28 October, 2012
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Saint Simon and Saint Jude
FIRST READING
Jeremiah 31:7–9
Thus says the LORD:
Shout with joy for Jacob, exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say: The LORD has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel. Behold, I will bring them back from the land of the north; I will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst, the mothers and those with child; they shall return as an immense throng. They departed in tears, but I will console them and guide them; I will lead them to brooks of water, on a level road, so that none shall stumble. For I am a father to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 126:1–2, 2–3, 4–5, 6 (3)
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
SECOND READING
Hebrews 5:1–6
Brothers and sisters:
Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: You are my son: this day I have begotten you; just as he says in another place: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
ALLELUIA
see 2 Timothy 1:10
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Mark 10:46–52
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
REFLECTIONS:
Have you ever encountered a once in a life-time opportunity
you knew you could not pass up? Such a moment came for a blind and destitute
man, named Bartimaeus. He was determined to get near the one person who
could meet his need. He knew who Jesus was and had heard of his fame for
healing, but until now had no means of making contact with the Son of
David, a clear reference and title for the Messiah. It took a lot of
"guts" and persistence for Bartimaeus to get the attention of Jesus over
the din of a noisy throng who crowded around Jesus as he made his way out
of town. Why was the crowd annoyed with the blind man's persistent shouts?
He was disturbing their peace and interrupting Jesus' discourse. It was
common for a rabbi to teach as he walked with others. Jesus was on his
way to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem and a band of pilgrims followed
him. When the crowd tried to silence the blind man he overpowered them
with his emotional outburst and thus caught the attention of Jesus.
This incident reveals something important about how God interacts with
us. The blind man was determined to get Jesus' attention and he was persistent
in the face of opposition. Jesus could have ignored or rebuffed him because
he was disturbing his talk and his audience. Jesus showed that acting was
more important than talking. This man was in desperate need and Jesus was
ready, not only to empathize with his suffering, but to relieve it as well.
A great speaker can command attention and respect, but a man or woman with
a helping hand and a big heart is loved more. Jesus commends Bartimaeus
for recognizing who he is with the eyes of faith and grants him
physical sight as well.
Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD), an early church father, comments
on Bartimaeus' faith with an exhortation that we, too, should put our faith
in the light of Christ's word:
The commandment of the Lord shines clearly, enlightening the
eyes. Receive Christ, receive power to see, receive your light, that you
may plainly recognize both God and man. More delightful than gold and precious
stones, more desirable than honey and the honeycomb is the Word that has
enlightened us (Cf. Psalm 19:10). How could he not be desirable, who illumined
minds buried in darkness, and endowed with clear vision the light-bearing
eyes of the soul? … Sing his praises, then, Lord, and make known to me
your Father, who is God. Your Word will save me, your song instruct me.
I have gone astray in my search for God; but now that you light my path,
Lord, I find God through you, and receive the Father from you, I become
co-heir with you, since you were not ashamed to own me as your brother.
Let us, then, shake off forgetfulness of truth, shake off the mist of ignorance
and darkness that dims our eyes, and contemplate the true God, after first
raising this song of praise to him: All hail, O light! For upon us buried
in darkness, imprisoned in the shadow of death, a heavenly light has shone,
a light of a clarity surpassing the suns, and of a sweetness exceeding
any this earthly life can offer. [Exhortation to the Greeks 11]
Do you recognize your need for God's healing grace and light, and do you
seek Jesus out, like Bartimaeus did, with persistent faith and trust in
his goodness and mercy?
"Lord Jesus, remove from me the darkness of sin and unbelief and give
me eyes of faith to recognize the truth of your word and your saving presence
in my life."
27 October 2012
27 Oct 2012, Saturday of Week 29; Blessed Contardo Ferrini
27 October, 2012
Saturday of Week 29; Blessed Contardo Ferrini
FIRST READING
Ephesians 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
R. (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.
ALLELUIA
Ezekiel 33:11
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion that he may live.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 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.’”
REFLECTIONS:
What can a calamity, such as a political blood-bath
or a natural disaster, teach us about God's kingdom and the consequences
of bad choices and sinful actions? Jesus used two such occasions to address
the issue of sin and judgment with his Jewish audience. Pilate, who was
the Roman governor of Jerusalem at the time, ordered his troops to slaughter
a group of Galileans who had come up to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice in
the Temple. We do not know what these Galileans did to incite Pilate's
wrath, nor why Pilate chose to attack them in the holiest of places for
the Jews, in their temple at Jerusalem. For the Jews, this was political
barbarity and sacrilige at its worst! The second incident which Jesus addressed
was a natural disaster, a tower in Jerusalem which unexpectely collasped,
killing 18 people. The Jews often associated such calamities and disasters
as a consequence of sin. Scripture does warn that sin can result in calamity!
Though
the righteous fall seven times, and rise again; the wicked are overthrown
by calamity (Proverbs 24:16).
