John 11:45-56 | Matthias Stom | Caiaphas said: it is better for one man to die

John 11:45-56   Caiaphas said: it is better for one man to die

Christ Before Caiaphas, Painted by Matthias Stom (1600-1652), Painted in 1633, Oil on canvas © Milwaukee Art Museum Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what Jesus did believed in him, but some of them went to tell the Pharisees what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting. ‘Here is this man working all these signs’ they said ‘and what action are we taking? If we let him go on in this way everybody will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy the Holy Place and our nation.’ One of them, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, said, ‘You do not seem to have grasped the situation at all; you fail to see that it is better for one man to die for the people, than for the whole nation to be destroyed.’ He did not speak in his own person, it was as high priest that he made this prophecy that Jesus was to die for the nation – and not for the nation only, but to gather together in unity the scattered children of God. From that day they were determined to kill him. So Jesus no longer went about openly among the Jews, but left the district for a town called Ephraim, in the country bordering on the desert, and stayed there with his disciples. The Jewish Passover drew near, and many of the country people who had gone up to Jerusalem to purify themselves looked out for Jesus, saying to one another as they stood about in the Temple, ‘What do you think? Will he come to the festival or not?’   READ MORE     Reflection on the Painting In our Gospel reading today we hear about Caiaphas, the High Priest, who organised a plot to kill Jesus. He presided over the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus, which followed his arrest in Jerusalem and happened prior to Jesus appearing before Pontius Pilate. Our painting shows Christ in front of Caiaphas at the Sanhedrin trial. The raising of Lazarus was the last straw for the Pharisees. They were extremely concerned about Jesus and his growing influence with the people. They were basically fearful that their own influence and power would diminish if they let Jesus live. Caiaphas voices in our reading what many of them were thinking: Jesus had to die! Caiaphas justifies this course of action by saying that it was ‘better for one man to die rather than have the nation torn apart’. Thus the stage is set for Holy Week. We all know what is about to happen… Matthias Stom was a Dutch Golden Age painter and one of the main masters of Utrecht Caravaggism. These were a group of Baroque artists all heavily influenced by the art of Caravaggio during the first part of the seventeenth century. Tenebrism is on full display in our painting. Tenebrism is the dramatic illumination using profound contrasts of light and dark areas, but where darkness becomes the dominating feature of the image. The single candle is the only source of light. Caiaphas is raising his finger saying ‘How can you say you are God?’ We see a serene Christ, who has accepted his fate, bathed in light and seeming to be an altogether different order of being from the coarse, cynical, false witnesses behind him. Positioning the three-quarter-length figures close to the picture plane with no other distractions in the painting, engages the viewer to be a prime witness to the powerful moment in which Christ refuses to deny that he is the Son of God… by Patrick van der Vorst

