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Woe is Me! / ¡Ay de Mí!

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In today’s Gospel passage Jesus confronts the Pharisees and experts of the law with a series of woes, highlighting their hypocrisy and neglect of justice and love. 

One of the woes states “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.” Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their desire for recognition and status, seeking the best seats in synagogues and seeking honor in public spaces. This highlights the danger of pride and self-centeredness, which can blind individuals to the needs of others and distort their spiritual priorities.

Another one of the woes states “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.” This metaphor of unmarked graves further illustrates the Pharisees’ spiritual condition. Like hidden tombs, their outward righteousness masks inner corruption, deceiving others and contaminating those who come into contact with them.

I think there is great importance behind passages such as these. Jesus is reminding us that we are human and that our initial reactions and how we carry ourselves are not always what God would prefer. We are continuous works in progress and it is our job to continue to grow in our faith. 

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En el pasaje del Evangelio de hoy, Jesús confronta a los fariseos y maestros de la ley con una serie de advertencias, destacando su hipocresía y su descuido de la justicia y el amor.

Una de las advertencias dice: “¡Ay de ustedes, fariseos, porque les gusta ocupar los lugares de honor en las sinagogas y que les hagan reverencias en las plazas!” Jesús condena a los fariseos por su deseo de reconocimiento y estatus, buscando los mejores asientos en las sinagogas y el honor en los espacios públicos. Esto resalta el peligro del orgullo y el egocentrismo, que pueden cegar a las personas ante las necesidades de los demás y distorsionar sus prioridades espirituales.

Otra advertencia es: “¡Ay de ustedes, porque son como esos sepulcros que no se ven, sobre los cuales pasa la gente sin darse cuenta!” Esta metáfora de los sepulcros sin marcar ilustra aún más la condición espiritual de los fariseos. Como tumbas ocultas, su rectitud exterior enmascara la corrupción interior, engañando a los demás y contaminando a quienes entran en contacto con ellos.

Creo que pasajes como estos tienen una gran importancia. Jesús nos recuerda que somos seres humanos y que nuestras reacciones iniciales y nuestra manera de comportarnos no siempre son las que Dios preferiría. Somos una obra en constante progreso y es nuestro trabajo seguir creciendo en la fe.

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Heather Orlowski and her husband are busy parents of two little girls (ages 2 and 4). The Catholic Church holds a special place in her heart and in her entire life. She attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through college. She graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Elementary/Special Education. Catholic Education is very important to her and she now teaches 1st and 2nd grades at St. Therese Catholic School. In her free time, she loves creating memories with her family and watching her little girls play soccer. 

Feature Image Credit: Chris Dixon, unsplash.com/photos/a-black-and-white-photo-of-a-street-sign-with-the-washington-monument-in-the-background-M6Yiq9YIgAU

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Marriage, a Sacred Commitment / El Matrimonio es un Compromiso Sagrado

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In today’s Gospel from Matthew, we hear Jesus say: “the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.”

This passage helps us stop and think about the institution of marriage and its sanctity, as well as the complexities of human relationships and societal norms. At its core, the passage addresses a question posed by the Pharisees regarding the legality of divorce. Jesus responds by invoking the divine intention behind marriage, quoting the Genesis narrative where God establishes the unity and indissolubility of the marital bond. He emphasizes the sacredness of marriage, declaring that what God has joined together should not be separated by humans.

However, the Pharisees counter with the Mosaic allowance for divorce. While acknowledging this concession, Jesus reiterates the original intention of marriage as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. He reinforces the gravity of divorce, stating that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery, except in cases of marital unlawfulness. 

Jesus speaks passionately about the sacredness of marriage throughout these verses and whether you are about to become married, have been married for 5 years, or have been married for 20 years it is very important to look back and remember the sacred commitment made to your spouse through God. In today’s culture, it can sometimes be hard to step away from what society says about marriage and divorce and remember what God’s expectations are. This passage from Matthew can help couples remember the sacredness of that commitment. 

Ultimately, this passage calls us to embrace God’s vision for marriage and human relationships, rooted in love, fidelity, and selflessness. It reminds us that our choices in matters of marriage and celibacy should be guided by faithfulness to God’s will and a deep reverence for the sacred bond of matrimony.

