FIRST READING
Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19
The Lord has consumed without pity all the dwellings of Jacob; He has torn down in his anger the fortresses of daughter Judah; He has brought to the ground in dishonor her king and her princes.
On the ground in silence sit the old men of daughter Zion; They strew dust on their heads and gird themselves with sackcloth; The maidens of Jerusalem bow their heads to the ground.
Worn out from weeping are my eyes, within me all is in ferment; My gall is poured out on the ground because of the downfall of the daughter of my people, As child and infant faint away in the open spaces of the town.
In vain they ask their mothers, “Where is the grain?” As they faint away like the wounded in the streets of the city, And breathe their last in their mothers’ arms.
To what can I liken or compare you, O daughter Jerusalem? What example can I show you for your comfort, virgin daughter Zion? For great as the sea is your downfall; who can heal you?
Your prophets had for you false and specious visions; They did not lay bare your guilt, to avert your fate; They beheld for you in vision false and misleading portents.
Cry out to the Lord; moan, O daughter Zion! Let your tears flow like a torrent day and night; Let there be no respite for you, no repose for your eyes.
Rise up, shrill in the night, at the beginning of every watch; Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord; Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your little ones Who faint from hunger at the corner of every street.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 74:1b-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21
R. (19b) Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
Why, O God, have you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? Remember your flock which you built up of old, the tribe you redeemed as your inheritance, Mount Zion, where you took up your abode.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
Turn your steps toward the utter ruins; toward all the damage the enemy has done in the sanctuary. Your foes roar triumphantly in your shrine; they have set up their tokens of victory. They are like men coming up with axes to a clump of trees.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
With chisel and hammer they hack at all the paneling of the sanctuary. They set your sanctuary on fire; the place where your name abides they have razed and profaned.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
Look to your covenant, for the hiding places in the land and the plains are full of violence. May the humble not retire in confusion; may the afflicted and the poor praise your name.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 8:17
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 8:5-17
When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven, but the children of the Kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour his servant was healed.
Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him.
When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick, to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet:
He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.
REFLECTIONS:
What kind of faith and trust does the Lord Jesus want you to place in him? In Jesus’ time the Jews hated the Romans because they represented everything the Jews stood against – including pagan beliefs and idol worship, immoral practices such as abortion and infanticide, and the suppression of the Israelites' claim to be a holy nation governed solely by God's law. It must have been a remarkable sight for the Jewish residents of Capernaum to see Jesus conversing with an officer of the Roman army. Why did Jesus not only warmly receive a Roman centurion but praise him as a model of faith and confidence in God? In the Roman world the position of centurion was very important. He was an officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. In a certain sense, he was the backbone of the Roman army, the cement which held the army together. Polybius, an ancient write, describes what a centurion should be: "They must not be so much venturesome seekers after danger as men who can command, steady in action, and reliable; they ought not to be over-anxious to rush into the fight, but when hard pressed, they must be ready to hold their ground, and die at their posts."
The centurion who approached Jesus was not only courageous, but faith-filled as well. He risked the ridicule of his cronies by seeking help from an itinerant preacher from Galilee, and well as mockery from the Jews. Nonetheless, he approached Jesus with confidence and humility. He was an extraordinary man because he loved his slave. In the Roman world slaves were treated like animals rather than people. The centurion was also an extraordinary man of faith. He wanted Jesus to heal his beloved slave. Jesus commends him for his faith and immediately grants him his request. Are you willing to suffer ridicule in the practice of your faith? And when you need help, do you approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith?
“Heavenly Father, you sent us your Son Jesus that we might be freed from the tyranny of sin and death. Increase my faith in the power of your saving word and give me freedom to love and serve others with generosity and mercy as you have loved me.”
29 June 2012
29 June 2012, Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles
At the Vigil Mass
FIRST READING
Acts 3:1–10
Peter and John were going up to the temple area for the three o’clock hour of prayer. And a man crippled from birth was carried and placed at the gate of the temple called “the Beautiful Gate” every day to beg for alms from the people who entered the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. But Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” He paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.” Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. When all the people saw the man walking and praising God, they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with amazement and astonishment at what had happened to him.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 19:2–3, 4–5 (5)
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day pours out the word to day; and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
SECOND READING
Galatians 1:11–20
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the Gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
For you heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it, and progressed in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my race, since I was even more a zealot for my ancestral traditions. But when God, who from my mother’s womb had set me apart and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him to the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; rather, I went into Arabia and then returned to Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas and remained with him for fifteen days. But I did not see any other of the Apostles, only James the brother of the Lord. —As to what I am writing to you, behold, before God, I am not lying.
ALLELUIA
John 21:17
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 21:15–19
Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and, when they had finished breakfast, said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Mass During the Day
FIRST READING
Acts 12:1–11
In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. —It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.— He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. He intended to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God on his behalf.
On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 34:2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9 (5)
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
SECOND READING
2 Timothy 4:6–8, 17–18
I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 16:18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 16:13–19
When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
REFLECTIONS:
Today in many churches of the East and West the Apostles Peter and Paul are commemorated. Both were martyred in Rome in the first century. They tirelessly worked for the spread of the gospel, not only to the people of Israel, but to all the nations as well. They risked their lives in the process and gladly poured out their blood in loyalty to their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul so eloquently stated in his second epistle to Timothy, they courageously fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).
How firm is your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? At an opportune time Jesus tested his disciples with a crucial question: Who do men say that I am and who do you say that I am? (Matthew 16:13). Jesus was widely recognized in Israel as a mighty man of God, even being compared with the greatest of the prophets, John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Peter, always quick to respond, exclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Through the gift of faith Peter recognized that Jesus was the "annointed one" (in Hebrew and Greek the word is translated as Messiah and Christ), and the only begotten Son of God sent by the Father in heaven to redeem a fallen human race. No mortal being could have revealed this to Peter; but only God. Jesus then confered on Peter authority to govern the church that Jesus would build, a church that no powers could overcome. Jesus played on Peter's name which is the same word for "rock" in both Aramaic and Greek. To call someone a "rock" is one of the greatest of compliments. The ancient rabbis had a saying that when God saw Abraham, he exclaimed: "I have discovered a rock to found the world upon." Abraham put his trust in God and made God's word the foundation of his life and the bedrock of his faith. Through Abraham God established a nation for himself. Through faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was. He was the first apostle to proclaim that Jesus was truly the Anointed One (Messiah and Christ) and the only begotten Son of God.
The New Testament describes the church, the people of God, as a spiritual house or temple with each member joined together as living stones (see 1 Peter 2:5). Faith in Jesus Christ makes us into rocks or spiritual stones. The Lord Jesus tests each of us personally with the same question: Who do you say that I am?
"Lord Jesus, I profess and believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. You are my Lord and my Savior who has set me free from sin and deception. Make my faith strong like the Apostles Peter and Paul and give me boldness to speak of you to others that they may come to know you as Lord and Savior."
FIRST READING
Acts 3:1–10
Peter and John were going up to the temple area for the three o’clock hour of prayer. And a man crippled from birth was carried and placed at the gate of the temple called “the Beautiful Gate” every day to beg for alms from the people who entered the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. But Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” He paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.” Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. When all the people saw the man walking and praising God, they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with amazement and astonishment at what had happened to him.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 19:2–3, 4–5 (5)
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day pours out the word to day; and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
SECOND READING
Galatians 1:11–20
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the Gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
For you heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it, and progressed in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my race, since I was even more a zealot for my ancestral traditions. But when God, who from my mother’s womb had set me apart and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him to the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; rather, I went into Arabia and then returned to Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas and remained with him for fifteen days. But I did not see any other of the Apostles, only James the brother of the Lord. —As to what I am writing to you, behold, before God, I am not lying.
ALLELUIA
John 21:17
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 21:15–19
Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and, when they had finished breakfast, said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Mass During the Day
FIRST READING
Acts 12:1–11
In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. —It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.— He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. He intended to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God on his behalf.
On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 34:2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9 (5)
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
SECOND READING
2 Timothy 4:6–8, 17–18
I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 16:18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 16:13–19
When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
REFLECTIONS:
Today in many churches of the East and West the Apostles Peter and Paul are commemorated. Both were martyred in Rome in the first century. They tirelessly worked for the spread of the gospel, not only to the people of Israel, but to all the nations as well. They risked their lives in the process and gladly poured out their blood in loyalty to their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul so eloquently stated in his second epistle to Timothy, they courageously fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).
How firm is your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? At an opportune time Jesus tested his disciples with a crucial question: Who do men say that I am and who do you say that I am? (Matthew 16:13). Jesus was widely recognized in Israel as a mighty man of God, even being compared with the greatest of the prophets, John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. Peter, always quick to respond, exclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Through the gift of faith Peter recognized that Jesus was the "annointed one" (in Hebrew and Greek the word is translated as Messiah and Christ), and the only begotten Son of God sent by the Father in heaven to redeem a fallen human race. No mortal being could have revealed this to Peter; but only God. Jesus then confered on Peter authority to govern the church that Jesus would build, a church that no powers could overcome. Jesus played on Peter's name which is the same word for "rock" in both Aramaic and Greek. To call someone a "rock" is one of the greatest of compliments. The ancient rabbis had a saying that when God saw Abraham, he exclaimed: "I have discovered a rock to found the world upon." Abraham put his trust in God and made God's word the foundation of his life and the bedrock of his faith. Through Abraham God established a nation for himself. Through faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was. He was the first apostle to proclaim that Jesus was truly the Anointed One (Messiah and Christ) and the only begotten Son of God.
The New Testament describes the church, the people of God, as a spiritual house or temple with each member joined together as living stones (see 1 Peter 2:5). Faith in Jesus Christ makes us into rocks or spiritual stones. The Lord Jesus tests each of us personally with the same question: Who do you say that I am?
"Lord Jesus, I profess and believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. You are my Lord and my Savior who has set me free from sin and deception. Make my faith strong like the Apostles Peter and Paul and give me boldness to speak of you to others that they may come to know you as Lord and Savior."
28 June 2012
28 June 2012, Thursday of Week 12; St. Irenaeus
FIRST READING
2 Kings 24:8-17
Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta, daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. He did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his forebears had done.
At that time the officials of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, attacked Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, himself arrived at the city while his servants were besieging it. Then Jehoiachin, king of Judah, together with his mother, his ministers, officers, and functionaries, surrendered to the king of Babylon, who, in the eighth year of his reign, took him captive. And he carried off all the treasures of the temple of the LORD and those of the palace, and broke up all the gold utensils that Solomon, king of Israel, had provided in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had foretold. He deported all Jerusalem: all the officers and men of the army, ten thousand in number, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None were left among the people of the land except the poor. He deported Jehoiachin to Babylon, and also led captive from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother and wives, his functionaries, and the chief men of the land. The king of Babylon also led captive to Babylon all seven thousand men of the army, and a thousand craftsmen and smiths, all of them trained soldiers. In place of Jehoiachin, the king of Babylon appointed his uncle Mattaniah king, and changed his name to Zedekiah.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9
R. (9) For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. They have given the corpses of your servants as food to the birds of heaven, the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the earth.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury them. We have become the reproach of our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us. O LORD, how long? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
ALLELUIA
John 14:23
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 7:21-29
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
REFLECTIONS:
If you could forsee a threat to your life and the lose of your home and goods, wouldn't you take the necessary precautions to avoid such a disaster? Jesus' story of being swept away by flood waters and wind storms must have caught the attention of his audience who knew that terrific storms did occasionally sweep through their dry arrid land without any warning signs. When Jesus described the builders who were unprepared for such a life-threatening storm, he likely had the following proverb in mind: When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm for ever (Proverbs 10:25).
