Reading 1
Hos 14:2-10
Thus says the LORD:
Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God;
you have collapsed through your guilt.
Take with you words,
and return to the LORD;
Say to him, "Forgive all iniquity,
and receive what is good, that we may render
as offerings the bullocks from our stalls.
Assyria will not save us,
nor shall we have horses to mount;
We shall say no more, 'Our god,'
to the work of our hands;
for in you the orphan finds compassion."
I will heal their defection, says the LORD,
I will love them freely;
for my wrath is turned away from them.
I will be like the dew for Israel:
he shall blossom like the lily;
He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar,
and put forth his shoots.
His splendor shall be like the olive tree
and his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar.
Again they shall dwell in his shade
and raise grain;
They shall blossom like the vine,
and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
Ephraim! What more has he to do with idols?
I have humbled him, but I will prosper him.
"I am like a verdant cypress tree"—
because of me you bear fruit!
Let him who is wise understand these things;
let him who is prudent know them.
Straight are the paths of the LORD,
in them the just walk,
but sinners stumble in them.
Gospel
Mt 10:16-23
Jesus said to his Apostles:
"Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves;
so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.
But beware of men,
for they will hand you over to courts
and scourge you in their synagogues,
and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake
as a witness before them and the pagans.
When they hand you over,
do not worry about how you are to speak
or what you are to say.
You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak
but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will hand over brother to death,
and the father his child;
children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but whoever endures to the end will be saved.
When they persecute you in one town, flee to another.
Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel
before the Son of Man comes."
Meditation: Hosea 14:2-10
Take with you words, and return to the Lord. (Hosea 14:3)
Father, what kind of offering can I make as I return to you? I’ll bring you the secrets of my heart: the things I dare not admit to anyone else. I’ll bring you the anger that has spilled from me and stained the people I love. I’ll bring you the lies that have steamed out of me and the lust that has boiled inside me. I’ll bring you the bitterness, the judgments, and the grudges that cloud my sight and numb my heart.
Forgive me, Father, for insisting on being independent from you. It hasn’t freed me at all. Instead, it has made me dependent on other people and things: my own strength and wits, flatterers and slanderers, alcohol and food. Forgive me for taking the gifts you have blessed me with and using them for my own ends, at my own convenience. I’m sorry for all the hours, days, and months that I have spent serving myself more than I serve you. I’m sorry for bowing to the things I have acquired while overlooking the needs of your children around me.
You have called me, Lord, and so I come. Forgive my guilt, and release me from shame. I am sorry that I exchanged the garments of salvation and robes of righteousness for the rags of self-righteousness and self-centeredness. Clothe me once again in your mercy! Forgive my disobedience! Heal my defection from you, and restore me to the position of a beloved child in your house. Thank you for overlooking my sins so that I may repent. I believe that you will have mercy on me because you can do anything.
Thank you, Father, for hearing me and accepting my offering. Thank you for consuming it in the blazing fire of your love. Thank you that, in exchange for the dark secrets of my heart, you give me the brightness of your loving and merciful heart. I know I can trust in your love for me. I believe that it is greater than my love for myself. Soften my heart, Father, so that I can receive what you want to plant in me today: love and gentleness, purity and faithfulness.
“Father, as I return to you, I take with me these words of repentance and surrender. I know you will hear and answer me!”
08 July 2010
08 July 2010, Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Hos 11:1-4, 8c-9
Thus says the LORD:
When Israel was a child I loved him,
out of Egypt I called my son.
The more I called them,
the farther they went from me,
Sacrificing to the Baals
and burning incense to idols.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
who took them in my arms;
I drew them with human cords,
with bands of love;
I fostered them like one
who raises an infant to his cheeks;
Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,
they did not know that I was their healer.
My heart is overwhelmed,
my pity is stirred.
I will not give vent to my blazing anger,
I will not destroy Ephraim again;
For I am God and not man,
the Holy One present among you;
I will not let the flames consume you.
Gospel
Mt 10:7-15
Jesus said to his Apostles:
"As you go, make this proclamation:
'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
Cure the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts;
no sack for the journey, or a second tunic,
or sandals, or walking stick.
The laborer deserves his keep.
Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it,
and stay there until you leave.
As you enter a house, wish it peace.
If the house is worthy,
let your peace come upon it;
if not, let your peace return to you.
Whoever will not receive you or listen to your wordsC
go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.
Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable
for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment
than for that town."
Meditation: Hosea 11:1-4,8-9
When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. (Hosea 11:1)
Hold a sleepy child—a younger sibling, your own child, a grandchild—quietly for a few minutes, and feelings of love and tenderness, and even protectiveness, begin to well up on their own. The feelings you experience are a reflection of God’s love for you: warm, affectionate, and protective.
