Reading 1
Is 56:1, 6-7
Thus says the LORD:
Observe what is right, do what is just;
for my salvation is about to come,
my justice, about to be revealed.
The foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,
ministering to him,
loving the name of the LORD,
and becoming his servants—
all who keep the sabbath free from profanation
and hold to my covenant,
them I will bring to my holy mountain
and make joyful in my house of prayer;
their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be acceptable on my altar,
for my house shall be called
a house of prayer for all peoples.
67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
Responsorial PsalmR. (4)
O God, let all the nations praise you!
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
Reading II
Rom 11:13-15, 29-32
Brothers and sisters:
I am speaking to you Gentiles.
Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles,
I glory in my ministry in order to make my race jealous
and thus save some of them.
For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world,
what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.
Just as you once disobeyed God
but have now received mercy because of their disobedience,
so they have now disobeyed in order that,
by virtue of the mercy shown to you,
they too may now receive mercy.
For God delivered all to disobedience,
that he might have mercy upon all.
Gospel
Mt 15:21-28
At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,
“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!
My daughter is tormented by a demon.”
But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.
Jesus’ disciples came and asked him,
“Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”
He said in reply,
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”
He said in reply,
“It is not right to take the food of the children
and throw it to the dogs.”
She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters.”
Then Jesus said to her in reply,
“O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be done for you as you wish.”
And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.
Meditation: Matthew 15:21-28
Meditation: Matthew 15:21-28
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“O woman, great is your faith!” (Matthew 15:28)
Can you imagine having your request rejected by Jesus three different times, as happened to this woman? First, Jesus ignored her. Then he says he wasn’t sent to Gentiles, only to Jews. Finally, he implies that she is not much more than a “dog” (Matthew 15:26). How discouraging this must have been! But she would not be denied, and Jesus finally grants her request.
Now do you really think that Jesus was going to leave this poor woman’s daughter in the grip of demonic possession? Isn’t it possible, instead, that he was using this opportunity to teach his disciples something?
Jesus showed his disciples that God’s mercy and love extend to everyone. In all his words in this episode, he seemed to emphasize the fact that she was a pagan. But in the end he praised her great faith, making it clear that anyone who turns to him in faith will be welcomed, not just the “right people,” not just faithful Jews.
Surely Peter remembered this episode when he was invited later to share the gospel with the Roman centurion Cornelius. Breaking with Jewish tradition, Peter enters the offi - cer’s house and tells him: “You know that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with, or visit, a Gentile, but God has shown me that I should not call any person profane or unclean” (Acts 10:28). As a result of Peter’s attitude, Gentiles were baptized for the fi rst time, and the church was opened to people of all races and backgrounds.
Just as he did with Peter and the others, Jesus wants to expand our vision. He wants everyone to be saved, not just the ones we might consider worthy. So be on the lookout today for situations where you can share the love of Christ with someone you might otherwise pass by. You may be surprised at who you discover is willing to listen.
“Lord, help me to put aside anything that hinders your plan. Give me your heart so that I can bring others to yourself.”
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Isaiah 56:1,6-7; Psalm 67:2-3,5-6,8; Romans 11:13-15,29-32; Matthew 15:21-28)
1. In the first reading, Isaiah says, “Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed.” What do you think this means? How does it apply to you?
2. Also Isaiah speaks of the all-inclusiveness of God’s love; all peoples are welcome in God’s house. Who are the people you exclude from your love or God’s love? What steps can you take to change that? Take some time now to pray for these people.
3. In the responsorial psalm, the psalmist prays for God’s mercy and blessing, not just for himself but so that God’s “way be known upon earth; among all nations your salvation.” Who are some of today’s nations that need to turn back to God? Why not also take some time now to pray for these nations that need God’s blessing and knowledge of his wonderful salvation.
4. In the second reading, St. Paul prays for God’s mercy on his fellow Jewish countrymen and for their conversion. Are their any Jewish persons you know that need to come to know God’s great love for them? Why not join your prayers with Paul’s and pray for the conversion of the Jewish people, and any specific Jewish persons you know.
5. In the Gospel, why do you think Jesus praises the great faith of the Canaanite woman? Her faith can certainly be seen in her perseverance in asking Jesus to heal her daughter, in spite of the initial lack of response. What are the situations in which you struggle to persevere in prayer, because the prayers don’t seem to be answered? Take some time now to pray for these situations.
6. The meditation ends with these challenging words: “be on the lookout today for situations where you can share the love of Christ with someone you might otherwise pass by. You may be surprised at who you discover is willing to listen.” What steps can you take during the day to respond to this challenge?
7. Take some time now and pray that you would have the grace, courage, and boldness to reach out to others with the love of Christ. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.
14 August 2011
13 August 2011
13 Aug 2011, Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Jos 24:14-29
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
and addressed them, saying:
“Fear the LORD and serve him completely and sincerely.
Cast out the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt,
and serve the LORD.
If it does not please you to serve the LORD,
decide today whom you will serve,
the gods your fathers served beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling.
As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
But the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD
for the service of other gods.
For it was the LORD, our God,
who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt,
out of a state of slavery.
He performed those great miracles before our very eyes
and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples
through whom we passed.
At our approach the LORD drove out all the peoples,
including the Amorites who dwelt in the land.
Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”
Joshua in turn said to the people,
“You may not be able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God;
he is a jealous God who will not forgive
your transgressions or your sins.
If, after the good he has done for you,
you forsake the LORD and serve strange gods,
he will do evil to you and destroy you.”
But the people answered Joshua, “We will still serve the LORD.”
Joshua therefore said to the people,
“You are your own witnesses that you have chosen to serve the LORD.”
They replied, “We are, indeed!”
Joshua continued:
“Now, therefore, put away the strange gods that are among you
and turn your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.”
Then the people promised Joshua,
“We will serve the LORD, our God, and obey his voice.”
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day
and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem,
which he recorded in the book of the law of God.
Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak
that was in the sanctuary of the LORD.
And Joshua said to all the people, “This stone shall be our witness,
for it has heard all the words which the LORD spoke to us.
It shall be a witness against you, should you wish to deny your God.”
Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to his own heritage.
After these events, Joshua, son of Nun, servant of the LORD,
died at the age of a hundred and ten.
16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 5a)
You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.”
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Gospel
Mt 19:13-15
Children were brought to Jesus
that he might lay his hands on them and pray.
The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said,
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them;
for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
After he placed his hands on them, he went away.
Meditation: Matthew 19:13-15
“Let the children come to me.” (Matthew 19:14)
How intimidating it must have been to those parents who were rebuked for bringing their children to Jesus! The parents meant well. All they wanted was for Jesus to bless their children. They saw God’s goodness and life revealed in him, and they wanted that for their children. What parents wouldn’t want that for their children?
Jesus’ words, “Let the children come to me,” are for us, too. He loves our children—even more than we do. Physical maturity and intellectual development are no prerequisites for coming into God’s presence and having a relationship with him! Children are just as precious and honored in his sight as we are. And quite often, they are more open to God’s presence and love. They tend to be free of the reserve and self-consciousness that can hinder adults.
So let the children come! Make time for family dinners. Pray a decade of the rosary or read a Scripture passage each evening. School, sports, and other activities can clamor for our children’s time and energy. How important, then, to make sure they don’t squeeze out time for the “church in miniature” that is your family! Tune out the voices (from without and within) that say your children are missing out if they aren’t involved and engaged every moment of the day. Plan ahead, too, so that family time includes fun time that will draw your children in.
Sometimes it’s as simple as setting your own priorities. Set the example for your children by praying every day yourself and attending the sacraments together regularly. Read the Scriptures with your kids and talk with them about what you are learning. Above all, tell them that God loves them and that they are important to him. Let faith be a part of the environment in your home, and it will become contagious.
So often, we parents are caught up in all that we have to do for our children—and there is much we must do! It’s a welcome relief, then, to know that if we simply try to bring our children to Jesus, he will welcome them and bless them. It doesn’t all depend on us!
“Jesus, you were eager to have the children come to you. Teach me how to push past the obstacles in my life and bring them to you.”
Jos 24:14-29
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
and addressed them, saying:
“Fear the LORD and serve him completely and sincerely.
Cast out the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt,
and serve the LORD.
If it does not please you to serve the LORD,
decide today whom you will serve,
the gods your fathers served beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling.
As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
But the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD
for the service of other gods.
For it was the LORD, our God,
who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt,
out of a state of slavery.
He performed those great miracles before our very eyes
and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples
through whom we passed.
At our approach the LORD drove out all the peoples,
including the Amorites who dwelt in the land.
Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”
Joshua in turn said to the people,
“You may not be able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God;
he is a jealous God who will not forgive
your transgressions or your sins.
If, after the good he has done for you,
you forsake the LORD and serve strange gods,
he will do evil to you and destroy you.”
But the people answered Joshua, “We will still serve the LORD.”
Joshua therefore said to the people,
“You are your own witnesses that you have chosen to serve the LORD.”
They replied, “We are, indeed!”
Joshua continued:
“Now, therefore, put away the strange gods that are among you
and turn your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.”
Then the people promised Joshua,
“We will serve the LORD, our God, and obey his voice.”
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day
and made statutes and ordinances for them at Shechem,
which he recorded in the book of the law of God.
Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak
that was in the sanctuary of the LORD.
And Joshua said to all the people, “This stone shall be our witness,
for it has heard all the words which the LORD spoke to us.
It shall be a witness against you, should you wish to deny your God.”
Then Joshua dismissed the people, each to his own heritage.
After these events, Joshua, son of Nun, servant of the LORD,
died at the age of a hundred and ten.
16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 5a)
You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.”
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Gospel
Mt 19:13-15
Children were brought to Jesus
that he might lay his hands on them and pray.
The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said,
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them;
for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
After he placed his hands on them, he went away.
Meditation: Matthew 19:13-15
“Let the children come to me.” (Matthew 19:14)
How intimidating it must have been to those parents who were rebuked for bringing their children to Jesus! The parents meant well. All they wanted was for Jesus to bless their children. They saw God’s goodness and life revealed in him, and they wanted that for their children. What parents wouldn’t want that for their children?
Jesus’ words, “Let the children come to me,” are for us, too. He loves our children—even more than we do. Physical maturity and intellectual development are no prerequisites for coming into God’s presence and having a relationship with him! Children are just as precious and honored in his sight as we are. And quite often, they are more open to God’s presence and love. They tend to be free of the reserve and self-consciousness that can hinder adults.
So let the children come! Make time for family dinners. Pray a decade of the rosary or read a Scripture passage each evening. School, sports, and other activities can clamor for our children’s time and energy. How important, then, to make sure they don’t squeeze out time for the “church in miniature” that is your family! Tune out the voices (from without and within) that say your children are missing out if they aren’t involved and engaged every moment of the day. Plan ahead, too, so that family time includes fun time that will draw your children in.
Sometimes it’s as simple as setting your own priorities. Set the example for your children by praying every day yourself and attending the sacraments together regularly. Read the Scriptures with your kids and talk with them about what you are learning. Above all, tell them that God loves them and that they are important to him. Let faith be a part of the environment in your home, and it will become contagious.
So often, we parents are caught up in all that we have to do for our children—and there is much we must do! It’s a welcome relief, then, to know that if we simply try to bring our children to Jesus, he will welcome them and bless them. It doesn’t all depend on us!
“Jesus, you were eager to have the children come to you. Teach me how to push past the obstacles in my life and bring them to you.”
12 August 2011
12 Aug 2011, Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Jos 24:1-13
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
summoning their elders, their leaders,
their judges and their officers.
