Reading 1
Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29
Brothers and sisters: I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Of course not! For I too am a child of Israel, a descendant of Abraham,of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?
Hence I ask, did they stumble so as to fall? Of course not! But through their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make them jealous. Now if their transgression is enrichment for the world, and if their diminished number is enrichment for the Gentiles, how much more their full number.
I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you will not become wise in your own estimation: a hardening has come upon Israel in part, until the full number of the Gentiles comes in, and thus all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
The deliverer will come out of Zion, he will turn away godlessness from Jacob; and this is my covenant with themwhen I take away their sins.
In respect to the Gospel, they are enemies on your account; but in respect to election,they are beloved because of the patriarch. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
Gospel
Lk 14:1, 7-11
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassmentto take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say,‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Meditation: Romans 11:1-2, 11-12,25-29
The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29)
St. Paul grieved deeply that many of his fellow Jews had not accepted the gospel message. Earlier in his letter to the Romans, Paul expressed “great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart” for the Jewish people, and even went so far as to say that he himself would willingly separate himself from Christ if only they would believe (9:2-3).
However, in today’s passage from Romans, it’s clear that Paul has not given up hope. He believes that the salvation experienced by the Gentiles will cause the Jewish people to desire Christ. And, he says, although they have not yet believed in Christ, they are still “beloved” by God (Romans 11:28). “God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew” (11:2).
We all know family members and loved ones who do not know Christ, and like Paul, we also grieve for them. We want them to experience the awesome love and mercy that God has showered on us, as well as the freedom to live an abundant and fruitful life. Like Paul, we also know that we can’t force anyone to believe. All we can do is pray that their hearts will someday be open and willing to receive all that God has for them.
In the meantime, we can also have hope. Just as it was for the Jewish people, so it is for all of us: God’s gifts and call are irrevocable. He will never withdraw them; it would be against his nature to do so. He has not rejected anyone, even those who don’t yet know him. In fact, his greatest desire is to have all of us close to his heart every moment of every day.
So let’s continue praying for our loved ones and for all who are far from the Lord. Let’s pray that God’s light will shine in their lives. Let’s also pray for ourselves and other Christians who are sent into the world to preach the gospel so that others may hear it. As Paul says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15).
“Jesus, you call everyone to yourself, even those who don’t yet know you. Open their hearts to your grace. Give us the boldness and courage to share all that you have done in our own lives with them.”
31 October 2009
30 October 2009
30 Oct 09 Friday, Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time - Year 1
Reading 1
Rom 9:1-5
Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are children of Israel; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ,who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
Gospel
Lk 14:1-6
On a sabbath Jesus went to dineat the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”But they kept silent; so he took the man and,after he had healed him, dismissed him. Then he said to them “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?”But they were unable to answer his question.
Meditation: Luke 14:1-6
Once again, Jesus found himself in the middle of a controversy.
The Pharisees who confronted him held to a limited interpretation of God’s commands, which led them to suspect Jesus and look for any opportunity to trip him up. For his part, Jesus took their scrutiny as a chance to teach them about the heart of God’s law, which consists of mercy and healing.
When Jesus healed the man with dropsy—an ailment that caused excessive retention of fluid—he once more confronted these Pharisees’ narrow understanding of God’s ways. Their rigid application of sabbath law left no room for the love and mercy that are the foundation of every one of God’s commands. Jesus addressed this rigidity directly. If any sensible person would rescue a farm animal in mortal danger on the Sabbath, how much more would God want to rescue one of his children in need? Of all the days of the week, the Sabbath would be the most appropriate day for someone to receive God’s healing touch.
The sabbath rest God wants for us comes from an intimate experience of his love—an experience that places peace in our hearts, no matter what our circumstances. Jesus came to inaugurate this sabbath rest on earth through his suffering, death, and resurrection. As his people, we can now experience it in increasing depth. In this rest, we know God as our Father, and we know we belong to him. We learn to trust in his provision and surrender our lives to his care.
How can you experience God’s rest? The most essential element is prayer, which puts us into contact with the realities of God’s kingdom. Quieting your mind as you dwell on a passage from the Bible or as you focus your attention on a favorite crucifix can make it easier for God’s life to penetrate your heart. Perhaps playing some worshipful music and singing along, or quietly chanting the rosary or a psalm can give you a sense of quiet and release. Whatever you do, know that Jesus is searching for you even more eagerly than you are looking for him. So try to let go just a little bit, and let him find you!
“Lord Jesus, I open my heart to you now. May I enter into your rest and experience your presence. Help me to see that love is at the heart of your law.”
Rom 9:1-5
Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are children of Israel; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ,who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
Gospel
Lk 14:1-6
On a sabbath Jesus went to dineat the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”But they kept silent; so he took the man and,after he had healed him, dismissed him. Then he said to them “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?”But they were unable to answer his question.
Meditation: Luke 14:1-6
Once again, Jesus found himself in the middle of a controversy.
The Pharisees who confronted him held to a limited interpretation of God’s commands, which led them to suspect Jesus and look for any opportunity to trip him up. For his part, Jesus took their scrutiny as a chance to teach them about the heart of God’s law, which consists of mercy and healing.
When Jesus healed the man with dropsy—an ailment that caused excessive retention of fluid—he once more confronted these Pharisees’ narrow understanding of God’s ways. Their rigid application of sabbath law left no room for the love and mercy that are the foundation of every one of God’s commands. Jesus addressed this rigidity directly. If any sensible person would rescue a farm animal in mortal danger on the Sabbath, how much more would God want to rescue one of his children in need? Of all the days of the week, the Sabbath would be the most appropriate day for someone to receive God’s healing touch.
The sabbath rest God wants for us comes from an intimate experience of his love—an experience that places peace in our hearts, no matter what our circumstances. Jesus came to inaugurate this sabbath rest on earth through his suffering, death, and resurrection. As his people, we can now experience it in increasing depth. In this rest, we know God as our Father, and we know we belong to him. We learn to trust in his provision and surrender our lives to his care.
How can you experience God’s rest? The most essential element is prayer, which puts us into contact with the realities of God’s kingdom. Quieting your mind as you dwell on a passage from the Bible or as you focus your attention on a favorite crucifix can make it easier for God’s life to penetrate your heart. Perhaps playing some worshipful music and singing along, or quietly chanting the rosary or a psalm can give you a sense of quiet and release. Whatever you do, know that Jesus is searching for you even more eagerly than you are looking for him. So try to let go just a little bit, and let him find you!
“Lord Jesus, I open my heart to you now. May I enter into your rest and experience your presence. Help me to see that love is at the heart of your law.”
29 October 2009
29 Oct 09 Thursday, Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time - Year 1
Reading 1
Rom 8:31b-39
Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised,who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? As it is written:
For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly hrough him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel
Lk 13:31-35
Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,“Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.”He replied, “Go and tell that fox,‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Meditation: Luke 13:31-35
You will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Luke 13:35)
Have you ever tried to put yourself in this verse? Jesus so longs to gather us to him, and yet we refuse. We don’t have time. We’re too busy at work. Life is hard right now. Maybe later. Maybe later. We can find so many excuses to keep away the one person who will not add to our burdens. Somehow we have become convinced that he will ask more of us than we can bear.
We like the illusion that we are in control of our lives and that somehow God will ruin our autonomy. We lose sight of the fact that none of us has ultimate control over our fate, and we see Jesus as a threat to this illusion.
But Jesus promises that if we bless him and praise him, we will see him. We won’t necessarily see him with our physical eyes. But we will see him in our hearts. We will know that he is with us, because we won’t be so quickly tossed about by the wind and waves of life in this world. We will sense his love and presence during times of sadness. We will know that we are not alone, even if everyone else has abandoned us. We will see his comfort and his peace when he answers the deepest cry of our hearts—the longing to be with him.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Sing it out! Shout it out! Rejoice! Jesus, the Savior and Messiah, has come. If we can just put aside our self-consciousness, we will discover the freedom and joy that come from praising the Lord with our whole heart. It doesn’t have to be a big production, and it doesn’t have to disrupt our day. All we have to do is stop a few times each day and praise and bless the Lord for a couple of minutes.
If we just recall Jesus’ goodness and the salvation that he has won for us—if we just praise him for all of this—we will be lifted up. So let Jesus gather you to himself today. Praise and bless him today, and watch as his power and his joy fill you.
“Jesus, I bless you and praise you today, for you are my salvation. Come, Lord, and lift me up to your presence!”
Rom 8:31b-39
Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised,who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? As it is written:
For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly hrough him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel
Lk 13:31-35
Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,“Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.”He replied, “Go and tell that fox,‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Meditation: Luke 13:31-35
You will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Luke 13:35)
Have you ever tried to put yourself in this verse? Jesus so longs to gather us to him, and yet we refuse. We don’t have time. We’re too busy at work. Life is hard right now. Maybe later. Maybe later. We can find so many excuses to keep away the one person who will not add to our burdens. Somehow we have become convinced that he will ask more of us than we can bear.
We like the illusion that we are in control of our lives and that somehow God will ruin our autonomy. We lose sight of the fact that none of us has ultimate control over our fate, and we see Jesus as a threat to this illusion.
But Jesus promises that if we bless him and praise him, we will see him. We won’t necessarily see him with our physical eyes. But we will see him in our hearts. We will know that he is with us, because we won’t be so quickly tossed about by the wind and waves of life in this world. We will sense his love and presence during times of sadness. We will know that we are not alone, even if everyone else has abandoned us. We will see his comfort and his peace when he answers the deepest cry of our hearts—the longing to be with him.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Sing it out! Shout it out! Rejoice! Jesus, the Savior and Messiah, has come. If we can just put aside our self-consciousness, we will discover the freedom and joy that come from praising the Lord with our whole heart. It doesn’t have to be a big production, and it doesn’t have to disrupt our day. All we have to do is stop a few times each day and praise and bless the Lord for a couple of minutes.
If we just recall Jesus’ goodness and the salvation that he has won for us—if we just praise him for all of this—we will be lifted up. So let Jesus gather you to himself today. Praise and bless him today, and watch as his power and his joy fill you.
“Jesus, I bless you and praise you today, for you are my salvation. Come, Lord, and lift me up to your presence!”
28 October 2009
28 Oct 09 Wednesday, Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Reading 1
Eph 2:19-22
Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Gospel
Lk 6:12-16
Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot,and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Meditation: Ephesians 2:19-22
Eph 2:19-22
Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Gospel
Lk 6:12-16
Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot,and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Meditation: Ephesians 2:19-22
Sts. Simon and Jude
You are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. (Ephesians 2:19-20)
Have you ever researched your family tree? It’s an interesting way to find out where you came from, and it can tell you a few things about yourself. Today’s feast of Saints Simon and Jude is a good opportunity to do something similar with our heritage as Christians.
We don’t have a lot of historical data about Simon and Jude. Of course they were two of the apostles chosen by Jesus, and they walked with him during his earthly ministry. They are also part of the foundation on which God built his church. But have you ever thought about how the apostles and saints were normal human beings with their own strengths and weaknesses? In this great “family reunion” of church history, we will meet people who are heroic and holy, but who also trip and fall—and then get up again to keep following the Lord.
The original group of apostles displayed some very noble virtues. It was quite an honorable, brave thing to abandon their livelihoods and become Jesus’ disciples. But their discipleship wasn’t all nobility and holiness. After being with Jesus for three years, their leader denied even knowing him; another refused to believe he had risen from the dead; and almost all of them deserted him in his hour of suffering. Stories just like these run throughout the history of the church. There have been times of great blessing, but also times of suffering, times of abuse and human weaknesses along with times of great sacrifice, humility, and progress.
What does this family history tell us about ourselves? That God is with us, offering love and mercy despite our weaknesses and failings. Jesus will never abandon his church, even in its darkest moments. In fact, in times of greatest suffering or struggle, Jesus is even closer than before. We can be humbled by our heritage as children of God, because it is God’s love and grace that hold our church family together—a love and grace that are constant.
“Heavenly Father, what a lineage I have! They encourage me by their holiness, but they also demonstrate your faithfulness in the face of human failure. I can rest assured in your steadfast love for me and for your entire church family!”
27 October 2009
27 Oct 09 Tuesday, Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time - Year 1
Reading 1
Rom 8:18-25
Brothers and sisters:I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;a nd not only that, but we ourselves,who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
Gospel
Lk 13:18-21
Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”
Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”
Meditation: Romans 8:18-25
If we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. (Romans 8:25)
Near nightfall, a solitary mountain climber slipped backward over a precipice but was able to break his fall by catching hold of a small rocky ledge. Hour after hour, he held on desperately, hoping that someone would come along and rescue him. Finally, he could hold on no longer. His fingers released their grip, and he began sliding. Almost immediately, his feet hit solid ground. A safe level place had been only a short distance beneath him the whole time!
