Reading 1
Wis 11:22-12:2
Before the LORD the whole universe is as a grain from a balance
or a drop of morning dew come down upon the earth.
But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things;
and you overlook people's sins that they may repent.
For you love all things that are
and loathe nothing that you have made;
for what you hated, you would not have fashioned.
And how could a thing remain, unless you willed it;
or be preserved, had it not been called forth by you?
But you spare all things, because they are yours,
O LORD and lover of souls,
for your imperishable spirit is in all things!
Therefore you rebuke offenders little by little,
warn them and remind them of the sins they are committing,
that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in you, O LORD!
Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14
Responsorial PsalmR. (cf. 1)
I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
I will extol you, O my God and King,
and I will bless your name forever and ever.
Every day will I bless you,
and I will praise your name forever and ever.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Reading 2
2 Thes 1:11-2:2
Brothers and sisters:
We always pray for you,
that our God may make you worthy of his calling
and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose
and every effort of faith,
that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,
and you in him,
in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.
We ask you, brothers and sisters,
with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
and our assembling with him,
not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly, or to be alarmed
either by a "spirit," or by an oral statement,
or by a letter allegedly from us
to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.
Gospel
Lk 19:1-10
At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.
Now a man there named Zacchaeus,
who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,
was seeking to see who Jesus was;
but he could not see him because of the crowd,
for he was short in stature.
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus,
who was about to pass that way.
When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said,
"Zacchaeus, come down quickly,
for today I must stay at your house."
And he came down quickly and received him with joy.
When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying,
"He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner."
But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord,
"Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor,
and if I have extorted anything from anyone
I shall repay it four times over."
And Jesus said to him,
"Today salvation has come to this house
because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.
For the Son of Man has come to seek
and to save what was lost."
Meditation: Luke 19:1-10
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly.” (Luke 19:5)
Most of the Jews in Jericho probably thought of Zacchaeus as a lost cause. Once a faithful son of Abraham, he had become a senior tax collector, making money through corruption and extortion. Was there any hope for his redemption?
Absolutely! At one invitation from Jesus, he gave up half his wealth and promised to pay back fourfold anyone he had cheated. What caused such a turnaround? Isn’t it possible that despite his reputation, there were still some people in Jericho who were praying for him? Isn’t it possible that there were some who looked upon him with compassion and mercy, not judgment and recrimination? And their prayers, ascending to heaven on his behalf, helped soften Zacchaeus’ heart so that he could turn away from his sins and try to make restitution.
Have you ever felt a sudden need to pray for someone? Or has someone’s situation moved you to pray for him or her on a regular basis? Most likely, that’s not your own idea but the Holy Spirit prompting you. We may think it’s an impossible case, but something still stirs us to pray. And when there is prayer, there is power. God can break through even the hardest heart—maybe not in the way we expect or in our time, but he will act.
Remember St. Augustine. His mother prayed for him for years before he had a genuine conversion. How do you think Augustine would have turned out if she had given up? It’s possible that he would have come to the Lord on his own, but probably much later and in very different circumstances.
Prayer is powerful, and persistent prayer is unbeatable. May we never lose sight of this special privilege we have all been given: the privilege of working with God as he changes people’s lives!
“Jesus, help me to hear your Spirit’s voice when he moves me to pray for someone. May I never give up hope! Who knows? Maybe the next St. Augustine could be touched because of my intercession!”
30 October 2010
30 Oct 2010, Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Phil 1:18b-26
Brothers and sisters:
As long as in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,
Christ is being proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Indeed I shall continue to rejoice,
for I know that this will result in deliverance for me
through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
My eager expectation and hope
is that I shall not be put to shame in any way,
but that with all boldness, now as always,
Christ will be magnified in my body,
whether by life or by death.
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.
And I do not know which I shall choose.
I am caught between the two.
I long to depart this life and be with Christ,
for that is far better.
Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit.
And this I know with confidence,
that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you
for your progress and joy in the faith,
so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me
when I come to you again.
Ps 42:2, 3, 5cdef
Responsorial PsalmR.
My soul is thirsting for the living God.
As the hind longs for the running waters,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.
Athirst is my soul for God, the living God.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.
I went with the throng
and led them in procession to the house of God.
Amid loud cries of joy and thanksgiving,
with the multitude keeping festival.
R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.
Gospel
Lk 14:1, 7-11
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
‘Give your place to this man,’
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Meditation: Luke 14:7-11
“Give your place to this man.” (Luke 14:9)
On the face of it, this passage reads as if Jesus were giving pragmatic advice for people invited to dinner parties. Instead of seeking the place of honor, then being embarrassed when a more worthy guest arrives and you are demoted, seek a lower place at the beginning, all the while secretly hoping the host will invite you “higher,” where you know you truly belong. It’s a canny strategy, and it just might work in many situations. But if we read these verses in this way, the result doesn’t really fit with Christian humility. It’s all about appearances and prestige in the sight of others.
Surely that’s not what Jesus was after. Surely there is another way to look at it. We could readily imagine giving “our place” to a president, a CEO, an entertainer, or another celebrity. But suppose you were asked to give up your place of honor to an unkempt homeless man. Or a starving child in a Third World country. Or a foster teenager without a forever family. Or a victim of domestic abuse. Or an immigrant separated from his family support system. How quickly and willingly would you do it?
Of course, these are exactly the kind of folks with whom Jesus identifies. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). To give such a person a place of honor, to put his needs before your own and to serve him as a waiter serves clients at a fine restaurant, is in fact to honor the One who is worthy of the highest place. It is to serve and honor the One who emptied himself and took the lowest place all for our sake (Philippians 2:7).
Today, be on the lookout to see if there is someone whom God may be inviting you to offer your place of comfort or honor. Someone may cross your path whom you could serve, whether through an act of generosity, a word of encouragement, or an offer of forgiveness. Give your place to this person! Humble yourself, and the Lord will lift up both of you!
“Jesus, you gave up your place in heaven to become my servant, to die for my sins. Open my eyes and my heart to the needs of those around me.”
Phil 1:18b-26
Brothers and sisters:
As long as in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,
Christ is being proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
Indeed I shall continue to rejoice,
for I know that this will result in deliverance for me
through your prayers and support from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
My eager expectation and hope
is that I shall not be put to shame in any way,
but that with all boldness, now as always,
Christ will be magnified in my body,
whether by life or by death.
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.
If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.
And I do not know which I shall choose.
I am caught between the two.
I long to depart this life and be with Christ,
for that is far better.
Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit.
And this I know with confidence,
that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you
for your progress and joy in the faith,
so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me
when I come to you again.
Ps 42:2, 3, 5cdef
Responsorial PsalmR.
My soul is thirsting for the living God.
As the hind longs for the running waters,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.
Athirst is my soul for God, the living God.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.
I went with the throng
and led them in procession to the house of God.
Amid loud cries of joy and thanksgiving,
with the multitude keeping festival.
R. My soul is thirsting for the living God.
Gospel
Lk 14:1, 7-11
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
‘Give your place to this man,’
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Meditation: Luke 14:7-11
“Give your place to this man.” (Luke 14:9)
On the face of it, this passage reads as if Jesus were giving pragmatic advice for people invited to dinner parties. Instead of seeking the place of honor, then being embarrassed when a more worthy guest arrives and you are demoted, seek a lower place at the beginning, all the while secretly hoping the host will invite you “higher,” where you know you truly belong. It’s a canny strategy, and it just might work in many situations. But if we read these verses in this way, the result doesn’t really fit with Christian humility. It’s all about appearances and prestige in the sight of others.
Surely that’s not what Jesus was after. Surely there is another way to look at it. We could readily imagine giving “our place” to a president, a CEO, an entertainer, or another celebrity. But suppose you were asked to give up your place of honor to an unkempt homeless man. Or a starving child in a Third World country. Or a foster teenager without a forever family. Or a victim of domestic abuse. Or an immigrant separated from his family support system. How quickly and willingly would you do it?
Of course, these are exactly the kind of folks with whom Jesus identifies. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). To give such a person a place of honor, to put his needs before your own and to serve him as a waiter serves clients at a fine restaurant, is in fact to honor the One who is worthy of the highest place. It is to serve and honor the One who emptied himself and took the lowest place all for our sake (Philippians 2:7).
Today, be on the lookout to see if there is someone whom God may be inviting you to offer your place of comfort or honor. Someone may cross your path whom you could serve, whether through an act of generosity, a word of encouragement, or an offer of forgiveness. Give your place to this person! Humble yourself, and the Lord will lift up both of you!
“Jesus, you gave up your place in heaven to become my servant, to die for my sins. Open my eyes and my heart to the needs of those around me.”
29 October 2010
29 Oct 2010, Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Phil 1:1-11
Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus,
to all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,
with the bishops and deacons:
grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you,
praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you,
because of your partnership for the Gospel
from the first day until now.
I am confident of this,
that the one who began a good work in you
will continue to complete it
until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right that I should think this way about all of you,
because I hold you in my heart,
you who are all partners with me in grace,
both in my imprisonment
and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel.
For God is my witness,
how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer:
that your love may increase ever more and more
in knowledge and every kind of perception,
to discern what is of value,
so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ
for the glory and praise of God.
Ps 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (2)
How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Majesty and glory are his work,
and his justice endures forever.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Lk 14:1-6
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.
Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,
“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”
But they kept silent; so he took the man and,
after he had healed him, dismissed him.
Then he said to them
“Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern,
would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?”
But they were unable to answer his question.
Meditation: Luke 14:1-6
“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” (Luke 14:3)
Once again, Jesus found himself in the middle of controversy over healing on the Sabbath. The Pharisees who confronted him held to a severely limited interpretation of God’s commands, which led them to suspect Jesus and look for any opportunity to trip him up. For his part, Jesus took their scrutiny as a chance to teach them about the heart of God’s law, which consists of mercy and healing.
When Jesus healed the man with dropsy—a painful ailment that caused excessive retention of fluid?—he once more confronted these Pharisees’ narrow understanding of God’s ways. Their rigid application of Sabbath law left no room for the love and mercy that are the foundation of every one of God’s commands. Jesus addressed this rigidity directly. If any sensible person would rescue a farm animal in mortal danger, how much more would God want to rescue one of his children in need? Of all the days of the week, the Sabbath would be the most appropriate day for God’s children to receive his healing touch. After all, hasn’t he always wanted us to enter into his rest?
The Sabbath rest God wants for us comes from the experience of his love—an experience that places peace in our hearts no matter what our circumstances are. Jesus came to inaugurate this kind of rest through his suffering, death, and resurrection. As members of his church, we can now experience that rest to a greater and greater degree. We can come to know God as our loving and powerful Father, as the one who has called us to be with him forever. We can learn to trust in his provision and surrender our lives to his care.
How do we experience God’s rest? The most essential element is prayer, which puts us into contact with the Lord on an intimate basis. As we open ourselves to God through prayer, Scripture, and the sacramental life of the church, we allow his love to penetrate our hearts more fully. Then, as we rest in that love, we become more confident that he is always with us, always pouring his healing power into our lives.
“Lord Jesus, I open my heart to you. May I enter into your rest and experience your mercy and healing. Help me to see that love is at the heart of your every law.”