What’s the significance of the story for us? The kind of foundation we build our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the storms and trials of life that are sure to come. Builders usually lay their foundations when the weather and soil conditions are at their best. It takes foresight to know how a foundation will stand up against adverse conditions. Building a house on a flood plain, such as a dry river-bed, is a sure bet for disaster! Jesus prefaced his story with a warning: We may fool one another with our words, but God cannot be deceived. He sees the heart as it truly is – with its motives, intentions, desires, and choices (Psalm 139:2). There is only one way in which a person’s sincerity can be proved, and that is by one’s practice. Fine words can never replace good deeds. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we must choose between what is true and false, good and evil. Do you cheat on an exam or on your income taxes, especially when it will cost you? Do you lie, or cover-up, when disclosing the truth will cause you pain or embarrassment? A true person is honest and reliable before God, neighbor, and oneself. Such a person's word can be taken as trustworthy.
What can keep us from falsehood and spiritual disaster? If we make the Lord and his word the rock and foundation of our lives, then nothing can shake us nor keep us from God's presence and protection. Is the Lord and his word the one sure foundation of your life?
"Lord Jesus, you are the only foundation that can hold us up when trials and disaster threaten us. Give me the wisdom, foresight, and strength of character I need to do what is right and good and to reject whatever is false and contrary to your will. May I be a doer of your word and not a hearer only."
2 Kings 24:8-17
Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta, daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. He did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his forebears had done.
At that time the officials of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, attacked Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, himself arrived at the city while his servants were besieging it. Then Jehoiachin, king of Judah, together with his mother, his ministers, officers, and functionaries, surrendered to the king of Babylon, who, in the eighth year of his reign, took him captive. And he carried off all the treasures of the temple of the LORD and those of the palace, and broke up all the gold utensils that Solomon, king of Israel, had provided in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had foretold. He deported all Jerusalem: all the officers and men of the army, ten thousand in number, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None were left among the people of the land except the poor. He deported Jehoiachin to Babylon, and also led captive from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother and wives, his functionaries, and the chief men of the land. The king of Babylon also led captive to Babylon all seven thousand men of the army, and a thousand craftsmen and smiths, all of them trained soldiers. In place of Jehoiachin, the king of Babylon appointed his uncle Mattaniah king, and changed his name to Zedekiah.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9
R. (9) For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. They have given the corpses of your servants as food to the birds of heaven, the flesh of your faithful ones to the beasts of the earth.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury them. We have become the reproach of our neighbors, the scorn and derision of those around us. O LORD, how long? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may your compassion quickly come to us, for we are brought very low.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
Help us, O God our savior, because of the glory of your name; Deliver us and pardon our sins for your name’s sake.
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
ALLELUIA
John 14:23
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 7:21-29
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
REFLECTIONS:
If you could forsee a threat to your life and the lose of your home and goods, wouldn't you take the necessary precautions to avoid such a disaster? Jesus' story of being swept away by flood waters and wind storms must have caught the attention of his audience who knew that terrific storms did occasionally sweep through their dry arrid land without any warning signs. When Jesus described the builders who were unprepared for such a life-threatening storm, he likely had the following proverb in mind: When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm for ever (Proverbs 10:25).
What’s the significance of the story for us? The kind of foundation we build our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the storms and trials of life that are sure to come. Builders usually lay their foundations when the weather and soil conditions are at their best. It takes foresight to know how a foundation will stand up against adverse conditions. Building a house on a flood plain, such as a dry river-bed, is a sure bet for disaster! Jesus prefaced his story with a warning: We may fool one another with our words, but God cannot be deceived. He sees the heart as it truly is – with its motives, intentions, desires, and choices (Psalm 139:2). There is only one way in which a person’s sincerity can be proved, and that is by one’s practice. Fine words can never replace good deeds. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we must choose between what is true and false, good and evil. Do you cheat on an exam or on your income taxes, especially when it will cost you? Do you lie, or cover-up, when disclosing the truth will cause you pain or embarrassment? A true person is honest and reliable before God, neighbor, and oneself. Such a person's word can be taken as trustworthy.
What can keep us from falsehood and spiritual disaster? If we make the Lord and his word the rock and foundation of our lives, then nothing can shake us nor keep us from God's presence and protection. Is the Lord and his word the one sure foundation of your life?
"Lord Jesus, you are the only foundation that can hold us up when trials and disaster threaten us. Give me the wisdom, foresight, and strength of character I need to do what is right and good and to reject whatever is false and contrary to your will. May I be a doer of your word and not a hearer only."
27 June 2012
27 June 2012, Wednesday of Week 12; St. Cyril of Alexandria
FIRST READING
2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3
The high priest Hilkiah informed the scribe Shaphan, “I have found the book of the law in the temple of the LORD.” Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. Then the scribe Shaphan went to the king and reported, “Your servants have smelted down the metals available in the temple and have consigned them to the master workmen in the temple of the LORD.” The scribe Shaphan also informed the king that the priest Hilkiah had given him a book, and then read it aloud to the king. When the king heard the contents of the book of the law, he tore his garments and issued this command to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, son of Shaphan, Achbor, son of Micaiah, the scribe Shaphan, and the king’s servant Asaiah: “Go, consult the LORD for me, for the people, for all Judah, about the stipulations of this book that has been found, for the anger of the LORD has been set furiously ablaze against us, because our fathers did not obey the stipulations of this book, nor fulfill our written obligations.”
The king then had all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem summoned together before him. The king went up to the temple of the LORD with all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: priests, prophets, and all the people, small and great. He had the entire contents of the book of the covenant that had been found in the temple of the LORD, read out to them. Standing by the column, the king made a covenant before the LORD that they would follow him and observe his ordinances, statutes and decrees with their whole hearts and souls, thus reviving the terms of the covenant which were written in this book. And all the people stood as participants in the covenant.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40
R. (33a) Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Instruct me, O LORD, in the way of your statutes, that I may exactly observe them.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Incline my heart to your decrees and not to gain.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Turn away my eyes from seeing what is vain: by your way give me life.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Behold, I long for your precepts; in your justice give me life.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
ALLELUIA
John 15:4a, 5b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”
REFLECTIONS:
What do grapes, thorns, figs, and thistles have to
teach us about the kingdom of God? The imagery used by Jesus would have
been very familiar to his audience. A certain thornbush had berries which
resembled grapes. And a certain thistle had a flower, which at least from
a distance, resembled the fig. Isn't it the same today? What we "hear"
might have a resemblance of the truth, but, in fact, when you inspect it
closely, it's actually false. False prophets or teachers abound today as
much as they did in biblical times.
What's the test of a true or false teacher? Jesus connects soundness
with good fruit. Something is sound when it is free from defect, decay,
or disease and is healthy. Good fruit is the result of sound living living
according to moral truth and upright character. The prophet Isaiah warned
against the dangers of falsehood: style="font-style: italic;">Woe
to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and
light for darkness (Isaiah 5:20). The fruits of falsehood produce
an easy religion which takes the iron out of religion, the cross out of
Christianity, and any teaching which eliminates the hard sayings of Jesus,
and which push the judgments of God into the background and makes us think
lightly of sin.
How do we avoid falsehood in our personal lives? By being true true
to God, his word, and his grace. And that takes character! Those who are
true to God know that their strength lies not in themselves but in God
who supplies what we need. The fruit of a disciple is marked by faith,
hope and love, justice, prudence, fortitude and temperance. Do you seek
to cultivate good fruit in your life and reject whatever produces bad fruit?
"Lord Jesus, may I bear good fruit for your sake and reject whatever
will produce evil fruit. Help me grow in faith, hope, love, sound judgment,
justice, courage, and self control."
2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3
The high priest Hilkiah informed the scribe Shaphan, “I have found the book of the law in the temple of the LORD.” Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. Then the scribe Shaphan went to the king and reported, “Your servants have smelted down the metals available in the temple and have consigned them to the master workmen in the temple of the LORD.” The scribe Shaphan also informed the king that the priest Hilkiah had given him a book, and then read it aloud to the king. When the king heard the contents of the book of the law, he tore his garments and issued this command to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, son of Shaphan, Achbor, son of Micaiah, the scribe Shaphan, and the king’s servant Asaiah: “Go, consult the LORD for me, for the people, for all Judah, about the stipulations of this book that has been found, for the anger of the LORD has been set furiously ablaze against us, because our fathers did not obey the stipulations of this book, nor fulfill our written obligations.”
The king then had all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem summoned together before him. The king went up to the temple of the LORD with all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: priests, prophets, and all the people, small and great. He had the entire contents of the book of the covenant that had been found in the temple of the LORD, read out to them. Standing by the column, the king made a covenant before the LORD that they would follow him and observe his ordinances, statutes and decrees with their whole hearts and souls, thus reviving the terms of the covenant which were written in this book. And all the people stood as participants in the covenant.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 119:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40
R. (33a) Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Instruct me, O LORD, in the way of your statutes, that I may exactly observe them.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Incline my heart to your decrees and not to gain.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Turn away my eyes from seeing what is vain: by your way give me life.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
Behold, I long for your precepts; in your justice give me life.
R. Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.
ALLELUIA
John 15:4a, 5b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”
REFLECTIONS:
What do grapes, thorns, figs, and thistles have to
teach us about the kingdom of God? The imagery used by Jesus would have
been very familiar to his audience. A certain thornbush had berries which
resembled grapes. And a certain thistle had a flower, which at least from
a distance, resembled the fig. Isn't it the same today? What we "hear"
might have a resemblance of the truth, but, in fact, when you inspect it
closely, it's actually false. False prophets or teachers abound today as
much as they did in biblical times.
What's the test of a true or false teacher? Jesus connects soundness
with good fruit. Something is sound when it is free from defect, decay,
or disease and is healthy. Good fruit is the result of sound living living
according to moral truth and upright character. The prophet Isaiah warned
against the dangers of falsehood: style="font-style: italic;">Woe
to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and
light for darkness (Isaiah 5:20). The fruits of falsehood produce
an easy religion which takes the iron out of religion, the cross out of
Christianity, and any teaching which eliminates the hard sayings of Jesus,
and which push the judgments of God into the background and makes us think
lightly of sin.
How do we avoid falsehood in our personal lives? By being true true
to God, his word, and his grace. And that takes character! Those who are
true to God know that their strength lies not in themselves but in God
who supplies what we need. The fruit of a disciple is marked by faith,
hope and love, justice, prudence, fortitude and temperance. Do you seek
to cultivate good fruit in your life and reject whatever produces bad fruit?
"Lord Jesus, may I bear good fruit for your sake and reject whatever
will produce evil fruit. Help me grow in faith, hope, love, sound judgment,
justice, courage, and self control."
26 June 2012
26 June 2012, Tuesday of Week 12; St. Josemaría Escrivá
FIRST READING
2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36
Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent envoys to Hezekiah with this message: “Thus shall you say to Hezekiah, king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God on whom you rely deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria. You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all other countries: they doomed them! Will you, then, be saved?’”
Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; then he went up to the temple of the LORD, and spreading it out before him, he prayed in the LORD’s presence: “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned upon the cherubim! You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made the heavens and the earth. Incline your ear, O LORD, and listen! Open your eyes, O LORD, and see! Hear the words of Sennacherib which he sent to taunt the living God. Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and cast their gods into the fire; they destroyed them because they were not gods, but the work of human hands, wood and stone. Therefore, O LORD, our God, save us from the power of this man, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God.”
Then Isaiah, son of Amoz, sent this message to Hezekiah: “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib, king of Assyria: I have listened! This is the word the LORD has spoken concerning him:
“‘She despises you, laughs you to scorn, the virgin daughter Zion! Behind you she wags her head, daughter Jerusalem.
