THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 24th, 2014
Liturgical texts here
IT is called the “Guiding Star” because it appears to be fixed in the night sky as an infallible point of reference. Polaris, as it’s called, is nothing less than a parable of the Church, which has its visible sign in the papacy.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 22nd – 23rd, 2014
Memorial of St. Pio of Pietrelcina today
Liturgical texts here
THE readings the past two days speak of the justice and care that is due our neighbour in the way that God deems someone to be just. And that can be summarized essentially in the commandment of Jesus:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:31)
This simple statement can and should radically alter the way you treat your neighbour today. And this is very simple to do. Imagine yourself without clean clothing or not enough food; imagine yourself jobless and depressed; imagine yourself alone or grieving, misunderstood or afraid… and how would you want others to respond to you? Go then and do this to others.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 18th, 2014
Opt. Memorial of St. Januarius
Liturgical texts here
A LOT hinges on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As St. Paul says today:
…if Christ has not been raised, then empty too is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. (First reading)
It’s all in vain if Jesus is not alive today. It would mean that death has conquered all and “you are still in your sins.”
But it is precisely the Resurrection that makes any sense of the early Church. I mean, if Christ had not risen, why would His followers go to their brutal deaths insisting on a lie, a fabrication, a thin hope? It’s not like they were trying to build a powerful organization—they chose a life of poverty and service. If anything, you’d think these men would have readily abandoned their faith in the face of their persecutors saying, “Well look, it was quite the three years we lived with Jesus! But no, he’s gone now, and that’s that.” The only thing that makes sense of their radical turnabout after His death is that they saw Him risen from the dead.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 18th, 2014
Liturgical texts here
THE very heart of Catholicism is not Mary; it is not the Pope nor even the Sacraments. It is not even Jesus, per se. Rather it is what Jesus has done for us. Because John writes that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” But unless the next thing happens…
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 17th, 2014
Opt. Memorial of Saint Robert Bellarmine
Liturgical texts here
THE Catholic Church is an incredible gift to God’s people. For it is true, and it always has been, that we can turn to her not only for the sweetness of the Sacraments but also to draw upon the infallible Revelation of Jesus Christ that sets us free.
Still, we see dimly.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 16th, 2014
Memorial of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, Martyrs
Liturgical texts here
IT’s a question no “bible-believing” Protestant Christian has ever been able to answer for me in the nearly twenty years I’ve been in public ministry: whose interpretation of Scripture is the right one? Every once in awhile, I receive letters from readers who want to set me straight on my interpretation of the Word. But I always write them back and say, “Well, it’s not my interpretation of the Scriptures—it’s the Church’s. After all, it was the Catholic Bishops at the councils of Carthage and Hippo (393, 397, 419 AD) who determined what was to be deemed the “canon” of Scripture, and which writings were not. It only makes sense to go to the ones who put the Bible together for its interpretation.”
But I tell you, the vacuum of logic among Christians is at times stunning.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 15th, 2014
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
Liturgical texts here
I stood and watched as tears welled in her eyes. They ran down her cheek and formed drops on her chin. She looked as though her heart could break. Only a day before, she had appeared peaceful, even joyful… but now her face seemed to betray the deep sorrow in her heart. I could only ask “Why…?”, but there was no answer in the rose-scented air, since the Woman I was looking at was a statue of Our Lady of Fatima.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 12th, 2014
The Holy Name of Mary
Liturgical texts here
DON’T look back, my brother! Don’t give up, my sister! We are running the Race of all races. Are you weary? Then stop for a moment with me, here by the oasis of God’s Word, and let us catch our breath together. I am running, and I see you all running, some ahead, some behind. And so I’m stopping and waiting for those of you who are tired and discouraged. I am with you. God is with us. Let’s rest upon His heart for a moment…
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 11th, 2014
Liturgical texts here
DO you find yourself agitated when you hear such statements as “detach yourself from possessions” or “renounce the world”, etc.? If so, it’s often because we have a distorted view of what Christianity is all about—that it is the religion of pain and punishment.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 10th, 2014
Liturgical texts here
THERE was an expectation in the early Church that Jesus was going to return soon. Thus Paul says to the Corinthians in today’s first reading that “time is running out.” Because of “the present distress”, he offers advice on marriage, suggesting that those who are single remain celibate. And he goes further…
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 9th, 2014
Memorial of St. Peter Claver
Liturgical texts here
IF we are to be co-workers with God, this implies much more than simply “working for” God. It means being in communion with Him. As Jesus said,
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit. (John 15:5)
But this communion with God is predicated on a vital condition of the soul: purity. God is holy; He is a pure being, and He joins to Himself only that which is pure. [1]from this flows the theology of Purgatory. See On Temporal Punishment Jesus said to St. Faustina:
Footnotes
| ↑1 | from this flows the theology of Purgatory. See On Temporal Punishment |
|---|
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 8th, 2014
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Liturgical texts here
I hope you have had a chance to read my meditation on Mary, The Masterwork. Because, really, it reveals a truth about who you are and should be in Christ. After all, what we say of Mary can be said of the Church, and by this is meant not only the Church as a whole, but individuals on a certain level as well.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 1st – September 6th, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
THE first evangelists—it might surprise you to know—were not the Apostles. They were demons.