Phil 1:1-11
Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus,
to all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,
with the bishops and deacons:
grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you,
praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you,
because of your partnership for the Gospel
from the first day until now.
I am confident of this,
that the one who began a good work in you
will continue to complete it
until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right that I should think this way about all of you,
because I hold you in my heart,
you who are all partners with me in grace,
both in my imprisonment
and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel.
For God is my witness,
how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer:
that your love may increase ever more and more
in knowledge and every kind of perception,
to discern what is of value,
so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ
for the glory and praise of God.
Ps 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (2)
How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Majesty and glory are his work,
and his justice endures forever.
He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. How great are the works of the Lord!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel
Lk 14:1-6
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.
Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,
“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”
But they kept silent; so he took the man and,
after he had healed him, dismissed him.
Then he said to them
“Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern,
would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?”
But they were unable to answer his question.
Meditation: Luke 14:1-6
“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” (Luke 14:3)
Once again, Jesus found himself in the middle of controversy over healing on the Sabbath. The Pharisees who confronted him held to a severely limited interpretation of God’s commands, which led them to suspect Jesus and look for any opportunity to trip him up. For his part, Jesus took their scrutiny as a chance to teach them about the heart of God’s law, which consists of mercy and healing.
When Jesus healed the man with dropsy—a painful ailment that caused excessive retention of fluid?—he once more confronted these Pharisees’ narrow understanding of God’s ways. Their rigid application of Sabbath law left no room for the love and mercy that are the foundation of every one of God’s commands. Jesus addressed this rigidity directly. If any sensible person would rescue a farm animal in mortal danger, how much more would God want to rescue one of his children in need? Of all the days of the week, the Sabbath would be the most appropriate day for God’s children to receive his healing touch. After all, hasn’t he always wanted us to enter into his rest?
The Sabbath rest God wants for us comes from the experience of his love—an experience that places peace in our hearts no matter what our circumstances are. Jesus came to inaugurate this kind of rest through his suffering, death, and resurrection. As members of his church, we can now experience that rest to a greater and greater degree. We can come to know God as our loving and powerful Father, as the one who has called us to be with him forever. We can learn to trust in his provision and surrender our lives to his care.
How do we experience God’s rest? The most essential element is prayer, which puts us into contact with the Lord on an intimate basis. As we open ourselves to God through prayer, Scripture, and the sacramental life of the church, we allow his love to penetrate our hearts more fully. Then, as we rest in that love, we become more confident that he is always with us, always pouring his healing power into our lives.
“Lord Jesus, I open my heart to you. May I enter into your rest and experience your mercy and healing. Help me to see that love is at the heart of your every law.”
28 October 2010
28 Oct 2010, Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Reading 1
Eph 2:19-22
Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ps 19:2-3, 4-5
Responsorial PsalmR. (5a)
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.
Gospel
Lk 6:12-16
Jesus went up to the mountain to pray,
and he spent the night in prayer to God.
When day came, he called his disciples to himself,
and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,
Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called a Zealot,
and Judas the son of James,
and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Meditation: Ephesians 2:19-22
Sts. Simon and Jude
You are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God. (Ephesians 2:19)
A local prayer group rallies to pray for someone who has been in a bad car accident, and despite the doctors’ predictions, that person walks out of the hospital with no serious injuries. A church social-justice group gets together to help victims of a natural disaster, and members of the group bring them home-cooked meals every night for four weeks. A childless family decides to adopt an orphan from overseas and ends up adopting four more!
What do these stories have in common?
We could answer by looking at Paul’s words today. When he calls us “members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19), he doesn’t mean individually. He means that we are to be a community, “built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (2:22). It’s this aspect of “togetherness” that is at the heart of God’s vision for us—that we live as one people in him. It’s as if together we make up a majestic cathedral reaching to heaven. Each believer is but one stone in the edifice but united to each other, upholding each other, we reflect the goodness and beauty of God.
It’s true that God has given each of us wonderful gifts. But these gifts don’t work in isolation. There are some things that we simply cannot do on our own, and that’s exactly the way God planned it. He wants us to learn how to interact with—and depend on—each other. Our fallen nature tells us that we are self-sufficient, but God’s word tells us something very different: “There are many parts, yet one body… . You are Christ’s body” (1 Corinthians 12:20,27).
How does this passage speak to you? If you are already a part of a ministry or faith group, maybe God is thanking you for your commitment and encouraging you to stay with it. If you feel somewhat disconnected from the church, maybe the Spirit is calling you to take one more step to become more engaged. Just as God has a plan for you personally, he has a plan for you as part of his body!
“Lord, thank you for calling me to be part of your magnificent body of believers! Help me to appreciate my brothers and sisters in the faith. Help me to love and serve them by the power of your Spirit.”
Eph 2:19-22
Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ps 19:2-3, 4-5
Responsorial PsalmR. (5a)
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.
Gospel
Lk 6:12-16
Jesus went up to the mountain to pray,
and he spent the night in prayer to God.
When day came, he called his disciples to himself,
and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,
Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called a Zealot,
and Judas the son of James,
and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Meditation: Ephesians 2:19-22
Sts. Simon and Jude
You are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God. (Ephesians 2:19)
A local prayer group rallies to pray for someone who has been in a bad car accident, and despite the doctors’ predictions, that person walks out of the hospital with no serious injuries. A church social-justice group gets together to help victims of a natural disaster, and members of the group bring them home-cooked meals every night for four weeks. A childless family decides to adopt an orphan from overseas and ends up adopting four more!
What do these stories have in common?
We could answer by looking at Paul’s words today. When he calls us “members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19), he doesn’t mean individually. He means that we are to be a community, “built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (2:22). It’s this aspect of “togetherness” that is at the heart of God’s vision for us—that we live as one people in him. It’s as if together we make up a majestic cathedral reaching to heaven. Each believer is but one stone in the edifice but united to each other, upholding each other, we reflect the goodness and beauty of God.
It’s true that God has given each of us wonderful gifts. But these gifts don’t work in isolation. There are some things that we simply cannot do on our own, and that’s exactly the way God planned it. He wants us to learn how to interact with—and depend on—each other. Our fallen nature tells us that we are self-sufficient, but God’s word tells us something very different: “There are many parts, yet one body… . You are Christ’s body” (1 Corinthians 12:20,27).
How does this passage speak to you? If you are already a part of a ministry or faith group, maybe God is thanking you for your commitment and encouraging you to stay with it. If you feel somewhat disconnected from the church, maybe the Spirit is calling you to take one more step to become more engaged. Just as God has a plan for you personally, he has a plan for you as part of his body!
“Lord, thank you for calling me to be part of your magnificent body of believers! Help me to appreciate my brothers and sisters in the faith. Help me to love and serve them by the power of your Spirit.”
27 October 2010
27 Oct 2010, Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Eph 6:1-9
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Honor your father and mother.
This is the first commandment with a promise,
that it may go well with you
and that you may have a long life on earth.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.
Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling,
in sincerity of heart, as to Christ,
not only when being watched, as currying favor,
but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
willingly serving the Lord and not men,
knowing that each will be requited from the Lord
for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Masters, act in the same way towards them, and stop bullying,
knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven
and that with him there is no partiality.
Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14
Responsorial PsalmR. (13c)
The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.’
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last.”
Meditation: Ephesians 6:1-9
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)
Very few parents would have any problem with Paul’s words here. We all know how important it is for their formation and protection that children learn how to submit to authority, to respect the wisdom of their elders, and to let their consciences be formed by the people who love them the most.
But while we would agree that obedience is an important and even necessary virtue, how many of us struggle with the concept of obedience to the Lord? Or the loving, mutual submission to each other that Paul places at the heart of the marriage covenant (Ephesians 5:21-28)?
It can be easy to look upon obedience as a burden or a restriction, as something that gets in the way of our freedom and development. But if we think about how important it is that children learn obedience, we can get a glimpse of how valuable it can be in our adult relationships as well.
At its heart, obedience is another facet of love. A husband and wife will submit to one another if they know that they can trust each other and that they are out for each other’s good. They will lay their lives down for each other because they want nothing more than to honor their partner and serve them. Likewise, we are far more willing to obey God’s commands as we come to experience his mercy, his grace, and his love in our lives. Remember: It was love that motivated Jesus to be obedient to his Father, just as it was love for us that motivated him to give up his life for us.
St. Catherine of Siena once wrote: “Oh how sweet and glorious is the virtue of obedience which contains all the other virtues! Because it is born of charity and on it the rock of holy faith is founded, it is a queen, and he who espouses it knows no evil, but only peace and rest.” May we all learn the peace and rest that comes from a life submitted to God and to each other!
“Lord, help me understand the value of obedience, and give me the grace to follow your example of humble submission. Lord, deepen my love for you so that I will submit my life to you more fully.”
Eph 6:1-9
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Honor your father and mother.
This is the first commandment with a promise,
that it may go well with you
and that you may have a long life on earth.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.
Slaves, be obedient to your human masters with fear and trembling,
in sincerity of heart, as to Christ,
not only when being watched, as currying favor,
but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
willingly serving the Lord and not men,
knowing that each will be requited from the Lord
for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Masters, act in the same way towards them, and stop bullying,
knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven
and that with him there is no partiality.
Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14
Responsorial PsalmR. (13c)
The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
R. The Lord is faithful in all his words.
Gospel
Lk 13:22-30
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
“Lord, will only a few people be saved?”
He answered them,
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
‘Lord, open the door for us.’
He will say to you in reply,
‘I do not know where you are from.’
And you will say,
‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’
Then he will say to you,
‘I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!’
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last.”
Meditation: Ephesians 6:1-9
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)
Very few parents would have any problem with Paul’s words here. We all know how important it is for their formation and protection that children learn how to submit to authority, to respect the wisdom of their elders, and to let their consciences be formed by the people who love them the most.
But while we would agree that obedience is an important and even necessary virtue, how many of us struggle with the concept of obedience to the Lord? Or the loving, mutual submission to each other that Paul places at the heart of the marriage covenant (Ephesians 5:21-28)?
It can be easy to look upon obedience as a burden or a restriction, as something that gets in the way of our freedom and development. But if we think about how important it is that children learn obedience, we can get a glimpse of how valuable it can be in our adult relationships as well.
At its heart, obedience is another facet of love. A husband and wife will submit to one another if they know that they can trust each other and that they are out for each other’s good. They will lay their lives down for each other because they want nothing more than to honor their partner and serve them. Likewise, we are far more willing to obey God’s commands as we come to experience his mercy, his grace, and his love in our lives. Remember: It was love that motivated Jesus to be obedient to his Father, just as it was love for us that motivated him to give up his life for us.
St. Catherine of Siena once wrote: “Oh how sweet and glorious is the virtue of obedience which contains all the other virtues! Because it is born of charity and on it the rock of holy faith is founded, it is a queen, and he who espouses it knows no evil, but only peace and rest.” May we all learn the peace and rest that comes from a life submitted to God and to each other!
“Lord, help me understand the value of obedience, and give me the grace to follow your example of humble submission. Lord, deepen my love for you so that I will submit my life to you more fully.”
26 October 2010
26 Oct 2010, Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Eph 5:21-33 or Eph 5:2a, 25-32
Brothers and sisters:
Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.
For the husband is head of his wife
just as Christ is head of the Church,
he himself the savior of the Body.