In the midst of suffering and trials, we may feel like that stranded climber, hanging on for dear life, clinging to the faint hope that we will be rescued. We “groan within ourselves as we wait” (Romans 8:23). Yet when we place our trust in the God who loves us and let go, we discover that the solid ground of his love was right beneath us all the time.
There is a big difference between hoping-that and hoping-in. I hope that researchers will discover a cure for diabetes or that God will intervene to heal me. But I hope in the God who loves me, sustains me and provides the wisdom and encouragement I need to live with diabetes. I hope that my wayward child will listen to my advice and repent of destructive decisions. I hope in the God who loves him far more than I do and is continually seeking him out. I hope that my financial situation will improve. But I hope in the Father who provides for all my needs out of his abundant resources.
We can hope that our situation improves, that things turn out for the best, or that heaven awaits us. Those are all future events that can help keep us moving forward, and they are appropriate petitions to lay before the Father. But far more powerful is placing our hope in the God who loves us here and now, and who will never abandon us.
”Father, I know that your love is sustaining me right now. Grant me the grace to hope in you and to trust that you hold my future in your loving hands.”
Rom 8:18-25
Brothers and sisters:I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;a nd not only that, but we ourselves,who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
Gospel
Lk 13:18-21
Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”
Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”
Meditation: Romans 8:18-25
If we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. (Romans 8:25)
Near nightfall, a solitary mountain climber slipped backward over a precipice but was able to break his fall by catching hold of a small rocky ledge. Hour after hour, he held on desperately, hoping that someone would come along and rescue him. Finally, he could hold on no longer. His fingers released their grip, and he began sliding. Almost immediately, his feet hit solid ground. A safe level place had been only a short distance beneath him the whole time!
In the midst of suffering and trials, we may feel like that stranded climber, hanging on for dear life, clinging to the faint hope that we will be rescued. We “groan within ourselves as we wait” (Romans 8:23). Yet when we place our trust in the God who loves us and let go, we discover that the solid ground of his love was right beneath us all the time.
There is a big difference between hoping-that and hoping-in. I hope that researchers will discover a cure for diabetes or that God will intervene to heal me. But I hope in the God who loves me, sustains me and provides the wisdom and encouragement I need to live with diabetes. I hope that my wayward child will listen to my advice and repent of destructive decisions. I hope in the God who loves him far more than I do and is continually seeking him out. I hope that my financial situation will improve. But I hope in the Father who provides for all my needs out of his abundant resources.
We can hope that our situation improves, that things turn out for the best, or that heaven awaits us. Those are all future events that can help keep us moving forward, and they are appropriate petitions to lay before the Father. But far more powerful is placing our hope in the God who loves us here and now, and who will never abandon us.
”Father, I know that your love is sustaining me right now. Grant me the grace to hope in you and to trust that you hold my future in your loving hands.”
26 October 2009
26 Oct 09 Monday, Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time - Year 1
Reading 1
Rom 8:12-17
Brothers and sisters,we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption,through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Gospel
Lk 13:10-17
Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said,“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”He laid his hands on her,and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply,“There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham,whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now,ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?”When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.
Meditation: Romans 8:12-17
Adoption and slavery—what a contrast!
St. Paul used these images because he wanted to emphasize, in the strongest terms possible, the difference between living in “the flesh” and living in the Spirit.
When Paul talks about the flesh (Romans 8:12), he isn’t referring to our physical bodies—which were created by God and are “very good” (Genesis 1:31). No, he means the inclinations to sin that we inherited from Adam—those daily temptations to act in unloving, selfish ways toward ourselves and others. This is the “flesh” that we were set free from when we became children of God at baptism.
We may not remember being baptized, but something important and powerful really did happen then: The Holy Spirit came to live in us and made us members of God’s family. The stain of original sin—the mark of our alienation and slavery—was washed away, and now the Spirit is free to shine God’s love into the deepest corners of our hearts. He actually prays in us, teaching us to call out to God in the most intimate way: “Abba! Father!”
So when we are feeling tempted or bound by sin, we can recall who we really are: children of God. We can experience the power of the Holy Spirit to put sin to death in our lives. The more we internalize this truth in our everyday lives, the more we will find ourselves living in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath who for eighteen years had been unable to stand up straight. When the synagogue leader rebukes him, Jesus says: “This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free?” (Luke 13:16). Child of Abraham! Child of God! What title could possibly be better than this? What other short phrase could possibly be so rich in promise, joy, and freedom?
Today in prayer, ask the Lord to help you recognize what may be binding you. Perhaps it’s an addiction, or a sinful pattern, or anxiety, or fear. Then step out in faith and claim Jesus’ victory as your own by acting out your freedom as you go through your day. You’ll be amazed at the freedom!
“Father, thank you for adopting me into your family. Today I walk in the freedom your Son won for me.”
Rom 8:12-17
Brothers and sisters,we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption,through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Gospel
Lk 13:10-17
Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said,“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”He laid his hands on her,and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply,“There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham,whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now,ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?”When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.
Meditation: Romans 8:12-17
Adoption and slavery—what a contrast!
St. Paul used these images because he wanted to emphasize, in the strongest terms possible, the difference between living in “the flesh” and living in the Spirit.
When Paul talks about the flesh (Romans 8:12), he isn’t referring to our physical bodies—which were created by God and are “very good” (Genesis 1:31). No, he means the inclinations to sin that we inherited from Adam—those daily temptations to act in unloving, selfish ways toward ourselves and others. This is the “flesh” that we were set free from when we became children of God at baptism.
We may not remember being baptized, but something important and powerful really did happen then: The Holy Spirit came to live in us and made us members of God’s family. The stain of original sin—the mark of our alienation and slavery—was washed away, and now the Spirit is free to shine God’s love into the deepest corners of our hearts. He actually prays in us, teaching us to call out to God in the most intimate way: “Abba! Father!”
So when we are feeling tempted or bound by sin, we can recall who we really are: children of God. We can experience the power of the Holy Spirit to put sin to death in our lives. The more we internalize this truth in our everyday lives, the more we will find ourselves living in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath who for eighteen years had been unable to stand up straight. When the synagogue leader rebukes him, Jesus says: “This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free?” (Luke 13:16). Child of Abraham! Child of God! What title could possibly be better than this? What other short phrase could possibly be so rich in promise, joy, and freedom?
Today in prayer, ask the Lord to help you recognize what may be binding you. Perhaps it’s an addiction, or a sinful pattern, or anxiety, or fear. Then step out in faith and claim Jesus’ victory as your own by acting out your freedom as you go through your day. You’ll be amazed at the freedom!
“Father, thank you for adopting me into your family. Today I walk in the freedom your Son won for me.”
25 October 2009
25 Oct 09 Sunday, 30th Sunday in Ordinary time - Year 1
Reading 1
Jer 31:7-9
Thus says the LORD: Shout with joy for Jacob,exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say:The LORD has delivered his people,the remnant of Israel. Behold, I will bring them back from the land of the north; I will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst, the mothers and those with child; they shall return as an immense throng. They departed in tears, but I will console them and guide them; I will lead them to brooks of water,on a level road, so that none shall stumble. For I am a father to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.
Reading II
Heb 5:1-6
Brothers and sisters: Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: You are my son: this day I have begotten you; just as he says in another place: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Gospel
Mk 10:46-52
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more,"Son of David, have pity on me."Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."So they called the blind man, saying to him,"Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you."He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Meditation: Mark 10:46-52
Bartimaeus certainly knew how to stand out in a crowd.
A blind beggar, he was convinced that Jesus had the power to restore his sight. And he was desperate enough to cry out to Jesus over and over again until he received the healing he sought.
We may not be physically blind, but we all have some degree of spiritual blindness. And the answer for us is the same as it was for Bartimaeus: We need to call out to Jesus over and over again.
Bartimaeus threw pride out the window because he wanted to see so badly. He embarrassed himself and his friends, but he didn’t care. He even went so far as to beg Jesus for his sight. He was willing to become a “fool” just so that he could see Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:18). There was no way he was going to miss out on a golden opportunity like this.
Bartimaeus was rewarded for his persistence and foolishness: Jesus healed his blindness. And that’s not all. Bartimaeus was so moved by what he experienced—and by who he experienced—that he became a follower of Jesus.
Do you believe that Jesus wants to show himself to you? Do you believe that he can heal your spiritual blindness? He can, and it begins as you follow Bartimaeus’ example and seek the Lord. Set your eyes and your heart on Jesus. Cry out for him as loud as you can.
It’s not that Jesus is hard of hearing or far away. Rather, crying out like Bartimaeus is a way for us to put our whole heart into our prayer. It’s our way of saying, “With all that I have, Lord, I stand here pleading.”
How will we know if our spiritual sight is being restored? We will know when we are moved to give our lives to Jesus. We will know when our hearts are warmed by Jesus’ love and when we are moved to give our lives to him—just as Bartimaeus did.
“Jesus, open my eyes! I want to see you and know you more than anything else in this world. Please, Lord, let me see.”
Jer 31:7-9
Thus says the LORD: Shout with joy for Jacob,exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say:The LORD has delivered his people,the remnant of Israel. Behold, I will bring them back from the land of the north; I will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst, the mothers and those with child; they shall return as an immense throng. They departed in tears, but I will console them and guide them; I will lead them to brooks of water,on a level road, so that none shall stumble. For I am a father to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.
Reading II
Heb 5:1-6
Brothers and sisters: Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: You are my son: this day I have begotten you; just as he says in another place: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Gospel
Mk 10:46-52
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more,"Son of David, have pity on me."Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."So they called the blind man, saying to him,"Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you."He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Meditation: Mark 10:46-52
Bartimaeus certainly knew how to stand out in a crowd.
A blind beggar, he was convinced that Jesus had the power to restore his sight. And he was desperate enough to cry out to Jesus over and over again until he received the healing he sought.
We may not be physically blind, but we all have some degree of spiritual blindness. And the answer for us is the same as it was for Bartimaeus: We need to call out to Jesus over and over again.
Bartimaeus threw pride out the window because he wanted to see so badly. He embarrassed himself and his friends, but he didn’t care. He even went so far as to beg Jesus for his sight. He was willing to become a “fool” just so that he could see Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:18). There was no way he was going to miss out on a golden opportunity like this.
Bartimaeus was rewarded for his persistence and foolishness: Jesus healed his blindness. And that’s not all. Bartimaeus was so moved by what he experienced—and by who he experienced—that he became a follower of Jesus.
Do you believe that Jesus wants to show himself to you? Do you believe that he can heal your spiritual blindness? He can, and it begins as you follow Bartimaeus’ example and seek the Lord. Set your eyes and your heart on Jesus. Cry out for him as loud as you can.
It’s not that Jesus is hard of hearing or far away. Rather, crying out like Bartimaeus is a way for us to put our whole heart into our prayer. It’s our way of saying, “With all that I have, Lord, I stand here pleading.”
How will we know if our spiritual sight is being restored? We will know when we are moved to give our lives to Jesus. We will know when our hearts are warmed by Jesus’ love and when we are moved to give our lives to him—just as Bartimaeus did.
“Jesus, open my eyes! I want to see you and know you more than anything else in this world. Please, Lord, let me see.”
24 October 2009
24 Oct 09 Saturday, Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time - Year I
Reading 1
Rom 8:1-11
Brothers and sisters: Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death. For what the law, weakened by the flesh, was powerless to do,this God has done: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for the sake of sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us, who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit. For those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit. The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace. For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God; it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness. If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you.
Gospel
Lk 13:1-9
Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.He said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?By no means!But I tell you, if you do not repent,you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?By no means!But I tell you, if you do not repent,you will all perish as they did!”
And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,he said to the gardener,‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none.So cut it down.Why should it exhaust the soil?’He said to him in reply,‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.If not you can cut it down.’”
Meditation: Luke 13:1-9
How many parents do you know who, at one point or another, have had to threaten their child with some kind of serious consequence for bad behavior?
Hopefully the threat is given in love and from a desire to form the child properly. Good parents will do whatever is necessary to nurture and teach their children, and sometimes a threat is exactly what is needed to motivate and teach the child. Today’s Gospel reading, the parable of the fig tree, contains this kind of “Do it or else” warning—only this time from God! If we want to understand the nature of his warning, however, we need to step back and take a look at the bigger picture of why God takes our behavior so seriously.