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En el Evangelio de hoy de Mateo, escuchamos a Jesús decir: “desde un principio los hizo hombre y mujer, y dijo: ‘Por eso el hombre dejará a su padre y a su madre, para unirse a su mujer, y serán los dos una sola cosa?‘ De modo que ya no son dos, sino una sola cosa. Así pues, lo que Dios ha unido, que no lo separe el hombre”.

Este pasaje nos ayuda a detenernos y pensar en la institución del matrimonio y su santidad, así como en las complejidades de las relaciones humanas y las normas sociales. En esencia, el pasaje aborda una pregunta planteada por los fariseos con respecto a la legalidad del divorcio. Jesús responde invocando la intención divina detrás del matrimonio, citando la narrativa del Génesis donde Dios establece la unidad y la indisolubilidad del vínculo matrimonial. Destaca el carácter sagrado del matrimonio y declara que lo que Dios ha unido no debe ser separado por los humanos.

Sin embargo, los fariseos responden con la concesión mosaica para el divorcio. Si bien reconoce esta concesión, Jesús reitera la intención original del matrimonio como un compromiso de por vida entre un hombre y una mujer. Refuerza la gravedad del divorcio, afirmando que volver a casarse después del divorcio constituye adulterio, excepto en casos de ilegalidad matrimonial.

Jesús habla apasionadamente sobre el carácter sagrado del matrimonio a lo largo de estos versículos y ya sea que esté a punto de casarse, haya estado casado durante 5 años o haya estado casado durante 20 años, es muy importante mirar hacia atrás y recordar el compromiso sagrado hecho con su cónyuge a través de Dios. En la cultura actual, a veces puede resultar difícil alejarse de lo que la sociedad dice sobre el matrimonio y el divorcio y recordar cuáles son las expectativas de Dios. Este pasaje de Mateo puede ayudar a las parejas a recordar el carácter sagrado de ese compromiso.

En última instancia, este pasaje nos llama a abrazar la visión de Dios para el matrimonio y las relaciones humanas, arraigada en el amor, la fidelidad y la generosidad. Nos recuerda que nuestras decisiones acerca del matrimonio y el celibato deben estar guiadas por la fidelidad a la voluntad de Dios y una profunda reverencia por el vínculo sagrado del matrimonio.

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Heather Orlowski and her husband are busy parents of two little girls (ages 2 and 4). The Catholic Church holds a special place in her heart and in her entire life. She attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through college. She graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Elementary/Special Education. Catholic Education is very important to her and she now teaches 1st and 2nd grades at St. Therese Catholic School. In her free time, she loves creating memories with her family and watching her little girls play soccer. 

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Stay Calm, Don’t Retaliate / Mantener la Calma y no Buscar la Venganza

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Today we take a look at Mt 5: 38-42. This passage states “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

Throughout these verses Jesus challenges us to transcend the natural impulse for retaliation and instead respond with love and generosity. He teaches us that rather than seeking revenge, we should not only turn the other cheek, but go the extra mile and give freely to those who we want to retaliate against. There are many opportunities to do this in our everyday lives. Whether it be trying to stay calm on the busy highway, or reaching out to someone who may have wronged you, and not only forgiving them, but going the extra mile to mend the relationship. 

Reflecting on this passage I see it as a call to break the cycle of violence and respond to aggression with grace and compassion. This reading challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards conflict and to strive for a deeper, more transformative love in our interactions with others.

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Hoy echamos un vistazo a Mt 5,38-42. Este pasaje dice: “Ustedes han oído que se dijo: Ojo por ojo, diente por diente; pero yo les digo que no hagan resistencia al hombre malo. Si alguno te golpea en la mejilla derecha, preséntale también la izquierda; al que te quiera demandar en juicio para quitarte la túnica, cédele también el manto. Si alguno te obliga a caminar mil pasos en su servicio, camina con él dos mil. Al que te pide, dale; y al que quiere que le prestes, no le vuelvas la espalda”.

