It’s Not Magic Now you see it. Now you don’t. At a magic show, we try to

detect the sleight of hand in a disappearing act. The magician’s motions while waving a wand or a hat distract us from what he has up his sleeve. We look but still don’t see how it was done.

In Jesus’ day, Pharisees believed in a Messiah. They believed in resurrection. So far, so good. The Pharisees also touted themselves as experts on how to abide by Mosaic law.

For example, the Old Testament contains instructions about what foods to eat. Leviticus describes people or dishes becoming unclean by contact with prohibited (“unclean”) foods. Even more elaborate rules developed and got passed down through the generations. Pharisees taught that holiness would vanish into thin air if people disobeyed the nitpicky rules and required rituals.

A group of Pharisees confronted Jesus, asking why His followers ate with unclean hands. The Pharisees had something up their sleeves! We can picture Jesus looking at his hands, finding his nails pretty clean and then turning them over to make sure His palms weren’t gritty, either. Good enough.

When people in Jesus’ day ate in groups, they picked up food from common bowls. If one person touched the food without the exacting ritual handwashing first, the Pharisees said that the whole bowlful would become unclean. Anyone eating from it would become unclean and unholy, too. They tried to trick people into believing that Jesus couldn’t possibly be the Messiah if He didn’t care about their illusion of clean hands and holiness. Jesus explained that what defiles comes from within people’s hearts.

There’s no magic wand we can wave to spread Jesus’ message that guides us in holiness. Heart of the Nation can’t pull needed funds out of a hat. During the Harvest Fund Drive, your generosity will help to keep TV Mass and Heart of the Nation’s publications from disappearing from your home.

Faith As Close As Your TV

Monthly Bulletin September 2018

Fr. Mark PayneChaplain

Our Lord asks His followers to serve as laborers in the field, spreading His Word far and wide. Your gift or pledge during the Harvest Fund Drive will bear much fruit! Please send your offering and prayers to Heart of the Nation by mail or online at www.HeartoftheNation.org.

Here in my home state of California, a woman named Dolores Cullen experienced an empty nest. The children had grown. She decided to get a college degree and, in the process, discovered the Tales.

As a lifelong Catholic, accustomed to the parables of our Lord, Dolores knew that Jesus used stories to convey hidden truths about the Kingdom of God.

More than 1300 years passed between the time of Jesus and Chaucer. That placed the Tales’ author in the period of the Great Schism in the Catholic Church, when two people—Urban VI in Rome and Clement VII in Avignon—claimed the Papacy. Openly expressing religious views back then

could result in burning at the stake.

Dolores had an inkling that Chaucer used Jesus’ technique to express Christian ideas as a layer of hidden meaning.

Researching and pondering with curiosity as lively as her faith, she found that Harry Bailey represents the Eucharistic Host.

The Lord had joined the pilgrims on their journey, just as He joined

us. Parables in Scripture continue to be avenues of inspiration, guidance, and discovery on our pilgrimage.

Even the Twelve sometimes had to ask the Lord to explain the meaning of characters or events in His stories. Dolores explains that Chaucer’s pilgrims traveling and interacting with the Host had much to say for people of faith.

A college professor commented that Dolores saw religious meaning in the Tales because she is Catholic. How do people describe who you are?

Note: If you slogged through the Tales in school and want to find out what you missed, visit Dolores at www.CelebrateChaucer.com.

Fr. Tony ScannellChaplain

In the Letter of Saint James, the faithful heard an echo of Jesus’ advice not to store up earthly treasure at the expense of heavenly reward. Saint James also reminds us that the Lord knows the work of harvesters whose labor benefits others.

“Our Lord has entrusted us to serve as laborers in the field, spreading the Word so that it will bear much fruit,” said Fr. Mark Payne, chaplain for Heart of the Nation.

Jesus sent the disciples in pairs. In the same way, you can pair up with Heart of the Nation by donating or making a pledge to give monthly. “Together, we will continue to bring the Word of God to many,” Fr. Mark said. “It’s exciting to realize that what we do right from home reaches far afield.”