God has given us many talents and gifts, and he wants to see us cultivate them in a way that makes us able to bear fruit for his kingdom. He loves watching us grow and develop not only because it gives him glory but also because we are happiest when we are at our most productive. He also knows that sins of selfishness, pride, or neglect have a way of limiting the fruit we can bear because they weigh us down and separate us from him. This is why it is vital that we be found hard at work strengthening our gifts and putting them to work for the good of others.
Jesus is not just telling a good story about fruitfulness here. He is also giving us a warning. He wants us to know that he is always with us, ready to help us as we seek to cultivate our talents. But he is also warning us that unless we cultivate the habits of self-examination, humility, and repentance, we risk being cut off from him, the source of all life, and ending up barren.
Fortunately, we have the gift of repentance to help us turn back to the Lord and to make us fruitful once again. Repentance has the power to purify our hearts and our minds. It frees us up so that we can move out into the world healed and hopeful, ready to serve the Lord and his people. Do you need to wipe your slate clean? Confess your sins, and let Jesus, the good gardener, cultivate you so that you can bear fruit wherever you go.
“Lord, examine me and search me, so that I can become as fruitful as possible. Come, Holy Spirit, and cultivate your gifts in me. Let me become a living witness of the love and power of God for all those around me.”
Rom 8:1-11
Brothers and sisters: Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death. For what the law, weakened by the flesh, was powerless to do,this God has done: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for the sake of sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us, who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit. For those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit. The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace. For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God; it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness. If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you.
Gospel
Lk 13:1-9
Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.He said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?By no means!But I tell you, if you do not repent,you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?By no means!But I tell you, if you do not repent,you will all perish as they did!”
And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,he said to the gardener,‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none.So cut it down.Why should it exhaust the soil?’He said to him in reply,‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.If not you can cut it down.’”
Meditation: Luke 13:1-9
How many parents do you know who, at one point or another, have had to threaten their child with some kind of serious consequence for bad behavior?
Hopefully the threat is given in love and from a desire to form the child properly. Good parents will do whatever is necessary to nurture and teach their children, and sometimes a threat is exactly what is needed to motivate and teach the child. Today’s Gospel reading, the parable of the fig tree, contains this kind of “Do it or else” warning—only this time from God! If we want to understand the nature of his warning, however, we need to step back and take a look at the bigger picture of why God takes our behavior so seriously.
God has given us many talents and gifts, and he wants to see us cultivate them in a way that makes us able to bear fruit for his kingdom. He loves watching us grow and develop not only because it gives him glory but also because we are happiest when we are at our most productive. He also knows that sins of selfishness, pride, or neglect have a way of limiting the fruit we can bear because they weigh us down and separate us from him. This is why it is vital that we be found hard at work strengthening our gifts and putting them to work for the good of others.
Jesus is not just telling a good story about fruitfulness here. He is also giving us a warning. He wants us to know that he is always with us, ready to help us as we seek to cultivate our talents. But he is also warning us that unless we cultivate the habits of self-examination, humility, and repentance, we risk being cut off from him, the source of all life, and ending up barren.
Fortunately, we have the gift of repentance to help us turn back to the Lord and to make us fruitful once again. Repentance has the power to purify our hearts and our minds. It frees us up so that we can move out into the world healed and hopeful, ready to serve the Lord and his people. Do you need to wipe your slate clean? Confess your sins, and let Jesus, the good gardener, cultivate you so that you can bear fruit wherever you go.
“Lord, examine me and search me, so that I can become as fruitful as possible. Come, Holy Spirit, and cultivate your gifts in me. Let me become a living witness of the love and power of God for all those around me.”
23 October 2009
23 Oct 09 Friday, Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time - Year I
Reading 1
Rom 7:18-25a
Brothers and sisters:I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh.The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel
Lk 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds,“When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
Meditation: Romans 7:18-25
Here is a truth we can never hear too many times: In Jesus Christ, we are set free.
He died, rose, ascended into heaven, and poured out his Spirit so that we could live free from sin and death. But there is another truth that is just as important, but which we find a little harder to hear: There is another one at work, a liar from the beginning, whose only plan is to bring us into slavery and keep us there forever.
We call that liar the devil, or Satan. Unlike God, he is not all-present, all-knowing, or even all-powerful. He is just a liar. From the beginning, he has delighted in deceiving us. God commanded Adam: “From that tree you shall not eat; the moment you eat from it you are surely doomed to die” (Genesis 2:17). And almost immediately, Satan told a huge lie: “You certainly will not die” (3:4). God just doesn’t want you to be like him.
With that one lie, when our first parents believed it, the power of sin was unleashed, and the human race became enslaved. Satan continues this same strategy today, conning us into accepting his lies, and using them as a tool to keep us ensnared. This is the “law of sin” that St. Paul cites in Romans 7:23. And some days, it’s more real to us, and easier to see in operation, than the finished work of Jesus on the cross. But Jesus has redeemed us! That is truth, no matter what other thoughts are whispered into our minds.
We have a way out of our entanglement in sin: the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There, sin must bow to the truth of freedom in Christ, to the truth that Jesus has restored us to a right relationship with the Father. It’s there, in Confession, that truth triumphs, and we taste our freedom once more. So when you see sin in your life, don’t accept it as immutable fact. Cry out: “Jesus, I want to be free!” Receive the sacrament. And embrace the liberation, the life, the peace, and the joy that Jesus died to give you.
“Jesus, I want to be free! Show me how the law of sin is at work in my life, so that I may turn and receive the reconciliation you died for.”
Rom 7:18-25a
Brothers and sisters:I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh.The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel
Lk 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds,“When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
Meditation: Romans 7:18-25
Here is a truth we can never hear too many times: In Jesus Christ, we are set free.
He died, rose, ascended into heaven, and poured out his Spirit so that we could live free from sin and death. But there is another truth that is just as important, but which we find a little harder to hear: There is another one at work, a liar from the beginning, whose only plan is to bring us into slavery and keep us there forever.
We call that liar the devil, or Satan. Unlike God, he is not all-present, all-knowing, or even all-powerful. He is just a liar. From the beginning, he has delighted in deceiving us. God commanded Adam: “From that tree you shall not eat; the moment you eat from it you are surely doomed to die” (Genesis 2:17). And almost immediately, Satan told a huge lie: “You certainly will not die” (3:4). God just doesn’t want you to be like him.
With that one lie, when our first parents believed it, the power of sin was unleashed, and the human race became enslaved. Satan continues this same strategy today, conning us into accepting his lies, and using them as a tool to keep us ensnared. This is the “law of sin” that St. Paul cites in Romans 7:23. And some days, it’s more real to us, and easier to see in operation, than the finished work of Jesus on the cross. But Jesus has redeemed us! That is truth, no matter what other thoughts are whispered into our minds.
We have a way out of our entanglement in sin: the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There, sin must bow to the truth of freedom in Christ, to the truth that Jesus has restored us to a right relationship with the Father. It’s there, in Confession, that truth triumphs, and we taste our freedom once more. So when you see sin in your life, don’t accept it as immutable fact. Cry out: “Jesus, I want to be free!” Receive the sacrament. And embrace the liberation, the life, the peace, and the joy that Jesus died to give you.
“Jesus, I want to be free! Show me how the law of sin is at work in my life, so that I may turn and receive the reconciliation you died for.”
22 October 2009
22 Oct 09 Thursday, Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time - Year I
Reading 1
Rom 6:19-23
Brothers and sisters: I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your nature. For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness for lawlessness, so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. But what profit did you get then from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit that you have leads to sanctification, and its end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel
Lk 12:49-53
Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Meditation: Romans 6:19-23
Having a one-on-one, toe-to-toe, face-to-face conversation with St. Paul must have been a riveting experience.
Just try to imagine the intense look in his eyes. Picture the scars on his forehead, the result of being stoned outside the city walls. Picture his weathered face, and you can feel his passionate love for Christ, compelling him to travel from town to town preaching the gospel. Yet as unique as St. Paul is, his story is really no different than ours. At least, it doesn’t have to be.
What made Paul so passionate about evangelization? He had experienced the power of the gospel that he was proclaiming. He had a personal encounter with the risen Lord—a moment of grace that led to conversion. He also knew that this radical change in mind and heart was only the beginning of a lifetime journey of conversion.
Drawing from Paul’s teachings, we can identify two kinds of conversion. The first is metanoia, which means a fundamental change in mind and heart. St. Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus was one such moment. Today, many people have experienced a similar sort of initial awakening through such programs as a Cursillo weekend or a Life in the Spirit seminar. Others experience this change more gradually as they take up a life of prayer and Scripture, allowing the Lord to impress his love on their hearts.
The second kind of conversion is referred to as “ongoing conversion,” or the lifelong process of sanctification. This ongoing conversion is not so much about accepting Christ as it is about becoming like Christ. Perhaps John the Baptist summarized it best when he said: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). This process involves both the grace of God and human effort. God wants to heal us, for example, but we must be willing to expose our wounds. He wants to forgive and transform us, but we must confess our sins and ask for his help. He wants to fill us with his power, but we must first empty ourselves of our pride. Imagine how much God can do with a surrendered heart!
“Jesus, I ask you to pour your healing grace upon me. Help me to find the strength to bring everything to you—all my desires, all my weaknesses, all my plans. Come, Lord, and show me your saving power.”
Rom 6:19-23
Brothers and sisters: I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your nature. For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness for lawlessness, so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. But what profit did you get then from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit that you have leads to sanctification, and its end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel
Lk 12:49-53
Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Meditation: Romans 6:19-23
Having a one-on-one, toe-to-toe, face-to-face conversation with St. Paul must have been a riveting experience.
Just try to imagine the intense look in his eyes. Picture the scars on his forehead, the result of being stoned outside the city walls. Picture his weathered face, and you can feel his passionate love for Christ, compelling him to travel from town to town preaching the gospel. Yet as unique as St. Paul is, his story is really no different than ours. At least, it doesn’t have to be.
What made Paul so passionate about evangelization? He had experienced the power of the gospel that he was proclaiming. He had a personal encounter with the risen Lord—a moment of grace that led to conversion. He also knew that this radical change in mind and heart was only the beginning of a lifetime journey of conversion.
Drawing from Paul’s teachings, we can identify two kinds of conversion. The first is metanoia, which means a fundamental change in mind and heart. St. Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus was one such moment. Today, many people have experienced a similar sort of initial awakening through such programs as a Cursillo weekend or a Life in the Spirit seminar. Others experience this change more gradually as they take up a life of prayer and Scripture, allowing the Lord to impress his love on their hearts.
The second kind of conversion is referred to as “ongoing conversion,” or the lifelong process of sanctification. This ongoing conversion is not so much about accepting Christ as it is about becoming like Christ. Perhaps John the Baptist summarized it best when he said: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). This process involves both the grace of God and human effort. God wants to heal us, for example, but we must be willing to expose our wounds. He wants to forgive and transform us, but we must confess our sins and ask for his help. He wants to fill us with his power, but we must first empty ourselves of our pride. Imagine how much God can do with a surrendered heart!
“Jesus, I ask you to pour your healing grace upon me. Help me to find the strength to bring everything to you—all my desires, all my weaknesses, all my plans. Come, Lord, and show me your saving power.”
21 October 2009
21 Oct Wednesday, Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time - Year I
Reading 1
Rom 6:12-18
Brothers and sisters: Sin must not reign over your mortal bodies so that you obey their desires. And do not present the parts of your bodies to sin as weapons for wickedness, but present yourselves to God as raised from the dead to life and the parts of your bodies to God as weapons for righteousness. For sin is not to have any power over you, since you are not under the law but under grace.
What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Of course not! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, although you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted. Freed from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness.
Gospel
Lk 12:39-48
Jesus said to his disciples: “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Then Peter said,“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”And the Lord replied,“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’and begins to beat the men servants and the maid servants,to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hourand will punish the servant severelyand assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Meditation: Luke 12:39-48
If the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. (Luke 12:39)
Have you ever wondered why Jesus compared himself to a thief when preaching about his second coming? Why did he also use the example of a harsh master who punishes his servants for not being ready? For those who have neglected their relationship with God, this imagery can certainly be a wake-up call. But what about those of us who have been trying our best to follow him? Should we start shaking in our boots?
Certainly not. Jesus doesn’t want to frighten us into the kingdom. But there is surely an element of mystery regarding his second coming. No matter how spiritual we are, it’s going to surprise us. We know that he will come “upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). But we don’t know exactly what that will look like or when it’s going to happen. We can only expect that when the infinite enters the finite, the status quo of everyday life will be disrupted!