KAREN DAVILA NAPAHlYA SA RESULTA NG SURVEY

John 10:31-42 | Frank Martin | They accused Jesus of blasphemy

John 10:31-42   They accused Jesus of blasphemy

The Art of Blasphemy, By Frank Martin (1888-1966), Black and white photograph, Photographed in 1958 © Christian Art The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?" The Jews answered, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God." Jesus answered, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, you are gods'? If those to whom the word of God came were called 'gods' - and the scripture cannot be annulled - can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, 'I am God's Son'? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Then they tried to arrest him again, but he escaped from their hands. He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there. Many came to him, and they were saying, "John performed no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true." And many believed in him there.   READ MORE     Reflection on the Photograph  In today’s reading the Jewish people are accusing Jesus of blasphemy. So what is blasphemy? Blasphemy is speaking against God in a contemptuous, scornful, or abusive manner, and as such is a grave violation of charity towards God. It also applies to art. Some art can be seen as blasphemous. I won’t show any examples of this here, but I am sure over the years we have all seen images which we had issues with or even found downright shocking. There was a moment in our Christian history when it looked like Christian images might get banned altogether. In the 8th century an iconoclast movement was thriving. They relied on Old Testament texts where it says we should have no graven images of God. Fair enough. However, St John of Damascus (died 749AD) looked closely at a decision that needed to be taken by our Church as regards to the use of images. He came to the conclusion for images and art to be used. His logic was that St Paul refers to Jesus as the 'icon' of the invisible God. Is God invisible? Yes. Is he beyond any representation? Yes of course. However, God Himself has made an icon, a picture, an image in the humanity of Jesus… so if it is good enough for God, it is good enough for us. Our icons, our art, our depictions of Christ, saints, etc., are participations in the primordial iconography of God himself. So thanks to St John of Damascus we can enjoy all the magnificent art in our churches and richly textured Christian Art history. The Jews in our reading of today, couldn’t grasp who Jesus was. How could a human being make himself out to be God? And Jesus saying that He was, made him blasphemous in their eyes. The Art Of Blasphemy is a photograph by Frank Martin taken in July 1958: Visitors evaluate a painting at an exhibition of modern art, organised by the Contemporary Art Society on the theme of religion, at the Tate Gallery, London. The painting is titled 'Gabriel And Mary' by Bateson Mason, and was considered blasphemous at the time… by Patrick van der Vorst

Actions Speak Louder than Words

Actions Speak Louder than Words April 3, 2020 Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent Father Alex Yeung, LC John 10:31-42 The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?" The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God." Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods"'? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power. He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, "John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true." And many there began to believe in him. Introductory Prayer: Lord, you are life and truth and goodness. You are also peace and mercy. How grateful I am to have this moment to turn to you. Without you I can do nothing good. In fact, when I do good, it is you working through me, despite my failings. Thank you, Lord. Here I am ready to love you more. Petition: Lord, help me to put my faith into action. The Works Give Testimony: In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us that our faith is based not only on what God has promised, but also on what he has done. Christ points to his works as the basis for faith in him as the Son: “Even if you do not believe me, believe the works….” The greatest of all these works is his resurrection from the dead, which we will commemorate a few days from now. Works are always more powerful than words. Words may convince the mind but works move the will to action – to decision. Jesus still continues to do the works of the Father today, especially in the Eucharist and in sacramental confession, as well in the other sacraments. Do I see these works as they really are – true actions of Christ with the power to transform? The World Needs the Testimony of Holy Lives: We can never underestimate the importance and the power of personal testimony in today’s world. We are inundated with information and external stimuli of all types. Words and images and slogans abound. Yet against this cacophonous backdrop, the works of true holiness speak louder than ever before. Pope Saint Paul VI said it best: “Contemporary man needs testimony more than arguments.” In our personal case, do our works match our words? Do our works speak for themselves of what we profess? Or are we “all words and no works?” Let Your Light Shine in the World so that They Might Believe: God’s word has a special ability to penetrate the human heart and conscience. We need to trust the transforming ability of Scripture. When that word is assimilated in the lives of believers, its power is multiplied even more. The tremendous and even virulent opposition Jesus meets at the hands of his adversaries cannot keep others from believing in him. This mystery is repeated over and over again in the life of the Church. Where there is the greatest opposition to the Gospel message, there are also the greatest conversions. “Where sin abounds, grace abounds more abundantly,” (Romans 5:20) to paraphrase Saint Paul. This proven truth should protect us from discouragement in our own efforts to evangelize. Conversation with Christ: I believe in you, Lord, when I cast out my nets one and one hundred times, and I draw them in wet, empty, almost broken. I believe that you test your chosen ones, because when the seed is sunk down into the earth then it can better take root in God. I want to abandon myself to you, that you may place me near you, as a seal on your heart. Resolution: I will strive today to make my works match what I profess to believe. Our Daily Meditation is also available with audio: CLICK HERE TO START LISTENING! FORWARD TO A FRIEND

