IF YOU CAN, HEAL MY SON -- I DO BELIEVE, HELP MY UNBELIEF

"'If you can?' said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." The father then requested, “I do believe, help my unbelief.”  This is the Scripture that awakened my meditative self this evening.
As I attended the weekly Bible Study at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church.  I was surprised at the depth of the description that was both attention getting, and entertaining.  The awareness of the fact that commitment, obedience with Faith, will cause us to receive the
many things that we request from our Heavenly Father. This was illustrated by the scene when our Lord Jesus healed the epileptic son of a believing, sincere, and requesting dad. The scene also
cast light upon a Faith fact, that even when things seem "dead", our Lord Jesus will reach out, take us by the hand, and raise us up. Whatever the situation may be, Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief.
In the many events of our life there are times when we ask with seemingly no results forthcoming, till we do even more like give up certain areas that may be pleasurable. This would be called fasting. There is a Fasting that I do,it can be found in Isaiah 58:6 -12.   Many times I have received that which I have asked in prayer by following this fasting regime.

I also learned two new Latin phrases that amazed me in their meaning; Ex opere operato, which means the sacrament has the quality of effective Grace contained in its specific nature. 
The other was Ex opere operantis, which is the fullness of the expression of the sacrament united to the spiritual depth of the individual imparting the sacrament and to the spiritual depth (faith) of those receiving it. This really was a confirming fact for me because many times when I was ‘prayed up’, the sacrament was much more meaningful. 

In addition to the Scriptural explanation there was a discussion about how through a short span of ecclesiastical years the Bible gained widespread popular importance in the Roman Catholic Church. When we take the many years of the Church’s Life, the time span from Pope Leo XIII, to the present Pope Benedict XVI, is a relatively short period of time. The changes of Vatican I and Vatican II, really assisted in the furtherance of understanding the ‘Set of Books’ known as The Bible among the faithful. 
For many whot get confused in the many sets of Character changing values, and Life transforming statements, be comforted that in the Catholic Faith is found the stability of Tradition, as well as
the Truth of God’s Word.  Put these two Realities together and we have a Fortress that will not be overthrown because “the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it”.
I could continue with the many eye opening bits of knowledge that were gained during my night at the ‘Bible Study’ with St. Christopher’s gathering. To really get a ‘Bite Out of the Bible’ come out on Wednesday nights at St. Christopher’s Bible Study gathering .
                                                                                   Br. Phil Bara

WHO WILL GO?

Isaiah 6:8--- Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send ? Who will go for us ?”  I said, “ Here I am. Send me!”

New International Version (NIV)

The question that lingers, and has lingered for many ages is  “ Who will go?”  This question has presently awakened many, yet there are many who still wait on the sidelines for others to take the necessary actions.  We see that the areas of social growth are still based on the many moral half truths, recreational titillations, and the soothing of ‘itching ears’.

The Scripture Isaiah 6:8, was written over a thousand years ago. The Truth of the verse is still very much as effective today as then. When we prepare ourselves with the fullness of the Word of God, we amaze the listeners to a point that the facts are gathered like ripe grapes, and put to productive use.  The amazement is not always positive.  Some take the grapes and  tread angrily on them because the taste is too difficult to savor.

In my answer to the important question concerning going, I refer to the response that Isaiah gave above. The one’s who will go, are the few, who diligently study, discipline themselves to the point of limitation, and prepare their entire selves for the mission. Future society will only listen to the

teachers, guides, and ministers, who are prepared to convey the ‘Truth, Reality, and the Wisdom’ that has been experienced, and proven.  The cost of this evolution with ‘mankind’ still is paid for with the determination, sweat, tears, and blood, of the *True Students and Disciples* of today .

So in ending this I also ask “ Who will go ?”

Br. Phil Bara

FATHERS DAY IN HEAVEN

FATHERS DAY

  Every year in June there is a celebration day set aside for Fathers. Perhaps so that we guys would not feel left out because of the day in May known as Mothers Day.   When we say the word father what comes to mind? For the most of us it is the figure of a strong, brave, supportive, defending, and authoritative male.

