Reading 1 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
[From the descendants of Alexander's officers]
there sprang a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes,
son of King Antiochus, once a hostage at Rome.
He became king in the year one hundred and thirty seven
of the kingdom of the Greeks.
In those days there appeared in Israel
men who were breakers of the law,
and they seduced many people, saying:
"Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us;
since we separated from them, many evils have come upon us."
The proposal was agreeable;
some from among the people promptly went to the king,
and he authorized them to introduce the way of living
of the Gentiles.
Thereupon they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem
according to the Gentile custom.
They covered over the mark of their circumcision
and abandoned the holy covenant;
they allied themselves with the Gentiles
and sold themselves to wrongdoing.
Then the king wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people,
each abandoning his particular customs.
All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king,
and many children of Israel were in favor of his religion;
they sacrificed to idols and profaned the sabbath.
On the fifteenth day of the month Chislev,
in the year one hundred and forty-five,
the king erected the horrible abomination
upon the altar of burnt offerings
and in the surrounding cities of Judah they built pagan altars.
They also burned incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets.
Any scrolls of the law which they found they tore up and burnt.
Whoever was found with a scroll of the covenant,
and whoever observed the law,
was condemned to death by royal decree.
But many in Israel were determined
and resolved in their hearts not to eat anything unclean;
they preferred to die rather than to be defiled with unclean food
or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die.
Terrible affliction was upon Israel.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158
R. (see 88) Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Indignation seizes me because of the wicked
who forsake your law.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Though the snares of the wicked are twined about me,
your law I have not forgotten.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may keep your precepts.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
I am attacked by malicious persecutors
who are far from your law.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Far from sinners is salvation,
because they seek not your statutes.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
I beheld the apostates with loathing,
because they kept not to your promise.
R. Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Gospel Lk 18:35-43
As Jesus approached Jericho
a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging,
and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.
They told him,
"Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!"
The people walking in front rebuked him,
telling him to be silent,
but he kept calling out all the more,
"Son of David, have pity on me!"
Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him;
and when he came near, Jesus asked him,
"What do you want me to do for you?"
He replied, "Lord, please let me see."
Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you."
He immediately received his sight
and followed him, giving glory to God.
When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.
Meditation: Luke 18:35-43
“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by!” (Luke 18:37)
What faith! As soon as the blind man heard that Jesus was passing by, he called out at the top of his lungs: “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me!” (Luke 18:38). He was not going to let fear or shame make him miss the biggest moment of his life. In fact, when the people told him to be quiet, he shouted even louder: “Son of David, have pity on me!”(18:39). Jesus was so impressed with this man’s faith and persistence that he answered: “Have sight; your faith has saved you” (18:42).
If you had an opportunity to be that close to Jesus as he passed by, wouldn’t you cry out to him as well? The truth is, this is what happens every time you go to Mass! From the moment of consecration on, Jesus is truly present on the altar under the signs of bread and wine. He is there, passing right before your eyes! So go ahead and call out to him — in your heart, of course! Go ahead and ask him to heal you and your loved ones. Don’t let fear or shame hold you back. Just repeat this blind man’s plea, and then trust that he will answer you.
What will Jesus’ response be? He will say the same thing that he said to the blind man: “Your faith has saved you.”
Did you know that the Greek word for “saved” here can also mean “healed”? That’s right. Jesus can bring healing to your life. As you persist in calling out to him at Mass, not only will your faith be built up and your soul saved; your life can be healed as well. The pain of old wounds can be lessened. Anxiety, bitterness, and cynicism can fall away. Even physical ailments may be resolved. So fix your spiritual eyes on Jesus at the altar. Gaze on him as he passes by, and cry out to him. This consistent focus on Jesus can bring you closer to him in this life, and open the door of heaven itself!
“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! As I gaze upon you today, pass by me with your healing touch, and save me. I love you, Lord.”
13 November 2011
13 Nov 2011, Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
When one finds a worthy wife,
her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,
has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil,
all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax
and works with loving hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor,
and extends her arms to the needy.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward for her labors,
and let her works praise her at the city gates.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R. (cf. 1a) Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Reading 2 1 Thes 5:1-6
Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters,
you have no need for anything to be written to you.
For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come
like a thief at night.
When people are saying, "Peace and security, "
then sudden disaster comes upon them,
like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,
and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness,
for that day to overtake you like a thief.
For all of you are children of the light
and children of the day.
We are not of the night or of darkness.
Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do,
but let us stay alert and sober.
Gospel Mt 25:14-30
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,
and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground
and buried his master's money.
After a long time
the master of those servants came back
and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward
bringing the additional five.
He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,
'Master, you gave me two talents.
See, I have made two more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,
'Master, I knew you were a demanding person,
harvesting where you did not plant
and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.
Here it is back.'
His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant!
So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant
and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank
so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has,
more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'"
Or Mt 25:14-15, 19-21
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
After a long time
the master of those servants came back
and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward
bringing the additional five.
He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'"
Meditation: Matthew 25:14-30
“Come, share your master’s joy.” (Matthew 25:21)
Quick! Ask yourself: “As I read this parable, did I identify more with the third servant in this parable than with the first two?” If you did, you’re not alone. How quick we are to fear that we may lose the little bit we think we have! We may even think that the outcome of this parable is unfair. Why should those who already have so much receive even more?
