Jesus Sees Beneath the Surface

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Rodney Hamilton
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Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 17, 2014 Join Us for Mass: Mon-Fri 10 am website: www.saintmark-mn.

org 651-645-5717 A Strong Family United in Christ Jesus Sees Beneath the Surface A Strong Family Story Bible Study at St Marks When I was The picture of Jesus we tend to get asked to put through

But given bulletin on my this understanding of Jesus, the Gospel for today can be a bit confusing. It seems to experiences run contrary to the adjectives we just used to describe Our Lord.

1 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 17, 2014 Join Us for Mass: Mon-Fri 10 am website: Dayton Ave - Saint Paul, MN Sat 8 am & 5 pm Sunday 9 am & 11 am parishcenter@saintmark-mn.org A Strong Family United in Christ Jesus Sees Beneath the Surface A Strong Family Story Bible Study at St Marks When I was The picture of Jesus we tend to get asked to put through Scripture is of a person who is together an filled with goodness, meekness, article for the compassion, patience and generosity. And certainly he is. But given bulletin on my this understanding of Jesus, the Gospel for today can be a bit confusing. It seems to experiences run contrary to the adjectives we just used to describe Our Lord. Can we see a good, with St Mark's generous and meek person in the Jesus who is slow in answering the heartfelt plea of Bible Studies, the Canaanite woman? Is this a compassionate man, who is so hard on someone who I realized it was a huge task for a is suffering? bulletin article! Could this be the same Jesus who said so recently, My heart is moved with pity for them", and in the same passage multiplied the bread and fish to feed the multitude? I'd say there are three things I've Just before his encounter with the Canaanite woman, Jesus cured many in the town gotten from my experience with of Gennesaret they would just reach out to touch the fringe of his cloak and they the Bible Studies. First, knowledge were healed. So why do we see his apparent indifference toward the woman today? If and context. So many times I've he could help her, why didn t he do it from the beginning? Why make her plead tried to read the Bible and found it with him for so long? Why put her through such humiliation? Why does he seem to to be confusing and sometimes unreadable because I had no idea require that she almost force him to help her? what was happening or why it was If you have wondered these things before, you are not alone. Many Christians find it important. Learning that the Bible difficult to reconcile the Jesus of today s Gospel with the Jesus they imagine him to is a library of books instead of just be. But by faith, we can be sure that there is an answer, because there is no one book and understanding the contradiction in God. And we find the beginnings of our answer in the Gospel history and perspective of the times antiphon for today Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom and cured every made it so much more accessible. disease among the people. (Mt 9: 35) Second, I gained fellowship and Continued on Page 2 insight thanks to the other people in the Bible Study with me. It was Upcoming Events a great way to plug into the parish and to get to know people and Project Home, Carolyn Hall & Old Gym August make friends, and to combine our Family First Friday, Carolyn Hall & Church, 5:30-8pm Sept 5 collective learning to grow together Half Day Retreat, Parish Center, 8:45-11:45am Sept 13 in our faith. Emmaus, Church, 7:00-8:30pm Sept 19 Bible Study begins, Carolyn Hall, 7:00-8:30pm Sept 30 Continued on Page 3 Save the date: Rediscover: Catholic Celebration Oct 3-4 Fr. Humberto Palomino, P.E.S. Pastor of the Church of St. Mark All God s children are welcome to this sacred place and liturgy. The Catholic understanding of Holy Communion as the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ limits the reception of the Holy Eucharist to those who share our faith and are united in discipleship within the life of the Church. Our brothers and sisters of other faiths are invited to come forward to receive a blessing at this time. Please indicate the desire to do so by crossing arms over the chest.