Since Jesus’ return will astonish everyone, we might suppose there’s no way to really prepare for it. But his own words tell us that our entire Christian life hinges on getting ready. We are to take up our cross daily and follow him. In order to find our life, we have to lose it (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33).
The best way to get ready for Jesus’ return is to let him make his home in your heart. In your prayer time, try to be open to the surprising ways he may want to speak to you—not just through his word but through the gentle voice of the Spirit or through the actions and words of the people around you. As you go through your day, be open to the interruptions that come to you. Those unexpected requests from relatives, friends, or co workers may be Jesus giving you an opportunity to serve him. You don’t have to wait for the end of the world to see him; he’s knocking at your door right now!
“Lord, may I welcome you in whatever form you come today—in the conviction of your holy word, in the presence of my neighbor, and in all the blessings you send to me.”
Rom 6:12-18
Brothers and sisters: Sin must not reign over your mortal bodies so that you obey their desires. And do not present the parts of your bodies to sin as weapons for wickedness, but present yourselves to God as raised from the dead to life and the parts of your bodies to God as weapons for righteousness. For sin is not to have any power over you, since you are not under the law but under grace.
What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? Of course not! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, although you were once slaves of sin, you have become obedient from the heart to the pattern of teaching to which you were entrusted. Freed from sin, you have become slaves of righteousness.
Gospel
Lk 12:39-48
Jesus said to his disciples: “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Then Peter said,“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”And the Lord replied,“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’and begins to beat the men servants and the maid servants,to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hourand will punish the servant severelyand assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Meditation: Luke 12:39-48
If the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. (Luke 12:39)
Have you ever wondered why Jesus compared himself to a thief when preaching about his second coming? Why did he also use the example of a harsh master who punishes his servants for not being ready? For those who have neglected their relationship with God, this imagery can certainly be a wake-up call. But what about those of us who have been trying our best to follow him? Should we start shaking in our boots?
Certainly not. Jesus doesn’t want to frighten us into the kingdom. But there is surely an element of mystery regarding his second coming. No matter how spiritual we are, it’s going to surprise us. We know that he will come “upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). But we don’t know exactly what that will look like or when it’s going to happen. We can only expect that when the infinite enters the finite, the status quo of everyday life will be disrupted!
Since Jesus’ return will astonish everyone, we might suppose there’s no way to really prepare for it. But his own words tell us that our entire Christian life hinges on getting ready. We are to take up our cross daily and follow him. In order to find our life, we have to lose it (Luke 9:23-24; 14:33).
The best way to get ready for Jesus’ return is to let him make his home in your heart. In your prayer time, try to be open to the surprising ways he may want to speak to you—not just through his word but through the gentle voice of the Spirit or through the actions and words of the people around you. As you go through your day, be open to the interruptions that come to you. Those unexpected requests from relatives, friends, or co workers may be Jesus giving you an opportunity to serve him. You don’t have to wait for the end of the world to see him; he’s knocking at your door right now!
“Lord, may I welcome you in whatever form you come today—in the conviction of your holy word, in the presence of my neighbor, and in all the blessings you send to me.”
20 October 2009
20 Oct 09, Tuesday, Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time - Year I
Reading 1
Rom 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21
Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, in as much as all sinned.
If by that one person’s transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many. For if, by the transgression of the one, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ. In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous actacquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of one man the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one the many will be made righteous. Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel
Lk 12:35-38
Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.”
Meditation: Romans 5:12,15,17-21
Coming home from Mass one Sunday morning, a woman decided to quiz her teenage son.
“Did you enjoy Mass?” she asked. “It was okay,” came the somewhat indifferent response. “What did you think the homily was about?” The boy replied, “It was about Jesus, and the priest was for him.” “Was that all?” his mother asked. “No, it was also about sin, and the priest was against it.”
A surface reading of this passage from Romans can lead us to a similar response. In these verses, St. Paul compares the “trespass of one man, Adam”—which led to death—to the “righteousness of one man, Christ”—which leads to life. This classic comparison between Adam and Jesus, between disobedience and obedience, and between death and life lies at the heart of the church’s teaching on original sin and the promise of justification for those who believe and are baptized. It tells us that Adam’s first sin had consequences that are still with us today, but that Jesus’ complete obedience to God also has eternal—and even more powerful—consequences for us. Adam’s sin led to our condemnation, but Jesus’ obedience can lead all who believe to eternal life with God.
This is all very encouraging news, and very good theology. However, there’s something else in this passage that God wants to write on our hearts: When Jesus died on the cross, he unleashed a river of grace for the whole world. This “superabundant” grace has all the power of God to overcome sin and death and the control they used to have over humanity. We all can be set free!
This superabundant grace flows out to us day in and day out. It’s like the sun, which is constantly shining, even if there are clouds in the sky. Just as the sun can’t be “turned off,” neither will the light of God’s grace ever stop shining, offering us warmth and clarity. Even when our sins act like clouds, the grace is still there. All we need to do is remove the clouds through repentance, and his love and grace will shine on us once more. That’s how faithful God is to his promises!
“Thank you, Jesus, for overcoming sin and death once for all. Come, Lord, and let your light shine upon your church and upon each one of us. Right now we open ourselves to receive your super abundant provision of grace.”
Rom 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21
Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, in as much as all sinned.
If by that one person’s transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many. For if, by the transgression of the one, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ. In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous actacquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of one man the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one the many will be made righteous. Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel
Lk 12:35-38
Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.”
Meditation: Romans 5:12,15,17-21
Coming home from Mass one Sunday morning, a woman decided to quiz her teenage son.
“Did you enjoy Mass?” she asked. “It was okay,” came the somewhat indifferent response. “What did you think the homily was about?” The boy replied, “It was about Jesus, and the priest was for him.” “Was that all?” his mother asked. “No, it was also about sin, and the priest was against it.”
A surface reading of this passage from Romans can lead us to a similar response. In these verses, St. Paul compares the “trespass of one man, Adam”—which led to death—to the “righteousness of one man, Christ”—which leads to life. This classic comparison between Adam and Jesus, between disobedience and obedience, and between death and life lies at the heart of the church’s teaching on original sin and the promise of justification for those who believe and are baptized. It tells us that Adam’s first sin had consequences that are still with us today, but that Jesus’ complete obedience to God also has eternal—and even more powerful—consequences for us. Adam’s sin led to our condemnation, but Jesus’ obedience can lead all who believe to eternal life with God.
This is all very encouraging news, and very good theology. However, there’s something else in this passage that God wants to write on our hearts: When Jesus died on the cross, he unleashed a river of grace for the whole world. This “superabundant” grace has all the power of God to overcome sin and death and the control they used to have over humanity. We all can be set free!
This superabundant grace flows out to us day in and day out. It’s like the sun, which is constantly shining, even if there are clouds in the sky. Just as the sun can’t be “turned off,” neither will the light of God’s grace ever stop shining, offering us warmth and clarity. Even when our sins act like clouds, the grace is still there. All we need to do is remove the clouds through repentance, and his love and grace will shine on us once more. That’s how faithful God is to his promises!
“Thank you, Jesus, for overcoming sin and death once for all. Come, Lord, and let your light shine upon your church and upon each one of us. Right now we open ourselves to receive your super abundant provision of grace.”
19 October 2009
19 Oct, Monday, Memorial of Saint John de Brébeuf and Saint Isaac Jogues, priests and martyrs, and their companions, martyrs
Reading 1
Rom 4:20-25
Brothers and sisters:Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief;rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do.That is why it was credited to him as righteousness.But it was not for him alone that it was written that it was credited to him;it was also for us, to whom it will be credited,who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,who was handed over for our transgressions and was raised for our justification.
Gospel
Lk 12:13-21
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,“Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”He replied to him,“Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”Then he said to the crowd,“Take care to guard against all greed,for though one may be rich,one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
Then he told them a parable.“There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.He asked himself, ‘What shall I do,for I do not have space to store my harvest?’And he said, ‘This is what I shall do:I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones.There I shall store all my grain and other goodsand I shall say to myself, “Now as for you,you have so many good things stored up for many years,rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’But God said to him,‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himselfbut is not rich in what matters to God.”
Meditation: Luke 12:13-21
A man appeals to Jesus for justice against a brother who isn’t sharing with him, but Jesus doesn’t intervene.
Instead, he cautions the questioner against the poison of greed, telling a story about a barn-building fool who “stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God” (Luke 12:21).
The first North American martyrs, whose feast we celebrate today, are great examples of men who were “rich in what matters to God.” They gave up privilege, comfort, and even life’s basic necessities in order to answer God’s call to spread his love in a new land.
As a young seminarian, John de Brebeuf was so sickly that his program of studies had to be modified, but he still went to Canada to preach the gospel to the Huron nation. In order to reach them, he made a six-hundred-mile canoe trip on a river with treacherous rapids. During his first stay, the Hurons were so suspicious that not one person converted. But he persisted over numerous visits that slowly bore fruit.
Later, he and a fellow missionary were captured by the the Iroquois, who slowly tortured them to death. Their tormentors so admired the way they continued to preach and pray even as they were dying that after killing de Brebeuf, some of the Iroquois drank de Brebeuf’s blood in the hopes of ingesting his courage.
Isaac Jogues left a fine position teaching literature in France in order to go to North America. He was captured by another Iroquois tribe, who mutilated him by burning, cutting, and chewing off his fingers before he was unexpectedly rescued by some Dutch soldiers. Grateful to God for his rescue, Jogues could have stayed safe in France, but he lost no time in returning to the Hurons. Not long after his arrival, he was tomahawked.
Where do your riches lie? The only treasures any of us can count on keeping for eternity are the ones we have given up for love of God and his children. It makes no sense to store up our talents and gifts. No one would benefit from that. So be generous! Give your time and resources to the Lord! The more you give away, the more he fills you with the treasures of his life, his love, and his blessings.
”Jesus, you are my only treasure. I am awed by the heroism of your martyrs. Make me single-hearted for you, just as they were.”
Rom 4:20-25
Brothers and sisters:Abraham did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief;rather, he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God and was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do.That is why it was credited to him as righteousness.But it was not for him alone that it was written that it was credited to him;it was also for us, to whom it will be credited,who believe in the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,who was handed over for our transgressions and was raised for our justification.
Gospel
Lk 12:13-21
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,“Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”He replied to him,“Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”Then he said to the crowd,“Take care to guard against all greed,for though one may be rich,one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
Then he told them a parable.“There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest.He asked himself, ‘What shall I do,for I do not have space to store my harvest?’And he said, ‘This is what I shall do:I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones.There I shall store all my grain and other goodsand I shall say to myself, “Now as for you,you have so many good things stored up for many years,rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’But God said to him,‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himselfbut is not rich in what matters to God.”
Meditation: Luke 12:13-21
A man appeals to Jesus for justice against a brother who isn’t sharing with him, but Jesus doesn’t intervene.
Instead, he cautions the questioner against the poison of greed, telling a story about a barn-building fool who “stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God” (Luke 12:21).
The first North American martyrs, whose feast we celebrate today, are great examples of men who were “rich in what matters to God.” They gave up privilege, comfort, and even life’s basic necessities in order to answer God’s call to spread his love in a new land.
As a young seminarian, John de Brebeuf was so sickly that his program of studies had to be modified, but he still went to Canada to preach the gospel to the Huron nation. In order to reach them, he made a six-hundred-mile canoe trip on a river with treacherous rapids. During his first stay, the Hurons were so suspicious that not one person converted. But he persisted over numerous visits that slowly bore fruit.
Later, he and a fellow missionary were captured by the the Iroquois, who slowly tortured them to death. Their tormentors so admired the way they continued to preach and pray even as they were dying that after killing de Brebeuf, some of the Iroquois drank de Brebeuf’s blood in the hopes of ingesting his courage.
Isaac Jogues left a fine position teaching literature in France in order to go to North America. He was captured by another Iroquois tribe, who mutilated him by burning, cutting, and chewing off his fingers before he was unexpectedly rescued by some Dutch soldiers. Grateful to God for his rescue, Jogues could have stayed safe in France, but he lost no time in returning to the Hurons. Not long after his arrival, he was tomahawked.
Where do your riches lie? The only treasures any of us can count on keeping for eternity are the ones we have given up for love of God and his children. It makes no sense to store up our talents and gifts. No one would benefit from that. So be generous! Give your time and resources to the Lord! The more you give away, the more he fills you with the treasures of his life, his love, and his blessings.