Finding More with Faith“Who do people say that I am?” Jesus asked the Disciples, and Peter identified Him

as the Christ. Much later, in medieval times, the poetic playwright Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about a pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Thomas Becket, in Canterbury. At the last minute, one Harry Bailey joined the pilgrims and became their host. Along the way, the pilgrims entertained themselves by telling stories—The Canterbury Tales.

“Thank you for the Sunday broadcast. I look forward to it and always feel peaceful afterwards.”

~Dennis

“My lung disease has progressed to the point that I am unable to celebrate Mass. Imagine my surprise and delight at finding Heart of the Nation.”

~Fr. Carl

“Thank you for the TV Mass & your wonderful website with so much great information.”

~Tammy

“My husband has dementia, but when your Mass comes on, he sings right with the choir and says all the prayers.”

~Carol

Snapshots of an Extended Family“The encouraging news is that, in one way or another, Jesus always desires

to bring healing and encouragement. Jesus and Mary are in love with you!” Fr. Matthew Widder shares that love as a priest for the TV Mass.

Fr. Matthew also serves as a pastor for three parishes in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He gamely takes on different roles in the parishes’ combined school play. “I was a radio announcer in Annie Jr. Then I was the doorman in The Wizard of Oz, a hyena in Lion King, then the rabbi in Fiddler on the Roof. This year, I was a prince in Aladdin Jr.” The sky’s the limit when it comes to Fr. Matthew’s support of the school, including jumping out of an airplane in a skydiving fundraiser.

As the oldest of three siblings, one of Fr. Matthew’s first jobs on the family farm was feeding the calves. “The experience of raising calves gave me a great appreciation for the gift of life and how fragile it can be. I loved taming and naming the calves. One of my ‘pet’ cows lived to be 15. Her name was Royal, and she became a bit of a legend because of how friendly she was.”

Describing his parents as “the best…faithful, hardworking, and always loving and supportive,” Fr. Matthew also feels blessed by his relationship with the Holy Mother of God. “Without Mary’s constant help and prayers, I know I would be in big trouble,” he said. His devotion to Mary began when his 6th grade class watched a video about the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. He added, “It was the support of my grandma and grandpa in those middle school years that helped Mary’s initial call to my heart become a reality later on.”

When visiting parishioners, Fr. Matthew frequently meets TV Mass viewers. “It amazes me how big the TV Mass family is,” he said. “Sometimes people will share funny stories. One was a man who fell asleep with his TV on. He was startled when he woke up to a familiar voice, opened his eyes, and saw me on TV!”

Labor Day Prayer Heavenly Father, In making every good thing, You have labored And set us as stewards of creation’s array. Please help us to use Your giftsfittingly, Seeking to serve and faithfully findingaway.Whether working through the challenges we face Or giving comfort to others in need of care, May we believe that with faith things work out For all who seek with love and come to You in prayer.Amen.

Marian Prayer

Blessed Virginand gentle Mother,

who bring comfort in timesof pain,

together with me,please ask Jesus

for help through His loveunrestrained.

Chosen by God, Holy Mary,having known joy, wonder,

and sorrow,thank you for the faith

you have shown,giving hope

of better tomorrows.

Heaven’s Queen,crowned with humility,

alongside Lord Jesus enthroned,

if not healing, then I prayfor grace

to bear more than I could alone.

Mother, Mentor, MaryThis month, Catholics celebrate the Nativity

of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Sept. 8), the Most Holy Name of Mary (Sept. 12), and Our Lady of Sorrows (Sept. 15). Born without original sin, Mary nevertheless experienced upheaval when the Holy Family fled to Egypt to keep Jesus safe, confusion about what else lay in store for her as the Mother of God, the anxiety of any parent searching for a lost child, and the piercing sorrow of seeing her beloved and innocent Son crucified and buried. She set an example of faith for us. When calling upon Mary, we honor her as blessed and always willing to bring our prayers to her loving Son.

With gratitude, Heart of the Nation welcomes new members to the Circle of the Heart monthly giving club. As a member, you will be included in prayers placed before the altar for every Sunday TV Mass. To join, please mark the box on your donation envelope, and indicate the amount of your pledge. (If you need to change or cancel your pledge, just call, e-mail, or send a note to Heart of the Nation.) Thank you!

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