Gospel Reflections Healing Touch Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Healing Touch

Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 9:1-8

He entered a boat, made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to human beings.

Opening Prayer: Lord, today I feel like the paralytic, in need of your tender touch. Help me to open my heart and mind to your healing as I reflect on these lines of Scripture.

Encountering Christ:

1. His Heart’s Desire: When friends brought the paralytic to Jesus, he cured the paralytic spiritually. That was apparently Jesus’s first priority, his heart’s desire. But Jesus also longs to be known by us and he cured the paralytic physically to demonstrate his authority over sin, so that we may know what he values above all—a pure, unsoiled soul. Jesus wants us to trust in his power to forgive sin so that we will come to him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He is ready to restore our souls and heal our hearts no matter how badly we’ve misbehaved.  
2. Mind Reading: Jesus knew that his critics were thinking “evil thoughts.” And he knows our thoughts too. As Psalm 139 reminds us, “Lord, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. You sift through my travels and my rest; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, Lord, you know it all.” Even though Jesus knew their “evil thoughts,” he didn’t condemn them. Instead, he offered them proof of his authority in an effort to win them over. Nor does Jesus condemn us. He perpetually knocks at the door of our hearts, inviting us to welcome him in.
3. The Paralytic: The paralytic received from Jesus a complete cure—body and soul. He owed his new beginning to a few good friends who literally carried him to Jesus. Sometimes we’re the one needing a cure, but sometimes God is calling us to be that good friend to a soul in need. Prayer and the sacraments can help to put us into good spiritual shape so that we’re able to do the “heavy lifting” to bring souls placed in our path to Jesus.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, this story is hopeful and full of love—the love of friends for the paralytic; the love of Jesus for the paralytic; and Jesus’s love for the skeptical Pharisees, which he showed by demonstrating his authority over sin. You are pure love! Help me to remember that you love me infinitely as well.

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will offer tangible help to someone, as prompted by the Holy Spirit. 

For Further Reflection: Slowly read and meditate on all of Psalm 139. 

Written by Maribeth Harper.

The post Healing Touch appeared first on RC Spirituality.

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Thank you,



Jameson Cunningham

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202-624-1496

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Photo of the Day

President Trump signs the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement | January 29, 2020

Trends in U.S. Multinational Enterprise Activity in China, 2000–2017

Trends in U.S. Multinational Enterprise Activity in China, 2000–2017 Today, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission released a report entitled, “Trends in U.S. Multinational Enterprise Activity in China, 2000–2017.” The report analyzes nearly two decades of data compiled by the Bureau of Economic Analysis to profile U.S. commercial activity in China. It finds that the vast expansion of U.S. multinational enterprise (MNE) activity in China may challenge U.S. industrial competitiveness and long-term tech leadership. Since 2000, U.S. companies’ operations in China have been among the fastest growing globally for all foreign subsidiaries, with total U.S. commercial assets in China surging 15-fold. The rapid evolution of U.S. business operations in China away from manufacturing and toward higher value-added activity such as research and development, often coerced by Beijing, increases the risk that U.S. firms are unwittingly enabling China to achieve its industrial policy objectives. Further highlights include: U.S. MNEs employ more people in China than in any other country outside of the United States, primarily in the assembly of computers and electronic products. As of 2017, U.S. MNEs employed 1.7 million people in China, a 574.6 percent increase since 2000. China is the 4th-largest destination for U.S. MNE R&D expenditure, and increasingly competes with advanced economies in serving as a key research hub for U.S. MNEs. U.S. companies’ capital expenditure in China has focused on the creation of production sites for products like semiconductors, a strategically important electronic component. Issues for Congress to consider: (1) U.S. competitiveness and leadership, especially around R&D and funding; (2) the impact of shocks to China’s economy and Beijing’s policies on the commercial health of U.S. businesses operating in China; (3) supply chain diversification; and (4) inadvertent U.S. commercial advancement of China’s military development. Read the full report here.

Thank you,



Jameson Cunningham

Congressional Affairs and Communications Director

U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission

202-624-1496

U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission

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Gospel Reflections Amighty God! Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Almighty God!

Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Matthew 8:28-34
When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!”
They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.
Opening Prayer: Lord, help me to put away my distractions and focus on this encounter with you today, trusting that you will give me all of the light and inspiration I need to hear and absorb your message for me. 
Encountering Christ:

1. Subject to God: The devils who possessed two men hiding out in the tombs dared to approach Jesus with an unusual request. Wanting to avoid their inevitable torment they asked Jesus if they could be sent into the swine instead of being sent straight to Hell. Even though they were “savage” and probably terrifying to behold, Jesus, seemingly unperturbed, granted their request, “Go then.” With two simple words, Jesus showed us his power over the devil, saying “Go then,” as he showed his power over nature when he calmed the storm, saying “Be still,” and his power to restore Lazarus to life, saying, “Lazarus arise.” The Son of God is almighty! Truly, “The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him” (John 3:35).
2. Everyone Came: On the testimony of the swineherds, the whole town came out to meet Jesus, but instead of welcoming him they asked him to leave their district. In another gospel scene, the whole town of Samaria came to believe in Jesus because of the testimony of the women at the well. Personal testimony can be very persuasive. While the woman at the well evangelized her town, the swineherds apparently dissuaded their townsfolk from believing in Jesus. When we encounter Jesus in our prayer, the sacraments, or life circumstances, what kind of testimony do we give?
   
3. Seeing versus Believing: When the Gerasenes saw Jesus, they asked him to leave. It seemed as if they were more afraid of Jesus than of the demoniacs. We know that not everyone who met Jesus during his life followed him. Nor does everyone who encounters Christ today follow him. Let us never take for granted our desire to follow Jesus! The desire we have in our hearts is itself a gift of God. “For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work” (Philippians 2:13).

Conversing with Christ: Lord, this Gospel passage reminds me that the battle between good and evil rages even today. Although I don’t encounter people who are possessed, I know that I am strongly tempted sometimes to reject you. Please send your Holy Spirit to rekindle my fervor for you so that I can resist the pull of evil and bring glory to your name.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will spend a couple of minutes reflecting with gratitude on my spiritual blessings, including the desire I have to follow you.
For Further Reflection: Read Psalm 16, especially these verses:
I bless the Lord who counsels me;
even at night my heart exhorts me.
I keep the Lord always before me;
with him at my right hand, I shall never be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices;
my body also dwells secure,
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
nor let your devout one see the pit.
You will show me the path to life,
abounding joy in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
Written by Maribeth Harper.
The post Almighty God! appeared first on RC Spirituality.

Fr. Warren's Week Reflection Take Up Your Cross 6/28/20

www.AtonementFriars.org GRAYMOOR P.O. Box 301, Garrison, NY 10524 For more information call us at 888-720-8247. © 2020

13th Sunday of Ordinary Time Take Up Your Cross6-28-20 For your convenience you can now listen to Fr. Bob’s reflection, click here . A man by the name of Clarence Jordan published what became known as the cotton patch version of the New Testament in the 1950s-60’s. During this period he also got involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He helped organize marches and sit-ins all over the south. When he started to get into trouble for these activities he turned for help to his brother, Robert who had become a prominent Georgia lawyer and politician. Clarence was shocked when his brother refused to help him. In fact, he made it known that he would have nothing to do with the Civil Rights Movement. When Clarence reminded his brother of his commitment to Jesus Christ and how that commitment should compel him to get involved, his brother’s reply was, “I follow Jesus Christ up to a point.” “I follow Him to the cross, but not on the cross, I am not getting myself crucified.” Clarence looked at his brother and said, “Robert, you are not a follower of Jesus, you are only an admirer of Him.” That true story came to my mind when I read today’s gospel. Jesus pulls no punches, He is straight-forward when He tells us whoever does not take up His cross and follow in His steps is not fit to be My disciple. What kind of disciple are you? Do you stop to realize that Christ is the Word of God? Everyone else is a byword, Jesus is the Word. All of us are letters. I am sure that there are times when we can relate to Robert’s feelings. There are times in our lives when the name of Jesus Christ was only a curse word. When the last thing we want to get involved in is carrying a cross and following Him. In fact, we want to turn away and run, avoid any kind of pain. And, we have many ways of running. We can remove ourselves from a painful situation or escape it with alcohol or drugs, work or pleasure. Hardship and tragedy enter all of our lives at some time or another. It is part of the human condition, we may try to run away, but we cannot. Just last week I was speaking to a young man of 26 who will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair because of a drunk driver. I know of a woman who is struggling to bring up two kids alone, only to find out that she had contracted the AIDS virus from her alcoholic ex-husband. What do people like this do? When the cross that has suddenly been thrust upon them seems to exceed their strength to carry it? What do we do? At these times it is good to recall that there was a time in the life of Jesus when His cross exceeded His strength to carry it. And, when that time came, Jesus had to accept the help of a stranger Simon of Cyrene. Think of it, the Son of God, the Savior of the World had to admit it to Himself and to the world that He lacked the strength to carry His cross. If the Son of God had the humility to do this then, certainly, we should have the humility to follow suit. When the cross in our life becomes too heavy for us to carry we should reach out for help, just as Jesus did. And, to whom do we reach out? First and foremost, we reach out to Jesus Himself. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what it feels like to stagger and fall beneath a cross. He knows what it feels like to have to admit that a cross has become too heavy to carry alone. He knows what it feels like to have to humble yourself and accept help from another. Besides reaching out to Jesus, we should reach out to those around us. God often works through other people. Friends, family or even, when needed a professional counselor. Finally, the story of how Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus carry His cross and the story of how Robert Jordan refused to help his brother in his time of need make us ask ourselves, how do we respond to people when they reach out to us for help? Are we Simon of Cyrene or are we Robert Jordan? Another question, are we out of practice in our faith? Do we live and breathe our faith? If someone watched us for a day, would they say that is a true Christian? The help that we may be asked to give can be as simple as a sympathetic ear or just encouragement. In other words, my friends. Are you a follower of Jesus or just an admirer?