I laughed, I cried, I was riveted to the very last word. But perhaps more than anything, I was astonished that such a young mind could conceive The Tree, a new novel by my 20-year-old daughter Denise…
Begun when she was thirteen, and now finished seven years later, The Tree has been stunning reviewers. I am more than excited to share what they’re saying about this new book that, set in a medieval period, is a journey through raw emotion, suffering, and mysticism. We are proud to announce today the release of The Tree!
The Immaculate Conception, by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1767)
WHAT did you say? That Mary is the refuge that God is giving us in these times? [1]cf. The Rapture, the Ruse, and the Refuge
It sounds like heresy, doesn’t it. After all, isn’t Jesus our refuge? Isn’t He the “mediator” between man and God? Isn’t His the only name by which we are saved? Is He not the Savior of the world? Yes, all this is true. But how the Savior wishes to save us is a completely different matter. How the merits of the Cross are applied is an altogether mysterious, beautiful, and awesome unfolding story. It is within this application of our redemption that Mary finds her place as the crown of God’s masterplan in redemption, after Our Lord Himself.
Footnotes
| ↑1 | cf. The Rapture, the Ruse, and the Refuge |
|---|
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for August 25th – August 30th, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
JESUS must have been surprised when, standing in the temple, going about his “Father’s business”, his mother told Him it was time to come home. Remarkably, for the next 18 years, all we know from the Gospels is that Jesus must have entered into a profound emptying of self, knowing that He came to save the world… but not yet. Instead, there, at home, he entered into the mundane “duty of the moment.” There, in the confines of the little community of Nazareth, carpentry tools became the little sacramentals by which the Son of God learned the “art of obedience.”
WARM greetings to my family of readers! Just an update on things here…
As you know, my laptop was fried by lightning a couple weeks ago, and as a result, I have been unable to do some writing while on the go. The end result is that I’ve been falling behind. But at last with a new computer in hand, I will resume the Now Word this coming week, continuing at this point with a weekly summary of the Mass readings.
ON THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
August 15th, 2014
IT came to me as clear as a bell during Mass: there is one refuge that God is giving us in these times. Just as in the days of Noah there was only one ark, so too today, there is only one Ark being provided in this present and coming Storm. Not only did the Lord send Our Lady to warn of the spread of global Communism, [1]cf. The Fall of Mystery Babylon but she also gave us the means to endure and be protected throughout this difficult period…
…and it won’t be a “rapture.”
Footnotes
| ↑1 | cf. The Fall of Mystery Babylon |
|---|
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for August 4th – August 9th, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
DEAR friends, as you may have read already, a lightning storm took out my computer this week. As such, I’ve been scrambling to get back on track with writing with a backup and getting another computer on order. To make matters worse, the building where our main office is located had it’s heating ducts and plumbing come crashing down! Hm… I think it was Jesus Himself who said that the Kingdom of Heaven is taken by violence. Indeed!
AS I mentioned recently, when you come between the Woman and the dragon, you’re entering a primordial battle!
A storm passed over today and a near lightning strike fried my computer (even though it was plugged into a powerbar)! Fortunately, it was backed up to a hard drive… unfortunately, the computer is damaged.