As the Church is subordinate to Christ,
so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ loved the Church
and handed himself over for her to sanctify her,
cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,
that he might present to himself the Church in splendor,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish.
So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his wife loves himself.
For no one hates his own flesh
but rather nourishes and cherishes it,
even as Christ does the Church,
because we are members of his Body.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
This is a great mystery,
but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church.
In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself,
and the wife should respect her husband.
or
Brothers and sisters:
Live in love, as Christ loved us.
Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ loved the church
and handed himself over for her to sanctify her,
cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,
that he might present to himself the church in splendor,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish.
So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his wife loves himself.
For no one hates his own flesh
but rather nourishes and cherishes it,
even as Christ does the church,
because we are members of his body.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.
Responsorial PsalmR. (1a)
Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Gospel
Lk 13:18-21
Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”
Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”
Meditation: Luke 13:18-21
“What is the kingdom of God like? … It is like a mustard seed… . It is like yeast.” (Luke 13:18,19,21)
Jesus chose his images carefully. In today’s Gospel, he compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed and a pinch of yeast. Both are very small, but both are loaded with great potential.
Our life in Christ may seem very ordinary, but it can still have a great impact on the world around us. While there are many big things we can do, even little gestures like a ready smile can brighten someone’s day. A kind deed can lighten another’s burden. Even the way we persevere through a difficulty or resolve a conflict peacefully can be a powerful witness to the kingdom.
Or look at today’s first reading. The kind of marriage described here can be a light for the world and a place of refuge for many. In a marriage characterized by mutual submission, each partner puts the other’s needs and preferences first. The husband and wife actively seek to grow in unity of heart and mind. They practice sacrificial love, and together they reach out generously to others.
Most of this loving may seem small and insignificant, like a mustard seed or a bit of yeast. There’s nothing dramatic about picking up laundry, remembering an anniversary, cleaning up after a meal, coordinating calendars and responsibilities, or putting down the newspaper to listen attentively. But myriad small moments like these knead kingdom love into our daily lives and create an environment where Jesus is welcome.
If you are married, reflect on the grace of the sacrament you have received. Perhaps at your wedding you were focused on details that have since faded from memory: the flowers, the music, the food. You were on an emotional pinnacle and perhaps not fully aware of the spiritual significance of the occasion. Nevertheless, when you made the promises that bound you together, you received Christ in and through each other.
Even if his presence was as imperceptible as a tiny seed, he was still present. Rediscover him and give him room to grow. And don’t forget to tell your spouse the three most important words in the world: “I love you.”
“Jesus, thank you for your presence in my life and my relationships. Let your life grow in me.”
Eph 5:21-33 or Eph 5:2a, 25-32
Brothers and sisters:
Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.
For the husband is head of his wife
just as Christ is head of the Church,
he himself the savior of the Body.
As the Church is subordinate to Christ,
so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ loved the Church
and handed himself over for her to sanctify her,
cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,
that he might present to himself the Church in splendor,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish.
So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his wife loves himself.
For no one hates his own flesh
but rather nourishes and cherishes it,
even as Christ does the Church,
because we are members of his Body.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
This is a great mystery,
but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church.
In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself,
and the wife should respect her husband.
or
Brothers and sisters:
Live in love, as Christ loved us.
Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ loved the church
and handed himself over for her to sanctify her,
cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,
that he might present to himself the church in splendor,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish.
So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his wife loves himself.
For no one hates his own flesh
but rather nourishes and cherishes it,
even as Christ does the church,
because we are members of his body.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.
Responsorial PsalmR. (1a)
Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Gospel
Lk 13:18-21
Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”
Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”
Meditation: Luke 13:18-21
“What is the kingdom of God like? … It is like a mustard seed… . It is like yeast.” (Luke 13:18,19,21)
Jesus chose his images carefully. In today’s Gospel, he compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed and a pinch of yeast. Both are very small, but both are loaded with great potential.
Our life in Christ may seem very ordinary, but it can still have a great impact on the world around us. While there are many big things we can do, even little gestures like a ready smile can brighten someone’s day. A kind deed can lighten another’s burden. Even the way we persevere through a difficulty or resolve a conflict peacefully can be a powerful witness to the kingdom.
Or look at today’s first reading. The kind of marriage described here can be a light for the world and a place of refuge for many. In a marriage characterized by mutual submission, each partner puts the other’s needs and preferences first. The husband and wife actively seek to grow in unity of heart and mind. They practice sacrificial love, and together they reach out generously to others.
Most of this loving may seem small and insignificant, like a mustard seed or a bit of yeast. There’s nothing dramatic about picking up laundry, remembering an anniversary, cleaning up after a meal, coordinating calendars and responsibilities, or putting down the newspaper to listen attentively. But myriad small moments like these knead kingdom love into our daily lives and create an environment where Jesus is welcome.
If you are married, reflect on the grace of the sacrament you have received. Perhaps at your wedding you were focused on details that have since faded from memory: the flowers, the music, the food. You were on an emotional pinnacle and perhaps not fully aware of the spiritual significance of the occasion. Nevertheless, when you made the promises that bound you together, you received Christ in and through each other.
Even if his presence was as imperceptible as a tiny seed, he was still present. Rediscover him and give him room to grow. And don’t forget to tell your spouse the three most important words in the world: “I love you.”
“Jesus, thank you for your presence in my life and my relationships. Let your life grow in me.”
25 October 2010
25 Oct 2010, Monday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Eph 4:32–5:8
Brothers and sisters:
Be kind to one another, compassionate,
forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.
Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love,
as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us
as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.
Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you,
as is fitting among holy ones,
no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place,
but instead, thanksgiving.
Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person,
that is, an idolater,
has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty arguments,
for because of these things
the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.
So do not be associated with them.
For you were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light.
Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Responsorial PsalmR. (see Eph. 5:1)
Behave like God as his very dear children.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.
Gospel
Lk 13:10-17
Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath.
And a woman was there who for eighteen years
had been crippled by a spirit;
she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect.
When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said,
“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”
He laid his hands on her,
and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.
But the leader of the synagogue,
indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath,
said to the crowd in reply,
“There are six days when work should be done.
Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.”
The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites!
Does not each one of you on the sabbath
untie his ox or his ass from the manger
and lead it out for watering?
This daughter of Abraham,
whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now,
ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day
from this bondage?”
When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated;
and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.
Meditation: Luke 13:10-17
“You are set free of your infirmity.” (Luke 13:12)
A few years ago, “WWJD” made the rounds of popular Christianity. Bumper stickers, bracelets, embroidered patches all asked the question: “What would Jesus do?” St. Luke tells in today’s Gospel what Jesus did do. He saw a woman who had suffered a crippling infirmity for eighteen years. And when he saw her, he stopped everything and healed her.
Apparently, no one minded that Jesus had performed this miracle of healing and compassion. They complained only that he had picked the wrong day to do it. But Jesus demonstrates here what St. Paul would later write to the Corinthians: “Now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Not later, not some vague time in the future. God wants to act now. He wants to pour out his healing and his love in ways we can see and feel and experience now. He is Emmanuel, God-with-us, now.
Do you believe that you are precious to God? Jesus tells us that not even a single sparrow falls to the ground without the Father seeing it (Matthew 10:29), and you are far more valuable to him than a sparrow! Picture Jesus interrupting his teaching in a synagogue to heal this woman. Would he do any less for you? Of course not!
So is there something in your life that you feel has a hold on you? Something that is keeping you bent over in fear, shame, or hurt? Jesus wants to set you free. And he can do it now! He doesn’t delight in seeing his people suffer. He gets no joy out of our prolonged anxiety or guilt. He wants to see all of us standing straight and tall, completely convinced of our dignity in him.
Ask him to set you free today. Whatever is weighing you down, place it before him. Don’t let any little voice whisper to you that it’s not the right time or that there’s a better time. Ask him now. Present yourself before him today—now. No prayer goes unanswered. The answer may be surprising, unusual, or easy to overlook, but God always answers. So ask him now.
“Jesus, you lift up all who are bowed down. Lift me up today, and set me free. Heal me so that I can praise and serve you today and forever.”
Eph 4:32–5:8
Brothers and sisters:
Be kind to one another, compassionate,
forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.
Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love,
as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us
as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.
Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you,
as is fitting among holy ones,
no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place,
but instead, thanksgiving.
Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person,
that is, an idolater,
has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty arguments,
for because of these things
the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.
So do not be associated with them.
For you were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light.
Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Responsorial PsalmR. (see Eph. 5:1)
Behave like God as his very dear children.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Behave like God as his very dear children.
Gospel
Lk 13:10-17
Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath.
And a woman was there who for eighteen years
had been crippled by a spirit;
she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect.
When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said,
“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”
He laid his hands on her,
and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.
But the leader of the synagogue,
indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath,
said to the crowd in reply,
“There are six days when work should be done.
Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.”
The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites!
Does not each one of you on the sabbath
untie his ox or his ass from the manger
and lead it out for watering?
This daughter of Abraham,
whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now,
ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day
from this bondage?”
When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated;
and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.
Meditation: Luke 13:10-17
“You are set free of your infirmity.” (Luke 13:12)
A few years ago, “WWJD” made the rounds of popular Christianity. Bumper stickers, bracelets, embroidered patches all asked the question: “What would Jesus do?” St. Luke tells in today’s Gospel what Jesus did do. He saw a woman who had suffered a crippling infirmity for eighteen years. And when he saw her, he stopped everything and healed her.
Apparently, no one minded that Jesus had performed this miracle of healing and compassion. They complained only that he had picked the wrong day to do it. But Jesus demonstrates here what St. Paul would later write to the Corinthians: “Now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Not later, not some vague time in the future. God wants to act now. He wants to pour out his healing and his love in ways we can see and feel and experience now. He is Emmanuel, God-with-us, now.
Do you believe that you are precious to God? Jesus tells us that not even a single sparrow falls to the ground without the Father seeing it (Matthew 10:29), and you are far more valuable to him than a sparrow! Picture Jesus interrupting his teaching in a synagogue to heal this woman. Would he do any less for you? Of course not!
So is there something in your life that you feel has a hold on you? Something that is keeping you bent over in fear, shame, or hurt? Jesus wants to set you free. And he can do it now! He doesn’t delight in seeing his people suffer. He gets no joy out of our prolonged anxiety or guilt. He wants to see all of us standing straight and tall, completely convinced of our dignity in him.
Ask him to set you free today. Whatever is weighing you down, place it before him. Don’t let any little voice whisper to you that it’s not the right time or that there’s a better time. Ask him now. Present yourself before him today—now. No prayer goes unanswered. The answer may be surprising, unusual, or easy to overlook, but God always answers. So ask him now.
“Jesus, you lift up all who are bowed down. Lift me up today, and set me free. Heal me so that I can praise and serve you today and forever.”
24 October 2010
24 Oct 2010, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Sir 35:12-14, 16-18
The LORD is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,
nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
The one who serves God willingly is heard;
his petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.
Ps 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
Responsorial PsalmR. (7a)
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
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 Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Reading 2
2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18
Beloved:
I 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.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But 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.