But this isn’t a parable about fairness. It’s about Jesus’ ability to empower us to bear fruit for the gospel — fruit that surpasses what we would naturally expect.
Think of the potential damage that just one person can do to the devil’s plans. Consider a mother who teaches her children about the ways of the Lord. Think of how she models patience, justice, and kindness to them. Think of the way she helps them to pray and teaches them to treat each other with love and consideration. Day after day, week after week, she is bringing about the kingdom of God in these children’s lives. And not just in their lives but in the lives of their own future children. Her influence, in fact, has the potential to reach generations!
Or consider the young person who witnesses to his faith in Jesus at school. Think of the number of students he can stimulate to expect that God will work in their lives. Think about the ways these students, now on fire for the Lord, can influence others. And so on, and so on, and so on.
It’s true. God really can use you to extend his kingdom! Choose one situation this week where you can make a difference, one friend or acquaintance who you can bring one step closer to the Lord. Step out in faith, and see what kind of effect you can have. If you give the Lord an inch, he will take you a mile!
“Holy Spirit, I give you permission to work more fully in my life. Come and fill me with your power and gifts, so that I might bear fruit for the kingdom.”
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psalm 128:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30)
1. The first reading describes the virtues of a “worthy wife.” How would you summarize them?
2. The last virtue of a “worthy wife” in the first reading is one who “ fears the Lord.” The responsorial psalm picks up on this theme as well, describing the blessings of those who “fear the Lord.” What is the meaning of this virtue, and why is it so important in living our lives as Christians?
3. The second reading is the conclusion of St. Paul’s discussion of the Second Coming of Christ (see also 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). When it comes to the Second Coming, why do we need to be “alert and sober”? What steps do you need to take to be more ready for the Second Coming of Christ?
4. In the Gospel parable, the servant who buried his master’s talent said he did it “out of fear.” In what way is the servant’s fear different than the fear of the Lord mentioned in the first reading and the responsorial psalm? Why do you think the servant was so harshly punished?
5. How important is it to hear the following words from the Gospel parable when you meet the Lord in Heaven? “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come share your master’s joy.” What do you believe are the “small matters” in your life that require more faithfulness?
6. In the meditation, we hear these words: “It’s true. God really can use you to extend his kingdom!” What steps can you take in the upcoming weeks to “extend his kingdom”?
7. Take some time now to pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit and all the grace you need to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.
When one finds a worthy wife,
her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,
has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil,
all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax
and works with loving hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor,
and extends her arms to the needy.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward for her labors,
and let her works praise her at the city gates.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R. (cf. 1a) Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Reading 2 1 Thes 5:1-6
Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters,
you have no need for anything to be written to you.
For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come
like a thief at night.
When people are saying, "Peace and security, "
then sudden disaster comes upon them,
like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,
and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness,
for that day to overtake you like a thief.
For all of you are children of the light
and children of the day.
We are not of the night or of darkness.
Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do,
but let us stay alert and sober.
Gospel Mt 25:14-30
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,
and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground
and buried his master's money.
After a long time
the master of those servants came back
and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward
bringing the additional five.
He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,
'Master, you gave me two talents.
See, I have made two more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,
'Master, I knew you were a demanding person,
harvesting where you did not plant
and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.
Here it is back.'
His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant!
So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant
and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank
so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has,
more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'"
Or Mt 25:14-15, 19-21
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
After a long time
the master of those servants came back
and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward
bringing the additional five.
He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'"
Meditation: Matthew 25:14-30
“Come, share your master’s joy.” (Matthew 25:21)
Quick! Ask yourself: “As I read this parable, did I identify more with the third servant in this parable than with the first two?” If you did, you’re not alone. How quick we are to fear that we may lose the little bit we think we have! We may even think that the outcome of this parable is unfair. Why should those who already have so much receive even more?
But this isn’t a parable about fairness. It’s about Jesus’ ability to empower us to bear fruit for the gospel — fruit that surpasses what we would naturally expect.
Think of the potential damage that just one person can do to the devil’s plans. Consider a mother who teaches her children about the ways of the Lord. Think of how she models patience, justice, and kindness to them. Think of the way she helps them to pray and teaches them to treat each other with love and consideration. Day after day, week after week, she is bringing about the kingdom of God in these children’s lives. And not just in their lives but in the lives of their own future children. Her influence, in fact, has the potential to reach generations!
Or consider the young person who witnesses to his faith in Jesus at school. Think of the number of students he can stimulate to expect that God will work in their lives. Think about the ways these students, now on fire for the Lord, can influence others. And so on, and so on, and so on.
It’s true. God really can use you to extend his kingdom! Choose one situation this week where you can make a difference, one friend or acquaintance who you can bring one step closer to the Lord. Step out in faith, and see what kind of effect you can have. If you give the Lord an inch, he will take you a mile!
“Holy Spirit, I give you permission to work more fully in my life. Come and fill me with your power and gifts, so that I might bear fruit for the kingdom.”