The real danger and calamity which Jesus points out is that an unexpected
disaster or a sudden death does not give us time to repent of our sins
and to prepare ourselves to meet the Judge of heaven and earth. The Book
of Job reminds us that misfortune and calamity can befall both the righteous
and the unrighteous alike. Jesus gives a clear warning take responsibility
for your actions and moral choices and put sin to death today before it
can destroy your heart, mind, soul, and body as well. Unrepentant sin is
like a cancer which corrupts us from within. If it is not eliminated through
repentance asking God for forgiveness and for his healing grace, it leads
to a spiritual death which is far worse than physical destruction.
Jesus' parable of the barren fig trees illustrated his warning about
the consequences of allowing sin and corruption to take root in our hearts
and minds. Fig trees were a common and important source of food for the
people of Palestine. A fig tree normally matured within three years, producing
plentiful fruit. If it failed, it was cut down to make room for more healthy
trees. A decaying fig tree and its bad fruit came to symbolize for the
Jews the consequence of spiritual corruption caused by evil deeds and unrepentant
sin. The unfruitful fig tree symbolized the outcome of Israel's unresponsiveness
to the word of God. The prophets depicted the desolation and calamity of
Israel, due to her unfaithfulness to God, as a languishing fig tree (see
Joel 1:7,12; Habakuk 3:17; and Jeremiah 8:13). Jeremiah likened good and
evil rulers and members of Israel with figs that were good for eating and
figs that were rotten and useless (Jeremiah 24:2-8). Jesus' parable depicts
the patience of God, but it also contains a warning that we should not
presume upon patience and mercy. God's judgment will come sooner or later
in due course.
Why does God judge his people? He judges to purify and cleanse us of
all sin that we might grow in his holiness and righteousness. And he disciplines
us for our own good, to inspire a godly fear and reverence for him and
his word. God is patient, but for those who persistently and stubbornly
rebel against him and refuse to repent, there is the consequence that they
will lose their soul to hell. Are God's judgments unjust or unloving? When
God's judgments are revealed in the earth, the inhabitants of the world
learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9). To pronounce God's judgment on sin
is much less harsh than what will happen if those who sin are not warned
to repent.
God, in his mercy, gives us time to get right with him, but that time
is now. We must not assume that there is no hurry. A sudden and unexpected
death leaves one no time to prepare to settle one's accounts when he or
she must stand before the Lord on the day of judgment. Jesus warns us that
we must be ready at all times. Tolerating sinful habits and excusing unrepentant
sin will result in bad fruit and eventual destruction. The Lord in his
mercy gives us both grace and time to turn away from sin, but that time
is right now. If we delay, even for a day, we may discover that grace has
passed us by and our time is up. Do you hunger for the Lord's righteousness
and holiness?
"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you that I may grow in righteousness
and holiness. May I not squander the grace of the present moment to say
"yes" to you and to your will and plan for my life."
Saturday of Week 29; Blessed Contardo Ferrini
FIRST READING
Ephesians 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
R. (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.
ALLELUIA
Ezekiel 33:11
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion that he may live.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 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.’”
REFLECTIONS:
What can a calamity, such as a political blood-bath
or a natural disaster, teach us about God's kingdom and the consequences
of bad choices and sinful actions? Jesus used two such occasions to address
the issue of sin and judgment with his Jewish audience. Pilate, who was
the Roman governor of Jerusalem at the time, ordered his troops to slaughter
a group of Galileans who had come up to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice in
the Temple. We do not know what these Galileans did to incite Pilate's
wrath, nor why Pilate chose to attack them in the holiest of places for
the Jews, in their temple at Jerusalem. For the Jews, this was political
barbarity and sacrilige at its worst! The second incident which Jesus addressed
was a natural disaster, a tower in Jerusalem which unexpectely collasped,
killing 18 people. The Jews often associated such calamities and disasters
as a consequence of sin. Scripture does warn that sin can result in calamity!
Though
the righteous fall seven times, and rise again; the wicked are overthrown
by calamity (Proverbs 24:16).
The real danger and calamity which Jesus points out is that an unexpected
disaster or a sudden death does not give us time to repent of our sins
and to prepare ourselves to meet the Judge of heaven and earth. The Book
of Job reminds us that misfortune and calamity can befall both the righteous
and the unrighteous alike. Jesus gives a clear warning take responsibility
for your actions and moral choices and put sin to death today before it
can destroy your heart, mind, soul, and body as well. Unrepentant sin is
like a cancer which corrupts us from within. If it is not eliminated through
repentance asking God for forgiveness and for his healing grace, it leads
to a spiritual death which is far worse than physical destruction.
Jesus' parable of the barren fig trees illustrated his warning about
the consequences of allowing sin and corruption to take root in our hearts
and minds. Fig trees were a common and important source of food for the
people of Palestine. A fig tree normally matured within three years, producing
plentiful fruit. If it failed, it was cut down to make room for more healthy
trees. A decaying fig tree and its bad fruit came to symbolize for the
Jews the consequence of spiritual corruption caused by evil deeds and unrepentant
sin. The unfruitful fig tree symbolized the outcome of Israel's unresponsiveness
to the word of God. The prophets depicted the desolation and calamity of
Israel, due to her unfaithfulness to God, as a languishing fig tree (see
Joel 1:7,12; Habakuk 3:17; and Jeremiah 8:13). Jeremiah likened good and
evil rulers and members of Israel with figs that were good for eating and
figs that were rotten and useless (Jeremiah 24:2-8). Jesus' parable depicts
the patience of God, but it also contains a warning that we should not
presume upon patience and mercy. God's judgment will come sooner or later
in due course.