“‘For out of Jerusalem shall come a remnant, and from Mount Zion, survivors. The zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.’
“Therefore, thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not reach this city, nor shoot an arrow at it, nor come before it with a shield, nor cast up siege-works against it. He shall return by the same way he came, without entering the city, says the LORD. I will shield and save this city for my own sake, and for the sake of my servant David.’”
That night the angel of the LORD went forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. So Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, broke camp, and went back home to Nineveh.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11
R. (see 9d) God upholds his city for ever.
Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, fairest of heights, is the joy of all the earth.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
Mount Zion, Athe recesses of the North,” is the city of the great King. God is with her castles; renowned is he as a stronghold.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple. As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Of justice your right hand is full.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
ALLELUIA
John 8:12
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets.
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”
REFLECTIONS:
Why does Jesus contrast pearls and holiness with
dogs and swine? Pearls were of very great value and even considered
priceless. The same with holiness because God is all-holy and he invites
us to share in his holiness which is very precious and priceless as well.
The Talmud, a rabbinic commentary on the Jewish Scriptures, has a proverbial
saying for something which is inconguous or out of place: an ear-ring
in a swines snout. Jesus' expression about "pearls before swine" and
"not giving dogs what is holy" is very similar in thought (Matthew 7:6).
Jesus concern here is not with exclusivity (excluding other people from
our love, care, and concern), but with purity the purity of the faith
which has been entrusted to us by an all-holy and all-wise God. The early
church referenced this expression with the Eucharist or the Lords Table.
In the liturgy of the early church, a proclamation was given shortly before
communion: Holy things to the holy. The Didache, a first century
church manual stated:
Let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist except
those baptised into the name of the Lord; for, as regards this, the Lord
has said, 'Do not give what is holy to dogs.' The Lord Jesus invites
us to his table, but we must approach worthily.
Jesus summed up the teaching of the Old Testament law and prophets
So
whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them (Matthew
7:12) and in the same breath he raised it to a new level of perfection
and fulfillment. The law of love requires more than simply avoiding injury
or harm to one's neighbor. Perfect love a love which is unconditional
and which reaches out to all always seeks the good of others for their
sake and gives the best we can offer for their welfare. When we love our
neighbors and treat them in the same way we wish to be treated by God and
by others, then we fulfill the law and the prophets, namely what God requires
of us loving God with all that we have and are and loving our neighbor
as ourselves. How can we love our neighbor selflessly and and show them
kindness and concern for their welfare? If we empty our hearts of all unkind
and unloving thoughts and sentiments, then there will only be room for
kindness, goodness, charity, and mercy. Paul the Apostle reminds us that
"God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which
has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). It is the love of God that fuels our
unconditional love for others. Are you ready to let the Holy Spirit transform
your life with the purifying fire of God's love?
Jesus uses an image (Matthew 7:13-14) which is common in the Old Testament:
choosing between two divergent ways or paths the way that leads to fulfillment
and life versus the way that leads to destruction and death. The Book of
Psalms begins with an image of a person who has chosen to follow the way
of those who are wise and obedient to God's word and who refuse to follow
the way of those who think and act contrary to God's law : Blessed is
the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way
of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the
law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night (Psalm
1:1-2). When a path diverges, such as a fork in the road, each way leads
to a different destination. This is especially true when we encounter lifes
crossroads where we must make a choice that will affect how we will live
our lives. Do the choices you make help you move towards the goal of loving
God and obeying his will? The Lord gives us freedom to choose which way
we will go. Ask him for the wisdom to know which way will lead to life
rather than to death and destruction. See, I have set before you this
day life and good, death and evil. ...Therefore choose life that you and
your descendants may live (Deuteronmy 3:15-20). Choose this day
whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15). Behold I set before you the
way of life and the way of death (Jeremiah 21:8). If we allow God's
love and wisdom to rule our hearts, then we can trust in his guidance and
grace to follow the path of love and holiness.
"Let me love you, my Lord and my God, and see myself as I really am
a pilgrim in this world, a Christian called to respect and love all whose
lives I touch, those in authority over me or those under my authority,
my friends and my enemies. Help me to conquer anger with gentleness, greed
by generosity, apathy by fervor. Help me to forget myself and reach out
towards others." (Prayer attributed to Clement XI of Rome)
2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36
Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent envoys to Hezekiah with this message: “Thus shall you say to Hezekiah, king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God on whom you rely deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria. You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all other countries: they doomed them! Will you, then, be saved?’”
Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; then he went up to the temple of the LORD, and spreading it out before him, he prayed in the LORD’s presence: “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned upon the cherubim! You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made the heavens and the earth. Incline your ear, O LORD, and listen! Open your eyes, O LORD, and see! Hear the words of Sennacherib which he sent to taunt the living God. Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and cast their gods into the fire; they destroyed them because they were not gods, but the work of human hands, wood and stone. Therefore, O LORD, our God, save us from the power of this man, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God.”
Then Isaiah, son of Amoz, sent this message to Hezekiah: “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, in answer to your prayer for help against Sennacherib, king of Assyria: I have listened! This is the word the LORD has spoken concerning him:
“‘She despises you, laughs you to scorn, the virgin daughter Zion! Behind you she wags her head, daughter Jerusalem.
“‘For out of Jerusalem shall come a remnant, and from Mount Zion, survivors. The zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.’
“Therefore, thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not reach this city, nor shoot an arrow at it, nor come before it with a shield, nor cast up siege-works against it. He shall return by the same way he came, without entering the city, says the LORD. I will shield and save this city for my own sake, and for the sake of my servant David.’”
That night the angel of the LORD went forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. So Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, broke camp, and went back home to Nineveh.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11
R. (see 9d) God upholds his city for ever.
Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, fairest of heights, is the joy of all the earth.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
Mount Zion, Athe recesses of the North,” is the city of the great King. God is with her castles; renowned is he as a stronghold.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple. As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Of justice your right hand is full.
R. God upholds his city for ever.
ALLELUIA
John 8:12
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets.
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”
REFLECTIONS:
Why does Jesus contrast pearls and holiness with
dogs and swine? Pearls were of very great value and even considered
priceless. The same with holiness because God is all-holy and he invites
us to share in his holiness which is very precious and priceless as well.
The Talmud, a rabbinic commentary on the Jewish Scriptures, has a proverbial
saying for something which is inconguous or out of place: an ear-ring
in a swines snout. Jesus' expression about "pearls before swine" and
"not giving dogs what is holy" is very similar in thought (Matthew 7:6).
Jesus concern here is not with exclusivity (excluding other people from
our love, care, and concern), but with purity the purity of the faith
which has been entrusted to us by an all-holy and all-wise God. The early
church referenced this expression with the Eucharist or the Lords Table.
In the liturgy of the early church, a proclamation was given shortly before
communion: Holy things to the holy. The Didache, a first century
church manual stated:
Let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist except
those baptised into the name of the Lord; for, as regards this, the Lord
has said, 'Do not give what is holy to dogs.' The Lord Jesus invites
us to his table, but we must approach worthily.
Jesus summed up the teaching of the Old Testament law and prophets
So
whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them (Matthew
7:12) and in the same breath he raised it to a new level of perfection
and fulfillment. The law of love requires more than simply avoiding injury
or harm to one's neighbor. Perfect love a love which is unconditional
and which reaches out to all always seeks the good of others for their
sake and gives the best we can offer for their welfare. When we love our
neighbors and treat them in the same way we wish to be treated by God and
by others, then we fulfill the law and the prophets, namely what God requires
of us loving God with all that we have and are and loving our neighbor
as ourselves. How can we love our neighbor selflessly and and show them
kindness and concern for their welfare? If we empty our hearts of all unkind
and unloving thoughts and sentiments, then there will only be room for
kindness, goodness, charity, and mercy. Paul the Apostle reminds us that
"God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which
has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). It is the love of God that fuels our
unconditional love for others. Are you ready to let the Holy Spirit transform
your life with the purifying fire of God's love?
Jesus uses an image (Matthew 7:13-14) which is common in the Old Testament:
choosing between two divergent ways or paths the way that leads to fulfillment
and life versus the way that leads to destruction and death. The Book of
Psalms begins with an image of a person who has chosen to follow the way
of those who are wise and obedient to God's word and who refuse to follow
the way of those who think and act contrary to God's law : Blessed is
the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way
of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the
law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night (Psalm
1:1-2). When a path diverges, such as a fork in the road, each way leads
to a different destination. This is especially true when we encounter lifes
crossroads where we must make a choice that will affect how we will live
our lives. Do the choices you make help you move towards the goal of loving
God and obeying his will? The Lord gives us freedom to choose which way
we will go. Ask him for the wisdom to know which way will lead to life
rather than to death and destruction. See, I have set before you this
day life and good, death and evil. ...Therefore choose life that you and
your descendants may live (Deuteronmy 3:15-20). Choose this day
whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15). Behold I set before you the
way of life and the way of death (Jeremiah 21:8). If we allow God's
love and wisdom to rule our hearts, then we can trust in his guidance and
grace to follow the path of love and holiness.
"Let me love you, my Lord and my God, and see myself as I really am
a pilgrim in this world, a Christian called to respect and love all whose
lives I touch, those in authority over me or those under my authority,
my friends and my enemies. Help me to conquer anger with gentleness, greed
by generosity, apathy by fervor. Help me to forget myself and reach out
towards others." (Prayer attributed to Clement XI of Rome)
25 June 2012
25 June 2012, Monday of Week 12; St. William of Vercelli
FIRST READING
2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18
Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, occupied the whole land and attacked Samaria, which he besieged for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, king of Israel the king of Assyria took Samaria, and deported the children of Israel to Assyria, setting them in Halah, at the Habor, a river of Gozan, and the cities of the Medes.
This came about because the children of Israel sinned against the LORD, their God, who had brought them up from the land of Egypt, from under the domination of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and because they venerated other gods. They followed the rites of the nations whom the LORD had cleared out of the way of the children of Israel and the kings of Israel whom they set up.
And though the LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and seer, “Give up your evil ways and keep my commandments and statutes, in accordance with the entire law which I enjoined on your fathers and which I sent you by my servants the prophets,” they did not listen, but were as stiff-necked as their fathers, who had not believed in the LORD, their God. They rejected his statutes, the covenant which he had made with their fathers, and the warnings which he had given them, till, in his great anger against Israel, the LORD put them away out of his sight. Only the tribe of Judah was left.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 60:3, 4-5, 12-13
R. (7b) Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.
O God, you have rejected us and broken our defenses; you have been angry; rally us!
R. Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.
You have rocked the country and split it open; repair the cracks in it, for it is tottering. You have made your people feel hardships; you have given us stupefying wine.
R. Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.
Have not you, O God, rejected us, so that you go not forth, O God, with our armies? Give us aid against the foe, for worthless is the help of men.
R. Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.
ALLELUIA
Hebrews 4:12
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 7:1-5
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”
REFLECTIONS:
How do you wish to be judged by others? Everybody
is a critic, but who wants to be judged negatively? Judgmentalism is rampant,
even among Christians. So how can we avoid this poisonous sin and not be
contaminated by the world's view of who is good and who is bad? "Thinking
the best of other people" is necessary if we wish to grow in love. And
kindliness in judgment is nothing less that a sacred duty. The Rabbis warned
people: "He who judges his neighbor favorably will be judged favorably
by God." How easy it is to misjudge and how difficult it is to be impartial
in judgment. Our judgment of others is usually off the mark because we
cant see inside the person to their inner motives and intentions, or we
dont have access to all the facts, or we are swayed by instinct and unreasoning
reactions to people. It is easier to find fault in others than in oneself.