      Many of us had fathers who carried these characteristics. To those that had no father or male figure in their lives with these characteristics, be comforted by the fact that there is One Who has these, plus much more. I remember on many an occasion competing with my father in many different ways as I was growing.  I did it while always realizing that my dad was either more experienced in the area, or that I needed to learn more about how to play the game.

     My Father was a strong, supportive, and authoritative gentleman with the ‘old Northern European’ ways.  I can remember some of the quality sayings that he taught me; “That what I have said I will do.” is one that personally I am still attempting to discipline myself with. Another that comes to my mind is “Actions speak louder than words.” Along with this one is the one that put the reverence of Life into me; “Obey, what I say, or you will pay.” This one, and my behavior, resulted in his placing a heavily calloused hand on the section of my body I sit on.

    As I was reflecting about Fathers day a Scripture came to my mind. The verse is found in Romans chapter 8 verse 15, where we read that the Holy Spirit dwelling within our Hearts causes us to be adopted children of God, the Creator, calls out ‘Abba’ Father! This confirms the fact that we have as our Father, the Creator of the Entire Universe!! The prayer found in Mathew chapter 6, taught by our Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples, and also to us who believe in Jesus, also states the important fact that our Father is in Heaven, meaning that God is our Father.

   Our Earthly fathers are limited to the characteristics of strength, courage, support, defending abilities, and authority. Our Heavenly Father is limitless in these characteristics even to the magnitude known as ‘Omni’ which means more than enough, beyond comprehension, and everlasting. Omni also is not measureable, beyond description.

   As we ponder the beauty of creation that surrounds us, let’s look beyond all of this and perceive our Father, the One, Who, because of His Love for us created the many manifestations of all that we see surrounding us. As our earthly fathers have given us directions for us to follow so that we may grow, so Our Heavenly Father has also given us directions so that we may grow into being the sons and daughters of His Family. The scriptures, the teachings of our Apostolic Catholic Church, and the Guidance of the Holy Spirit within our Hearts, are where we find the ‘Directions’ which we are to follow. These ‘Directions’ are the steps that guide us to the Everlasting Loving and Arms of our Heavenly Poppa, Daddy.

   With a contemplative Heart on this ‘Fathers Day’ let’s really reach out to one another as brothers and sisters, and together let’s say: Our Father, we Love You, and we Thank You!!! Happy Fathers Day!!!
Br. Phil Bara

I WAS SICK AND I CALLED YOU and YOU CAME

James 5:14-16 gives very specific instructions about healing: “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” 

This month of May is a month of the freshness of Springtime. The birds are hatching, the animals are growing, and all of Nature is jumping with the newness of the pre-summer season known as *Spring*. Healthy ideas also seem to arrive in the minds of many during this time.

Healthy activities are being done continually throughout the year, diligently by the advocates of Health. Yet, some have areas that are not at a level harmonious to the active lifestyle needed to maintain health. With this in mind I found in Scripture that the Father Creator's Will is that we be in Health, and that we prosper even as our souls (Inner Self, Nóus,) thrives to be in health and prosper. 

The stated facts of James 5:14-16, that when we pray for the sick united with others of Faith our Lord will heal and restore Health to those for whom we pray.  Also with this 'charism' we see that forgiveness of sin is given, as well as healing when reconciliation with our King Jesus Christ and the fellowship with others is actively requested. So as the season of Spring shines with the newness of Life, may we, as trusting disciples of the Way, Truth, and Life, be more aware of the many areas of Life that need our effective intercession.

May is also the month of our Mother Mary, may we imitate her tender care and pray for the Health, of not only people but of all the Father Creator's work.

                                                                                                 SHALOM......nothing missing / nothing broken !!!!

                                                                                                                      Br. Phil Bara                                                                                   

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