When they stood in ranks before God, Joshua addressed all the people:
“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel:
In times past your fathers, down to Terah,
father of Abraham and Nahor,
dwelt beyond the River and served other gods.
But I brought your father Abraham from the region beyond the River
and led him through the entire land of Canaan.
I made his descendants numerous, and gave him Isaac.
To Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau.
To Esau I assigned the mountain region of Seir in which to settle,
while Jacob and his children went down to Egypt.
“Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and smote Egypt with the prodigies
which I wrought in her midst.
Afterward I led you out of Egypt, and when you reached the sea,
the Egyptians pursued your fathers to the Red Sea
with chariots and horsemen.
Because they cried out to the LORD,
he put darkness between your people and the Egyptians,
upon whom he brought the sea so that it engulfed them.
After you witnessed what I did to Egypt,
and dwelt a long time in the desert,
I brought you into the land of the Amorites
who lived east of the Jordan.
They fought against you, but I delivered them into your power.
You took possession of their land, and I destroyed them,
the two kings of the Amorites, before you.
Then Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab,
prepared to war against Israel.
He summoned Balaam, son of Beor, to curse you;
but I would not listen to Balaam.
On the contrary, he had to bless you, and I saved you from him.
Once you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho,
the men of Jericho fought against you,
but I delivered them also into your power.
And I sent the hornets ahead of you that drove them
(the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites,
Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites)
out of your way; it was not your sword or your bow.
“I gave you a land that you had not tilled
and cities that you had not built, to dwell in;
you have eaten of vineyards and olive groves
which you did not plant.”
136:1-3, 16-18, 21-22 and 24
Responsorial PsalmR.
His mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever;
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his mercy endures forever;
Give thanks to the LORD of lords,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
Who led his people through the wilderness,
for his mercy endures forever;
Who smote great kings,
for his mercy endures forever;
And slew powerful kings,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
And made their land a heritage,
for his mercy endures forever;
The heritage of Israel his servant,
for his mercy endures forever;
And freed us from our foes,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
Gospel
Mt 19:3-12
Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying,
“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?”
He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning
the Creator made them male and female and said,
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?
So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.”
They said to him, “Then why did Moses command
that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?”
He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts
Moses allowed you to divorce your wives,
but from the beginning it was not so.
I say to you, whoever divorces his wife
(unless the marriage is unlawful)
and marries another commits adultery.”
His disciples said to him,
“If that is the case of a man with his wife,
it is better not to marry.”
He answered, “Not all can accept this word,
but only those to whom that is granted.
Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so;
some, because they were made so by others;
some, because they have renounced marriage
for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”
Meditation: Psalm 136
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“Praise the Lord, who is so good!” (Psalm 136:1)
Let’s do something different today. Instead of unpacking one of the day’s readings, let’s take the day’s psalm as a launching pad for our own prayer of praise and adoration.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Lord, I praise you for your incredible, never-ending mercy! I proclaim that you are powerful and mighty to save. When I was lost in sin, you came and rescued me. You forgave me and took on yourself the weight of all my shame and guilt. By your death on the cross, you destroyed death! You tore the veil that separated me from my heavenly Father. Now, in the victory of your resurrection, I am brought back to him. I can rise with you to eternal life! I praise you as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Lord, I praise you for your undying love! You said you would never leave us or forsake us. You loved us so much that you gave us the Holy Spirit—now we can live in the power of your resurrection. By your Spirit, we can know freedom from sin. We can pull down strongholds of anger, greed, pride, and anxiety. We can proudly proclaim that by your own blood and the word of our testimony we are set free. We can sleep soundly, with a restful spirit because we know that you are with us at all times. Thank you for tending to our needs and for leading us in all truth. I praise you, Jesus, for you are the way, the truth, and the life!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Lord, I thank you for giving us your body and blood so that we will never hunger or thirst again. Thank you for becoming our nourishment! At every Mass, you come down to the altar, ready to lift us up to heaven as we eat and drink. Praise to you, Jesus, that through Holy Communion, we can be healed and strengthened, raised up and made whole. Day after day, our hearts can become more united with yours. Day after day we can all receive a deeper experience of your love!
“Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and relentless love!”
Jos 24:1-13
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
summoning their elders, their leaders,
their judges and their officers.
When they stood in ranks before God, Joshua addressed all the people:
“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel:
In times past your fathers, down to Terah,
father of Abraham and Nahor,
dwelt beyond the River and served other gods.
But I brought your father Abraham from the region beyond the River
and led him through the entire land of Canaan.
I made his descendants numerous, and gave him Isaac.
To Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau.
To Esau I assigned the mountain region of Seir in which to settle,
while Jacob and his children went down to Egypt.
“Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and smote Egypt with the prodigies
which I wrought in her midst.
Afterward I led you out of Egypt, and when you reached the sea,
the Egyptians pursued your fathers to the Red Sea
with chariots and horsemen.
Because they cried out to the LORD,
he put darkness between your people and the Egyptians,
upon whom he brought the sea so that it engulfed them.
After you witnessed what I did to Egypt,
and dwelt a long time in the desert,
I brought you into the land of the Amorites
who lived east of the Jordan.
They fought against you, but I delivered them into your power.
You took possession of their land, and I destroyed them,
the two kings of the Amorites, before you.
Then Balak, son of Zippor, king of Moab,
prepared to war against Israel.
He summoned Balaam, son of Beor, to curse you;
but I would not listen to Balaam.
On the contrary, he had to bless you, and I saved you from him.
Once you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho,
the men of Jericho fought against you,
but I delivered them also into your power.
And I sent the hornets ahead of you that drove them
(the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites,
Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites)
out of your way; it was not your sword or your bow.
“I gave you a land that you had not tilled
and cities that you had not built, to dwell in;
you have eaten of vineyards and olive groves
which you did not plant.”
136:1-3, 16-18, 21-22 and 24
Responsorial PsalmR.
