“Hey, Turn Around Bright Eyes,” or conversion, is the lead topic of this episode of “The Spiritual Journey Podcast with Kris McGregor.” A portion of this podcast was originally recorded during an episode of “The Good Book Club” segment on the Spirit Morning Show. Kris reflects on the story of King David and the composing of Psalm 51.
PSALM 51
Miserere
For the choirmaster
Psalm Of David
When the prophet Nathan came to him because he had been with Bathsheba
51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness, in your great tenderness wipe away my faults;
51:2 wash me clean of my guilt, purify me from my sin.
51:3 For I am well aware of my faults, I have my sin constantly in mind,
51:4 having sinned against none other than you, having done what you regard as wrong. You are just when you pass sentence on me, blameless when you give judgement.
51:5 You know I was born guilty, a sinner from the moment of conception.
51:6 Yet, since you love sincerity of heart, teach me the secrets of wisdom.
51:7 Purify me with hyssop[*a] until I am clean; wash me until I am whiter than snow.
51:8 Instil some joy and gladness into me, let the bones you have crushed rejoice again.
51:9 Hide your face from my sins, wipe out all my guilt.
51:10 God, create a clean heart in me, put into me a new and constant spirit,
51:11 do not banish me from your presence, do not deprive me of your holy spirit.
51:12 Be my saviour again, renew my joy, keep my spirit steady and willing;
51:13 and I shall teach transgressors the way to you, and to you the sinners will return.
51:14 Save me from death, God my saviour, and my tongue will acclaim your righteousness;
51:15 Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will speak out your praise.
51:16 Sacrifice gives you no pleasure, were I to offer holocaust, you would not have it.
51:17 My sacrifice is this broken spirit, you will not scorn this crushed and broken heart.
51:18 Show your favour graciously to Zion, rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.[*b]
51:19 Then there will be proper sacrifice to please you – holocaust and whole oblation – and young bulls to be offered on your altar.
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission. Other resources that might be helpful:
An ordinary woman who has experienced extraordinary grace and wow, look what God has done! Abby Johnson, author of “unPlanned: the dramatic true story of a former Planned Parenthood leader’s eye-opening journey across the life line”, is a courageous woman who has brought forward not just the Planned Parenthood story (at times nightmarish in their behavior), but more importantly, her story…the journey of conversion, forgiveness, and witness. Abby didn’t go looking for the spotlight, but she didn’t say “no” when it fell on her either. Now she is standing up for life and exposing the reality of Planned Parenthood and the beautiful options for life that are truly available. She can truly say, with all integrity, that she knows both sides of the battle, and she is choosing life! Be sure to get the “Catholic Edition” by Ignatius Press. Visit Abby’s website here.
“What I have told people for years,
what I’ve believed and taught and defended, is a lie.
What if I’d known the truth,
and what if I’d told all those women?”
Abby Johnson quit her job in October 2009. That simple act became a national news story. Abby was director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas, but not long after assisting in an actual abortion procedure for the first time, she crossed the line to join the Coalition for Life. What happened in that clinic to cause this Planned Parenthood leader and Employee of the Year to take such drastic action? And how did Planned Parenthood react to her abrupt departure?
Abby reveals her full story in Unplanned: a heart-stopping personal drama of life-and-death encounters, a courtroom battle, and spiritual transformation. Now in an updated edition, Abby’s unique vantage point from both sides of the abortion clinic property line shines light and compassion into the personal and political controversy that surrounds this issue. For anyone who cares about the life-versus-rights debate and helping women who face crisis pregnancies, Unplanned is a must-read.
What a delight to talk with Ashley Hales about her book “Finding Holy in the Subrubs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much.” This book is about bringing things out into the light. We discuss the “idols” of the suburbs and the challenges of being truly present to our neighbors.