A lo largo de estos versículos, Jesús nos desafía a trascender el impulso natural de buscar venganza y, en cambio, responder con amor y generosidad. Nos enseña que en lugar de buscar venganza, no sólo debemos presentarle la otra mejilla, sino hacer un esfuerzo adicional y dar generosamente a aquellos contra quienes queremos tomar represalias. Hay muchas oportunidades para hacer esto en nuestra vida diaria. Ya sea tratando de mantener la calma en una carretera concurrida o acercándose a alguien que puede haberte hecho daño, y no sólo perdonarlo, sino hacer un esfuerzo adicional para reparar la relación.

Al reflexionar sobre este pasaje, lo veo como un llamado a romper el ciclo de violencia y responder a la agresión con gracia y compasión. Esta lectura nos desafía a examinar nuestras propias actitudes hacia el conflicto y a luchar por un amor más profundo y transformador en nuestras interacciones con los demás.

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Heather Orlowski and her husband are busy parents of two little girls (ages 2 and 4). The Catholic Church holds a special place in her heart and in her entire life. She attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through college. She graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Elementary/Special Education. Catholic Education is very important to her and she now teaches 1st and 2nd grades at St. Therese Catholic School. In her free time, she loves creating memories with her family and watching her little girls play soccer. 

Feature Image Credit: Matt Collamer, unsplash.com/photos/man-holding-card-with-seeking-human-kindness-text-8UG90AYPDW4

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God’s True Nourishment / El Verdadero Alimento de Dios

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Today’s Gospel is taken from John chapter 6. Throughout these verses the people are seeking a sign – tangible proof that would validate Jesus as the Messiah. The peoples’ inquiries reflect a common human desire for tangible evidence when faced with uncertainty. When we are scared, angry, or sad we tend to question our faith just like the people Jesus was speaking to, because our human brains cannot always wrap our heads around pure belief and faith without evidence. 

When met with this uncertainty in our own lives we can reflect on what Jesus pointed out to the people in this passage. He states “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). This proclamation speaks volumes and echoes throughout the centuries, challenging us to reflect on the nature of our own uncertainties, and to remember the only nourishment we need comes from God. 

In conclusion, today’s Gospel prompts us to reflect on the nature of our hunger and the avenues we explore to satisfy it. Jesus, as the Bread of Life, offers a profound solution, redirecting our focus from human desires to enduring sustenance found in a strong relationship with him. As we respond to this invitation, may we discover a transformative fulfillment that is beyond the limitations of our worldly desires, finding true satisfaction in Jesus Christ, the Bread that leads to eternal life. 

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El evangelio de hoy viene del capítulo 6 del evangelio de Juan. A lo largo de estos versículos la gente busca una señal, una prueba tangible que valide a Jesús como el Mesías. Las investigaciones de los pueblos reflejan un deseo humano común de obtener pruebas tangibles ante la incertidumbre. Cuando estamos asustados, enojados o tristes, tendemos a cuestionar la fe, al igual que las personas con las que Jesús hablaba, porque nuestros cerebros humanos no siempre pueden entender la creencia pura y la fe sin evidencia.

Cuando nos enfrentamos a esta incertidumbre en nuestras propias vidas, podemos reflexionar sobre lo que Jesús señaló a la gente en este pasaje. Él afirma: “Yo soy el pan de vida; el que viene a mí no tendrá hambre, y el que cree en mí nunca tendrá sed” (Juan 6,35). Esta proclamación dice mucho y resuena a lo largo de los siglos, desafiándonos a reflexionar sobre la naturaleza de nuestras propias incertidumbres y a recordar que el único alimento que necesitamos proviene de Dios.

En conclusión, el Evangelio de hoy nos impulsa a reflexionar sobre la naturaleza del hambre que tenemos y los caminos que exploramos para satisfacerlo. Jesús, como Pan de Vida, ofrece una solución profunda, redirigiendo nuestro enfoque desde los deseos humanos hasta el sustento duradero que se encuentra en una relación sólida con él. Que al responder a esta invitación, podamos descubrir una realización transformadora que vaya más allá de las limitaciones de nuestros deseos mundanos, encontrando la verdadera satisfacción en Jesucristo, el Pan que nos lleva a la vida eterna.

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Heather Orlowski and her husband are busy parents of two little girls (ages 2 and 4). The Catholic Church holds a special place in her heart and in her entire life. She attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through college. She graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Elementary/Special Education. Catholic Education is very important to her and she now teaches 1st and 2nd grades at St. Therese Catholic School. In her free time, she loves creating memories with her family and watching her little girls play soccer. 

