Reading 1
1 Cor 4:1-5
Brothers and sisters:
Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ
and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Now it is of course required of stewards
that they be found trustworthy.
It does not concern me in the least
that I be judged by you or any human tribunal;
I do not even pass judgment on myself;
I am not conscious of anything against me,
but I do not thereby stand acquitted;
the one who judges me is the Lord.
Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time,
until the Lord comes,
for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness
and will manifest the motives of our hearts,
and then everyone will receive praise from God.
Gospel
Lk 5:33-39
The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus,
"The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers,
and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same;
but yours eat and drink."
Jesus answered them, "Can you make the wedding guests fast
while the bridegroom is with them?
But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
then they will fast in those days."
And he also told them a parable.
"No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one.
Otherwise, he will tear the new
and the piece from it will not match the old cloak.
Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.
Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins,
and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined.
Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins.
And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new,
for he says, 'The old is good.'"
Meditation: Luke 5:33-39
“No one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’” (Luke 5:39)
Many of the Pharisees in Jesus’ time loved the traditions of their fathers. The thought of something new and different disturbed them. “Why don’t you do the same things that we do—the same things we have always done?” they challenged.
On the one hand, nothing was wrong with the Pharisees’ observance of their faith. They fasted, tithed, and prayed. They knew the Scriptures. They faithfully observed the Sabbath and holy days. They avoided anything or anyone considered unclean. They were good and faithful Jews. What could possibly be wrong with that?
Objectively, nothing at all. But Jesus had come preaching a new message, and these Pharisees had a hard time embracing it. He had come with a message of fulfillment: The time had arrived! The kingdom of God is among you! The long-awaited bridegroom is here! But some in Judaism had become so accustomed to waiting, so accustomed to “good enough,” that they had a hard time accepting the new, the exciting, the life-changing that Jesus had come to announce.
What about you? Don’t settle for “good enough”! Open yourself to the possibility that Jesus can make all things new for you! For instance, it may seem good enough to stoically accept an illness, but Jesus may want to heal you. It may seem good enough that we avoid acts of murder and adultery, but the Holy Spirit has the power to purify your inner life so that you are free from anger and lust. It may seem good enough to sit quietly at Mass, but all of heaven is waiting for you to join in the celebration!
Jesus makes all things new! So seek out his new life! Don’t limit your Christian life to one of simply trying to be good and avoiding sin. God has so much he wants to give you. He has so much he wants you to accomplish in his name. Go ahead and open the door wide. Ask the Holy Spirit for a glass of “new wine.” You may be surprised at how good it tastes!
“Jesus, I believe you make all things new. Help me to step into that new life today. Let me taste the ‘new wine’ of your Holy Spirit so that I can take hold of your gifts and use them for your kingdom today.”
03 September 2010
02 September 2010
02 Sep 2010, Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
1 Cor 3:18-23
Brothers and sisters:
Let no one deceive himself.
If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age,
let him become a fool, so as to become wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God,
for it is written:
God catches the wise in their own ruses,
and again:
The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you,
Paul or Apollos or Cephas,
or the world or life or death,
or the present or the future:
all belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.
Gospel
Lk 5:1-11
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God,
he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.
He saw two boats there alongside the lake;
the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.
Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,
he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.
Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
"Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch."
Simon said in reply,
"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,
but at your command I will lower the nets."
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish
and their nets were tearing.
They signaled to their partners in the other boat
to come to help them.
They came and filled both boats
so that the boats were in danger of sinking.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,
"Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."
For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him
and all those with him,
and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
who were partners of Simon.
Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching men."
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.
Meditation: Luke 5:1-11
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5:8)
Peter and his co-workers fished all night. No doubt they had exhausted all the possibilities of making a catch before they returned to shore empty-handed. It’s small wonder, then, that Peter was astonished at the immense haul of fish that filled his nets when, at Jesus’ direction, he let the nets down into the water once more. Peter recognized that here was someone who exercised divine power. Suddenly aware that he was in God’s presence, Peter fell to the ground before Jesus, acknowledging his sinfulness.
We too may come to a similar point of recognizing God’s holiness and our own sins. In the face of some act of God in our lives, we may become painfully aware of our unworthiness. Some of us have an unfortunate tendency to dwell on our sins. Guilt, shame, contempt for ourselves—any number of negative emotions flow in like the tide. If only they could flow out as quickly!
But notice Jesus’ response to Peter. He didn’t answer Peter’s confession directly. Rather, he moved past it and told Peter of the great new role he had in mind for him. To Peter’s cry of remorse—“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”—Jesus answered with a reassuring promise: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:8,10).