“When Israel was a child, I loved him” (Hosea 11:1). Try inserting your own name here. God loves you. And this love, this grace and generosity, do not depend on anything you do. His love rises above what you know, what you’ve done, or what you deserve. Acts of faithfulness don’t earn it, and disobedience doesn’t rule it out. God knows your sins and failings, your weaknesses and impulses, yet he is steadfastly patient.
“I called them… . My pity is stirred” (Hosea 11:2,8). Insert your name in those verses as well. God is calling you. He has compassion for you. No matter how near to him you feel (or how distant), he calls you to know him more. He has even more love to share with you.
God’s love is unwavering, inexhaustible. It is far bigger and better than our limited, human view of love. Hosea reminds us that our disobedience and ignorance can never drive God away. He created you out of eternal, uncreated love, and so he will always love you. He is drawing you with “human cords” (Hosea 11:4)—with his kindness and compassion—so that you will turn to him and let him show you his love. He places no heavy yoke, no onerous burden on you. No, he is gently and persistently calling you.
In prayer today, set your heart on God’s protection and compassion for you. Sit quietly and tell him: “Here I am, Father. I want to know your love.” Then, listen for his voice in your heart. Don’t worry about why he should—or shouldn’t—answer you. God loves you. Let him tell you. Give him room to speak, and he will convince you.
“Father, here I am. I want to know your love more deeply. Bring me close to your heart, and fill me with your mercy.”
Hos 11:1-4, 8c-9
Thus says the LORD:
When Israel was a child I loved him,
out of Egypt I called my son.
The more I called them,
the farther they went from me,
Sacrificing to the Baals
and burning incense to idols.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
who took them in my arms;
I drew them with human cords,
with bands of love;
I fostered them like one
who raises an infant to his cheeks;
Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,
they did not know that I was their healer.
My heart is overwhelmed,
my pity is stirred.
I will not give vent to my blazing anger,
I will not destroy Ephraim again;
For I am God and not man,
the Holy One present among you;
I will not let the flames consume you.
Gospel
Mt 10:7-15
Jesus said to his Apostles:
"As you go, make this proclamation:
'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
Cure the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts;
no sack for the journey, or a second tunic,
or sandals, or walking stick.
The laborer deserves his keep.
Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it,
and stay there until you leave.
As you enter a house, wish it peace.
If the house is worthy,
let your peace come upon it;
if not, let your peace return to you.
Whoever will not receive you or listen to your wordsC
go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.
Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable
for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment
than for that town."
Meditation: Hosea 11:1-4,8-9
When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. (Hosea 11:1)
Hold a sleepy child—a younger sibling, your own child, a grandchild—quietly for a few minutes, and feelings of love and tenderness, and even protectiveness, begin to well up on their own. The feelings you experience are a reflection of God’s love for you: warm, affectionate, and protective.
“When Israel was a child, I loved him” (Hosea 11:1). Try inserting your own name here. God loves you. And this love, this grace and generosity, do not depend on anything you do. His love rises above what you know, what you’ve done, or what you deserve. Acts of faithfulness don’t earn it, and disobedience doesn’t rule it out. God knows your sins and failings, your weaknesses and impulses, yet he is steadfastly patient.
“I called them… . My pity is stirred” (Hosea 11:2,8). Insert your name in those verses as well. God is calling you. He has compassion for you. No matter how near to him you feel (or how distant), he calls you to know him more. He has even more love to share with you.
God’s love is unwavering, inexhaustible. It is far bigger and better than our limited, human view of love. Hosea reminds us that our disobedience and ignorance can never drive God away. He created you out of eternal, uncreated love, and so he will always love you. He is drawing you with “human cords” (Hosea 11:4)—with his kindness and compassion—so that you will turn to him and let him show you his love. He places no heavy yoke, no onerous burden on you. No, he is gently and persistently calling you.
In prayer today, set your heart on God’s protection and compassion for you. Sit quietly and tell him: “Here I am, Father. I want to know your love.” Then, listen for his voice in your heart. Don’t worry about why he should—or shouldn’t—answer you. God loves you. Let him tell you. Give him room to speak, and he will convince you.
“Father, here I am. I want to know your love more deeply. Bring me close to your heart, and fill me with your mercy.”
07 July 2010
07 July 2010, Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12
Israel is a luxuriant vine
whose fruit matches its growth.
The more abundant his fruit,
the more altars he built;
The more productive his land,
the more sacred pillars he set up.
Their heart is false,
now they pay for their guilt;
God shall break down their altars
and destroy their sacred pillars.