Jesus states a heavenly principle we can stake our lives on: what
you give to others (and how you treat others) will return to you in like
manner. The Lord knows our faults, weaknesses, and sins and he sees
everything, even the imperfections and hidden sins of the heart which we
cannot recognize in ourselves. Like a gentle father and a skillful doctor
he patiently draws us to his seat of mercy and removes the cancer
of sin which inhabits our hearts. Do you trust in Gods mercy and grace?
And do you submit to his truth about what is right and wrong, good and
evil, helpful and harmful for your welfare and the welfare of your neighbor
as well? Ask the Lord to purify your heart with his loving-kindness and
mercy that you may have ample room for charity and forbearance towards
your neighbor.
"O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits
its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help
us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than
to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people
at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy names sake.
(Prayer
of William Barclay, 20th century)
2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18
Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, occupied the whole land and attacked Samaria, which he besieged for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, king of Israel the king of Assyria took Samaria, and deported the children of Israel to Assyria, setting them in Halah, at the Habor, a river of Gozan, and the cities of the Medes.
This came about because the children of Israel sinned against the LORD, their God, who had brought them up from the land of Egypt, from under the domination of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and because they venerated other gods. They followed the rites of the nations whom the LORD had cleared out of the way of the children of Israel and the kings of Israel whom they set up.
And though the LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and seer, “Give up your evil ways and keep my commandments and statutes, in accordance with the entire law which I enjoined on your fathers and which I sent you by my servants the prophets,” they did not listen, but were as stiff-necked as their fathers, who had not believed in the LORD, their God. They rejected his statutes, the covenant which he had made with their fathers, and the warnings which he had given them, till, in his great anger against Israel, the LORD put them away out of his sight. Only the tribe of Judah was left.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 60:3, 4-5, 12-13
R. (7b) Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.
O God, you have rejected us and broken our defenses; you have been angry; rally us!
R. Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.
You have rocked the country and split it open; repair the cracks in it, for it is tottering. You have made your people feel hardships; you have given us stupefying wine.
R. Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.
Have not you, O God, rejected us, so that you go not forth, O God, with our armies? Give us aid against the foe, for worthless is the help of men.
R. Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.
ALLELUIA
Hebrews 4:12
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 7:1-5
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”
REFLECTIONS:
How do you wish to be judged by others? Everybody
is a critic, but who wants to be judged negatively? Judgmentalism is rampant,
even among Christians. So how can we avoid this poisonous sin and not be
contaminated by the world's view of who is good and who is bad? "Thinking
the best of other people" is necessary if we wish to grow in love. And
kindliness in judgment is nothing less that a sacred duty. The Rabbis warned
people: "He who judges his neighbor favorably will be judged favorably
by God." How easy it is to misjudge and how difficult it is to be impartial
in judgment. Our judgment of others is usually off the mark because we
cant see inside the person to their inner motives and intentions, or we
dont have access to all the facts, or we are swayed by instinct and unreasoning
reactions to people. It is easier to find fault in others than in oneself.
Jesus states a heavenly principle we can stake our lives on: what
you give to others (and how you treat others) will return to you in like
manner. The Lord knows our faults, weaknesses, and sins and he sees
everything, even the imperfections and hidden sins of the heart which we
cannot recognize in ourselves. Like a gentle father and a skillful doctor
he patiently draws us to his seat of mercy and removes the cancer
of sin which inhabits our hearts. Do you trust in Gods mercy and grace?
And do you submit to his truth about what is right and wrong, good and
evil, helpful and harmful for your welfare and the welfare of your neighbor
as well? Ask the Lord to purify your heart with his loving-kindness and
mercy that you may have ample room for charity and forbearance towards
your neighbor.
"O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits
its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help
us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than
to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people
at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy names sake.
(Prayer
of William Barclay, 20th century)
24 June 2012
24 June 2012, The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist - Solemnity
At the Vigil Mass
FIRST READING
Jeremiah 1:4–10
In the days of King Josiah, the word of the LORD came to me, saying:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said, “I know not how to speak; I am too young.” But the LORD answered me, Say not, “I am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.
Then the LORD extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying,
See, I place my words in your mouth! This day I set you over nations and over kingdoms, to root up and to tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 71:1–2, 3–4a, 5–6ab, 15ab, 17 (6)
R. Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.
In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me.
R. Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.
Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
R. Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.
For you are my hope, O LORD; my trust, O LORD, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength.
R. Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.
My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
R. Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.
SECOND READING
1 Peter 1:8–12
Beloved:
Although you have not seen Jesus Christ you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Concerning this salvation, prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and investigated it, investigating the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when he testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to follow them. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the Good News to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look.
ALLELUIA
see John 1:7; Luke 1:17
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
He came to testify to the light, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 1:5–17
In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. John will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn their hearts toward their children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”
Mass during the Day
FIRST READING
Isaiah 49:1–6
Hear me, O coastlands, listen, O distant peoples. The LORD called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me. You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory.
Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the LORD, my recompense is with my God. For now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 139:1b–3, 13–14ab, 14c–15 (14)
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar.
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works.
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
My soul also you knew full well; nor was my frame unknown to you When I was made in secret, when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth.
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
SECOND READING
Acts 13:22–26
In those days, Paul said:
“God raised up David as king; of him God testified, I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish. From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’
“My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent.”
ALLELUIA
see Luke 1:76
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 1:57–66, 80
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
REFLECTIONS:
Birthdays are a special time to remember and give
thanks for the blessings that have come our way. Are you grateful for the
ways that God has worked in your life, even from your birth? In many churches
of the East and West the birth of John the Baptist is remembered on this
day. The friends of Zechariah and Elizabeth marveled at the wonderful way
in which God blessed them with a child. This child was destined by God
for an important mission. The last verses in the last book of the Old Testament,
taken from the prophet Malachi, speak of the Lords messenger, the prophet
Elijah who will return to turn the hearts of fathers to their children
and the hearts of children to their fathers (Malachi 4:6). We see the
beginning of the fulfillment of this word when the Angel Gabriel announced
to Zechariah the marvelous birth and mission of John the Baptist (Luke
1:17). When this newly born child was about to be named, as customary on
the eighth day, his relatives quibbled over what name to give him. (Dont
relatives today often do the same when the time comes for naming a newborn?)
This child, however has been named from above! And Elizabeth is firm in
her faith and determined to see that God be glorified through this child.
The name John means "the Lord is gracious". In the birth of John and in
the birth of Jesus the Messiah we see the grace of God breaking forth into
a world broken by sin and without hope. Johns miraculous birth shows the
mercy and favor of God in preparing his people for the coming of its Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist's life was fueled by one burning passion to point
others to Jesus Christ and to the coming of God's kingdom. Scripture tells
us that John was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb
(Luke 1:15, 41) by Christ himself, whom Mary had just conceived by the
Holy Spirit. When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, John lept in the womb
of Elizabeth as they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). The
fire of the Spirit dwelt in John and made him the forerunner of the coming
Messiah. John was led by the Spirit into the wilderness prior to his ministry
where he was tested and grew in the word of God. John's clothing was reminiscent
of the prophet Elijah (see Kings 1:8). John broke the prophetic silence
of the previous centuries when he began to speak the word of God to the
people of Israel. His message was similar to the message of the Old Testament
prophets who chided the people of God for their unfaithfulness and who
tried to awaken true repentance in them. Among a people unconcerned with
the things of God, it was his work to awaken their interest, unsettle them
from their complacency, and arouse in them enough good will to recognize
and receive Christ when he came.
What is the significance of John the Baptist and his message for our
lives? When God acts to save us he graciously fills us with his Holy Spirit
and makes our faith come "alive" to his promises. Each and every day the
Lord is ready to renew us in faith, hope, and love. Like John the Baptist,
the Lord invites each of us to make our life a free-will offering to God.
God wants to fill us with his glory all the days of our lives, from birth
through death. Renew the offering of your life to God and give him thanks
for his mercy and favor towards you.
"Lord Jesus, you bring hope and salvation to a world lost in sin, despair,
and suffering. Let your grace refresh and restore your people today in
the hope and joy of your great victory over sin and death."
FIRST READING
Jeremiah 1:4–10
In the days of King Josiah, the word of the LORD came to me, saying:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said, “I know not how to speak; I am too young.” But the LORD answered me, Say not, “I am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.
Then the LORD extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying,
See, I place my words in your mouth! This day I set you over nations and over kingdoms, to root up and to tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 71:1–2, 3–4a, 5–6ab, 15ab, 17 (6)
R. Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.
In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, and deliver me; incline your ear to me, and save me.
R. Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.
Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety, for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
R. Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.
For you are my hope, O LORD; my trust, O LORD, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength.
R. Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.
My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
R. Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength.
SECOND READING
1 Peter 1:8–12
Beloved:
Although you have not seen Jesus Christ you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Concerning this salvation, prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and investigated it, investigating the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when he testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to follow them. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the Good News to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look.
ALLELUIA
see John 1:7; Luke 1:17
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
He came to testify to the light, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 1:5–17
In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. John will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn their hearts toward their children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”
Mass during the Day
FIRST READING
Isaiah 49:1–6
Hear me, O coastlands, listen, O distant peoples. The LORD called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me. You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory.
Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the LORD, my recompense is with my God. For now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 139:1b–3, 13–14ab, 14c–15 (14)
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar.
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works.
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
My soul also you knew full well; nor was my frame unknown to you When I was made in secret, when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth.
R. I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
SECOND READING
Acts 13:22–26
In those days, Paul said:
“God raised up David as king; of him God testified, I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish. From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’
“My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent.”
ALLELUIA
see Luke 1:76
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 1:57–66, 80
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
REFLECTIONS:
Birthdays are a special time to remember and give
thanks for the blessings that have come our way. Are you grateful for the
ways that God has worked in your life, even from your birth? In many churches
of the East and West the birth of John the Baptist is remembered on this
day. The friends of Zechariah and Elizabeth marveled at the wonderful way
in which God blessed them with a child. This child was destined by God
for an important mission. The last verses in the last book of the Old Testament,
taken from the prophet Malachi, speak of the Lords messenger, the prophet
Elijah who will return to turn the hearts of fathers to their children
and the hearts of children to their fathers (Malachi 4:6). We see the
beginning of the fulfillment of this word when the Angel Gabriel announced
to Zechariah the marvelous birth and mission of John the Baptist (Luke
1:17). When this newly born child was about to be named, as customary on
the eighth day, his relatives quibbled over what name to give him. (Dont
relatives today often do the same when the time comes for naming a newborn?)
This child, however has been named from above! And Elizabeth is firm in
her faith and determined to see that God be glorified through this child.
The name John means "the Lord is gracious". In the birth of John and in
the birth of Jesus the Messiah we see the grace of God breaking forth into
a world broken by sin and without hope. Johns miraculous birth shows the
mercy and favor of God in preparing his people for the coming of its Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist's life was fueled by one burning passion to point
others to Jesus Christ and to the coming of God's kingdom. Scripture tells
us that John was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb
(Luke 1:15, 41) by Christ himself, whom Mary had just conceived by the
Holy Spirit. When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, John lept in the womb
of Elizabeth as they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). The
fire of the Spirit dwelt in John and made him the forerunner of the coming
Messiah. John was led by the Spirit into the wilderness prior to his ministry
where he was tested and grew in the word of God. John's clothing was reminiscent
of the prophet Elijah (see Kings 1:8). John broke the prophetic silence
of the previous centuries when he began to speak the word of God to the
people of Israel. His message was similar to the message of the Old Testament
prophets who chided the people of God for their unfaithfulness and who
tried to awaken true repentance in them. Among a people unconcerned with
the things of God, it was his work to awaken their interest, unsettle them
from their complacency, and arouse in them enough good will to recognize
and receive Christ when he came.