This is how God looks at us: not as sinners mired in offenses but as servants called to carry out important work. God knows our sins. But when we repent, he forgives us immediately and calls us to move right on to the business of his kingdom. In a sense, we really have no right to dwell on sins that God has removed.
Brothers and sisters, God’s mercy has no limit! He delights in showing us his kindness. If he did not withhold his love and mercy from us before we loved him, will he refuse us now? Of course not! So press on in serving the Lord, confident that his mercy is greater than your sin and that he will carry you through to heaven.
“How awesome is your love for me, Jesus! In love, you look past my failings and point me to your perfect plan. Thank you, Jesus, for your boundless mercy!”
1 Cor 3:18-23
Brothers and sisters:
Let no one deceive himself.
If anyone among you considers himself wise in this age,
let him become a fool, so as to become wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God,
for it is written:
God catches the wise in their own ruses,
and again:
The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you,
Paul or Apollos or Cephas,
or the world or life or death,
or the present or the future:
all belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.
Gospel
Lk 5:1-11
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God,
he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.
He saw two boats there alongside the lake;
the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.
Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,
he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.
Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
"Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch."
Simon said in reply,
"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,
but at your command I will lower the nets."
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish
and their nets were tearing.
They signaled to their partners in the other boat
to come to help them.
They came and filled both boats
so that the boats were in danger of sinking.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,
"Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."
For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him
and all those with him,
and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
who were partners of Simon.
Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching men."
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.
Meditation: Luke 5:1-11
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5:8)
Peter and his co-workers fished all night. No doubt they had exhausted all the possibilities of making a catch before they returned to shore empty-handed. It’s small wonder, then, that Peter was astonished at the immense haul of fish that filled his nets when, at Jesus’ direction, he let the nets down into the water once more. Peter recognized that here was someone who exercised divine power. Suddenly aware that he was in God’s presence, Peter fell to the ground before Jesus, acknowledging his sinfulness.
We too may come to a similar point of recognizing God’s holiness and our own sins. In the face of some act of God in our lives, we may become painfully aware of our unworthiness. Some of us have an unfortunate tendency to dwell on our sins. Guilt, shame, contempt for ourselves—any number of negative emotions flow in like the tide. If only they could flow out as quickly!
But notice Jesus’ response to Peter. He didn’t answer Peter’s confession directly. Rather, he moved past it and told Peter of the great new role he had in mind for him. To Peter’s cry of remorse—“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”—Jesus answered with a reassuring promise: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:8,10).
This is how God looks at us: not as sinners mired in offenses but as servants called to carry out important work. God knows our sins. But when we repent, he forgives us immediately and calls us to move right on to the business of his kingdom. In a sense, we really have no right to dwell on sins that God has removed.
Brothers and sisters, God’s mercy has no limit! He delights in showing us his kindness. If he did not withhold his love and mercy from us before we loved him, will he refuse us now? Of course not! So press on in serving the Lord, confident that his mercy is greater than your sin and that he will carry you through to heaven.
“How awesome is your love for me, Jesus! In love, you look past my failings and point me to your perfect plan. Thank you, Jesus, for your boundless mercy!”
01 September 2010
01 Sep 2010, Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
1 Cor 3:1-9
Brothers and sisters,
I could not talk to you as spiritual people,
but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ.
I fed you milk, not solid food,
because you were unable to take it.
Indeed, you are still not able, even now,
for you are still of the flesh.
While there is jealousy and rivalry among you,
are you not of the flesh, and walking
according to the manner of man?
Whenever someone says, "I belong to Paul," and another,
"I belong to Apollos," are you not merely men?
What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul?
Ministers through whom you became believers,
just as the Lord assigned each one.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth.
Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything,
but only God, who causes the growth.
He who plants and he who waters are one,
and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor.
For we are God's co-workers;
you are God's field, God's building.
Gospel
Lk 4:38-44
After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon.
Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever,
and they interceded with him about her.
He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her.
She got up immediately and waited on them.
At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases
brought them to him.
He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.
And demons also came out from many, shouting, "You are the Son of God."
But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak
because they knew that he was the Christ.
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place.
The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him,
they tried to prevent him from leaving them.
But he said to them, "To the other towns also
I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,
because for this purpose I have been sent."
And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Meditation: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
“I fed you milk, not solid food.” (1 Corinthians 3:2)
Did you know that every time you read the Scriptures or hear them proclaimed at Mass, you are receiving eternal truths? Did you know, too, that every time you experience God’s love in your heart, that experience is meant to teach you as well? It’s true, and it can be life-changing. Day in and day out, God is at work trying to take us from surviving on “milk” to being able to eat “solid food.”
