CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, ROMAN STYLE

Br. Phil Bara writes:

    Jesus of Nazareth, experienced the most vicious form of torturous execution found during the period of the Roman Empire. This execution had no security walls, no painless injections, or high voltage rapid currents, to ease the suffering.  There were  no ‘mercy codes’ to be followed by the executioners.

Jesus, known to many of that day as Messiah, Christ, Rabbi, Master, and Teacher, was presented before a large crowd of blood thirsty people, excited to witness anguish, and death.

Scripture states that Jesus was tortured, His body ripped apart by the slashing motions of a whip constructed of nine to twelve cords with sharp bones attached to the ends, known as a flagellum. This was followed by the placing of a crown upon His Head made by the twisting of a vine having one to two inch thorns. This coronation of our King was accompanied by the most vile of taunting, ridicule, and mockery that the society could intone in unison. As the procession continued a beam of timber was given to Jesus to carry through the streets, and up a centrally located hill known as ‘The Skull’. This timber, a piece of Creation, was then the device to which Jesus’ wrists, and ankles were attached by the use of nails/spikes that a carpenter would have used.

Upright before the people of the day, Jesus’ breathing exhausted His strength till the ability to live waned and gave way to the eventual finality.

This torture and torment lasted for three hours, till, in willing surrender Jesus gave His Life to the Creator. This was done purposefully so that the misalignment of mankind with the Creator  ould be corrected. This was done so that the Love, the Favor, and the Merciful Forgiveness of an Absolutely Pure God could conquer evil and be experienced by His people.

Following Jesus' crucifixion the body of Jesus was than placed into a cave, then secured with a large rock at its entrance. To add in protecting the society from further rumor and suspicion, a Roman Guard was placed at the cave. For three days a vigil of military might,  depression, and despair continued.

Was this the end of the Person known as: The Son of Man, Messiah, Rabbi, Master, and Christ ?

The answer to this question can be only found by the personal reading of Ancient Writings, known as ‘Gospel’ titled:          Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John.

                                                                  The End, or Just The Beginning !!!!

                                                                                 Br. Phil Bara

                

CELEBRATE THE "NOW" MOMENT

Ecclesiastes 1:9, and 3:14-17 

The scriptures that I pondered for this month of March, within this Lenten season.

Time, the man-made measuring system that is supposed to keep everything in order. Gazing at the many events

that are occurring during this measuring system we perceive  that there is a natural rhythm of activity found in all

creation. This I shall call the ‘Triangle of Order’ for the reasons that follow; all creation has (1) Creation...the beginning,

(2) the Preservation... the maturing, sustaining, nurturing stage, and (3) the Destruction...the ending of its form.

This ‘Triangle of Order’ is also rotating in a circular pattern, the ending of one form is the beginning of another, this is known by some as the ‘Circle of Life’.     Concerning mankind, there is a pattern of life that seems not to change.

Disagreeing with the harmony of ‘Natural Order’ is the continual unchanging pattern of the Human Consciousness, or the Behaviour of Mankind. Looking to the Scriptural times of the past we can see that life as a human whole is not that much different now than during those times. Sure we have many technological advances, new ways of doing things that at that time were tedious. Yet the fears, anxieties, pleasures, and basic functions of life are still the same as those of the writings. Terms of survival, health, wealth,and the competitiveness of societies are here found everyday.   This brings to my mind two other very important scriptures which contain an important word known as ‘Now’. Now faith is the substance, and Now is the time of salvation. Many other verses also contain this word ‘Now’ yet for space I only have chosen these two. The meaning of this word ‘Now’ awakens us to the present moment,  not the one before nor the one after. The moment that is now.

Yes, we realize that to capture this moment is almost an impossibility, yet with the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, this impossibility is possible. An example of this, is that during our life when we were excited

about an event to occur time seemed to slow down or even stop.  A great event occurred approximately 2,012 years ago.  Our Lord Jesus Christ nailed to a cross, spoke forth the words “It is Finished.” At that moment the preciousness of ‘Now’ occurred. The B.C. era and the A.D. era of the majority of mankind had begun. The Grace, Mercy, Compassion of our Father Creator, is the ‘Now’ time, known as the Dispensation of Grace. 

In a few days, on March 11th, many will tamper with time. Many will attempt to change the order of events.

Many will move the hands, digitals, and other items that calculate measurements of moment, ahead an hour.

I have a boggling question; “Does this moving forward of ‘time’ really change the Now moment of Natural Harmony?”

