2013
RADIO VATICANA REPORT: The love of money is the root of all evil: that stark warning contained in St Paul’s first letter to Timothy was at the heart of Pope Francis’ homily at his morning Mass in Santa Marta on Friday.
Reflecting on the way in which greed can corrupt our hearts and weaken our faith, the Pope stressed we can never serve God and money at the same time. Money, the Pope went on, sickens our minds, poisons our thoughts, even poisons our faith, leading us down the path of jealousy, quarrels, suspicion and conflict. While money begins by offering a sense of wellbeing, if we are not careful wealth can quickly lead to vanity, self-importance and the sin of pride.
Pope Francis noted many people may object that the Ten Commandments say nothing about the evils of money. Yet when we worship money, he said, we are sinning against the first Commandment and making money our idol in place of God. The early Fathers of the Church, he said, put it in a very blunt way, calling money the dung of the devil which corrupts and leads us away from our faith.
Instead of focusing on money, the Pope said, we should strive for justice, piety, faith and charity, as well as the gifts of patience and meekness which are the ways of the Lord. Pope Francis concluded with the wish that God will help each one of us to avoid falling into the trap of making money our idol.
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Reflecting on the way in which greed can corrupt our hearts and weaken our faith, the Pope stressed we can never serve God and money at the same time. Money, the Pope went on, sickens our minds, poisons our thoughts, even poisons our faith, leading us down the path of jealousy, quarrels, suspicion and conflict. While money begins by offering a sense of wellbeing, if we are not careful wealth can quickly lead to vanity, self-importance and the sin of pride.
Pope Francis noted many people may object that the Ten Commandments say nothing about the evils of money. Yet when we worship money, he said, we are sinning against the first Commandment and making money our idol in place of God. The early Fathers of the Church, he said, put it in a very blunt way, calling money the dung of the devil which corrupts and leads us away from our faith.
Instead of focusing on money, the Pope said, we should strive for justice, piety, faith and charity, as well as the gifts of patience and meekness which are the ways of the Lord. Pope Francis concluded with the wish that God will help each one of us to avoid falling into the trap of making money our idol.
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TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : FRI. SEPT. 20, 2013
Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs
Lectionary: 447
Reading 1 1 TM 6:2C-12
Beloved:
Teach and urge these things.
Whoever teaches something different
and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ
and the religious teaching
is conceited, understanding nothing,
and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes.
From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions,
and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds,
who are deprived of the truth,
supposing religion to be a means of gain.
Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world,
just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.
If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.
Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap
and into many foolish and harmful desires,
which plunge them into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is the root of all evils,
and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith
and have pierced themselves with many pains.
But you, man of God, avoid all this.
Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion,
faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life,
to which you were called when you made the noble confession
in the presence of many witnesses.
Teach and urge these things.
Whoever teaches something different
and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ
and the religious teaching
is conceited, understanding nothing,
and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes.
From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions,
and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds,
who are deprived of the truth,
supposing religion to be a means of gain.
Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain.
For we brought nothing into the world,
just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.
If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that.
Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap
and into many foolish and harmful desires,
which plunge them into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is the root of all evils,
and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith
and have pierced themselves with many pains.
But you, man of God, avoid all this.
Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion,
faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life,
to which you were called when you made the noble confession
in the presence of many witnesses.
Responsorial Psalm PS 49:6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Why should I fear in evil days
when my wicked ensnarers ring me round?
They trust in their wealth;
the abundance of their riches is their boast.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Yet in no way can a man redeem himself,
or pay his own ransom to God;
Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough
to remain alive always and not see destruction.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Fear not when a man grows rich,
when the wealth of his house becomes great,
For when he dies, he shall take none of it;
his wealth shall not follow him down.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed,
“They will praise you for doing well for yourself,”
He shall join the circle of his forebears
who shall never more see light.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Why should I fear in evil days
when my wicked ensnarers ring me round?
They trust in their wealth;
the abundance of their riches is their boast.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Yet in no way can a man redeem himself,
or pay his own ransom to God;
Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough
to remain alive always and not see destruction.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Fear not when a man grows rich,
when the wealth of his house becomes great,
For when he dies, he shall take none of it;
his wealth shall not follow him down.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed,
“They will praise you for doing well for yourself,”
He shall join the circle of his forebears
who shall never more see light.
R. Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Gospel LK 8:1-3
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another,
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza,
Susanna, and many others
who provided for them out of their resources.
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza,
Susanna, and many others
who provided for them out of their resources.
POPE FRANCIS WRITES TO IMAM OF ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a personal message to Ahmed al-Tayyeb, the great Imam of al-Azhar University in Cairo, one of the most prestigious Sunni Islamic institutions in the Arab world. The Fides news agency, the information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies, reported the news after receiving an official statement from al-Azhar which said the papal message expresses esteem and respect “for Islam and Muslims.” The note conveys the hope that efforts will be made to promote "understanding among Christians and Muslims in the world, to build peace and justice".Fides reports that the Pope’s personal letter “was delivered on Tuesday, September 17 to the Great Imam of Al-Azhar by the Apostolic Nuncio in Egypt, Msg. Jean-Paul Gobel, together with the message to the Islamic world also signed by Pope Bergoglio for the end of Ramadan, recently issued by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.”
Dialogue between the Holy See and al-Azhar was interrupted by the university which, according to Fides, “interpreted Pope Benedict XVI’s statements on the need to protect Christians in Egypt and the Middle East as undue Western interference” following an attack against the Coptic Cathedral in Alexandria on New Year’s eve 2011.
Speaking to Fides about Pope Francis’ message to Imam al-Tayyeb, Father Hani Bakhoum, secretary of the Patriarchate of Alexandria of the Catholic Copts said it "is a way of expressing the deep sense of respect and affection that the Catholic Church, the Holy See and the Pope have towards all Muslims and especially for al-Azhar, which is the most representative institution of moderate Sunni Islam. Surely this letter will help over time to put aside any misunderstanding and also to resume the bilateral dialogue with the Holy See".
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CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE RELEASES SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT
ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE RELEASE: ACBC Social Justice Statement launch
Mark Clarke, Office for Justice and Peace, Wednesday 18 September 2013
EACH year the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ACBC) releases a social justice statement on an issue of contemporary concern for the Church in Australia. The 2013 -14 Statement from the Australian Bishops is entitled Lazarus at our Gate. A Critical moment in the Fight against World Poverty. It draws heavily on the Gospel reading for Social Justice Sunday which this year will be celebrated on Sunday 29 September.
View Gallery
In the Bishop’s statement we are challenged to identify the people who “sit at our gate” like Lazarus desperately longing for our support and for a just solution to their poverty. Like the Rich Man (who wore purple and fine linen), we can become blinded, by our own enormous wealth, to the plight of those around us who struggle daily for their mere existence. Luke’s Gospel reminds us that such a chasm - between the rich and poor - is not of God’s making, but of our own.
The Statement highlights five examples of those whom we can identify as “Lazarus at our Gate”. Firstly the Bishops identify the hungry of the world. Through the example of people such as Flabiana and her family in Timor-Leste, the Bishops’ point to a path whereby the God-given of even the poorest may be restored though actions of Solidarity and in support of the Common Good.
Though natural disasters occur throughout the world, the Bishops identify disaster-affected communities in developing nations as experiencing additional trauma due to their limited access to resources in order to rebuild and progress.
The third group identified by the Statement is Indigenous peoples throughout the world. While Indigenous people comprise only 5% of the world’s population they make up 15% of the world’s poor.
People with disabilities make up the fourth group of those whom the Bishops’ identify with Lazarus. The Statement informs us that disabilities are both a cause and consequence of poverty.
Lastly the 2013-14 Social Justice Statement talks of the plight of those people on the move – the displaced people. With an estimated 45 million people displaced by war or civil violence, the Bishops challenge us, the Church, to be a source of hope and assistance to those on the move around the Globe.
The Victorian Launch of the ACBC Statement took place on Friday 13 September 2013. As all worthwhile endeavours should begin with prayer, the launch began with Mass celebrated in the St Mary MacKillop chapel at Australian Catholic University – St Patrick’s campus.
Following Mass, the “Rich”, identifying themselves by dressing in purple, assembled at the birth place of St Mary MacKillop in Brunswick Street Fitzroy. Mr Damien McCartin represented the Diocese of Ballarat, Mr Mark Clarke, the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Ms Julie Purdey, the Diocese of Sandhurst, and Ms Susan Grout was an apology, due to illness, from the Diocese of Sale.