Feature Image Credit: James Coleman, unsplash.com/photos/gray-footed-cup-beside-baguette-bread-_HzRfyw7BuA

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Being Jesus’ Disciple in Today’s World / Ser Discípulo de Jesús en el Mundo de Hoy

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Today’s Gospel includes a passage from Matthew that states “John’s disciples came to him and said, ‘Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?’ Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.’” 

This verse shines light on a few aspects of life that present daily obstacles. The first is our need to compare ourselves to others. In today’s world, we can get caught up in comparing our lives to others and changing who we are to keep up with someone else. Whether it be trying to buy the next best thing or questioning our core Christian values because of what is going on in the world around us. Jesus helps us address this obstacle by telling us that if we stop comparing ourselves to others and mirror our lives after him and only him we will be fulfilling our duty as a disciple of the Lord. 

The second obstacle that Jesus helps us address is that there will be times when your opinions and views may conflict with someone you greatly respect and it does not mean that you have to change your relationship with that person. Jesus had the highest respect for John the Baptist. Jesus was baptized by John and followed him for a time until he was put in prison. During John’s imprisonment Jesus made it known that even though he loved and respected John, the reason he was sent here by God was for a higher purpose. Jesus then decided to start his own ministry to fulfill that purpose. We can use the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus as an example of when we are struggling to have conflictive conversations with a loved one. Just remember the respect and understanding they had for each other and try to do the same. 

May we use these words from Matthew to become modern day disciples who spread God’s word through mutual love and respect.

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El Evangelio de hoy incluye un pasaje de Mateo que dice: “En aquel tiempo, los discípulos de Juan fueron a ver a Jesús y le preguntaron: ‘¿Por qué tus discípulos no ayunan, mientras nosotros y los fariseos sí ayunamos?’ Jesús les respondió: ‘¿Cómo pueden llevar luto los amigos del esposo, mientras él está con ellos? Pero ya vendrán días en que les quitarán al esposo, y entonces sí ayunarán’”.

Este versículo brilla luz sobre algunos aspectos de la vida que presentan obstáculos diarios. La primera es nuestra necesidad de compararnos con los demás. En el mundo actual, podemos quedar atrapados en comparar nuestras vidas con las de los demás y cambiar quiénes somos para estar a la altura de los demás. Ya sea tratando de comprar la mejor opción o cuestionando nuestros valores cristianos fundamentales debido a lo que está sucediendo en el mundo que nos rodea. Jesús nos ayuda a abordar este obstáculo diciéndonos que si dejamos de compararnos con los demás y nuestras vidas reflejan a él y solo él, estaremos cumpliendo con nuestro deber como discípulos del Señor.

El segundo obstáculo que Jesús nos ayuda a abordar es que habrá momentos en que tus opiniones y puntos de vista puedan entrar en conflicto con alguien a quien respetas mucho y eso no significa que tengas que cambiar tu relación con esa persona. Jesús tenía el mayor respeto por Juan el Bautista. Jesús fue bautizado por Juan y lo siguió por un tiempo hasta que fue encarcelado. Durante el encarcelamiento de Juan, Jesús hizo saber que aunque amaba y respetaba a Juan, la razón por la que Dios lo envió aquí fue para un propósito más grande. Entonces Jesús decidió iniciar su propio ministerio para cumplir ese propósito. Podemos usar la relación entre Juan el Bautista y Jesús como ejemplo de cuando nos cuesta tener conversaciones conflictivas con un ser querido. Sólo recuerda el respeto y la comprensión que ellos tenían el uno con el otro y trata de hacer lo mismo.

Que podamos usar estas palabras de Mateo para convertirnos en discípulos modernos que difundan la palabra de Dios a través del amor y el respeto mutuos.

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Heather Orlowski and her husband are busy parents of two little girls (ages 2 and 4). The Catholic Church holds a special place in her heart and in her entire life. She attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through college. She graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Elementary/Special Education. Catholic Education is very important to her and she now teaches 1st and 2nd grades at St. Therese Catholic School. In her free time, she loves creating memories with her family and watching her little girls play soccer. 

Feature Image Credit: Malcolm Lightbody, unsplash.com/photos/9_vTvPP1E30