This also brings me to ask, “Who is really in command of ‘Time’ ?”  Ahhh !! With this contemplative thought lets

just Trust our Father’s Love, and Enjoy the Present Moment. The Gift that ‘Now’ Is !!!

                                                            

FEBRUARY 14

February *A Day of Love*

February,Ahh!!! The month of hearts,roses,and the expressions of Love.

On the 14th of February, on a day known as ‘Valentines Day’, named after a committed saint, one who spread the message of Love.  Many celebrate by showing to each other an Energy known as ‘Love’.     Now, don’t misunderstand me.   I enjoy candy, the fragrance of flowers, the ‘rush’ of an embrace, and all that !!  Yet, there are 365 days in a year plus 1 more during leap year. More days to express this Energy than just one day in February.  Written in a letter of Paul to the Corinthians is a list of this Energy's attributes that describe this Reality known as Love. This letter is divided into chapters for easier reference.   Chapter 13's verses 4 through 7, contain expressions of Love.   While reading the list I noticed that there are not as many expressions as there are days in a year. So !  With this in mind, we can practice these attributes of Love more than once in a year.  Impossible as some of these qualities may seem to be. The ability to do them is not as challenging as they may seem to be.  Our Creator Father has given us the Power to do them because of the life of His Holy Spirit within us.    As is written in another Scriptural Writing known as ‘Acts of the Apostles’, the Holy Spirit, the 3rd Person of the Holy Trinity has been released to us because of the agreement of The Father, the Son, Jesus, the Christ, and The Spirit of Life. This Spirit of Life is for us who believe in the Birth, Death, and Resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
     Throughout history, humans have witnessed the Reality of Love given to them through the Grace of God. Today many rely on the technology of the ‘modern modems.’  This is good because many are motivated,
encouraged, and taught many things because of all the tools of communication.  Yet, the Life giving Energy of Love is not fully realized unless there is a one to one contact of common unity.  Here is a real life example that I had recently:  I had been in a low moment of my walk of Faith.  I read the Word, prayed, e-mailed, attended services, and went for walks surrounded by the natural beauties, attempting to grasp the enthusiasm emanating from all these activities. Yes !  I am and was blessed by these and felt better.  It wasn’t till I had gone to a restaurant with a loving, alive, and encouraging friend that I realized the importance of one to one contact, the sharing of the Energy, called Love. Wow!!  The touch of another human with the proper motives is still the most wonderful sensation of Life.  Keeping our focus on Love, reaching out to another creature of God, with proper intent, and touching another human is an experience that cannot be limited to just one day in
February. As is sung in a song, “What the World Needs Now is Love,Sweet Love," and as the 1st Letter of John, chapter 4:7,8, states ----- “God is Love”!!!!  With this lets keep our motives unselfish, lets Love, and
REACH OUT and TOUCH SOMEONE !!!
All year around not just on February 14th !!!!
                                                                                         Br.Phil Bara
                                                                                         St. Christopher’s Catholic Church...

LET THERE BE LIGHT -- AND THE LIGHT CAME

Genesis 1:3
 God said “Let there be Light'”. Light was. This Light has been and is placed into every Creature that He has created. Yet mankind throughout the many previous ages, and even now, chosen not to perceive the Light but Darkness instead. This choice of darkness has caused pain, suffering, agony, and destruction of not only mankind but the entire natural order of Creation. The Father Creator with His Wisdom, Knowledge, and infinite Discernment chose to offer a solution to this quagmire of the Cosmos. He became man, shining forth the *Light* so that many would perceive the Light that leads to Freedom. This manifestation of Himself
known as Yeshua, Jesus, is the Light into flesh, The Light of the World. All who trust in Him shall not fall into darkness, but shall have the Light of Life.  The Light with, in, and through our Innermost selves will reveal to us the Darkness, and guide us into the very brightness of His Presence. The many times we are aware of our frailties, imperfections, and areas that need growth, are the many times this Light shines with, in, and through us.
Through our meditations, prayers, obedience in following direction, and our Love of others and nature, causes this Light to Shine more with, in, and through us. We grow in Light also by the meditation, and reading, of the Word of God. Allowing the guidance of the Word to lead us to encourage each other on the road of our Destiny. Yeshua, invites us to enter into the Light as He is the Light. The Omni-Power that dwells with, in, and through us is the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that created the Light at the *Beginning*.  Our encouraging each other to live alive, in, and with, the Light as our Guide, causes the Darkness to dissipate, and the
Light of Christ, to Shine more and more till the Perfect Day of His Presence.

***this message was encouraged by my *Loving Friend* Ms. Deanna.
   hammered out by me......Br. Phil

LOVE OF CHRIST URGES US ON

“Caritas Christi urget nos.”