Yours in Christ, Fr. Bob Warren, SA

A Gene-Editing Shot Could Protect Against Heart Attacks

A Gene-Editing Shot Could Protect Against Heart Attacks: Reengineering Life is a series from OneZero about the astonishing ways genetic technology is changing humanity and the world around us. Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, killing…

Facebook to remove anti-government 'Boogaloo' groups

Facebook to remove anti-government 'Boogaloo' groups: The social media giant said it removed 220 Boogaloo Facebook groups and 95 Instagram accounts that violated its policies against organized violence.

US buys up world stock of key Covid-19 drug remdesivir | US news | The Guardian

US buys up world stock of key Covid-19 drug remdesivir | US news | The Guardian: No other country will be able to buy remdesivir, which can help recovery from Covid-19, for next three months at least

The Tricky Math of COVID-19 Herd Immunity | Quanta Magazine

The Tricky Math of COVID-19 Herd Immunity | Quanta Magazine: Herd immunity differs from place to place, and many factors influence how it’s calculated.

National mask mandate could save 5 percent of GDP, Goldman Sachs research finds - The Washington Post

National mask mandate could save 5 percent of GDP, Goldman Sachs research finds - The Washington Post: Such a requirement could protect the public while avoiding some of the pain of an economic shutdown, Goldman Sachs researchers find.

Fauci warns U.S. could see 100,000 new coronavirus cases per day - Axios

Fauci warns U.S. could see 100,000 new coronavirus cases per day - Axios: "I'm very concerned and not satisfied with what's going on because we're going in the wrong direction."

Biden Says Trump ‘Surrendered’ to Coronavirus in Blistering Speech

President Trump’s Democratic opponent criticized him for failing to protect the American people from the virus, as it continues to surge in many parts of the country.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/30/us/politics/biden-speech-trump-coronavirus.html?action=click&algo=bandit-story&block=more_in_recirc&fellback=false&imp_id=161892654&impression_id=463628250&index=4&pgtype=Article&region=footer&req_id=140935072&surface=more-in-politics

Most People With Coronavirus Won’t Spread It. Why Do a Few Infect Many? - The New York Times

Most People With Coronavirus Won’t Spread It. Why Do a Few Infect Many? - The New York Times: Growing evidence shows most infected people aren’t spreading the virus. But whether you become a superspreader probably depends more on circumstance than biology.

