Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel….

Tuesday 7 February 2017

We are attached to petty unimportant things and we tend to forget about the really important , essential things ….In the family, the workplaces unfortunately even in the parliaments , but even in the Church the debates or the so called “reforms” are only about side issues and the really important questions are not even asked !!  The Titanic collides with an iceberg , is sinking but the diligent servants are polishing the shining copper door handles !! How different our Lord Jesus Christ is ! At the sea of Galilee , after Good Friday , He goes to His disciples and gently asks :”Peter do you love me ??”There is no avoidance of issues, cursing the past , needless going round in circles , Jesus at once gets to the pointed when His disciple declares his love for Jesus, then all is well , the great work of the redemption can continue without a hitch !

May God grant us not to get lost in the details , following in the footsteps of our Master we always strive for the essence !!

With love ,

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e. 

Picture: One of our kind carers from Déva feeding  one of our  children taken in , in the name of God !!

The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round Jesus, and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with unclean hands, that is, without washing them. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, keep the tradition of the elders and never eat without washing their arms as far as the elbow; and on returning from the market place they never eat without first sprinkling themselves. There are also many other observances which have been handed down to them to keep, concerning the washing of cups and pots and bronze dishes. So the Pharisees and scribes asked him, 'Why do your disciples not respect the tradition of the elders but eat their food with unclean hands?'

He answered, 'How rightly Isaiah prophesied about you hypocrites in the passage of scripture: This people honours me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me. Their reverence of me is worthless; the lessons they teach are nothing but human commandments. You put aside the commandment of God to observe human traditions.' And he said to them, 'How ingeniously you get round the commandment of God in order to preserve your own tradition! For Moses said: Honour your father and your mother, and, Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death. But you say, "If a man says to his father or mother: Anything I have that I might have used to help you is Korban (that is, dedicated to God)," then he is forbidden from that moment to do anything for his father or mother. In this way you make God's word ineffective for the sake of your tradition which you have handed down. And you do many other things like this.’

Mark 7, 1-13

Father Csaba’s reflections on the gospel..

Monday 7 February 2017

"started hurrying all through the countryside……” Jesus is not sitting in the sacristy !!  He is on the way, the good shepherd seeks out His sheep !! Seeing the everyday tasks , taking them on our Master lives His life among the people ! I also have to do this by my own standard ! I cannot perform a great miracle but where I happen to be I have to take part in people’s lives ! The miracle is God’s gift that His holy Majesty , if He sees it fit, graciously grants ! If to the best of my ability I can only give a glass of water , a smile , this should not make me feel sad because,  this the only talent I have to make good use of!!!

With love,

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.

Picture: one of our little girls showing off proudly her nice home in Medgyes.

Having made the crossing, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and moored there.

When they disembarked people at once recognised him, and started hurrying all through the countryside and brought the sick on stretchers to wherever they heard he was.

And wherever he went, to village or town or farm, they laid down the sick in the open spaces, begging him to let them touch even the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched him were saved.

Mark 6, 53-56

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel

5 February 2017 5th Sunday of Ordinary time.

Your light should cast light in front of people that seeing your good deeds ,  your heavenly Father is glorified !

Come lets do good deeds, lets be good , so that people will glorify the heavenly Father !

With love,

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.

Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth, kbut if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

l“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. mNor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so nthat2 they may see your good works and ogive glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5, 13-16

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel

Saturday 4 February 2017

‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ 

I admire God ,who after having done His work then takes a rest !!! Everything has its time in a course of a the day , work as well as rest !! A wise man can work but can also stop and look back happily , admire the work he has done !! Lets pray that God grants us this wisdom , so that we can carry out our tasks satisfactorily !!

With love,

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Mark 6, 30-34

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel

Friday 3 February 2017

What comes out of a person whom you just met , how he is going to behave will also depend a lot on us. Be prudent , but trust in people, if someone get trust, love then that person will also be grateful for that, rain does not fall on the soil without producing its own fruit !! Of course if you are wise then you also know that out of ten running down the field is not going to result in ten goals.Do not be disheartened if all your efforts do not bring a hundredfold result. Jesus could not convert everybody either, but despite this He never  veers off the path of trust and love. The day after the execution of Saint John the Baptist, Jesus is already teaching, healing, multiplying bread ! After Good Friday on the dawn of Easter our Master gathers His disciples , moves on as though nothing has happened !! You should not be discouraged by your failures either, you were not given the commandment of lamenting , mistrust but the commandment of mercy and love.

Whoever perserveres to the end will attain salvation !!

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.

Picture: this little rascal is keeping his fingers crossed  for you……

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” 15But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”  But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her.  For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”  And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not,  for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.  But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee.  When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.”  And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.”  She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.”  Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”  The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison,  brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

Mark 6, 14-29

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel….

Thursday 2 February 2017, Feast of the presentation of our Lord.

"as it is written in the law of the Lord “….

Mary and Saint Joseph keep God’s commandments ! The basis for peace is adhering to the law and here quite certainly the most important commandment  is the commandment of love, no-one is superior to this, not even a government !!! If our Lord Jesus Christ subjected Himself  to the commandments of God , then why could we not do the same !! That is why we embarked on this road in 2017 with the guidance of Saint László , leading to  happiness following God’s commandments!!