His mercy endures forever.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever;
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his mercy endures forever;
Give thanks to the LORD of lords,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
Who led his people through the wilderness,
for his mercy endures forever;
Who smote great kings,
for his mercy endures forever;
And slew powerful kings,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
And made their land a heritage,
for his mercy endures forever;
The heritage of Israel his servant,
for his mercy endures forever;
And freed us from our foes,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
Gospel
Mt 19:3-12
Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying,
“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?”
He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning
the Creator made them male and female and said,
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?
So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.”
They said to him, “Then why did Moses command
that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?”
He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts
Moses allowed you to divorce your wives,
but from the beginning it was not so.
I say to you, whoever divorces his wife
(unless the marriage is unlawful)
and marries another commits adultery.”
His disciples said to him,
“If that is the case of a man with his wife,
it is better not to marry.”
He answered, “Not all can accept this word,
but only those to whom that is granted.
Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so;
some, because they were made so by others;
some, because they have renounced marriage
for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”
Meditation: Psalm 136
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“Praise the Lord, who is so good!” (Psalm 136:1)
Let’s do something different today. Instead of unpacking one of the day’s readings, let’s take the day’s psalm as a launching pad for our own prayer of praise and adoration.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Lord, I praise you for your incredible, never-ending mercy! I proclaim that you are powerful and mighty to save. When I was lost in sin, you came and rescued me. You forgave me and took on yourself the weight of all my shame and guilt. By your death on the cross, you destroyed death! You tore the veil that separated me from my heavenly Father. Now, in the victory of your resurrection, I am brought back to him. I can rise with you to eternal life! I praise you as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Lord, I praise you for your undying love! You said you would never leave us or forsake us. You loved us so much that you gave us the Holy Spirit—now we can live in the power of your resurrection. By your Spirit, we can know freedom from sin. We can pull down strongholds of anger, greed, pride, and anxiety. We can proudly proclaim that by your own blood and the word of our testimony we are set free. We can sleep soundly, with a restful spirit because we know that you are with us at all times. Thank you for tending to our needs and for leading us in all truth. I praise you, Jesus, for you are the way, the truth, and the life!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.
Lord, I thank you for giving us your body and blood so that we will never hunger or thirst again. Thank you for becoming our nourishment! At every Mass, you come down to the altar, ready to lift us up to heaven as we eat and drink. Praise to you, Jesus, that through Holy Communion, we can be healed and strengthened, raised up and made whole. Day after day, our hearts can become more united with yours. Day after day we can all receive a deeper experience of your love!
“Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and relentless love!”
11 August 2011
11 Aug 2011, Memorial of Saint Clare, virgin
Reading I
Jos 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17
The LORD said to Joshua,
“Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel,
that they may know I am with you, as I was with Moses.
Now command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant
to come to a halt in the Jordan
when you reach the edge of the waters.”
So Joshua said to the children of Israel,
“Come here and listen to the words of the LORD, your God.
This is how you will know that there is a living God in your midst,
who at your approach will dispossess the Canaanites.
The ark of the covenant of the LORD of the whole earth
will precede you into the Jordan.
When the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the ark of the LORD,
the Lord of the whole earth,
touch the water of the Jordan, it will cease to flow;
for the water flowing down from upstream will halt in a solid bank.”
The people struck their tents to cross the Jordan,
with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant ahead of them.
No sooner had these priestly bearers of the ark
waded into the waters at the edge of the Jordan,
which overflows all its banks
during the entire season of the harvest,
than the waters flowing from upstream halted,
backing up in a solid mass for a very great distance indeed,
from Adam, a city in the direction of Zarethan;
while those flowing downstream toward the Salt Sea of the Arabah
disappeared entirely.
Thus the people crossed over opposite Jericho.
While all Israel crossed over on dry ground,
the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD
remained motionless on dry ground in the bed of the Jordan
until the whole nation had completed the passage.
114:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR.
Alleluia!
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of alien tongue,
Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel his domain.
R. Alleluia!
The sea beheld and fled;
Jordan turned back.
The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like the lambs of the flock.
R. Alleluia!
Why is it, O sea, that you flee?
O Jordan, that you turn back?
You mountains, that you skip like rams?
You hills, like the lambs of the flock?
R. Alleluia!
Gospel
Mt 18:21–19:1
Peter approached Jesus and asked him,
“Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive him?
As many as seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.
That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who decided to settle accounts with his servants.
When he began the accounting,
a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.
Since he had no way of paying it back,
his master ordered him to be sold,
along with his wife, his children, and all his property,
in payment of the debt.
At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said,
‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’
Moved with compassion the master of that servant
let him go and forgave him the loan.
When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants
who owed him a much smaller amount.
He seized him and started to choke him, demanding,
‘Pay back what you owe.’
Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him,
‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’
But he refused.
Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison
until he paid back the debt.
Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened,
they were deeply disturbed,
and went to their master and reported the whole affair.
His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant!
I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.
Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,
as I had pity on you?’
Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers
until he should pay back the whole debt.
So will my heavenly Father do to you,
unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”
When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee
and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan.
Meditation: Joshua 3:7-11,13-17
“All Israel crossed over on dry ground.” (Joshua 3:17)
Imagine you’re about to cross the river Jordan. You take one very careful and delicate step into the riverbed. Now two steps. Now three. The ominous looking gush of water is still being held at bay, and you’re still dry! Ahead of you are the priests with the Ark of the Covenant— and they’re still dry! Your nerves gradually uncoil, and you marvel as you walk farther into the now exposed riverbed.
Today’s reading tells us that in order to get across the Jordan and into the Promised Land, the Hebrews had to pass beside the Ark of the Covenant, which was stationed right in the middle of the riverbed. The Ark was the sign of God’s presence. It was a reminder of God’s promises to their nation. So crossing the river, even taking the first step, was an act of faith in God’s covenant. Any personal, inner doubts about whether God really could be trusted had to be brought to the surface and dealt with if they wanted to enter the Promised Land. Would the waters hold? Or will God forget and let me drown?
