Sunday Sippin’ For May 27th

For the readings, click this link.

Read the Sunday readings here!

A branch’s ability to produce fruit is absolutely dependent on it remaining on the vine. A branch’s life is absolutely dependent on it adhering to the vine, from which it draws life. So it is with us in our faith journeys. Only by remaining in Him, can we bear fruit, i.e. do what is good and holy. Only by adhering to Him do we live to the full.

What does it mean to remain in Him? We see the answer in the Second Reading, from the First Letter of St. John: “Those who keep his commandments remain in him, and he in them, and the way we know that he remains in us is from the Spirit he gave us”. The presence of His Spirit and the following of the commandments indicate that we have His Life coursing through us, that we are tied to Christ. Both Love and law are required, power and responsibility, heart and action.

Too often do we forget this, and we end up emphasizing one over the other, which is unhealthy. Since the presence of the Spirit naturally leads to outward action, love without fruits borne out in action seems unnatural. On the other hand, overemphasizing action, without concern for love, leads to lame works, devoid of power or substance. Worse yet, we all too often willfully let go of our Lord, only to, sooner or later, wither from lack of Him!

Brothers and sisters, may God be gracious to us on this Fifth Sunday of Easter, filling us with His Love and moving us to action. May we never lose sight of our radical dependence on God and by cooperating with His grace, may we be filled with His Life and fruitful in due season. A blessed Sunday to you all!

“Even on the cross He did not hide Himself from sight; rather, He made all creation witness to the presence of its Maker.” - St. Athanasius of Alexandria

On May 2nd, the Roman Catholic Church commemorates Saint Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, Doctor of the Church, and courageous defender of the truths of the Christian Faith in the fourth century. His tenacious adherence to the doctrine of Christ’s divinity in the face of the politically powerful Arian heresy earned him persecution from many of his fellow prelates, who drew up a host of false charges to oust him from his episcopacy. Though innocent of wrongdoing, Athanasius was forced into exile from Alexandria no less than four times by four separate emperors! He held fast to the truths of the Faith in spite of dogged opposition from a multitude of opponents and even threats on his life, giving rise to the phrase, “Athanasius contra mundum,” i.e. “Athanasius against the world”.

As we celebrate the memorial of Saint Athanasius, let us pray that God may forgive us for the times we silenced ourselves concerning our faith, especially when the light of that faith was truly called for by the situation. May God give us the grace to follow Saint Athanasius’ example of Christian fortitude amidst the trials and tribulations that we face everyday.

A detailed biography of Saint Athanasius and his published works can be found on New Advent.

From the Breviary:

Father, You raised up Saint Athanasius to be an outstanding defender of the truth of Christ’s divinity. By his teaching and protection, may we grow in your knowledge and love.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

Ian explains how Joseph from the Old Testament, the guy with the Technicolored Dream Coat, relates to St. Joseph.

Today is the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker! So here is another Two Minute Catechesis about St. Joseph. Ian explains why St. Joseph is the Patron of the Universal Church!

CU Bay Area (Teaser Vid)

Catholic Underground Bay Area premiered on Saturday April 21, 2012 at St. Augustine’s Parish in Oakland, California with Father Agostino, CFR leading us in prayer, and Jackie Francois taking care of the entertainment.

The Strawguys were there and here’s a quick preview of what we experienced.

Make sure y’all check back for more videos from Catholic Underground.

Our shirt for the Feast of St. George is here. Only $15!

You’ve got the dragonslayer himself laying the smacketh down, and we’ve mashed him up with the first two lines from the Prayer of the Medal of St. Benedict.

Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux, Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux.

Let the Holy Cross be my light, not the Dragon be my guide.

(Source: blog.bethestraw.org)

The Strawguys dig the Bay Area.

The Strawguys dig Catholic Underground.

Ergo, the Strawguys dig that Catholic Underground has arrived in the Bay Area.

Growing up Catholic in the Bay Area, I’ve definitely felt blessed. The local Church has been a great support to me and my vocation, and the Church has always felt vibrant out here in Northern California. I have seen both youth and young adult ministry grow in a healthy way in this past decade.

Now with Catholic Underground Bay Area premiering on April 21 in Oakland, young adults have another beautiful way to connect in fellowship with one another, spend some time with Jesus, and grow in their faith.

Hit the jump for more information about the CU Bay Area event, and for more info about Catholic Underground itself.