There’s not one reason California’s covid-19 cases are soaring—there are many

Some Californians are ignoring public health orders. Some can't afford to follow them.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/06/30/1004696/theres-not-one-reason-californias-covid-19-cases-are-soaring-there-are-many/?truid=e6a9a97f971519b8818ba7420a6d576d&utm_source=the_download&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the_download.unpaid.engagement&utm_term=subs&utm_content=07-01-2020

A plan to redesign the internet could make apps that no one controls

Dfinity wants to allow the creation of apps that can run on the network itself rather than on servers owned by Facebook, Google or Amazon. Can it succeed where others have failed?

https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/07/01/1004725/redesign-internet-apps-no-one-controls-data-privacy-innovation-cloud/?truid=e6a9a97f971519b8818ba7420a6d576d&utm_source=the_download&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the_download.unpaid.engagement&utm_term=subs&utm_content=07-01-2020

Ransomware is now your biggest online security nightmare. And it's about to get worse | ZDNet

Ransomware is now your biggest online security nightmare. And it's about to get worse | ZDNet: Criminals understand our weaknesses and how to exploit them. That means ransomware isn't going away.

Woke Capital Targets Free Speech - WSJ

Woke Capital Targets Free Speech - WSJ: Advertisers want to turn Facebook into a political enforcement tool.

San Francisco's Progressive Leaders Ignore Its Everyday Citizens

San Francisco's Progressive Leaders Ignore Its Everyday Citizens: The progressive City by the Bay has virtue-signaled itself into a hole.

SPECIAL REPORT: What if Biden Wins? - Defense One

SPECIAL REPORT: What if Biden Wins? - Defense One: Part 1: Here’s what the world should expect from Joe Biden.

The Top 10 21st Century Buildings In the Arab World

The Top 10 21st Century Buildings In the Arab World: Year after year, architects design more modern and mind-blowing buildings in the Arab World. Among them are modern museums, research centers, and hotels.

US Bishop Raises Concerns About Death Penalty

https://zenit.org/2020/07/01/us-bishop-raises-concerns-about-death-penalty/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JUST%20IN%20Georg%20Ratzinger%20Has%20Passed%20Away%20at%20Age%2096%201593617880%20ZNP&utm_content=JUST%20IN%20Georg%20Ratzinger%20Has%20Passed%20Away%20at%20Age%2096%201593617880%20ZNP+CID_93cc8f52b79a2d8f5330391c279834a2&utm_source=Editions&utm_term=US%20Bishop%20Raises%20Concerns%20About%20Death%20Penalty

JUST IN: Georg Ratzinger Has Passed Away at Age 96

https://zenit.org/2020/07/01/georg-ratzinger-has-passed-away-at-age-96-2/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JUST%20IN%20Georg%20Ratzinger%20Has%20Passed%20Away%20at%20Age%2096%201593617880%20ZNP&utm_content=JUST%20IN%20Georg%20Ratzinger%20Has%20Passed%20Away%20at%20Age%2096%201593617880%20ZNP+CID_93cc8f52b79a2d8f5330391c279834a2&utm_source=Editions&utm_term=JUST%20IN%20Georg%20Ratzinger%20Has%20Passed%20Away%20at%20Age%2096

Trump butters up lobster industry with hint of trade aid - Roll Call

Trump butters up lobster industry with hint of trade aid - Roll Call: The Trump administration says it will step in to aid the U.S. lobster industry, which is being battered by retaliatory tariffs by China.

U.S. Coronavirus Testing Could Fail Again - The Atlantic

U.S. Coronavirus Testing Could Fail Again - The Atlantic: U.S. coronavirus testing could fail again, as surging demand creates new backlogs and delays.

Thousands Stranded, Families Separated After Trump H-1B Decree - Bloomberg

Thousands Stranded, Families Separated After Trump H-1B Decree - Bloomberg: People who left on routine trips don’t know when they will be able to return.

Biden Calls Trump USAID Appointee 'Islamophobic' | Time

Biden Calls Trump USAID Appointee 'Islamophobic' | Time: Joe Biden criticized two of President Donald Trump's appointees at U.S. agencies for being Islamophobic in a statement on Sunday.

John Bolton stole Trump’s most potent weapon and gift wrapped it for Biden

John Bolton stole Trump’s most potent weapon and gift wrapped it for Biden: There is something serene about the day India and the United States, the two largest democracies in the world, elect the head of their government. Hundreds of millions of people make their way to…

Black renters face egregious housing discrimination, study shows - The Boston Globe

Black renters face egregious housing discrimination, study shows - The Boston Globe: An undercover investigation found that Black people were shown fewer apartments and that real estate agents cut off contact when renters gave Black-sounding names like Lakisha, Tyrone, or Kareem. In subtle and overt ways, Black renters experienced discrimination in 71 percent of the cases tested.