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psalm 128:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30)
1. The first reading describes the virtues of a “worthy wife.” How would you summarize them?
2. The last virtue of a “worthy wife” in the first reading is one who “ fears the Lord.” The responsorial psalm picks up on this theme as well, describing the blessings of those who “fear the Lord.” What is the meaning of this virtue, and why is it so important in living our lives as Christians?
3. The second reading is the conclusion of St. Paul’s discussion of the Second Coming of Christ (see also 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). When it comes to the Second Coming, why do we need to be “alert and sober”? What steps do you need to take to be more ready for the Second Coming of Christ?
4. In the Gospel parable, the servant who buried his master’s talent said he did it “out of fear.” In what way is the servant’s fear different than the fear of the Lord mentioned in the first reading and the responsorial psalm? Why do you think the servant was so harshly punished?
5. How important is it to hear the following words from the Gospel parable when you meet the Lord in Heaven? “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come share your master’s joy.” What do you believe are the “small matters” in your life that require more faithfulness?
6. In the meditation, we hear these words: “It’s true. God really can use you to extend his kingdom!” What steps can you take in the upcoming weeks to “extend his kingdom”?
7. Take some time now to pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit and all the grace you need to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.
12 November 2011
12 Nov 2011, Memorial of Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr
Reading 1 Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9
When peaceful stillness compassed everything
and the night in its swift course was half spent,
Your all-powerful word, from heaven's royal throne
bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land,
bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree.
And as he alighted, he filled every place with death;
he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth.
For all creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew,
serving its natural laws,
that your children might be preserved unharmed.
The cloud overshadowed their camp;
and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging:
Out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road,
and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood.
Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by your hand,
after they beheld stupendous wonders.
For they ranged about like horses,
and bounded about like lambs,
praising you, O Lord! their deliverer.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43
R. (5a) Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Then he struck every first born throughout their land,
the first fruits of all their manhood.
And he led them forth laden with silver and gold,
with not a weakling among their tribes.
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
For he remembered his holy word
to his servant Abraham.
And he led forth his people with joy;
with shouts of joy, his chosen ones.
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel Lk 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, "There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
"Render a just decision for me against my adversary."
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
"While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.""
The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Meditation: Luke 18:1-8
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“Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7)
We all remember this plucky widow for her persistence in dealing with an unjust judge. But there is another angle to this parable that we should pay attention to.
To get a look at this other angle, we first have to look at what Jesus had been saying right before he told this parable. In Luke 17:20-37, he tells his disciples three things: He predicts his death and resurrection; he tells them that he will come back at the end of time; and he warns that some people will not be ready for his glorious return. Only then, in the context of his words about his return, does he tell this parable.
This emphasis on the Second Coming helps us understand the last line of the parable: “When the Son of Man comes will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8). It also gives us a new way of looking at the “justice” that this widow sought from the judge. It helps us to see that the true justice comes not from a widow’s persistence but from Jesus’ own death on the cross. Because Jesus suffered “greatly” (17:25), he secured our redemption. We are now justified by his grace, not by our efforts.
So why should we persist in prayer? Why bother, if Jesus has done all the work? Because the end has not yet come. We still live in a world of injustice, temptation, and sin. Our persistence in prayer is our way of fighting the good fight of faith. It’s how we can put ourselves in the presence of God every day, ready to receive all the grace he wants to give us.
Brothers and sisters, the way of persistence is the way of faith! The way of persistence is the way of justice! As we push on in prayer, we will become more and more confident in God’s goodness and his salvation. We will see his justice more and more clearly in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones. And we will be ready for Jesus when he comes again in glory.
“Jesus, give me strength to pray even when I’m tired, weak, or distracted. Let nothing stand between us, Lord!”
When peaceful stillness compassed everything
and the night in its swift course was half spent,
Your all-powerful word, from heaven's royal throne
bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land,
bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree.
And as he alighted, he filled every place with death;
he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth.
For all creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew,
serving its natural laws,
that your children might be preserved unharmed.
The cloud overshadowed their camp;
and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging:
Out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road,
and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood.
Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by your hand,
after they beheld stupendous wonders.
For they ranged about like horses,
and bounded about like lambs,
praising you, O Lord! their deliverer.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43
R. (5a) Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Then he struck every first born throughout their land,
the first fruits of all their manhood.
And he led them forth laden with silver and gold,
with not a weakling among their tribes.
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
For he remembered his holy word
to his servant Abraham.
And he led forth his people with joy;
with shouts of joy, his chosen ones.
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel Lk 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, "There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
"Render a just decision for me against my adversary."
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
"While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.""
The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Meditation: Luke 18:1-8
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“Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7)
We all remember this plucky widow for her persistence in dealing with an unjust judge. But there is another angle to this parable that we should pay attention to.
To get a look at this other angle, we first have to look at what Jesus had been saying right before he told this parable. In Luke 17:20-37, he tells his disciples three things: He predicts his death and resurrection; he tells them that he will come back at the end of time; and he warns that some people will not be ready for his glorious return. Only then, in the context of his words about his return, does he tell this parable.