What does it look like to live a full Christian life in the suburbs? Suburbs reflect our good, God-given desire for a place to call home. And suburbs also reflect our own brokenness. This book is an invitation to look deeply into your soul as a suburbanite and discover what it means to live holy there.
Episode 4 -Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion – “The Desert of Sin”
“Any moral conversion, if it is to be real, must work its way into our minds and hearts. The conversion we undergo is one that transforms our entire person, and so our thought processes, habits, perceptions, and affections all become realigned to a new way of seeing good and evil Patience with ourselves, as well as with ohters who are also in the midst of conversion, becomes the key virtue to cultivate. God knows we are on the right track once we embrace such a conversion, and so being gentle on ourselves is not a sign of laxity or weakness of will, but a sign of wisdom.
Of course, the start of a moral conversion can be dramatic and jumpstart a change, but over the long haul of life, the heart of a person must be fully cooperative; otherwise, the person will not adhere to the moral truth for long.”
Keating, James (2012-07-20). Liguori Publications. Kindle Edition.
Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., the director of Theological Formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation.
“Conversion: Spiritual Insights Into an Essential Encounter with God” is another wonderful offering of spiritual reflections by Fr. Donald Haggerty! What is “conversion”? Fr. Haggerty brings us to a clearer understanding by relating it in our life in God. Sin, mercy, and responding to the will of God are just some of the elements he addresses in this deeply penetrating book. Take a listen to our conversation and then obtain a copy of the book for yourself and friend. An excellent gift for the questing heart.
“Fr. Haggerty uses a clear and direct style to make the point that conversion is the daily heartfelt response of a disciple to the Master.” —Fr. George Rutler, Author, He Spoke to Us
“This is that rarest book, one that needs no praise because its spiritual truth and radical love are evident on every page.” —Matthew Levering, Ph.D., Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary
The Messiah Must Come from King David’s Royal Lineage. The Genealogy of Jesus Christ: comparing Matthew’s version to Luke’s.
In our last episode, we learned of the head crushing women of the Bible, which raises the question: are there any head-crushing men in the Bible? This brings us to the story of David. We learn in 1 Samuel that through a miraculous conception, Hannah gives birth to Samuel, who she offers back to the Lord for service in the temple. The Israelites at that time clamor for a king and the Lord appeases them by having Samuel anoint Saul as the first king of Israel. Under the ineffective Saul, the Israelites are on the verge of being conquered by the Philistines. Samuel enters the picture once again, and at the Lord’s direction, anoints David. The spirit of the Lord comes upon the young David, who kills the Philistine giant Goliath with a single rock throw from his sling and then cuts off his head. The Philistines flee and Israel triumphs. Blessed be David, another head crusher of the enemy!
Before turning our attention to Luke’s genealogy of Jesus, we spend some time looking at Mary’s lineage. While scripture does not directly say that Mary was from the line of David, a number of clues are present that would lead us to believe she was. In response to the Roman census, Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem, which Luke calls the “City of David” indicating the birthplace of the famous king of Israel. Many of the Church fathers conclude that Mary is from David’s line, including Ignatius of Antioch and Justin Martyr.
We then move to the proclamation of John the Baptist, the new Elijah predicted in Malachi 4. John also fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” John preached a baptism of repentance, while Jesus baptizes into the Trinity. John’s purpose was to glorify Jesus, who in turn glorifies the Father. From Their perfection of love; the Holy Spirit flows as a unique person as well.
We then dig deeper into the genealogies of Luke and Matthew. How is it that they list different ancestors of Jesus? The answer is these genealogies are much theological as historical. Matthew is Jewish, speaks to a Jewish audience and stresses Jewish themes. He describes three separate groups of 14 generations leading to Jesus: Abraham to David, David to the Babylonian exile, the end of the exile to the birth of Jesus. In the Hebrew gematria, David corresponds to the number 14. In essence, by describing three groups of 14 generations, Matthew is proclaiming “David, David, David.” Jesus is the new David.