If they would say,
"We have no king"—
Since they do not fear the LORD,
what can the king do for them?
The king of Samaria shall disappear,
like foam upon the waters.
The high places of Aven shall be destroyed,
the sin of Israel;
thorns and thistles shall overgrow their altars.
Then they shall cry out to the mountains, "Cover us!"
and to the hills, "Fall upon us!"
"Sow for yourselves justice,
reap the fruit of piety;
break up for yourselves a new field,
for it is time to seek the LORD,
till he come and rain down justice upon you."
Gospel
Mt 10:1-7
Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples
and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out
and to cure every disease and every illness.
The names of the Twelve Apostles are these:
first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;
James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;
Philip and Bartholomew,
Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;
James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;
Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot
who betrayed Jesus.
Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus,
"Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.
Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"
Meditation: Matthew 10:1-7
Meditation: Matthew 10:1-7
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… and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. (Matthew 10:4)
Whenever Scripture gives a list of the apostles, Judas Iscariot is placed at the end, along with the note about his act of treachery. Imagine being known for all time as the one traitorous apostle!
What could have possibly gone wrong? After all, Judas was among those who went out and performed mighty works at Jesus’ command. He had seen and heard everything that the other disciples saw and heard. Plus, he was not the only apostle who sinned. They all fled in the garden, and we all know about Peter’s infamous threefold denial.
So why did Peter go on to lead the entire church while Judas hanged himself? Part of the answer comes in the way Peter responded to his sin compared to the way Judas did. When Peter saw what he had done, he broke down and wept tears of repentance. And as he prayed for mercy, he came to sense God’s mercy. He saw that there still was hope for him. In contrast, when Judas realized that he had betrayed an innocent man, he couldn’t get past the guilt. He couldn’t believe that God would ever forgive him. He fell prey to the lies that the devil whispered to him and so fell into despair.
The lesson for us couldn’t be clearer. We are all sinners. We have all betrayed the Lord at various times in our lives. But the secret is to be able to admit our sin when the Holy Spirit shines his light on it and to seek God’s forgiveness in repentance. Once we confess, we are forgiven, no matter how great the sin we have committed. In fact, there is nothing in all of creation that is so big or so horrible that it can separate us from God’s unconditional love and his outlandish mercy. There is no need for lingering guilt or shame—and certainly no need to despair. God knows our weakness, and he loves us anyway. That’s just how awesome he is!
“Father, I am amazed at your love. Though I am weak and sinful, you are merciful and kind. Holy Spirit, shine your light into any areas where I need your mercy today. Let godly sorrow bring me life today, so that I may get on with being your disciple.”
Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12
Israel is a luxuriant vine
whose fruit matches its growth.
The more abundant his fruit,
the more altars he built;
The more productive his land,
the more sacred pillars he set up.
Their heart is false,
now they pay for their guilt;
God shall break down their altars
and destroy their sacred pillars.
If they would say,
"We have no king"—
Since they do not fear the LORD,
what can the king do for them?
The king of Samaria shall disappear,
like foam upon the waters.
The high places of Aven shall be destroyed,
the sin of Israel;
thorns and thistles shall overgrow their altars.
Then they shall cry out to the mountains, "Cover us!"
and to the hills, "Fall upon us!"
"Sow for yourselves justice,
reap the fruit of piety;
break up for yourselves a new field,
for it is time to seek the LORD,
till he come and rain down justice upon you."
Gospel
Mt 10:1-7
Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples
and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out
and to cure every disease and every illness.
The names of the Twelve Apostles are these:
first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;
James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;
Philip and Bartholomew,
Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;
James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;
Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot
who betrayed Jesus.
Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus,
"Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.
Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"
Meditation: Matthew 10:1-7
Meditation: Matthew 10:1-7
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… and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. (Matthew 10:4)
Whenever Scripture gives a list of the apostles, Judas Iscariot is placed at the end, along with the note about his act of treachery. Imagine being known for all time as the one traitorous apostle!
What could have possibly gone wrong? After all, Judas was among those who went out and performed mighty works at Jesus’ command. He had seen and heard everything that the other disciples saw and heard. Plus, he was not the only apostle who sinned. They all fled in the garden, and we all know about Peter’s infamous threefold denial.
So why did Peter go on to lead the entire church while Judas hanged himself? Part of the answer comes in the way Peter responded to his sin compared to the way Judas did. When Peter saw what he had done, he broke down and wept tears of repentance. And as he prayed for mercy, he came to sense God’s mercy. He saw that there still was hope for him. In contrast, when Judas realized that he had betrayed an innocent man, he couldn’t get past the guilt. He couldn’t believe that God would ever forgive him. He fell prey to the lies that the devil whispered to him and so fell into despair.
