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St. Jude Catholic Church

Grand Rapids, MI

CATECHISTS WANTED: We need two

volunteers to work with the seventh grade

this year on Sunday evenings. This would be

a team teaching effort with each team

member supporting the other and covering

the class when either one or the other

cannot be available. The seventh grade focus

is on Jesus and the New Testament.

Volunteers are also needed as classroom

assistants for all grades. Practicing Catholics

with a strong knowledge of the Catholic

Faith and the Catholic Bible, a steady

commitment to Sunday evenings from

September to April, the ability to pass a

background check and attendance at a

VIRTUS class are required. The ability to use

a laptop and Powerpoint is highly desired.

Active or retired elementary, high school or

college teachers are strongly encouraged to

become involved.

Mandatory Staff Meetings will be held

during the month of August to prepare all

volunteers.

Qualified and interested persons should

e-email cschwartz@stjudes.net or phone

363-6897 and leave your name and phone

number with Mary Ellen.

From the Director of Faith Formation

July 20, 2017 Vol. 4 Issue 29

To get this FREE newsletter e-mailed to

you, contact Mary Ellen at the Parish

Office by calling (616) 363-6897 or by

email to mboruta@stjudes.net

Saint Alphonsus Parish Ongoing

Programs & Activities for Seniors

St. Alphonsus provides activities on Mondays and

Wednesdays each week. Since the fourth of July

is on Tuesday, the regular Monday activities for the

most part have been canceled. All programs

take place in the Parish Center. Everyone 55+ is

welcome including non-parishioners. For more

information or to RSVP contact the Senior Program

Voicemail at 616-913-4419 or e-mail

vscholten18@gmail.com

Monday July 24th

Lounge is open for games, socializing etc. from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Knitting & Crochet Club

Jewish Feast Class, 10:00 am to 11:30 am (Repeated Monday nights at 7:00-8:30 pm)

Live Music from 11:30 am -12:30 pm

Tai Chi ( Continuing Skill Level) 11:30 pm to 12:30 pm

Lunch: Senior Sponsors 12:30 pm -1:30 pm

Team Trivia from 1:30-3:00 pm

Wednesday July 26th

Lounge is open for games, socializing etc. from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Wood Carving

Tai Chi (Beginning) 9:30 am to 10:30 am

Wood Carving 9:30 am -11:30 am

Bridge from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Save these dates:

Saugatuck Boat Ride Aug. 16

Windmill Gardens in Holland Aug. 30

BISHOP BARRON'S RADIO HOMILY

Use this link to listen to Bishop Barron’s 2002 reflection on this week’s gospel reading:

https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-mystery-of-the-wheat-and-the-

weeds/680/

In our Gospel for today, we hear the parable of the wheat

and the tares (weeds). Jesus speaks of the mysterious, and

often frustrating, intertwining of good and evil. Don't be

too eager, he says, to tear out the weeds, for you might, in

the process, compromise the wheat. Listen, as I try to

search out the meaning of this important and complex

parable. Check out wordonfire.org for Bishop Barron’s

radio message for 2017.

Table of Contents

55+ Activities 1

Suggested DVD List 2

Home Lesson Plans 4

Calendar of Events 5

Catholic Info Center 6

Gospel Summaries 7

Vatican News 8

Home Videos to Borrow - in the Kelly Conference

During these summer months, why not pick of a DVD like those listed below from the Kelly Conference Room just outside the north entrance

of the church. Please sign out the DVD’s so we know who has borrowed them.

#39 The Nativity Story 1 hour 41 minutes

#40 Mary of Nazareth 115 minutes

#41 Mother Teresa 115 minutes

#42 David (Copy 2)

#43 Solomon (Copy 1)

#44 Solomon (Copy 2)

#45 Samson & Delilah (Copy 2)

#46 Dove Approved Movie Collection

1. Undercover Angel A struggling writer unexpectedly becomes the babysitter of a loveable six-year old named Jenny. Starring James Earl

Jones. 92 minutes Rated PG Dove Approved for Ages 12+.