”Jesus, you are my only treasure. I am awed by the heroism of your martyrs. Make me single-hearted for you, just as they were.”
18 October 2009
18 Oct 09, Sunday, 29th Sunday in Ordinary time - Year 1
Reading 1
Is 53:10-11
The LORD was pleasedto crush him in infirmity.
If he gives his life as an offering for sin,he shall see his descendants in a long life,and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him.
Because of his afflictionhe shall see the light in fullnessof days;through his suffering, my servant shall justify many,and their guilt he shall bear.
Reading II
Heb 4:14-16
Brothers and sisters:Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God,let us hold fast to our confession.For we do not have a high priestwho is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,but one who has similarly been tested in every way,yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of graceto receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
Gospel
Mk 10:35-45 or 10:42-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him,"Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glorywe may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drinkor be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" They said to him, "We can." Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink,and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to givebut is for those for whom it has been prepared." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them,"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentileslord it over them,and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you.Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be servedbut to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
or
Jesus summoned the twelve and said to them,"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentileslord it over them,and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be servedbut to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Meditation: Hebrews 4:14-16
Let us confidently approach the throne of grace. (Hebrews 4:16)
“Can you come to my birthday party?” “I have two tickets to the game; can you make it?” “We’re going on a boat trip next week. Do you want to join us?” We all love to receive invitations, and here is one that is hard to refuse: “Can you come to the throne of grace?”
Every day, God invites us to come and receive gifts from him. Today’s reading from Hebrews mentions specifically the gifts of mercy and help in time of need, but God’s invitation includes a much wider array of gifts than the ones we seek at crisis points. Every day, he wants to give us gifts like peace, encouragement, hope, joy, grace to forgive, and insights into his path for our lives. There is no end to the gifts God wants to give us!
If God is so generous, and if his invitation is so warm and open, why do we hesitate? Could it be fear? In the ancient Near East, it was often considered dangerous to approach the throne of a king. The Book of Esther reflects a Persian tradition that daring even to come into the king’s presence could lead to death (Esther 4:11). Certainly God is more awe inspiring and fearsome than an earthly emperor! It’s instructive that the warning didn’t stop Esther: She took the risk in order to intercede for her people. And the king heard her, granted her request, and even raised her above all other people.
This is how it will be for us when we accept God’s invitation and place ourselves in his presence. He will put his arms around us, draw us to himself, and ask us what we need. Then, with a knowing smile on his face, he will open his box of treasures and give us exactly the right gifts—even gifts we didn’t think we needed.
So what are you waiting for? On this day of sabbath blessing, don’t be afraid to approach Almighty God. He is your Father!
“Lord, I come to your throne with confidence, knowing that I can ask you for gifts of grace to help me today.”
Is 53:10-11
The LORD was pleasedto crush him in infirmity.
If he gives his life as an offering for sin,he shall see his descendants in a long life,and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him.
Because of his afflictionhe shall see the light in fullnessof days;through his suffering, my servant shall justify many,and their guilt he shall bear.
Reading II
Heb 4:14-16
Brothers and sisters:Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God,let us hold fast to our confession.For we do not have a high priestwho is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,but one who has similarly been tested in every way,yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of graceto receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
Gospel
Mk 10:35-45 or 10:42-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him,"Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?" They answered him, "Grant that in your glorywe may sit one at your right and the other at your left." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drinkor be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" They said to him, "We can." Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink,and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to givebut is for those for whom it has been prepared." When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them,"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentileslord it over them,and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you.Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be servedbut to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
or
Jesus summoned the twelve and said to them,"You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentileslord it over them,and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be servedbut to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Meditation: Hebrews 4:14-16
Let us confidently approach the throne of grace. (Hebrews 4:16)
“Can you come to my birthday party?” “I have two tickets to the game; can you make it?” “We’re going on a boat trip next week. Do you want to join us?” We all love to receive invitations, and here is one that is hard to refuse: “Can you come to the throne of grace?”
Every day, God invites us to come and receive gifts from him. Today’s reading from Hebrews mentions specifically the gifts of mercy and help in time of need, but God’s invitation includes a much wider array of gifts than the ones we seek at crisis points. Every day, he wants to give us gifts like peace, encouragement, hope, joy, grace to forgive, and insights into his path for our lives. There is no end to the gifts God wants to give us!
If God is so generous, and if his invitation is so warm and open, why do we hesitate? Could it be fear? In the ancient Near East, it was often considered dangerous to approach the throne of a king. The Book of Esther reflects a Persian tradition that daring even to come into the king’s presence could lead to death (Esther 4:11). Certainly God is more awe inspiring and fearsome than an earthly emperor! It’s instructive that the warning didn’t stop Esther: She took the risk in order to intercede for her people. And the king heard her, granted her request, and even raised her above all other people.
This is how it will be for us when we accept God’s invitation and place ourselves in his presence. He will put his arms around us, draw us to himself, and ask us what we need. Then, with a knowing smile on his face, he will open his box of treasures and give us exactly the right gifts—even gifts we didn’t think we needed.
So what are you waiting for? On this day of sabbath blessing, don’t be afraid to approach Almighty God. He is your Father!
“Lord, I come to your throne with confidence, knowing that I can ask you for gifts of grace to help me today.”
17 October 2009
17 Oct 09, Saturday, Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr
Reading 1
Rom 4:13, 16-18
Brothers and sisters:It was not through the lawthat the promise was made to Abraham and his descendantsthat he would inherit the world,but through the righteousness that comes from faith.For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift,and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants,not to those who only adhere to the lawbut to those who follow the faith of Abraham,who is the father of all of us, as it is written,I have made you father of many nations.He is our father in the sight of God,in whom he believed, who gives life to the deadand calls into being what does not exist.He believed, hoping against hope,that he would become the father of many nations,according to what was said, Thus shall your descendants be.
Gospel
Lk 12:8-12
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you,everyone who acknowledges me before othersthe Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.But whoever denies me before otherswill be denied before the angels of God.
“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven,but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spiritwill not be forgiven.When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities,do not worry about how or what your defense will beor about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
Meditation: Luke 12:8-12
Rom 4:13, 16-18
Brothers and sisters:It was not through the lawthat the promise was made to Abraham and his descendantsthat he would inherit the world,but through the righteousness that comes from faith.For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift,and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants,not to those who only adhere to the lawbut to those who follow the faith of Abraham,who is the father of all of us, as it is written,I have made you father of many nations.He is our father in the sight of God,in whom he believed, who gives life to the deadand calls into being what does not exist.He believed, hoping against hope,that he would become the father of many nations,according to what was said, Thus shall your descendants be.
Gospel
Lk 12:8-12
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you,everyone who acknowledges me before othersthe Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.But whoever denies me before otherswill be denied before the angels of God.
“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven,but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spiritwill not be forgiven.When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities,do not worry about how or what your defense will beor about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
Meditation: Luke 12:8-12
Do not worry… . The Holy Spirit will teach you. (Luke 12:11-12)
When Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach his followers what they should say, he wasn’t talking only about the prospect of their being arrested and brought to trial. That may happen, and in that case they would probably feel desperate for the Holy Spirit to give them wisdom. But Jesus didn’t want them—or us, for that matter—to wait for a crisis before they started leaning on the Spirit! In fact, the kind of reliance on the Spirit that Jesus describes in this reading is something that can come only from daily practice.
God wants it to become part of the natural rhythm of our lives to turn to the Holy Spirit. He wants us to get in the habit of seeking the Spirit’s insight and his gifts. He wants us to develop the habit, too, of just thanking him for being with us and showing us his love. As we become more confident of the Spirit’s presence, we are more likely to pause and pray for his wisdom or strength in difficult situations. We become more comfortable listening to him and acting on his promptings.
Let’s say your child comes home from school in a bad mood. Take a moment to turn to the Holy Spirit and ask him to help you lovingly get to the root of the problem. Maybe your neighbor has parked her car in front of your mailbox again, and you didn’t receive your mail today. Ask the Spirit to give you patience and gentleness when you see her. Maybe she just needs a kind word or a listening ear. What if you had a family emergency, and your house was abruptly filled with family members in need of care and comfort? The Holy Spirit can raise you up—even if you feel overwhelmed—and use you to minister to each of them.
The best way to improve your ability to hear from the Holy Spirit is to practice listening to him! Today, whether things are going well or poorly, you will face numerous opportunities to seek out and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. The more you turn to him, the better you will be able to hear his voice!
“Holy Spirit, I rely on your guidance today. Help me to hear your voice and follow your lead!”
16 October 2009
16 Oct 09, Friday, 28th Week in Ordinary time - Year 1
Reading 1
Rom 4:1-8
Brothers and sisters:What can we say that Abraham found,our ancestor according to the flesh?Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works,he has reason to boast;but this was not so in the sight of God.For what does the Scripture say?Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due.But when one does not work,yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly,his faith is credited as righteousness. So also David declares the blessedness of the personto whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgivenand whose sins are covered.Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record.
Gospel
Lk 12:1-7
At that time:So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot.Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.
“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,nor secret that will not be known.Therefore whatever you have said in the darknesswill be heard in the light,and what you have whispered behind closed doorswill be proclaimed on the housetops.I tell you, my friends,do not be afraid of those who kill the bodybut after that can do no more.I shall show you whom to fear.Be afraid of the one who after killinghas the power to cast into Gehenna;yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.Do not be afraid.You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Meditation: Romans 4:1-8
Why is it Abraham who rates the title “father of all … who believe” (Romans 4:11)?
What’s so great about his faith? Reading what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about faith (CCC, 142-184) is a good way to begin answering the question, especially where it describes faith as “a personal adherence of the whole man to God who reveals himself” (CCC, 176).
Obviously, Abraham didn’t view faith as a simply intellectual matter. He wasn’t like those people who say, “Oh yes, I believe that,” and then contradict that belief by their actions. Not just Abraham’s intellect but his will and his entire self—”the whole man”—clung to the God who had revealed himself to him.
Abraham demonstrated obedient faith. When God told him to do something—even something wrenching, like leaving his native land or sacrificing his son (Genesis 12:1; 22:1-2)—he obeyed. He also had trusting faith. Again and again, Abraham trusted that God would make good on his promise to give him a family, even though he and his wife were both old and childless. Such faith was “credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). In other words, his readiness to believe made him acceptable and pleasing to God. Finally, Abraham’s faith was active. It spilled over from his thinking into his desires and emotions to his actions.
How can we attain a faith like Abraham’s? Through a humble combination of practice and trust. After all, the Catechism tells us that faith is “a supernatural gift from God” (CCC, 179). So we should never think that we can create this faith solely by our own good intentions. No, it has already been planted in our hearts, and God is waiting for us to make the right choices that will allow it to blossom in us.
Take a few minutes today to think about how your faith affects your practical decisions and actions. Don’t get discouraged if you see areas in which you may fall short! God wants all of us to relate to him with obedient, trusting, active faith. Through the power of his Spirit, he can make all of us into heirs of Abraham’s faith and trust.
“Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief. Increase my trust as I seek to follow you today. Abraham, my father in faith, pray for me!”
Rom 4:1-8
Brothers and sisters:What can we say that Abraham found,our ancestor according to the flesh?Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works,he has reason to boast;but this was not so in the sight of God.For what does the Scripture say?Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due.But when one does not work,yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly,his faith is credited as righteousness. So also David declares the blessedness of the personto whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgivenand whose sins are covered.Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record.
Gospel
Lk 12:1-7
At that time:So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot.Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.
“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,nor secret that will not be known.Therefore whatever you have said in the darknesswill be heard in the light,and what you have whispered behind closed doorswill be proclaimed on the housetops.I tell you, my friends,do not be afraid of those who kill the bodybut after that can do no more.I shall show you whom to fear.Be afraid of the one who after killinghas the power to cast into Gehenna;yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.Do not be afraid.You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Meditation: Romans 4:1-8
Why is it Abraham who rates the title “father of all … who believe” (Romans 4:11)?
What’s so great about his faith? Reading what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about faith (CCC, 142-184) is a good way to begin answering the question, especially where it describes faith as “a personal adherence of the whole man to God who reveals himself” (CCC, 176).
Obviously, Abraham didn’t view faith as a simply intellectual matter. He wasn’t like those people who say, “Oh yes, I believe that,” and then contradict that belief by their actions. Not just Abraham’s intellect but his will and his entire self—”the whole man”—clung to the God who had revealed himself to him.