What a fitting image for the call to faith! To use Paul’s words, as long as we are “at home in the body” we are away from our Promised Land of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:6). As long as we keep our eyes fixed on this world and not his faithfulness, we risk being drowned in the anxieties and temptations of this life.
Life can feel like a wilderness sometimes! But we have an ever present reminder of the faithfulness and loving care of God—Jesus himself. When we sense God calling us to step out into the Jordan River of faith, we just have to look to Jesus, the source of our strength. Our inner doubts and fears may surface, but as we let Jesus calm them in prayer, we’ll find the courage to take a few careful steps in the direction he’s leading. Our faith in him, combined with his faithfulness to us, will see us through. The world doesn’t have to swallow us up!
Keep looking to Jesus and you can cross any river—no matter how fiercely it rages!
“Jesus, you are the Author and Finisher of my faith. I trust in you.”
Psalm 114:1-6;
Jos 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17
The LORD said to Joshua,
“Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel,
that they may know I am with you, as I was with Moses.
Now command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant
to come to a halt in the Jordan
when you reach the edge of the waters.”
So Joshua said to the children of Israel,
“Come here and listen to the words of the LORD, your God.
This is how you will know that there is a living God in your midst,
who at your approach will dispossess the Canaanites.
The ark of the covenant of the LORD of the whole earth
will precede you into the Jordan.
When the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the ark of the LORD,
the Lord of the whole earth,
touch the water of the Jordan, it will cease to flow;
for the water flowing down from upstream will halt in a solid bank.”
The people struck their tents to cross the Jordan,
with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant ahead of them.
No sooner had these priestly bearers of the ark
waded into the waters at the edge of the Jordan,
which overflows all its banks
during the entire season of the harvest,
than the waters flowing from upstream halted,
backing up in a solid mass for a very great distance indeed,
from Adam, a city in the direction of Zarethan;
while those flowing downstream toward the Salt Sea of the Arabah
disappeared entirely.
Thus the people crossed over opposite Jericho.
While all Israel crossed over on dry ground,
the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD
remained motionless on dry ground in the bed of the Jordan
until the whole nation had completed the passage.
114:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR.
Alleluia!
When Israel came forth from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of alien tongue,
Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel his domain.
R. Alleluia!
The sea beheld and fled;
Jordan turned back.
The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like the lambs of the flock.
R. Alleluia!
Why is it, O sea, that you flee?
O Jordan, that you turn back?
You mountains, that you skip like rams?
You hills, like the lambs of the flock?
R. Alleluia!
Gospel
Mt 18:21–19:1
Peter approached Jesus and asked him,
“Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive him?
As many as seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.
That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who decided to settle accounts with his servants.
When he began the accounting,
a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.
Since he had no way of paying it back,
his master ordered him to be sold,
along with his wife, his children, and all his property,
in payment of the debt.
At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said,
‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’
Moved with compassion the master of that servant
let him go and forgave him the loan.
When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants
who owed him a much smaller amount.
He seized him and started to choke him, demanding,
‘Pay back what you owe.’
Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him,
‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’
But he refused.
Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison
until he paid back the debt.
Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened,
they were deeply disturbed,
and went to their master and reported the whole affair.
His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant!
I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.
Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,
as I had pity on you?’
Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers
until he should pay back the whole debt.
So will my heavenly Father do to you,
unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”
When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee
and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan.
Meditation: Joshua 3:7-11,13-17
“All Israel crossed over on dry ground.” (Joshua 3:17)
Imagine you’re about to cross the river Jordan. You take one very careful and delicate step into the riverbed. Now two steps. Now three. The ominous looking gush of water is still being held at bay, and you’re still dry! Ahead of you are the priests with the Ark of the Covenant— and they’re still dry! Your nerves gradually uncoil, and you marvel as you walk farther into the now exposed riverbed.
Today’s reading tells us that in order to get across the Jordan and into the Promised Land, the Hebrews had to pass beside the Ark of the Covenant, which was stationed right in the middle of the riverbed. The Ark was the sign of God’s presence. It was a reminder of God’s promises to their nation. So crossing the river, even taking the first step, was an act of faith in God’s covenant. Any personal, inner doubts about whether God really could be trusted had to be brought to the surface and dealt with if they wanted to enter the Promised Land. Would the waters hold? Or will God forget and let me drown?
What a fitting image for the call to faith! To use Paul’s words, as long as we are “at home in the body” we are away from our Promised Land of heaven (2 Corinthians 5:6). As long as we keep our eyes fixed on this world and not his faithfulness, we risk being drowned in the anxieties and temptations of this life.
Life can feel like a wilderness sometimes! But we have an ever present reminder of the faithfulness and loving care of God—Jesus himself. When we sense God calling us to step out into the Jordan River of faith, we just have to look to Jesus, the source of our strength. Our inner doubts and fears may surface, but as we let Jesus calm them in prayer, we’ll find the courage to take a few careful steps in the direction he’s leading. Our faith in him, combined with his faithfulness to us, will see us through. The world doesn’t have to swallow us up!
Keep looking to Jesus and you can cross any river—no matter how fiercely it rages!
“Jesus, you are the Author and Finisher of my faith. I trust in you.”
Psalm 114:1-6;
10 August 2011
10 Aug 2011, Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr
Reading 1
2 Cor 9:6-10
Brothers and sisters:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,
so that in all things, always having all you need,
you may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written:
He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.
The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food
will supply and multiply your seed
and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
Responsorial PsalmR. (5)
Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Lavishly he gives to the poor,
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Gospel
Jn 12:24-26
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Meditation: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
St. Lawrence is one of the few saints whose feast is obligatory for the entire church, even though we don’t know a great deal about him. Stories about this brave, generous, and good-humored martyr from the third century have continued to inspire believers all over the world.