2. Solomon’s Choice A family is torn when their teenage daughter (Reese Witherspoon)is diagnosed with leukemia and their medically

unstable son is the best bet for a bone marrow transplant. 92 minutes Not Rated Dove Family Approved for Ages 12+

3. Fiedler’s Choice Life is perfectly uncomplicated for promising advertising executive Philip Fiedler until his sister unexpectedly dies, leaving

him with custody of his autistic eight-year old nephew. 85 minutes Not Rated Dove Family Approved for Ages 12+

4. Where There is a Will Richie, a failed con man with debt to a merciless loan shark receives an offer to look after his ailing grandmother

(Marion Ross) – a woman he’s never even meet.

84 minutes Not Rated Dove Family Approved for Ages 12+

5. Out of the Woods A lawyer (Jason London) heads into the wilderness to check on his grandfather (Edward Asner) and is faced with a

decision that will change is life forever.

87 minutes Not Rated Dove Family Approved for Ages 12+

#47 Five Movies As Seen on the Hallmark Channel

1. Thicker than Water A faded photograph leads Natalie Jones to the bittersweet secrets of her late father’s past – where horses run free,

families are bound by honor, and true love really exists. 87 minutes Not Rated Dove Family Approved for All Ages

2. Angel in the Family Sisters separated by a lifetime of misunderstanding find themselves brought back together for one amazing

Christmas. 88 minutes Note Rated Dove Family Approved for all ages.

3. What I Did for Love It is one catastrophe after another when a blundering LA lawyer finally meets his fiancée's family at their rural ranch.

88 minutes Not Rated Dover Family Approved for Ages 12+

4. Terror in the Family The dysfunctional Marten Family - including rebellious teen, Deena (Hilary Swank- will need a miracle to bring them

back together. 86 minutes Not Rated Adult Situations, Violence.

5. Ordinary Miracles A troubled teen –bounced from one foster home to another –moves in with a judge who’s struggling with the disarray

of her own life. 86 minutes Not Rated Violence Dove Family Approved for Ages 12+

#48 Family Outdoor Adventures Double Feature

1. The Last Great Ride Ian worries that his summer vacation at Grandma’s will be totally lame – even with his spirited dog Bentley with

him. When the cute tomboy living next door to Grandma Mimi befriends him, the adventures begin, for there is a dark and haunted

mansion in which the reclusive Franklin Lyle lives. Suspense builds as the kids meet Jimmy Murano and his devious lawyer who are trying

to force Franklin off the property. Can Ian and Jules solve the mystery of who owns the house…really?

2. Little Heroes A young girl’s heroic spirit and her faithful dog’s courage join to perform an impossible rescue! Smothered by her small-

town neighbors, Charley and her German shepherd Fuzz meet a true friend in a gruff old farmer who admires them for their great sense of

adventure. When he finds himself in life-threatening trouble, it’s the girl and her dog to his rescue Together they help the town learn how

prejudice hurts everyone and also prove that miracles come in all sizes.

Both Films are Dove Approved as Suitable for all Ages. Total running time 168 minutes.

#49 Five Family Classis on one DVD

1. Young Pioneers Newlyweds Molly and David Beaton start their new life together as homesteaders in the Dakota Territory in the 1870’s.

(97 minutes)

2. Baker’s Hawk Twelve year-old Billy rescues an injured hawk and takes it to an old hermit who has a way with animals. Together, the

three form an unlikely bond. Starring Clint Walker, Lee Montgomery, and Burl Ives. (98 minutes)

3. Pioneer Woman A homesteading family in 1867 Wyoming faces a crisis when the husband is killed and the wife must decide whether

to remain or take her son and daughter back East. Starring Joanna Pettet, William Shatner, and David Jansen. (74 minutes)

4. Seven Alone On a harrowing 2,000 mile trek from Missouri to Oregon, the death of their parents leaves seven gallant youngsters alone

and facing nearly certain death. Showing unbelievable courage, they desire to press on to fulfill their parents’ wishes. (97 minutes)

5. Time of the Wolf When Aaron loses his parents, he moved in with his estranged aunt and uncle who live out in the wilderness. While

exploring the area, he finds an injured wolf and nursed him back to health while trying to keep him under wraps. Starring Burt Reynolds,