On this beautiful day lets compose oneself , lets examine our relationship with God’s commandments and symbolically lets light even two candles , to signify our firm , holy resolution within ourselves regardless of cost , that we are never going abandon God’s  commandments leading us to joy !!

With love ,

Father Csaba.

translated by dr k.e.

Picture: the law like a fence surrounds you and protects you……..

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Lk 2,22-40

Father Csaba’s reflections on the gospel

Wednesday 1 February 2017

"he began to teach”

I admire our Master , He does not give orders, He does not bribe or intimidate, He does not even manipulate people’s thinking, but calmly, wisely reasons , teaches the people ! Jesus knows that knowledge is like the light, that enlightens peoples’ understanding , gives them self-confidence , resolutions that we make the right decisions and we genuinely adhere to them !! Our world is calling out for wise teachers , people who do not try to force-feed  their alleged “beliefs” , but bravely they dare to stand up with their intellectual gifts , their contributions that make our world better and more worthwhile!! A real teacher does not “win”, does not steamroll with their assertions, but wisely , modestly  “convinces” us with their irrefutable convictions !!!!

Let Jesus’ teaching penetrate , enlighten our minds !! Lets dare to lift the light of wisdom high there where we live !!

Father Csaba 

translated by dr k.e.

He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary* and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence* at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6And he was amazed at their unbelief. 

Then he went about among the villages teaching.

Mark 6, 1-6

Father Csaba’s reflection on the gospel….

Tueasday 31 January 2017

Jesus heals ! All those who meet with Jesus will be stronger, healthier , more and they will go on enlightened, in a better mood , happier on their own way !! Jesus asks that following in the footsteps of the 12 apostles, the 72 disciples we also do the same according to our strength, capabilities with our work to make our world a better place ! We cannot heal miraculously but we can console , encourage , teach our brethren to become better….May we be filled by good intention , Christ’s spirit of wanting to help and there where we are , lets turn towards others with mercy and good intention! Jesus turns to all those trouble with the gift of love and encourages us as well :You received it free and you also give it free !

Lets get going and as a hunting dog  looking for the prey ,so should we humbly look for the opportunity so  we can do a good deed and by this we also become good . By living the life of Christ we also become sanctified ! Every single good deed is a great stride towards eternity, our Creator’s open arms !

With love,

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.

picture : The fruit of our good deeds is our children’s smile ! 

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat* to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.’ So he went with him.

And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’Immediately her haemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, “Who touched me?” ’ He looked all round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’

While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?’ But overhearing* what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha cum’, which means, ‘Little girl, get up!’ And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Mark 5, 21-43

Father Csaba’s reflections on the gospel

Monday 30 January 2017

Jesus helps with love and kindness a person in trouble !! He does not call him to account over , how could he ever sink this low , He does not judge the person rightly so, but He frees him to be able to love, to a life fit for a human being !  At the end of the day when their paths separate , this is that man who smiles , has faith in the tomorrow , healed feeling much better than when they met during the day !

We are followers of Christ, if we really want that, then our Master’s beautiful features should be shining on our faces , then we also have to act in a similar way ! Our sole aim can only be, that those ,who by their good fortune come our way , become more, richer , stronger , braver than before they met us ! Christ’s formula is as simple as that , we do not want to take away but we want to give, we do not want to divide but multiply in this world!! 

It is good to do good, I encourage you to follow in the footsteps of our Master and along the way generously do good everywhere!!

With love,

Father Csaba

translated by dr k.e.

Photo : Does meeting us make our children , our loved ones happier ?!

They came to the other side of the lake, to the country of the Gerasenes.* And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain;for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.’ For he had said to him, ‘Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!’ Then Jesus* asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘My name is Legion; for we are many.’ He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits* begged him, ‘Send us into the swine; let us enter them.’ So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the lake, and were drowned in the lake.

The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus* to leave their neighbourhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus* refused, and said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.’ And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.

Mark 5, 1-20

Father Csaba’s reflections on the gospel……

29 January 2017  Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time.

In my understanding in Jesus' teaching about the eight beatitudes is that, blessed is the man : who worships his Lord God and only serves Him !

Last year in November 2016 a huge crowd gathered in Krakow as a result of a famous apparition, to raise our Lord Jesus Christ to  the throne . The event was also attended by the president and the prime minister as well . 

It is certain that in our country  such an event would be premature and forced , but I encourage you this Sunday  in the church , at the end of mass , in the quiet time after holy communion , alone offer yourself , with your weaknesses , even with your recurring sins to your God and ask Jesus Christ to be your king ! Do not be afraid to stand in front of your Redeemer , the holy scriptures teach us that God "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out “ Matthew.!

He is the One who went up the Golgotha for you on Good Friday , quite certainly will take your decision seriously , that , by keeping God’s first holy commandment , worshipping your Creator , serving Him you regard this as the most important goal in your life!

Let Christ be your king , this way you not only understand one of Jesus' most beautiful message about the eight beatitude , but you will also experience that inner peace , blessing that is more precious and delightful than anything else and also is a proof of the blessed presence of our Creator !

With love,

Father Csaba 

translated by dr k.e.

The Beatitudes

5When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5, 1-12a