The lesson for us couldn’t be clearer. We are all sinners. We have all betrayed the Lord at various times in our lives. But the secret is to be able to admit our sin when the Holy Spirit shines his light on it and to seek God’s forgiveness in repentance. Once we confess, we are forgiven, no matter how great the sin we have committed. In fact, there is nothing in all of creation that is so big or so horrible that it can separate us from God’s unconditional love and his outlandish mercy. There is no need for lingering guilt or shame—and certainly no need to despair. God knows our weakness, and he loves us anyway. That’s just how awesome he is!
“Father, I am amazed at your love. Though I am weak and sinful, you are merciful and kind. Holy Spirit, shine your light into any areas where I need your mercy today. Let godly sorrow bring me life today, so that I may get on with being your disciple.”
06 July 2010
06 July 2010, Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Hos 8:4-7, 11-13
Thus says the LORD:
They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority;
they established princes, but without my approval.
With their silver and gold they made
idols for themselves, to their own destruction.
Cast away your calf, O Samaria!
my wrath is kindled against them;
How long will they be unable to attain
innocence in Israel?
The work of an artisan,
no god at all,
Destined for the flames—
such is the calf of Samaria!
When they sow the wind,
they shall reap the whirlwind;
The stalk of grain that forms no ear
can yield no flour;
Even if it could,
strangers would swallow it.
When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin,
his altars became occasions of sin.
Though I write for him my many ordinances,
they are considered as a stranger's.
Though they offer sacrifice,
immolate flesh and eat it,
the LORD is not pleased with them.
He shall still remember their guilt
and punish their sins;
they shall return to Egypt.
Gospel
Mt 9:32-38
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus,
and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke.
The crowds were amazed and said,
"Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."
But the Pharisees said,
"He drives out demons by the prince of demons."
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages,
teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,
and curing every disease and illness.
At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest."
Meditation: Psalm 115:3-10
Our God is in heaven; whatever God wills is done. (Psalm 115:3)
For most of Israel’s history, the people were surrounded by nations that worshipped a variety of idols. There were gods associated with earthly elements, seasons, natural disasters, and planetary bodies. These gods were often depicted as statues or figures to which worshippers offered sacrifices so that they could stay in their good favor. In fact, almost every culture throughout history has had its share of gods and goddesses along with its own ways of worship and sacrifice. Clearly, something in the human heart longs for the spiritual.
How blessed we are, says the psalmist, that God has met that longing by revealing himself to us! How blessed that God has shown that he is Yahweh, the Creator of all! By the simple act of speaking to us, God has shown us that he wants to be close to us, not just encased in a statue or locked away in a temple. He wants to have a relationship with us. He wants to be intimately involved in our lives. This truth, which is at the heart of the gospel message, is probably the most hopeful piece of news anyone could ever hear.
This can sound like only theory if it weren’t for the fact that in Jesus, God has come to earth and walked among us. He didn’t just show us a picture of what he might look like. He became a man like us in all things but sin—the living, breathing, physical image of the invisible God. “To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation, to prisoners, freedom, and to those in sorrow, joy” (Eucharistic Prayer IV). Unlike the idols of other nations, Jesus took on all of our experiences and filled them with divine grace. He saw our difficulties, and his heart was moved with compassion. He touched and healed us. He spoke words of forgiveness and justice. And he gave himself up for us so that we could be saved.
Today is a good day to review the many ways God has touched your life. Think about how he has shown you his presence. Never forget that Jesus loves you and wants you to be with him forever!
“Father, you are above all things! I praise you and thank you for becoming like me so that I can become like you. Your plan for me is amazing!”
Hos 8:4-7, 11-13
Thus says the LORD:
They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority;
they established princes, but without my approval.
With their silver and gold they made
idols for themselves, to their own destruction.
Cast away your calf, O Samaria!
my wrath is kindled against them;
How long will they be unable to attain
innocence in Israel?
The work of an artisan,
no god at all,
Destined for the flames—
such is the calf of Samaria!
When they sow the wind,
they shall reap the whirlwind;
The stalk of grain that forms no ear
can yield no flour;
Even if it could,
strangers would swallow it.
When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin,
his altars became occasions of sin.
Though I write for him my many ordinances,
they are considered as a stranger's.
Though they offer sacrifice,
immolate flesh and eat it,
the LORD is not pleased with them.
He shall still remember their guilt
and punish their sins;
they shall return to Egypt.
Gospel
Mt 9:32-38
A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus,
and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke.
The crowds were amazed and said,
"Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."
