THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 18, 2018 MASS READINGS MONDAY: 2 SM 7:4-5A,12-14A,16, PS 89, ROM 4:13,16-18,22, MT 1:16,18-21,24A TUESDAY: NM 21:4-9, PS 102, JN 8:21-30 WEDNESDAY: DN 3:14-20,91-92,95, DN 3, JN 8:31- 42 THURSDAY: GN 17:3-9, PS 105, JN 8:51-59 FRIDAY: JER 20:10-13, PS 18, JN 10:31-42 SATURDAY: EZ 37:21-28, JER 31, JN 11:45-56 NEXT SUNDAY: PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION-RDGS: MK 11:1-10, IS 50:4-7, PS 22, PHIL 2:6-11, MK 14:1-15:47 MASS INTENTIONS MONDAY: KATHY LESTER TUESDAY: JENNY SALVIO WEDNESDAY: FR. GEORGE ASKAR THURSDAY: JOHN SCOWDEN FRIDAY: POOR SOULS VIGIL: KATHY LESTER 7:30: CHARLIE & CATHERINE SPITZNAGLE 10:00: JOHN RENN NOON: FOR THE PARISH MEMORIAL FLOWERS For the Holy Father, all priests, deacon & religious: Kathleen Duffy. Farrell & LaGuire families. Ed & Judy Buckles. (Gene & Genevieve Bullock, HanK & Jean Corbin). Dorothy Nelson. (Marge, Mike & Ann Kirsch, Chuck Wallpe). (Claude & Anna King, Bob & Mary Bloyd). Jane Clapp. Marvin Anthrop. Charles Connor. Deceased members of the Schlosser & Kanthack fami- lies. GOSPEL REFLECTION: " The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. We might never be inclined to make the connection between being “glorified” and “dying” were it not for the Christ. With- out him we are very busy to keep the distinction apparent by foolishly pursuing those things the world directs us to consid- er as “glorifying”, e.g. looks, money, reputation etc. None of these things are even remotely connected to death, that is if we have any say about it. On the contrary, we spend a great deal of time and money avoiding the issue of death in connection with the things the world presents to us a “glorifying”. But with Christ it is a different story. He has shown us that in death itself is glory, or should we say that passing through death but trusting in the Father is glory. That death is inevita- ble for all of us is a given but the manner in which we treat it and its “relations”, growing old, becoming frail and weak, losing self-mastery, in short falling to the natural unfolding of life will certainly reveal the depth and quality of our faith. Jesus invites us to die in a variety of ways long before our bio- logical process begins to remind us of this eventuality. From the moment we are able to listen and obey he tells us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. He told the rich young man to sell all his possessions and follow him. He tells the disciples to begin a life of service after his example. In short he begins to instruct us in the way of “dying” perhaps long before our bodies begin to wear out. And, as if to turn to the aged as well Jesus encourages them not to give up hope. In their struggle with old age and all that comes with it he gives us an example to accept the care of others as he allowed others to minister to him in time of need. Thus, reminding us that to allow others the opportunity to serve is in itself remov- ing ourselves from the equations and letting their lights shine before men. As we live the Christian life we are learning how to die in a variety of ways, but we are also learning how to live. Jesus, after all told us that he came to bring life and bring it in abundance. This life becomes apparent through our acceptance of pain and suffering, through our self-less service to others and so forth. In short when we die we begin to live. Of course, we will only discover this if we truly try it.