This emphasis on the Second Coming helps us understand the last line of the parable: “When the Son of Man comes will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8). It also gives us a new way of looking at the “justice” that this widow sought from the judge. It helps us to see that the true justice comes not from a widow’s persistence but from Jesus’ own death on the cross. Because Jesus suffered “greatly” (17:25), he secured our redemption. We are now justified by his grace, not by our efforts.
So why should we persist in prayer? Why bother, if Jesus has done all the work? Because the end has not yet come. We still live in a world of injustice, temptation, and sin. Our persistence in prayer is our way of fighting the good fight of faith. It’s how we can put ourselves in the presence of God every day, ready to receive all the grace he wants to give us.
Brothers and sisters, the way of persistence is the way of faith! The way of persistence is the way of justice! As we push on in prayer, we will become more and more confident in God’s goodness and his salvation. We will see his justice more and more clearly in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones. And we will be ready for Jesus when he comes again in glory.
“Jesus, give me strength to pray even when I’m tired, weak, or distracted. Let nothing stand between us, Lord!”
11 November 2011
11 Nov 2011, Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, bishop
Reading 1 Wis 13:1-9
All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God,
and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing him who is,
and from studying the works did not discern the artisan;
But either fire, or wind, or the swift air,
or the circuit of the stars, or the mighty water,
or the luminaries of heaven, the governors of the world, they considered gods.
Now if out of joy in their beauty they thought them gods,
let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these;
for the original source of beauty fashioned them.
Or if they were struck by their might and energy,
let them from these things realize how much more powerful is he who made them.
For from the greatness and the beauty of created things
their original author, by analogy, is seen.
But yet, for these the blame is less;
For they indeed have gone astray perhaps,
though they seek God and wish to find him.
For they search busily among his works,
but are distracted by what they see, because the things seen are fair.
But again, not even these are pardonable.
For if they so far succeeded in knowledge
that they could speculate about the world,
how did they not more quickly find its Lord?
Responsorial Psalm Ps 19:2-3, 4-5ab
R. (2a) The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
Gospel Lk 17:26-37
Jesus said to his disciples:
"As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be in the days of the Son of Man;
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage up to the day
that Noah entered the ark,
and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot:
they were eating, drinking, buying,
selling, planting, building;
on the day when Lot left Sodom,
fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all.
So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.
On that day, someone who is on the housetop
and whose belongings are in the house
must not go down to get them,
and likewise one in the field
must not return to what was left behind.
Remember the wife of Lot.
Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it,
but whoever loses it will save it.
I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed;
one will be taken, the other left.
And there will be two women grinding meal together;
one will be taken, the other left."
They said to him in reply, "Where, Lord?"
He said to them, "Where the body is,
there also the vultures will gather."
Meditation: Luke 17:26-37
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man.” (Luke 17:26)
Do you remember the radio preacher who predicted that the apocalypse would come this past May? He was one in a very long line of doomsday prophets warning the rest of humanity to repent or face the consequences on a specific date and time. But Jesus was very clear that no one —not even himself — knows when the end will come.
This kind of unpredictability can frighten us. Like a child wondering if he will get caught stealing from the cookie jar, we may fear that we’ll be caught red-handed in some misdeed at the moment when Jesus comes back.
So how can we be sure we’ll survive that day? We may try to keep ourselves locked away so that we don’t get into any mischief. But that usually is not a realistic approach. We still have to live in this world and face all the temptation that is out there. So what’s the answer?
As anyone who plays sports will tell you, the best defense is a good offense. Don’t worry about the world! Don’t worry about temptation! Instead, begin every day with a strong, can-do attitude.
When you wake up, proclaim: “Christ himself lives in me, and he is my hope of glory.” At different points throughout the day, take a short break for prayer and remind yourself: “Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world.” And when you do feel tempted, make St. Paul’s statement of faith your own: “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me” (Philippians 4:13).
Never forget that there is a God who deeply loves you and really wants to bring you to heaven. He delights in you and is eagerly looking forward to the day when you are united with him. So practice coming into his presence. Get into the habit of saying no to sin and temptation. As you do, fear over the Second Coming will give way to eager expectation and a joy-filled hope. After all, you will be coming home to the One who has loved you from before time began!
“Lord, I know I am drawn to this world. Help me to be drawn even more powerfully to you. Thank you for being faithful and true to me!”
All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God,
and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing him who is,
and from studying the works did not discern the artisan;
But either fire, or wind, or the swift air,
or the circuit of the stars, or the mighty water,
or the luminaries of heaven, the governors of the world, they considered gods.
Now if out of joy in their beauty they thought them gods,
let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these;
for the original source of beauty fashioned them.
Or if they were struck by their might and energy,
let them from these things realize how much more powerful is he who made them.
For from the greatness and the beauty of created things
their original author, by analogy, is seen.
But yet, for these the blame is less;
For they indeed have gone astray perhaps,
though they seek God and wish to find him.
For they search busily among his works,
but are distracted by what they see, because the things seen are fair.
But again, not even these are pardonable.
For if they so far succeeded in knowledge
that they could speculate about the world,
how did they not more quickly find its Lord?
