Events
* March 3, 2023: 1st Friday Mass Save The Date
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to all the re-elected Executive Officers of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Board of the Archdiocese of San Francisco for the year 2023-2026 led by Bro. Danny Garza (Chairman), Sis. Sally Yeo (Vice Chair), Sis. Tess Garza (Secretary), Bro. Jose dela Torre (Finance) and Bro. Romy Arellano (Treasurer).
We also would like to acknowledge and compliment all new members of the CCR Board as well. More work to do in the vineyard of our Lord Jesus Christ!
To God be the glory and praise.
Congratulations to all the incoming 2023-2024 Filipino Catholic Charismatic Communities Officers led by their new Head Coordinator Sis. Tess Garza as commissioned by Rev. Fr. Ray Reyes at the Piro Hall of St Andrew Catholic Church in Daly City.
1st Friday Mass:
St. Paul of the Shipwreck San Francisco, CA
February 3, 2023
Fruitful Corner
REFLECTION FOR THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 3, 2023
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
THE PERPLEXITY OF HEROD
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Mk. 6:20
Our gospel reference today formed part of the martyrdom or beheading of John the Baptist. John’s boldness in speaking the truth irrespective of the consequence distinguished him from many religious leaders of his time. His brevity, courage and humility were outstanding.
King Herod knew that John the Baptist was righteous and holy, and yet he ordered him to be killed out of fear of embarrassment. When life challenges us to choose between succumbing to worldly pressures or doing right with the Lord’s support and guidance, let us choose the path of faith and life.
What would make a great king like Herod afraid of John? Herod fear came from hearing the truth John the Baptist preached. Naturally, when the gospel is preached and this message is received by another with openness of heart, the effect is that the receiver is filled with joy, consolation, and a desire to change.
The gospel is transforming for those who truly listen and respond with generosity. But what about those who do not respond with generosity? What effect does the gospel have upon them? Our gospel today gives us that answer. Herod was perplexed when he hears the gospel, but he still longed to listen.
In every movie, we have the good and bad actors. In the story of the martyrdom of John the Baptist, the bad actors were Herod, Herodias, and Herodias’ daughter traditionally named Salome. John had been imprisoned by Herod because he had told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
Even while in prison, Herod would listen to John preach. But instead of leading Herod to conversion, he was left “perplexed” by what John preached. Being “perplexed” was not the only reaction to John’s preaching. Herodias’ reaction was one of hatred. She appeared to be stung to the heart by John’s condemnation of her “marriage” to Herod, and it was she who then orchestrated John’s beheading.
Our gospel today teaches us of two other common reactions to the truth of the gospel when it is preached. One is hatred and another is confusion (being perplexed). Obviously, hatred is far worse than simply being perplexed. But neither is the right reaction to the truth of the gospel.
What is your reaction to the gospel when it is preached? Does the gospel leave you uneasy? Are there teachings of our Lord that confuse you or lead you to anger? Look within your heart to determine if you struggle with having a similar reaction as Herod and Herodias. And then consider how the world reacts to the truth of the gospel. We should not be surprised that we have many “Herod” and “Herodias” alive today.
Reflect, today, upon any ways that you see the gospel being rejected on one level or another. If you sense this within your own heart, then repent. If you see it elsewhere, do not allow the hostility to shake you or concern you. Keep your mind and heart upon the truth and remain steadfast no matter the reaction you encounter.
Lord Jesus, Your Word and Your Word alone brings grace and salvation. Please give me the grace I need to always listen to Your Word and to respond generously with all my heart. May I repent when I am convicted by Your Word and may I wholeheartedly return to You. Give me courage when others reject Your Truth and wisdom to know how to share that Word with love. Jesus, I trust in You.
Saint of the Day
Mission Statement
As a lay organization, the mission of the Charismatic Renewal is:
- To help all people come to know the love of God in their lives as demonstrated through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
- To help our brothers and sisters respond to God's love by loving God in return through a commitment to serve Christ and His Church.
- To assist them to listen and follow the movement of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives.
- To help our brothers and sisters recognize the ministry that God has called them to, and accept the gifts that God desires to bestow upon them for His work in our Church and in our world.
- To lead them to a New Life offered to us by the Holy Spirit.