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Transcript
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
MARCH 18, 2018
MASS READINGS
MONDAY: 2 SM 7:4-5A,12-14A,16, PS 89, ROM
4:13,16-18,22, MT 1:16,18-21,24A
TUESDAY: NM 21:4-9, PS 102, JN 8:21-30
WEDNESDAY: DN 3:14-20,91-92,95, DN 3, JN 8:31-
42
THURSDAY: GN 17:3-9, PS 105, JN 8:51-59
FRIDAY: JER 20:10-13, PS 18, JN 10:31-42
SATURDAY: EZ 37:21-28, JER 31, JN 11:45-56
NEXT SUNDAY: PALM SUNDAY OF THE
LORD’S PASSION-RDGS: MK 11:1-10, IS 50:4-7,
PS 22, PHIL 2:6-11, MK 14:1-15:47
MASS INTENTIONS
MONDAY: KATHY LESTER
TUESDAY: JENNY SALVIO
WEDNESDAY: FR. GEORGE ASKAR
THURSDAY: JOHN SCOWDEN
FRIDAY: POOR SOULS
VIGIL: KATHY LESTER
7:30: CHARLIE & CATHERINE SPITZNAGLE
10:00: JOHN RENN
NOON: FOR THE PARISH
MEMORIAL FLOWERS
For the Holy Father, all priests, deacon & religious:
Kathleen Duffy. Farrell & LaGuire families. Ed & Judy
Buckles. (Gene & Genevieve Bullock, HanK & Jean
Corbin). Dorothy Nelson. (Marge, Mike & Ann Kirsch,
Chuck Wallpe). (Claude & Anna King, Bob & Mary
Bloyd). Jane Clapp. Marvin Anthrop. Charles Connor.
Deceased members of the Schlosser & Kanthack fami-
lies.
GOSPEL REFLECTION:
"The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
We might never be inclined to make the connection between
being “glorified” and “dying” were it not for the Christ. With-
out him we are very busy to keep the distinction apparent by
foolishly pursuing those things the world directs us to consid-
er as “glorifying”, e.g. looks, money, reputation etc. None of
these things are even remotely connected to death, that is if we
have any say about it. On the contrary, we spend a great deal
of time and money avoiding the issue of death in connection
with the things the world presents to us a “glorifying”. But
with Christ it is a different story. He has shown us that in
death itself is glory, or should we say that passing through
death but trusting in the Father is glory. That death is inevita-
ble for all of us is a given but the manner in which we treat it
and its “relations”, growing old, becoming frail and weak,
losing self-mastery, in short falling to the natural unfolding of
life will certainly reveal the depth and quality of our faith.
Jesus invites us to die in a variety of ways long before our bio-
logical process begins to remind us of this eventuality. From
the moment we are able to listen and obey he tells us to deny
ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. He told the rich
young man to sell all his possessions and follow him. He tells
the disciples to begin a life of service after his example. In
short he begins to instruct us in the way of “dying” perhaps
long before our bodies begin to wear out. And, as if to turn to
the aged as well Jesus encourages them not to give up hope.
In their struggle with old age and all that comes with it he
gives us an example to accept the care of others as he allowed
others to minister to him in time of need. Thus, reminding us
that to allow others the opportunity to serve is in itself remov-
ing ourselves from the equations and letting their lights shine
before men. As we live the Christian life we are learning how
to die in a variety of ways, but we are also learning how to
live. Jesus, after all told us that he came to bring life and
bring it in abundance. This life becomes apparent through
our acceptance of pain and suffering, through our self-less
service to others and so forth. In short when we die we begin
to live. Of course, we will only discover this if we truly try it.
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
MARCH 18, 2018
CHRIST THE GRAIN OF WHEAT
By: Rev. Paul Scalia
At the beginning of Holy Week, Jesus places an image in the
minds of the disciples to describe and explain the coming
events: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls
to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it
dies, it produces much fruit” (Jn 12:26). This one verse illumi-
nates both the doctrine of the Paschal Mystery and how we are
to live it.
The grain of wheat must give itself up to a kind of death in order
to bear fruit. Its dying is the principle and cause of new life.
The seed must allow itself to be penetrated by the earth, yielding
itself to the invasion of the soil and the power of its nutrients.
Only through this dying comes new life. Of course, this all
sounds quite painful, and the grain would cry out if it could. But
it must happen. And if the seed hardens itself against the pain of
this dying, if it refuses to give way to the soil, then it remains
“just a grain of wheat.” Or, according to another translation, it
remains “alone.”
Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies… Jesus is
describing Himself. The relation between our Lord’s death and
resurrection is not chronological but causal. We believe that
through His death He rose to new life. His death is the principle
and cause of this new life. He yielded Himself to the Father’s
will and all it contained – the betrayal and denial, torture and
ridicule, scourging and crowning, nailing and piercing. He al-
lowed Himself to be pierced. And without that yielding to the
soldier’s lance, new life does not flow from His side.
St. Paul says, He was “obedient to death, even death on a cross.”
And the Apostle continues: “Because of this, God greatly exalt-
ed him…” (Phil 2:8-9). Not merely after, but because. This is
the heart of our doctrine: Jesus’ death merits the Resurrection,
both His and ours. His death is the perfect atoning sacrifice,
which alone pays the debt of sin and loosens us from the bonds
of death, the ultimate debtors prison. “He bore the punishment
that makes us whole, by his wounds we were healed” (Is 53:5).
Our participation in this mystery follows the same pattern:
“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains
just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” Un-
like that grain of wheat, we must knowingly and willingly
choose to fall to the ground and to die. What does this mean?
It means, first of all, a kind of burial. Just as the grain must be-
come unseen, so what gives us life is unseen. We must be atten-
tive not to the surface but to the interior. “For you have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:3). This re-
quires suffering a certain neglect or scorn from the world – be-
ing overlooked by those whom the world deems important.
It brings the mortification of not having, prizing or seek-
ing what everyone else values and esteems. It means be-
coming, like the grain of wheat, buried. We must become
part of the earth – humus in Latin. Thus it means humili-
ty, even humiliation.
Being like a grain of wheat means giving way to God so
that life can come. As the grain does to the soil, so we
yield ourselves to God’s initiative, to the grace and truth
of Christ. We have to give way to Him and allow His
grace to break and penetrate us, to determine our
thoughts, words, and actions. It demands yielding to His
truth – not insisting on our own, self-enclosed way of
thinking but giving way to His doctrine, which both
breaks us but also frees us for a greater reality. If we re-
fuse to give way to what is asked of us, then we render
ourselves sterile, incapable of bearing fruit.
Unlike the grain of wheat, we have free will. We can
refuse all this. We can harden ourselves to the soil that
seeks to break into us and render us fruitful. And if we do
so, if we refuse be buried (humbled) and reject any dying
to ourselves, then we remain just a grain of wheat…alone.
Intimacy in relationships only comes by this burial and
death. New life comes only from the choice not to insist
on oneself, from the decision to yield ourselves to God’s
will, truth, and grace.
The pattern of our Lord’s life-giving death and glorious
Resurrection is ours as well. May we imitate Him in
humble obedience, willingly being buried and yielding
ourselves to Him – so that through such a death we may
bear much fruit.
Refrain Unless a grain of wheat shall fall up-on the ground and die,
It remains but a single grain with no life. Verses
1. If we have died with him, then we shall live with him; if we hold firm, we shall reign with him.
2. If any one serves me, then they must follow me;
wherever I am, my servants will be.
3. Make your home in me as I make mine in you; those who remain in me bear much fruit.
4. If you remain in me and my word lives in you; then you will be my disciples.
5. Those who love me are loved by my Father; we shall be with them and dwell in them.
6. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; peace which the world can-not give is my gift.
What is RCIA? Are you interested in knowing more about the Catholic
way of life? Follow your heart and join us on the journey
of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Just because you
start RCIA, doesn't mean you are committed to finished.
If you are merely curious about what Catholicism is,
please feel free to come. All are welcome. The journey
involves learning about the teachings and traditions of the
Church as well as sharing in its rituals which outwardly
express the community’s blessing, joy and support.
• Inquirer - anyone who is in RCIA simply to check out the
possibility and learn more, but is very much uncertain about
making any decision.
• Catechumen - any unbaptized person who has made a deci-
sion to possibly enter the Catholic Church.
