me to follow.

  • Anonymous

    Marie’s 3 words for describing the chapter made me wonder what the words would be today. I came up with “Cleansing, cursing, complying”. Didn’t quite hit it,but the practice of trying to summarize a chapter with three words seems very useful. Seems like we have some control over it, and can remember the high spots. It is not just a rambling meandering with no focus.
    All this talk about the fig tree, makes me want to go out and get one to see what the results might be. My experience with tomato plants have told me that you really have to have rich soil (especially in a container) if you hope to have any results. Poor soil, little fruit. Plants not limited by a container fair much better. If we limit the extent of God’s roots in our lives, we are the losers and will see paltry returns. Lent may be saying, shake off the old soil and give the word some enriched soil to grow in.
    Happy Valentine’s to all. As it was suggested, God is our most important Valentine.He has loved us from all eternity, not just from the moment of our birth or conception, and has never broken up with us. he will never betray us, undermine us. As the reading says today, Blessed are those who trust in God.

  • Anonymous

    Padre, I think the readings at Mass today were like your three word. It started by cursing (malditos) those who put their faith in man and not God. It ended by asking us to put our trust in God, and not to be worried if we do, because He wont let us wither (marchitar). All this jurney has been preparing me for a decision that could break a lot of people. I am goint to loose all material things that I have accumulated with a lot of work and effort. And yet I feel at peace and full of joy. I will start again, making sure I do it the Lord’s way. And He has been talking to me every day for the last 21 days. Praised be the Lord!

  • marionraffa

    cuqui, you are so ful of the Holy Spirit. you are an inspiration for me to follow.

  • Anonymous

    Cuqui, “Malditos” is really strong. I think “ay de ustedes” (woe to you) as we see in the gospel would be strong enough. Sorry to hear of your reverse of fortunes. Yet your being at peace for whatever eventuality shows an acceptance that God needs to help you work through this. This “cleansing” that is happening stands to be a rough one, but thanks be to God you have been hearing him for the past 3 weeks. The great thing about God is even if you scream and rant at him, he will continue to love and understand. Some of the saints really let God have a piece of their mind yet they kept faithful. It seems like you are already there. It is great that the words of Matthew have helped you see the presence and action of God in the events of your past life. That may have been what was needed to see you through this period. To see your steadfastness in the midst of adversity, helps all of us who have far lesser difficulties to cope with.
    Even though “Malditos sean’ (Cursed be) those who trust in human beings, it is a privilege and honor to be entrusted with your sharings. If we can not trust in each other, How can we arrive at trusting in God? If our trusting is done “in the Lord” we may be able to be worthy bearers of the trust that others give us and that we give to others. On a human level there are people who have betrayed our trust, but still there others who we feel we can trust to the grave. It may just be a question of discernment. Who really loves us, no matter what, as God loves us no matter what.

  • padrecarlos

    Marie's 3 words for describing the chapter made me wonder what the words would be today. I came up with “Cleansing, cursing, complying”. Didn't quite hit it,but the practice of trying to summarize a chapter with three words seems very useful. Seems like we have some control over it, and can remember the high spots. It is not just a rambling meandering with no focus.
    All this talk about the fig tree, makes me want to go out and get one to see what the results might be. My experience with tomato plants have told me that you really have to have rich soil (especially in a container) if you hope to have any results. Poor soil, little fruit. Plants not limited by a container fair much better. If we limit the extent of God's roots in our lives, we are the losers and will see paltry returns. Lent may be saying, shake off the old soil and give the word some enriched soil to grow in.
    Happy Valentine's to all. As it was suggested, God is our most important Valentine.He has loved us from all eternity, not just from the moment of our birth or conception, and has never broken up with us. he will never betray us, undermine us. As the reading says today, Blessed are those who trust in God.

  • Anonymous

    I know “malditos” is too strong, but the Spanish translation used in our Mass today read “malditos.” As for trusting in each other, the priest said the same thing. He stressed the difference between putting our trust in man instead of God and trusting in one another. The example he used was people who put their trust in politicians instead of putting their trust in God. You are right. I believe if we put our trust in God, He will fill our hearts with love and teach us to love our neighbors, which includes our trusting them, but not putting our trust in them.

  • cuquilavergne

    Padre, I think the readings at Mass today were like your three word. It started by cursing (malditos) those who put their faith in man and not God. It ended by asking us to put our trust in God, and not to be worried if we do, because He wont let us wither (marchitar). All this jurney has been preparing me for a decision that could break a lot of people. I am goint to loose all material things that I have accumulated with a lot of work and effort. And yet I feel at peace and full of joy. I will start again, making sure I do it the Lord's way. And He has been talking to me every day for the last 21 days. Praised be the Lord!

  • http://FiredUpCatholics.com/ Marie Joseph

    I love what you guys are writing here — I wanted to add — that I think trusting others can be difficult, especially if we have been hurt or betrayed by those close to us…. a spouse is betrayed or someone suffers abuse — be it physical – mental – verbal — sexual —– and we don’t realize that this constant lack of trust because of our human relationships can carry over into our relationship with God! So thanks for pointing this out!

  • padrecarlos

    Cuqui, “Malditos” is really strong. I think “ay de ustedes” (woe to you) as we see in the gospel would be strong enough. Sorry to hear of your reverse of fortunes. Yet your being at peace for whatever eventuality shows an acceptance that God needs to help you work through this. This “cleansing” that is happening stands to be a rough one, but thanks be to God you have been hearing him for the past 3 weeks. The great thing about God is even if you scream and rant at him, he will continue to love and understand. Some of the saints really let God have a piece of their mind yet they kept faithful. It seems like you are already there. It is great that the words of Matthew have helped you see the presence and action of God in the events of your past life. That may have been what was needed to see you through this period. To see your steadfastness in the midst of adversity, helps all of us who have far lesser difficulties to cope with.
    Even though “Malditos sean' (Cursed be) those who trust in human beings, it is a privilege and honor to be entrusted with your sharings. If we can not trust in each other, How can we arrive at trusting in God? If our trusting is done “in the Lord” we may be able to be worthy bearers of the trust that others give us and that we give to others. On a human level there are people who have betrayed our trust, but still there others who we feel we can trust to the grave. It may just be a question of discernment. Who really loves us, no matter what, as God loves us no matter what.

  • cuquilavergne

    I know “malditos” is too strong, but the Spanish translation used in our Mass today read “malditos.” As for trusting in each other, the priest said the same thing. He stressed the difference between putting our trust in man instead of God and trusting in one another. The example he used was people who put their trust in politicians instead of putting their trust in God. You are right. I believe if we put our trust in God, He will fill our hearts with love and teach us to love our neighbors, which includes our trusting them, but not putting our trust in them.

  • http://FiredUpCatholics.com/ Marie Joseph

    I love what you guys are writing here — I wanted to add — that I think trusting others can be difficult, especially if we have been hurt or betrayed by those close to us…. a spouse is betrayed or someone suffers abuse — be it physical – mental – verbal — sexual —– and we don't realize that this constant lack of trust because of our human relationships can carry over into our relationship with God! So thanks for pointing this out!