Martha Keller, and Devin Douglas Drewitz. (87 minutes)

#50 5 Movie Pak of Family Classics

1. Walking Thunder In the 1850’s a young boy and his family on their way West become stranded in the Rockies. With the help of a local

mountain man, a Sioux medicine man, and a legendary bear know as “Walking Thunder,” the boy learns to become a man, and

his family’s survival is secured. Brian Keith narrates this family western adventure. (95 minutes)

2. Lost in the Barrens A Canadian boy’s 1880 rail odyssey includes a Mountie, a Cree chief, and a train magnate (Ned Beatty) from

history. (93 minutes)

3. Tom Alone This adventure story is a coming of age tale of two boys in their late teens, one a white boy who has recently lost his

parents, the other a Cree boy from a tribe living nearby. The boys embark on a mission to relieve the starvation of a neighboring village,

occupied by the Chipewyans, but due to a series of unfortunate events, they become trapped above the tree line in Canada’s northern

Barren Lands during winter. (97 minutes)

4. Captain Courageous Harvey Cheyne is a spoiled brat used to having his own way. When a prank goes wrong onboard an ocean liner,

Hervey ends up overboard and nearly drowns. Fortunately, he’s picked up by a fishing boat just heading out for the season. He tried to

bribe the crew into returning early to collect a reward but none of them believe him. Stranded on the boat, he must adapt to the ways of

the fishermen and learn more about the real world. (93 minutes)

5. White Fang Jack London’s classis adventure story tells about the friendship developed between a Yukon gold hunter and the mixed

dog wolf he rescues from the hands of a man who mistreats him. (107 minutes)

#51 Five Movie Pak of Additional Classic Family Movies

1. The Painted Hills Lassie After years of prospecting, Jonathan finally strikes gold. He returns to town only to discover that his partner has

since dies and left Tommy fatherless. He decided to leave Shep (played by Lassie) with Tommy to cheer him up. Meanwhile Jonathan's new

partner, Lin, isn’t interested in sharing the gold, and lures John to his death. (68 minutes)

2. Snowbound Based on a true story. When traveling through the mountains in their care with their infant, Jim and Jennifer end snowbound

when a big snowstorm traps them in. After staying in the care for a couple of days, they leave the vehicle behind and head out on foot to

find help. (93 minutes)

3. Castle Rock A rebellious girl and a handsome young stranger wanted by the law must work together to brave the perils of the scorching

Arizona desert in this action-packed family adventure. (85 minutes)

4. River’s End Barry Corbin plays a fictional Menard County sheriff who uses country savvy and cowboy logic to straighten out his angry

teen-aged grandson, Clay, a high school senior who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. (97 minutes)

5. Baker’s Hawk when he rescues an injured hawk from the prying eyes of a hunting fox, Billy Baker takes the hawk to Mr. McGraw, the

town outcast who has a way with animals. As the two nurse the hawk back to health, the bond between boy, bird, and misunderstood

recluse sparks newfound courage and confidence in Billy. (97 minutes)

#52 Cry the Beloved Country (2013)

This DVD has the movie named above, but also contains two additional films which some viewers my find disturbing. All the films are rated

PG-13, but this rating may not be appropriate for some of your younger children or even some of your teenagers. It is always a good

practice for parents to preview any films that are PG-13 before showing them to the family.

1. Cry the Beloved Country In a land torn by hatred and injustice, James Earl Jones and Richard Harris are two fathers – one man of peace,

the other a man of power and privilege – whose lives seem destined for a violent collision. But instead, in the wake of a tragic killing, these

extraordinary men from an unlikely union…and together find the kind of understanding that could heal a nation! Based on the acclaimed

novel by Alan Paton. 106 minutes Rated PG-13

2. Endgame A Story based on the covert discussions that brought down the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Starring William Hurt,

Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Jonny Lee Miller.