Responsorial Psalm Ps 19:2-3, 4-5ab
R. (2a) The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
R. The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
R. The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
Gospel Lk 17:26-37
Jesus said to his disciples:
"As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be in the days of the Son of Man;
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage up to the day
that Noah entered the ark,
and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot:
they were eating, drinking, buying,
selling, planting, building;
on the day when Lot left Sodom,
fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all.
So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.
On that day, someone who is on the housetop
and whose belongings are in the house
must not go down to get them,
and likewise one in the field
must not return to what was left behind.
Remember the wife of Lot.
Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it,
but whoever loses it will save it.
I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed;
one will be taken, the other left.
And there will be two women grinding meal together;
one will be taken, the other left."
They said to him in reply, "Where, Lord?"
He said to them, "Where the body is,
there also the vultures will gather."
Meditation: Luke 17:26-37
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man.” (Luke 17:26)
Do you remember the radio preacher who predicted that the apocalypse would come this past May? He was one in a very long line of doomsday prophets warning the rest of humanity to repent or face the consequences on a specific date and time. But Jesus was very clear that no one —not even himself — knows when the end will come.
This kind of unpredictability can frighten us. Like a child wondering if he will get caught stealing from the cookie jar, we may fear that we’ll be caught red-handed in some misdeed at the moment when Jesus comes back.
So how can we be sure we’ll survive that day? We may try to keep ourselves locked away so that we don’t get into any mischief. But that usually is not a realistic approach. We still have to live in this world and face all the temptation that is out there. So what’s the answer?
As anyone who plays sports will tell you, the best defense is a good offense. Don’t worry about the world! Don’t worry about temptation! Instead, begin every day with a strong, can-do attitude.
When you wake up, proclaim: “Christ himself lives in me, and he is my hope of glory.” At different points throughout the day, take a short break for prayer and remind yourself: “Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world.” And when you do feel tempted, make St. Paul’s statement of faith your own: “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me” (Philippians 4:13).
Never forget that there is a God who deeply loves you and really wants to bring you to heaven. He delights in you and is eagerly looking forward to the day when you are united with him. So practice coming into his presence. Get into the habit of saying no to sin and temptation. As you do, fear over the Second Coming will give way to eager expectation and a joy-filled hope. After all, you will be coming home to the One who has loved you from before time began!
“Lord, I know I am drawn to this world. Help me to be drawn even more powerfully to you. Thank you for being faithful and true to me!”
10 November 2011
10 Nov 2011, Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church
Reading 1 Wis 7:22b-8:1
In Wisdom is a spirit
intelligent, holy, unique,
Manifold, subtle, agile,
clear, unstained, certain,
Not baneful, loving the good, keen,
unhampered, beneficent, kindly,
Firm, secure, tranquil,
all-powerful, all-seeing,
And pervading all spirits,
though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle.
For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion,
and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity.
For she is an aura of the might of God
and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty;
therefore nought that is sullied enters into her.
For she is the refulgence of eternal light,
the spotless mirror of the power of God,
the image of his goodness.
And she, who is one, can do all things,
and renews everything while herself perduring;
And passing into holy souls from age to age,
she produces friends of God and prophets.
For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom.
For she is fairer than the sun
and surpasses every constellation of the stars.
Compared to light, she takes precedence;
for that, indeed, night supplants,
but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom.
Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily
and governs all things well.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175
R. (89a) Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Your word, O LORD, endures forever;
it is firm as the heavens.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Through all generations your truth endures;
you have established the earth, and it stands firm.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
According to your ordinances they still stand firm:
all things serve you.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Let your countenance shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Let my soul live to praise you,
and may your ordinances help me.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Gospel Lk 17:20-25
Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come,
Jesus said in reply,
"The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed,
and no one will announce, "Look, here it is," or, "There it is."
For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you."
Then he said to his disciples,
"The days will come when you will long to see
one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.
There will be those who will say to you,
"Look, there he is," or "Look, here he is."
Do not go off, do not run in pursuit.
For just as lightning flashes
and lights up the sky from one side to the other,
so will the Son of Man be in his day.
But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation."
Meditation: Wisdom 7:22–8:1
“She is an aura of the might of God.” (Wisdom 7:25)
Traditionally, today’s first reading is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus or the Holy Spirit. After all, wisdom is described here as the “image” of God’s goodness (Wisdom 7:26), and it tells us that wisdom passes “into holy souls from age to age” (7:27). But let’s look at this passage from another angle. Let’s see how these verses might be used to describe the church.
Scripture tells us that God’s plan all along was that the “manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church” (Ephesians 3:10). We can see, also, how God wants the church to become “the spotless mirror of the power of God,” and how the church is meant to be “holy, unique … loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent” (Wisdom 7:22). Surely we are called to reveal the wisdom and power of God to everyone around us!
Still, even a cursory look at the church today would reveal a different picture. We see division, financial misdealings, even abuse and cover-ups. In the world, the church tends be viewed with skepticism and suspicion rather than with respect and reverence. And no matter how much we may want to blame the media or worry about anti-Catholicism, we have to admit that some of the scorn is understandable, given the sinful actions of some members of the church.
It’s true that none of us fully lives up to the picture painted in today’s first reading. But it is also true that every time we come together to celebrate the liturgy, every time we link arms and reach out to the poor, or every time we work toward taking down the walls of division that exist between us, the church really does shine.