Why does God judge his people? He judges to purify and cleanse us of
all sin that we might grow in his holiness and righteousness. And he disciplines
us for our own good, to inspire a godly fear and reverence for him and
his word. God is patient, but for those who persistently and stubbornly
rebel against him and refuse to repent, there is the consequence that they
will lose their soul to hell. Are God's judgments unjust or unloving? When
God's judgments are revealed in the earth, the inhabitants of the world
learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9). To pronounce God's judgment on sin
is much less harsh than what will happen if those who sin are not warned
to repent.
God, in his mercy, gives us time to get right with him, but that time
is now. We must not assume that there is no hurry. A sudden and unexpected
death leaves one no time to prepare to settle one's accounts when he or
she must stand before the Lord on the day of judgment. Jesus warns us that
we must be ready at all times. Tolerating sinful habits and excusing unrepentant
sin will result in bad fruit and eventual destruction. The Lord in his
mercy gives us both grace and time to turn away from sin, but that time
is right now. If we delay, even for a day, we may discover that grace has
passed us by and our time is up. Do you hunger for the Lord's righteousness
and holiness?
"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you that I may grow in righteousness
and holiness. May I not squander the grace of the present moment to say
"yes" to you and to your will and plan for my life."
25 October 2012
26 Oct 2012, Friday of Week 29; The Eleven Martyrs of Almeria, Spain
26 October, 2012
Friday of Week 29; The Eleven Martyrs of Almeria, Spain
FIRST READING
Ephesians 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
R. (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.
ALLELUIA
See Matthew 11:25
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 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.”
REFLECTIONS:
How good are you at reading warning signs? Jesus
expects his disciples to accurately read the signs of the times!
Farmers and seafarers know the importance of spotting weather conditions
for safe travel and planting. A lot of effort is made today, with the help
of science and technology, to discern potential natural dangers, such as
tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, tornados, earth quakes, and erupting
volcanoes, so that people can be warned to take shelter before disaster
hits. Our need for accurately discerning spiritual danger is even more
necessary if we want to avoid a spiritual crisis or a moral disaster. Jesus
used a vivid illustration to point out the urgency of getting right with
God before it is too late. If you got into serious trouble with your neighbor
and did something that could get you severely penalized (like being thrown
into jail and loosing everything you owned), would you not try to settle
the case out-of-court to avoid the worst consequences?
None of us has the power and strength of will for overcoming sin and
evil on our own. We stand in constant need of God's grace, help, strength,
and protection. That is why scripture uses vivid language to describe God
as our rock, refuge, fortress, and mighty defense. We are also vulnerable
to Satan's lies and deceptions as well as our own spiritual blindspots
for recognizing sin and moral weakness in our own lives. That is why we
need God's help and discernment for distinguishing between truth and error,
right and wrong, good and evil. Fortunately the Lord Jesus, who is a just
judge, is also a merciful advocate who pleads for us at the right hand
of the Father in heaven. The light of Jesus Christ reveals what is in our
hearts and his grace frees us from the tyranny of sinful habits, hurtful
desires, and harmful addictions. God's call is urgent and his grace is
available for total freedom and transformation in Christ. If we want to
turn away from sin the Lord is ready to give us the grace and help we need
to choose for his way of love and holiness. Are you ready for his saving
grace and healing action in your life?
"Lord Jesus, flood my heart with your love and free me for all that
would keep me from doing your will. Transform my mind that I may discern
what is right and have the courage to choose what is good and pleasing
to you."
Friday of Week 29; The Eleven Martyrs of Almeria, Spain
FIRST READING
Ephesians 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
R. (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.
ALLELUIA
See Matthew 11:25
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 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.”
REFLECTIONS:
How good are you at reading warning signs? Jesus
expects his disciples to accurately read the signs of the times!
Farmers and seafarers know the importance of spotting weather conditions
for safe travel and planting. A lot of effort is made today, with the help
of science and technology, to discern potential natural dangers, such as
tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, tornados, earth quakes, and erupting
volcanoes, so that people can be warned to take shelter before disaster
hits. Our need for accurately discerning spiritual danger is even more
necessary if we want to avoid a spiritual crisis or a moral disaster. Jesus
used a vivid illustration to point out the urgency of getting right with
God before it is too late. If you got into serious trouble with your neighbor
and did something that could get you severely penalized (like being thrown
into jail and loosing everything you owned), would you not try to settle
the case out-of-court to avoid the worst consequences?
