Monday, February 1st, 2021
What’s this “New Teaching with Authority”?
Our governor has lifted the order to shelter in place at home in California. However indoor public gatherings are still prohibited. That leaves us still glued to our televisions, computers, and other means for virtual programs, work, and even worship services. The experience is widely shared: the internet is overwhelmed as it is the only technology by which we relate. The internet is a blessing, indeed!
At the same time, however, the internet and virtual media have also become our woes because they have been occupied by profit-driven and anonymous users. Inspiring messages and communication are now mixed-up and confused with lies, propaganda, misinformation, abuse, extortion, and more. Where shall we turn for NEW teaching?
Enter the readings for yesterday, the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time. If you are exhausted by the cacophony online; if you have run out of movies to see and binge-watched all the series available; if you are tired of teachings that bind you by making you see God as some impersonal punisher with diseases and unfortunate events; if you are looking for fresh, NEW teaching with authority, then do not harden your heart and turn to the teaching of Jesus Christ. In our readings today, we are offered an insight into the “new teaching with authority” from Christ.
In the first reading (Deuteronomy 18:15-20), we hear a promise made to Israel that God will send a new spokesperson – a prophet, duly and legitimately authorized to give us new teachings; a prophet… like Moses. That new prophet is Jesus Christ.
Saint Paul’s intention in the second reading is to help all committed Christians to seek to please God without distraction, whether married or unmarried, although he appears privileging his own unmarried lifestyle.
Today, we know even unmarried people are also distracted in many ways. The fact is, all humans are subject to distraction. Just take a look at the effects of this pandemic: job losses, political turmoil, and confusion have affected our values in all ways. Marriage relations are going sour by the day. Misinformation, distortions, and disinformation are profusely available on the internet. People are lying on the airwaves without impunity and without the slightest compunction. Divisive, hateful, insulting, vulgar, undignified, exclusive, and terrorizing speeches have taken over the same media that Christians are called to use to spread love, mercy, unity, and peace. All of these profit-making and confusing teachings, speeches, information, books, films, and programs are NOT AUTHORIZED. They are outdated, not NEW, and are not healing, and certainly not unifying.
The authorized and prophetic teaching comes from Jesus Christ and those, who are, as Moses says, “a prophet like me – Moses”; a prophet who teaches and speaks words and actions that bring people together. Teaching with authority as Jesus does is teaching that is able to unite diverse people, teaching that includes rather than exclude people. That kind of teaching is NEW and a breath of fresh air. A New Teaching with authority is a teaching filled with love. That is the kind of teaching that our nation needs from Christians now. A teaching that makes people love again, driving away all vices and hatred, indecency, confusion, and distraction. A teaching that commands obedience (Mk 1:28; Ps 95:8).
We pray that the word of God may inflame our hearts, make them tender-hearted and receptive to Christ’s prophetic teaching. And, may we Christians, radiate Christ’s teaching, convenient or inconvenient as it may be. May we contribute our Christian way to teach and live the truth that makes everyone human being whole, healed, and divine.
-- Fr. Kwame
Have your candles ready to be blessed "virtually" tomorrow morning...
Jesus Boost Podcast
Listen to this podcast episode to give your faith a boost, chase away fear, and be empowered with the spirit of Christ.
Episode 16:
"Walking by Faith"
Episode 16:
"Walking by Faith"
Be inspired and empowered each week! Jesus Boost invites you to connect with and tap into the infinite strength and unconditional love of God, available to everyone. There is so much beauty, joy, and power in knowing you are never alone and that Jesus is by your side on this journey. Jesus Boost is your reminder with honest, insightful commentary about modern-day situations, supported by scripture and words of wisdom from renowned leaders. Come away with a fresh perspective, a smile, and a wonderful, unique spiritual lift to help you greet life with renewed hope and strength.
Deacon Dave Cloyne
Feb
2
COME and See on ZOOM
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not going.
might be going.
Adult Faith Formation Zoom Meeting
"COME AND SEE"
We welcome all who are interested in walking with Jesus
Tuesday Evenings at 7:00 PM
This Week's Topic:
This Week's Topic:
STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH
Each meeting lasts about 40 minutes and includes a brief discussion on a topic basic to the Catholic faith. You don't have to go to one meeting to be able to go to another. The meeting format will accommodate discussion, so please bring your questions.
If you have a friend or family member who wants to learn more about the Catholic faith we invite you all to “come and see”.
To Join Zoom Meeting, Click HERE
Meeting ID: 321 832 6812
Password: Jesus2020
Meeting ID: 321 832 6812
Password: Jesus2020
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information, contact
Daniel Goodman at gotfordtires@gmail.com.
For more information, contact
Daniel Goodman at gotfordtires@gmail.com.
All are welcome
to tune in!
to tune in!
Questions:
Janet Schott
925-373-9346
or
Cindy Kline
925-724-7636
View Our
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
Feb
4
WINGS on ZOOM
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This Week With WINGS
Thursday, February 4, 2021
9:45 AM on Zoom
Special Guest:
Franciscan Father David Pivonka, TOR
“HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT”
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR was elected President of Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio) on May 21, 2019. In 1989, this nationally known Catholic author and speaker graduated from Franciscan University with his BA in theology, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education and executive juris doctorate. Father Dave, a firmly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, was ordained to the Priesthood in 1996.