• Candidate - any baptized Christian who has made a decision
to possibly enter the Catholic Church. A candidate can also be
a baptized Catholic who has never received First Communion
or any religious instruction.
• Catholic Adult Confirmation Candidate - These are Catho-
lics who join the class for a number of weeks only to prepare
for their Confirmation.
Though the primary focus of the Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults is the would-be Catholic, it encourages entire parishes
to ask: How can we become a warm, welcoming, hospitable
community in which our brothers and sisters can hear the
Good News? RCIA sessions invite everyone to reach out to
catechumens by being involved. We invite lifelong parishion-
ers, former RCIA candidates, and anyone curious about our
faith. Everyone is welcome.
The RCIA Process
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults describes a process in which
men and women are guided and cared for as they awaken in faith and are
gradually introduced to the Catholic way of life. The RCIA process is a
series of carefully planned stages, marked by liturgical rites in the pres-
ence of the whole community, in which new Catholics embark on and
join us in a continuing and deepening conversion into faith and disciple-
ship. The RCIA takes the distinctive history and spiritual needs of each
person into account, differentiating between the baptized and the unbap-
tized, the catechized and the uncatechized. The needs of mature, practic-
ing Christians from other faith traditions are considered on an individual
basis.
The full RCIA process consists of four periods of awakening, growth and
formation marked by celebration of three major rites involving the whole
community.
2018 CANDIDATES FOR RCIA
Hello my name is Connor Sutton. I was raised Protestant and through the help of my cousin, his family, and friends I was able to come to the true-ness of the Catholic faith. I cannot thank God, my friends, and family enough for this opportunity. Deo Gra-tias!
Kirsten Borchert grew up in the Lafa-yette area as a protestant. She be-came interested in the Catholic church a year and a half ago because of her brother Joshua Borchert.
Joshua Borchert I'm happy to be received after investigating the faith for almost decade. I like evangelism and catholic mystics.
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
MARCH 18, 2018
SUNDAY OFFERING:$8072
CRS: $2392
“FIND OUT HOW MUCH GOD HAS GIV-
EN YOU, AND FROM IT TAKE WHAT
YOU NEED; THE REMAINDER IS NEED-
ED BY OTHERS”
ST. AUGUSTINE
STEWARDSHIP BY THE BOOK: Easter Sunday is
but two weeks away (April 1). In our First Reading from
the prophet Jeremiah, we hear God tell us, “I will forgive
their evildoing and remember their sin no more.” To af-
firm that forgiveness, St. Paul has this to say in the Sec-
ond Reading: “He (Jesus) became the source of eternal
salvation for all who obey him.” There is a connection
between these two statements which present forgiveness
as the way to salvation.
The Lenten season is one of penance, reflection, prayer,
almsgiving, and fasting, perhaps even in that order, so we
can better prepare ourselves for Easter Sunday and be-
yond. Lent reminds us that God is gracious and merciful.
God’s divine mercy is a central theme of Lent.
One might say that the priceless gift of God’s mercy is
highlighted and celebrated in the Church in the Sacrament
of Reconciliation (confession). That should be a key part
of our Lenten journey. As mentioned only two weeks
remain on that journey so getting to reconciliation is im-
portant if we have not done so already.
Sacramental confession allows God’s loving mercy and
His grace-filled absolution to be confirmed to us through
a priest. God sees us with love, mercy, and an abundance
of forgiveness. Christ, through the priest, helps us to let
go of anything that gets in the way of our relationship to
God. St. Isidore wrote, “Confession heals, confession
justifies, confession grants pardon of sin. All hope con-
sists in confession. In confession there is a chance for
mercy.”
Schoenstatt Holy Hour All are invited to the Schoenstatt Holy Hour
with Father Cassian Sama O.P On Tuesday, March
20, 2018 at 7pm in St Thomas Aquinas Church. It will
“ Every Friday during Lent, the Knights of Columbus will be
cooking up a fish fry from 5:30-8 pm. Bring your Saint