None of us has the power and strength of will for overcoming sin and
evil on our own. We stand in constant need of God's grace, help, strength,
and protection. That is why scripture uses vivid language to describe God
as our rock, refuge, fortress, and mighty defense. We are also vulnerable
to Satan's lies and deceptions as well as our own spiritual blindspots
for recognizing sin and moral weakness in our own lives. That is why we
need God's help and discernment for distinguishing between truth and error,
right and wrong, good and evil. Fortunately the Lord Jesus, who is a just
judge, is also a merciful advocate who pleads for us at the right hand
of the Father in heaven. The light of Jesus Christ reveals what is in our
hearts and his grace frees us from the tyranny of sinful habits, hurtful
desires, and harmful addictions. God's call is urgent and his grace is
available for total freedom and transformation in Christ. If we want to
turn away from sin the Lord is ready to give us the grace and help we need
to choose for his way of love and holiness. Are you ready for his saving
grace and healing action in your life?
"Lord Jesus, flood my heart with your love and free me for all that
would keep me from doing your will. Transform my mind that I may discern
what is right and have the courage to choose what is good and pleasing
to you."
25 Oct 2012, Thursday of Week 29; St. Richard Gwyn
FIRST READING
Ephesians 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
R. (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.
ALLELUIA
Philippians 3:8-9
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 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.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you want to be on fire for God? Jesus shocked
his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division
rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind
here? Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action
in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested
his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed
when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2). The image of fire was also used to
symbolize God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13), his protective presence (2 Kings
6:17), his holiness (Deuteronomy 4:24), righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9),
and his wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16). It is also used of the Holy
Spirit (Matthew 3:11 and Acts 2:3). God's fire both purifies and cleanses,
and it inspires a reverent fear of God and of his word in us.
Jesus sharp statement that he would cause division rather than peace
within families must have shocked his disciples.Was he exaggerating? Jesus
used a typical Hebrew (Semetic) hyperbole to drive home an important lesson.
We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly.
Jesus hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the gospel message
does have consequences for our lives. It has the power to heal, restore,
and unite those who believe its message. But the consequence of ignoring
or rejecting the gospel can lead to many hurtful desires and seduction
by the world.
When Jesus spoke about division he likely had in mind the prophecy of
Micah: a man's enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6).
The essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ, a loyalty that
takes precedence over every other relationship. The love of God compels
us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship
(or anything else) above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his
disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple
loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ.
Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due
to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that
family and friends can become our enemies, if the thought of them keeps
us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ
compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?
"Lord Jesus, may your love consume me and transform my life that I may
truly desire nothing more than life with you. Make me strong in love and
fidelity that nothing may hinder me from doing your will."
Ephesians 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
R. (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.
ALLELUIA
Philippians 3:8-9
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 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.”
REFLECTIONS:
Do you want to be on fire for God? Jesus shocked
his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division
rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind
here? Fire in biblical times was associated with God and with his action
in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested
his presence by use of fire, such as the burning bush which was not consumed
when God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2). The image of fire was also used to
symbolize God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13), his protective presence (2 Kings
6:17), his holiness (Deuteronomy 4:24), righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9),
and his wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16). It is also used of the Holy
Spirit (Matthew 3:11 and Acts 2:3). God's fire both purifies and cleanses,
and it inspires a reverent fear of God and of his word in us.
Jesus sharp statement that he would cause division rather than peace
within families must have shocked his disciples.Was he exaggerating? Jesus
used a typical Hebrew (Semetic) hyperbole to drive home an important lesson.
We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly.
Jesus hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the gospel message
does have consequences for our lives. It has the power to heal, restore,
and unite those who believe its message. But the consequence of ignoring
or rejecting the gospel can lead to many hurtful desires and seduction
by the world.
When Jesus spoke about division he likely had in mind the prophecy of
Micah: a man's enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6).
The essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ, a loyalty that
takes precedence over every other relationship. The love of God compels
us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship
(or anything else) above God is a form of idolatry. Jesus challenges his
disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple
loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ.
Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due
to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that
family and friends can become our enemies, if the thought of them keeps
us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ
compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?
"Lord Jesus, may your love consume me and transform my life that I may
truly desire nothing more than life with you. Make me strong in love and
fidelity that nothing may hinder me from doing your will."
24 October 2012
24 Oct 2012, Wednesday of Week 29; St. Anthony Mary Claret
24 October, 2012
Wednesday of Week 29; St. Anthony Mary Claret
FIRST READING
Ephesians 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
R. (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.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 24:42a, 44
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 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.”
REFLECTIONS:
What lesson can a thief in the night teach us about the kingdom of God? Jesus loved to tell stories, many which ended with a dramatic and unexpected change of circumstances. Can you imagine a thief calling ahead to tell his victim when he would strike? The intruder strikes when he is least expected and under the cover of darkness and secrecy. Should we be surprised to see a thief making off with a great treasure left unguarded?