Gospel
Lk 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Meditation: Luke 18:9-14
“O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)
Imagine the scene Jesus paints in this parable: Standing with lowered eyes behind the other men in the Temple was a tax collector. Well aware of his unworthiness, he was filled with contrition, and he was looking for forgiveness and peace with God. In front of him stood a Pharisee, a frequent visitor to the Temple. Obviously pleased with himself and expecting God to be pleased as well, he offered as his prayer a list of his achievements. He thanked God that his works placed him above others—especially above that wretched man behind him.
But Jesus said that it was the tax collector who went home justified (Luke 18:14). What did he find so pleasing in this lowly figure?
Once, when criticized for eating with other “tax collectors and sinners,” Jesus said he had come not for the healthy but for the sick (Luke 5:30-32). Of course, everyone is spiritually sick and in need of Jesus’ help. But only those with humble hearts actually see and acknowledge their need. People like the Pharisee consider themselves healthy—and through their own efforts! They are in danger of judgment because they believe that they have a right to God’s favor. Failing to see themselves as spiritually needy, they see no need for God’s grace and mercy.
What about you? Do you see yourself as beloved by God and surrounded by—and in great need of—his grace? Do you know the freedom of not having to prove your goodness to God day after day after day? Trusting in Jesus’ love and mercy rather than in our own goodness is the secret behind Paul’s words: “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Today at Mass, let the Holy Spirit fill you with God’s mercy. Do your best to admit your neediness, confident that God will delight in lifting you up and send you home “justified”!
“Have mercy on me, O God, for I need you. I see my sin and want to be done with it forever. Cleanse me, Lord, that I might do your will. I love you.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Sirach 35:12-14,16-18, Psalm 34:2-3,17-19,23, 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18, Luke 18:9-14)
1. In the first reading, we hear that “the one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens.” How “willing” is your response to God? To what extent do you respond just out of duty versus responding out of an experience of God’s love and mercy toward you? Which one do you believe is more important or more lasting? Why?
2. Both the first reading and the responsorial psalm say that God hears the cries of the “weak,” “oppressed,” ”poor,” “lowly,” and “brokenhearted.” Why do you think this is so? Take some time now to pray for those you know who are going through difficult circumstances. Also, what additional steps can you take to care for those who are not as fortunate as yourself or those who are going through some rough times?
3. In the letter to Timothy, Paul uses a sport’s metaphor to say that he has “completed well; I have finished the race,” that is, God’s will for his life. When you look at your life, how important is it to “finish the race” God has given you? Why?
4. In the Gospel, the tax collector, whose prayer was humble and lowly, had his prayer “justified” by God, while the Pharisee did not. What are some specific qualities of humility in the short, but powerful, prayer of the tax collector? How could they be incorporated by you into your own prayer?
5. The meditation asks us these questions: “Do you see yourself as a sinner in need of grace? Or are you a good, upright person who just needs to keep improving a little bit at a time?” How would you answer these questions? The meditation goes on to say that “Trusting in Jesus’ love and mercy rather than in your own goodness is how we discover the secret behind Paul’s words: ‘When I am weak, then I am strong’ (2 Corinthians 12:10).” Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
Sir 35:12-14, 16-18
The LORD is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
Though not unduly partial toward the weak,
yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.
The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,
nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.
The one who serves God willingly is heard;
his petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right,
and the Lord will not delay.
Ps 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23
Responsorial PsalmR. (7a)
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
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 Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Reading 2
2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18
Beloved:
I 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.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But 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.
Gospel
Lk 18:9-14
Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Meditation: Luke 18:9-14
“O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)
Imagine the scene Jesus paints in this parable: Standing with lowered eyes behind the other men in the Temple was a tax collector. Well aware of his unworthiness, he was filled with contrition, and he was looking for forgiveness and peace with God. In front of him stood a Pharisee, a frequent visitor to the Temple. Obviously pleased with himself and expecting God to be pleased as well, he offered as his prayer a list of his achievements. He thanked God that his works placed him above others—especially above that wretched man behind him.
But Jesus said that it was the tax collector who went home justified (Luke 18:14). What did he find so pleasing in this lowly figure?
Once, when criticized for eating with other “tax collectors and sinners,” Jesus said he had come not for the healthy but for the sick (Luke 5:30-32). Of course, everyone is spiritually sick and in need of Jesus’ help. But only those with humble hearts actually see and acknowledge their need. People like the Pharisee consider themselves healthy—and through their own efforts! They are in danger of judgment because they believe that they have a right to God’s favor. Failing to see themselves as spiritually needy, they see no need for God’s grace and mercy.
What about you? Do you see yourself as beloved by God and surrounded by—and in great need of—his grace? Do you know the freedom of not having to prove your goodness to God day after day after day? Trusting in Jesus’ love and mercy rather than in our own goodness is the secret behind Paul’s words: “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Today at Mass, let the Holy Spirit fill you with God’s mercy. Do your best to admit your neediness, confident that God will delight in lifting you up and send you home “justified”!
“Have mercy on me, O God, for I need you. I see my sin and want to be done with it forever. Cleanse me, Lord, that I might do your will. I love you.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Sirach 35:12-14,16-18, Psalm 34:2-3,17-19,23, 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18, Luke 18:9-14)
1. In the first reading, we hear that “the one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens.” How “willing” is your response to God? To what extent do you respond just out of duty versus responding out of an experience of God’s love and mercy toward you? Which one do you believe is more important or more lasting? Why?
2. Both the first reading and the responsorial psalm say that God hears the cries of the “weak,” “oppressed,” ”poor,” “lowly,” and “brokenhearted.” Why do you think this is so? Take some time now to pray for those you know who are going through difficult circumstances. Also, what additional steps can you take to care for those who are not as fortunate as yourself or those who are going through some rough times?
3. In the letter to Timothy, Paul uses a sport’s metaphor to say that he has “completed well; I have finished the race,” that is, God’s will for his life. When you look at your life, how important is it to “finish the race” God has given you? Why?
4. In the Gospel, the tax collector, whose prayer was humble and lowly, had his prayer “justified” by God, while the Pharisee did not. What are some specific qualities of humility in the short, but powerful, prayer of the tax collector? How could they be incorporated by you into your own prayer?
5. The meditation asks us these questions: “Do you see yourself as a sinner in need of grace? Or are you a good, upright person who just needs to keep improving a little bit at a time?” How would you answer these questions? The meditation goes on to say that “Trusting in Jesus’ love and mercy rather than in your own goodness is how we discover the secret behind Paul’s words: ‘When I am weak, then I am strong’ (2 Corinthians 12:10).” Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
23 October 2010
23 Oct 2010, Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Eph 4:7-16
Brothers and sisters:
Grace was given to each of us
according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Therefore, it says:
He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;
he gave gifts to men.
What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended
into the lower regions of the earth?
The one who descended is also the one who ascended
far above all the heavens,
that he might fill all things.
And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets,
others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry,
for building up the Body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of faith
and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood
to the extent of the full stature of Christ,
so that we may no longer be infants,
tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching
arising from human trickery,
from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming.
Rather, living the truth in love,
we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ,
from whom the whole Body,
joined and held together by every supporting ligament,
with the proper functioning of each part,
brings about the Body’s growth and builds itself up in love.
Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
Responsorial PsalmR. (1)
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Gospel
Lk 13:1-9
Some people told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.
He said to them in reply,
“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way
they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!
Or those eighteen people who were killed
when the tower at Siloam fell on them–
do you think they were more guilty
than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!”
And he told them this parable:
“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard,
and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
he said to the gardener,
‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree
but have found none.
So cut it down.
Why should it exhaust the soil?’
He said to him in reply,
‘Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.’”
Meditation: Ephesians 4:7-16
“Living the truth in love …” (Ephesians 4:15)
Truth and love. Could there possibly be any more praiseworthy values than these? It is ironic that in some areas of life, however, the two seem to be opposed to each other. On the one hand, you can have such a strong commitment to the truth that you forget all about love. If someone offends a precept that you hold dear, you may respond with a stern, harsh judgment with no consideration for the person involved or for the situation surrounding the offense. Truth must be upheld no matter what! On the other hand, you can place such an emphasis on love that you end up not standing for anything at all. In reality, however, that’s not really love. It’s more like lack of conviction or excessive tolerance.
So how do we keep the balance and hold to the truth while still being loving and merciful? Think of the way an orchestra performs a symphony. Every instrument has its own part to play, but because each musician is watching the conductor, the result is a beautiful, heavenly sound. However, should the lead violinist or someone in the woodwind section take his eyes off the conductor, the whole performance would be jeopardized.
In this passage, Paul also wrote how God gives different gifts to different people in the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, and more (Ephesians 4:11). But none of these gifts exists for itself—and certainly not for the person gifted. Rather, they are all meant to work together “until we all attain to the unity of faith” (4:13).
Living the truth in love really means surrendering to Jesus, our conductor. It means allowing him to shape us so that together we can produce the kind of music that sings his praises and truly builds his church. The closer we get to the Lord, the more beautiful is the music that our lives produce. And the more beautiful our music, the more attractive it is to the world around us!
“Thank you, Lord, for the unique gifts you have for each of us. Thank you, also, for your grand plan that brings all these gifts together to build your kingdom. Come, Lord, and teach us to love each other as we celebrate your truth together!”
Eph 4:7-16
Brothers and sisters:
Grace was given to each of us
according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Therefore, it says:
He ascended on high and took prisoners captive;
he gave gifts to men.
What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended
into the lower regions of the earth?
The one who descended is also the one who ascended
far above all the heavens,
that he might fill all things.
And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets,
others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry,
for building up the Body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of faith
and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood
to the extent of the full stature of Christ,
so that we may no longer be infants,
tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching
arising from human trickery,
from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming.
Rather, living the truth in love,
we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ,
from whom the whole Body,
joined and held together by every supporting ligament,
with the proper functioning of each part,
brings about the Body’s growth and builds itself up in love.
Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
Responsorial PsalmR. (1)
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Gospel
Lk 13:1-9
Some people told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.
He said to them in reply,
“Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way
they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!
Or those eighteen people who were killed
when the tower at Siloam fell on them–
do you think they were more guilty
than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!”
And he told them this parable:
“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard,
and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
he said to the gardener,
‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree
but have found none.
So cut it down.
Why should it exhaust the soil?’
He said to him in reply,
‘Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.’”
Meditation: Ephesians 4:7-16
“Living the truth in love …” (Ephesians 4:15)
Truth and love. Could there possibly be any more praiseworthy values than these? It is ironic that in some areas of life, however, the two seem to be opposed to each other. On the one hand, you can have such a strong commitment to the truth that you forget all about love. If someone offends a precept that you hold dear, you may respond with a stern, harsh judgment with no consideration for the person involved or for the situation surrounding the offense. Truth must be upheld no matter what! On the other hand, you can place such an emphasis on love that you end up not standing for anything at all. In reality, however, that’s not really love. It’s more like lack of conviction or excessive tolerance.
So how do we keep the balance and hold to the truth while still being loving and merciful? Think of the way an orchestra performs a symphony. Every instrument has its own part to play, but because each musician is watching the conductor, the result is a beautiful, heavenly sound. However, should the lead violinist or someone in the woodwind section take his eyes off the conductor, the whole performance would be jeopardized.