Lawrence was one of seven deacons in the church of Rome entrusted with the church’s treasure. His responsibilities included safeguarding its sacred vessels and using money from tithes and collections for almsgiving.
When the prefect of Rome learned that the Christians used cups, plates, and candlesticks made of gold and other precious materials in their liturgy, he summoned Lawrence and demanded an accounting. Persuasively, the prefect pointed out that Jesus was a poor man who cared nothing for riches and who taught his followers to render such things to Caesar. Surely the church wouldn’t mind parting with these material things to help boost the treasury of the Roman Empire.
Lawrence asked for three days to complete his inventory. During that time, he sold most of the precious vessels and gave the proceeds to the poor of the city. Then he assembled all the people who benefited from his generosity: beggars, orphans, the infirm. When the prefect demanded the church’ s treasure, Lawrence swept his arm over this motley crew and declared: “Here is the treasure of the church.” Furious, the prefect made Lawrence a martyr by having him roasted alive on a gridiron.
This story invites us to reflect on our treasure. Imagine that your house is on fire and you can rescue only one item. Many options might flash through your mind. Perhaps you would choose your bank statement. Perhaps you’d snatch a valuable painting. These are not poor choices, but maybe something that doesn’t have great monetary value is even more important. Maybe you couldn’t bear to leave behind your child’s handprint or your family Bible.
Jesus told us: “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Matthew 6:21). So let’s take St. Lawrence as our example and ponder where our hearts are today.
“Lord Jesus, you are my greatest treasure. Help my choices to reflect what matters most to you.”
2 Cor 9:6-10
Brothers and sisters:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you,
so that in all things, always having all you need,
you may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written:
He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.
The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food
will supply and multiply your seed
and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
Responsorial PsalmR. (5)
Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Lavishly he gives to the poor,
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Gospel
Jn 12:24-26
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Meditation: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
St. Lawrence is one of the few saints whose feast is obligatory for the entire church, even though we don’t know a great deal about him. Stories about this brave, generous, and good-humored martyr from the third century have continued to inspire believers all over the world.
Lawrence was one of seven deacons in the church of Rome entrusted with the church’s treasure. His responsibilities included safeguarding its sacred vessels and using money from tithes and collections for almsgiving.
When the prefect of Rome learned that the Christians used cups, plates, and candlesticks made of gold and other precious materials in their liturgy, he summoned Lawrence and demanded an accounting. Persuasively, the prefect pointed out that Jesus was a poor man who cared nothing for riches and who taught his followers to render such things to Caesar. Surely the church wouldn’t mind parting with these material things to help boost the treasury of the Roman Empire.
Lawrence asked for three days to complete his inventory. During that time, he sold most of the precious vessels and gave the proceeds to the poor of the city. Then he assembled all the people who benefited from his generosity: beggars, orphans, the infirm. When the prefect demanded the church’ s treasure, Lawrence swept his arm over this motley crew and declared: “Here is the treasure of the church.” Furious, the prefect made Lawrence a martyr by having him roasted alive on a gridiron.
This story invites us to reflect on our treasure. Imagine that your house is on fire and you can rescue only one item. Many options might flash through your mind. Perhaps you would choose your bank statement. Perhaps you’d snatch a valuable painting. These are not poor choices, but maybe something that doesn’t have great monetary value is even more important. Maybe you couldn’t bear to leave behind your child’s handprint or your family Bible.
Jesus told us: “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Matthew 6:21). So let’s take St. Lawrence as our example and ponder where our hearts are today.
“Lord Jesus, you are my greatest treasure. Help my choices to reflect what matters most to you.”
09 August 2011
09 Aug 2011, Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Dt 31:1-8
When Moses had finished speaking to all Israel, he said to them,
“I am now one hundred and twenty years old
and am no longer able to move about freely;
besides, the LORD has told me that I shall not cross this Jordan.
It is the LORD, your God, who will cross before you;
he will destroy these nations before you,
that you may supplant them.
It is Joshua who will cross before you, as the LORD promised.
The LORD will deal with them just as he dealt with Sihon and Og,
the kings of the Amorites whom he destroyed,
and with their country.
When, therefore, the LORD delivers them up to you,
you must deal with them exactly as I have ordered you.
Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them,
for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you;
he will never fail you or forsake you.”
Then Moses summoned Joshua and in the presence of all Israel
said to him, “Be brave and steadfast,
for you must bring this people into the land
which the LORD swore to their fathers he would give them;
you must put them in possession of their heritage.
It is the LORD who marches before you;
he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you.
So do not fear or be dismayed.”
Dt 32:3-4ab, 7, 8, 9 and 12
Responsorial PsalmR. (9a)
The portion of the Lord is his people.
For I will sing the LORD’s renown.
Oh, proclaim the greatness of our God!
The Rock–how faultless are his deeds,
how right all his ways!
R. The portion of the Lord is his people.
Think back on the days of old,
reflect on the years of age upon age.
Ask your father and he will inform you,
ask your elders and they will tell you.
R. The portion of the Lord is his people.
When the Most High assigned the nations their heritage,
when he parceled out the descendants of Adam,
He set up the boundaries of the peoples
after the number of the sons of Israel.
R. The portion of the Lord is his people.
While the LORD’s own portion was Jacob,
his hereditary share was Israel.
The LORD alone was their leader,
no strange god was with him.
R. The portion of the Lord is his people.
Gospel
Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
The disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever becomes humble like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.
What is your opinion?
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,
will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills
and go in search of the stray?
And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it
than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.
In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father
that one of these little ones be lost.”
Meditation: Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14
“Do not despise one of these little ones.” (Matthew 18:10)
You’ve heard this verse a million times. Hopefully, it has encouraged you a million times to reflect on how much God values every human being, no matter how “little.”