What does this say about the treasure which God has entrusted to you and me? When God offers us his kingdom he gives us a priceless treasure (see the parable of the treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great price in Matthew 13:44-46). What is this treasure of immeasurable value? The Lord Jesus himself is our treasure (Job 22:22-23) and the kingdom he offers us is a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The Lord offers us a relationship with God the Father as his sons and daughters and the promise of eternal life as well. This treasure is of far greater value that any earthly treasure because nothing can diminish its insurpassable worth or destroy it. But it's possible to lose this great treasure if we do not guard it with our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We can lose heaven and eternal friendship with God if we allow Satan – the deceiver and father of lies – to rob us of our faith and make us deny God's word of truth! The Lord Jesus fortunately does not leave us on our own – he stands watch with us to guide, direct, and keep us from the snares of the evil one. Do you keep vigilant watch over the treasure which God has entrusted to you?
Jesus ends his teaching on watchfulness and vigilance with another parable about a master and his servants (similr to the parable in Matthew 24:.45-49). The storyline is similar. There is an element of surprise – the master suddenly returns home unexpectedly, probably from a long journey. He rewards the dutiful servant for his faithfulness to his master. He has performed his service with diligence and has done all that the master required of him. The master punishes the other servant who behaved wickedly. This servant was not only irresponsible – he was frequently absent from work and spent his master's money by throwing endless parties with his friends. The wicked servant also abused his fellow workers with physical force and violence – probably to make them do the work he was supposed to do for his master. The master not only strips him of his job and a secure place to live, but removes him from the joy and fellowship of the people he lived and worked with. The wicked servant is cast into a prison of like-minded rebels, trouble-makers, thieves, and murderers. Can you imagine a place of endless quarreling, strife, hatred, envy, jealousy, and constant abuse and fighting? Should we be surprised to see the master acting with such swift judgment? After all the master is only giving back to the wicked servant what he has given to others through his abusive and irresponsible behavior. The master rewards the faithful servant with promotion, honor, and friendship, and he punishes the unfaithful servant – who stole from his master and used his position to abuse others – by removing him from his position of trust. The Lord has entrusted each one of us with his gifts and grace – the grace to love God with faithfulness, trust, and obedience – and the grace to love our neighbor as ourself. Do you want to be faithful and reliable as the Lord is faithful and trustworthy?
The Lord loves faithfulness and richly rewards those who are faithful to him. What is faithfulness? It's keeping one's word, promise, and commitments no matter how tough or difficult it gets. Faithfulness is a key character trait of God and one that he expects of us. Fortunately God gives the grace and strength to remain faithful. He also rewards faithfulness. The joy and privilege of being a son or daughter of God carries with it an awesome responsibility. The Lord expects us to make good use of the gifts and graces he gives to us. The more he gives, the more he requires. The temptation while the Master is away is to put off for tomorrow what we know the Master expects us to do today. How can we grow in faithfulness? God's grace shows us the way. When we are faithful in the little tasks and promises we make, we learn to be faithful in the bigger and more important responsibilities and tasks entrusted to us.
The Lord Jesus calls us to be vigilant in watching for his return and to be ready to meet him when he calls us to himself. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit so that we may have the wisdom, help, and strength we need to turn away from sin to embrace God's way of love, justice, and holiness. The Lord's warning of judgment causes dismay for those who are unprepared, but it brings joyful hope to those who eagerly wait for his return in glory. God's judgment is good news for those who are ready to meet him. Their reward is God himself, the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life.
“Lord Jesus, you have captured my heart and it is yours. Take it that I may have you alone as my treasure and joy. Make me strong in faith, steadfast in hope, and generous in love that I may seek to please you in all things and bring you glory.”
Wednesday of Week 29; St. Anthony Mary Claret
FIRST READING
Ephesians 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6
R. (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.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 24:42a, 44
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 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.”
REFLECTIONS:
What lesson can a thief in the night teach us about the kingdom of God? Jesus loved to tell stories, many which ended with a dramatic and unexpected change of circumstances. Can you imagine a thief calling ahead to tell his victim when he would strike? The intruder strikes when he is least expected and under the cover of darkness and secrecy. Should we be surprised to see a thief making off with a great treasure left unguarded?
What does this say about the treasure which God has entrusted to you and me? When God offers us his kingdom he gives us a priceless treasure (see the parable of the treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great price in Matthew 13:44-46). What is this treasure of immeasurable value? The Lord Jesus himself is our treasure (Job 22:22-23) and the kingdom he offers us is a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The Lord offers us a relationship with God the Father as his sons and daughters and the promise of eternal life as well. This treasure is of far greater value that any earthly treasure because nothing can diminish its insurpassable worth or destroy it. But it's possible to lose this great treasure if we do not guard it with our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We can lose heaven and eternal friendship with God if we allow Satan – the deceiver and father of lies – to rob us of our faith and make us deny God's word of truth! The Lord Jesus fortunately does not leave us on our own – he stands watch with us to guide, direct, and keep us from the snares of the evil one. Do you keep vigilant watch over the treasure which God has entrusted to you?