In this passage, Paul also wrote how God gives different gifts to different people in the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, and more (Ephesians 4:11). But none of these gifts exists for itself—and certainly not for the person gifted. Rather, they are all meant to work together “until we all attain to the unity of faith” (4:13).
Living the truth in love really means surrendering to Jesus, our conductor. It means allowing him to shape us so that together we can produce the kind of music that sings his praises and truly builds his church. The closer we get to the Lord, the more beautiful is the music that our lives produce. And the more beautiful our music, the more attractive it is to the world around us!
“Thank you, Lord, for the unique gifts you have for each of us. Thank you, also, for your grand plan that brings all these gifts together to build your kingdom. Come, Lord, and teach us to love each other as we celebrate your truth together!”
22 October 2010
22 Oct 2010, Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Eph 4:1-6
Brothers and sisters:
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 6)
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Gospel
Lk 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny.”
Meditation: Ephesians 4:1-6
“… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.” (Ephesians 4:5-6)
Have you ever felt part of something larger than yourself? Perhaps you were in a crowded stadium, cheering on the home team. Perhaps you were volunteering for a charitable cause and sensed that your own contribution was part of a larger mission.
We might not think about our faith in the same context, but as Christians we are truly part of something greater than ourselves. In baptism we were made one in Christ. We retain our own individuality, and yet we are joined to Christ and to each other in a very real way. Here on earth we may still have times when we feel isolated and separated, but in heaven all divisions will fall away, and we will become “one body, one spirit in Christ” (Eucharistic Prayer 3).
But it doesn’t happen all at once when we die. We have countless opportunities here and now to experience and even deepen our unity. And nowhere is this potential more powerful than in the Eucharist. In this great sacrament, Jesus unites us to himself, and he unites us to everyone else in the church. As we come forward each week to receive Communion, we may be reflecting on our own individual relationship with Jesus. But we can also be asking the Lord to bring us together more deeply.
Do you want to make this prayer a reality in your daily life? Then follow St. Paul’s advice today. Do your best to treat people with humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance (Ephesians 4:2). These attitudes have godly power to turn around difficult relationships because they reflect the heart of Christ. He loves us in just this way—in a way that reconciles, heals, and unites.
The next time you receive Communion, ask Jesus to show you if there are any ways that you may be stifling unity. As we unite our own hearts with Jesus in the Eucharist, he will—in his own gentle way—show us where we may need to change.
“Jesus, I want to live in unity with all my brothers and sisters. Strengthen me through the Eucharist so that I can love members of your body as you do.”
Eph 4:1-6
Brothers and sisters:
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 6)
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Gospel
Lk 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny.”
Meditation: Ephesians 4:1-6
“… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.” (Ephesians 4:5-6)
Have you ever felt part of something larger than yourself? Perhaps you were in a crowded stadium, cheering on the home team. Perhaps you were volunteering for a charitable cause and sensed that your own contribution was part of a larger mission.
We might not think about our faith in the same context, but as Christians we are truly part of something greater than ourselves. In baptism we were made one in Christ. We retain our own individuality, and yet we are joined to Christ and to each other in a very real way. Here on earth we may still have times when we feel isolated and separated, but in heaven all divisions will fall away, and we will become “one body, one spirit in Christ” (Eucharistic Prayer 3).
But it doesn’t happen all at once when we die. We have countless opportunities here and now to experience and even deepen our unity. And nowhere is this potential more powerful than in the Eucharist. In this great sacrament, Jesus unites us to himself, and he unites us to everyone else in the church. As we come forward each week to receive Communion, we may be reflecting on our own individual relationship with Jesus. But we can also be asking the Lord to bring us together more deeply.
Do you want to make this prayer a reality in your daily life? Then follow St. Paul’s advice today. Do your best to treat people with humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance (Ephesians 4:2). These attitudes have godly power to turn around difficult relationships because they reflect the heart of Christ. He loves us in just this way—in a way that reconciles, heals, and unites.
The next time you receive Communion, ask Jesus to show you if there are any ways that you may be stifling unity. As we unite our own hearts with Jesus in the Eucharist, he will—in his own gentle way—show us where we may need to change.
“Jesus, I want to live in unity with all my brothers and sisters. Strengthen me through the Eucharist so that I can love members of your body as you do.”
21 October 2010
21 Oct 2010, Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Eph 3:14-21
Brothers and sisters:
I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine,
by the power at work within us,
to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus
to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Responsorial PsalmR. (5b)
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten‑stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
For upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Gospel
Lk 12:49-53
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Meditation: Ephesians 3:14-19
“Know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19)
According to a Norwegian proverb, “That which is loved is always beautiful.” If you give the proper care to a flower, it becomes what it’s supposed to be—beautiful. If you show love to a person who hasn’t known much love, that person can become more like they were meant to be—more generous, more patient, more kind. For the ideal of beauty isn’t so much on the outside of us as on the inside. It’s not about what we have or what we know but who we are.
That kind of beauty is what Paul wanted to foster through this prayer. The first thing he prayed for was that his readers would be empowered so that they could start feeding the poor, caring for the sick, or evangelizing the lost. He then prayed that they would be filled to overflowing with God’s love. He knew that those who are “rooted and grounded” in Christ have the right foundation on which to build the new church (Ephesians 3:17).
How important that is for us as well! Jesus wants us to build the church, but he wants us to learn how to do it with his power, not just our effort. He wants us to learn how to minister out of his love and not just our own good intentions. To this end, God wants to give us deep experiences of this love. He doesn’t want us to settle for an intellectual grasp of it or a theoretical understanding. Rather, he wants to show it to us in our deepest part, our “inner self” (Ephesians 3:16).
As you pray today, try to see yourself as a child of your heavenly Father. Perhaps using the Psalms, reflect on his greatness and love. He created everything. Even your next breath comes from him. His Son redeemed you on the cross with a love beyond all telling. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a glimpse of how great that love is. Let his peace fill you as you enter his presence. Know that he doesn’t just “like” you. He actually delights in you (Psalm 149:4)!
“Father, may Paul’s prayer be answered in me! Help me experience the depths of your mercy so that I can live in the fullness of faith. Lord, set my heart aflame with your love.”
Eph 3:14-21
Brothers and sisters:
I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine,
by the power at work within us,
to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus
to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Responsorial PsalmR. (5b)
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten‑stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
For upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Gospel
Lk 12:49-53
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Meditation: Ephesians 3:14-19
“Know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19)
According to a Norwegian proverb, “That which is loved is always beautiful.” If you give the proper care to a flower, it becomes what it’s supposed to be—beautiful. If you show love to a person who hasn’t known much love, that person can become more like they were meant to be—more generous, more patient, more kind. For the ideal of beauty isn’t so much on the outside of us as on the inside. It’s not about what we have or what we know but who we are.
That kind of beauty is what Paul wanted to foster through this prayer. The first thing he prayed for was that his readers would be empowered so that they could start feeding the poor, caring for the sick, or evangelizing the lost. He then prayed that they would be filled to overflowing with God’s love. He knew that those who are “rooted and grounded” in Christ have the right foundation on which to build the new church (Ephesians 3:17).
How important that is for us as well! Jesus wants us to build the church, but he wants us to learn how to do it with his power, not just our effort. He wants us to learn how to minister out of his love and not just our own good intentions. To this end, God wants to give us deep experiences of this love. He doesn’t want us to settle for an intellectual grasp of it or a theoretical understanding. Rather, he wants to show it to us in our deepest part, our “inner self” (Ephesians 3:16).
As you pray today, try to see yourself as a child of your heavenly Father. Perhaps using the Psalms, reflect on his greatness and love. He created everything. Even your next breath comes from him. His Son redeemed you on the cross with a love beyond all telling. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a glimpse of how great that love is. Let his peace fill you as you enter his presence. Know that he doesn’t just “like” you. He actually delights in you (Psalm 149:4)!
“Father, may Paul’s prayer be answered in me! Help me experience the depths of your mercy so that I can live in the fullness of faith. Lord, set my heart aflame with your love.”
20 Oct 2010, Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Eph 3:2-12
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation,
as I have written briefly earlier.
When you read this
you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
which was not made known to human beings in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit,
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.
Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace
that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.
To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,
to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,
and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery
hidden from ages past in God who created all things,
so that the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known through the Church
to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.
This was according to the eternal purpose
that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness of speech
and confidence of access through faith in him.
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 3)
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Gospel
Lk 12:39-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied,
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, he will put him
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,’
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant’s master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Meditation: Ephesians 3:2-13
“… so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.” (Ephesians 3:10)
What a calling! We, the church, are called to reveal God’s wisdom to the spiritual forces that are arrayed against the gospel (Ephesians 6:12). Whether or not we ever “preach” the gospel to a single human being, whether or not we ever engage in any direct spiritual warfare, our lives are declaring Jesus’ victory over the devil. How we live, how we take hold of God’s grace at work in us, how we allow the Holy Spirit to move through us—it all manifests God’s infinitely imaginative plan of saving us and overcoming sin and death.
Do you believe that this calling, this privilege, includes you? It’s true. No one is too insignificant. At home, at work, or at school; in church, in prison, or in the hospital; in good times and bad, married or single, what we love and what we do tells the devil and his minions that they have been defeated. It tells them that love casts out fear and that mercy triumphs over condemnation every time.
Your life matters! No day is worthless. How you use your time, your short conversations with Jesus during the day—they all have spiritual repercussions. Your inner longings and prayers, unseen or unheard by other humans, echo in the spiritual realm and push back the darkness even farther. Unseen acts of self-denial, mercy, and charity manifest God’s love. Your private prayers, your worship at Mass, even your hurried declarations of love or need for God’s life—they all demonstrate his righteousness and wisdom.
So let your light shine in the darkness! Live simply, in a way that reveals God’s plan in creating you. Direct your thoughts and prayers, hopes and dreams toward the One who created you; who suffered, died, and rose from the dead to save you; who dwells so richly in you now. Let the Spirit fill you with more of his love and peace, joy and kindness. Then let these overflow to the people around you. Every time you do, the devil gets weaker and weaker, and God’s kingdom grows stronger and stronger.
“Father, thank you for including me in your plan. May my life be a bold declaration of your victory to all the powers of heaven!”
Eph 3:2-12
Brothers and sisters:
You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation,
as I have written briefly earlier.
When you read this
you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
which was not made known to human beings in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit,
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.
Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace
that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.
To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,
to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,
and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery
hidden from ages past in God who created all things,
so that the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known through the Church
to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.
This was according to the eternal purpose
that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness of speech
and confidence of access through faith in him.
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 3)
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Gospel
Lk 12:39-48
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied,
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, he will put him
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,’
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant’s master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly.
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Meditation: Ephesians 3:2-13
“… so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.” (Ephesians 3:10)
What a calling! We, the church, are called to reveal God’s wisdom to the spiritual forces that are arrayed against the gospel (Ephesians 6:12). Whether or not we ever “preach” the gospel to a single human being, whether or not we ever engage in any direct spiritual warfare, our lives are declaring Jesus’ victory over the devil. How we live, how we take hold of God’s grace at work in us, how we allow the Holy Spirit to move through us—it all manifests God’s infinitely imaginative plan of saving us and overcoming sin and death.