But the Pharisees said,
"He drives out demons by the prince of demons."
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages,
teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,
and curing every disease and illness.
At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd.
Then he said to his disciples,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest."
Meditation: Psalm 115:3-10
Our God is in heaven; whatever God wills is done. (Psalm 115:3)
For most of Israel’s history, the people were surrounded by nations that worshipped a variety of idols. There were gods associated with earthly elements, seasons, natural disasters, and planetary bodies. These gods were often depicted as statues or figures to which worshippers offered sacrifices so that they could stay in their good favor. In fact, almost every culture throughout history has had its share of gods and goddesses along with its own ways of worship and sacrifice. Clearly, something in the human heart longs for the spiritual.
How blessed we are, says the psalmist, that God has met that longing by revealing himself to us! How blessed that God has shown that he is Yahweh, the Creator of all! By the simple act of speaking to us, God has shown us that he wants to be close to us, not just encased in a statue or locked away in a temple. He wants to have a relationship with us. He wants to be intimately involved in our lives. This truth, which is at the heart of the gospel message, is probably the most hopeful piece of news anyone could ever hear.
This can sound like only theory if it weren’t for the fact that in Jesus, God has come to earth and walked among us. He didn’t just show us a picture of what he might look like. He became a man like us in all things but sin—the living, breathing, physical image of the invisible God. “To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation, to prisoners, freedom, and to those in sorrow, joy” (Eucharistic Prayer IV). Unlike the idols of other nations, Jesus took on all of our experiences and filled them with divine grace. He saw our difficulties, and his heart was moved with compassion. He touched and healed us. He spoke words of forgiveness and justice. And he gave himself up for us so that we could be saved.
Today is a good day to review the many ways God has touched your life. Think about how he has shown you his presence. Never forget that Jesus loves you and wants you to be with him forever!
“Father, you are above all things! I praise you and thank you for becoming like me so that I can become like you. Your plan for me is amazing!”
05 July 2010
05 July 2010, Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Hos 2:16, 17c-18, 21-22
Thus says the LORD:
I will allure her;
I will lead her into the desert
and speak to her heart.
She shall respond there as in the days of her youth,
when she came up from the land of Egypt.
On that day, says the LORD,
She shall call me "My husband,"
and never again "My baal."
I will espouse you to me forever:
I will espouse you in right and in justice,
in love and in mercy;
I will espouse you in fidelity,
and you shall know the LORD.
Gospel
Mt 9:18-26
While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward,
knelt down before him, and said,
"My daughter has just died.
But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live."
Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.
A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him
and touched the tassel on his cloak.
She said to herself, "If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured."
Jesus turned around and saw her, and said,
"Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you."
And from that hour the woman was cured.
When Jesus arrived at the official's house
and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion,
he said, "Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping."
And they ridiculed him.
When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand,
and the little girl arose.
And news of this spread throughout all that land.
Meditation: Hosea 2:16-18,21-22
I will espouse you to me forever. (Hosea 2:21)
What beautiful—even romantic—words the Lord spoke to Israel! He will “allure her” and “speak to her heart”; he will espouse her “in love and in mercy” (Hosea 2:16,21). This has always been God’s promise and desire for his people. In fact, we can trace this deep desire of the Lord’s throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It is the reason behind everything he has ever done for Israel and for his church. It’s hard to believe at times, but God considers us his most precious possession. And when we gather as a people, as his bride the church, he is especially moved with love for us.
Wouldn’t it be great if the story ended happily ever after right here? But while Jesus has given himself wholly out of love for his church, the church has not always responded in holiness and fidelity. Even today, we see apathy among believers leading to empty pews on Sunday. We see infighting and divided parish councils.
This may be what we see, but it isn’t how God sees things. In his goodness, he sees the beauty of every person, and his heart overflows with love for each one. He looks beyond our individual and corporate flaws and sees the potential that each of us holds. He is patient, for he knows that the church is meant to gather “sinners already caught up in Christ’s salvation but still on the way to holiness” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 827). Don’t be mistaken. He knows exactly who we are right now. But he also sees who he has created us to be—who we can become. He sees both the reality and the hope, and that combination stirs his heart.
Brothers and sisters, Jesus has promised to espouse us in love and in mercy forever. So let’s rejoice in his love. Let’s also take on God’s merciful view of the church instead of focusing on our flaws. Let’s focus on the beauty that is in the church and the beauty of God’s good creation that is all around us. We can still be a sign of hope to the world, celebrating God’s faithfulness and unending love!
“Lord, you have won my heart with your tender love. Thank you for making me part of your church—your beloved bride and the object of your affection. I am yours forever!”