Paul used this image to show how God wants to reshape the way we think and act in the world. We often think of the call to holiness as a matter of going from “head knowledge” to “heart knowledge.” But God wants us to know that this is a two-way street. We need to learn how to use our minds the right way, even as we need to open our hearts to God’s love. That’s the only way that we will begin to look at the world with his eyes, seeing each other through the clear filter of his love and truth.
This is how we can overcome the pitfalls that the Corinthians faced. With our minds, we can agree that we are all brothers and sisters to each other. If we can accept the truth that we are all equally loved and equally redeemed by Jesus, rivalries will begin to fall.
But this “head knowledge” is not enough. It needs to be supported by “heart knowledge.” And for that, we need to open our hearts and let God’s love flow into us. Seeing how much he loves us, despite our weaknesses and flaws, can soften our hearts toward other people and teach us to treat one another with the same compassion that God has for us. In the end, we all need to learn how to love each other—and love is a matter of the heart and the mind together.
“Holy Spirit, teach us to think as you think. Teach us how to put away all divisiveness so that we can become one body, one spirit, in Christ.”
1 Cor 3:1-9
Brothers and sisters,
I could not talk to you as spiritual people,
but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ.
I fed you milk, not solid food,
because you were unable to take it.
Indeed, you are still not able, even now,
for you are still of the flesh.
While there is jealousy and rivalry among you,
are you not of the flesh, and walking
according to the manner of man?
Whenever someone says, "I belong to Paul," and another,
"I belong to Apollos," are you not merely men?
What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul?
Ministers through whom you became believers,
just as the Lord assigned each one.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth.
Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything,
but only God, who causes the growth.
He who plants and he who waters are one,
and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor.
For we are God's co-workers;
you are God's field, God's building.
Gospel
Lk 4:38-44
After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon.
Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever,
and they interceded with him about her.
He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her.
She got up immediately and waited on them.
At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases
brought them to him.
He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.
And demons also came out from many, shouting, "You are the Son of God."
But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak
because they knew that he was the Christ.
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place.
The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him,
they tried to prevent him from leaving them.
But he said to them, "To the other towns also
I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,
because for this purpose I have been sent."
And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Meditation: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
“I fed you milk, not solid food.” (1 Corinthians 3:2)
Did you know that every time you read the Scriptures or hear them proclaimed at Mass, you are receiving eternal truths? Did you know, too, that every time you experience God’s love in your heart, that experience is meant to teach you as well? It’s true, and it can be life-changing. Day in and day out, God is at work trying to take us from surviving on “milk” to being able to eat “solid food.”
Paul used this image to show how God wants to reshape the way we think and act in the world. We often think of the call to holiness as a matter of going from “head knowledge” to “heart knowledge.” But God wants us to know that this is a two-way street. We need to learn how to use our minds the right way, even as we need to open our hearts to God’s love. That’s the only way that we will begin to look at the world with his eyes, seeing each other through the clear filter of his love and truth.
This is how we can overcome the pitfalls that the Corinthians faced. With our minds, we can agree that we are all brothers and sisters to each other. If we can accept the truth that we are all equally loved and equally redeemed by Jesus, rivalries will begin to fall.
But this “head knowledge” is not enough. It needs to be supported by “heart knowledge.” And for that, we need to open our hearts and let God’s love flow into us. Seeing how much he loves us, despite our weaknesses and flaws, can soften our hearts toward other people and teach us to treat one another with the same compassion that God has for us. In the end, we all need to learn how to love each other—and love is a matter of the heart and the mind together.
“Holy Spirit, teach us to think as you think. Teach us how to put away all divisiveness so that we can become one body, one spirit, in Christ.”
31 August 2010
31 Aug 2010, Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
1 Cor 2:10b-16
Brothers and sisters:
The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.
Among men, who knows what pertains to the man
except his spirit that is within?
Similarly, no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God.
We have not received the spirit of the world
but the Spirit who is from God,
so that we may understand the things freely given us by God.
And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom,
but with words taught by the Spirit,
describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms.
Now the natural man does not accept what pertains to the Spirit of God,
for to him it is foolishness, and he cannot understand it,
because it is judged spiritually.
The one who is spiritual, however, can judge everything
but is not subject to judgment by anyone.
For “who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to counsel him?”
But we have the mind of Christ.
Gospel
Lk 4:31-37
Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee.
He taught them on the sabbath,
and they were astonished at his teaching
because he spoke with authority.
In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon,
and he cried out in a loud voice,
“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”
Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”
Then the demon threw the man down in front of them
and came out of him without doing him any harm.