Do you believe that this calling, this privilege, includes you? It’s true. No one is too insignificant. At home, at work, or at school; in church, in prison, or in the hospital; in good times and bad, married or single, what we love and what we do tells the devil and his minions that they have been defeated. It tells them that love casts out fear and that mercy triumphs over condemnation every time.
Your life matters! No day is worthless. How you use your time, your short conversations with Jesus during the day—they all have spiritual repercussions. Your inner longings and prayers, unseen or unheard by other humans, echo in the spiritual realm and push back the darkness even farther. Unseen acts of self-denial, mercy, and charity manifest God’s love. Your private prayers, your worship at Mass, even your hurried declarations of love or need for God’s life—they all demonstrate his righteousness and wisdom.
So let your light shine in the darkness! Live simply, in a way that reveals God’s plan in creating you. Direct your thoughts and prayers, hopes and dreams toward the One who created you; who suffered, died, and rose from the dead to save you; who dwells so richly in you now. Let the Spirit fill you with more of his love and peace, joy and kindness. Then let these overflow to the people around you. Every time you do, the devil gets weaker and weaker, and God’s kingdom grows stronger and stronger.
“Father, thank you for including me in your plan. May my life be a bold declaration of your victory to all the powers of heaven!”
19 October 2010
19 Oct 2010, Memorial of Saint John de Brébeuf and Saint Isaac Jogues, priests and martyrs, and their companions
Reading 1
Eph 2:12-22
Brothers and sisters:
You were at that time without Christ,
alienated from the community of Israel
and strangers to the covenants of promise,
without hope and without God in the world.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off
have become near by the Blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, he made both one
and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his Flesh,
abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims,
that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two,
thus establishing peace,
and might reconcile both with God,
in one Body, through the cross,
putting that enmity to death by it.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off
and peace to those who were near,
for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ps 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 9)
The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD–for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Gospel
Lk 12:35-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.”
Meditation: Luke 12:35-38
“He will … wait on them.” (Luke 12:37)
What a reversal! First, Jesus tells his disciples to be vigilant and to work hard, always ready for his return. But then, he tells them that if he finds them hard at work, he will “have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them” (Luke 12:37). Why such royal treatment? Wouldn’t you expect him instead to acknowledge their dedication, then encourage them to keep up the good work?
What is most amazing in this parable is the image about who it is who will be serving us. It’s Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God! Imagine that he, the Holy One of Israel, the Alpha and the Omega, will become a servant and tend to our needs!
Jesus has already done this. By becoming a man and offering his life for us on the cross, he has already taken the form of a slave. Just as he washed his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, he has stooped down and washed away all of our sins. Like the father of the prodigal son, he has clothed us in new dignity and set a feast for us—even though we do not deserve it.
This parable tells us what our mission is as well. Surprisingly, it is not to work our fingers to the bone in service. Neither is it to keep busy out of fear that Jesus will return and find us idle. No, our mission is just like Jesus’ mission: to serve one another in love. Just as Jesus was so filled with love for us that he willingly bore our burdens on the cross, so too does God want to fill us with a love that will move us to bear one another’s burdens.
How are you doing at this call to serve? If you’re finding it hard or a drudgery, stop and ask whether you are working to keep busy or whether you are giving to others in response to what you are receiving from Jesus. Let him love and serve you, and you will find yourself loving and serving all the more!
“Thank you, Lord, for loving me out of darkness and into your light. Jesus, give me your heart of service so that I can bring that light to even more people!”
Eph 2:12-22
Brothers and sisters:
You were at that time without Christ,
alienated from the community of Israel
and strangers to the covenants of promise,
without hope and without God in the world.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off
have become near by the Blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, he made both one
and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his Flesh,
abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims,
that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two,
thus establishing peace,
and might reconcile both with God,
in one Body, through the cross,
putting that enmity to death by it.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off
and peace to those who were near,
for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ps 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 9)
The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD–for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Gospel
Lk 12:35-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.”
Meditation: Luke 12:35-38
“He will … wait on them.” (Luke 12:37)
What a reversal! First, Jesus tells his disciples to be vigilant and to work hard, always ready for his return. But then, he tells them that if he finds them hard at work, he will “have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them” (Luke 12:37). Why such royal treatment? Wouldn’t you expect him instead to acknowledge their dedication, then encourage them to keep up the good work?
What is most amazing in this parable is the image about who it is who will be serving us. It’s Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God! Imagine that he, the Holy One of Israel, the Alpha and the Omega, will become a servant and tend to our needs!
Jesus has already done this. By becoming a man and offering his life for us on the cross, he has already taken the form of a slave. Just as he washed his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, he has stooped down and washed away all of our sins. Like the father of the prodigal son, he has clothed us in new dignity and set a feast for us—even though we do not deserve it.
This parable tells us what our mission is as well. Surprisingly, it is not to work our fingers to the bone in service. Neither is it to keep busy out of fear that Jesus will return and find us idle. No, our mission is just like Jesus’ mission: to serve one another in love. Just as Jesus was so filled with love for us that he willingly bore our burdens on the cross, so too does God want to fill us with a love that will move us to bear one another’s burdens.
How are you doing at this call to serve? If you’re finding it hard or a drudgery, stop and ask whether you are working to keep busy or whether you are giving to others in response to what you are receiving from Jesus. Let him love and serve you, and you will find yourself loving and serving all the more!
“Thank you, Lord, for loving me out of darkness and into your light. Jesus, give me your heart of service so that I can bring that light to even more people!”
18 October 2010
18 Oct 2010, Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist
Reading 1
2 Tm 4:10-17b
Beloved:
Demas, enamored of the present world,
deserted me and went to Thessalonica,
Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
Luke is the only one with me.
Get Mark and bring him with you,
for he is helpful to me in the ministry.
I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas,
the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments.
Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm;
the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
You too be on guard against him,
for he has strongly resisted our preaching.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But 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.
Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
Responsorial PsalmR. (12)
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Gospel
Lk 10:1-9
The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter,
first say, ‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”
Meditation: Luke 10:1-9
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” (Luke 10:2)
Jesus really had a farmer’s eye. In a few words, he compared the spiritual potential of Israel to a field ready for harvest. He had a plan to capitalize on this favorable spiritual season. It involved sending out his disciples, two by two. “Come on!” Jesus may have told his followers. “Let’s get our hands a little dirty!”
Jesus wanted to inspire his disciples because he was about to send them out to do something they were unused to doing: preaching about the kingdom of God. Indeed for most of us, sharing the gospel is one of those activities we would probably rather leave to the people we think are more spiritual, like priests and ministers. For one thing, the thought of possibly being rejected can be a little scary. Then there’s also the way we can become preoccupied with building our careers and families, and even with seeking recreation. While there’s nothing wrong with these things, they have the potential to dominate our time, leaving us very little opportunity to share the gospel.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We really can enjoy evangelizing—and become effective at it in the process! Though we’re all guilty of shrinking back from sharing the gospel, Jesus wants to strengthen us as we come to him in prayer every day. When we focus on his love for us, his Spirit will give us the courage and excitement we need to share the message of salvation.
But prayer isn’t the only answer. We need to include evangelization in our daily schedule as well. We shouldn’t just wait for a “golden opportunity” to come our way. Through practice (and a dose of humility), we can learn how to create opportunities! Jesus set his disciples on an adventure when he sent them out. They had to step out of their comfort zones. And they did. And the results were spectacular. Just as they can be for each of us!
So today let God fill your heart with his love for the people around you. And go ahead and take a chance to share that love with someone. It could be the beginning of your own evangelistic adventure!
“Lord, open my eyes to the harvest. Fill me with love and courage to tell the world about you.”
2 Tm 4:10-17b
Beloved:
Demas, enamored of the present world,
deserted me and went to Thessalonica,
Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
Luke is the only one with me.
Get Mark and bring him with you,
for he is helpful to me in the ministry.
I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas,
the papyrus rolls, and especially the parchments.
Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm;
the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.
You too be on guard against him,
for he has strongly resisted our preaching.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,
but everyone deserted me.
May it not be held against them!
But 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.
Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
Responsorial PsalmR. (12)
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Gospel
Lk 10:1-9
The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter,
first say, ‘Peace to this household.’
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”
Meditation: Luke 10:1-9
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” (Luke 10:2)
Jesus really had a farmer’s eye. In a few words, he compared the spiritual potential of Israel to a field ready for harvest. He had a plan to capitalize on this favorable spiritual season. It involved sending out his disciples, two by two. “Come on!” Jesus may have told his followers. “Let’s get our hands a little dirty!”
Jesus wanted to inspire his disciples because he was about to send them out to do something they were unused to doing: preaching about the kingdom of God. Indeed for most of us, sharing the gospel is one of those activities we would probably rather leave to the people we think are more spiritual, like priests and ministers. For one thing, the thought of possibly being rejected can be a little scary. Then there’s also the way we can become preoccupied with building our careers and families, and even with seeking recreation. While there’s nothing wrong with these things, they have the potential to dominate our time, leaving us very little opportunity to share the gospel.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We really can enjoy evangelizing—and become effective at it in the process! Though we’re all guilty of shrinking back from sharing the gospel, Jesus wants to strengthen us as we come to him in prayer every day. When we focus on his love for us, his Spirit will give us the courage and excitement we need to share the message of salvation.
But prayer isn’t the only answer. We need to include evangelization in our daily schedule as well. We shouldn’t just wait for a “golden opportunity” to come our way. Through practice (and a dose of humility), we can learn how to create opportunities! Jesus set his disciples on an adventure when he sent them out. They had to step out of their comfort zones. And they did. And the results were spectacular. Just as they can be for each of us!
So today let God fill your heart with his love for the people around you. And go ahead and take a chance to share that love with someone. It could be the beginning of your own evangelistic adventure!
“Lord, open my eyes to the harvest. Fill me with love and courage to tell the world about you.”
16 October 2010
17 Oct 2010, Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Ex 17:8-13
In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel.
Moses, therefore, said to Joshua,
"Pick out certain men,
and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle.
I will be standing on top of the hill
with the staff of God in my hand."
So Joshua did as Moses told him:
he engaged Amalek in battle
after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur.
As long as Moses kept his hands raised up,
Israel had the better of the fight,
but when he let his hands rest,
Amalek had the better of the fight.
Moses’hands, however, grew tired;
so they put a rock in place for him to sit on.
Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands,
one on one side and one on the other,
so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people
with the edge of the sword.
Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Responsorial PsalmR. (cf. 2)
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
I lift up my eyes toward the mountains;
whence shall help come to me?
My help is from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
May he not suffer your foot to slip;
may he slumber not who guards you:
indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps,
the guardian of Israel.
R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade;
he is beside you at your right hand.
The sun shall not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
The LORD will guard you from all evil;
he will guard your life.
The LORD will guard your coming and your going,
both now and forever.
R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Reading 2
2 Tm 3:14-4:2
Beloved:
Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed,
because you know from whom you learned it,
and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures,
which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction,
and for training in righteousness,
so that one who belongs to God may be competent,
equipped for every good work.
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.
Gospel
Lk 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, "There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.'"
The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Meditation: Luke 18:1-8
“He will see to it that justice is done … speedily.” (Luke 18:8)
Sometimes justice is hard to come by. The widow, who was trying to find justice, was unhappy because the outcome of her case was in doubt. Consequently, she decided to pester the judge until she got the judgment she knew she deserved. And this pestering ultimately paid off!