Abraham demonstrated obedient faith. When God told him to do something—even something wrenching, like leaving his native land or sacrificing his son (Genesis 12:1; 22:1-2)—he obeyed. He also had trusting faith. Again and again, Abraham trusted that God would make good on his promise to give him a family, even though he and his wife were both old and childless. Such faith was “credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). In other words, his readiness to believe made him acceptable and pleasing to God. Finally, Abraham’s faith was active. It spilled over from his thinking into his desires and emotions to his actions.
How can we attain a faith like Abraham’s? Through a humble combination of practice and trust. After all, the Catechism tells us that faith is “a supernatural gift from God” (CCC, 179). So we should never think that we can create this faith solely by our own good intentions. No, it has already been planted in our hearts, and God is waiting for us to make the right choices that will allow it to blossom in us.
Take a few minutes today to think about how your faith affects your practical decisions and actions. Don’t get discouraged if you see areas in which you may fall short! God wants all of us to relate to him with obedient, trusting, active faith. Through the power of his Spirit, he can make all of us into heirs of Abraham’s faith and trust.
“Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief. Increase my trust as I seek to follow you today. Abraham, my father in faith, pray for me!”
15 October 2009
15 Oct 09, Thursday, Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church
Reading 1
Rom 3:21-30
Brothers and sisters:Now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law,though testified to by the law and the prophets,the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.For there is no distinction;all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.They are justified freely by his gracethrough the redemption in Christ Jesus,whom God set forth as an expiation,through faith, by his Blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed,through the forbearance of God–to prove his righteousness in the present time,that he might be righteousand justify the one who has faith in Jesus.
What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out.On what principle, that of works?No, rather on the principle of faith.For we consider that a person is justified by faithapart from works of the law.Does God belong to Jews alone?Does he not belong to Gentiles, too?Yes, also to Gentiles, for God is oneand will justify the circumcised on the basis of faithand the uncircumcised through faith.
Gospel
Lk 11:47-54
The Lord said:“Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed.Consequently, you bear witness and give consentto the deeds of your ancestors,for they killed them and you do the building.Therefore, the wisdom of God said,‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles;some of them they will kill and persecute’in order that this generation might be chargedwith the blood of all the prophetsshed since the foundation of the world,from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariahwho died between the altar and the temple building.Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood!Woe to you, scholars of the law!You have taken away the key of knowledge.You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.”When Jesus left, the scribes and Phariseesbegan to act with hostility toward himand to interrogate him about many things,for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.
Meditation: Romans 3:21-30
A person is justified by faith apart from … the law. (Romans 3:28)
This is good news! We are made acceptable to God, not by what we do for him but by what he did for us. It’s not because we volunteer at the local women’s shelter, avoid pornography, or fast one day each week that we are pleasing to him. It’s not even because we are faithful spouses and generous contributors to our diocese’s annual appeal. We are pleasing and approved in God’s eyes because he did something first, and we have believed it.
What did God do? He sent his Son, Jesus, to fulfill the requirements of the Law. Dying on the cross, Jesus atoned for each and every one of our sins—for every sin ever committed throughout all time. And through his death, resurrection, and ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Jesus has made it possible for us to be in a right relationship with God. Imagine: God himself restores us to the friendship that he longs to have with us!
Don’t you find it amazing that the God of the universe wants to have a relationship with you? Isn’t it astounding that he has chosen to forgive you and restore you so that you can know his love? God wants your heart, however flawed and inconsistent it may be. He wants you to know that meeting him every day in praise, worship, or simple rest delights him no end, because it’s in these times that you can be filled with his grace. And it’s only as we are filled with his grace that we are satisfied in this life—and eager to share that love with the people around us.
So welcome him. Welcome his action in your life. Enter into it as fully as you can, giving him the freedom to love you and lead you. Wherever you sense the Holy Spirit working, answer by saying: “Yes, Lord! Show me more.” Talk to him about his plans for your life. Talk about your dreams or about the things that puzzle or confuse you. Remember: Even if you never did another thing, God would still love you. So let him lead you. Believe that as you seek the relationship first, obedience and service will follow.
“Welcome, Father! Teach me today to receive your love, rejoice in it, and return it to you with all my heart.”
Rom 3:21-30
Brothers and sisters:Now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law,though testified to by the law and the prophets,the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.For there is no distinction;all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.They are justified freely by his gracethrough the redemption in Christ Jesus,whom God set forth as an expiation,through faith, by his Blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed,through the forbearance of God–to prove his righteousness in the present time,that he might be righteousand justify the one who has faith in Jesus.
What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out.On what principle, that of works?No, rather on the principle of faith.For we consider that a person is justified by faithapart from works of the law.Does God belong to Jews alone?Does he not belong to Gentiles, too?Yes, also to Gentiles, for God is oneand will justify the circumcised on the basis of faithand the uncircumcised through faith.
Gospel
Lk 11:47-54
The Lord said:“Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed.Consequently, you bear witness and give consentto the deeds of your ancestors,for they killed them and you do the building.Therefore, the wisdom of God said,‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles;some of them they will kill and persecute’in order that this generation might be chargedwith the blood of all the prophetsshed since the foundation of the world,from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariahwho died between the altar and the temple building.Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood!Woe to you, scholars of the law!You have taken away the key of knowledge.You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.”When Jesus left, the scribes and Phariseesbegan to act with hostility toward himand to interrogate him about many things,for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.
Meditation: Romans 3:21-30
A person is justified by faith apart from … the law. (Romans 3:28)
This is good news! We are made acceptable to God, not by what we do for him but by what he did for us. It’s not because we volunteer at the local women’s shelter, avoid pornography, or fast one day each week that we are pleasing to him. It’s not even because we are faithful spouses and generous contributors to our diocese’s annual appeal. We are pleasing and approved in God’s eyes because he did something first, and we have believed it.
What did God do? He sent his Son, Jesus, to fulfill the requirements of the Law. Dying on the cross, Jesus atoned for each and every one of our sins—for every sin ever committed throughout all time. And through his death, resurrection, and ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Jesus has made it possible for us to be in a right relationship with God. Imagine: God himself restores us to the friendship that he longs to have with us!
Don’t you find it amazing that the God of the universe wants to have a relationship with you? Isn’t it astounding that he has chosen to forgive you and restore you so that you can know his love? God wants your heart, however flawed and inconsistent it may be. He wants you to know that meeting him every day in praise, worship, or simple rest delights him no end, because it’s in these times that you can be filled with his grace. And it’s only as we are filled with his grace that we are satisfied in this life—and eager to share that love with the people around us.
So welcome him. Welcome his action in your life. Enter into it as fully as you can, giving him the freedom to love you and lead you. Wherever you sense the Holy Spirit working, answer by saying: “Yes, Lord! Show me more.” Talk to him about his plans for your life. Talk about your dreams or about the things that puzzle or confuse you. Remember: Even if you never did another thing, God would still love you. So let him lead you. Believe that as you seek the relationship first, obedience and service will follow.
“Welcome, Father! Teach me today to receive your love, rejoice in it, and return it to you with all my heart.”
14 October 2009
14 Oct 09, Wednesday, 28th Week in Ordinary time - Year 1
Reading 1
Rom 2:1-11
You, O man, are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment.For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself,since you, the judge, do the very same things.We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true.Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such thingsand yet do them yourself,that you will escape the judgment of God?Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance?By your stubbornness and impenitent heart,you are storing up wrath for yourselffor the day of wrath and revelationof the just judgment of God,who will repay everyone according to his works,eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortalitythrough perseverance in good works,but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truthand obey wickedness.Yes, affliction and distress will come upon everyonewho does evil, Jew first and then Greek.But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyonewho does good, Jew first and then Greek.There is no partiality with God.
Gospel
Lk 11:42-46
The Lord said:“Woe to you Pharisees!You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb,but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.These you should have done, without overlooking the others.Woe to you Pharisees!You love the seat of honor in synagoguesand greetings in marketplaces. Woe to you!You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”
Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply,“Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.”And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law!You impose on people burdens hard to carry,but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”
Meditation: Romans 2: 1-11
Admit it.
Aren’t you annoyed sometimes, when reading the lives of the saints, to find them deeply grieved over sins or weaknesses that appear incredibly minor? Teresa of Ávila begged God’s forgiveness for having been fond of parties and pretty dresses when she was young. Francis of Assisi repented publicly for having eaten chicken when he was sick. He had one of his followers tie a rope around his neck and lead him through the villages crying out: “Here is the great glutton who ate chicken in secret!” And then there is Augustine, who lamented a “deed of darkness”—stealing pears with some friends when he was sixteen.
If we could just dismiss such saints as obsessive, it might let us off the hook—but no such luck. These men and women were moved to repentance because they were able to recognize outwardly minor failings as shoots from deeply buried roots of serious issues like vanity and pride. In Augustine’s case, willful rebellion against God was behind that youthful theft: “The pleasure I got was not from the pears—it was in the crime itself.” And furthermore, he explained, it was only by the grace of God, “who illumines my heart and searches out its dark corners,” that he came to see his sin for what it really was.
The same is true for us. How easy it is to delude ourselves that it’s other people who commit the big sins and that we ourselves are pretty good followers of Jesus. Oh sure, I stumble every now and then—but nobody’s perfect. Or if we do happen to sin more grievously, how easy to justify ourselves or to consider the sin a “one off”—something not typical of our basically holy selves. As today’s two readings point out, this blindness to our own failings comes accompanied by an exquisite sensitivity to other people’s!
There is only one remedy for this tendency to misjudge our neighbors and ourselves. It requires bringing every thought and action to God, asking him for help to get on course and stay there. Challenging? Yes. But consider this: Your judge is also your healer, who wants you to know “his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience” (Romans 2:4). How will you respond to his invitation today?
Meditation: Romans 2: 1-11
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Admit it.
Aren’t you annoyed sometimes, when reading the lives of the saints, to find them deeply grieved over sins or weaknesses that appear incredibly minor? Teresa of Ávila begged God’s forgiveness for having been fond of parties and pretty dresses when she was young. Francis of Assisi repented publicly for having eaten chicken when he was sick. He had one of his followers tie a rope around his neck and lead him through the villages crying out: “Here is the great glutton who ate chicken in secret!” And then there is Augustine, who lamented a “deed of darkness”—stealing pears with some friends when he was sixteen.
If we could just dismiss such saints as obsessive, it might let us off the hook—but no such luck. These men and women were moved to repentance because they were able to recognize outwardly minor failings as shoots from deeply buried roots of serious issues like vanity and pride. In Augustine’s case, willful rebellion against God was behind that youthful theft: “The pleasure I got was not from the pears—it was in the crime itself.” And furthermore, he explained, it was only by the grace of God, “who illumines my heart and searches out its dark corners,” that he came to see his sin for what it really was.
The same is true for us. How easy it is to delude ourselves that it’s other people who commit the big sins and that we ourselves are pretty good followers of Jesus. Oh sure, I stumble every now and then—but nobody’s perfect. Or if we do happen to sin more grievously, how easy to justify ourselves or to consider the sin a “one off”—something not typical of our basically holy selves. As today’s two readings point out, this blindness to our own failings comes accompanied by an exquisite sensitivity to other people’s!
There is only one remedy for this tendency to misjudge our neighbors and ourselves. It requires bringing every thought and action to God, asking him for help to get on course and stay there. Challenging? Yes. But consider this: Your judge is also your healer, who wants you to know “his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience” (Romans 2:4). How will you respond to his invitation today?
“Probe me, God, and know my heart. Correct whatever is broken and crooked, so that I can walk in freedom and become the person you created me to be.”
Rom 2:1-11
You, O man, are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment.For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself,since you, the judge, do the very same things.We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true.Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such thingsand yet do them yourself,that you will escape the judgment of God?Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance?By your stubbornness and impenitent heart,you are storing up wrath for yourselffor the day of wrath and revelationof the just judgment of God,who will repay everyone according to his works,eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortalitythrough perseverance in good works,but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truthand obey wickedness.Yes, affliction and distress will come upon everyonewho does evil, Jew first and then Greek.But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyonewho does good, Jew first and then Greek.There is no partiality with God.
Gospel
Lk 11:42-46
The Lord said:“Woe to you Pharisees!You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb,but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.These you should have done, without overlooking the others.Woe to you Pharisees!You love the seat of honor in synagoguesand greetings in marketplaces. Woe to you!You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.”
Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply,“Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.”And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law!You impose on people burdens hard to carry,but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”
Meditation: Romans 2: 1-11
Admit it.