109 minutes Rated PG-13

3. Sarafina South African teenagers fight against apartheid in the Soweto Uprising. Starring Whoopi Goldberg, Leleti Khumalo, and Miriam

Makeba. 117 minutes Rated PG-13

Other Recent additions: Sunday night showings in the Brophy Center

# 171, 172,173, & 174 Mary of Nazareth

# 176, 177, & 178 AD the Bible Continues

#239, 240, 241 St. Peter

#243, 244, 245, & 246 Pope John Paul II

#250-261 The Pivotal Players with Bishop Robert Barron (2 sets)

Lesson Plans for July 23 2017: Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle A

Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3) - Young children are striving to make a difference in their world. Jesus’ parables

of the mustard seed and the yeast provide important lessons that even small contributions can yield dramatic results. Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings - Materials Needed: One clear bowl of water and food coloring. Show your children the

bowl of water. Tell them that you would like to make this water more colorful by adding food coloring.

Ask: How much food coloring do you think is needed to change the color of this water? Allow time for children to offer their suggestions.

Say: It really doesn’t take much food coloring to change the color of this water. Let me show you. Place one drop of food coloring into the

bowl. Let the children observe how much impact just a drop of food coloring has on the water.

Say: Sometimes little things can make a big difference. Jesus told many parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. The lesson from two of

these parables reminds me of the food coloring in the water. As we listen carefully to these parables Jesus told, see if you can figure out

which two make me think about the demonstration we just did.

Read aloud Matthew 13:24-33. Or use this video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcQZTJoGF2c

Say: In this Gospel, Jesus tells three parables. The first is called the parable of the sower, and in it the farmer allows the wheat and the weeds

to grow together. In the second parable, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed. In the third parable, he said that

the Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast. Which of these parables are like the demonstration we did with the water and food coloring? (The

parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the yeast)

Say: In these parables, Jesus is teaching us that little things can make a big difference. In fact the Kingdom of Heaven, the great news that

Jesus came to announce, begins with the smallest of actions. That means that every good thing that we do, however small, can have

tremendous effect when we do it because we love Jesus.

Conclude in prayer together, thanking God for helping us to make small contributions that can make big differences in the world.

Pray together the Morning Offering.

This is a video link to review what you have covered with your children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDPv5mDm06c

Making the Connection (Grades 4, 5, and 6) Children and adults alike are tempted to judge others by their appearance. In

the first parable found in today’s Gospel, we are warned against judging people, and we are reminded that final judgment rests with God.

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings- Materials Needed: Two wrapped boxes, one wrapped in plain paper and one wrapped in

decorated paper. Show your family the two wrapped boxes.

Ask: If you could choose one of these gifts, which would you choose and why? (Accept all reasonable answers.)

Say: I have just asked you to make a judgment based on appearances. We often do this in our lives. We judge things, and sometimes we

even judge people based on first impressions and appearances. This is not the way that God judges. Jesus told a parable about this to teach

us about God’s judgment. Let’s listen carefully to this parable.

Invite one of the children to read aloud today’s Gospel in its shorter form, Matthew 13:24-30.

Ask: In this parable the sower makes a surprising decision. He allows the wheat and the weeds to grow together. Why does he do this? (He

says that pulling the weeds before the harvest will damage the wheat as well.) What alternative does he offer to pulling up the weeds? (The

sower says to wait until harvest time, when the wheat and the weeds can be pulled up together and separated without harming the

wheat.) What does this parable tell us about God’s judgment? (Accept all reasonable answers.)

Ask: If this is the way that God judges, what is the lesson for us about judging things by their appearances? (Accept all reasonable answers.)

Pray together, thanking God for the wisdom to withhold judgment.

Pray together the Prayer of Saint Francis or the Act of Love. (Click on the link.)

Use this short video clip on the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 13. (Advance the clip to Verse 23 or review last week’s parable by

starting from Verse 1.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5WP-iUz1R4

Making the Connection (Grades 7 and 8) - Young people are familiar with Jesus’ reliance in his parables on images from

everyday life, especially from the world of nature

Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings - Materials Needed A dandelion seed head or picture from a magazine or the Internet of a

dandelion with its seeds blowing away. Show the your children the dandelion or ask them to describe the picture of the dandelion.

Ask one of the children to blow the dandelion seeds off the stem or describe what happens when you blow on a dandelion seed head.

Ask: If you did this in your yards, what would they look like at the end of summer or next year? (Weeds would overrun the yard.)