What is the significance of John the Baptist and his message for our
lives? When God acts to save us he graciously fills us with his Holy Spirit
and makes our faith come "alive" to his promises. Each and every day the
Lord is ready to renew us in faith, hope, and love. Like John the Baptist,
the Lord invites each of us to make our life a free-will offering to God.
God wants to fill us with his glory all the days of our lives, from birth
through death. Renew the offering of your life to God and give him thanks
for his mercy and favor towards you.
"Lord Jesus, you bring hope and salvation to a world lost in sin, despair,
and suffering. Let your grace refresh and restore your people today in
the hope and joy of your great victory over sin and death."
23 June 2012
23 June 2012, Saturday of Week 11; St. Joseph Cafasso
FIRST READING
2 Chronicles 24:17-25
After the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and paid homage to King Joash, and the king then listened to them. They forsook the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols; and because of this crime of theirs, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem. Although prophets were sent to them to convert them to the LORD, the people would not listen to their warnings. Then the Spirit of God possessed Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest. He took his stand above the people and said to them: “God says, ‘Why are you transgressing the LORD’s commands, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned the LORD, he has abandoned you.’” But they conspired against him, and at the king’s order they stoned him to death in the court of the LORD’s temple. Thus King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown him by Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, and slew his son. And as Zechariah was dying, he said, AMay the LORD see and avenge.”
At the turn of the year a force of Arameans came up against Joash. They invaded Judah and Jerusalem, did away with all the princes of the people, and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. Though the Aramean force came with few men, the LORD surrendered a very large force into their power, because Judah had abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers. So punishment was meted out to Joash. After the Arameans had departed from him, leaving him in grievous suffering, his servants conspired against him because of the murder of the son of Jehoiada the priest. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 89:4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34
R. (29a) For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm. I will make his posterity endure forever and his throne as the days of heaven.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“If his sons forsake my law and walk not according to my ordinances, If they violate my statutes and keep not my commands.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“I will punish their crime with a rod and their guilt with stripes. Yet my mercy I will not take from him, nor will I belie my faithfulness.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
ALLELUIA
2 Corinthians 8:9
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 6:24-34
Jesus said to his disciples:
“No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”
REFLECTIONS:
What does the expression serving two masters and
being anxious have in common? They both have the same root problem
being divided within oneself. The root word for anxiety literally means
being of two minds. An anxious person is often tossed to and fro and
paralyzed by fear, indecision, and insecurity. Fear of some bad outcome
cripples those afflicted with anxiety. Its also the case with someone
who wants to live in two opposing kingdoms God's kingdom of light, truth,
and goodness or Satan's kingdom of darkness, sin, and deception following
God's standards and way of happiness or following the worlds standards
of success and happiness. Who is the master in charge of your life? Our
master is whatever governs our thought-life, shapes our ideals, and controls
the desires of our heart and the values we choose to live by. We can be
ruled by many different things the love of money and possessions, the
power of position and prestige, the glamor of wealth and fame, and the
driving force of unruly passions, harmful desires, and addictive cravings.
Ultimately the choice of who is our master boils down to two: God or mammon.
What is mammon? Mammon stands for material wealth or possessions or
whatever tends to control our appetites and desires.
There is one master alone who has the power to set us free from slavery
to sin, fear, pride, and greed, and a host of other hurtful desires. That
master is the Lord Jesus Christ who alone can save us from all that would
keep us bound up in fear and anxiety. Jesus used an illustration from nature
the birds and the flowers to show how God provides for his creatures
in the natural order of his creation. God provides ample food, water, light,
and heat to sustain all that lives and breathes. How much more can we,
who are created in the very image and likeness of God, expect our heavenly
Father and creator to sustain not only our physical bodies, but our mind,
heart, and soul as well? God our Father is utterly reliable because it
is his nature to love, heal, forgive, and make whole again. Jesus taught
his disciples to pray with confidence to their heavenly Father: Give
us this day our daily bread. What is bread, but the very staple of
life and symbol of all that we need to live and grow. Anxiety is neither
helpful nor necessary. It robs us of faith and confidence in Gods help
and it saps our energy for doing good. Jesus admonishes his followers to
put away anxiety and preoccupation with material things and instead to
seek first the things of God his kingdom and righteousness. Anxiety robs
the heart of trust in the mercy and goodness of God and in his loving care
for us. God knows our needs even before we ask and he gives generously
to those who trust in him. Who is your master God or mammon?
Lord Jesus, free me from needless worries and help me to put my trust
in you. May my first and only concern be for your glory and your kingdom
of peace and righteousness. Help me to live each day and moment with trust
and gratitude for your providential care for me.
2 Chronicles 24:17-25
After the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and paid homage to King Joash, and the king then listened to them. They forsook the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols; and because of this crime of theirs, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem. Although prophets were sent to them to convert them to the LORD, the people would not listen to their warnings. Then the Spirit of God possessed Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest. He took his stand above the people and said to them: “God says, ‘Why are you transgressing the LORD’s commands, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned the LORD, he has abandoned you.’” But they conspired against him, and at the king’s order they stoned him to death in the court of the LORD’s temple. Thus King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown him by Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, and slew his son. And as Zechariah was dying, he said, AMay the LORD see and avenge.”
At the turn of the year a force of Arameans came up against Joash. They invaded Judah and Jerusalem, did away with all the princes of the people, and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. Though the Aramean force came with few men, the LORD surrendered a very large force into their power, because Judah had abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers. So punishment was meted out to Joash. After the Arameans had departed from him, leaving him in grievous suffering, his servants conspired against him because of the murder of the son of Jehoiada the priest. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 89:4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34
R. (29a) For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm. I will make his posterity endure forever and his throne as the days of heaven.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“If his sons forsake my law and walk not according to my ordinances, If they violate my statutes and keep not my commands.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
“I will punish their crime with a rod and their guilt with stripes. Yet my mercy I will not take from him, nor will I belie my faithfulness.”
R. For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.
ALLELUIA
2 Corinthians 8:9
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 6:24-34
Jesus said to his disciples:
“No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”
REFLECTIONS:
What does the expression serving two masters and
being anxious have in common? They both have the same root problem
being divided within oneself. The root word for anxiety literally means
being of two minds. An anxious person is often tossed to and fro and
paralyzed by fear, indecision, and insecurity. Fear of some bad outcome
cripples those afflicted with anxiety. Its also the case with someone
who wants to live in two opposing kingdoms God's kingdom of light, truth,
and goodness or Satan's kingdom of darkness, sin, and deception following
God's standards and way of happiness or following the worlds standards
of success and happiness. Who is the master in charge of your life? Our
master is whatever governs our thought-life, shapes our ideals, and controls
the desires of our heart and the values we choose to live by. We can be
ruled by many different things the love of money and possessions, the
power of position and prestige, the glamor of wealth and fame, and the
driving force of unruly passions, harmful desires, and addictive cravings.
Ultimately the choice of who is our master boils down to two: God or mammon.
What is mammon? Mammon stands for material wealth or possessions or
whatever tends to control our appetites and desires.
There is one master alone who has the power to set us free from slavery
to sin, fear, pride, and greed, and a host of other hurtful desires. That
master is the Lord Jesus Christ who alone can save us from all that would
keep us bound up in fear and anxiety. Jesus used an illustration from nature
the birds and the flowers to show how God provides for his creatures
in the natural order of his creation. God provides ample food, water, light,
and heat to sustain all that lives and breathes. How much more can we,
who are created in the very image and likeness of God, expect our heavenly
Father and creator to sustain not only our physical bodies, but our mind,
heart, and soul as well? God our Father is utterly reliable because it
is his nature to love, heal, forgive, and make whole again. Jesus taught
his disciples to pray with confidence to their heavenly Father: Give
us this day our daily bread. What is bread, but the very staple of
life and symbol of all that we need to live and grow. Anxiety is neither
helpful nor necessary. It robs us of faith and confidence in Gods help
and it saps our energy for doing good. Jesus admonishes his followers to
put away anxiety and preoccupation with material things and instead to
seek first the things of God his kingdom and righteousness. Anxiety robs
the heart of trust in the mercy and goodness of God and in his loving care
for us. God knows our needs even before we ask and he gives generously
to those who trust in him. Who is your master God or mammon?
Lord Jesus, free me from needless worries and help me to put my trust
in you. May my first and only concern be for your glory and your kingdom
of peace and righteousness. Help me to live each day and moment with trust
and gratitude for your providential care for me.
22 June 2012
22 June 2012, Friday of Week 11; St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More
FIRST READING
2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20
When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, saw that her son was dead, she began to kill off the whole royal family. But Jehosheba, daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash, his son, and spirited him away, along with his nurse, from the bedroom where the princes were about to be slain. She concealed him from Athaliah, and so he did not die. For six years he remained hidden in the temple of the LORD, while Athaliah ruled the land.
But in the seventh year, Jehoiada summoned the captains of the Carians and of the guards. He had them come to him in the temple of the LORD, exacted from them a sworn commitment, and then showed them the king’s son.
The captains did just as Jehoiada the priest commanded. Each one with his men, both those going on duty for the sabbath and those going off duty that week, came to Jehoiada the priest. He gave the captains King David’s spears and shields, which were in the temple of the LORD. And the guards, with drawn weapons, lined up from the southern to the northern limit of the enclosure, surrounding the altar and the temple on the king’s behalf. Then Jehoiada led out the king’s son and put the crown and the insignia upon him. They proclaimed him king and anointed him, clapping their hands and shouting, “Long live the king!”
Athaliah heard the noise made by the people, and appeared before them in the temple of the LORD. When she saw the king standing by the pillar, as was the custom, and the captains and trumpeters near him, with all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets, she tore her garments and cried out, “Treason, treason!” Then Jehoiada the priest instructed the captains in command of the force: “Bring her outside through the ranks. If anyone follows her,” he added, “let him die by the sword.” He had given orders that she should not be slain in the temple of the LORD. She was led out forcibly to the horse gate of the royal palace, where she was put to death.
Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD as one party and the king and the people as the other, by which they would be the LORD’s people; and another covenant, between the king and the people. Thereupon all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and demolished it. They shattered its altars and images completely, and slew Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars. Jehoiada appointed a detachment for the temple of the LORD. All the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet, now that Athaliah had been slain with the sword at the royal palace.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 132:11, 12, 13-14, 17-18
R. (13) The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.
The LORD swore to David a firm promise from which he will not withdraw: “Your own offspring I will set upon your throne.”
R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.
“If your sons keep my covenant and the decrees which I shall teach them, Their sons, too, forever shall sit upon your throne.”
R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.
For the LORD has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling. “Zion is my resting place forever; in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.”
R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.
“In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David; I will place a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon him my crown shall shine.”
R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 5:3
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 6:19-23
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”
REFLECTIONS:
What kind of treasure are you seeking? Jesus offers
a treasure of imcomparable value and worth, but we need healthy eyes
good spiritual vision to recognize it. What Jesus said about seeking
treasure made perfect sense to his audience: keep what lasts! Arent
we all trying to find something we treasure in this life in the hope that
it will bring us happiness, peace, and security? Jesus contrasts two very
different kinds of wealth material wealth and spiritual wealth. Jesus
urges his disciples to get rich by investing in wealth and treasure which
truly lasts, not just for a life-time, but for all eternity as well. Jesus
offers heavenly treasures which cannot lose their value by changing circumstances,
such as diminishing currency, material degradation, lose, or physical destruction.
The treasure which Jesus offers is kept safe and uncorrupted by God himself.