Messages of support were received and read on behalf of Bishop Paul Bird, Bishop of Ballarat, and Archbishop-elect Christopher Prowse, Archbishop-elect of Canberra and Goulburn (diocesan administrator of Sale).
Mark Green, Manager of People and Mission for Caritas Australia performed the official launch of the Statement and the official Response was given by Fr Tony Kerin, the Episcopal Vicar for Justice and Social Services for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Episcopal Vicar guided the assembled to the realisation that in this parable of Luke’s Gospel, Lazarus remains silent – only the Rich Man and Abraham have speaking roles. What is true of this parable is often the truth of the world. It is frequently the poor and marginalised that do not, or cannot, speak.
Bishop Vincent Long, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, thanked the two engaging speakers on behalf of those present, and the Australian Bishops’ Conference, for their eloquent expose of the Statement.
Bishop Long spoke passionately of his own life as a refugee, and opened the Gospel story for those assembled. He challenged us all to see those “at our gate” and in the name of justice to work to ensure that the good things of God’s creation should be available equally to all.
Immediately following the launch, a luncheon of fine foods prepared by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre catering service was enjoyed by all.
Copies of the Statement, Prayer Cards and “Ten Steps” booklet are available from the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council. Ph (02) 8306 3499 or email admin@acsjc.org.au
Photo: (Left to Right) Damien McCartin , Office for Justice and Peace Diocese of Ballarat; Tara O’Toole, Office for Justice and Peace Archdiocese of Melbourne; Julie Purdey, Diocese of Sandhurst Social Justice Council; Bishop Vincent Long, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne; Mr Mark Green, Manger Mission and People Caritas Australia; Fr Tony Kerin, Episcopal Vicar for Justice, Archdiocese of Melbourne; Mark Clarke, Office for Justice and Peace, Melbourne.
All Photos by Ashoka Peiris T.H.
EACH year the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ACBC) releases a social justice statement on an issue of contemporary concern for the Church in Australia. The 2013 -14 Statement from the Australian Bishops is entitled Lazarus at our Gate. A Critical moment in the Fight against World Poverty. It draws heavily on the Gospel reading for Social Justice Sunday which this year will be celebrated on Sunday 29 September.
View Gallery
In the Bishop’s statement we are challenged to identify the people who “sit at our gate” like Lazarus desperately longing for our support and for a just solution to their poverty. Like the Rich Man (who wore purple and fine linen), we can become blinded, by our own enormous wealth, to the plight of those around us who struggle daily for their mere existence. Luke’s Gospel reminds us that such a chasm - between the rich and poor - is not of God’s making, but of our own.
The Statement highlights five examples of those whom we can identify as “Lazarus at our Gate”. Firstly the Bishops identify the hungry of the world. Through the example of people such as Flabiana and her family in Timor-Leste, the Bishops’ point to a path whereby the God-given of even the poorest may be restored though actions of Solidarity and in support of the Common Good.
Though natural disasters occur throughout the world, the Bishops identify disaster-affected communities in developing nations as experiencing additional trauma due to their limited access to resources in order to rebuild and progress.
The third group identified by the Statement is Indigenous peoples throughout the world. While Indigenous people comprise only 5% of the world’s population they make up 15% of the world’s poor.
People with disabilities make up the fourth group of those whom the Bishops’ identify with Lazarus. The Statement informs us that disabilities are both a cause and consequence of poverty.
Lastly the 2013-14 Social Justice Statement talks of the plight of those people on the move – the displaced people. With an estimated 45 million people displaced by war or civil violence, the Bishops challenge us, the Church, to be a source of hope and assistance to those on the move around the Globe.
The Victorian Launch of the ACBC Statement took place on Friday 13 September 2013. As all worthwhile endeavours should begin with prayer, the launch began with Mass celebrated in the St Mary MacKillop chapel at Australian Catholic University – St Patrick’s campus.
Following Mass, the “Rich”, identifying themselves by dressing in purple, assembled at the birth place of St Mary MacKillop in Brunswick Street Fitzroy. Mr Damien McCartin represented the Diocese of Ballarat, Mr Mark Clarke, the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Ms Julie Purdey, the Diocese of Sandhurst, and Ms Susan Grout was an apology, due to illness, from the Diocese of Sale.