They were all amazed and said to one another,
“What is there about his word?
For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits,
and they come out.”
And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.
Meditation: Luke 4:31-37
“He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” (Luke 4:36)
St. John Vianney (1786–1859), the patron saint of parish priests, lived such a holy life that he often attracted the unwanted attention of the devil. Stories abound telling how, night after night, demons harassed Vianney to try to exhaust him and prevent him from hearing confessions. At one point, Vianney noticed that “the assaults were more numerous if, on the following day, some big sinner was due to come.” On one such occasion, his bed was even set on fire!
Like the case of demonic possession we see in today’s Gospel, such physical attacks by the devil are extremely rare. But just because we don’t battle with Satan this way doesn’t mean he isn’t busy troubling us. He is real—and he really hates us. We have been given the promise of eternal life in heaven, something he lost when he rebelled against God. His primary goal now is to make us as miserable as he is!
That’s why Satan and his demons are always trying to oppress us, maybe through a spirit of laziness, lust, gluttony, pride, or any number of other ways. They also try to use the non-sinful elements of our emotions, like fear and anxiety, to wear us down and keep us from experiencing everything Jesus came to give us. That’s why we should never dismiss the spiritual aspects of the sins and temptations that beset us. As St. Peter said: “Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
What can you do when you are feeling harassed by the devil? First of all, turn to God! Don’t just rely on your own strength. Ask the Lord to drive away whatever spirit is bothering you. Put your faith in the authority of the name of Jesus. It’s the ultimate weapon against the forces of hell. Let Jesus deal with these evil spirits, and you’ll find relief. Send the troublesome spirit to the cross, where Jesus can deal with it and set you free. You’ll be amazed at how confident you will be that with Christ you can do anything!
“Jesus, thank you for giving me your name as a defense against the evil one. To you be blessing and honor, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor and power and might forever!”
1 Cor 2:10b-16
Brothers and sisters:
The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.
Among men, who knows what pertains to the man
except his spirit that is within?
Similarly, no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God.
We have not received the spirit of the world
but the Spirit who is from God,
so that we may understand the things freely given us by God.
And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom,
but with words taught by the Spirit,
describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms.
Now the natural man does not accept what pertains to the Spirit of God,
for to him it is foolishness, and he cannot understand it,
because it is judged spiritually.
The one who is spiritual, however, can judge everything
but is not subject to judgment by anyone.
For “who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to counsel him?”
But we have the mind of Christ.
Gospel
Lk 4:31-37
Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee.
He taught them on the sabbath,
and they were astonished at his teaching
because he spoke with authority.
In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon,
and he cried out in a loud voice,
“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”
Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”
Then the demon threw the man down in front of them
and came out of him without doing him any harm.
They were all amazed and said to one another,
“What is there about his word?
For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits,
and they come out.”
And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.
Meditation: Luke 4:31-37
“He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” (Luke 4:36)
St. John Vianney (1786–1859), the patron saint of parish priests, lived such a holy life that he often attracted the unwanted attention of the devil. Stories abound telling how, night after night, demons harassed Vianney to try to exhaust him and prevent him from hearing confessions. At one point, Vianney noticed that “the assaults were more numerous if, on the following day, some big sinner was due to come.” On one such occasion, his bed was even set on fire!
Like the case of demonic possession we see in today’s Gospel, such physical attacks by the devil are extremely rare. But just because we don’t battle with Satan this way doesn’t mean he isn’t busy troubling us. He is real—and he really hates us. We have been given the promise of eternal life in heaven, something he lost when he rebelled against God. His primary goal now is to make us as miserable as he is!
That’s why Satan and his demons are always trying to oppress us, maybe through a spirit of laziness, lust, gluttony, pride, or any number of other ways. They also try to use the non-sinful elements of our emotions, like fear and anxiety, to wear us down and keep us from experiencing everything Jesus came to give us. That’s why we should never dismiss the spiritual aspects of the sins and temptations that beset us. As St. Peter said: “Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
What can you do when you are feeling harassed by the devil? First of all, turn to God! Don’t just rely on your own strength. Ask the Lord to drive away whatever spirit is bothering you. Put your faith in the authority of the name of Jesus. It’s the ultimate weapon against the forces of hell. Let Jesus deal with these evil spirits, and you’ll find relief. Send the troublesome spirit to the cross, where Jesus can deal with it and set you free. You’ll be amazed at how confident you will be that with Christ you can do anything!
“Jesus, thank you for giving me your name as a defense against the evil one. To you be blessing and honor, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor and power and might forever!”