But have these words ever moved you to do something on behalf of the powerless and vulnerable people of our world? Because, you see, “do not despise” can also mean “do not disregard” or “do not fail to be concerned about.” So today, let’s open our hearts to one particular group of “little ones”—namely, the shadowy multitudes of men, women, and children who are suffering at the hands of slave traders.
Human trafficking—the illegal buying and selling of people’s bodies or labor—is the world’s fastest growing criminal industry, bringing in a $32 billion annual profit. And the number of victims is staggering. In 2010, the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report puts it at 12.3 million adults and children in forced labor and prostitution. Especially heinous is the global buying and selling of children—as many as 1.2 million every year. Their heartrending stories (plentiful on the Web sites of any anti-trafficking organization) are enough to make stones weep.
The sickness has seeped in everywhere. Both the United States and Canada, for example, are “source, transit, and destination” countries for this slave trade, says the State Department report. An estimated 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States every year, and more than half of them are children. Many more child victims— up to 300,000 annually—are United States residents.
“What can you do? Several things. Get informed. Good places to start: your national Conference of Catholic Bishops (in the US: www.usccb. org); the anti-trafficking newsletter of the Sisters of the Divine Savior (www. stopenslavement.org); the Polaris Project (www.polarisproject.org); and Shared Hope (www.sharedhope.org). Offer help—by supporting worthy organizations and getting other people involved. Pressure politicians to enact and enforce good laws. And most important: Pray, pray, pray for an end to this horrendous scourge.
“Father, grant freedom and comfort to the millions who are enslaved throughout the world.”
Dt 31:1-8
When Moses had finished speaking to all Israel, he said to them,
“I am now one hundred and twenty years old
and am no longer able to move about freely;
besides, the LORD has told me that I shall not cross this Jordan.
It is the LORD, your God, who will cross before you;
he will destroy these nations before you,
that you may supplant them.
It is Joshua who will cross before you, as the LORD promised.
The LORD will deal with them just as he dealt with Sihon and Og,
the kings of the Amorites whom he destroyed,
and with their country.
When, therefore, the LORD delivers them up to you,
you must deal with them exactly as I have ordered you.
Be brave and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them,
for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you;
he will never fail you or forsake you.”
Then Moses summoned Joshua and in the presence of all Israel
said to him, “Be brave and steadfast,
for you must bring this people into the land
which the LORD swore to their fathers he would give them;
you must put them in possession of their heritage.
It is the LORD who marches before you;
he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you.
So do not fear or be dismayed.”
Dt 32:3-4ab, 7, 8, 9 and 12
Responsorial PsalmR. (9a)
The portion of the Lord is his people.
For I will sing the LORD’s renown.
Oh, proclaim the greatness of our God!
The Rock–how faultless are his deeds,
how right all his ways!
R. The portion of the Lord is his people.
Think back on the days of old,
reflect on the years of age upon age.
Ask your father and he will inform you,
ask your elders and they will tell you.
R. The portion of the Lord is his people.
When the Most High assigned the nations their heritage,
when he parceled out the descendants of Adam,
He set up the boundaries of the peoples
after the number of the sons of Israel.
R. The portion of the Lord is his people.
While the LORD’s own portion was Jacob,
his hereditary share was Israel.
The LORD alone was their leader,
no strange god was with him.
R. The portion of the Lord is his people.
Gospel
Mt 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
The disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever becomes humble like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.
What is your opinion?
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,
will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills
and go in search of the stray?
And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it
than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.
In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father
that one of these little ones be lost.”
Meditation: Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14
“Do not despise one of these little ones.” (Matthew 18:10)
You’ve heard this verse a million times. Hopefully, it has encouraged you a million times to reflect on how much God values every human being, no matter how “little.”
But have these words ever moved you to do something on behalf of the powerless and vulnerable people of our world? Because, you see, “do not despise” can also mean “do not disregard” or “do not fail to be concerned about.” So today, let’s open our hearts to one particular group of “little ones”—namely, the shadowy multitudes of men, women, and children who are suffering at the hands of slave traders.
Human trafficking—the illegal buying and selling of people’s bodies or labor—is the world’s fastest growing criminal industry, bringing in a $32 billion annual profit. And the number of victims is staggering. In 2010, the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report puts it at 12.3 million adults and children in forced labor and prostitution. Especially heinous is the global buying and selling of children—as many as 1.2 million every year. Their heartrending stories (plentiful on the Web sites of any anti-trafficking organization) are enough to make stones weep.
The sickness has seeped in everywhere. Both the United States and Canada, for example, are “source, transit, and destination” countries for this slave trade, says the State Department report. An estimated 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States every year, and more than half of them are children. Many more child victims— up to 300,000 annually—are United States residents.
“What can you do? Several things. Get informed. Good places to start: your national Conference of Catholic Bishops (in the US: www.usccb. org); the anti-trafficking newsletter of the Sisters of the Divine Savior (www. stopenslavement.org); the Polaris Project (www.polarisproject.org); and Shared Hope (www.sharedhope.org). Offer help—by supporting worthy organizations and getting other people involved. Pressure politicians to enact and enforce good laws. And most important: Pray, pray, pray for an end to this horrendous scourge.
“Father, grant freedom and comfort to the millions who are enslaved throughout the world.”
08 August 2011
08 Aug 2011, Memorial of Saint Dominic, priest
Reading 1
Dt 10:12-22
Moses said to the people:
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD, your God, ask of you
but to fear the LORD, your God, and follow his ways exactly,
to love and serve the LORD, your God,
with all your heart and all your soul,
to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD
which I enjoin on you today for your own good?
Think! The heavens, even the highest heavens,
belong to the LORD, your God,
as well as the earth and everything on it.
Yet in his love for your fathers the LORD was so attached to them
as to choose you, their descendants,
in preference to all other peoples, as indeed he has now done.
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and be no longer stiff-necked.
For the LORD, your God, is the God of gods,
the LORD of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome,
who has no favorites, accepts no bribes;
who executes justice for the orphan and the widow,
and befriends the alien, feeding and clothing him.