Aren’t you annoyed sometimes, when reading the lives of the saints, to find them deeply grieved over sins or weaknesses that appear incredibly minor? Teresa of Ávila begged God’s forgiveness for having been fond of parties and pretty dresses when she was young. Francis of Assisi repented publicly for having eaten chicken when he was sick. He had one of his followers tie a rope around his neck and lead him through the villages crying out: “Here is the great glutton who ate chicken in secret!” And then there is Augustine, who lamented a “deed of darkness”—stealing pears with some friends when he was sixteen.
If we could just dismiss such saints as obsessive, it might let us off the hook—but no such luck. These men and women were moved to repentance because they were able to recognize outwardly minor failings as shoots from deeply buried roots of serious issues like vanity and pride. In Augustine’s case, willful rebellion against God was behind that youthful theft: “The pleasure I got was not from the pears—it was in the crime itself.” And furthermore, he explained, it was only by the grace of God, “who illumines my heart and searches out its dark corners,” that he came to see his sin for what it really was.
The same is true for us. How easy it is to delude ourselves that it’s other people who commit the big sins and that we ourselves are pretty good followers of Jesus. Oh sure, I stumble every now and then—but nobody’s perfect. Or if we do happen to sin more grievously, how easy to justify ourselves or to consider the sin a “one off”—something not typical of our basically holy selves. As today’s two readings point out, this blindness to our own failings comes accompanied by an exquisite sensitivity to other people’s!
There is only one remedy for this tendency to misjudge our neighbors and ourselves. It requires bringing every thought and action to God, asking him for help to get on course and stay there. Challenging? Yes. But consider this: Your judge is also your healer, who wants you to know “his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience” (Romans 2:4). How will you respond to his invitation today?
Meditation: Romans 2: 1-11
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Admit it.
Aren’t you annoyed sometimes, when reading the lives of the saints, to find them deeply grieved over sins or weaknesses that appear incredibly minor? Teresa of Ávila begged God’s forgiveness for having been fond of parties and pretty dresses when she was young. Francis of Assisi repented publicly for having eaten chicken when he was sick. He had one of his followers tie a rope around his neck and lead him through the villages crying out: “Here is the great glutton who ate chicken in secret!” And then there is Augustine, who lamented a “deed of darkness”—stealing pears with some friends when he was sixteen.
If we could just dismiss such saints as obsessive, it might let us off the hook—but no such luck. These men and women were moved to repentance because they were able to recognize outwardly minor failings as shoots from deeply buried roots of serious issues like vanity and pride. In Augustine’s case, willful rebellion against God was behind that youthful theft: “The pleasure I got was not from the pears—it was in the crime itself.” And furthermore, he explained, it was only by the grace of God, “who illumines my heart and searches out its dark corners,” that he came to see his sin for what it really was.
The same is true for us. How easy it is to delude ourselves that it’s other people who commit the big sins and that we ourselves are pretty good followers of Jesus. Oh sure, I stumble every now and then—but nobody’s perfect. Or if we do happen to sin more grievously, how easy to justify ourselves or to consider the sin a “one off”—something not typical of our basically holy selves. As today’s two readings point out, this blindness to our own failings comes accompanied by an exquisite sensitivity to other people’s!
There is only one remedy for this tendency to misjudge our neighbors and ourselves. It requires bringing every thought and action to God, asking him for help to get on course and stay there. Challenging? Yes. But consider this: Your judge is also your healer, who wants you to know “his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience” (Romans 2:4). How will you respond to his invitation today?
“Probe me, God, and know my heart. Correct whatever is broken and crooked, so that I can walk in freedom and become the person you created me to be.”
13 October 2009
13 Oct 09, Tuesday, 28th Week in Ordinary time - Year 1
Reading 1
Rom 1:16-25
Brothers and sisters:I am not ashamed of the Gospel.It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes:for Jew first, and then Greek.For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith;as it is written, “The one who is righteous by faith will live.”
The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heavenagainst every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness.For what can be known about God is evident to them,because God made it evident to them.Ever since the creation of the world,his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinityhave been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made.As a result, they have no excuse;for although they knew Godthey did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks.Instead, they became vain in their reasoning,and their senseless minds were darkened.While claiming to be wise, they became foolsand exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal manor of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes.
Therefore, God handed them over to impuritythrough the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies.They exchanged the truth of God for a lieand revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator,who is blessed forever. Amen.
Gospel
Lk 11:37-41
After Jesus had spoken,a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home.He entered and reclined at table to eat.The Pharisee was amazed to seethat he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees!Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish,inside you are filled with plunder and evil.You fools!Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?But as to what is within, give alms,and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
Meditation: Romans 1:16-25
I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God. (Romans 1:16)
If you want to understand the gospel that Paul preached, try meditating on the word “power.” There are many kinds of power available today: hydroelectric power, atomic power, wind and solar power. We did nothing to create these sources of energy; they are part of the natural world. We simply learned how to harness them. And when we did, we changed the face of the earth!
The gospel is also a form of power. It is the power that is contained in all that Jesus said and did—his preaching and teaching, his death on the cross and his resurrection. It’s the same power that we receive at baptism and confirmation, and the same power the apostles received at Pentecost. And we can do nothing on our own to merit it; it is a gift from God that opens the way to eternal life for us.
However, like the power of the wind, the sea, or the sun, the power of the gospel doesn’t avail us much until we receive it with faith. The extent that we believe in it and lay hold of it is the extent to which its power can work through us. The choice is ours: We can be content that our sins are forgiven, or we can become ambassadors for Christ who are using our gifts to transform society. We are all saints in the making. As St. Catherine of Siena wrote, “If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire!”
The essence of Paul’s message is, “Look at how much Jesus has blessed us!” We have so much more than a ticket to heaven. We have the grace to be men and women formed in his very image and likeness. We can hear his voice and know his presence. We can reach out to the lost and broken with his grace to bring comfort, healing, and deliverance. Empowered by the message of the gospel, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. We shouldn’t fear to go wherever the Spirit leads us, because Jesus is with us every step of the way.
“Lord, I want to know the power of your resurrection. Fill me with the fire of your Spirit so that I can be the light of the world for my brothers and sisters.”
Rom 1:16-25
Brothers and sisters:I am not ashamed of the Gospel.It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes:for Jew first, and then Greek.For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith;as it is written, “The one who is righteous by faith will live.”
The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heavenagainst every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness.For what can be known about God is evident to them,because God made it evident to them.Ever since the creation of the world,his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinityhave been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made.As a result, they have no excuse;for although they knew Godthey did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks.Instead, they became vain in their reasoning,and their senseless minds were darkened.While claiming to be wise, they became foolsand exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal manor of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes.
Therefore, God handed them over to impuritythrough the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies.They exchanged the truth of God for a lieand revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator,who is blessed forever. Amen.
Gospel
Lk 11:37-41
After Jesus had spoken,a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home.He entered and reclined at table to eat.The Pharisee was amazed to seethat he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees!Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish,inside you are filled with plunder and evil.You fools!Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?But as to what is within, give alms,and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
Meditation: Romans 1:16-25
I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God. (Romans 1:16)
If you want to understand the gospel that Paul preached, try meditating on the word “power.” There are many kinds of power available today: hydroelectric power, atomic power, wind and solar power. We did nothing to create these sources of energy; they are part of the natural world. We simply learned how to harness them. And when we did, we changed the face of the earth!
The gospel is also a form of power. It is the power that is contained in all that Jesus said and did—his preaching and teaching, his death on the cross and his resurrection. It’s the same power that we receive at baptism and confirmation, and the same power the apostles received at Pentecost. And we can do nothing on our own to merit it; it is a gift from God that opens the way to eternal life for us.
However, like the power of the wind, the sea, or the sun, the power of the gospel doesn’t avail us much until we receive it with faith. The extent that we believe in it and lay hold of it is the extent to which its power can work through us. The choice is ours: We can be content that our sins are forgiven, or we can become ambassadors for Christ who are using our gifts to transform society. We are all saints in the making. As St. Catherine of Siena wrote, “If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire!”
The essence of Paul’s message is, “Look at how much Jesus has blessed us!” We have so much more than a ticket to heaven. We have the grace to be men and women formed in his very image and likeness. We can hear his voice and know his presence. We can reach out to the lost and broken with his grace to bring comfort, healing, and deliverance. Empowered by the message of the gospel, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. We shouldn’t fear to go wherever the Spirit leads us, because Jesus is with us every step of the way.
“Lord, I want to know the power of your resurrection. Fill me with the fire of your Spirit so that I can be the light of the world for my brothers and sisters.”
12 October 2009
12 Oct 09, Monday, 28th Week in ordinary time - Year 1
Reading 1
Rom 1:1-7
Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus,called to be an Apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God,which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith,for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles,among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ;to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy.Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel
Lk 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,“This generation is an evil generation;it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,except the sign of Jonah.Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,so will the Son of Man be to this generation.At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generationand she will condemn them,because she came from the ends of the earthto hear the wisdom of Solomon,and there is something greater than Solomon here.At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it,because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Meditation: Romans 1:1-7
In Romans, Paul was writing to a community he did not found and had not visited. Still, he knew a lot about it from people like Priscilla and Aquila, whom he met in Corinth. Along with other Jews, this couple was forced to leave Rome by an edict of the emperor Claudius. A contemporary historian says they were expelled over a dispute about a certain “Chrestus,” perhaps tension in the synagogue between those who regarded Jesus as Messiah and those who did not.
Paul hoped eventually to visit the church in Rome, but he had a task to complete first. He had collected offerings from other churches for the mother church in Jerusalem, which was beset by famine. It was his intention to travel to Rome after his mission to Jerusalem. He wanted to meet these believers and enlist their support for a proposed missionary journey to Spain. However, there was a shadow over these plans. Prophets kept warning Paul he would encounter serious opposition in Jerusalem. In fact, we learn from the Book of Acts that the way Paul eventually got to Rome was as a prisoner, not as a pastor.
We all write letters, though not all are as formal as this one. We stick encouraging notes in someone’s lunchbox; we e-mail news, questions, admonitions, and congratulations. Sometimes we write a more formal letter of sympathy or thanks. Like Paul in these introductory verses, our letters try to answer three questions: Who am I, the writer? (Paul calls himself “a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle.”) Who are you, the reader? (Paul addresses them as “the beloved of God … called to be holy, called to belong to Jesus Christ.”) And what does God want me to say to you?
Let’s keep these questions before us as we reach out to others in writing—or in any other way we can reach out.
”Lord Jesus, Word of God, fill my mind with your love so that what I write brings life to the people around me.”
Rom 1:1-7
Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus,called to be an Apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God,which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith,for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles,among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ;to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy.Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel
Lk 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,“This generation is an evil generation;it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,except the sign of Jonah.Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,so will the Son of Man be to this generation.At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generationand she will condemn them,because she came from the ends of the earthto hear the wisdom of Solomon,and there is something greater than Solomon here.At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it,because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Meditation: Romans 1:1-7
This is the beginning of a letter.
Paul uses the format standard in his day, but from the start he makes it his own. Instead of offering impersonal “greetings,” he wishes his readers “grace” and God’s peace (Romans 1:7).
In Romans, Paul was writing to a community he did not found and had not visited. Still, he knew a lot about it from people like Priscilla and Aquila, whom he met in Corinth. Along with other Jews, this couple was forced to leave Rome by an edict of the emperor Claudius. A contemporary historian says they were expelled over a dispute about a certain “Chrestus,” perhaps tension in the synagogue between those who regarded Jesus as Messiah and those who did not.
Paul hoped eventually to visit the church in Rome, but he had a task to complete first. He had collected offerings from other churches for the mother church in Jerusalem, which was beset by famine. It was his intention to travel to Rome after his mission to Jerusalem. He wanted to meet these believers and enlist their support for a proposed missionary journey to Spain. However, there was a shadow over these plans. Prophets kept warning Paul he would encounter serious opposition in Jerusalem. In fact, we learn from the Book of Acts that the way Paul eventually got to Rome was as a prisoner, not as a pastor.
We all write letters, though not all are as formal as this one. We stick encouraging notes in someone’s lunchbox; we e-mail news, questions, admonitions, and congratulations. Sometimes we write a more formal letter of sympathy or thanks. Like Paul in these introductory verses, our letters try to answer three questions: Who am I, the writer? (Paul calls himself “a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle.”) Who are you, the reader? (Paul addresses them as “the beloved of God … called to be holy, called to belong to Jesus Christ.”) And what does God want me to say to you?
Let’s keep these questions before us as we reach out to others in writing—or in any other way we can reach out.