Hos 2:16, 17c-18, 21-22
Thus says the LORD:
I will allure her;
I will lead her into the desert
and speak to her heart.
She shall respond there as in the days of her youth,
when she came up from the land of Egypt.
On that day, says the LORD,
She shall call me "My husband,"
and never again "My baal."
I will espouse you to me forever:
I will espouse you in right and in justice,
in love and in mercy;
I will espouse you in fidelity,
and you shall know the LORD.
Gospel
Mt 9:18-26
While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward,
knelt down before him, and said,
"My daughter has just died.
But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live."
Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.
A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him
and touched the tassel on his cloak.
She said to herself, "If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured."
Jesus turned around and saw her, and said,
"Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you."
And from that hour the woman was cured.
When Jesus arrived at the official's house
and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion,
he said, "Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping."
And they ridiculed him.
When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand,
and the little girl arose.
And news of this spread throughout all that land.
Meditation: Hosea 2:16-18,21-22
I will espouse you to me forever. (Hosea 2:21)
What beautiful—even romantic—words the Lord spoke to Israel! He will “allure her” and “speak to her heart”; he will espouse her “in love and in mercy” (Hosea 2:16,21). This has always been God’s promise and desire for his people. In fact, we can trace this deep desire of the Lord’s throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It is the reason behind everything he has ever done for Israel and for his church. It’s hard to believe at times, but God considers us his most precious possession. And when we gather as a people, as his bride the church, he is especially moved with love for us.
Wouldn’t it be great if the story ended happily ever after right here? But while Jesus has given himself wholly out of love for his church, the church has not always responded in holiness and fidelity. Even today, we see apathy among believers leading to empty pews on Sunday. We see infighting and divided parish councils.
This may be what we see, but it isn’t how God sees things. In his goodness, he sees the beauty of every person, and his heart overflows with love for each one. He looks beyond our individual and corporate flaws and sees the potential that each of us holds. He is patient, for he knows that the church is meant to gather “sinners already caught up in Christ’s salvation but still on the way to holiness” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 827). Don’t be mistaken. He knows exactly who we are right now. But he also sees who he has created us to be—who we can become. He sees both the reality and the hope, and that combination stirs his heart.
Brothers and sisters, Jesus has promised to espouse us in love and in mercy forever. So let’s rejoice in his love. Let’s also take on God’s merciful view of the church instead of focusing on our flaws. Let’s focus on the beauty that is in the church and the beauty of God’s good creation that is all around us. We can still be a sign of hope to the world, celebrating God’s faithfulness and unending love!
“Lord, you have won my heart with your tender love. Thank you for making me part of your church—your beloved bride and the object of your affection. I am yours forever!”
03 July 2010
04 July 2010, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Is 66:10-14c
Thus says the LORD:
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her,
all you who love her;
exult, exult with her,
all you who were mourning over her!
Oh, that you may suck fully
of the milk of her comfort,
that you may nurse with delight
at her abundant breasts!
For thus says the LORD:
Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.
As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms,
and fondled in her lap;
as a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.
When you see this, your heart shall rejoice
and your bodies flourish like the grass;
the LORD's power shall be known to his servants.
Reading 2
Gal 6:14-18
Brothers and sisters:
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.
For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision,
but only a new creation.
Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule
and to the Israel of God.
From now on, let no one make troubles for me;
for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,
brothers and sisters. Amen.
Gospel
Lk 10:1-12, 17-20
At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
'The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.'
Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town."
The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said,
"Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name."
Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
Meditation: Galatians 6:14-18
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Galatians 6:14)
Why would Paul “boast” in the cross? Isn’t it wrong to brag—especially if it’s about something you didn’t do in the first place? These would be good questions if Paul really were “boasting” in this way. Actually, the Greek word that we translate as “boast” (kauchaomai) can also be understood to mean “rejoicing in.” And that’s what Paul meant here. He made it clear that he was rejoicing only in the cross and not in his own accomplishments or abilities. Why? Because it was by the power of the cross that he became a new creation, set free from the grip of sin and death (Galatians 6:15).
How freeing is this message for all of us! We don’t have to spend our lives trying to measure up to impossible standards. We don’t have to keep trying to make ourselves good enough for God to accept us. He has already forgiven us. He has already taken our old, fallen lives and crucified them with his Son. And even more amazing, he has filled us with his Holy Spirit, making us a vessel of his very own divine life and love!
Today, think about all that God has done for you through the cross of Jesus. Celebrate the fact that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, you are a new creation. Sin has lost its power. Death has been destroyed. The gates of heaven are open wide. Nothing can separate you now from the love of God!