Father Dave has held various leadership positions at Francis- can University, from 1996-2008 including vice president for Mission and Planning. From 2008-2012, Father Dave served as director of Post-Novitiate Formation for the Franciscans, TOR, and from 2012-2019, he directed Franciscan Pathways, hosting The Wild Goose Video series on building a relationship with the Holy Spirit, a documentary on St. Francis of Assisi, and Metanoia, a 2019 video series on conversion. Father Dave has written six books, including Breath of God: Living a Life Led by the Holy Spirit and Sign of Contradiction.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 828 6334 8626
Passcode: 295209
Dial by phone
+1 408 638 0968
Feb
4
Thursday Evening Adult Bible Study on Zoom
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Fr. Kwame's Adult Bible Study Program
Thursday Evening at 7:00 pm on Zoom
Topic:
The Gospels, Part VII
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 839 9657 6625
Passcode: WqXkK3
Dial by phone:
+1 669 900 6833
Meeting ID: 839 9657 6625
Passcode: 554438
View Videos of Previous
Bible Study Sessions
Bible Study Sessions
Feb
8
Monday Evening - WALKING WITH PURPOSE on Zoom
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Walking with Purpose
Bible Study Program
Opening Your Heart
by Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Questions? Contact:
Angela Layton
602-799-6648
wwpstcharleslivermore@gmail.com
Feb
8
Men of Faith on Zoom
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Men of Faith Monthly Encounter on Zoom
Our Director of Liturgy, Tree Gorman, is our featured speaker on Monday, February 8th from 7 PM—8:30 PM. Please join this live and lively discussion about how to approach the Bible. Building on Fr. Kwame’s Bible study, Tree shares ways that make the Bible approachable to read, study, and learn. She describes personalized strategies we can use to get further into the word of God regardless of our particular level of experience.
All are welcome. Please tell your friends and family and come for fellowship and a great message. We are looking forward to seeing you and to meeting new friends.
Monday, Feb 8, 2021, at 7:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 841 0647 3182
Passcode: 968496
Steve Campbell
(925) 858-3833
FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTH
BLOOD PRESSURE FACTS
By Joanne Berven, RN
The Health Ministry will be featuring topics in February and March on how to keep your heart healthy! This first topic is about blood pressure, and how it affects the heart. Our heart, which is part of the cardiovascular system, sits in our chest and pumps away without us ever being aware of it. But we need to be aware of it! Knowing your blood pressure is essential to maintaining good health.
We take care of our bodies – they are temples of the Holy Spirit – so we need to be aware of our heart health. That starts with taking our blood pressure which measures how well our heart is working. The upper number – the systolic – measures the pressure coming from our heart when our heart contracts. This number is an indication of how hard the heart has to pump in order to circulate blood throughout our body. This number can fluctuate depending on whether we are sitting still, standing, or exercising. Even stress and worry can affect our blood pressure. The more energy we expend the more blood we need to serve our bodies, which in turn raises our systolic blood pressure.
On the other hand, the lower number, the diastolic pressure, indicates how much pressure is against the heart at rest. The higher this number, the more work the heart has to do to circulate blood in our body. This puts an added stress on our heart and in some cases causes the heart muscle to enlarge. The heart muscle can only enlarge so much before it is unable to adequately pump blood throughout our body. When this happens, we develop a condition called congestive heart failure (CHF). There is no cure, but lifestyle changes and medications can help manage CHF. It is in our best interest to stay on top of how our heart is working and what our blood pressure is. If we don’t stay on top of how our heart is doing and we can develop high blood pressure. A normal blood pressure reading is 120 (diastolic)/80 (diastolic). High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a silent killer. There are no big warning signs or symptoms that let us know our BP is elevated. All of a sudden something bad happens, such as cardiac arrest or stroke. (We will address these topics in subsequent weeks.)
Pre-COVID19, the Health Ministry offered BP checks after Mass one weekend a month. Now, it is up to each of us to be aware of our BP. There are blood pressure units on the market that can be used at home. The Health Ministry does not recommend any particular product but encourages the use of a blood pressure machine especially if you are at risk for high blood pressure. What are the risks for high blood pressure? Controllable risk factors include diabetes (how you manage it), unhealthy diet, decreased physical activity (walking around the block daily constitutes a reasonable activity), obesity, too much alcohol and/or tobacco use, and chronic stress. We also have uncontrollable characteristics; things like family history, age, sex, race, or ethnicity that we really can’t do much about except to be aware of how these affect us and take the necessary precautions.
It is important to keep your “temple of the Holy Spirit” healthy in mind, body, and soul. Make it a point to get your blood pressure checked regularly, and to visit your health care provider for your routine checkup.
Links for more information can be found at:
and
Los Angeles Religious Education
RE CONGRESS 2021
“Proclaim the Promise” is the theme for the 2021 RE Congress experience. The virtual 4-day event begins Thursday, February 18 with the opening ceremony at 6:00 pm and continues through Sunday, February 21, 2021, with the closing liturgy ending at 10:30 am. Events will be both “Live” and “On Demand” and if you can’t attend a live event it will be recorded to watch later “On Demand.”
For a registration fee of $35, you will have access to all event content through March 21, 2021. You will experience liturgies, keynote speakers, dynamic workshops, concerts, intercultural prayer experiences, sacred space, the youth track, and a virtual exhibit hall. Don't miss this amazing Catholic experience from the comfort of your home!
Register online now:
If you missed Sunday's Mass...
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