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Sharon Doran serves as the teaching director of “Seeking Truth.” An experienced Bible Study teacher, Sharon has a passion for scripture that will motivate and challenge you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and apply His message to your everyday life.
“Seeking Truth” is an in-depth Catholic Bible Study, commissioned by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization as well as Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation for all Catholics to study scripture. To learn more go to: www.seekingtruth.net
“You are bait on the hook” is the lead topic of this episode of “The Spiritual Journey Podcast with Kris McGregor.” A portion of this podcast was originally recorded during an episode of “The Good Book Club” segment on the Spirit Morning Show. Kris reflects on six martyrs, two which died over 1800 years, Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, and four Missionary of Charity Sisters who were killed in recent years in Yemen. The Paschal Mystery and the grace of Martyrdom are explored and the question becomes what does that look like in my life. Kris also offers a book recommendation further delve into this mystery: “The Cross: Word and Sacrament” by Adrienne von Speyr
The Passion of St. PerpetuaSister Anselm from India, Sister Marguerite from Rwanda, Sister Judit from Kenya and Sister Reginette also from Rwanda
There is no greater mystery to be contemplated than the Paschal Mystery. In this spiritual gem, von Speyr leads us to the foot of the Cross, and with her we gaze upon the crucified Christ and listen deeply. The Word, who became flesh and made his dwelling among us, cries out in his suffering seven last words, which open up the portals of divine grace that are known as the sacraments. These mysterious gifts, which come at such an indescribable cost, deserve to be cherished, reverenced, and contemplated.
The Cross: Word and Sacrament will challenge, surprise, and encourage the reader to welcome the Paschal Mystery into his own life. Guided into the depths of this mystery by von Speyr, the reader encounters a very real Jesus, who knows us all too well and still loves us without end. He speaks to us personally. The words he utters from the Cross contain not only gifts experienced in the sacraments of the Church but also questions: Do you truly understand what is being offered to you? Will you accept my gifts? Will you suffer the mystery contained in such love?
This small book contains the spiritual richness that is the fruit of her deep meditation on the Word. It calls the reader to conversion, which is a continual process of turning toward the Son, who leads us, in union with the Holy Spirit, into an ever-deepening relationship with the Father. Thus is the reader brought into the very life of the Trinity, that communion of love without end.
Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts mentioned in the podcast:
Episode 3 -Crossing the Desert: Lent and Conversion – “Waiting in the Desert.”
“The ancient image of Lent as a time of withdrawal is relevant to the formation of conscience if we perceive that our consciences have been inordinately attached to anemic sources of influence. Christians are called to transform the world of culture, work, and politics according to the truths learned through Christ in the Church. It is a powerful and dignified calling. Lent affords us a good opportunity to repent of those habits, attitudes, or behaviors that reflect a preoccupation with the secular. Thus devoid of the religious, we are then called to eagerly respond to our faith and imbue the secular with religious and ethical meaning. To do less than this is to render our baptisms impotent and meaningless.”
Keating, James (2012-07-20). Liguori Publications. Kindle Edition.
Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., the director of Theological Formation for the Institute for Priestly Formation.