Justice is primarily a matter of rendering what is due, of doing what is right. Justice is meant to be given based on facts, irrespective of feelings or passion. It’s not meant to be obtained by persistence, determination, or persuasion. Yet this is exactly what happened! With this in mind, Jesus asked: “Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7).
While God’s justice is generally free of passion, he has a special love for the poor. And who are the poor? Not just those who are materially destitute. Any one of us can become “poor” when we lose heart, when we believe that no one cares for us, when we believe that no one is on our side, or when we believe that no one understands what we are going through.
Notice that the judge never chose this woman. But God did choose us. We are his people, his beloved sons and daughters. Jesus has become one with us, and that makes us his own special possession. He will always treat us with love and care. So when you feel poor, as if no one cares about you, all you have to do is go to the great Judge and talk to him. He is on your side! He feels for you, and he is with you. He hears your cries. Always pray, then, and never lose heart. Persist, and God will make sure that you receive the special justice that is set aside for the poor and humble and lowly.
“Thank you, Father, for your love and your justice. Teach me, Lord, how to persist in prayer and in trust. I know you will never forsake me.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Exodus 17:8-13, Psalm 121:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14–4:2, Luke 18:1-8)
1. In the first reading, we see that whenever Moses’ intervention on behalf of his people flagged, those people he was charged with leading and protecting began to falter. As someone with responsibilities for family and friends, how constant are you in praying on their behalf? How could you improve?
2. Also in the first reading, notice that Moses can’t do it alone. Without Aaron and Hur to support his raised hands when they grew tired, the outcome of the battle with Amalek would have been a disaster. Moses, the man who parted the Red Sea and spoke to God face-to-face, still needed the support of friends and brothers to be victorious over his enemies. Do you believe that you too need the support of other Christians if you are to engage in and win your own spiritual battles against evil? Why or why not?
3. What occasions can you plan in the upcoming weeks to get together with others to pray for and to support one another? What would prevent you from doing this?
4. In the responsorial psalm, we read that God “neither slumbers nor sleeps” in his ever vigilant protection. Also, he is our “help,” our “shade,” our “guardian,” and “he is beside you at your right hand.” In light of these wonderful truths, what steps might you take to focus your thoughts more on God during the day?
5. In the second reading, St. Paul tells Timothy of the importance of “sacred Scripture” because it “is inspired by God and is useful” in our growth as Catholics. How can you better incorporate Scripture reading into your daily prayer and your daily routines?
6. The Gospel’s parable contrasts the dishonest judge with our loving Father who so wants to shower us with his love. Do you see God as a harsh judge or loving Father? Why? How does your view of God the Father affect how you pray to him and how you live out your life each day? This week, pray daily that your heavenly Father will allow you to experience his great love for you in a deeper way.
7. In the meditation, we hear these words regarding the Gospel reading: “Notice that the judge never chose this woman. But God did choose us. We are his people, his beloved sons and daughters. Jesus has become one with us, and that makes us his own special possession. He will always treat us with love and care.” It is so easy to forget, because of our own weaknesses and sins, that we really are beloved sons and daughters of our heavenly Father—because of who we are in Christ. Do you believe this? Why or why not? What ways of thinking are there that get in the way of your believing this Gospel truth?
Ex 17:8-13
In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel.
Moses, therefore, said to Joshua,
"Pick out certain men,
and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle.
I will be standing on top of the hill
with the staff of God in my hand."
So Joshua did as Moses told him:
he engaged Amalek in battle
after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur.
As long as Moses kept his hands raised up,
Israel had the better of the fight,
but when he let his hands rest,
Amalek had the better of the fight.
Moses’hands, however, grew tired;
so they put a rock in place for him to sit on.
Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands,
one on one side and one on the other,
so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people
with the edge of the sword.
Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Responsorial PsalmR. (cf. 2)
Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
I lift up my eyes toward the mountains;
whence shall help come to me?
My help is from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
May he not suffer your foot to slip;
may he slumber not who guards you:
indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps,
the guardian of Israel.
R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade;
he is beside you at your right hand.
The sun shall not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
The LORD will guard you from all evil;
he will guard your life.
The LORD will guard your coming and your going,
both now and forever.
R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Reading 2
2 Tm 3:14-4:2
Beloved:
Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed,
because you know from whom you learned it,
and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures,
which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is inspired by God
and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction,
and for training in righteousness,
so that one who belongs to God may be competent,
equipped for every good work.
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.
Gospel
Lk 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, "There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.'"
The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Meditation: Luke 18:1-8
“He will see to it that justice is done … speedily.” (Luke 18:8)
Sometimes justice is hard to come by. The widow, who was trying to find justice, was unhappy because the outcome of her case was in doubt. Consequently, she decided to pester the judge until she got the judgment she knew she deserved. And this pestering ultimately paid off!
Justice is primarily a matter of rendering what is due, of doing what is right. Justice is meant to be given based on facts, irrespective of feelings or passion. It’s not meant to be obtained by persistence, determination, or persuasion. Yet this is exactly what happened! With this in mind, Jesus asked: “Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7).
While God’s justice is generally free of passion, he has a special love for the poor. And who are the poor? Not just those who are materially destitute. Any one of us can become “poor” when we lose heart, when we believe that no one cares for us, when we believe that no one is on our side, or when we believe that no one understands what we are going through.
Notice that the judge never chose this woman. But God did choose us. We are his people, his beloved sons and daughters. Jesus has become one with us, and that makes us his own special possession. He will always treat us with love and care. So when you feel poor, as if no one cares about you, all you have to do is go to the great Judge and talk to him. He is on your side! He feels for you, and he is with you. He hears your cries. Always pray, then, and never lose heart. Persist, and God will make sure that you receive the special justice that is set aside for the poor and humble and lowly.
“Thank you, Father, for your love and your justice. Teach me, Lord, how to persist in prayer and in trust. I know you will never forsake me.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Exodus 17:8-13, Psalm 121:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:14–4:2, Luke 18:1-8)
1. In the first reading, we see that whenever Moses’ intervention on behalf of his people flagged, those people he was charged with leading and protecting began to falter. As someone with responsibilities for family and friends, how constant are you in praying on their behalf? How could you improve?
2. Also in the first reading, notice that Moses can’t do it alone. Without Aaron and Hur to support his raised hands when they grew tired, the outcome of the battle with Amalek would have been a disaster. Moses, the man who parted the Red Sea and spoke to God face-to-face, still needed the support of friends and brothers to be victorious over his enemies. Do you believe that you too need the support of other Christians if you are to engage in and win your own spiritual battles against evil? Why or why not?
3. What occasions can you plan in the upcoming weeks to get together with others to pray for and to support one another? What would prevent you from doing this?
4. In the responsorial psalm, we read that God “neither slumbers nor sleeps” in his ever vigilant protection. Also, he is our “help,” our “shade,” our “guardian,” and “he is beside you at your right hand.” In light of these wonderful truths, what steps might you take to focus your thoughts more on God during the day?
5. In the second reading, St. Paul tells Timothy of the importance of “sacred Scripture” because it “is inspired by God and is useful” in our growth as Catholics. How can you better incorporate Scripture reading into your daily prayer and your daily routines?
6. The Gospel’s parable contrasts the dishonest judge with our loving Father who so wants to shower us with his love. Do you see God as a harsh judge or loving Father? Why? How does your view of God the Father affect how you pray to him and how you live out your life each day? This week, pray daily that your heavenly Father will allow you to experience his great love for you in a deeper way.
7. In the meditation, we hear these words regarding the Gospel reading: “Notice that the judge never chose this woman. But God did choose us. We are his people, his beloved sons and daughters. Jesus has become one with us, and that makes us his own special possession. He will always treat us with love and care.” It is so easy to forget, because of our own weaknesses and sins, that we really are beloved sons and daughters of our heavenly Father—because of who we are in Christ. Do you believe this? Why or why not? What ways of thinking are there that get in the way of your believing this Gospel truth?
16 Oct 2010, Saturday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Eph 1:15-23
Brothers and sisters:
Hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and of your love for all the holy ones,
I do not cease giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers,
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory
in his inheritance among the holy ones,
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power
for us who believe,
in accord with the exercise of his great might,
which he worked in Christ,
raising him from the dead
and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,
far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion,
and every name that is named
not only in this age but also in the one to come.
And he put all things beneath his feet
and gave him as head over all things to the Church,
which is his Body,
the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Ps 8:2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7
Responsorial PsalmR. (7)
You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
O LORD, our LORD,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
You have exalted your majesty above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings
you have fashioned praise because of your foes.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place—
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
Gospel
Lk 12:8-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you,
everyone who acknowledges me before others
the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.
But whoever denies me before others
will be denied before the angels of God.
“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven,
but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
will not be forgiven.
When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities,
do not worry about how or what your defense will be
or about what you are to say.
For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
Meditation: Ephesians 1:15-23
“May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened.” (Ephesians 1:18)
St. Paul, what a fantastic vision you had! The scope of your prayer for those who had come to believe through your message—the scope of your prayer for me—is breathtaking. Sit beside me today as I try to “unpack” your prayer with the “eyes of my heart.” I don’t want to just repeat someone else’s words. I want the Holy Spirit to fill me up and pray through me. Holy Spirit, help me to be open to your inspiration, even if it takes me to unfamiliar places.
God of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of glory, all I am and all I have comes from you. Having come into this holy place, I yield myself to you. With a deep breath, I will welcome your Spirit and release the anxieties that weigh me down. I give back to you the mind you have given me. Empty it of useless information, Father, and fill it with the only knowledge that matters: personal acquaintance with you.
Father, I offer you my imagination. Grant me the vision of your glory. Enable me to penetrate beyond appearances and gaze with awe upon the riches of your glorious inheritance in the saints, especially the saints who come to the table with me day by day.
Father, I offer you my emotions, so often caught up in immediate events, so seldom stirred by your nearness. I want to feel what you feel as you embrace this wounded world to redeem and transform it into the fullness of your kingdom.
Lord Jesus, help me to grasp the great reality that the very same power that raised you from the dead and placed you at God’s right hand is at work in me right now! Help me see that the hope to which you have called me is not just wishful thinking but something firm, substantial, and eternal.
Spirit of revelation, gracious gift of the Father and the Son, you don’t just touch me now and then. You dwell in me always, just as you dwell in your church. As Jesus promised, let your word spring fearlessly to my lips every time I have the opportunity to acknowledge Jesus to those around me.
“Holy God—Father, Son, and Spirit—let me never cease giving thanks to you for your immeasurable power and unfathomable love brought so near to me.”
Eph 1:15-23
Brothers and sisters:
Hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and of your love for all the holy ones,
I do not cease giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers,
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory
in his inheritance among the holy ones,
and what is the surpassing greatness of his power
for us who believe,
in accord with the exercise of his great might,
which he worked in Christ,
raising him from the dead
and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,
far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion,
and every name that is named
not only in this age but also in the one to come.
And he put all things beneath his feet
and gave him as head over all things to the Church,
which is his Body,
the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Ps 8:2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7
Responsorial PsalmR. (7)
You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
O LORD, our LORD,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
You have exalted your majesty above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings
you have fashioned praise because of your foes.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place—
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
Gospel
Lk 12:8-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you,
everyone who acknowledges me before others
the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God.