Jesus ends his teaching on watchfulness and vigilance with another parable about a master and his servants (similr to the parable in Matthew 24:.45-49). The storyline is similar. There is an element of surprise – the master suddenly returns home unexpectedly, probably from a long journey. He rewards the dutiful servant for his faithfulness to his master. He has performed his service with diligence and has done all that the master required of him. The master punishes the other servant who behaved wickedly. This servant was not only irresponsible – he was frequently absent from work and spent his master's money by throwing endless parties with his friends. The wicked servant also abused his fellow workers with physical force and violence – probably to make them do the work he was supposed to do for his master. The master not only strips him of his job and a secure place to live, but removes him from the joy and fellowship of the people he lived and worked with. The wicked servant is cast into a prison of like-minded rebels, trouble-makers, thieves, and murderers. Can you imagine a place of endless quarreling, strife, hatred, envy, jealousy, and constant abuse and fighting? Should we be surprised to see the master acting with such swift judgment? After all the master is only giving back to the wicked servant what he has given to others through his abusive and irresponsible behavior. The master rewards the faithful servant with promotion, honor, and friendship, and he punishes the unfaithful servant – who stole from his master and used his position to abuse others – by removing him from his position of trust. The Lord has entrusted each one of us with his gifts and grace – the grace to love God with faithfulness, trust, and obedience – and the grace to love our neighbor as ourself. Do you want to be faithful and reliable as the Lord is faithful and trustworthy?
The Lord loves faithfulness and richly rewards those who are faithful to him. What is faithfulness? It's keeping one's word, promise, and commitments no matter how tough or difficult it gets. Faithfulness is a key character trait of God and one that he expects of us. Fortunately God gives the grace and strength to remain faithful. He also rewards faithfulness. The joy and privilege of being a son or daughter of God carries with it an awesome responsibility. The Lord expects us to make good use of the gifts and graces he gives to us. The more he gives, the more he requires. The temptation while the Master is away is to put off for tomorrow what we know the Master expects us to do today. How can we grow in faithfulness? God's grace shows us the way. When we are faithful in the little tasks and promises we make, we learn to be faithful in the bigger and more important responsibilities and tasks entrusted to us.
The Lord Jesus calls us to be vigilant in watching for his return and to be ready to meet him when he calls us to himself. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit so that we may have the wisdom, help, and strength we need to turn away from sin to embrace God's way of love, justice, and holiness. The Lord's warning of judgment causes dismay for those who are unprepared, but it brings joyful hope to those who eagerly wait for his return in glory. God's judgment is good news for those who are ready to meet him. Their reward is God himself, the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life.
“Lord Jesus, you have captured my heart and it is yours. Take it that I may have you alone as my treasure and joy. Make me strong in faith, steadfast in hope, and generous in love that I may seek to please you in all things and bring you glory.”
23 October 2012
23 Oct 2012, Tuesday of Week 29; St. John of Capistrano
FIRST READING
Ephesians 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (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.
ALLELUIA
Luke 21:36
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 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.”
REFLECTIONS:
Are you ever caught off guard when someone shows up unexpectely to get something from you or to see how you are doing? The Boy Scouts have as their motto, Be Prepared! Jesus' master-servant parables seem to extol the virtue of preparedness. But there is something deeper and even more important behind it. There is an element of surprise in the story of the master returning home at a late hour after attending a marriage feast. Will the master catch his servant sleeping rather than keeping watchful guard? And what about the reward promised for those who faithfully perform their duty, day in and day out, no matter what the circumstances? The image Jesus uses here is a great wedding feast in which the master honors his guests by seating them himself and personally waiting on them. What a great reversal – the master becomes a servant to show his respect and honor for his beloved guests!
This parable contains a lesson in faithfulness and a warning against sloth.Why is faithfulness so important to God? For one, it's the foundation for any lasting and meaningful relationship. Faithfulness or fidelity allows us to persevere in living out an unswerving commitment. The Lord is committed to us in a bond of unbreakable love and fidelity. That is what covenant means – keeping one's word, promise, and commitment no matter how tough or difficult it gets. Faithfulness is a key character trait of God and one that he expects of us. Fortunately God gives the grace and strength to be faithful. He also rewards faithfulness. Why is fidelity, commitment, and faithfulness so difficult today? Many today in western society extol freedom over fidelity and don't want to be bound to an unknown or uncertain future. It's regarded as inconvenient and a burden to the pursuit of the individual's interests. We badly need to recover this virtue, not only for our own sake, but for the sake of future generations as well. If we want to pass on the faith then we need to first be faithful models for our young people.
Faithfulness demands consistency, a determination to stay the course and see the task to its completion. Cal Ripken, an American baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles, is a sports hero and a legend to many simply because he always showed up for the game and gave his best. He didn't miss one game in 16 years of playing baseball! That's a total of 2,632 consecutive games. Only one other baseball player in history has come close to that record. In 1983 he hurt his hand sliding on artificial turf and was unable to grip the bat at first; he somehow gritted his teeth and got five hits that night, two of them home runs.
God loves faithfulness. That is why we can always expect God to give us what he promises. In turn, God expects us to be faithful to him and to one another. How can we grow in faithfulness? God's grace shows us the way. When we are faithful in the little tasks and promises we make, we learn to be faithful in the bigger and more important responsibilities and tasks entrusted to us. Our reward is the Lord Jesus himself who shares with us his joy and friendship – "well done good and faithful servant ..enter into the joy of your Master" (Matthew 25:21).