Messages of support were received and read on behalf of Bishop Paul Bird, Bishop of Ballarat, and Archbishop-elect Christopher Prowse, Archbishop-elect of Canberra and Goulburn (diocesan administrator of Sale).
Mark Green, Manager of People and Mission for Caritas Australia performed the official launch of the Statement and the official Response was given by Fr Tony Kerin, the Episcopal Vicar for Justice and Social Services for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Episcopal Vicar guided the assembled to the realisation that in this parable of Luke’s Gospel, Lazarus remains silent – only the Rich Man and Abraham have speaking roles. What is true of this parable is often the truth of the world. It is frequently the poor and marginalised that do not, or cannot, speak.
Bishop Vincent Long, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, thanked the two engaging speakers on behalf of those present, and the Australian Bishops’ Conference, for their eloquent expose of the Statement.
Bishop Long spoke passionately of his own life as a refugee, and opened the Gospel story for those assembled. He challenged us all to see those “at our gate” and in the name of justice to work to ensure that the good things of God’s creation should be available equally to all.
Immediately following the launch, a luncheon of fine foods prepared by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre catering service was enjoyed by all.
Copies of the Statement, Prayer Cards and “Ten Steps” booklet are available from the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council. Ph (02) 8306 3499 or email admin@acsjc.org.au
G.K. CHESTERTON CAUSE OPEN WITH CANON UDRIS APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE
Catholic Herald Report: By MADELEINE TEAHAN on Thursday, 19 September 2013
G.K. Chesterton, critic, novelist and poet, takes a stroll in Brighton (AP Photo)
ARCHBISHOP'S PLACE ATTACKED BY MORTARS IN SYRIA
Agenzia Fides report - In a "besieged" Aleppo, the conflict also affects churches. As reported to Fides Agency by Jean-Clément Jeanbart, Melkite Archbishop of Aleppo, last night "two mortar shells damaged the seat of our Greek - Catholic archbishopric: there are no victims only because the shots were fired at night". The Archbishop says: "The city is strangled and the situation is worsening day by day. As citizens we feel trapped, and do not know what our fate will be. We have a short supply of goods or prices are very high, people have problems concerning their daily subsistence".
This is why, continues the Archbishop, "the faithful continue to flee, the exodus continues and one sees the effects even on the coasts of the European nations". "For two years we have been offering consolation to the faithful, moral support, but the more time passes, the more difficult it is to persuade them to stay", he says. "Yet we Christians in Syria have a mission: that of dialogue, peace, reconciliation, to keep a light of faith, hope and charity. And we want to live up to this mission".
But to do so, the weapons must be silent. Today, in an interview with the British newspaper "Guardian", the Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Qadri Jamil said, on behalf of his government, that "the situation has stalled, since neither the regime nor the armed opposition are able to prevail" and launches a proposal for a "cease- fire and the start of a peaceful political process". The proposal is welcomed by the Syrian Church: "We are certainly in favor of a truce, anything useful to put an end to violence and promote a peaceful solution", Mgr. Jeanbart said to Fides. "If there were a commitment by the warring parties to silence the weapons, it would be a ray of hope". The point is that "today there are a myriad of uncontrollable armed groups", he explains . According to information gathered by Fides, both groups of jihadist militants and the militias of pro regime "Shabiha" are out of control and it is difficult to ensure an effective truce on the ground. However, "the international community has a duty to try to put an end to the immense suffering endured by the Syrian people who have been living in this situation for two and a half years ", concludes the Archbishop. (PA)
This is why, continues the Archbishop, "the faithful continue to flee, the exodus continues and one sees the effects even on the coasts of the European nations". "For two years we have been offering consolation to the faithful, moral support, but the more time passes, the more difficult it is to persuade them to stay", he says. "Yet we Christians in Syria have a mission: that of dialogue, peace, reconciliation, to keep a light of faith, hope and charity. And we want to live up to this mission".