DUTERTE ADDRESSES THE NATION / APRIL 1

Keeping His Word

Keeping His Word April 2, 2020 Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent John 8:51-59 Jesus said to the Jews: "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death." So, the Jews said to him, "Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, 'Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.' Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?" Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.' You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar. But I do know him, and I keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad. So, the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM." So, they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the Temple area. Introductory Prayer:  Lord, you are life and truth and goodness. You are also peace and mercy. How grateful I am to have this moment to turn to you. Without you I can do nothing good. In fact, when I do good, it is you working through me, despite my failings. Thank you, Lord. Here I am ready to love you more. Petition: May I hear your voice, Lord, and not harden my heart to that which you ask of me today. The Real Enemy: Today we find Jesus in animated conversation with the Jews. They seem to discuss the same topic – death — but in fact they refer to two very different understandings of one reality. The Jews speak of death in a material way, whereas Jesus speaks of it in a spiritual way, with his description of death of far greater consequence than the former. Christ warns us about the gravity of spiritual death, which is the consequence of serious sin. This is why the Church traditionally prays, in the Litany of the Saints, to be freed from mors perpetua (everlasting death), the spiritual death which Jesus warned against. Lent is the time to eradicate all forms of this evil from our lives, especially through the positive practices of prayer, penance and almsgiving. Only the Spirit Gives Life: Jesus’ interlocutors are never able to penetrate the meaning of his words because they think in a purely material way. Only with a spirit of faith and the aid of the Holy Spirit can we understand the things of God. Today’s world is rife with what we could call a spirit of materialism. It looks to material things and values as the solution to everything. But have you noticed how it seems that the more our material wealth and technical capacity grow, the emptier we become on the inside, and the hollower our western culture becomes? Material things are necessary, for we are part matter. But a purely material explanation will never be able to address the deeper needs of the human person. As Christ said: “Only the Spirit gives life” (John 6:63). We must strive to adopt a spiritual or supernatural way of living and see ourselves and our world from this point of view, so as not to become blind to a truth that transcends matter. Open to a Challenge: Jesus’ challenge to raise the eyes of the heart and soul to a spiritual level is met with fierce opposition. In fact, his listeners want to stone him! Christ always challenges us to go higher. And he does this as a manifestation of his love. How do I respond to this challenge in my own life? Conversation with Christ: You have spoken, Lord, in the silence of my night and your word has engraved your will in my heart. Because you spoke, there is a will in you that I know: It is the will of your commands. I want to fulfill that will, Lord. I want to believe according to your doctrine. To hope according to your promises. To love and live according to your guidance and laws. Resolution: I will foster a more spiritual way of seeing myself, others and the world. Our Daily Meditation is also available with audio: CLICK HERE TO START LISTENING! FORWARD TO A FRIEND

John 8:51-59 | English linen needlework panel | Before Abraham was, I am

John 8:51-59   Before Abraham was, I am

Scenes from the Story of Abraham, An English linen needlework panel, Worked with silk thread; tent and couching stitches, Mid 17th century © Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ The Jews said to him, ‘Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?’ Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, “He is our God”, though you do not know him. But I know him; if I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.’ Then the Jews said to him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.   READ MORE     Reflection on the English Needlework Panel The beautiful 17th-century English needlework panel depicts some scenes of the Story of Abraham, as recounted in the Book of Genesis. The central scene shows Abraham being informed by a host of angels that his wife Sarah will bear him a son, despite her advanced age. We can also see Abraham banishing his servant Hagar and her son by Abraham, Ishmael (lower left corner), and Abraham's attempted sacrifice of Sarah's son Isaac, the act he was ordered by God to perform as a test of his faith (upper right corner). Jews regard Abraham as the first Patriarch of the Jewish people. He was the first persons to teach the idea that there was only one God (before Abraham, people believed in many gods). So when Jesus states in our Gospel reading that ‘before Abraham ever was, I Am’, the Jewish audience would have found such a statement totally surprising. In the lead up to Holy Week, Jesus continues to reveal His true identity. Here Jesus declares Himself to be God, by stating that He lived before Abraham lived, thus revealing His divine nature. This is another one of the great ‘I am’s of Jesus. We saw a few yesterday as well. We feel the tensions building up towards the crucifixion. For making claims such as today's, the Jewish rulers consider Jesus a very real threat to their power and their authority. They cannot let Him continue to teach and attract more and more followers. Something has to be done about Him… Jesus knows that the time is drawing near, and so His teachings become more and more intense, straight-to-the-point and urgent… by Patrick van der Vorst