What is this treasure which Jesus offers so freely and graciously? It
is the treasure of God himself the source and giver of every good gift
and blessing in this life and a kingdom that will endure forever. The
treasure of God's kingdom produces unspeakable joy because it unites us
with the source of all joy and blessings which is God himself. God offers
us the treasure of unending joy and friendship with himself and with all
who are united with him in his heavenly kingdom. In Jesus Christ we receive
an inheritance which the Apostle Peter describes as style="font-style: italic;">imperishable,
undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4
). Paul the Apostle describes it as a kingdom of everlasting peace, joy,
and righteousness in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
How realistic and attainable is this heavenly treasure? Can we enjoy
it now, or must we wait for it in the after-life? The treasure of Gods
kingdom is both a present and a future reality like an investment which
grows and matures, ever increasing, and multiplying in value.
Seekers of great treasure will go to any length to receive their reward.
They direct all their energies and resources to obtain the treasure. We
instinctively direct our energies and resources an even our whole lives
towards that which we most value. To set ones heart on heavenly treasure
is to enter into a deeper and richer life with God himself. It is only
by letting go of false treasure that one can eter into the joy of a heavenly
treasure that is immeasurable and worth more than we can give in exchange.
Do you seek the treasure which lasts for eternity?
Jesus also used the image of eyesight or human vision to convey an important
principle of God's kingdom. Blurred vision and bad eyesight serve as a
metaphor for moral stupidity and spiritual blindness. (For examples, see
Matthew 15:14, 23:16 ff.; John 9:39-41; Romans 2:19; 2 Peter 1:9; and Revelations
3:17.) Jesus describes the human eye as the window of the
inner being the heart, mind, and soul of an individual person. How
one views their life and reality reflects not only their personal vision
how they see themselves and the world around them, it also reflects their
inner being and soul the kind of moral person and character they choose
for themselves. If the window through which we view life, truth, and reality
is clouded, soiled, or marred in any way, then the light of God's truth
will be deflected, diminished, and distorted. Only Jesus Christ can free
us from the spiritual darkness of sin, unbelief, and ignorance. That is
why Jesus called himself the light of the world the one true source of
light that can overcome the darkness of sin and the lies and deception
of Satan.
What can blind or distort our vision of what is true, good, lovely,
pure, and eternal (Philippians 4:8)? Certainly prejudice, jealousy, and
self-conceit can distort our judgment of ourselves and others and lead
to moral blindness. Prejudice and self-conceit also destroys good judgment
and blinds us to the facts and to their significance for us. Jealousy and
envy make us despise others and mistrust them as enemies rather than friends.
We need to fearlessly examine ourselves to see if we are living according
to right judgment and sound principles or if we might be misguided by blind
prejudice or some other conceit. Love is not jealous ...but rejoices
with the truth
(1 Corinthians 13:4-6). Do you live your life in the
light of Gods truth?
Lord Jesus, you have the words of everlasting life. May the light of
your truth free me from the error of sin and deception. Take my heart and
fill it with your love that I may desire you alone as my Treasure and my
All."
2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20
When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, saw that her son was dead, she began to kill off the whole royal family. But Jehosheba, daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash, his son, and spirited him away, along with his nurse, from the bedroom where the princes were about to be slain. She concealed him from Athaliah, and so he did not die. For six years he remained hidden in the temple of the LORD, while Athaliah ruled the land.
But in the seventh year, Jehoiada summoned the captains of the Carians and of the guards. He had them come to him in the temple of the LORD, exacted from them a sworn commitment, and then showed them the king’s son.
The captains did just as Jehoiada the priest commanded. Each one with his men, both those going on duty for the sabbath and those going off duty that week, came to Jehoiada the priest. He gave the captains King David’s spears and shields, which were in the temple of the LORD. And the guards, with drawn weapons, lined up from the southern to the northern limit of the enclosure, surrounding the altar and the temple on the king’s behalf. Then Jehoiada led out the king’s son and put the crown and the insignia upon him. They proclaimed him king and anointed him, clapping their hands and shouting, “Long live the king!”
Athaliah heard the noise made by the people, and appeared before them in the temple of the LORD. When she saw the king standing by the pillar, as was the custom, and the captains and trumpeters near him, with all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets, she tore her garments and cried out, “Treason, treason!” Then Jehoiada the priest instructed the captains in command of the force: “Bring her outside through the ranks. If anyone follows her,” he added, “let him die by the sword.” He had given orders that she should not be slain in the temple of the LORD. She was led out forcibly to the horse gate of the royal palace, where she was put to death.
Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD as one party and the king and the people as the other, by which they would be the LORD’s people; and another covenant, between the king and the people. Thereupon all the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and demolished it. They shattered its altars and images completely, and slew Mattan, the priest of Baal, before the altars. Jehoiada appointed a detachment for the temple of the LORD. All the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet, now that Athaliah had been slain with the sword at the royal palace.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 132:11, 12, 13-14, 17-18
R. (13) The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.
The LORD swore to David a firm promise from which he will not withdraw: “Your own offspring I will set upon your throne.”
R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.
“If your sons keep my covenant and the decrees which I shall teach them, Their sons, too, forever shall sit upon your throne.”
R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.
For the LORD has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling. “Zion is my resting place forever; in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.”
R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.
“In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David; I will place a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon him my crown shall shine.”
R. The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 5:3
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 6:19-23
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”
REFLECTIONS:
What kind of treasure are you seeking? Jesus offers
a treasure of imcomparable value and worth, but we need healthy eyes
good spiritual vision to recognize it. What Jesus said about seeking
treasure made perfect sense to his audience: keep what lasts! Arent
we all trying to find something we treasure in this life in the hope that
it will bring us happiness, peace, and security? Jesus contrasts two very
different kinds of wealth material wealth and spiritual wealth. Jesus
urges his disciples to get rich by investing in wealth and treasure which
truly lasts, not just for a life-time, but for all eternity as well. Jesus
offers heavenly treasures which cannot lose their value by changing circumstances,
such as diminishing currency, material degradation, lose, or physical destruction.
The treasure which Jesus offers is kept safe and uncorrupted by God himself.
What is this treasure which Jesus offers so freely and graciously? It
is the treasure of God himself the source and giver of every good gift
and blessing in this life and a kingdom that will endure forever. The
treasure of God's kingdom produces unspeakable joy because it unites us
with the source of all joy and blessings which is God himself. God offers
us the treasure of unending joy and friendship with himself and with all
who are united with him in his heavenly kingdom. In Jesus Christ we receive
an inheritance which the Apostle Peter describes as style="font-style: italic;">imperishable,
undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4
). Paul the Apostle describes it as a kingdom of everlasting peace, joy,
and righteousness in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
How realistic and attainable is this heavenly treasure? Can we enjoy
it now, or must we wait for it in the after-life? The treasure of Gods
kingdom is both a present and a future reality like an investment which
grows and matures, ever increasing, and multiplying in value.
Seekers of great treasure will go to any length to receive their reward.
They direct all their energies and resources to obtain the treasure. We
instinctively direct our energies and resources an even our whole lives
towards that which we most value. To set ones heart on heavenly treasure
is to enter into a deeper and richer life with God himself. It is only
by letting go of false treasure that one can eter into the joy of a heavenly
treasure that is immeasurable and worth more than we can give in exchange.
Do you seek the treasure which lasts for eternity?
Jesus also used the image of eyesight or human vision to convey an important
principle of God's kingdom. Blurred vision and bad eyesight serve as a
metaphor for moral stupidity and spiritual blindness. (For examples, see
Matthew 15:14, 23:16 ff.; John 9:39-41; Romans 2:19; 2 Peter 1:9; and Revelations
3:17.) Jesus describes the human eye as the window of the
inner being the heart, mind, and soul of an individual person. How
one views their life and reality reflects not only their personal vision
how they see themselves and the world around them, it also reflects their
inner being and soul the kind of moral person and character they choose
for themselves. If the window through which we view life, truth, and reality
is clouded, soiled, or marred in any way, then the light of God's truth
will be deflected, diminished, and distorted. Only Jesus Christ can free
us from the spiritual darkness of sin, unbelief, and ignorance. That is
why Jesus called himself the light of the world the one true source of
light that can overcome the darkness of sin and the lies and deception
of Satan.
What can blind or distort our vision of what is true, good, lovely,
pure, and eternal (Philippians 4:8)? Certainly prejudice, jealousy, and
self-conceit can distort our judgment of ourselves and others and lead
to moral blindness. Prejudice and self-conceit also destroys good judgment
and blinds us to the facts and to their significance for us. Jealousy and
envy make us despise others and mistrust them as enemies rather than friends.
We need to fearlessly examine ourselves to see if we are living according
to right judgment and sound principles or if we might be misguided by blind
prejudice or some other conceit. Love is not jealous ...but rejoices
with the truth
(1 Corinthians 13:4-6). Do you live your life in the
light of Gods truth?
Lord Jesus, you have the words of everlasting life. May the light of
your truth free me from the error of sin and deception. Take my heart and
fill it with your love that I may desire you alone as my Treasure and my
All."
21 June 2012
21 June 2012, Thursday of Week 11; St. Aloysius Gonzaga
FIRST READING
Sirach 48:1-14
Like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; By the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? You brought a dead man back to life from the nether world, by the will of the LORD. You sent kings down to destruction, and easily broke their power into pieces. You brought down nobles, from their beds of sickness. You heard threats at Sinai, at Horeb avenging judgments. You anointed kings who should inflict vengeance, and a prophet as your successor. You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD, To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you And who falls asleep in your friendship. For we live only in our life, but after death our name will not be such. O Elijah, enveloped in the whirlwind!
Then Elisha, filled with the twofold portion of his spirit, wrought many marvels by his mere word. During his lifetime he feared no one, nor was any man able to intimidate his will. Nothing was beyond his power; beneath him flesh was brought back into life. In life he performed wonders, and after death, marvelous deeds.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 97:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7
R. (12a) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
Fire goes before him and consumes his foes round about. His lightnings illumine the world; the earth sees and trembles.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
All who worship graven things are put to shame, who glory in the things of nought; all gods are prostrate before him.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
ALLELUIA
Romans 8:15bc
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 6:7-15
Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you pray with joy and confidence? The Jews were noted for their devotion to prayer. Formal prayer was prescribed for three set times a day. And the rabbis had a prayer for every occasion. Jesus warns his disciples against formalism, making prayer something mechanical and devoid of meaning, with little thought for God. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray he gave them the disciple’s prayer, what we call the Our Father or Lord’s Prayer. This prayer dares to call God “our Father” and boldly asks for the things we need to live as his sons and daughters.
It is through the gift of the Holy Spirit that we can know God personally and call him “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). We can approach God our Father with confidence and boldness because Jesus Christ has opened the way to heaven for us through his death and resurrection. When we ask God for help, he fortunately does not give us what we deserve. Instead, he responds with grace and favor and mercy. It is his nature to love generously and to forgive mercifully. When he gives he gives more than we need so we will have something to share with others in their need as well.
God is kind and forgiving towards us and he expects us to treat our neighbor the same. Do you treat others as they deserve, or do you treat them as the Lord would treat you with his grace and favor and mercy? Jesus’ prayer includes an injunction that we must ask God to forgive us in proportion as we forgive those who have wronged us. Ask the Lord to free your heart of any anger, bitterness, resentment, selfishness, indifference, or coldness towards others. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with the fire of his burning love and compassion and with the river of his overflowing mercy and kindness.
“Father in heaven, you have given me a mind to know you, a will to serve you, and a heart to love you. Give me today the grace and strength to embrace your holy will and fill my heart with your love that all my intentions and actions may be pleasing to you. Give me the grace to be charitable in thought, kind in deed, and loving in speech towards all."