30 August 2010
30 Aug 2010, Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
1 Cor 2:1-5
When I came to you, brothers and sisters,
proclaiming the mystery of God,
I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you
except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,
and my message and my proclamation
were not with persuasive words of wisdom,
but with a demonstration of spirit and power,
so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom
but on the power of God.
Gospel
Lk 4:16-30
Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,
and went according to his custom
into the synagogue on the sabbath day.
He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll,
he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
And all spoke highly of him
and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.
They also asked, “Is this not the son of Joseph?”
He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb,
‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place
the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’”
And he said,
“Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.
Indeed, I tell you,
there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah
when the sky was closed for three and a half years
and a severe famine spread over the entire land.
It was to none of these that Elijah was sent,
but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.
Again, there were many lepers in Israel
during the time of Elisha the prophet;
yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
When the people in the synagogue heard this,
they were all filled with fury.
They rose up, drove him out of the town,
and led him to the brow of the hill
on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.
But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
Meditation: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
“… so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5)
The apostle Paul was a bright, persuasive, well-read expert in Jewish theology. He may have had his flaws, but he was still one of the most influential men in the early church. The Corinthian church, a growing and thriving community, testified to the work of this great “Apostle to the Gentiles.” Yet Paul was always careful to emphasize that the church was built “on the power of God,” not on his wisdom or the wisdom of any other apostle.
Like St. Paul, we too are called to build the church. And, again like St. Paul, we are called to build on the foundation of God’s wisdom and power, not human wisdom. Does that mean that we shouldn’t try to be dynamic and engaging as we spread the good news? Of course not! We should do whatever it takes and use whatever tools we have available to us to present the gospel so that people will be moved to open their hearts to the Lord. That’s what it means to become “all things to all, to save at least some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).
The point isn’t what you can or cannot do. You don’t need a particular skill set to succeed as a witness to the Lord. You don’t have to look impressive or feel strong and energetic to do God’s will. All you have to do is listen to the Holy Spirit and try your best to follow his guidance.
The best way to become an effective sharer of the gospel is to sit quietly with the Lord in prayer every day. Set aside all your concerns and focus on Jesus, his kingdom, and his goal of bringing people to heaven. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the best ways to witness and share your faith. Then, take some steps during the day to act on what you think God has said. Remember: The most important thing is not what we do but how we put our hope in the power of God to work in our day and in our circumstances.
“Holy Spirit, I want to follow your lead. Show me what you want me to do today, so that I might make way for your power to be seen in this world.”
1 Cor 2:1-5
When I came to you, brothers and sisters,
proclaiming the mystery of God,
I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you
except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling,
and my message and my proclamation
were not with persuasive words of wisdom,
but with a demonstration of spirit and power,
so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom
but on the power of God.
Gospel
Lk 4:16-30
Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,
and went according to his custom
into the synagogue on the sabbath day.
He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.
He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Rolling up the scroll,
he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,
and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
He said to them,
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
And all spoke highly of him
and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.
They also asked, “Is this not the son of Joseph?”
He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb,
‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place
the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’”
And he said,
“Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.
Indeed, I tell you,
there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah
when the sky was closed for three and a half years
and a severe famine spread over the entire land.
It was to none of these that Elijah was sent,
but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.
Again, there were many lepers in Israel
during the time of Elisha the prophet;
yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
When the people in the synagogue heard this,
they were all filled with fury.
They rose up, drove him out of the town,
and led him to the brow of the hill
on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.
But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
Meditation: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
“… so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5)
The apostle Paul was a bright, persuasive, well-read expert in Jewish theology. He may have had his flaws, but he was still one of the most influential men in the early church. The Corinthian church, a growing and thriving community, testified to the work of this great “Apostle to the Gentiles.” Yet Paul was always careful to emphasize that the church was built “on the power of God,” not on his wisdom or the wisdom of any other apostle.
Like St. Paul, we too are called to build the church. And, again like St. Paul, we are called to build on the foundation of God’s wisdom and power, not human wisdom. Does that mean that we shouldn’t try to be dynamic and engaging as we spread the good news? Of course not! We should do whatever it takes and use whatever tools we have available to us to present the gospel so that people will be moved to open their hearts to the Lord. That’s what it means to become “all things to all, to save at least some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).
The point isn’t what you can or cannot do. You don’t need a particular skill set to succeed as a witness to the Lord. You don’t have to look impressive or feel strong and energetic to do God’s will. All you have to do is listen to the Holy Spirit and try your best to follow his guidance.
