The Gift of the Law
Fr Martin R. Ganeri OP

1 June 2008 Ninth Sunday of the Year (A)
Fr Martin Ganeri suggests that the New Law of Christ is our only refuge from the storms of life.

There are times in our lives when we can feel utterly overwhelmed by the difficulties that beset us. There are times when we can feel that we have lost control and that life has become chaotic. There are times when we can feel bewildered about how our lives have turned out and uncertain about how we might make any sense or progress in them.

Full text at http://torch.op.org/preaching/sermon/1227

Fr Martin Robindra Ganeri is Prior of the Priory of St Michael, Archangel in Cambridge, and teaches at Heythrop College, University of London.

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Faith vs. Works

by:Dr Marcellino D'Ambrosio

According to many, Protestants say we’re saved by faith while Catholics say we’re saved by good works.

But what does the Bible say?

This Sunday’s readings are clear – it’s neither. And it’s both. At the very same time.

Full text at http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/1080/Faith_vs._Works...

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The House Upon the Rock

Gospel Commentary for 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Father Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap

ROME, MAY 30, 2008 (Zenit.org).- In Jesus’ time everyone knew that it was foolish to build your house on sand at the bottom of the valley rather than on the rock high above.

After every heavy rain a torrent of water forms almost immediately that sweeps away everything in its path. Jesus uses this observation to create today’s parable about the two houses that, as a parable, has two sides.

“Thus, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
 But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).

Full text at http://www.zenit.org/article-22750?l=english

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1 June 2008 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/chaplain.html

Fr Terry writes:

There used to be an English religion called gardenolatry. You still come across it occasionally. You know, people who say, I don't need to go to church. I can pray to God in my garden. I have my doubts as to whether people who say this actually do pray. Perhaps they do. But of course it misses the point. We go to church not only to pray to God but also to receive the sacraments and to be strengthened by the presence of others. What would you rather have, the company of a garden gnome, or a cross-section of people from every walk of life, joining with you in fellowship and prayer?

In the reading form Deuteronomy 11 today the Israelites hear the words spoken by Moses. They are on the banks of the river Jordan, about to cross over into the promised land. Moses calls on them to remember what God has done for them. Not only that, but by keeping to the ways of God they will be a people. They will be stronger together. They will encourage each other. They will have a sense of identity and purpose through their faith. This has been the Jewish heritage throughout history, and in our second reading from Romans 3, St Paul reminds us that Christians share this history too. But with this difference, that as Christians we are defined as a people not by our obedience to Torah but by our following of Christ.

In the gospel today (Matthew 7.21-27) comes at the end of a long teaching section which opens in chapter 5 with what we know as the Sermon on the Mount. So when we hear Jesus today say that we build well when we build on his words, we are to understand the fullness of his teaching, all that has gone before, as well as the teaching that he gave us by the example of his life. It is among other things a call to seriousness of purpose. Put like that it sounds rather dour. But several times recently I have read comments in the press about the adolescent nature of contemporary Western culture. It made me think. Adolescence is a time of exploration, of knowing that you have many options and can postpone commitment. However, to live your whole life like that would be desperately sad. It would be an impoverishment. So Jesus, in commending his own teaching as a solid foundation for life, is in fact inviting us to make choices that we can build on, and to enter into commitments that will set us free. Life without parties would be dull. Life that was one long party would be duller still. Give your life solid foundations of faith and practice, says Jesus: you will not regret it.

Fr Terry Tastard is Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Brook Green, London W6.