Sirach 48:1-14
Like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; By the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? You brought a dead man back to life from the nether world, by the will of the LORD. You sent kings down to destruction, and easily broke their power into pieces. You brought down nobles, from their beds of sickness. You heard threats at Sinai, at Horeb avenging judgments. You anointed kings who should inflict vengeance, and a prophet as your successor. You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD, To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you And who falls asleep in your friendship. For we live only in our life, but after death our name will not be such. O Elijah, enveloped in the whirlwind!
Then Elisha, filled with the twofold portion of his spirit, wrought many marvels by his mere word. During his lifetime he feared no one, nor was any man able to intimidate his will. Nothing was beyond his power; beneath him flesh was brought back into life. In life he performed wonders, and after death, marvelous deeds.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 97:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7
R. (12a) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
Fire goes before him and consumes his foes round about. His lightnings illumine the world; the earth sees and trembles.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
All who worship graven things are put to shame, who glory in the things of nought; all gods are prostrate before him.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
ALLELUIA
Romans 8:15bc
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 6:7-15
Jesus said to his disciples:
“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you pray with joy and confidence? The Jews were noted for their devotion to prayer. Formal prayer was prescribed for three set times a day. And the rabbis had a prayer for every occasion. Jesus warns his disciples against formalism, making prayer something mechanical and devoid of meaning, with little thought for God. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray he gave them the disciple’s prayer, what we call the Our Father or Lord’s Prayer. This prayer dares to call God “our Father” and boldly asks for the things we need to live as his sons and daughters.
It is through the gift of the Holy Spirit that we can know God personally and call him “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). We can approach God our Father with confidence and boldness because Jesus Christ has opened the way to heaven for us through his death and resurrection. When we ask God for help, he fortunately does not give us what we deserve. Instead, he responds with grace and favor and mercy. It is his nature to love generously and to forgive mercifully. When he gives he gives more than we need so we will have something to share with others in their need as well.
God is kind and forgiving towards us and he expects us to treat our neighbor the same. Do you treat others as they deserve, or do you treat them as the Lord would treat you with his grace and favor and mercy? Jesus’ prayer includes an injunction that we must ask God to forgive us in proportion as we forgive those who have wronged us. Ask the Lord to free your heart of any anger, bitterness, resentment, selfishness, indifference, or coldness towards others. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with the fire of his burning love and compassion and with the river of his overflowing mercy and kindness.
“Father in heaven, you have given me a mind to know you, a will to serve you, and a heart to love you. Give me today the grace and strength to embrace your holy will and fill my heart with your love that all my intentions and actions may be pleasing to you. Give me the grace to be charitable in thought, kind in deed, and loving in speech towards all."
20 June 2012
20 June 2012, Wednesday of Week 11; Blessed Michelina of Pesaro
FIRST READING
2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here; the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you,” Elisha replied. And so the two went on together. Fifty of the guild prophets followed and when the two stopped at the Jordan, they stood facing them at a distance. Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water, which divided, and both crossed over on dry ground.
When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” “You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied. “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. When Elisha saw it happen he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!” But when he could no longer see him, Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two.
Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle that had fallen from him, and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan. Wielding the mantle that had fallen from Elijah, Elisha struck the water in his turn and said, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” When Elisha struck the water it divided and he crossed over.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 31:20, 21, 24
R. (25) Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
How great is the goodness, O LORD, which you have in store for those who fear you, And which, toward those who take refuge in you, you show in the sight of the children of men.
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men; You screen them within your abode from the strife of tongues.
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
Love the LORD, all you his faithful ones! The LORD keeps those who are constant, but more than requites those who act proudly.
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
ALLELUIA
John 14:23
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
REFLECTIONS:
Why did Jesus single out prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for his disciples? The Jews considered these three as the cardinal works of the religious life. These were seen as the key signs of a pious person, the three great pillars on which the good life was based. Jesus pointed to the heart of the matter. Why do you pray, fast, and give alms? To draw attention to yourself so that others may notice and think highly of you? Or to give glory to God? The Lord warns his disciples of self-seeking glory – the preoccupation with looking good and seeking praise from others. True piety is something more than feeling good or looking holy. True piety is loving devotion to God. It is an attitude of awe, reverence, worship and obedience. It is a gift and working of the Holy Spirit that enables us to devote our lives to God with a holy desire to please him in all things (Isaiah 11:1-2).
What is the sure reward which Jesus points out to his disciples? It is communion with God our Father. In him alone we find the fulness of life and happiness, truth and beauty, love and joy. Saint Augustine, the great fourth century bishop of Hippo, wrote the following prayer in his Confessions: When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrows or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete. The Lord rewards those who seek him with humble and repentant hearts. He renews us each day and he gives us new hearts of love and compassion that we may serve him and our neighbor with glad and generous hearts. Do you want to grow in your love for God and for your neighbor? Seek him expectantly in prayer, with fasting, and in generous giving to those in need.
“Lord Jesus, give me a lively faith, a firm hope, a fervent charity, and a great love for you. Take from me all lukewarmness in meditating on your word, and dullness in prayer. Give me fervor and delight in thinking of you and your grace. Fill my heart with compassion for others, especially those in need, that I may respond with generosity.”
2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here; the LORD has sent me on to the Jordan.” “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you,” Elisha replied. And so the two went on together. Fifty of the guild prophets followed and when the two stopped at the Jordan, they stood facing them at a distance. Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water, which divided, and both crossed over on dry ground.
When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” “You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied. “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. When Elisha saw it happen he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!” But when he could no longer see him, Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two.
Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle that had fallen from him, and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan. Wielding the mantle that had fallen from Elijah, Elisha struck the water in his turn and said, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” When Elisha struck the water it divided and he crossed over.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 31:20, 21, 24
R. (25) Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
How great is the goodness, O LORD, which you have in store for those who fear you, And which, toward those who take refuge in you, you show in the sight of the children of men.
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men; You screen them within your abode from the strife of tongues.
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
Love the LORD, all you his faithful ones! The LORD keeps those who are constant, but more than requites those who act proudly.
R. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
ALLELUIA
John 14:23
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
REFLECTIONS:
Why did Jesus single out prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for his disciples? The Jews considered these three as the cardinal works of the religious life. These were seen as the key signs of a pious person, the three great pillars on which the good life was based. Jesus pointed to the heart of the matter. Why do you pray, fast, and give alms? To draw attention to yourself so that others may notice and think highly of you? Or to give glory to God? The Lord warns his disciples of self-seeking glory – the preoccupation with looking good and seeking praise from others. True piety is something more than feeling good or looking holy. True piety is loving devotion to God. It is an attitude of awe, reverence, worship and obedience. It is a gift and working of the Holy Spirit that enables us to devote our lives to God with a holy desire to please him in all things (Isaiah 11:1-2).
What is the sure reward which Jesus points out to his disciples? It is communion with God our Father. In him alone we find the fulness of life and happiness, truth and beauty, love and joy. Saint Augustine, the great fourth century bishop of Hippo, wrote the following prayer in his Confessions: When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrows or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete. The Lord rewards those who seek him with humble and repentant hearts. He renews us each day and he gives us new hearts of love and compassion that we may serve him and our neighbor with glad and generous hearts. Do you want to grow in your love for God and for your neighbor? Seek him expectantly in prayer, with fasting, and in generous giving to those in need.
“Lord Jesus, give me a lively faith, a firm hope, a fervent charity, and a great love for you. Take from me all lukewarmness in meditating on your word, and dullness in prayer. Give me fervor and delight in thinking of you and your grace. Fill my heart with compassion for others, especially those in need, that I may respond with generosity.”
19 June 2012
19 June 2012, Tuesday of Week 11; St. Romuald
FIRST READING
1 Kings 21:17-29
After the death of Naboth the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite: “Start down to meet Ahab, king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be in the vineyard of Naboth, of which he has come to take possession. This is what you shall tell him, ‘The LORD says: After murdering, do you also take possession? For this, the LORD says: In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, the dogs shall lick up your blood, too.’” Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me out, my enemy?” “Yes,” he answered. “Because you have given yourself up to doing evil in the LORD’s sight, I am bringing evil upon you: I will destroy you and will cut off every male in Ahab’s line, whether slave or freeman, in Israel. I will make your house like that of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, and like that of Baasha, son of Ahijah, because of how you have provoked me by leading Israel into sin.” (Against Jezebel, too, the LORD declared, “The dogs shall devour Jezebel in the district of Jezreel.”) “When one of Ahab’s line dies in the city, dogs will devour him; when one of them dies in the field, the birds of the sky will devour him.” Indeed, no one gave himself up to the doing of evil in the sight of the LORD as did Ahab, urged on by his wife Jezebel. He became completely abominable by following idols, just as the Amorites had done, whom the LORD drove out before the children of Israel.
When Ahab heard these words, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth over his bare flesh. He fasted, slept in the sackcloth, and went about subdued. Then the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Have you seen that Ahab has humbled himself before me? Since he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his time. I will bring the evil upon his house during the reign of his son.”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16
R. (see 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always: AAgainst you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight.”
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt. Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God; then my tongue shall revel in your justice.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
ALLELUIA
John 13:34
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
REFLECTIONS:
What makes Christians different from others and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace – treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness and mercy. God is good to the unjust as well as the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing in return. Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil. How can we possibly love those who cause us harm or ill-will? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who believe and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. His love conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ’s redeeming love and mercy?
Was Jesus exaggerating when he said we must be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect? The original meaning of “perfect” in Aramaic is “completeness” or “wholeness – not lacking in what is essential.” God gives us every good gift in Jesus Christ so that we may not lack anything we need to do his will and to live as his sons and daughters (2 Peter 1:3). He knows our weakness and sinfulness better than we do. And he assures us of his love, mercy, and grace to follow in his ways. Do you want to grow in your love for God and for your neighbor? Ask the Holy Spirit to change and transform you in the image of the Father that you may walk in the joy and freedom of the gospel.
“Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with your love that nothing may make me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make me bitter towards anyone.”
1 Kings 21:17-29
After the death of Naboth the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite: “Start down to meet Ahab, king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be in the vineyard of Naboth, of which he has come to take possession. This is what you shall tell him, ‘The LORD says: After murdering, do you also take possession? For this, the LORD says: In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, the dogs shall lick up your blood, too.’” Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me out, my enemy?” “Yes,” he answered. “Because you have given yourself up to doing evil in the LORD’s sight, I am bringing evil upon you: I will destroy you and will cut off every male in Ahab’s line, whether slave or freeman, in Israel. I will make your house like that of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, and like that of Baasha, son of Ahijah, because of how you have provoked me by leading Israel into sin.” (Against Jezebel, too, the LORD declared, “The dogs shall devour Jezebel in the district of Jezreel.”) “When one of Ahab’s line dies in the city, dogs will devour him; when one of them dies in the field, the birds of the sky will devour him.” Indeed, no one gave himself up to the doing of evil in the sight of the LORD as did Ahab, urged on by his wife Jezebel. He became completely abominable by following idols, just as the Amorites had done, whom the LORD drove out before the children of Israel.
When Ahab heard these words, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth over his bare flesh. He fasted, slept in the sackcloth, and went about subdued. Then the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Have you seen that Ahab has humbled himself before me? Since he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his time. I will bring the evil upon his house during the reign of his son.”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16
R. (see 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always: AAgainst you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight.”
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt. Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God; then my tongue shall revel in your justice.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
ALLELUIA
John 13:34
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
REFLECTIONS:
What makes Christians different from others and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace – treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness and mercy. God is good to the unjust as well as the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God seeks our highest good and teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and selfish towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing in return. Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil. How can we possibly love those who cause us harm or ill-will? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who believe and accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. His love conquers all, even our hurts, fears, prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ’s redeeming love and mercy?