At Mass today, feel free to enjoy the Eucharist. Don’t worry about the areas of your life that still need to be changed. They’ll be there waiting for you after Mass. Instead, let the Bread of Life remind you of everything Jesus has done for you. Then in your prayer, go ahead and boast in the cross of Christ. Boast in his kindness and love. Make this a day filled with great rejoicing.
“Jesus, all praise and glory are yours! You have made me a new creation, and I rejoice in you!”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion
(Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-7,16,20; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12,17-20)
1. In the first reading, Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s relationship with us in very personal and intimate terms, e.g., he tells us that He will comfort us “as a mother comforts her child.” How do you relate to the Lord? If someone were to ask you: “Do you know about the Lord or do you know him personally, how would you answer?”
2. The responsorial psalm invites us to “come and see the works of God.” How can you use prayer, the Eucharist, others, and nature to do that? The psalmist goes on to say, “I will declare what he has done for me.” What blessings have you received from the Lord in your life?
3. The second reading reminds us that the only thing that really matters in this world and, therefore, the only thing we should boast of is “the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Have you ever “boasted” to anyone of what Christ has done for you? Who are the family members, neighbors, or fellow workers who could benefit from hearing the good news of Christ? Why is sharing how the Lord has changed your life, as your faith in him has grown, an effective way of sharing the Gospel with others.
4. In the Gospel, Jesus sends out his followers to announce that the kingdom of God is at hand because the harvest is abundant. Do you view members of your family (or others with whom you associate) with a faith and confidence that they are potential recipients of Christ’s love? Are their people you write off as hopeless or too hard-hearted? How might you use the Gospel reading to change how you see others?
5. What are some of the many graces and blessings, listed in the meditation, that are ours through the cross of Jesus Christ? What has been your own experience of these graces and blessings?
Is 66:10-14c
Thus says the LORD:
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her,
all you who love her;
exult, exult with her,
all you who were mourning over her!
Oh, that you may suck fully
of the milk of her comfort,
that you may nurse with delight
at her abundant breasts!
For thus says the LORD:
Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river,
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.
As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms,
and fondled in her lap;
as a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.
When you see this, your heart shall rejoice
and your bodies flourish like the grass;
the LORD's power shall be known to his servants.
Reading 2
Gal 6:14-18
Brothers and sisters:
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.
For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision,
but only a new creation.
Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule
and to the Israel of God.
From now on, let no one make troubles for me;
for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,
brothers and sisters. Amen.
Gospel
Lk 10:1-12, 17-20
At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
'The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.'
Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town."
The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said,
"Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name."
Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
Meditation: Galatians 6:14-18
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Galatians 6:14)
Why would Paul “boast” in the cross? Isn’t it wrong to brag—especially if it’s about something you didn’t do in the first place? These would be good questions if Paul really were “boasting” in this way. Actually, the Greek word that we translate as “boast” (kauchaomai) can also be understood to mean “rejoicing in.” And that’s what Paul meant here. He made it clear that he was rejoicing only in the cross and not in his own accomplishments or abilities. Why? Because it was by the power of the cross that he became a new creation, set free from the grip of sin and death (Galatians 6:15).
How freeing is this message for all of us! We don’t have to spend our lives trying to measure up to impossible standards. We don’t have to keep trying to make ourselves good enough for God to accept us. He has already forgiven us. He has already taken our old, fallen lives and crucified them with his Son. And even more amazing, he has filled us with his Holy Spirit, making us a vessel of his very own divine life and love!
Today, think about all that God has done for you through the cross of Jesus. Celebrate the fact that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, you are a new creation. Sin has lost its power. Death has been destroyed. The gates of heaven are open wide. Nothing can separate you now from the love of God!
At Mass today, feel free to enjoy the Eucharist. Don’t worry about the areas of your life that still need to be changed. They’ll be there waiting for you after Mass. Instead, let the Bread of Life remind you of everything Jesus has done for you. Then in your prayer, go ahead and boast in the cross of Christ. Boast in his kindness and love. Make this a day filled with great rejoicing.
“Jesus, all praise and glory are yours! You have made me a new creation, and I rejoice in you!”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion
(Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-7,16,20; Galatians 6:14-18; Luke 10:1-12,17-20)
1. In the first reading, Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s relationship with us in very personal and intimate terms, e.g., he tells us that He will comfort us “as a mother comforts her child.” How do you relate to the Lord? If someone were to ask you: “Do you know about the Lord or do you know him personally, how would you answer?”
2. The responsorial psalm invites us to “come and see the works of God.” How can you use prayer, the Eucharist, others, and nature to do that? The psalmist goes on to say, “I will declare what he has done for me.” What blessings have you received from the Lord in your life?