But to do so, the weapons must be silent. Today, in an interview with the British newspaper "Guardian", the Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Qadri Jamil said, on behalf of his government, that "the situation has stalled, since neither the regime nor the armed opposition are able to prevail" and launches a proposal for a "cease- fire and the start of a peaceful political process". The proposal is welcomed by the Syrian Church: "We are certainly in favor of a truce, anything useful to put an end to violence and promote a peaceful solution", Mgr. Jeanbart said to Fides. "If there were a commitment by the warring parties to silence the weapons, it would be a ray of hope". The point is that "today there are a myriad of uncontrollable armed groups", he explains . According to information gathered by Fides, both groups of jihadist militants and the militias of pro regime "Shabiha" are out of control and it is difficult to ensure an effective truce on the ground. However, "the international community has a duty to try to put an end to the immense suffering endured by the Syrian people who have been living in this situation for two and a half years ", concludes the Archbishop. (PA)
2013
TODAY'S SAINT: SEPT. 20: ST. ANDREW TAEGON, KOREA
St. Andrew Kim Taegon
MARTYR
Feast: September 20
Information:
Feast Day:
September 20
Born:
August 21, 1821
Died:
September 16, 1846
Canonized:
6 May 1984 by Pope John Paul II
Major Shrine:
Chŏltusan (Martyr's Mound), Seoul, South Korea
Patron of:
Korean Clergy
Andrew Kim Tae-gon was born on 21 August 1821, in Chungchong Province, Korea. His parents, being converts to Catholicism, were subject to persecution, to avoid which they moved to Kyonggi Province. At 15 years old, Kim Tae-gon was chosen by a visiting priest to be a seminarian, and was sent with two other seminarians to Macao. He arrived in 1873 and began his studies with the missionaries of the Far Eastern Procure of the Parish Foreign Mission Society. In 1842 Kim Tae-gon left Macao as an interpreter for a French admiral aboard a warship. When the admiral returned to France, Kim Tae-gon tried to return to his homeland through the strictly guarded norther frontier, but he failed. He was ordained a deacon in China in 1844 and managed to return to Korea the next year, arriving in Seoul early in 1845. He then led the French missionaries by sea to Shanghai, where Bishop Ferreol ordained him the first Korean priest in the Church’s 60-year history in Korea. He returned to Korea with Bishop Ferreol, reaching Chungchong Province in October of the same year. In his home town and vicinity, he catechized the faithful, until Bishop Ferreol summoned him to Seoul. At the Bishop's command, he tried to introduce French missionaries from China into Korea, enlisting the aid of Chinese fishermen. For this, Father Kim Tae-gon was arrested and sent to the central prison in Seoul, where was charged as the ringleader of a heretical sect and traitor to his country. He was sentenced to death and was beheaded on 16 September 1846. He was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1925, and canonized by Pope John-Paul II on 6 May 1984.
MARTYR
Feast: September 20
Information:
Feast Day:
September 20
Born:
August 21, 1821
Died:
September 16, 1846
Canonized:
6 May 1984 by Pope John Paul II
Major Shrine:
Chŏltusan (Martyr's Mound), Seoul, South Korea
Patron of:
Korean Clergy
Andrew Kim Tae-gon was born on 21 August 1821, in Chungchong Province, Korea. His parents, being converts to Catholicism, were subject to persecution, to avoid which they moved to Kyonggi Province. At 15 years old, Kim Tae-gon was chosen by a visiting priest to be a seminarian, and was sent with two other seminarians to Macao. He arrived in 1873 and began his studies with the missionaries of the Far Eastern Procure of the Parish Foreign Mission Society. In 1842 Kim Tae-gon left Macao as an interpreter for a French admiral aboard a warship. When the admiral returned to France, Kim Tae-gon tried to return to his homeland through the strictly guarded norther frontier, but he failed. He was ordained a deacon in China in 1844 and managed to return to Korea the next year, arriving in Seoul early in 1845. He then led the French missionaries by sea to Shanghai, where Bishop Ferreol ordained him the first Korean priest in the Church’s 60-year history in Korea. He returned to Korea with Bishop Ferreol, reaching Chungchong Province in October of the same year. In his home town and vicinity, he catechized the faithful, until Bishop Ferreol summoned him to Seoul. At the Bishop's command, he tried to introduce French missionaries from China into Korea, enlisting the aid of Chinese fishermen. For this, Father Kim Tae-gon was arrested and sent to the central prison in Seoul, where was charged as the ringleader of a heretical sect and traitor to his country. He was sentenced to death and was beheaded on 16 September 1846. He was beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1925, and canonized by Pope John-Paul II on 6 May 1984.
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