But it gives me an excuse to introduce (at my office manager’s behest) our new Donation page that makes it way easier for supporters to contribute to this ministry. Just click the button below, and donating on a monthly, annual, or one-time basis has been streamlined. We’ve heard your complaints, and hope you will appreciate the new design.
And suddenly, we need some extra help!
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for July 28th – August 2nd, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
PAUSE, take a moment, and reset your soul. By this, I mean, remind yourself that this is all real. That God exists; that there are angels around you, saints praying for you, and a Mother who has been sent to lead you into battle. Take a moment… think of those inexplicable miracles in your life and others that have been sure signs of God’s activity, from the gift of this morning’s sunrise to even the more dramatic of physical cures… the “miracle of the sun” witnessed by tens of thousands at Fatima… the stigmata of saints like Pio… the Eucharistic miracles… the incorruptible bodies of saints… the “near-death” testimonies… the transformation of great sinners into saints… the quiet miracles that God constantly does in your life by renewing His mercies toward you each morning.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for July 21st – July 26th, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
IN truth, brothers and sisters, since writing the “Flame of Love” series on our Mother and Lord’s plan (see The Convergence and the Blessing, More on the Flame of Love, and The Rising Morning Star), I have had a very difficult time writing anything since then. If you’re going to promote the Woman, the dragon is never far behind. It’s all a good sign. Ultimately, it is the sign of the Cross.
THERE is coming a time, and it is already here, when there is going to be great confusion in the world and in the Church. After Pope Benedict resigned, I sensed the Lord warning me about this over and over again. And now we see it unfolding rapidly around us—in the world and in the Church.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for July 14th – July 19th, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
Reaping the Whirlwind, Artist Unknown
IN last week’s readings, we heard the prophet Hosea proclaim:
When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind. (Hos 8:7)
Several years ago, as I stood in a farm field watching a storm approach, the Lord showed me in spirit that a great hurricane was coming upon the world. As my writings unfolded, I began to understand that what was coming head-on toward our generation was the definitive breaking of the seals of Revelation (see The Seven Seals of Revolution). But these seals are not God’s punitive justice per se—they are, rather, man reaping the whirlwind of his own conduct. Yes, the wars, plagues, and even disruptions in weather and the earth’s crust are often man-made (see The Land is Mourning). And I wish to say it again… no, not say it—I am shouting now—the Storm is upon us! It is now here!
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for July 7th – July 12th, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
I have had a lot time to pray, think, and listen this week while haying on my tractor. Most especially about the people that I have met through this mysterious writing apostolate. I am referring to those faithful servants and messengers of the Lord who, like me, have been charged with watching, praying, and then speaking about the times we are living in. Remarkably, we have all come from different directions, wandering through the dark, dense, and oft times dangerous forests of prophecy, only to arrive at the same point: in the Clearing of a united message.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for June 30th – July 5th, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
WHY now? I mean, why has the Lord inspired me, after eight years, to begin this new column called “the Now Word”, reflections on the daily Mass readings? I believe it is because the readings are speaking to us directly, rhythmically, as biblical events unfold now in real time. I don’t mean to be presumptuous when I say that. But after eight years of writing to you about coming events, as summarized in The Seven Seals of Revolution, we are now seeing them unfold in real time. (I once told my spiritual director that I was terrified to write something that may be wrong. And he replied, “Well, you’re already a fool for Christ. If you’re wrong, you’ll just be a fool for Christ—with egg on your face.”)
THERE is plenty happening in our world today to shake the faith of believers. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find souls who are remaining steadfast in their Christian faith without compromise, without giving up, without caving in to the pressures and temptations of the world. But this raises a question: just what exactly is my faith to be in? The Church? Mary? The Sacraments…?
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for June 23rd – June 28th, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
“The Two Hearts” by Tommy Christopher Canning
IN my recent meditation, The Rising Morning Star, we see through Scripture and Tradition how the Blessed Mother has a significant role in not only the first, but second coming of Jesus. So intermingled are Christ and His mother that we often refer to their mystical union as the “Two Hearts” (whose feasts we celebrated this past Friday and Saturday). As a symbol and type of the Church, her role in these “end times” is likewise a type and sign of the Church’s role in bringing about the triumph of Christ over the satanic kingdom spreading over the world.