3. The second reading reminds us that the only thing that really matters in this world and, therefore, the only thing we should boast of is “the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Have you ever “boasted” to anyone of what Christ has done for you? Who are the family members, neighbors, or fellow workers who could benefit from hearing the good news of Christ? Why is sharing how the Lord has changed your life, as your faith in him has grown, an effective way of sharing the Gospel with others.
4. In the Gospel, Jesus sends out his followers to announce that the kingdom of God is at hand because the harvest is abundant. Do you view members of your family (or others with whom you associate) with a faith and confidence that they are potential recipients of Christ’s love? Are their people you write off as hopeless or too hard-hearted? How might you use the Gospel reading to change how you see others?
5. What are some of the many graces and blessings, listed in the meditation, that are ours through the cross of Jesus Christ? What has been your own experience of these graces and blessings?
03 July 2010, Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle
Reading 1
Eph 2:19-22
Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Gospel
Jn 20:24-29
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
But Thomas said to them,
"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Meditation: Ephesians 2:9-22
St. Thomas
You are … built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. (Ephesians 2:19,20)
That’s an unsettling statement, isn’t it? If we really are built on the foundation of the apostles, it’s a miracle that the church survived its first decades, let alone the past two thousand years! Paul, for instance, “persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it” (Galatians 1:13). John wanted to destroy a whole town simply because the people didn’t treat Jesus with enough deference (Luke 9:51-56). Peter denied Jesus in his darkest hour (Matthew 26:69-75). And Thomas, whom we celebrate today, is best known for his doubts and disbelief.
How can we place confidence in our church when it is built on such an unstable foundation? By remembering that Jesus is the capstone who holds us all together. Like us, the apostles were regular people with their own flaws and imperfections. It was only because of God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power that they were able to turn their lives around and end up doing great things for the Lord. And that’s good news. For if there was hope for Paul, John, Thomas, and Peter, there is certainly hope for us!
Isn’t it encouraging to know that the great heroes of our faith were just as flawed—and maybe even more so—as you? Their stories tell us that no matter who we are or where we come from, God can use us in powerful ways. Take Thomas, for example. This man, who couldn’t believe his closest friends’ testimony, ended up traveling as far as India, boldly preaching the gospel and establishing the church there. Clearly, Thomas overcame his objections and fears enough to become a vessel for the Lord to use. And if it can happen to him, it surely can happen to you!
So take comfort today in the knowledge that we are all “fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). They are our brothers and sisters, and their stories can teach us how to persevere with the Lord, despite our own weaknesses and failings. God is faithful to us, just as he was to the apostles. Like them, we can all become a new creation in Christ!
“Jesus, teach me how to build my life on the foundation of your unfailing love and grace.”
Eph 2:19-22
Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Gospel
Jn 20:24-29
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
But Thomas said to them,
"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."
Meditation: Ephesians 2:9-22
St. Thomas
You are … built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. (Ephesians 2:19,20)
That’s an unsettling statement, isn’t it? If we really are built on the foundation of the apostles, it’s a miracle that the church survived its first decades, let alone the past two thousand years! Paul, for instance, “persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it” (Galatians 1:13). John wanted to destroy a whole town simply because the people didn’t treat Jesus with enough deference (Luke 9:51-56). Peter denied Jesus in his darkest hour (Matthew 26:69-75). And Thomas, whom we celebrate today, is best known for his doubts and disbelief.
How can we place confidence in our church when it is built on such an unstable foundation? By remembering that Jesus is the capstone who holds us all together. Like us, the apostles were regular people with their own flaws and imperfections. It was only because of God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power that they were able to turn their lives around and end up doing great things for the Lord. And that’s good news. For if there was hope for Paul, John, Thomas, and Peter, there is certainly hope for us!
Isn’t it encouraging to know that the great heroes of our faith were just as flawed—and maybe even more so—as you? Their stories tell us that no matter who we are or where we come from, God can use us in powerful ways. Take Thomas, for example. This man, who couldn’t believe his closest friends’ testimony, ended up traveling as far as India, boldly preaching the gospel and establishing the church there. Clearly, Thomas overcame his objections and fears enough to become a vessel for the Lord to use. And if it can happen to him, it surely can happen to you!
So take comfort today in the knowledge that we are all “fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). They are our brothers and sisters, and their stories can teach us how to persevere with the Lord, despite our own weaknesses and failings. God is faithful to us, just as he was to the apostles. Like them, we can all become a new creation in Christ!
“Jesus, teach me how to build my life on the foundation of your unfailing love and grace.”
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