The best way to become an effective sharer of the gospel is to sit quietly with the Lord in prayer every day. Set aside all your concerns and focus on Jesus, his kingdom, and his goal of bringing people to heaven. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the best ways to witness and share your faith. Then, take some steps during the day to act on what you think God has said. Remember: The most important thing is not what we do but how we put our hope in the power of God to work in our day and in our circumstances.
“Holy Spirit, I want to follow your lead. Show me what you want me to do today, so that I might make way for your power to be seen in this world.”
28 August 2010
29 Aug 2010, Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
My child, conduct your affairs with humility,
and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.
Humble yourself the more, the greater you are,
and you will find favor with God.
What is too sublime for you, seek not,
into things beyond your strength search not.
The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs,
and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise.
Water quenches a flaming fire,
and alms atone for sins.
Reading 2
Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a
Brothers and sisters:
You have not approached that which could be touched
and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness
and storm and a trumpet blast
and a voice speaking words such that those who heard
begged that no message be further addressed to them.
No, you have approached Mount Zion
and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,
and countless angels in festal gathering,
and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven,
and God the judge of all,
and the spirits of the just made perfect,
and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant,
and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.
Gospel
Lk 14:1, 7-14
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 every one who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Then he said to the host who invited him,
“When you hold a lunch or a dinner,
do not invite your friends or your brothers
or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,
in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.
Rather, when you hold a banquet,
invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;
blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Meditation: Luke 14:1,7-14
“My friend, move up to a higher position.” (Luke 14:10)
Every day, all around the world, Jesus sets a banquet for his people and invites each of us to a “place of honor” (Luke 14:8). It’s the Eucharist, and Jesus is our host. Let this truth fill your imagination at Mass today. Try to picture yourself seated at table with “countless angels in festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven … and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 12:22-24). See what kind of effect this has on your experience of the liturgy!
Here is a story of what can happen at Mass. A young woman was in deep sorrow over circumstances in her life. She knew that she should try to fight the thoughts of hopelessness that raced through her mind, but she found it next to impossible. She barely made it through the liturgy, and as she rose to go to Communion, she began to pray in her heart: “Jesus, deliver me from the hand of the enemy. Jesus, deliver me from the hand of the enemy.”
When she returned to her pew, she knelt down, buried her face in her arms, and wept silently. Just then, she felt a sense of deep relief. Her challenges remained, but the despair was gone. Jesus had taken on her burden. She knew she could face her life with new hope because she was convinced that Jesus was with her.
This is the glory of our God: He invites all of us to his banquet table. Whether physically or spiritually, we are all poor, lame, or blind (Luke 14:13). No matter how tough our exterior, we all long for peace and healing. And guess what? Jesus wants to shower us with these very gifts every time we receive Communion. So go to him humbly saying, “Lord, I am not worthy; say the word and I will be healed.”
“Jesus, I approach your throne with hope, knowing that you wait for me in the celebration of the Mass. Come, Lord, and set me free so that I can know joy in your presence!”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion
(Sirach 3:17-18,20,28-29; Psalm 68:4-7,10-11; Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24; Luke 14:1,7-14)
1. In the first reading we are advised to “humble” ourselves and we will find favor with God. St. Augustine called humility the “royal road”. It was, he said, the way God came to us, and, therefore, the only way back to Him. What do you think that means for your life?
2. The Responsorial Psalm calls God the defender and provider of the lowly, the forsaken, orphans, widows, and the poor and needy. In fact, when Christ came on earth, he did not appear to the rich, the important, and powerful, but to those who were considered lowly and outcasts. To what extent have you tried to follow in Christ’s footsteps? Whose company do you tend to seek? Why? Do you need to make any changes?
3. The second reading says that unlike the Israelites, to whom God spoke in darkness and storms and fire, we can approach God directly in the Sacraments and in our prayer. In fact, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, and we can receive Christ in the Eucharist every time we go to Mass. What additional steps can you take to reinforce your appreciation of this fact, and prepare yourself, before attending Mass?
4. Today’s Gospel again gives us an important lesson in personal humility. Someone has said that humility does not consist in thinking less of ourselves, but in thinking of ourselves less often. What can you do to make the Lord more present in your day, and to make yourself less the center of your day?
5. The Gospel also brings us to the next step in holiness. When we think of ourselves less often, we are able to be of service to those of God’s people who need our attention. How can you open yourself more to serve those less fortunate? Discuss some possible ways you could work together with others to reach out to the poor and needy.
6. The meditation tells us that: “No matter how tough our exterior, we all long for peace and healing.” What are some areas in your life that need a deeper peace and healing? Offer these areas to the Lord for healing the next time you receive the Eucharist? If you are in a small group, share the fruit of doing this at your next meeting.
Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
My child, conduct your affairs with humility,
and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.