”Lord Jesus, Word of God, fill my mind with your love so that what I write brings life to the people around me.”
11 October 2009
11 Oct, Sunday, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year 1
Reading 1
Wis 7:7-11
I prayed, and prudence was given me;I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.I preferred her to scepter and throne,and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,nor did I liken any priceless gem to her;because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,and I chose to have her rather than the light,because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.Yet all good things together came to me in her company,and countless riches at her hands.
Reading II
Heb 4:12-13
Brothers and sisters:Indeed the word of God is living and effective,sharper than any two-edged sword,penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow,and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.No creature is concealed from him,but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of himto whom we must render an account.
Gospel
Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,knelt down before him, and asked him,"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.You know the commandments: You shall not kill;you shall not commit adultery;you shall not steal;you shall not bear false witness;you shall not defraud;honor your father and your mother." He replied and said to him,"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,"You are lacking in one thing.Go, sell what you have, and give to the poorand you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." At that statement his face fell,and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,"How hard it is for those who have wealthto enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words.So Jesus again said to them in reply,"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needlethan for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,"Then who can be saved?"Jesus looked at them and said,"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God." Peter began to say to him,"We have given up everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you,there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sistersor mother or father or children or landsfor my sake and for the sake of the gospelwho will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:houses and brothers and sistersand mothers and children and lands,with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."
or
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,knelt down before him, and asked him,"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.You know the commandments: You shall not kill;you shall not commit adultery;you shall not steal;you shall not bear false witness;you shall not defraud;honor your father and your mother."He replied and said to him,"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,"You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poorand you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."At that statement his face fell,and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,"How hard it is for those who have wealthto enter the kingdom of God!"The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply,"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needlethan for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,"Then who can be saved?"Jesus looked at them and said,"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."
Meditation:
Mark 10:17-30
The rich young man in today’s Gospel reading would probably be surprised to discover that his philosophy of life continues to be highly popular today, two thousand years later.
He strived to live an upright life. He followed the commandments. He inflicted no harm on others. And yet Jesus rebuked him because he was so attached to his wealth. Despite all his impressive qualities, this man trusted in his possessions more than he trusted in God.
Why did Jesus tell this young man to give away all that he had? Such radical poverty wasn’t part of his regular preaching. He never told Jairus, a well-off synagogue official, to give up his wealth. And he even rebuked his disciples when they suggested that one woman’s gift of expensive perfume should have been sold to help the poor. Jesus’ problem with the young man wasn’t his wealth in itself. It was the way his wealth controlled him.
We all participate in some form of idolatry. It’s part of our fallen nature. We make idols out of money, celebrities, sex, recreation, and work. Jesus’ message to the rich young man is really a message to all of us. If we want to follow Jesus, we must call him Lord and do the things he commands (Luke 6:46). We must deny ourselves and take up the cross (Mark 8:34).
In the end, we are left to wonder whether Jesus really wanted the man to give it all away or if he was just testing him, as God tested Abraham. But we are not left to wonder about Jesus’ goal. He wanted to sanctify this fellow, and for that to happen, the idol of wealth had to go.
Jesus wants to sanctify us as well. This is why we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When we confess our idols, we find ourselves closer to Jesus. We hear him assure us that the kingdom of God is ours. And best of all, we see him looking on us with a love that purifies, inspires, and empowers us.
“Jesus, open my eyes to the idols I have set up before you. Lord, I want to inherit eternal life with you!”
Wis 7:7-11
I prayed, and prudence was given me;I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.I preferred her to scepter and throne,and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,nor did I liken any priceless gem to her;because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,and I chose to have her rather than the light,because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.Yet all good things together came to me in her company,and countless riches at her hands.
Reading II
Heb 4:12-13
Brothers and sisters:Indeed the word of God is living and effective,sharper than any two-edged sword,penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow,and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.No creature is concealed from him,but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of himto whom we must render an account.
Gospel
Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,knelt down before him, and asked him,"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.You know the commandments: You shall not kill;you shall not commit adultery;you shall not steal;you shall not bear false witness;you shall not defraud;honor your father and your mother." He replied and said to him,"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,"You are lacking in one thing.Go, sell what you have, and give to the poorand you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." At that statement his face fell,and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,"How hard it is for those who have wealthto enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words.So Jesus again said to them in reply,"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needlethan for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,"Then who can be saved?"Jesus looked at them and said,"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God." Peter began to say to him,"We have given up everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you,there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sistersor mother or father or children or landsfor my sake and for the sake of the gospelwho will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:houses and brothers and sistersand mothers and children and lands,with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."
or
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,knelt down before him, and asked him,"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.You know the commandments: You shall not kill;you shall not commit adultery;you shall not steal;you shall not bear false witness;you shall not defraud;honor your father and your mother."He replied and said to him,"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,"You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poorand you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."At that statement his face fell,and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,"How hard it is for those who have wealthto enter the kingdom of God!"The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply,"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needlethan for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,"Then who can be saved?"Jesus looked at them and said,"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."
Meditation:
Mark 10:17-30
The rich young man in today’s Gospel reading would probably be surprised to discover that his philosophy of life continues to be highly popular today, two thousand years later.
He strived to live an upright life. He followed the commandments. He inflicted no harm on others. And yet Jesus rebuked him because he was so attached to his wealth. Despite all his impressive qualities, this man trusted in his possessions more than he trusted in God.
Why did Jesus tell this young man to give away all that he had? Such radical poverty wasn’t part of his regular preaching. He never told Jairus, a well-off synagogue official, to give up his wealth. And he even rebuked his disciples when they suggested that one woman’s gift of expensive perfume should have been sold to help the poor. Jesus’ problem with the young man wasn’t his wealth in itself. It was the way his wealth controlled him.
We all participate in some form of idolatry. It’s part of our fallen nature. We make idols out of money, celebrities, sex, recreation, and work. Jesus’ message to the rich young man is really a message to all of us. If we want to follow Jesus, we must call him Lord and do the things he commands (Luke 6:46). We must deny ourselves and take up the cross (Mark 8:34).
In the end, we are left to wonder whether Jesus really wanted the man to give it all away or if he was just testing him, as God tested Abraham. But we are not left to wonder about Jesus’ goal. He wanted to sanctify this fellow, and for that to happen, the idol of wealth had to go.
Jesus wants to sanctify us as well. This is why we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When we confess our idols, we find ourselves closer to Jesus. We hear him assure us that the kingdom of God is ours. And best of all, we see him looking on us with a love that purifies, inspires, and empowers us.
“Jesus, open my eyes to the idols I have set up before you. Lord, I want to inherit eternal life with you!”
10 October 2009
10 Oct, Saturday, 27th Week in Ordinary Time - Year 1
Reading 1
Jl 4:12-21
Thus says the LORD:Let the nations bestir themselves and come upto the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there will I sit in judgment upon all the neighboring nations.
Apply the sickle,for the harvest is ripe;Come and tread,for the wine press is full; The vats overflow, for great is their malice. Crowd upon crowdin the valley of decision; For near is the day of the LORD in the valley of decision.Sun and moon are darkened,and the stars withhold their brightness.The LORD roars from Zion,and from Jerusalem raises his voice; The heavens and the earth quake,but the LORD is a refuge to his people,a stronghold to the children of Israel.
Then shall you know that I, the LORD, am your God, dwelling on Zion, my holy mountain; Jerusalem shall be holy,and strangers shall pass through her no more.And then, on that day, the mountains shall drip new wine,and the hills shall flow with milk; And the channels of Judahshall flow with water: A fountain shall issue from the house of the LORD, to water the Valley of Shittim. Egypt shall be a waste, and Edom a desert waste, Because of violence done to the people of Judah, because they shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah shall abide forever, and Jerusalem for all generations. I will avenge their blood, and not leave it unpunished. The LORD dwells in Zion.
Gospel
Lk 11:27-28
While Jesus was speaking,a woman from the crowd called out and said to him,“Blessed is the womb that carried youand the breasts at which you nursed.”He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
Meditation:
Luke 11:27-28
Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. (Luke 11:28)
Jesus spoke these words in reply to a woman who blessed his mother simply because she had the good fortune of bearing such a wonderful son. And that’s completely understandable. What mother wouldn’t want to have a boy as perfect as Jesus? And truly, Mary is “most blessed … among women” (Luke 1:42).
While Jesus would naturally agree with this woman’s exclamation, he also took the opportunity to tell everyone how they could know God’s blessing in their lives. All they had to do was hear God’s word and try their best to put it into practice.
Like the woman in today’s Gospel, we too can equate being blessed with being lucky. But that’s not how Jesus sees it. For him, being blessed is not a matter of good fortune; it is a matter of being happy and content. It is a matter of finding satisfaction in who we are and what we are doing. And for Jesus, that happens as we follow God’s word, no matter how easy or difficult our lives are.
Consider Jesus’ disciples. They all gave up their homes, their jobs, and their families in order to follow Jesus. Imagine how precarious their lives must have become as they traveled from town to town with him, often without a place to sleep. But because they were growing closer to the Lord and experiencing his power in their lives, they didn’t worry about the cost of discipleship. They were happy because they were learning a new way to live.
God wants to bless all of us. He wants to teach all of us the new way to live—a life submitted to his word, a life characterized by mercy and grace, a life of trust and surrender to him. We don’t have to be perfect to know his blessing. We just have to try. We don’t need to have driven out every sin before we experience the happiness of life with Christ. All we have to do is welcome Jesus into our hearts every morning and try to stay close to him during the day.
“Lord, I choose to follow you. I want my happiness to be rooted in your blessing and your presence. Teach me, Jesus, to say ‘yes’ to you today.”
Jl 4:12-21
Thus says the LORD:Let the nations bestir themselves and come upto the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there will I sit in judgment upon all the neighboring nations.
Apply the sickle,for the harvest is ripe;Come and tread,for the wine press is full; The vats overflow, for great is their malice. Crowd upon crowdin the valley of decision; For near is the day of the LORD in the valley of decision.Sun and moon are darkened,and the stars withhold their brightness.The LORD roars from Zion,and from Jerusalem raises his voice; The heavens and the earth quake,but the LORD is a refuge to his people,a stronghold to the children of Israel.
Then shall you know that I, the LORD, am your God, dwelling on Zion, my holy mountain; Jerusalem shall be holy,and strangers shall pass through her no more.And then, on that day, the mountains shall drip new wine,and the hills shall flow with milk; And the channels of Judahshall flow with water: A fountain shall issue from the house of the LORD, to water the Valley of Shittim. Egypt shall be a waste, and Edom a desert waste, Because of violence done to the people of Judah, because they shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah shall abide forever, and Jerusalem for all generations. I will avenge their blood, and not leave it unpunished. The LORD dwells in Zion.
Gospel
Lk 11:27-28
While Jesus was speaking,a woman from the crowd called out and said to him,“Blessed is the womb that carried youand the breasts at which you nursed.”He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
Meditation:
Luke 11:27-28
Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. (Luke 11:28)
Jesus spoke these words in reply to a woman who blessed his mother simply because she had the good fortune of bearing such a wonderful son. And that’s completely understandable. What mother wouldn’t want to have a boy as perfect as Jesus? And truly, Mary is “most blessed … among women” (Luke 1:42).
While Jesus would naturally agree with this woman’s exclamation, he also took the opportunity to tell everyone how they could know God’s blessing in their lives. All they had to do was hear God’s word and try their best to put it into practice.
Like the woman in today’s Gospel, we too can equate being blessed with being lucky. But that’s not how Jesus sees it. For him, being blessed is not a matter of good fortune; it is a matter of being happy and content. It is a matter of finding satisfaction in who we are and what we are doing. And for Jesus, that happens as we follow God’s word, no matter how easy or difficult our lives are.
Consider Jesus’ disciples. They all gave up their homes, their jobs, and their families in order to follow Jesus. Imagine how precarious their lives must have become as they traveled from town to town with him, often without a place to sleep. But because they were growing closer to the Lord and experiencing his power in their lives, they didn’t worry about the cost of discipleship. They were happy because they were learning a new way to live.
God wants to bless all of us. He wants to teach all of us the new way to live—a life submitted to his word, a life characterized by mercy and grace, a life of trust and surrender to him. We don’t have to be perfect to know his blessing. We just have to try. We don’t need to have driven out every sin before we experience the happiness of life with Christ. All we have to do is welcome Jesus into our hearts every morning and try to stay close to him during the day.
“Lord, I choose to follow you. I want my happiness to be rooted in your blessing and your presence. Teach me, Jesus, to say ‘yes’ to you today.”
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