ON July 1st, 2014, Canada’s new anti-spam law comes into effect. While The Now Word is a subscription based service only, we have to be certain that we are in compliance with Canada’s new laws. You are subscribed to one or both of Mark Mallett’s email lists:
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Mark Mallett
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THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for June 16th – June 21st, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
Elijah
HE was one of the most influential prophets of the Old Testament. In fact, his end here on earth is nearly mythological in status since, well… he didn’t have an end.
As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. (Wednesday’s first reading)
Tradition teaches that Elijah was taken to “paradise” where he has been preserved from corruption, but that his role on earth has not ended.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for June 9th – June 14th, 2014
Ordinary Time
Liturgical texts here
Elijah Sleeping, by Michael D. O’Brien
THE beginning of true life in Jesus is the moment when you recognize that you are utterly corrupt—poor in virtue, holiness, goodness. That would seem to be the moment, one would think, for all despair; the moment when God declares that you are rightly damned; the moment when all joy caves in and life is nothing more than a drawn out, hopeless eulogy…. But then, that is precisely the moment when Jesus says, “Come, I wish to dine in your house”; when He says, “This day you will be with me in paradise”; when He says, “Do you love me? Then feed my sheep.” This is the paradox of salvation that Satan continually tries to hide from the human mind. For while he cries out that you are worthy to be damned, Jesus says that, because you are damnable, you are worthy to be saved.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for June 2nd – June 7th, 2014
of the Seventh Week of Easter
Liturgical texts here
DO you only debate with others over morality, or do you also share with them your love for Jesus and what He is doing in your life? Many Catholics today are very comfortable with the former, but not with the latter. We can make our intellectual views known, and sometimes forcefully, but then we are quiet, if not silent, when it comes to opening our hearts. This can be for two basic reasons: either we are ashamed to share what Jesus is doing in our souls, or we actually have nothing to say because our inner life with Him is neglected and dead, a branch disconnected from the Vine… a light bulb unscrewed from the Socket.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 26th – 31st, 2014
of the Sixth Week of Easter
Liturgical texts here
THERE is a perception in the Church that evangelization is for a chosen few. We hold conferences or parish missions and those “chosen few” come and speak to us, evangelize, and teach. But as for the rest of us, our duty is to simply go to Mass and keep from sin.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
JESUS said, “The wind blows where it wills… so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” That seemed to be the case in His own ministry when He would plan to do one thing, but the crowds would determine a different path. Likewise, St. Paul would often set sail for a destination but be thwarted by bad weather, persecution or the Spirit.
I have found this ministry to be no different over the years. Often when I say, “This is what I shall do…”, the Lord has other plans. Such is the case again. I sense the Lord wanting me to focus right now on some very important writings—some “words” that have been brewing for over two years. Without an elongated and unnecessary explanation, I don’t think many people understand that this is not my blog. I have so many things I would like to say, but there is a clear agenda that is not my own, an organic unfolding of “word.” Spiritual direction in this regard has been invaluable in helping me to step aside (as much as possible!) to let the Lord have His way. I hope that is happening for His sake and yours.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 23rd, 2014
Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Liturgical texts here
THERE are two powerful temptations that the Church is going to face in the days ahead to draw souls from the narrow road that leads to life. One is what we examined yesterday—the voices who wish to shame us for holding fast to the Gospel.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 22nd, 2014
Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Opt. Mem. St. Rita of Cascia
Liturgical texts here
LAST year in The Sixth Day, I wrote that, ‘Pope Benedict XVI in many ways is the last “gift” of a generation of giant theologians who have guided the Church through the Storm of apostasy that is now going to break out in all its force upon the world. The next pope will guide us too… but he is ascending a throne that the world wishes to overturn.’ [1]cf. The Sixth Day
That Storm is now upon us. That terrible rebellion against the seat of Peter—the teachings preserved and derived from the Vine of Apostolic Tradition—is here. In a candid and necessary speech last week, Princeton Professor Robert P. George said:
Footnotes
| ↑1 | cf. The Sixth Day |
|---|
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 21st, 2014
Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Opt. Mem. St. Christopher Magallanes & Companions
Liturgical texts here
Christ True Vine, Unknown