“A Republic, If You Can Keep It” - The Catholic Thing

“A Republic, If You Can Keep It” - The Catholic Thing: Randall Smith: If you are looking to get America back on track, consider encouraging and even funding study of the Constitution and our Founding documents.

Disabled man dies after Texas hospital withheld coronavirus treatment

Disabled man dies after Texas hospital withheld coronavirus treatment: Michael Hickson 46, died on June 11, eight days after he was admitted to St. David’s South Austin Medical Center with pneumonia. He had contracted the coronavirus from a staff member at his nursing home.

Florida Gov Signs Law Requiring Parental Consent Before Girls Can Get Abortions | The Daily Caller

Florida Gov Signs Law Requiring Parental Consent Before Girls Can Get Abortions | The Daily Caller: Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a pro-life law Tuesday requiring parents or legal guardians to consent before a minor can obtain an abortion.

Supreme Court abortion ruling: Louisiana women deserve better

Supreme Court abortion ruling: Louisiana women deserve better: This legislation was not a matter of the underlying legality of abortion. Instead, it made sure that women in abortion clinics would be protected.

English translation of Hong Kong national security law

English translation of Hong Kong national security law

BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The following is the English translation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It is for reference only.

English translation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Australia to acquire long-range missiles as PM warns of dangerous post-Covid-19 world | Australia news | The Guardian

Australia to acquire long-range missiles as PM warns of dangerous post-Covid-19 world | Australia news | The Guardian: Scott Morrison will outline a more muscular defence posture in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region

Noted environmentalist pens article apologizing for 'climate scare' foisted on public for decades — but piece is taken down reportedly just hours later

Noted environmentalist pens article apologizing for 'climate scare' foisted on public for decades — but piece is taken down reportedly just hours later: 'Climate change is happening. It's just not the end of the world. It's not even our most serious environmental problem.'

Supreme Court says religious schools can get scholarships funded by tax credits

Supreme Court says religious schools can get scholarships funded by tax credits: The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that a Montana scholarship program that indirectly provided state funds to religious schools is protected by the Constitution, weighing in on a high-profile dispute over the separation of church and state.

Facebook boots far-right network and boosts original news

Facebook boots far-right network and boosts original news: Facebook disrupted a "violent US-based anti-government network" and vowed to give original news priority as it remained under fire for what it takes down and lets stay.

Flu virus with 'pandemic potential' found in China - BBC News

Flu virus with 'pandemic potential' found in China - BBC News: The new strain, scientists say, is carried by pigs but can infect humans and requires close monitoring.

The coronavirus is mutating - The Washington Post

The coronavirus is mutating - The Washington Post: A mutation that seems trivial could be making the virus spread more easily.

Greater Capitalism: How The Pandemic Is Permanently Reshaping Our Economic System For The Better

Greater Capitalism: How The Pandemic Is Permanently Reshaping Our Economic System For The Better: In a matter of weeks, Covid-19 spurred seismic shifts in how we work, learn and transact, and it helped usher in a new era that is smarter and fairer.

Trump says he’ll veto defense bill over renaming Confederate-named military bases - The Washington Post

Trump says he’ll veto defense bill over renaming Confederate-named military bases - The Washington Post: “I dare President Trump to veto the bill over Confederate-base naming,” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said to reporters Tuesday.

Three Glaring Problems with the Russian Taliban 'Bounty' Story | The American Conservative

Three Glaring Problems with the Russian Taliban 'Bounty' Story | The American Conservative: There seems to be a lack of sourcing and a big whiff of politics, say former intelligence officers.

Health Care Renewal: Do Cry for Those in Arizona: What Happens When Politicians Disregard Health Care and Public Health Professionals During a Pandemic

Health Care Renewal: Do Cry for Those in Arizona: What Happens When Politicians Disregard Health Care and Public Health Professionals During a Pandemic: Introduction: Health Care Professionals Vilified After They Caution Against Premature Reopening During the Pandemic As we discussed in Ap...

Priest Canceled for Preaching Solidarity Over Racial Division | The American Spectator

Priest Canceled for Preaching Solidarity Over Racial Division | The American Spectator: Father Daniel Moloney is the latest victim of cancel culture’s inquisition against all who question the Black Lives Matter movement....