Say: In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus uses the image of weeds to help us understand the Kingdom of God.

Have one of your children read aloud the short version of the Gospel, Matthew 13:24-30.

Ask: What do you think Jesus is trying to teach us about the Kingdom of God? (Accept all reasonable answers.)

Have another child or yourself finish reading the longer version, Matthew 13:24-43.

Ask: What do these parables teach us about the Kingdom of God? (Accept all reasonable answers.)

Say: In the coming week, let’s continue to pray that our faith will grow and that the Kingdom of God will be spread throughout the world.

Conclude by praying Prayer of Saint Francis or the Act of Love. (Click on the link.)

Use this short video clip on the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5WP-iUz1R4

July 20 Thursday

Mass 8:30 am in the chapel

July 21 Friday

8:30 am Mass in the chapel

July 22 Saturday

3:00 pm Confessions; 4:00 pm Mass

July 23 Sunday

8:30 and 10:30 am Mass

July 24 Monday

8:30 am Communion Service in the chapel

July 25 Tuesday

8:30 am Mass in chapel

7:30 to 8:45 pm Men of Emmaus - Millennium Conf. Room

July 26 Wednesday

Mass 8:30 am in chapel

8:00 am to 12:00 noon - Sr. Men’s Club, - Thaddeus Ctr. Mtg, Room

6:30 – 8:45 pm Support Group - Thaddeus Ctr. Mtg, Room

Sue Wuorinen,

Evangelization & Youth

Coordinator

(616) 363-6885

Cell: (616) 560-8107

Email to:

swuorinen@stjudes.net

Go online to www.stjudes.net/thaddeus-society or contact Sue

Wuorinen at: (616) 363-6885, ext. 1166 or email

swuorinen@stjudes.net

Go online to www.stjudes.net/mothers-of-grace-calendar to view

the calendar of events or contact Sue Wuorinen at: (616) 363-

6885, ext. 1166 or email swuorinen@stjudes.net

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

for

July 2017 Located inside Cathedral Square – Suite 2A 360 Division Ave South, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The following is a partial list of events scheduled for January, 2017 at the Catholic Information Center located in Cathedral Square on

Division at Wealthy in downtown Grand Rapids.

For information, phone the CIC at (616) 459-7267. Register online: http://www.catholicinformationcenter.org/course-registration

"Field Trip to Westminster Presbyterian Church"

Thursday, July 20, 7:00 pm - 8:30pm

With Larry Braschie

CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267

Westminster's building is full of artistic and architectural treasures one of which is the large stained glass window affectionately known as

the "Watanabe Window" created by Japanese artist Sado Watanabe at the age of 17. Meet at the church - 47 Jefferson Ave SE.

"Soul Speak: Practice for Group Spiritual Direction"

Monday, July 24, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

With Cami Mann, OFS

CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267

Join Cami Mann as she discusses group spiritual direction. During this introductory session, she will explain the history and format of this prayerful small group practice. Cami Mann, OFS is a trained spiritual director experienced in one-on-one and group spiritual direction. $10 cost per session.

"The Spiritual Wisdom of Paulist Patron Saints: Pope St. John XXIII"

Tuesday, July 25, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

With Fr. John Geaney, CSP

CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267

Pope St. John the XXIII was a man of great mercy and kindness and is considered to be much like Pope Francis is today. Fr. John Geaney delves into the life and work of this remarkable man and explains why this Pope is considered a patron saint of the Paulists. $10 donation suggested.

"Divorce Recovery Support Group"

Wednesday, July 26, 7:15 pm-8:30pm

With Jim Kline

CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267

For all those who are divorced or who are on the way to becoming divorced. This support group is led by those who have been through

divorce themselves and offers a pathway to personal growth,, $15 cost for the series.

"Movies That Matter: Witness"

Monday, July 31, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

With With Fr. Bill Edens, CSP

CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267

Join us for dinner and a movie as we view and discuss movies that are important for our time through the "lens of faith." This time we will view "Witness" a story about the Amish lifestyle in contract to the rest of the world. Stars Kelly McGillis and Harrison Ford. Cost is $15 and includes dinner.

y

Read the Sunday Gospel…

Read the Gospel, from your Bible, or go to the Bishop’s website for the readings:

Matthew 13:24-43 http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/072317.cfm

Read the Gospel

Jesus offers parables about the Kingdom of Heaven and explains them to his

disciples.