WHEN Jesus promised that He would send the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, that did not mean that doctrines would come easily without need for discernment, prayer, and dialogue. That’s evident in today’s first reading as Paul and Barnabas seek out the Apostles to clarify certain aspects of the Jewish law. I am reminded in recent times of the teachings of Humanae Vitae, and how there was much disagreement, consultation, and prayer before Paul VI delivered his beautiful teaching. And now, a Synod on the Family will convene this October in which issues at the very heart, not only of the Church but of civilization, are being discussed with no little consequences:
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 20th, 2014
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Liturgical texts here
‘VICTORY over the “prince of this world” was won once for all at the Hour when Jesus freely gave himself up to death to give us his life.’ [1]Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2853 The Kingdom of God has been coming since the Last Supper, and continues to come into our midst through the Holy Eucharist. [2]CCC, n. 2816 As today’s Psalm says, “Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations.” If that is so, why does Jesus say in today’s Gospel:
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 19th, 2014
Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Liturgical texts here
IT is common to hear those opposed to Catholicism invoke arguments such as: Christianity is just borrowed from pagan religions; that Christ is a mythological invention; or that the Catholic Feast days, such as Christmas and Easter, are just paganism with a face-lift. But there is an entirely different perspective on paganism that St. Paul reveals in today’s Mass readings.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 16th, 2014
Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Liturgical texts here
WHEN you look at skin up close, very close, suddenly it doesn’t look so nice! A beautiful face, under a microscope, can look quite unattractive. But take a step back, and all one sees is the big picture that together—eyes, nose, mouth, hair—is lovely, despite the little flaws.
All week, we have been reflecting on God’s plan of salvation. And we need to. Otherwise, we get drawn into the small picture, looking at our own times through a microscope that can make things look rather frightening.
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 15th, 2014
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Liturgical texts here
Israel, from a different perspective…
THERE are two reasons souls fall asleep to the voice of God speaking through His prophets and the “signs of the times” in their generation. One is that people simply don’t want to hear that everything is not peachy.
It’s our very sleepiness to the presence of God that renders us insensitive to evil: we don’t hear God because we don’t want to be disturbed, and so we remain indifferent to evil… the disciples’ sleepiness [in Gethsemane] is not a problem of that one moment, rather of the whole of history, ‘the sleepiness’ is ours, of those of us who do not want to see the full force of evil and do not want to enter into his Passion. —POPE BENEDICT XVI, Catholic News Agency, Vatican City, Apr 20, 2011, General Audience
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 14th, 2014
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle
Liturgical texts here
St. Matthias, by Peter Paul Rubens (1577 – 1640)
I often ask non-Catholics who wish to debate the Church’s authority: “Why did the Apostles have to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot after his death? What’s the big deal? St. Luke records in the Acts of the Apostles that, as the first community gathered in Jerusalem, ‘there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place.’ [1]cf. Acts 1:15 So there were plenty of believers on hand. Why, then, did the office of Judas have to be filled?”
Footnotes
| ↑1 | cf. Acts 1:15 |
|---|
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 13th, 2014
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Opt. Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima
Liturgical texts here
Our Lady of All Nations
THE unity of Christians, indeed all peoples, is the heartbeat and infallible vision of Jesus. St. John captured Our Lord’s cry in a beautiful prayer for the Apostles, and the nations that would hear their preaching:
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 12th, 2014
Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Liturgical texts here
Peace is Coming, by Jon McNaughton
HOW many Catholics ever pause to think that there is a global plan of salvation underway? That God is working each and every moment toward the fulfillment of that plan? When people look up at the clouds floating by, few think of the near infinite expanse of galaxies and planetary systems that lay beyond. They see clouds, a bird, a storm, and continue on without reflecting on the mystery lying beyond the heavens. Soo too, few souls look beyond the present day triumphs and storms and realize that they are leading toward the fulfillment of Christ’s promises, expressed in today’s Gospel:
THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for May 9th, 2014
Friday of the Third Week of Easter
Liturgical texts here
Flower springing up after a forest fire
ALL must appear lost. All must appear as if evil has won. The grain of wheat must fall into the ground and die…. and only then does it bear fruit. So it was with Jesus… Calvary… the Tomb… it was as though darkness had crushed the light.
But then Light burst forth from the abyss, and in a moment, darkness was vanquished.