And Saint Rita of Cascia
Biographical Information about St. Rita of Cascia[1]
Readings for Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 20:17-27
The steady and lively growth of Christianity has started to spark significant resistance from multiple sources. Paul now feels compelled to return to Jerusalem but wants to make sure he has left a final message with the leaders in the region of Ephesus. Here he begins his discourse reminding them of his fidelity to the message he received from Jesus.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 68:10-11, 20-21
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
We use Psalm 68 for a second day in a row. The hymn of thanksgiving praises God for salvation even in the facie of death.
Gospel Jn 17:1-11a
We begin the part of Jesus final dialog called the “High Priestly Prayer.” In this first section, the Lord begins a petition for the disciples (those he has now and those to come) speaking directly to the Father (not to the disciples, they are just overhearing this prayer). The emphasis is clearly that the disciples have become what the Lord wanted, faithful believers, and he asks the Father to support them.
Reflection:
The Gospel story today reminds us of the great paradox of our faith. We are called to belong to Jesus. He has claimed us as his own in Baptism. (Recall the very first part of the Rite of Baptism for Children. Right after the celebrant asks the parents to name the child and then he says, “What do you ask of God’s Church for your Child?” and the parents respond “Baptism.” He says “I claim you for Christ our savior by the sign of His Cross. I now trace that cross on your forehead and invite your parents and godparents to do the same.”)
We are also called “out of the world” by that same Lord. We are creatures of God and are called to keep our thoughts firmly focused on the things of God, through His Son. What are those “things of God”? They are what Jesus commanded us. We are to be a people whose ambitions are for the peace of Christ not worldly success. We pray that the love of Christ will pour from us as a wellspring for others.
We are given today a wonderful example of this paradox lived in fullness. The saint we memorialize, Rita of Cascia, today struggled with it her whole life. She was called to God but forced by events to live a very difficult secular life. She became a peacemaker in a strife torn region and then turned he piety to service in cloistered convent. Blessed, some might say, with the bleeding stigmata of the Crown of Thorns, she became and example of faith for others, suffering without complaint for the faith. God rewarded her with an impossible rose and she now enjoys the company of the heavenly kingdom.
Today, we look at St. Rita, patron of impossible causes, and ask for her intersession.
Biographical Information about St. Rita of Cascia[1]
Readings for Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 20:17-27
The steady and lively growth of Christianity has started to spark significant resistance from multiple sources. Paul now feels compelled to return to Jerusalem but wants to make sure he has left a final message with the leaders in the region of Ephesus. Here he begins his discourse reminding them of his fidelity to the message he received from Jesus.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 68:10-11, 20-21
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
We use Psalm 68 for a second day in a row. The hymn of thanksgiving praises God for salvation even in the facie of death.
Gospel Jn 17:1-11a
We begin the part of Jesus final dialog called the “High Priestly Prayer.” In this first section, the Lord begins a petition for the disciples (those he has now and those to come) speaking directly to the Father (not to the disciples, they are just overhearing this prayer). The emphasis is clearly that the disciples have become what the Lord wanted, faithful believers, and he asks the Father to support them.
Reflection:
The Gospel story today reminds us of the great paradox of our faith. We are called to belong to Jesus. He has claimed us as his own in Baptism. (Recall the very first part of the Rite of Baptism for Children. Right after the celebrant asks the parents to name the child and then he says, “What do you ask of God’s Church for your Child?” and the parents respond “Baptism.” He says “I claim you for Christ our savior by the sign of His Cross. I now trace that cross on your forehead and invite your parents and godparents to do the same.”)
We are also called “out of the world” by that same Lord. We are creatures of God and are called to keep our thoughts firmly focused on the things of God, through His Son. What are those “things of God”? They are what Jesus commanded us. We are to be a people whose ambitions are for the peace of Christ not worldly success. We pray that the love of Christ will pour from us as a wellspring for others.
We are given today a wonderful example of this paradox lived in fullness. The saint we memorialize, Rita of Cascia, today struggled with it her whole life. She was called to God but forced by events to live a very difficult secular life. She became a peacemaker in a strife torn region and then turned he piety to service in cloistered convent. Blessed, some might say, with the bleeding stigmata of the Crown of Thorns, she became and example of faith for others, suffering without complaint for the faith. God rewarded her with an impossible rose and she now enjoys the company of the heavenly kingdom.
Today, we look at St. Rita, patron of impossible causes, and ask for her intersession.
Dear Rita, model Wife and Widow, you yourself suffered in a long illness showing patience out of love for God. Teach us to pray as you did. Many invoke you for help, full of confidence in your intercession. Deign to come now to our aid for the relief and cure of all who suffer or are in pain. To God, all things are possible; may this healing give glory to the Lord. Amen
[1] The picture used today is “Saint Rita” from the Villanova University web site, artist not credited
[2] After Links Expire
No comments:
Post a Comment