How to Avoid Germs When Grocery Shopping, According to Consumer Reports

Before you head out to the grocery store, read up on these expert guidelines to ensure your safety.

Jenn Sinrich

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Stay healthy while grocery shopping

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Avoiding germs is always a good idea, but never before has it seemed so important than right now, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, keeping yourself protected against the coronavirus could be a matter of life and death, which is why people are being more careful than ever before when they do basic day-to-day activities like going grocery shopping. “It used to be seen as a mundane weekly errand, but has become a task that requires more thought and preparation during this COVID-19 pandemic crisis,” explains Lisa Larkin, MD, an internal medicine physician in Cincinnati, Ohio and founder and CEO of Ms.Medicine. The good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid germs and reduce your risk of infection or infecting others during this time. Read on for tips to shop for your groceries in as safe a manner as possible. You may be carrying these 11 germ-spreading items right now.

Go at times of the day when it’s less busy

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You might not be a morning person, but going to the grocery store bright and early when they’re just opening might be your best option. “By avoiding large groups of people, you decrease your risk of becoming infected, as the virus is mainly spread through close contact with other people,” says Jonas Nilsen, MD, and co-founder of Practio. In addition, many stores sanitize overnight, so the environment, in general, is less germy. In addition, many stores are currently offering special morning hours where only senior citizens are allowed to shop—call ahead to find out if your regular grocery store is offering these. You can feel good supporting these 26 stores that have promised to keep paying employees during coronavirus closures.

Sanitize your shopping cart or basket

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Studies suggest that COVID-19 can live on surfaces for up to a few days, so wipe down the handles of shopping carts or baskets with a sanitizing wipe. Some stores provide wipes, but not all do, especially during this time of shortages, so it’s best to bring your own. Dr. Larkin also suggests bringing extra wipes for opening freezer and refrigerator door handles and sanitizing your hands throughout the shopping experience. Discover just how filthy your cell phone is. 

Avoid touching your face while shopping

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One of the easiest ways to spread the virus is by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth. This is a lot harder than it sounds, as a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control estimated that people touch their faces more than 20 times in a single hour. While a mask can help prevent you from touching your mouth and nose, they are recommended for the use of health care professionals only, especially given the current shortages of PPE (personal protective equipment).

Stay six feet away as you navigate the aisles

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As much as possible, try to maintain a safe, six-foot distance from other shoppers. “This may be as simple as avoiding a crowded aisle and circling back a few minutes later,” says Dr. Larkin. Since other shoppers might not be as mindful as you are about maintaining social distance, be polite in your request that they keep their distance with a courteous “excuse me.” Are you sharing these items that germ experts recommend against? 

Be kind to others

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Just as you’re being thoughtful about your own health, be thoughtful about the health of others, suggests Dr. Larkin. “If you have an elderly neighbor who needs help, see if you can shop for them or teach them to use an online and delivery option,” she says. “Be patient and kind with one another, especially the workers keeping the stores open and functioning—and of course, if you are ill, please stay home and don’t expose others.” Find out how to stock up wisely, emergency or not.

