Holy Redeemer Church Bangkok

ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C)

2 Sm 12:7-10,13 / Gal 2:16,19-21 Lk 7:36—8:3 or 7:36-50

If today’s media circus had been alive and well in first-centu­ry Palestine, it would have pounced on the events in today’s gospel reading. You can imagine the headlines: “Mystery Woman Crashes Elegant Dinner; Host Mortified.” Blogs would light up with sordid details of the woman’s sinful past. Simon the Pharisee would visit talk shows expressing shock and threatening a lawsuit. The woman would be offered her own reality show: “Real Sinners of the Mediterranean.” Of course, after two days of nonstop coverage, the whole event would be forgotten.

For Jesus, none of this drama mattered. His focus was solely on this woman who, though uninvited, made her way to him and publicly demonstrated her great repentance. In spite of Simon’s protests and, most likely, the rest of the attendees’ shock, Jesus gave her his full attention, and most important, his forgiveness. No gossip, no dramatic expelling of the woman, no show of great power. Just a quiet and humble exchange between Jesus and a repentant sinner.

And so it can be for us, especially in the sacrament of reconciliation. Jesus waits with a calm and compassionate heart for our sincere repentance. We need only to name our sin, as the woman did, and ask forgiveness. No matter what other voices complain against us, no matter how grave our sin, no matter how long it has been—Jesus’ attention is on us and us alone. No media circus, no expert analysis, no dredging up everything bad we’ve ever done. Just an honest, humble encounter between us and the Lord.

Listen. Can you hear Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven?”

Janel Esker

sundaybulletin@liguori. org

AN ADDED THOUGHT: Words spoken by Jesus are worth remembering: “let the children come to me”, “I do want to, be cure”‘ “this day you will be in Paradise with me” and today “your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Let us show reverence to God by wearing the proper attire in the church (Mt:22.12)

FEASTS TO REMEMER:

June 21:  Aloysius  Gonzaga, religious. Born in a royal and wealthy family, he surrendered his legal inheritance in favor of his brother and then entered the Society of Jesus. While serving the sick during a plague, he contacted the disease and died at the age of 23. He is the patron of youth throughout the world.

June 22:  John Fisher, Bishop and Martyr, and Thomas More, martyr. Both suffered death at the hands of King Henry VIII whom they resisted in the matter of divorce.

Thomas also resisted the King’s refusal to recognize the authority of the Pope. The life of   Thomas More has been made into a movie “Man for all Season.” Worth viewing!

A BLESSING ON BANGKOK BRIDES:

In some parts of the world June is known as the month of brides. Holy Redeemer Church is the site of many marriages yearly. However, thus far in this month of June only 6 marriages have been scheduled, with November leading the field at 13. Regardless of the number, large or small, may God bless all brides, together with their spouses, throughout the year!

REMEMBER THE WORK OF AIC

Visit Redeemer Hall today and look for the AIC tables, full of nice things to purchase for yourself or others. The value of this charitable organization is felt throughout the whole country with many people helped by the work of AIC members. Today is THEIR day.  Make it YOUR day also.

At Sunday Masses the names of celebrant and lectors are always announced. In the same vein we should  remember the contribution of others who also add beauty and value to each Mass, namely altar boys and girls, organists and choir member, ushers, sacristans and caretakers, arranging and collecting books etc in preparation for all Masses. They are all important in the liturgy of the Mass.

VALUES TO YOURSELF AND PRIEST:  A good examination of conscience before entering the confessional, clear admission of faults, Choice of proper time (before Mass, if possible),(if during Mass, when sounds are muted) an audible Act of Contrition, and a “thank you, Father” for his blessing. Parents, teach your children to follow this, also.

Lectors:  June 22/23: 5:30 (Sat) Nino & Edward; 8:30 (Sun) Maida & Johhna; 9:45 (Sun) Nancy & Joe; 11:00 (Sun) Teresita & Faye; 5:30 (Sun) Jennifer & Volunteer.

PURCHASING FLOWERS EACH SUNDAY IS THE EASIEST WAY TO SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF OUR PASTORAL CENTER.

TENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (C)

1 Kgs 17:17-24 / Gal 1:11-19 / Lk 7:11-17

I’ve been teased over the years about how fast I walk. A work colleague even named me Flash for running by his office “in a flash” every day. He claimed no one wanted to get in my way for fear of being run over. I do walk quickly, and it probably has to do with my predilection for getting a lot done in little time. I’m all about efficiency.

But in my single-minded focus, I can miss opportuni­ties to connect, help, or simply be present to someone—a colleague, my spouse, or even a stranger. When I take the time to stop, I have remarkable moments of holy companionship.

Jesus, while not necessarily a divine speed-walker, was heading into Nain in today’s Gospel, probably with a par­ticular destination in mind. He could have easily walked by the passing funeral procession. But Jesus was deeply moved by this grieving widow. Jesus not only interrupts his plans—he touches the woman’s dead son, rendering Jesus ritually unclean.