But whoever denies me before others
will be denied before the angels of God.
“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven,
but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
will not be forgiven.
When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities,
do not worry about how or what your defense will be
or about what you are to say.
For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
Meditation: Ephesians 1:15-23
“May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened.” (Ephesians 1:18)
St. Paul, what a fantastic vision you had! The scope of your prayer for those who had come to believe through your message—the scope of your prayer for me—is breathtaking. Sit beside me today as I try to “unpack” your prayer with the “eyes of my heart.” I don’t want to just repeat someone else’s words. I want the Holy Spirit to fill me up and pray through me. Holy Spirit, help me to be open to your inspiration, even if it takes me to unfamiliar places.
God of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of glory, all I am and all I have comes from you. Having come into this holy place, I yield myself to you. With a deep breath, I will welcome your Spirit and release the anxieties that weigh me down. I give back to you the mind you have given me. Empty it of useless information, Father, and fill it with the only knowledge that matters: personal acquaintance with you.
Father, I offer you my imagination. Grant me the vision of your glory. Enable me to penetrate beyond appearances and gaze with awe upon the riches of your glorious inheritance in the saints, especially the saints who come to the table with me day by day.
Father, I offer you my emotions, so often caught up in immediate events, so seldom stirred by your nearness. I want to feel what you feel as you embrace this wounded world to redeem and transform it into the fullness of your kingdom.
Lord Jesus, help me to grasp the great reality that the very same power that raised you from the dead and placed you at God’s right hand is at work in me right now! Help me see that the hope to which you have called me is not just wishful thinking but something firm, substantial, and eternal.
Spirit of revelation, gracious gift of the Father and the Son, you don’t just touch me now and then. You dwell in me always, just as you dwell in your church. As Jesus promised, let your word spring fearlessly to my lips every time I have the opportunity to acknowledge Jesus to those around me.
“Holy God—Father, Son, and Spirit—let me never cease giving thanks to you for your immeasurable power and unfathomable love brought so near to me.”
15 October 2010
15 Oct 2010, Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church
Reading 1
Eph 1:11-14
Brothers and sisters:
In Christ we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13
Responsorial PsalmR. (12)
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten‑stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
For upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down;
he sees all mankind.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Gospel
Lk 12:1-7
At that time:
So many people were crowding together
that they were trampling one another underfoot.
Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,
“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.
“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops.
I tell you, my friends,
do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but after that can do no more.
I shall show you whom to fear.
Be afraid of the one who after killing
has the power to cast into Gehenna;
yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Meditation: Ephesians 1:11-14
“… so that we might exist for the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:12)
If you had to define God’s glory, how would you do it? It’s a difficult concept to put into words, but we know it when we see it. Any time God is manifested—in the beauty of creation, in a miraculous healing, in the Eucharist—we see his glory. In fact, God cannot be separated from his glory, just as he cannot be separated from his love, his justice, or his mercy. It’s simply who he is.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells us that God sent Jesus into the world to redeem us so that we might live for “the praise of his glory.” As comforting as this statement it, it also issues us a challenge: How can we live, here and now, in a way that manifests and gives praise to the glory of the Lord?
Simply by letting God’s glory shine through us. Remember: We are all temples of the Holy Spirit, and that means that God himself lives in us. And wherever God is, so is his glory. This means that we manifest God’s glory in every relationship that reflects his own sacrificial love. It means that we show his glory whenever we pray with expectant faith or when we readily ask for forgiveness and forgive someone who has sinned against us.
Obviously, we give glory to God when we raise our voices in worship. But it also happens when we trust him through a difficult situation, when we share our faith, when we celebrate the sacraments, and when we give up our time to help someone. In all these ways, we are letting God’s glory shine through us.
What God has done for us by redeeming us is a pure gift. There’s nothing we have done or could do to merit such favor. But we can respond to this great gift by making our lives into a hymn of praise to the Lord. We can manifest his glory by keeping him at the center of our hearts, seeking to please him in all that we say and do.
“Father, your love overwhelms me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that each moment of each day, I live for the praise of your glory.”
Eph 1:11-14
Brothers and sisters:
In Christ we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13
Responsorial PsalmR. (12)
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten‑stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
For upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down;
he sees all mankind.
R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Gospel
Lk 12:1-7
At that time:
So many people were crowding together
that they were trampling one another underfoot.
Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples,
“Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.
“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness
will be heard in the light,
and what you have whispered behind closed doors
will be proclaimed on the housetops.
I tell you, my friends,
do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but after that can do no more.
I shall show you whom to fear.
Be afraid of the one who after killing
has the power to cast into Gehenna;
yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Meditation: Ephesians 1:11-14
“… so that we might exist for the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:12)
If you had to define God’s glory, how would you do it? It’s a difficult concept to put into words, but we know it when we see it. Any time God is manifested—in the beauty of creation, in a miraculous healing, in the Eucharist—we see his glory. In fact, God cannot be separated from his glory, just as he cannot be separated from his love, his justice, or his mercy. It’s simply who he is.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells us that God sent Jesus into the world to redeem us so that we might live for “the praise of his glory.” As comforting as this statement it, it also issues us a challenge: How can we live, here and now, in a way that manifests and gives praise to the glory of the Lord?
Simply by letting God’s glory shine through us. Remember: We are all temples of the Holy Spirit, and that means that God himself lives in us. And wherever God is, so is his glory. This means that we manifest God’s glory in every relationship that reflects his own sacrificial love. It means that we show his glory whenever we pray with expectant faith or when we readily ask for forgiveness and forgive someone who has sinned against us.
Obviously, we give glory to God when we raise our voices in worship. But it also happens when we trust him through a difficult situation, when we share our faith, when we celebrate the sacraments, and when we give up our time to help someone. In all these ways, we are letting God’s glory shine through us.
What God has done for us by redeeming us is a pure gift. There’s nothing we have done or could do to merit such favor. But we can respond to this great gift by making our lives into a hymn of praise to the Lord. We can manifest his glory by keeping him at the center of our hearts, seeking to please him in all that we say and do.
“Father, your love overwhelms me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that each moment of each day, I live for the praise of your glory.”
14 October 2010
14 Oct 2010, Thursday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Eph 1:1-10
Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
to the holy ones who are in Ephesus
and faithful in Christ Jesus:
grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In Christ we have redemption by his Blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (2a)
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
Gospel
Lk 11:47-54
The Lord said:
“Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets
whom your fathers killed.
Consequently, you bear witness and give consent
to the deeds of your ancestors,
for they killed them and you do the building.
Therefore, the wisdom of God said,
‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles;
some of them they will kill and persecute’
in order that this generation might be charged
with the blood of all the prophets
shed since the foundation of the world,
from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah
who died between the altar and the temple building.
Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood!
Woe to you, scholars of the law!
You have taken away the key of knowledge.
You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.”
When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees
began to act with hostility toward him
and to interrogate him about many things,
for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.
Meditation: Ephesians 1:1-10
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Ephesians 1:3)
Awesome! Amazing! Incredible! Words like these just barely touch on the reaction this passage can elicit from us. Our Father in heaven has already blessed us. He has already destined us to be his children. Day after day, he wants to lavish us with the riches of his grace! Don’t these words just fill your heart with hope and gratitude? God Almighty, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, loves you personally and has given you all you need to fulfill his purposes here on earth and into eternity.
Think of it: Even before God created a single thing, he had you in mind. Even before you said or did anything good or bad, he fashioned you with the capacity to be filled with his divine life. Not even your sin deterred God from his plan. He loves you so much that he sent Jesus to sacrifice his life so that you could be redeemed and forgiven.
Jesus has dealt with all of our weaknesses and failures. Though we sometimes act like “children of wrath,” we need to remember that we really are children of Almighty God (Ephesians 2:3). We really are destined for heaven. When we fail to live up to the great gifts we have been given, we can turn to the Father in repentance. He will forgive us and comfort us. He will strengthen us and give us an even deeper foretaste of the life we will experience with him in eternity.
Every day, we can know the Father’s love, because he has given us the Holy Spirit. Only the Spirit can make known to us the “mystery of his will” (Ephesians 1:9). Only he can be for us the pledge of our “inheritance” (1:14). In your prayer today, meditate on these two promises. Ask the Spirit, “What do you want to show me today? Is it wisdom for my family or my life? Is it further insight into the Father’s plan of salvation?” Then, ask him to give you a deeper sense of awe at your heavenly inheritance. With the Holy Spirit on your side, you really can live for the praise of God’s glory. And you can be glorified yourself in the process!
“Thank you, Father, for choosing me to be your beloved child. May I always remain faithful to your calling.”
Eph 1:1-10
Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
to the holy ones who are in Ephesus
and faithful in Christ Jesus:
grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In Christ we have redemption by his Blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (2a)
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
Gospel
Lk 11:47-54
The Lord said:
“Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets
whom your fathers killed.
Consequently, you bear witness and give consent
to the deeds of your ancestors,
for they killed them and you do the building.
Therefore, the wisdom of God said,
‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles;
some of them they will kill and persecute’
in order that this generation might be charged
with the blood of all the prophets
shed since the foundation of the world,
from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah
who died between the altar and the temple building.
Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood!
Woe to you, scholars of the law!
You have taken away the key of knowledge.
You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.”
When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees
began to act with hostility toward him
and to interrogate him about many things,
for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.
Meditation: Ephesians 1:1-10
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Ephesians 1:3)
Awesome! Amazing! Incredible! Words like these just barely touch on the reaction this passage can elicit from us. Our Father in heaven has already blessed us. He has already destined us to be his children. Day after day, he wants to lavish us with the riches of his grace! Don’t these words just fill your heart with hope and gratitude? God Almighty, the Creator and Ruler of the universe, loves you personally and has given you all you need to fulfill his purposes here on earth and into eternity.
Think of it: Even before God created a single thing, he had you in mind. Even before you said or did anything good or bad, he fashioned you with the capacity to be filled with his divine life. Not even your sin deterred God from his plan. He loves you so much that he sent Jesus to sacrifice his life so that you could be redeemed and forgiven.
Jesus has dealt with all of our weaknesses and failures. Though we sometimes act like “children of wrath,” we need to remember that we really are children of Almighty God (Ephesians 2:3). We really are destined for heaven. When we fail to live up to the great gifts we have been given, we can turn to the Father in repentance. He will forgive us and comfort us. He will strengthen us and give us an even deeper foretaste of the life we will experience with him in eternity.
Every day, we can know the Father’s love, because he has given us the Holy Spirit. Only the Spirit can make known to us the “mystery of his will” (Ephesians 1:9). Only he can be for us the pledge of our “inheritance” (1:14). In your prayer today, meditate on these two promises. Ask the Spirit, “What do you want to show me today? Is it wisdom for my family or my life? Is it further insight into the Father’s plan of salvation?” Then, ask him to give you a deeper sense of awe at your heavenly inheritance. With the Holy Spirit on your side, you really can live for the praise of God’s glory. And you can be glorified yourself in the process!
“Thank you, Father, for choosing me to be your beloved child. May I always remain faithful to your calling.”
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