Page 2 August 17, 2014 Spiritually Speaking - continued from page 1 Today s Readings: # 922 Is 56: 1, 6-7; Rom 11: 13-15, No Easy Answer I m afraid there is no simple answer to the list of questions

2 Page 2 August 17, 2014 Spiritually Speaking - continued from page 1 Today s Readings: # 922 Is 56: 1, 6-7; Rom 11: 13-15, No Easy Answer I m afraid there is no simple answer to the list of questions we posed above. But we can begin to understand by picturing that moment when Jesus was surrounded by a large crowd - while teaching and healing. Some men arrived carrying a paralytic. They couldn t get to Jesus, because of the crowd, so they carried the paralytic to the roof and lowered him down on a stretcher. As the stretcher was being lowered in front of Jesus, he said something shocking maybe just as shocking as what we heard in the Gospel today. He said, Courage, my child, your sins are forgiven. (Mt 9: 2) These are words spoken to a man who was lying on a mat, paralyzed, lonely and depressed. Those witnessing the event must have thought, Don t you see that he is a paralytic? Don t you see that he needs to be cured of that? What does Jesus see that we fail to see? He sees the real need. He sees that the real paralysis of the man was the paralysis of his heart. It was a paralysis that weakened his faith, strangled his hope and stamped out his ability to love. Jesus is the Divine Physician, and he is acting much like an emergency room doctor when an accident victim comes through the doors. First, treat what is most urgent even though there are other problems that need attention. The crowd surrounding them saw the paralysis Jesus saw the deeper, more urgent need. Jesus Looks Beneath the Surface The first, and most important teaching from today s Gospel is this Jesus can see beyond what is evident he can see beneath the surface. We may wear a mask for everyone else, but Jesus knows us. He sees our hearts. He wants to cure our most urgent problems. Often we won t understand what he is doing even while he is doing it, but Jesus cured every disease among the people not just the illness that was evident, but the sickness of the soul. With this understanding, we will be better able to grasp what is happening in today s Gospel. The woman is from the land of Canaan the land of Jesus. She is from a region where idolatry and witchcraft are practiced. Yes, she is a mother in pain, whose daughter is in desperate need. But what does she see in Jesus? What is she looking for from him? She sees someone with powers someone like a sorcerer who will perhaps be able to help her daughter. She has real problems that all can see. But she also has deeper, hidden, more urgent problems, that Jesus sees. Jesus sees her heart and knows what she needs most. Continued on page ; Mt 15: Psalm Ps 67: 2-3, 5-6, 8: O God, O God, let all the nations praise you! Next Sunday: Is 22: 19-23; Ps 138: 1-3, 6-8; Rom 11: 33-36; Mt 16: Mass Intentions for the Week of August 18 Mon 10:00am Poor Souls Tues 10:00am + Joe Gemza Wed 10:00am + Louie St Aubin Thur 10:00am The Sullivan Family Fri 10:00am + Sue Salas-Peterson Sat 8:00am Paige Roff Jesus has made Himself the Bread of Life to give us life. Night and day, He is there. If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist, come back to that Adoration. - Mother Teresa Our goal is to have at least two adorers every hour the chapel is open. Monday at 11am Saturday at 8am. Please consider committing to one hour a week. Write your information on the slips found by the chapel or visit the St Mark s web page. Under Liturgy & Sacraments you will find a tab for Eucharistic Adoration. You can also call the following coordinators for more information. 12am-5am Dunia Ruff 6am-11am Eileen More 12pm-5pm Sue O Brien 6pm-11pm Pat Hartshorn Cana Mentor Couples Interested in helping engaged couples prepare for marriage here at the Church of Saint Mark? Our Cana Mentor Couples typically meet with one to two engaged couples a year to supplement the marriage preparation they receive from the priest or deacon. Training and materials are provided. The mentor couple and engaged couple meet between two and four times prior to marriage. If you are interested, please contact Alison at the parish center at , or by at akaardal@saintmark-mn.org. Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration duniaruff@gmail.com wemoore@usfamilynet the4bears@ gmail.com maryhartshorn@stmark.org The following hours have no scheduled adorers: Wed 12am & 2am, Thurs 1am, Fri 6am & Sat 3am Even if Adoration is not your ministry you are called to please pray for our adorers and adoration at the Church of Saint Mark.

Page 3 Spiritually Speaking - continued from page 2 And how does Jesus respond? At first he delays his answer, and then he uses strong language about throwing the children s food to the dogs. Why?