1. I live now not with my own life but with the life of Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in this body I live in faith: faith in the Son of God who loved me and who sacrificed himself for my sake. (Galatians 2:20)
2. I know the plans I have in mind for you – it is Yahweh who speaks – plans for peace, not disaster, reserving a future full of hope for you. Then when you call to me, and come to plead with me, I will listen to you. When you seek me you shall find me, when you seek me with all your heart; I will let you find me. (Jeremiah 29:11-14a)
3. Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
The Joyful Mysteries
The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1. In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, (Luke 1:26)
2. To a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. (Luke 1:27)
3. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ (Luke 1:28)
4. She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, (Luke 1:29)
5. The angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favor (Luke 1:30)
6. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. (Luke 1:31)
7. Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ (Luke 1:34)
8. ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. (Luke 1:35)
9. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God’ (Luke 1:36-37)
10. ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her. (Luke 1:38)
The Visitation of The Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth
1. Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-40)
2. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:41)
3. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. (Luke 1:42)
4. Why should I be honored with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. (Luke 1:43-44)
5. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ (Luke 1:45)
6. And Mary said: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my savior; (Luke 1:46-47)
7. Because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid. Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed, (Luke 1-48)
8. For the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him. (Luke 1:49-50)
9. He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart. He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. (Luke 1:51-52)
10. The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away. He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy -according to the promise he made to our ancestors-of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’ (Luke 1:53-55)
The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
1. The time came for her to have her childand she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)
2. In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, (Luke 2:8-9)
3. But the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. (Luke 2:10)
4. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ (Luke 2:11-12)
5. And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour'(Luke 2:13-14)
6. Now when the angels had gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us’. (Luke 2:15)
7. So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him,(Luke 2:16-17)
8. and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds had to say. As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.(Luke 2:18-19)
9. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen; it was exactly as they had been told. (Luke 2:20)
10. When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception. (Luke 2:21)
The Presentation at the Temple
1. And when the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord-(Luke 2:22)
2. observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons(Luke 2:23-24)
3. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him.(Luke 2:25)
4. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord(Luke 2:26)
5. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required,he took him into his arms and blessed God; (Luke 2:27-28)
6. He said: ‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see. (Luke 2:29-31)
7. A light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel’. (Luke 2:32)
8. As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him,Simeon blessed them (Luke 2:33-34a)
9. And said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected-(Luke 2:34b)
10. and a sword will pierce your own soul too-so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare’.(Luke 2:35)
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
1. Every year his parents used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. (Luke 2:41-42)
2. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it.(Luke 2:43)
3. They assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day’s journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere. (Luke 2:44-45)
4. Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions;(Luke 2:46)
5. and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies.(Luke 2:47)
6. They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’ (Luke 2:48)
7. ‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?'(Luke 2:49)
8. But they did not understand what he meant.(Luke 2:50)
9. He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart.(Luke 2:51)
10. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men.(Luke 2:52)
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.
I live now not with my own life but with the life of Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in this body I live in faith: faith in the Son of God who loved me and who sacrificed himself for my sake. (Galatians 2:20)
I know the plans I have in mind for you – it is Yahweh who speaks – plans for peace, not disaster, reserving a future full of hope for you. Then when you call to me, and come to plead with me, I will listen to you. When you seek me you shall find me, when you seek me with all your heart; I will let you find me. (Jeremiah 29:11-14a)
3. Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
The Luminous Mysteries
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
1. There was one of the Pharisees called Nicodemus, a leading Jew, who came to Jesus by night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who comes from God; for no one could perform the signs that you do unless God were with him’. (John 3:1-2)
2. Jesus replied: ‘I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God: what is born of the flesh is flesh; what is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:5-6)
3. Do not be surprised when I say: You must be born from above. The wind blows wherever it pleases; you hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. That is how it is with all who are born of the Spirit.’ (John 3:7-8)
4. ‘How can that be possible?’ asked Nicodemus. ‘You, a teacher in Israel, and you do not know these things!’ replied Jesus. (John 3:9-10)