Humble yourself the more, the greater you are,
and you will find favor with God.
What is too sublime for you, seek not,
into things beyond your strength search not.
The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs,
and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise.
Water quenches a flaming fire,
and alms atone for sins.
Reading 2
Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a
Brothers and sisters:
You have not approached that which could be touched
and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness
and storm and a trumpet blast
and a voice speaking words such that those who heard
begged that no message be further addressed to them.
No, you have approached Mount Zion
and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,
and countless angels in festal gathering,
and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven,
and God the judge of all,
and the spirits of the just made perfect,
and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant,
and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.
Gospel
Lk 14:1, 7-14
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 every one who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Then he said to the host who invited him,
“When you hold a lunch or a dinner,
do not invite your friends or your brothers
or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,
in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.
Rather, when you hold a banquet,
invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;
blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Meditation: Luke 14:1,7-14
“My friend, move up to a higher position.” (Luke 14:10)
Every day, all around the world, Jesus sets a banquet for his people and invites each of us to a “place of honor” (Luke 14:8). It’s the Eucharist, and Jesus is our host. Let this truth fill your imagination at Mass today. Try to picture yourself seated at table with “countless angels in festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven … and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 12:22-24). See what kind of effect this has on your experience of the liturgy!
Here is a story of what can happen at Mass. A young woman was in deep sorrow over circumstances in her life. She knew that she should try to fight the thoughts of hopelessness that raced through her mind, but she found it next to impossible. She barely made it through the liturgy, and as she rose to go to Communion, she began to pray in her heart: “Jesus, deliver me from the hand of the enemy. Jesus, deliver me from the hand of the enemy.”
When she returned to her pew, she knelt down, buried her face in her arms, and wept silently. Just then, she felt a sense of deep relief. Her challenges remained, but the despair was gone. Jesus had taken on her burden. She knew she could face her life with new hope because she was convinced that Jesus was with her.
This is the glory of our God: He invites all of us to his banquet table. Whether physically or spiritually, we are all poor, lame, or blind (Luke 14:13). No matter how tough our exterior, we all long for peace and healing. And guess what? Jesus wants to shower us with these very gifts every time we receive Communion. So go to him humbly saying, “Lord, I am not worthy; say the word and I will be healed.”
“Jesus, I approach your throne with hope, knowing that you wait for me in the celebration of the Mass. Come, Lord, and set me free so that I can know joy in your presence!”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion
(Sirach 3:17-18,20,28-29; Psalm 68:4-7,10-11; Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24; Luke 14:1,7-14)
1. In the first reading we are advised to “humble” ourselves and we will find favor with God. St. Augustine called humility the “royal road”. It was, he said, the way God came to us, and, therefore, the only way back to Him. What do you think that means for your life?
2. The Responsorial Psalm calls God the defender and provider of the lowly, the forsaken, orphans, widows, and the poor and needy. In fact, when Christ came on earth, he did not appear to the rich, the important, and powerful, but to those who were considered lowly and outcasts. To what extent have you tried to follow in Christ’s footsteps? Whose company do you tend to seek? Why? Do you need to make any changes?
3. The second reading says that unlike the Israelites, to whom God spoke in darkness and storms and fire, we can approach God directly in the Sacraments and in our prayer. In fact, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, and we can receive Christ in the Eucharist every time we go to Mass. What additional steps can you take to reinforce your appreciation of this fact, and prepare yourself, before attending Mass?
4. Today’s Gospel again gives us an important lesson in personal humility. Someone has said that humility does not consist in thinking less of ourselves, but in thinking of ourselves less often. What can you do to make the Lord more present in your day, and to make yourself less the center of your day?
5. The Gospel also brings us to the next step in holiness. When we think of ourselves less often, we are able to be of service to those of God’s people who need our attention. How can you open yourself more to serve those less fortunate? Discuss some possible ways you could work together with others to reach out to the poor and needy.
6. The meditation tells us that: “No matter how tough our exterior, we all long for peace and healing.” What are some areas in your life that need a deeper peace and healing? Offer these areas to the Lord for healing the next time you receive the Eucharist? If you are in a small group, share the fruit of doing this at your next meeting.
28 Aug 2010, Memorial of Saint Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church
Reading 1
1 Cor 1:26-31
Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters.
Not many of you were wise by human standards,
not many were powerful,
not many were of noble birth.
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,
and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,
and God chose the lowly and despised of the world,
those who count for nothing,
to reduce to nothing those who are something,
so that no human being might boast before God.
It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus,
who became for us wisdom from God,
as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,
so that, as it is written,
Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.