What is the message and how can you respond to it?

Taken together, the parables found in today’s Gospel offer both a sobering

reminder about the Kingdom of God and words of encouragement. As the wheat

and the weeds must grow together until the harvest, so we may not know whether

our actions contribute to God’s Kingdom until God’s final judgment. With this word

of caution in mind, we act always in prayer that our actions will be consistent with

God’s plans. In the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, we hear words of

encouragement. God can bring the Kingdom of Heaven from even the smallest of

beginnings. Thus, we ask God to work through us for the sake of the Kingdom of

Heaven.

Apply that message to change your attitude or behavior.

Set aside time this week to make bread with your family. Show the amount of yeast

that is required to raise an entire batch of bread. Observe that little things can go a

long way. After the bread has been baked, gather together as a family. Read

together today’s Gospel, Matthew 13:24-43. Reflect together on what Jesus means

when he teaches that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed and like yeast.

In these parables, Jesus is teaching us that God can work wonders from even the

smallest beginnings of the Kingdom of God. This means that even the little things

that we do can make a big difference in the lives of others. What are some of the

little things that we can do in our family that help to make things better for others?

Decide on one action to take together. Pray that God will use your action to make a

difference in the world. Pray together the Lord’s Prayer.

Taken from: http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/sunday-

connection/16th-sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connection

Did You Know…

...the ONLY Christian church in existence for

the first 1,000 years of Christian history was

the Roman Catholic Church? All other Christian

churches that exist today can trace their lineage

back to the Roman Catholic Church.

Examination of Conscience

1. Do I believe in the Kingdom of Heaven?

2. Am I too quick to judge the actions of others?

3. Do I recognize that God can work wonders

4. in my life and in the lives of others?

We would like to acknowledge the following publisher we have used with permission sections from its publication: Celebrating the Liturgy for Junior High Copyright, 2014 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. All rights reserved. Orders 1-800-933-1800. Permission to publish granted by the Most Reverend Francis J. Kane, DD, Vicar General Archdiocese of Chicago, on February 6, 2015

To get your FREE subscription copy and paste this link then enter your email address.

https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001RO3dPrXHwIHlwqOWD

4vwgrgX6qvonmc9k42h4k58dt1Swp20rwauoETluzj4UbRMEzEGD6fPyX9aQ-

xuDNlpyBXKBVp0itRaz4KpfddmEt0%3D

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 23

http://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-

faith/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/16th-

sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connection

In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers three parables to

describe the Kingdom of Heaven. He also explains

why he speaks to the crowds in parables and

interprets the parable of the sower for the

disciples. This reading is a continuation of Jesus’

discourse that we began reading last Sunday.

All three parables use commonplace experiences

to describe aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The first parable is longer and more detailed than

the next two, and it alerts us to the two-fold

reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. The beginnings

of the Kingdom of Heaven can be found in this

world. The fruition of the Kingdom of Heaven,

however, will not be realized until the final

judgment. In the meantime, as Jesus’ explanation

to the disciples cautions, any effort to judge the

progress of the Kingdom of Heaven is premature.

Only God, in the final judgment, will distinguish

the fruit of the Kingdom of Heaven and offer its

reward.

The second and third parables call to our

attention the abundance that will result from the

small beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven. Just

as a mustard seed—the smallest of all seeds—will

become a large bush, so too God will bring his

Kingdom to full bloom. As a small amount of

yeast will leaven the entire batch of bread, so too

God will bring about the expansion of his

Kingdom. In each case the image is of the

superabundance that God brings out of even the

smallest of signs of the Kingdom.

Contained within these parables are words of

caution as well as words of consolation. In the

parable of the sower we are warned against

judging others. To judge and uproot the “weeds”

prematurely will harm the wheat; final judgment

rests with God. In the parables of the mustard

seed and the yeast, we are consoled by the

message that God can work wonders and produce

abundance from even the smallest beginnings of

the Kingdom of Heaven.