Yes, it is the Holy Spirit’s job to make the church holy. But it is our job as well. As Fr. Bertrand Weaver writes in his book, Joy: “The work of the mystical body on earth depends on the zeal of its members. Our contribution to the holiness of the whole church will depend on the extent to which we allow the Holy Spirit to take over our lives.”
“Come, Holy Spirit, help us yield to your promptings, so that together we can reflect your wisdom to the world.”
In Wisdom is a spirit
intelligent, holy, unique,
Manifold, subtle, agile,
clear, unstained, certain,
Not baneful, loving the good, keen,
unhampered, beneficent, kindly,
Firm, secure, tranquil,
all-powerful, all-seeing,
And pervading all spirits,
though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle.
For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion,
and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity.
For she is an aura of the might of God
and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty;
therefore nought that is sullied enters into her.
For she is the refulgence of eternal light,
the spotless mirror of the power of God,
the image of his goodness.
And she, who is one, can do all things,
and renews everything while herself perduring;
And passing into holy souls from age to age,
she produces friends of God and prophets.
For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom.
For she is fairer than the sun
and surpasses every constellation of the stars.
Compared to light, she takes precedence;
for that, indeed, night supplants,
but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom.
Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily
and governs all things well.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175
R. (89a) Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Your word, O LORD, endures forever;
it is firm as the heavens.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Through all generations your truth endures;
you have established the earth, and it stands firm.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
According to your ordinances they still stand firm:
all things serve you.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
giving understanding to the simple.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Let your countenance shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Let my soul live to praise you,
and may your ordinances help me.
R. Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Gospel Lk 17:20-25
Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come,
Jesus said in reply,
"The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed,
and no one will announce, "Look, here it is," or, "There it is."
For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you."
Then he said to his disciples,
"The days will come when you will long to see
one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.
There will be those who will say to you,
"Look, there he is," or "Look, here he is."
Do not go off, do not run in pursuit.
For just as lightning flashes
and lights up the sky from one side to the other,
so will the Son of Man be in his day.
But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation."
Meditation: Wisdom 7:22–8:1
“She is an aura of the might of God.” (Wisdom 7:25)
Traditionally, today’s first reading is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus or the Holy Spirit. After all, wisdom is described here as the “image” of God’s goodness (Wisdom 7:26), and it tells us that wisdom passes “into holy souls from age to age” (7:27). But let’s look at this passage from another angle. Let’s see how these verses might be used to describe the church.
Scripture tells us that God’s plan all along was that the “manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church” (Ephesians 3:10). We can see, also, how God wants the church to become “the spotless mirror of the power of God,” and how the church is meant to be “holy, unique … loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent” (Wisdom 7:22). Surely we are called to reveal the wisdom and power of God to everyone around us!
Still, even a cursory look at the church today would reveal a different picture. We see division, financial misdealings, even abuse and cover-ups. In the world, the church tends be viewed with skepticism and suspicion rather than with respect and reverence. And no matter how much we may want to blame the media or worry about anti-Catholicism, we have to admit that some of the scorn is understandable, given the sinful actions of some members of the church.
It’s true that none of us fully lives up to the picture painted in today’s first reading. But it is also true that every time we come together to celebrate the liturgy, every time we link arms and reach out to the poor, or every time we work toward taking down the walls of division that exist between us, the church really does shine.
Yes, it is the Holy Spirit’s job to make the church holy. But it is our job as well. As Fr. Bertrand Weaver writes in his book, Joy: “The work of the mystical body on earth depends on the zeal of its members. Our contribution to the holiness of the whole church will depend on the extent to which we allow the Holy Spirit to take over our lives.”
“Come, Holy Spirit, help us yield to your promptings, so that together we can reflect your wisdom to the world.”
09 November 2011
09 Nov 2011, Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Reading 1 Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12
The angel brought me
back to the entrance of the temple,
and I saw water flowing out
from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east,
for the façade of the temple was toward the east;
the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple,
south of the altar.
He led me outside by the north gate,
and around to the outer gate facing the east,
where I saw water trickling from the southern side.
He said to me,
"This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah,
and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh.
Wherever the river flows,
every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live,
and there shall be abundant fish,
for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh.
Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow;
their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail.
Every month they shall bear fresh fruit,
for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary.
Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine."
Responsorial Psalm Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
R. (5) The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shaken
and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.
R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God,
the holy dwelling of the Most High.
God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;
God will help it at the break of dawn.
R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
The LORD of hosts is with us;
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Come! behold the deeds of the LORD,
the astounding things he has wrought on earth.
R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
Reading 2 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17
Brothers and sisters:
You are God's building.
According to the grace of God given to me,
like a wise master builder I laid a foundation,
and another is building upon it.
But each one must be careful how he builds upon it,
for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there,
namely, Jesus Christ.
Do you not know that you are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
If anyone destroys God's temple,
God will destroy that person;
for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.
Gospel Jn 2:13-22
Since the Passover of the Jews was near,
Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves,
as well as the money-changers seated there.