Gospel
Mt 25:14-30
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one–
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,
and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground
and buried his master’s money.
After a long time
the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents
came forward bringing the additional five.
He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.’
His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master’s joy.’
Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,
‘Master, you gave me two talents.
See, I have made two more.’
His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master’s joy.’
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,
‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person,
harvesting where you did not plant
and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.
Here it is back.’
His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant!
So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant
and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank
so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has,
more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’”
Meditation: Matthew 25:14-30
“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
When we read the parable of the talents, it’s only natural to think about our own God-given talents. Perhaps we’re good at analyzing situations. Perhaps our hearts go out to those in need. Perhaps we’re hard workers or natural leaders. Maybe we have dancing feet, the gift of gab, or tireless energy.
It’s wonderful to take such an inventory, especially if we praise God for the gifts he has given us and ask him how he would have us use them or increase them. But St. Paul cautions us to see things a little differently. He points out that God has not chosen the wise, the strong or the prestigious. He has not chosen the “gifted.” Rather, God has chosen the simple, the weak, even those who are despised. Why?
Unfortunately, it’s easy for the smart and the powerful to think they’re self-sufficient. They find it harder to admit their need for God, so they remain closed to the love he longs to share with them. It saddens him when we are so blinded by whatever cleverness or strength we have that we keep it for ourselves instead of placing it in his hands and letting him bring it to life.
Does this mean we should minimize our talents? Not at all. Rather, we should ask him for the humility to recognize that those gifts come from him. We should also try to complete the circle by offering our gifts back to him, eager to see what we can do together.
How might this look? It might look like a gourmet cook volunteering at a soup kitchen, getting used to the idea of serving the poor, and then offering to add a new flavor to the soup. It might look like a talented singer teaching a child to cantor for a school Mass. It might look like putting your arms around a friend, even though you have no idea why God is allowing the suffering she is experiencing. In moments like these, both of you can discover the mystery of God’s generous love as you “grow rich” in his grace and favor (Matthew 25:29).
“Father, thank you for the wisdom and strength you give me. Help me wrap these gifts in your love and offer them back to you so that together we can build your kingdom.”
1 Cor 1:26-31
Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters.
Not many of you were wise by human standards,
not many were powerful,
not many were of noble birth.
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,
and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,
and God chose the lowly and despised of the world,
those who count for nothing,
to reduce to nothing those who are something,
so that no human being might boast before God.
It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus,
who became for us wisdom from God,
as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption,
so that, as it is written,
Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.
Gospel
Mt 25:14-30
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one–
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,
and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground
and buried his master’s money.
After a long time
the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents
came forward bringing the additional five.
He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.’
His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master’s joy.’
Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,
‘Master, you gave me two talents.
See, I have made two more.’
His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master’s joy.’
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,
‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person,
harvesting where you did not plant
and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.
Here it is back.’
His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant!
So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant
and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank
so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has,
more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’”
Meditation: Matthew 25:14-30
“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
When we read the parable of the talents, it’s only natural to think about our own God-given talents. Perhaps we’re good at analyzing situations. Perhaps our hearts go out to those in need. Perhaps we’re hard workers or natural leaders. Maybe we have dancing feet, the gift of gab, or tireless energy.
It’s wonderful to take such an inventory, especially if we praise God for the gifts he has given us and ask him how he would have us use them or increase them. But St. Paul cautions us to see things a little differently. He points out that God has not chosen the wise, the strong or the prestigious. He has not chosen the “gifted.” Rather, God has chosen the simple, the weak, even those who are despised. Why?
Unfortunately, it’s easy for the smart and the powerful to think they’re self-sufficient. They find it harder to admit their need for God, so they remain closed to the love he longs to share with them. It saddens him when we are so blinded by whatever cleverness or strength we have that we keep it for ourselves instead of placing it in his hands and letting him bring it to life.
Does this mean we should minimize our talents? Not at all. Rather, we should ask him for the humility to recognize that those gifts come from him. We should also try to complete the circle by offering our gifts back to him, eager to see what we can do together.
How might this look? It might look like a gourmet cook volunteering at a soup kitchen, getting used to the idea of serving the poor, and then offering to add a new flavor to the soup. It might look like a talented singer teaching a child to cantor for a school Mass. It might look like putting your arms around a friend, even though you have no idea why God is allowing the suffering she is experiencing. In moments like these, both of you can discover the mystery of God’s generous love as you “grow rich” in his grace and favor (Matthew 25:29).
“Father, thank you for the wisdom and strength you give me. Help me wrap these gifts in your love and offer them back to you so that together we can build your kingdom.”
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