New research: Shroud of Turin bears the

blood of a torture victim

Excerpted from: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/new-

research-shroud-of-turin-bears-blood-of-a-torture-victim-60579/

Turin, Italy, Jul 14, 2017 / 02:30 am (CNA/EWTN News).- New

research indicates that the Shroud of Turin shows signs of blood

from a torture victim, and undermines arguments that the reputed

burial shroud of Jesus Christ was painted.

Very small particles attached to the linen fibers of the shroud “have

recorded a scenario of great suffering, whose victim was wrapped

up in the funeral cloth,” said Elvio Carlino, a researcher at the

Institute of Crystallography.

These particles, called “nanoparticles,” had a “peculiar structure,

size and distribution,” said University of Padua professor Giulio

Fanti.

And the nanoparticles are not typical of the blood of a healthy

person. Rather, they show high levels of substances called

creatinine and ferritin, found in patients who suffer forceful

multiple traumas like torture.

“Hence, the presence of these biological nanoparticles found

during our experiments point to a violent death for the man

wrapped in the Turin Shroud,” Fanti said.

The shroud’s latest researchers published their findings and

measurements in the U.S. open-access peer-reviewed journal

PlosOne, in an article titled “New Biological Evidence from Atomic

Resolution Studies on the Turin Shroud,” the Turin-based

newspaper La Stampa’s Vatican Insider reports.

The findings contradict claims that the shroud is a painted object –

claims which are common among those who suggest it is a

medieval forgery. The characteristics of these particles “cannot be

artifacts made over the centuries on the fabric of the Shroud,”

Fanti said.

Among the most well-known relics believed to be connected with

Jesus Christ’s Passion, the Shroud of Turin has been venerated for

centuries by Christians as the burial shroud of Jesus. It has been

subject to intense scientific study to ascertain its authenticity, and

the origins of the image.

Appearing on the 14-foot long, three-and-a-half foot wide cloth a

faintly stained postmortem image of a man – front and back – who

has been brutally tortured and crucified. The image becomes clear

in a haunting photo negative.

The study of particles took place on the

Jesus not only sows the seed, he’ll pull the

thorns, Pope Francis says

Excerpted from:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/jesus-not-only-sows-

the-seed-hell-pull-the-thorns-pope-francis-says-78267/

Vatican City, Jul 16, 2017 / 05:58 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On

Sunday, Pope Francis said that in the parable of the seed and the

sower Jesus invites us to reclaim the ‘soil’ of our hearts by

bringing to him, in prayer and Confession, the stones and thorns

in need of healing.

"Jesus invites us today to look inward: to give thanks for our good

ground and to work on the ground not yet good,” he said July 16.

"Let us ask ourselves if our heart is open to welcome with faith the

seed of the Word of God. Let us ask ourselves if the rocks of

laziness are still large and numerous within us; we identify and we

call by name the brambles of our vices."

"We find the courage to make a beautiful reclamation of the land,

bringing to the Lord in Confession and in prayer our stones and

our stumps. In doing so, Jesus, a good sower, will be happy to do

an extra work: to purify our hearts, removing the stones and

thorns that stifle his Word.”

Pope Francis addressed the crowds in St. Peter's Square before

leading the Angelus Sunday, reflecting on the day's Gospel of the

Parable of the Sower and the Seeds.

When Jesus used parables, he noted, as in today's Gospel, he uses

simple language and imagery from everyday life to help explain

the mystery of the Kingdom of God in terms that can "easily be

understood by everyone."

"That's why they listened willingly and appreciated his message

that came straight to their heart."

In the parable, we know that Jesus is the sower, and in this image

he doesn't impose, but proposes, the Pope said. He throws the

seed, attracting us not by conquering us, but by giving himself to

us.

And this seed, "how can it bear fruit?" he asked. "If we welcome

him."

"Therefore the parable concerns above all us: it speaks, in fact, of

the soil rather than of the sower. Jesus performs, so to speak, a

'spiritual radiography' of our heart, which is the ground upon

which the seed of the Word falls.”