"Lord Jesus, you are faithful even when I fail. Help me to persevere in faithfulness and not shrink back in the face of challenges or difficulties. May I never forget your presence with me and may I always be ready to receive you when you call me to your home."
Ephesians 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.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (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.
ALLELUIA
Luke 21:36
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 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.”
REFLECTIONS:
Are you ever caught off guard when someone shows up unexpectely to get something from you or to see how you are doing? The Boy Scouts have as their motto, Be Prepared! Jesus' master-servant parables seem to extol the virtue of preparedness. But there is something deeper and even more important behind it. There is an element of surprise in the story of the master returning home at a late hour after attending a marriage feast. Will the master catch his servant sleeping rather than keeping watchful guard? And what about the reward promised for those who faithfully perform their duty, day in and day out, no matter what the circumstances? The image Jesus uses here is a great wedding feast in which the master honors his guests by seating them himself and personally waiting on them. What a great reversal – the master becomes a servant to show his respect and honor for his beloved guests!
This parable contains a lesson in faithfulness and a warning against sloth.Why is faithfulness so important to God? For one, it's the foundation for any lasting and meaningful relationship. Faithfulness or fidelity allows us to persevere in living out an unswerving commitment. The Lord is committed to us in a bond of unbreakable love and fidelity. That is what covenant means – keeping one's word, promise, and commitment no matter how tough or difficult it gets. Faithfulness is a key character trait of God and one that he expects of us. Fortunately God gives the grace and strength to be faithful. He also rewards faithfulness. Why is fidelity, commitment, and faithfulness so difficult today? Many today in western society extol freedom over fidelity and don't want to be bound to an unknown or uncertain future. It's regarded as inconvenient and a burden to the pursuit of the individual's interests. We badly need to recover this virtue, not only for our own sake, but for the sake of future generations as well. If we want to pass on the faith then we need to first be faithful models for our young people.
Faithfulness demands consistency, a determination to stay the course and see the task to its completion. Cal Ripken, an American baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles, is a sports hero and a legend to many simply because he always showed up for the game and gave his best. He didn't miss one game in 16 years of playing baseball! That's a total of 2,632 consecutive games. Only one other baseball player in history has come close to that record. In 1983 he hurt his hand sliding on artificial turf and was unable to grip the bat at first; he somehow gritted his teeth and got five hits that night, two of them home runs.
God loves faithfulness. That is why we can always expect God to give us what he promises. In turn, God expects us to be faithful to him and to one another. How can we grow in faithfulness? God's grace shows us the way. When we are faithful in the little tasks and promises we make, we learn to be faithful in the bigger and more important responsibilities and tasks entrusted to us. Our reward is the Lord Jesus himself who shares with us his joy and friendship – "well done good and faithful servant ..enter into the joy of your Master" (Matthew 25:21).
"Lord Jesus, you are faithful even when I fail. Help me to persevere in faithfulness and not shrink back in the face of challenges or difficulties. May I never forget your presence with me and may I always be ready to receive you when you call me to your home."
22 October 2012
22 Oct 2012, Monday of Week 29; Blessed Timothy Giaccardo
22 October, 2012
Monday of Week 29; Blessed Timothy Giaccardo
FIRST READING
Ephesians 2:1-10
Brothers and sisters:
You were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you once lived following the age of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh and the impulses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4ab, 4c-5
R. (3b) The Lord made us, we belong to him.
Sing joyfully to the LORD all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song.
R. The Lord made us, we belong to him.
Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends.
R. The Lord made us, we belong to him.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise.
R. The Lord made us, we belong to him.
Give thanks to him; bless his name, for he is good: the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. The Lord made us, we belong to him.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 5:3
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 12:13-21
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,
“Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”
REFLECTIONS:
Have you ever tried to settle a money dispute or an inheritance issue? Inheritance disputes are rarely ever easy to resolve, especially when the relatives or close associates of the deceased benefactor cannot agree on who should get what and who should get the most. Why did Jesus refuse to settle an inheritance dispute between two brothers? He saw that the heart of the issue was not justice or fairness but rather greed and possessiveness.
The ten commandments were summarized into two prohibitions – do not worship false idols and do not covet what belongs to another. It's the flip side of the two great commandments – love God and love your neighbor. Jesus warned the man who wanted half of his brother's inheritance to "beware of all covetousness." To covet is to wish to get wrongfully what another possesses or to begrudge what God has given to another. Jesus restates the commandment "do not covet", but he also states that a person's life does not consist in the abundance of his or her possessions.
August of Hippo (354-430 AD) comments on Jesus' words to the brother who wanted more:
Greed wants to divide, just as love desires to gather. What is the significance of “guard against all greed,” unless it is “fill yourselves with love”? We, possessing love for our portion, inconvenience the Lord because of our brother just as that man did against his brother, but we do not use the same plea. He said, “Master, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” We say, “Master, tell my brother that he may have my inheritance.” [Sermon 265.9]
Jesus reinforces his point with a parable about a foolish rich man. Why does Jesus call this wealthy landowner a fool? Jesus does not fault the rich man for his industriousness and skill in acquiring wealth, but rather for his egoism and selfishness – it's mine, all mine, and no one else's. This parable is similar to the parable of the rich man who refused to give any help to the beggar Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). The rich fool had lost the capacity to be concerned for others. His life was consumed with his possessions and his only interests were in himself. His death was the final loss of his soul!