5. ‘I tell you most solemnly, we speak only about what we know and witness only to what we have seen and yet you people reject our evidence. If you do not believe me when I speak about things in this world, how are you going to believe me when I speak to you about heavenly things? (John 3:11-12)
6. No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven; and the Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, (John 3:13-14)
7. so that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. (John 3:15)
8. Then Jesus appeared: he came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. John tried to dissuade him. ‘It is I who need baptism from you’ he said ‘and yet you come to me!’ But Jesus replied, ‘Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that righteousness demands’. At this, John gave in to him. (Matthew 3:13-15)
9. As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice spoke from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him’. (Matthew 3:16-17)
10. As John stood there again with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God’. (John 1:35-36)
The Miracle at the Wedding Feast of Cana
1. Three days later there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. (John 2:1-2)
2. When they ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the wedding was all finished, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine’. (John 2:3)
3. Jesus said ‘Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not come yet.’ (John 2:4)
4. His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you’ (John 2:5)
5. ‘There were six stone water jars standing there, meant for the ablutions that are customary among the Jews: each could hold twenty or thirty gallons. (John 2:6)
6. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’, and they filled them to the brim. (John 2:7)
7. ‘Draw some out now’ he told them ‘and take it to the steward.’ (John 2:8)
8. They did this; the steward tasted the water, and it had turned into wine. Having no idea where it came from – only the servants who had drawn the water knew – the steward called the bridegroom. (John 2:9)
9. (The Steward) said; ‘People generally serve the best wine first, and keep the cheaper sort till the guests have had plenty to drink; but you have kept the best wine till now’. (John 2:10)
10. This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
1. The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned.’ From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand’. (Matthew 4:16-17)
2. He went round the whole of Galilee teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23)
3. And (Jesus) said to the pigeon-sellers, ‘Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market’. Then his disciples remembered the words of scripture: Zeal for your house will devour me. (John 2:16-17)
4. Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, but anyone who refuses to believe in the Son will never see life: the anger of God stays on him.’ (John 3:36)
5. But the hour will come – in fact it is here already – when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: that is the kind of worshipper the Father wants. God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth.’ (John 4:23-24)
6. Those who did good will rise again to life; and those who did evil, to condemnation. (John 5:29)
7. ‘How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy the gentle: they shall have the earth for their heritage. Happy those who mourn: they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:3-5)
8. Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right: they shall be satisfied. Happy the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them. Happy the pure in heart: they shall see God. (John 5:6-8)
9. Happy the peacemakers: they shall be called sons of God. Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:9-10)
10. ‘Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)
The Transfiguration of Jesus
1. Now about eight days after this had been said, he took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. (Luke 9:28)
2. As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning.(Luke 9:29)
3. Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah(Luke 9:30)
4. Appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. (Luke 9:31)
5. Peter and his companions were heavy with sleep, but they kept awake and saw his glory and the two men standing with him.(Luke 9:32)
6. As these were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah’. – He did not know what he was saying. (Luke 9:33)
7. As he spoke, a cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid.(Luke 9:34)
8. And a voice came from the cloud saying, ‘This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.'(Luke 9:35)
9. As they came down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. (Mark 9:9)
10. It was not any cleverly invented myths that we were repeating when we brought you the knowledge of the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; we had seen his majesty for ourselves. He was honoured and glorified by God the Father, when the Sublime Glory itself spoke to him and said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour’. (2 Peter 1:16-17)
The Institution of the Holy Eucharist
1. Your fathers ate the manna in the desert and they are dead; but this is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that a man may eat it and not die. (John 6:49-50)
2. I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.’ Then the Jews started arguing with one another: ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ they said.(John 6:51-52)
3. Jesus replied: I tell you most solemnly, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you. (John 6:53)
4. Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood has eternal life, and I shall raise him up on the last day. (John 6:54)
5. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. (John 6:55)
6. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in him. (John 6:56)
7. As I, who am sent by the living Father, myself draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will draw life from me. (John 6:57)
8. This is the bread come down from heaven; not like the bread our ancestors ate: they are dead, but anyone who eats this bread will live forever.’ (John 6:58)
9. Now as they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to the disciples. ‘Take it and eat;’ he said ‘this is my body.’ (Matthew 26:26)
10. Then he took a cup, and when he had returned thanks he gave it to them. ‘Drink all of you from this,’ he said ‘for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant, which is to be poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:27-28)
Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.
“Hey, Turn Around Bright Eyes”
What a delight to talk with Ashley Hales about her book “Finding Holy in the Subrubs: 