3 Page 3 Spiritually Speaking - continued from page 2 And how does Jesus respond? At first he delays his answer, and then he uses strong language about throwing the children s food to the dogs. Why? He wants to help the woman to see him for who he is not as a sorcerer but as a savior. Jesus says, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (Mt 15: 24) This woman clearly doesn t belong to the house of Israel she understands idols and witchcraft. Jesus speaks to her with language she can understand. He knows that the woman has a deeper problem than the evil spirit tormenting her daughter. She is serving satan by her practice of idolatry and witchcraft. (And here we must keep in mind that all shapes and forms of idolatry are, at their root, in service of satan.) But Jesus sees her need and loves her. While he is speaking words that cut, the grace of the Holy Spirit is moving her heart. This is precisely the way that the Word of God works in our lives it can hit our ears, and at the same time transform our hearts. An End to Idolatry So perhaps now the story of the desperate mother and the response of Jesus has deeper meaning for us. Do we have more in common with her than we thought? Like her, we are called to renounce all subtle forms of idolatry in our lives. We must learn to see Jesus as he really is not as a sorcerer or mere performer of miracles. Maybe what we need most urgently right now is not consolation, but challenge. Maybe we need the strong words of Jesus more than we need a miracle. Maybe we also need to hear, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Are we a part of the flock of Jesus? Do we stay close to the shepherd, or are we distracted by other things? Jesus intention with the Canaanite woman of the Gospel was to draw her closer to him to give her the gift of faith. And his mission was accomplished. He wants no less for us. Saint Mark s Preschool & Childcare St. Mark s Preschool and Childcare has openings for our fall program. Our program is a full-day program, serving children from 33 months-kindergarten, with an after school program for St. Mark s students, grades K-5. St. Mark's Preschool and Childcare is a vibrant, fun, academic, Christian-based program. For more information, contact Veronica Campion at , or visit our website at Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Strong Family Story - continued from page 1 Finally, I'd say that Bible Study has encouraged me to grow in my relationship with Christ and see my place in salvation history, which is really "His-story." I know that so many different kinds of people and experiences have been part of that history and that my life, no matter how strange, insignificant or difficult, plays a role in the story of God's salvation history. I matter to Him and while he's saving me, he wants to use me to bring others with me to heaven. ~ Brian Steehler Ice Cream Social Thank You Thank you to those who attended the 125th Anniversary Ice Cream Social last Sunday. The rains held off and everyone had a wonderful time. Special thanks to Big Bell Ice Cream for donating the ice cream, the Young Adults Group for serving and helping with cleanup and the Boy Scouts and their leaders for helping with setup and cleanup. Check out the pictures of the event on the 125th Anniversary link at the St Mark s website! Community Events Natural Family Planning Classes The Couple to Couple League will be offering a series of classes for engaged and married couples, on thesympto- Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning, at Holy Family Academy (St Louis Park) in the School Library. New streamlined methodology and new materials integrate Pope John Paul II s Theology of the Body. Classes begin on Thursday, August 28th, at 7:00 p.m. Register at twincities.ccli.org or, for more information, call or twincities.ccli.org@gmail.com. Women s Mid-Week Retreats - September 9-11 & Includes four conferences on our yearly theme, Peace be With You... All Will be Well, and ample free time for reflection, prayer, journaling, hiking or rest. Opportunities for spiritual direction, confession and holy hour. All our retreats feature meals skillfully prepared on site by our chef Judy, often featuring locally grown - sourced items. The peace and natural beauty of our facility nestled in sixty acres of woods, prairie grass and a pond beckons you from the cares of daily life to a place of quiet reflection. Register by calling or use our online registration at