In the parable of the rich fool Jesus gives a lesson on using material possessions. It is in giving that we receive. Those who are rich towards God receive ample reward – not only in this life – but in eternity as well.
Cyril of Alexandria, a fifth century church father, comments on Jesus' word to be rich toward God:
It is true that a person’s life is not from one’s possessions or because of having an overabundance. He who is rich toward God is very blessed and has glorious hope. Who is he? Evidently, one who does not love wealth but rather loves virtue, and to whom few things are sufficient. It is one whose hand is open to the needs of the poor, comforting the sorrows of those in poverty according to his means and the utmost of his power. He gathers in the storehouses that are above and lays up treasures in heaven. Such a one shall find the interest of his virtue and the reward of his right and blameless life. [Commentary on Luke, Homily 89]
In this little parable Jesus probes our heart – where is your treasure? Treasure has a special connection to the heart, the place of desire and longing, the place of will and focus. The thing we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. What do you treasure above all else?
"Lord Jesus, free my heart from all possessivness and from coveting what belongs to another. May I desire you alone as the one true treasure worth possessing above all else. Help me to make good use of the material blessings you give me that I may use them generously for your glory and for the good of others."
Monday of Week 29; Blessed Timothy Giaccardo
FIRST READING
Ephesians 2:1-10
Brothers and sisters:
You were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you once lived following the age of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh and the impulses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4ab, 4c-5
R. (3b) The Lord made us, we belong to him.
Sing joyfully to the LORD all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song.
R. The Lord made us, we belong to him.
Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends.
R. The Lord made us, we belong to him.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise.
R. The Lord made us, we belong to him.
Give thanks to him; bless his name, for he is good: the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. The Lord made us, we belong to him.
ALLELUIA
Matthew 5:3
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 12:13-21
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus,
“Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”
REFLECTIONS:
Have you ever tried to settle a money dispute or an inheritance issue? Inheritance disputes are rarely ever easy to resolve, especially when the relatives or close associates of the deceased benefactor cannot agree on who should get what and who should get the most. Why did Jesus refuse to settle an inheritance dispute between two brothers? He saw that the heart of the issue was not justice or fairness but rather greed and possessiveness.
The ten commandments were summarized into two prohibitions – do not worship false idols and do not covet what belongs to another. It's the flip side of the two great commandments – love God and love your neighbor. Jesus warned the man who wanted half of his brother's inheritance to "beware of all covetousness." To covet is to wish to get wrongfully what another possesses or to begrudge what God has given to another. Jesus restates the commandment "do not covet", but he also states that a person's life does not consist in the abundance of his or her possessions.
August of Hippo (354-430 AD) comments on Jesus' words to the brother who wanted more:
Greed wants to divide, just as love desires to gather. What is the significance of “guard against all greed,” unless it is “fill yourselves with love”? We, possessing love for our portion, inconvenience the Lord because of our brother just as that man did against his brother, but we do not use the same plea. He said, “Master, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” We say, “Master, tell my brother that he may have my inheritance.” [Sermon 265.9]
Jesus reinforces his point with a parable about a foolish rich man. Why does Jesus call this wealthy landowner a fool? Jesus does not fault the rich man for his industriousness and skill in acquiring wealth, but rather for his egoism and selfishness – it's mine, all mine, and no one else's. This parable is similar to the parable of the rich man who refused to give any help to the beggar Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). The rich fool had lost the capacity to be concerned for others. His life was consumed with his possessions and his only interests were in himself. His death was the final loss of his soul!
In the parable of the rich fool Jesus gives a lesson on using material possessions. It is in giving that we receive. Those who are rich towards God receive ample reward – not only in this life – but in eternity as well.
Cyril of Alexandria, a fifth century church father, comments on Jesus' word to be rich toward God:
It is true that a person’s life is not from one’s possessions or because of having an overabundance. He who is rich toward God is very blessed and has glorious hope. Who is he? Evidently, one who does not love wealth but rather loves virtue, and to whom few things are sufficient. It is one whose hand is open to the needs of the poor, comforting the sorrows of those in poverty according to his means and the utmost of his power. He gathers in the storehouses that are above and lays up treasures in heaven. Such a one shall find the interest of his virtue and the reward of his right and blameless life. [Commentary on Luke, Homily 89]
In this little parable Jesus probes our heart – where is your treasure? Treasure has a special connection to the heart, the place of desire and longing, the place of will and focus. The thing we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. What do you treasure above all else?
"Lord Jesus, free my heart from all possessivness and from coveting what belongs to another. May I desire you alone as the one true treasure worth possessing above all else. Help me to make good use of the material blessings you give me that I may use them generously for your glory and for the good of others."
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