He made a whip out of cords
and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen,
and spilled the coins of the money-changers
and overturned their tables,
and to those who sold doves he said,
"Take these out of here,
and stop making my Father's house a marketplace."
His disciples recalled the words of Scripture,
Zeal for your house will consume me.
At this the Jews answered and said to him,
"What sign can you show us for doing this?"
Jesus answered and said to them,
"Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."
The Jews said,
"This temple has been under construction for forty-six years,
and you will raise it up in three days?"
But he was speaking about the temple of his Body.
Therefore, when he was raised from the dead,
his disciples remembered that he had said this,
and they came to believe the Scripture
and the word Jesus had spoken.
Meditation: 1 Corinthians 3:9-11,16-17
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Anniversaries are important to all of us. Some of those anniversaries are even connected to a particular place: the church where we were baptized or married, the new house we moved into, our parents’ gravesite. Being in these special places stirs up memories and sometimes inspires us to rededicate ourselves to a special person or cause.
But why is this church in Rome so important that the anniversary of its dedication is celebrated throughout the world? For a thousand years, the Lateran Basilica was the residence of the Bishop of Rome, and it still contains the “cathedra,” the chair that symbolizes his office. Even though the pope today celebrates more official functions at the larger St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran is still “the mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world,” as the inscription on its façade proclaims.
When we step into a sacred space like a church, especially if we take time to quiet our spirits, we become aware of the presence of God. But St. Paul reminds us that we are also God’s dwelling-place. He tells us that we should be just as aware of his presence in us, and in every other believer.
St. Augustine puts it well: “As often as we celebrate the dedication festival of a … church, if we worship attentively, what is done in temples made with hands is done also in us spiritually. For he lied not who said, ‘The temple of God, which you are, is holy.’ Therefore, since we are the temple of God —not because we deserve it but only by his grace —let us work hard, with his help, to be a fitting place for the Holy One to dwell.”
Those charged with keeping a great cathedral clean and in good repair take this responsibility very seriously. We should work at least as hard at polishing God’s image in ourselves, letting his love shine out from us! And while we’re at it, let’s look at every fellow believer with the same awe, as a holy dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
“Holy Spirit, thank you for coming to live in me. Make me into a worthy temple for your presence.”
The angel brought me
back to the entrance of the temple,
and I saw water flowing out
from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east,
for the façade of the temple was toward the east;
the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple,
south of the altar.
He led me outside by the north gate,
and around to the outer gate facing the east,
where I saw water trickling from the southern side.
He said to me,
"This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah,
and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh.
Wherever the river flows,
every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live,
and there shall be abundant fish,
for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh.
Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow;
their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail.
Every month they shall bear fresh fruit,
for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary.
Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine."
Responsorial Psalm Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9
R. (5) The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shaken
and mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.
R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God,
the holy dwelling of the Most High.
God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;
God will help it at the break of dawn.
R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
The LORD of hosts is with us;
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Come! behold the deeds of the LORD,
the astounding things he has wrought on earth.
R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!
Reading 2 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17
Brothers and sisters:
You are God's building.
According to the grace of God given to me,
like a wise master builder I laid a foundation,
and another is building upon it.
But each one must be careful how he builds upon it,
for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there,
namely, Jesus Christ.
Do you not know that you are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
If anyone destroys God's temple,
God will destroy that person;
for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.
Gospel Jn 2:13-22
Since the Passover of the Jews was near,
Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves,
as well as the money-changers seated there.
He made a whip out of cords
and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen,
and spilled the coins of the money-changers
and overturned their tables,
and to those who sold doves he said,
"Take these out of here,
and stop making my Father's house a marketplace."
His disciples recalled the words of Scripture,
Zeal for your house will consume me.
At this the Jews answered and said to him,
"What sign can you show us for doing this?"
Jesus answered and said to them,
"Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."
The Jews said,
"This temple has been under construction for forty-six years,
and you will raise it up in three days?"
But he was speaking about the temple of his Body.
Therefore, when he was raised from the dead,
his disciples remembered that he had said this,
and they came to believe the Scripture
and the word Jesus had spoken.
Meditation: 1 Corinthians 3:9-11,16-17
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Anniversaries are important to all of us. Some of those anniversaries are even connected to a particular place: the church where we were baptized or married, the new house we moved into, our parents’ gravesite. Being in these special places stirs up memories and sometimes inspires us to rededicate ourselves to a special person or cause.
But why is this church in Rome so important that the anniversary of its dedication is celebrated throughout the world? For a thousand years, the Lateran Basilica was the residence of the Bishop of Rome, and it still contains the “cathedra,” the chair that symbolizes his office. Even though the pope today celebrates more official functions at the larger St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran is still “the mother and head of all churches of the city and of the world,” as the inscription on its façade proclaims.
When we step into a sacred space like a church, especially if we take time to quiet our spirits, we become aware of the presence of God. But St. Paul reminds us that we are also God’s dwelling-place. He tells us that we should be just as aware of his presence in us, and in every other believer.
St. Augustine puts it well: “As often as we celebrate the dedication festival of a … church, if we worship attentively, what is done in temples made with hands is done also in us spiritually. For he lied not who said, ‘The temple of God, which you are, is holy.’ Therefore, since we are the temple of God —not because we deserve it but only by his grace —let us work hard, with his help, to be a fitting place for the Holy One to dwell.”