Caritas Christi Urget Nos mean 'The Love of Christ Urges us On. The Apostle Paul states that he was held like a vise by the grip of the Love of Jesus Christ.The Omnipotent grip of Love of the Hand of God. The love of Jesus Christ holds us wherever we are. The Presence of God

is the Hand of our Loving Father Creator, the Palm of the Hand of the Source of Life.

We like babies are held tenderly with Merciful care. Yes !! We are the children of God, in reality, for the many times of His Protection proves this. His protection is a signed agreement. An agreement that has been purchased by, and signed with the Precious Blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Our responsibility is that we align ourselves

to His written Word, causing this Word to become “Rhema” or the Living Word.

Every *Blessing* that our King Jesus Christ purchased for us is available!!! Yes!! Available!!

Today, at this moment we can receive, cause to be reality, the Protecting Provisions of our Eternal Loving Father,His Son Jesus, and The Holy Ghost-The Provider of Comfort.

Stress about our interests, self-pity, worry, and fears, cause us to misalign our position.

The misalignment many times causes the *Blessings* to be misplaced, misused, and even missed.

Thanksgiving by prayer is a great aligning instrument. His Grace, and Steadfast Love, is fresh every morning, this is also an infinite supply of Mercy. There are many

scriptures that prove this Truth. 2 Corinthians 9:8, and Ephesians 3:20, are just two that will “open our eyes” and give us encouragement in having an *Attitude of Gratitude*

also known as *Thanksgiving* !!!

                                                                                       Br.Phil Bara

GOD CARES

This story is similar to a parable about a farmer who walked across a field. A short distance away, Mouse was heard squeaking, Gazing in the direction of the sounds the farmer saw that a drama was occurring. A large serpent had a Mouse entranced in a hypnotic state. All that the ‘little guy’ could do was to squeak helplessly.

The snake with years of knowledge and cunning expertise deliberately slithered closer to enchanted Mouse, The serpent was more than ever eager to partake of this delicacy. 

      Suddenly!!!

The farmer, filled with compassion for the rodent, reached into his pocket, pulled out a handkerchief, and with precision, and care he placed this cloth over the paralyzed Mouse. This mantle of cloth caused the breaking of the hypnosis upon the creature.  Liberation was the immediate result.  Mouse then scampered away filled with the Joy of knowing that he would live another day.

Let’s be thankful for the many times our Heavenly Father has rescued us with the covering of His Love, Compassion, and always attentive Mastery over our Being. Pray that we find comfort under the Mantle of His Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient, Being !!!

                                                    Brother Phil Bara

SAY "THANK YOU" -- IT IS BALM FOR THE SOUL

The two most wonderful words in any language. "Thank 

You !!" 

In Psalms 26:7 we find David mentioning the 'Voice

of Thanksgiving.'   In the sound of this soothing sentiment, he as well as we can realize
the many wonderful areas of Life.  It is this sound wave that we feel the many Blessings, Wonders, and the Ever Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ that we forget about during the days, weeks, and years that have gone by.  
St. Paul in Colossians 4:2 states that we should "continue in prayers, and watch with
Thanksgiving."
So lets just take a few seconds and focus on the many Blessings that we have at this
moment.  

Now that we, in these few short seconds were

 reminded of our many blessings,  lets say "Thank You" to our 

Father God.  Let us raise a chorus of Thanksgiving for the many times, situations and hurts 

that have been diminished by His Love.    

Spices add flavor to foods when used in proper amounts. Likewise 

appreciations and thanksgivings are similar to the 

spices, when used with sincerity and in the proper 

amount.  "Thank you" adds flavor to the communication 

among most living creatures.   An honest 'Thank You' 

will open the 'Heart of Many' for the person saying the
appreciation. One of the yearnings of many is to be
appreciated by others. The two words 'Thank You' can
change lives, heal divisions, and may even transform
the very foundation of future events. Families and many
friendships have been ignited with Love because of a
passionate 'Thank You' said at the right time.
So next time, or even now, go ahead and say two words
"Thank You " and watch what happens.
                                               Br. Phil Bara 

Divorced and wanting Communion

This is a question both my Mother and I have had since we began attending St. Mel’s Church in November 2010.  We are so excited to be back in the Church and I can honestly say that on Christmas Eve I felt so loved and welcomed.  It was a wonderful service as they all are.