Was Jesus exaggerating when he said we must be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect? The original meaning of “perfect” in Aramaic is “completeness” or “wholeness – not lacking in what is essential.” God gives us every good gift in Jesus Christ so that we may not lack anything we need to do his will and to live as his sons and daughters (2 Peter 1:3). He knows our weakness and sinfulness better than we do. And he assures us of his love, mercy, and grace to follow in his ways. Do you want to grow in your love for God and for your neighbor? Ask the Holy Spirit to change and transform you in the image of the Father that you may walk in the joy and freedom of the gospel.
“Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with your love that nothing may make me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make me bitter towards anyone.”
18 June 2012
18 June 2012, Monday of Week 11; St. Gregory Barbarigo
FIRST READING
1 Kings 21:1-16
Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel next to the palace of Ahab, king of Samaria. Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to be my vegetable garden, since it is close by, next to my house. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or, if you prefer, I will give you its value in money.” Naboth answered him, “The LORD forbid that I should give you my ancestral heritage.” Ahab went home disturbed and angry at the answer Naboth the Jezreelite had made to him: “I will not give you my ancestral heritage.” Lying down on his bed, he turned away from food and would not eat.
His wife Jezebel came to him and said to him, “Why are you so angry that you will not eat?” He answered her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Sell me your vineyard, or, if you prefer, I will give you a vineyard in exchange.’ But he refused to let me have his vineyard.” His wife Jezebel said to him, “A fine ruler over Israel you are indeed! Get up. Eat and be cheerful. I will obtain the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite for you.”
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and, having sealed them with his seal, sent them to the elders and to the nobles who lived in the same city with Naboth. This is what she wrote in the letters: “Proclaim a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. Next, get two scoundrels to face him and accuse him of having cursed God and king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” His fellow citizensBthe elders and nobles who dwelt in his cityB did as Jezebel had ordered them in writing, through the letters she had sent them. They proclaimed a fast and placed Naboth at the head of the people. Two scoundrels came in and confronted him with the accusation, “Naboth has cursed God and king.” And they led him out of the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent the information to Jezebel that Naboth had been stoned to death.
When Jezebel learned that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Go on, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you, because Naboth is not alive, but dead.” On hearing that Naboth was dead, Ahab started off on his way down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7
R. (2b) Lord, listen to my groaning.
Hearken to my words, O LORD, attend to my sighing. Heed my call for help, my king and my God!
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.
At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you. For you, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with you; the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.
You hate all evildoers. You destroy all who speak falsehood; The bloodthirsty and the deceitful the LORD abhors.
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.
ALLELUIA
Psalm 119:105
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A lamp to my feet is your word, a light to my path.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 5:38-42
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”
REFLECTIONS:
If someone insults you or tries to take advantage of you, how do you respond? Do you repay in kind? Jesus approached the question of just retribution with a surprising revelation of God's intention for how we should treat others, especialy those who mistreat us. When Jesus spoke about God’s law, he did something no one had done before. He gave a new standard based not just on the requirements of justice – giving each their due – but based on the law of grace and love. Jesus knew the law and its intention better than any jurist or legal expert could imagine. He quoted from the oldest recorded law in the world: If any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe (Exodus 21:23-25). Such a law today seems cruel, but it was meant to limit vengeance as a first step towards mercy. This law was not normally taken literally but served as a guide for a judge in a law court for assessing punishment and penalty (see Deuteronomy 19:18). The Old Testament is full of references to the command that we must be merciful: You shall not take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD (Leviticus 19:18). If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink (Proverbs 25:21). Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done" (Proverbs 24:29). Let him give his cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults (Lamentations 3:30).
Jesus does something quite remarkable and unheard of. He transforms the law of mercy with grace and loving-kindness. Jesus also makes clear that there is no room for retaliation. We must not only avoid returning evil for evil, but we must seek the good of those who wish us ill. Do you accept insults, as Jesus did, with no resentment or malice? When you are compelled by others to do more than you think you deserve, do you insist on your rights, or do you respond with grace and cheerfulness?
What makes a Christian different from everyone else? What makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace – treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness and mercy. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ’s redeeming love and mercy?
“O merciful God, fill our hearts, we pray, with the graces of your Holy Spirit; with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Teach us to love those who hate us; to pray for those who despitefully use us; that we may be the children of your love, our Father, who makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. In adversity grant us grace to be patient; in prosperity keep us humble; may we guard the door of our lips; may we lightly esteem the pleasures of this world, and thirst after heavenly things; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Prayer of Anselm, 1033-1109 AD)
1 Kings 21:1-16
Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel next to the palace of Ahab, king of Samaria. Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to be my vegetable garden, since it is close by, next to my house. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or, if you prefer, I will give you its value in money.” Naboth answered him, “The LORD forbid that I should give you my ancestral heritage.” Ahab went home disturbed and angry at the answer Naboth the Jezreelite had made to him: “I will not give you my ancestral heritage.” Lying down on his bed, he turned away from food and would not eat.
His wife Jezebel came to him and said to him, “Why are you so angry that you will not eat?” He answered her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Sell me your vineyard, or, if you prefer, I will give you a vineyard in exchange.’ But he refused to let me have his vineyard.” His wife Jezebel said to him, “A fine ruler over Israel you are indeed! Get up. Eat and be cheerful. I will obtain the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite for you.”
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and, having sealed them with his seal, sent them to the elders and to the nobles who lived in the same city with Naboth. This is what she wrote in the letters: “Proclaim a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. Next, get two scoundrels to face him and accuse him of having cursed God and king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” His fellow citizensBthe elders and nobles who dwelt in his cityB did as Jezebel had ordered them in writing, through the letters she had sent them. They proclaimed a fast and placed Naboth at the head of the people. Two scoundrels came in and confronted him with the accusation, “Naboth has cursed God and king.” And they led him out of the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent the information to Jezebel that Naboth had been stoned to death.
When Jezebel learned that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Go on, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you, because Naboth is not alive, but dead.” On hearing that Naboth was dead, Ahab started off on his way down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7
R. (2b) Lord, listen to my groaning.
Hearken to my words, O LORD, attend to my sighing. Heed my call for help, my king and my God!
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.
At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you. For you, O God, delight not in wickedness; no evil man remains with you; the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.
You hate all evildoers. You destroy all who speak falsehood; The bloodthirsty and the deceitful the LORD abhors.
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.
ALLELUIA
Psalm 119:105
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A lamp to my feet is your word, a light to my path.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Matthew 5:38-42
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”
REFLECTIONS:
If someone insults you or tries to take advantage of you, how do you respond? Do you repay in kind? Jesus approached the question of just retribution with a surprising revelation of God's intention for how we should treat others, especialy those who mistreat us. When Jesus spoke about God’s law, he did something no one had done before. He gave a new standard based not just on the requirements of justice – giving each their due – but based on the law of grace and love. Jesus knew the law and its intention better than any jurist or legal expert could imagine. He quoted from the oldest recorded law in the world: If any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe (Exodus 21:23-25). Such a law today seems cruel, but it was meant to limit vengeance as a first step towards mercy. This law was not normally taken literally but served as a guide for a judge in a law court for assessing punishment and penalty (see Deuteronomy 19:18). The Old Testament is full of references to the command that we must be merciful: You shall not take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD (Leviticus 19:18). If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink (Proverbs 25:21). Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done" (Proverbs 24:29). Let him give his cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults (Lamentations 3:30).
Jesus does something quite remarkable and unheard of. He transforms the law of mercy with grace and loving-kindness. Jesus also makes clear that there is no room for retaliation. We must not only avoid returning evil for evil, but we must seek the good of those who wish us ill. Do you accept insults, as Jesus did, with no resentment or malice? When you are compelled by others to do more than you think you deserve, do you insist on your rights, or do you respond with grace and cheerfulness?
What makes a Christian different from everyone else? What makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace – treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness and mercy. Only the cross of Jesus Christ can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment and gives us the courage to return evil with good. Such love and grace has power to heal and to save from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ’s redeeming love and mercy?
“O merciful God, fill our hearts, we pray, with the graces of your Holy Spirit; with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Teach us to love those who hate us; to pray for those who despitefully use us; that we may be the children of your love, our Father, who makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. In adversity grant us grace to be patient; in prosperity keep us humble; may we guard the door of our lips; may we lightly esteem the pleasures of this world, and thirst after heavenly things; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Prayer of Anselm, 1033-1109 AD)
17 June 2012
17 June 2012, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time; St. Emily de Vialar
FIRST READING
Ezekiel 17:22–24
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I, too, will take from the crest of the cedar, from its topmost branches tear off a tender shoot, and plant it on a high and lofty mountain; on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it. It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs. And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, bring low the high tree, lift high the lowly tree, wither up the green tree, and make the withered tree bloom. As I, the LORD, have spoken, so will I do.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 92:2–3, 13–14, 15–16 (see 2a)
R. Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High, to proclaim your kindness at dawn and your faithfulness throughout the night.
R. Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.
The just one shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow. They that are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
R. Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.
They shall bear fruit even in old age; vigorous and sturdy shall they be, declaring how just is the LORD, my rock, in whom there is no wrong.
R. Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.
SECOND READING
2 Corinthians 5:6–10
Brothers and sisters:
We are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower. All who come to him will live for ever.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Mark 4:26–34
Jesus said to the crowds:
“This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”
He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.
REFLECTIONS:
Meditation: What can mustard seeds teach us about the kingdom of God? The tiny mustard seed literally grew to be a tree which attracted numerous birds because they loved the little black mustard seed it produced. God's kingdom works in a similar fashion. It starts from the smallest beginnings in the hearts of men and women who are receptive to God's word. And it works unseen and causes a transformation from within. Just as a seed has no power to change itself until it is planted in the ground, so we cannot change our lives to be like God until God gives us the power of his Holy Spirit. The Lord of the Universe is ever ready to transform us by the power of his Spirit. Are you ready to let God change you by his grace and power? The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield to Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy desire to live for your greater glory."
Ezekiel 17:22–24
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I, too, will take from the crest of the cedar, from its topmost branches tear off a tender shoot, and plant it on a high and lofty mountain; on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it. It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs. And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, bring low the high tree, lift high the lowly tree, wither up the green tree, and make the withered tree bloom. As I, the LORD, have spoken, so will I do.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 92:2–3, 13–14, 15–16 (see 2a)
R. Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High, to proclaim your kindness at dawn and your faithfulness throughout the night.
R. Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.
The just one shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow. They that are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
R. Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.
They shall bear fruit even in old age; vigorous and sturdy shall they be, declaring how just is the LORD, my rock, in whom there is no wrong.
R. Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.
SECOND READING
2 Corinthians 5:6–10
Brothers and sisters:
We are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower. All who come to him will live for ever.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Mark 4:26–34
Jesus said to the crowds:
“This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”
He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.
REFLECTIONS:
Meditation: What can mustard seeds teach us about the kingdom of God? The tiny mustard seed literally grew to be a tree which attracted numerous birds because they loved the little black mustard seed it produced. God's kingdom works in a similar fashion. It starts from the smallest beginnings in the hearts of men and women who are receptive to God's word. And it works unseen and causes a transformation from within. Just as a seed has no power to change itself until it is planted in the ground, so we cannot change our lives to be like God until God gives us the power of his Holy Spirit. The Lord of the Universe is ever ready to transform us by the power of his Spirit. Are you ready to let God change you by his grace and power? The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield to Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy desire to live for your greater glory."
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