Those charged with keeping a great cathedral clean and in good repair take this responsibility very seriously. We should work at least as hard at polishing God’s image in ourselves, letting his love shine out from us! And while we’re at it, let’s look at every fellow believer with the same awe, as a holy dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
“Holy Spirit, thank you for coming to live in me. Make me into a worthy temple for your presence.”
07 November 2011
08 Nov 2011, Tuesday of the Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 Wis 2:23:3:9
God formed man to be imperishable;
the image of his own nature he made them.
But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world,
and they who are in his possession experience it.
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace.
For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them,
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
They shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
and the Lord shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
and his care is with his elect.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
R. (2a) I will bless the Lord at all times.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
The LORD has eyes for the just,
and ears for their cry.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
Gospel Lk 17:7-10
Jesus said to the Apostles:
"Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
"Come here immediately and take your place at table?"
Would he not rather say to him,
"Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished?"
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
"We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do."
Meditation: Wisdom 2:23–3:9
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“They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead.” (Wisdom 3:2)
Think of all the technology that can help us to see better, farther, and clearer than we could before. A simple surgical procedure can eliminate the need for eyeglasses. Powerful telescopes can see galaxies that are trillions of miles away —and satellites can see the coffee cup on our kitchen table! It seems we can see just about anything. But do we always see everything we need to see?
Not according to the writer of the Book of Wisdom. For all our modern technological advances, we still need a new perspective. Where the Lord would see the life of “the just” as worthwhile and praiseworthy, all that “the foolish” can see is wasted potential and a pointless death (Wisdom 3:1-2).
No one fulfills these words better than Jesus. In the world’s eyes, his life was a monumental waste, and his death a sad tragedy. Here was a man with great charisma, able to attract a large following that had the potential to challenge Rome’s stranglehold on Israel. But what does he do with these people? He tells them to turn the other cheek and to forgive seventy times seven times. And then, to add insult to injury, he willingly hands himself over to his enemies and dies a horrible, pathetic death. What a waste!
But in God’s eyes, and in the eyes of faith, Jesus lived the most successful life ever. Not only did he live in humble surrender to God, his every word and his every action revealed the Father’s love and power for everyone to see. And to top it all off, he rose from the dead! Nothing was wasted. Everything Jesus did had eternal, powerful meaning —for everyone!
What kind of vision correction do you need? It’s easy to look at our own lives and think that they don’t amount to much. But that’s not how God sees us. For him, every act of faith and trust, every act of love and generosity, is immensely important. Every one of these brings a smile to his face, for it brings his love, his power, and his healing that much closer to the people around you. Your life matters —a lot!
“Lord, following your law is my greatest delight. Serving you is my highest reward!”
God formed man to be imperishable;
the image of his own nature he made them.
But by the envy of the Devil, death entered the world,
and they who are in his possession experience it.
But the souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace.
For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them,
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
They shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
and the Lord shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
and his care is with his elect.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19
R. (2a) I will bless the Lord at all times.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
The LORD has eyes for the just,
and ears for their cry.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
Gospel Lk 17:7-10
Jesus said to the Apostles:
"Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
"Come here immediately and take your place at table?"
Would he not rather say to him,
"Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished?"
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
"We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do."
Meditation: Wisdom 2:23–3:9
Article Tools
Text Size
Print-Friendly
Email this article
“They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead.” (Wisdom 3:2)
Think of all the technology that can help us to see better, farther, and clearer than we could before. A simple surgical procedure can eliminate the need for eyeglasses. Powerful telescopes can see galaxies that are trillions of miles away —and satellites can see the coffee cup on our kitchen table! It seems we can see just about anything. But do we always see everything we need to see?
Not according to the writer of the Book of Wisdom. For all our modern technological advances, we still need a new perspective. Where the Lord would see the life of “the just” as worthwhile and praiseworthy, all that “the foolish” can see is wasted potential and a pointless death (Wisdom 3:1-2).
No one fulfills these words better than Jesus. In the world’s eyes, his life was a monumental waste, and his death a sad tragedy. Here was a man with great charisma, able to attract a large following that had the potential to challenge Rome’s stranglehold on Israel. But what does he do with these people? He tells them to turn the other cheek and to forgive seventy times seven times. And then, to add insult to injury, he willingly hands himself over to his enemies and dies a horrible, pathetic death. What a waste!
But in God’s eyes, and in the eyes of faith, Jesus lived the most successful life ever. Not only did he live in humble surrender to God, his every word and his every action revealed the Father’s love and power for everyone to see. And to top it all off, he rose from the dead! Nothing was wasted. Everything Jesus did had eternal, powerful meaning —for everyone!
What kind of vision correction do you need? It’s easy to look at our own lives and think that they don’t amount to much. But that’s not how God sees us. For him, every act of faith and trust, every act of love and generosity, is immensely important. Every one of these brings a smile to his face, for it brings his love, his power, and his healing that much closer to the people around you. Your life matters —a lot!
“Lord, following your law is my greatest delight. Serving you is my highest reward!”
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