Bring disposable gloves for checkout

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Antimicrobial wipes might suffice for cleaning packaging such as jars, plastic containers, cans, and bottles, but Alexea M. Gaffney-Adams, MD, an internist with additional subspecialty training in infectious diseases at Stony Brook Medicine, recommends going a step further during checkout. “You don’t want to contaminate your skin with infectious virus and bacteria and the wipes can be drying and damaging to the skin,” she says. These are the dirtiest surfaces in places you frequent all the time. 

Avoid paying with cash

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When possible, James Elder, DO, internist at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth and Texas Health Physicians Group, suggests using debit cards or other forms of electronic payment. “This will reduce the need to touch paper money or coins, which can potentially carry germs,” he says. If using electronic payments is not possible, he recommends cleaning hands immediately after touching cash or coins. If you forget to wash your hands after touching money, this will convince you to stop.

Sanitize your hands

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After you’re done shopping and before you get in your car or grab your car keys or smartphone, use hand sanitizer—it’s the best way to clean your hands when water and soap are not available. Just be sure that the hand sanitizer contains at least 60 percent alcohol, notes Alex Berezow, PhD, microbiologist and Vice President Scientific Affairs for the American Council on Science and Health. “Use a healthy plop (not just a tiny drop), and be sure to rub it all over the back of your hands as well,” he says. “You should use enough sanitizer so that it doesn’t evaporate as you rub your hands for 10 to 15 seconds.” Here are the best cleaners to sanitize your phone.

Leave bags outside upon returning home

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When you get back to your house, leave the bags outside the door and carry the food in separately. “This can be annoying and take some time, but will decrease the chance that any particles could be hanging around on the plastic or paper bags,” says Lisa Saff Koche, MD, doctor of internal medicine, bariatrics, and anti-aging, and regenerative medicine, founder and director of Spectra Wellness Solutions clinic, and author of Get Lit and speaker. Should you be disinfecting your mail?

https://www.rd.com/culture/how-to-avoid-germs-when-grocery-shopping/

John 8:31-42 | Lisa Kristine | Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin

John 8:31-42 Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin

Stratum, Nepal, Modern Day Slavery Photograph by Lisa Kristine (1598-1664), Photographed in 2016, Giclee print, © Lisa Kristine Photography Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, 'If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.' They answered him, 'We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, "You will be made free"?' Jesus answered them, 'Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the Son has a place there for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father's presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.' They answered him, 'Abraham is our father.' Jesus said to them, 'If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does.' They said to him, 'We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself.' Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. READ MORE Reflection on the Photograph We all want to be free, in the fullest sense of the word. If the opposite of freedom is bondage and slavery, no one wants that. We are all enslaved to a certain extent to some bad habits or to sin. If some of these bad habits bring us temporary pleasure or make us feel good, we can even love our slavery. But when through our faith we step back from daily reality and consider happiness without that slavery, we would all want to finish with this bondage. We all ultimately aim for a simple happiness in freedom, away from any bondage or slavery. You would like to be happy in freedom, not a slave to pleasant addictions. That is what Christ is calling us to in today’s Gospel reading. Our photograph is by Lisa Kristine, an International humanitarian photographer. In many of her photographs she highlights the issues of modern-day slavery. There are currently 27 million people enslaved or in forced labour. That's more than double the number of people trafficked during the entire Transatlantic Slave Trade! In our photograph we see people, probably entire families, working in bonded labour. These people don’t have a choice. Often they get enslaved through loans they take on. Slaveholders, the only people in these poorer countries who hold money to lend, trick the borrowers into slavery through illegal, exorbitant interest rates that are impossible to repay. Children inherit the massive debt from their parents, and thus start working from a very young age too. Whilst the slavery to sin and the slavery in our artwork are different, they share the same human desire underneath, for everyone, including us, to be freed from any slavery and be free. Whilst, through grace, we hold it in our own hands to break away from the bondage of sin, unfortunately the people depicted in our photograph are powerless to break free from their enforced modern slavery… We pray today for those who are being trafficked and forcibly put to work. by Patrick van der Vorst