Yet this risky action brings life—not just to the man, but also to his mother, whose legal standing in society was dependent on her son’s. Her life is also restored.

Jesus’ actions remind us that while our plans and proj­ects are good, God is regularly found in interruptions—if we’re willing to stop and risk reaching out. Instead of speeding past the homeless man, might we stop and in­vite him for a sandwich? Instead of deftly avoiding the coworker who always has family problems to share, might we take time to listen with real empathy?

Let the interruptions come—God may be bringing new life to someone through you.

Janel Esker /sundaybulletin@liguori.org

An Added Thought: Whereas Jesus “reached out” to help others, j we may easily hang a “keep away” sign on ourselves. Learn from him as he consoles a grieving mother. Go to others rather than wait for them to come to us.

Let us show reverence to God by wearing the proper attire in the church (Mt:22.12)

TWO FAMILIAR SAINTS:

June 11: St. Barnabas, Apostle. Not one of the “twelve”, but an apostle much as St. Paul felt himself worthy of this title. Originally, a close friend and companion of Paul, he eventually returned to his own country to continue to spread the Gospel.

June 13: St. Anthony of Padua, Priest & Doctor. Began his priesthood preaching to the citi­zens of Africa, but later achieved his greatest success in France and Italy, converting heretics - in both countries. His sermons reflected his learning & gentleness.

THE LARGER PICTURE

“Missionary of the Month” Sundays give us an insight into the work of a particular Redemptorist in Thailand. A complete picture shows 51 priests and 7 brothers working in 5 of the 10 Dioceses. Work varies from large cities to small villages in both flatland and mountain areas. Education for future priests is centered in Sriracha and Sampran, with foundations for handi­capped young men, women and children in Bangkok, Pattaya and Nongkhai. The work grows and continues with God’s blessings and help from Catholics nationwide.

MARY’S MESSAGES

This Saturday evening, June 8, and following the Masses of Sunday, June 9, a table in Re­deemer Hall will feature DVD”s, pictures of Mary and various messages to the youth of Medjugorje. The same items can be purchased in Redeemer Book Store daily. Prices are reasonable and the three items very worthwhile.

IN THE SPIRIT OF PENTECOST

A photo of Pope Francis I with a dove (pigeon?) perched on the fingers of his outstretched fingers can be seen on the bulletin board of the church. Pigeon or dove, coincidental or by divine plan, let’s view it as a sign of care and guidance from the Holy spirit.

OUTREACH SUNDAY. Today our “Outreach” parishioners reach out to assist the needy of our parish and others who depend upon them for some material assistance. Blessed are the poor, according to Christ and more blessed are those who care for them.

LECTORS, June 15/16: 5:30 (Sat) Norah & Rolly; 8:30 (Sun) Ivory & Hyde; 9:45 (Sun) Sabrina & Erlinda; 11:00 (Sun) Rowena & Richard; 5:30 (Sun) Shineth & Joan.

PURCHASING FLOWERS EACH SUNDAY IS THE EASIEST WAY TO SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF OUR PASTORAL CENTER.

MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

Gn 14:18-20 /1 Cor 11:23-26 / Lk 9:11b-17

My three-year-old twin nephews, Jacob and Christopher, are heavily into dinosaurs. Recently they revealed knowledge of dinosaur religious practices: “No, Jacob! The tyrannosaur can’t eat the triceratops until he says the blessing!” Their mother commented, I guess some things are sinking in after all ”

Today’s readings are full of blessing words as we focus on the Body and Blood of Christ. Melchizedek blesses God and Abram in Genesis; we hear Saint Paul recall the Last Supper blessing and institution of the Eucharist; and in the Gospel, Jesus blesses the five loaves and two fish that miraculously become more than enough food for the people gathered.

We know we ought to follow the dinosaurs’ lead and pray a blessing before our daily meals, but how many of us remember? We’re often rushed to get food down before our next task or activity, and we take our meals for granted.

Might the same be said of our focus at Mass? Sure, we’re physically present as the blessing is prayed over the bread and wine, but are we actively participating in that prayer?

Do we take the Eucharist for granted?

In the Gospel, the blessed food was distributed by the apostles to all who were hungry. The blessing, in a sense, was multiplied because Jesus’ followers carried it out.

We’re called to have that same multiplying effect in the world when we receive the Eucharist. As we let the Body and Blood “sink in” more deeply, our actions and attitudes can truly transform the world.

Janel Esker

sundaybulletin@liguori. org

AN ADDED THOUGHT: In a Christmas movie many years ago Bing Crosby made famous a song whose words were “when I worry and I can’t sleep. I count my blessings instead of sheep”, a song with two messages: 1). Try not to worry, 2). But, if you do so, emphasize your blessings and thank God. It works when you are awake, too.

Let us show reverence to God by wearing the proper attire in the church (Mt:22.12)