4 Page 4 August 17, 2014 Parish Staff: Father Humberto Palomino, P.E.S. [frhumberto@saintmark-mn.org] Deacon Alvaro Perez, P.E.S. [dcnalvaro@saintmark-mn.org] Brother Adam Tokashiki, P.E.S. [bradam@saintmark-mn.org] Judy Miske Patricia Hartshorn Cara Stuchlik Cindy Holupchinski Bob Collett Zach Zeckser Pastor Deacon Master of Ceremonies Pastoral Care Coordinator Liturgy Coordinator Director of Religious Ed. Director of Music Parish Administrator School Principal Parish Center Fax No [parishcenter@saintmark-mn.org] Alison Kaardal, Parish Life Coordinator LuAnn Hanrahan, Assistant Parish Center Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Parish Pastoral Council: Paul Ruff Brian Bergson Robert Blackstone Faith Carlson Dee Gengler Kevin Lewis Cindy Morrissey Andrew Nowak St. Mark s School Brigid Kostka, Office Coordinator [schooloffice@markerspride.com] Child Care Center Veronica Campion, Director School Advisory Committee: Julie Burnett, Co-Chair Keelin Hurley-Gaughan, Co-Chair Help Our 8th Graders Get to DC Help With Your Chores The Saint Mark s 8th grade students are anxious for opportunities to earn money for their school trip to Washington DC in October, These students are interested in helping with chores you have, such as light housework or cleaning, babysitting, walking pets, raking leaves or any other yard work. Please contact Jolene Little at to arrange for a student to help you with your chores. The hourly rate of pay is $8.00 per hour, and would be paid directly to the student on the day the work is completed. Thank you for anything you can do to help these students earn money for this wonderful opportunity.

Page 5 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time_ Schedule of Celebrations Saturday Evening Mass: Sunday Masses: 5 pm 9 am & 11 am Weekday Masses Monday - Friday

Mary s Adoration Chapel is located at N.E.

arrange. Please call Alison at the Parish Center. For Weddings: The bride or groom, or their parents must be a registered parishioner of St. Mark s.

Rosary: 6:30 pm Mondays (except Holidays) and daily after 10 am Mass (except when School or Funeral Masses) Coming this Fall!

Potluck & Speaker - 5:30pm/Carolyn Hall Mass - 7:00pm The Virtues of the Sacred Heart The first Friday of each month, starting September 5th New this

5 Page 5 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time_ Schedule of Celebrations Saturday Evening Mass: Sunday Masses: 5 pm 9 am & 11 am Weekday Masses Monday - Friday Saturday 10 am 8 am Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: 10:45 am Mon to 8:00 am Sat in St. Mary s Adoration Chapel (St. Mary s Adoration Chapel is located at N.E. Corner of church) Confession: For Baptisms: Baptism Enrichment: Saturdays 3:30-4:30 pm Sundays 8:30-9:00 am & 10:30-11:00 am Call the Parish Center to arrange. Please call Alison at the Parish Center. For Weddings: The bride or groom, or their parents must be a registered parishioner of St. Mark s. Wedding arrangements must be made at least six months in advance with Fr. Palomino. Rosary: 6:30 pm Mondays (except Holidays) and daily after 10 am Mass (except when School or Funeral Masses) Coming this Fall! Join us for Family First Fridays this year! Potluck & Speaker - 5:30pm/Carolyn Hall Mass - 7:00pm The Virtues of the Sacred Heart The first Friday of each month, starting September 5th New this year! Half Day Retreats For Engaged and Newly Married Couples Once a month on Saturday mornings Starting September 13th 8:45-11:45am Light breakfast Nursing babies welcome See website! The Emmaus Tradition Continues! Join us for a night of adoration confessions praise & worship 3rd Fridays ~ Starting September 19th 7:00-8:30pm All New Bible Study! Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother 8-part series starting Tuesday, Sept 30th 7:00-8:30pm in Carolyn Hall Register and pay online Cost is $25 Invite a friend!

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Lessons from the Canaanite Woman

Lessons from the Canaanite Woman Aug 20, 2017 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Join Us for Mass: Mon-Fri 10 am Sat 8 am & 5 pm website: www.saintmark-mn.org 2001 Dayton Ave - Saint Paul, MN 55104 Sunday 9 am,11 am & 5pm email: parishcenter@saintmark-mn.org