So you too must befriend the alien,
for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.
The LORD, your God, shall you fear, and him shall you serve;
hold fast to him and swear by his name.
He is your glory, he, your God,
who has done for you those great and terrible things
which your own eyes have seen.
Your ancestors went down to Egypt seventy strong,
and now the LORD, your God,
has made you as numerous as the stars of the sky.”
147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Responsorial PsalmR. (12a)
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
Gospel
Mt 17:22-27
As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee,
Jesus said to them,
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men,
and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.”
And they were overwhelmed with grief.
When they came to Capernaum,
the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said,
“Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?”
“Yes,” he said.
When he came into the house, before he had time to speak,
Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon?
From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax?
From their subjects or from foreigners?”
When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him,
“Then the subjects are exempt.
But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook,
and take the first fish that comes up.
Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax.
Give that to them for me and for you.”
Meditation: Matthew 17:22-27
“The subjects are exempt.” (Matthew 17:26)
Jesus’ words often have a deeper meaning than is first apparent. That’s especially true here. When asked to pay the Temple tax, Jesus makes the point that kings collect certain taxes only from foreigners, not subjects. He says that subjects—other translations have “sons”—are exempt from this tax. As the Son of God, then, he is certainly exempt from the Temple tax. But he goes on to say that all children are exempt, meaning his followers as well. He only pays the tax so as not to offend those who had not yet grasped who he was.
What a marvelous truth: Children are free because they are children! The prodigal son, who came back to his father’s house after squandering everything, experienced this freedom in a deep way (Luke 15:11-31). He had become a virtual slave in another country—as we sometimes become slaves of sin. Yet when he came back home, his father treated him with all the dignity of a son. The father was so overjoyed that he forgot all the trouble his wayward son had wrought, and he welcomed him with open arms!
This truth of our freedom as sons and daughters of God can cut both ways. We are even free to stray from him if we choose. We are free to experience the sting of sin and its effects. Ironically, we are even free to become enslaved to a habit of sin!
Of course, we know that this is not the wisest strategy. No, real freedom is the freedom to do God’s will. It’s the freedom that “exempts” us from merely following him out of fear or obligation—the freedom to actually want to live holy lives.
So why be a slave when we can be free? Why live under the burden of divine commandments when you can know the dignity of being a child of God? You are exempt! You have nothing to fear! So go ahead and enjoy your freedom. Let it fill your heart and guide your actions. You’ll end up pleasing God much more than if you were to obey out of fear and anxiety!
“Lord, thank you for the freedom I have to love and serve you. Give me the grace to respond joyfully to whatever you ask of me today.”
Dt 10:12-22
Moses said to the people:
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD, your God, ask of you
but to fear the LORD, your God, and follow his ways exactly,
to love and serve the LORD, your God,
with all your heart and all your soul,
to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD
which I enjoin on you today for your own good?
Think! The heavens, even the highest heavens,
belong to the LORD, your God,
as well as the earth and everything on it.
Yet in his love for your fathers the LORD was so attached to them
as to choose you, their descendants,
in preference to all other peoples, as indeed he has now done.
Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and be no longer stiff-necked.
For the LORD, your God, is the God of gods,
the LORD of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome,
who has no favorites, accepts no bribes;
who executes justice for the orphan and the widow,
and befriends the alien, feeding and clothing him.
So you too must befriend the alien,
for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.
The LORD, your God, shall you fear, and him shall you serve;
hold fast to him and swear by his name.
He is your glory, he, your God,
who has done for you those great and terrible things
which your own eyes have seen.
Your ancestors went down to Egypt seventy strong,
and now the LORD, your God,
has made you as numerous as the stars of the sky.”
147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Responsorial PsalmR. (12a)
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
Gospel
Mt 17:22-27
As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee,
Jesus said to them,
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men,
and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.”
And they were overwhelmed with grief.
When they came to Capernaum,
the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said,
“Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?”
“Yes,” he said.
When he came into the house, before he had time to speak,
Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon?
From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax?
From their subjects or from foreigners?”
When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him,
“Then the subjects are exempt.
But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook,
and take the first fish that comes up.
Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax.
Give that to them for me and for you.”
Meditation: Matthew 17:22-27
“The subjects are exempt.” (Matthew 17:26)
Jesus’ words often have a deeper meaning than is first apparent. That’s especially true here. When asked to pay the Temple tax, Jesus makes the point that kings collect certain taxes only from foreigners, not subjects. He says that subjects—other translations have “sons”—are exempt from this tax. As the Son of God, then, he is certainly exempt from the Temple tax. But he goes on to say that all children are exempt, meaning his followers as well. He only pays the tax so as not to offend those who had not yet grasped who he was.
What a marvelous truth: Children are free because they are children! The prodigal son, who came back to his father’s house after squandering everything, experienced this freedom in a deep way (Luke 15:11-31). He had become a virtual slave in another country—as we sometimes become slaves of sin. Yet when he came back home, his father treated him with all the dignity of a son. The father was so overjoyed that he forgot all the trouble his wayward son had wrought, and he welcomed him with open arms!
This truth of our freedom as sons and daughters of God can cut both ways. We are even free to stray from him if we choose. We are free to experience the sting of sin and its effects. Ironically, we are even free to become enslaved to a habit of sin!
Of course, we know that this is not the wisest strategy. No, real freedom is the freedom to do God’s will. It’s the freedom that “exempts” us from merely following him out of fear or obligation—the freedom to actually want to live holy lives.
So why be a slave when we can be free? Why live under the burden of divine commandments when you can know the dignity of being a child of God? You are exempt! You have nothing to fear! So go ahead and enjoy your freedom. Let it fill your heart and guide your actions. You’ll end up pleasing God much more than if you were to obey out of fear and anxiety!
“Lord, thank you for the freedom I have to love and serve you. Give me the grace to respond joyfully to whatever you ask of me today.”
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