Question:  My mother was excommunicated from the Catholic Faith when she divorced my father some 41 years ago.  She has since been remarried for 37 years to a great man.  I’m not sure if the circumstance of her divorce is relevant.  She has not received the sacrament of the Eucharist since her excommunication.  Is there something she can do to change that decision?  She would like to be able to receive the Eucharist as it would allow her to feel a bigger part of the Parish Community.

As for myself, I too recently suffered through a divorce and I believe that until I confess/repent, I am not allowed to receive the Eucharist.

Please forgive me if my facts are incorrect.  I’ve tried to keep this simple and to the point.  Thank you for reading this e-mail!

Anonymous

ParishWorld is tremendous

The work Parish World does to spread the Word is tremendous. I wish you success and continuity in 2011. Ad Multos.
- Father Ambrose, St. Aloysius Cath. Church, Buckley, WA

Edcellent Catechesis - Weekly!

I just want to commend you on your introduction to all the articles on Parish World. It is really exellent--every week. I found that I had to read every article, and they were all excellent. I wish that every Catholic--and Protestant--subscribed to Parish World. We need this kind of catechesis. May the Lord bless you and your ministry.

Lenora Grimaud

You're our virtual parish experts

This is the second year that our parish is using Parish World and we love it! It's so easy to use! If you know how to send an email, you will know how to update and manage your website. Their technical support team goes out of their way to check on how I'm doing on the site and to answer my questions. They're like our virtual parish experts - for no additional charge! Thanks, Parish World!

Gino Galley,
Webmaster for Blessed John XXIII Catholic Church
Fontana and Rialto, California.

Love the website

I am a grandmother living in Manhattan Beach, CA and my youngest daughter and family (3 children) live in Northridge, CA. I saw your site and am going to try once more to interest this lapsed Catholic daughter in returning to the Church in which she was raised, for herself and for her children.

I love your website and wonder if you would offer a prayer that I might be successful in this mission. My little granddaughter has asked many times to go to Church and so her mother has agreed to meet me for Mass if I would pick the Church and so it is to Our Lady of Lourdes we will go! I don't know Northridge very well and hope it is near her.

My second goal, God willing, is to get these children enrolled in Catholic school! Please pray for me that God and our Blessed Lady of Lourdes hears this prayer.

Teresa Dixon

Glad to switch to ParishWorld

"I have been getting good comments about our parish website from ParishWorld.net. I am very glad we made the switch."
- Fr. Dennis Diehl, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Fulton, MD

Prolific and powerful

Keep up the great work, Wally. You are not only prolific in your writing, but powerful.

- Wes Schaeffer

Thank you and may God bless.

My parish is St Dorothy in Glendora CA and I have sent the link of ParishWorld to family and friends, and I really think they have enjoyed the site too. I really do enjoy the weekly e-mail from Parishworld. Thank you and may God bless.

JoAnn Chavez

Proud of our parish website

Many thanks for your many efforts on our behalf and for your support of Ernie in all of his incredible efforts. I am confident that our new website will be something we can take much pride in.

Gratefully,

Fr. Ray Benoit
Saint Margaret Parish
Lowell, MA

Thank you for ParishWorld.net.

One Happy Family
By Corazon B.

Just wanted you to know how happy my family is since I started receiving Catholic Living Today email every week from ParishWorld. It became easier for me and my husband to talk about the Mass readings and gospel on Sundays to our children, which we normally discuss during dinner after we hear Mass. We require our kids, especially our teenage daughter to listen carefully to the homily for purposes of discussion at dinnertime. This encourages our kids to be attentive and really pray during the mass. If they didn't clearly understand the priest, we are able to explain further to them because of the emails that I receive every Friday. Thank you for ParishWorld.net.

We enjoy Parish World!

God bless you for your wonderful apostolate. We enjoy Parish World!

Sister Agnes
Sacred Heart Kids' Club

What If This Is Your Last Lent?

By The Catholic Truth Lay Apostolate

How would you react if you were told that this was your last Lent before facing God’s judgment?

Would you take a closer look at your life and search more thoroughly for areas needing improvement? Would you spend some extra time in prayer each day? Would you examine your conscience every evening, making sure all of your actions were Christ-like? Would you make it a point to receive the sacrament of Confession?

If this was your final opportunity to repent before facing death, would you do anything differently? The Church gives us this great season of repentance to look at our lives and make changes. There is no guarantee that we’ll ever have another chance.

In a few weeks, we’ll celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord. Why not use the remainder of Lent to make sure you’re ready for that celebration…or your judgment before Almighty God.

Thanks

"Thank you for all your hard work."

Hermie Abrigo
Allstate Insurance Company
Moreno Valley, CA