Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Biographical Information about St. Teresa of Jesus[1]
Readings for the Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Rom 1:1-7
St. Paul introduces himself to the Christian churches in Rome with this opening message from his letter. In typical fashion, the introduction includes a statement of purpose (apostolate of the Gospel of Christ) and a profession of faith.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1bcde, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. The image of God as a mighty warrior is used by the singer, thanking God for his protection and salvation.
Gospel Lk 11:29-32
Jesus continues to be asked for a sign that would prove to his audience that he is what he claims to be. His response is vehement, the only sign that will be given to them will be the sign of Jonah, the message that they are under a condemnation from God unless they repent and return to God. This is followed by another reference to the Old Testament “the queen of the south” a reference to 1 Kings 10: 1ff, the Queen of Sheba who came seeking the wisdom of Solomon.
The final verse of this passage summarizes the message. Christ’s call to repentance carries more weight than Jonah’s call did for the Ninevites and his wisdom is greater than that of Solomon.
Reflection:
If we combine St. Paul’s profession of faith expressed in his opening lines addressed to the Romans with the chastisement laid at the feet of the Lord’s audience in St. Luke’s Gospel we get a clear picture that we need to accept, on faith, the truth passed on to use through Jesus. As uncharacteristic as his warning in the Gospel sounds, Jesus is adamant about the need for faith without signs.
We find this interchange laid out in the Gospel’s of St. Mark and St. Matthew as well. In all cases the message is the same. If those who doubt that Jesus came to fulfill the promise of God made by the Prophets, that an Anointed One, a Messiah would be sent for the salvation of the world, their doubt would not be removed by a sign. If they cannot hear in the words of the Lord and the wisdom contained in them, the message of God’s call, no sign would be sufficient to change their minds.
It seems that we hear frustration in this exchange with our Savior. He came, curing the sick, casting out demons, even raising the dead, yet they ask for a sign. The Pharisees in the region have called him and agent of the evil one. Many of those who have come to hear him, act as if it’s some sort of magic show. Is it any wonder that he provides a different sort of scriptural reference for them? They just don’t get it.
The warning he brings them is more dire than the one Jonah brought to the people of Nineveh – that unless they repented, their city would be destroyed. His wisdom is greater than that sought by the Queen of Sheba, who, after she had seen and heard Solomon’s words said “Happy are your men, happy these servants of yours, who stand before you always and listen to your wisdom.” Yet these people were looking for something more spectacular, more sensational.
We have our message today. The quiet faith of Teresa of Jesus is the model we seek to follow. Our submission of will to the Lord of Life will bring us the inward sign – the sign of Christ’s peace that we all seek. Let us pray today, not for a sign, not for some proof of God’s love, but for faith in Christ and his call to holiness.
Pax
[1] The picture today is Teresa of Avila by Peter Paul Rubens, no date was given
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
Biographical Information about St. Teresa of Jesus[1]
Readings for the Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Rom 1:1-7
St. Paul introduces himself to the Christian churches in Rome with this opening message from his letter. In typical fashion, the introduction includes a statement of purpose (apostolate of the Gospel of Christ) and a profession of faith.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1bcde, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. The image of God as a mighty warrior is used by the singer, thanking God for his protection and salvation.
Gospel Lk 11:29-32
Jesus continues to be asked for a sign that would prove to his audience that he is what he claims to be. His response is vehement, the only sign that will be given to them will be the sign of Jonah, the message that they are under a condemnation from God unless they repent and return to God. This is followed by another reference to the Old Testament “the queen of the south” a reference to 1 Kings 10: 1ff, the Queen of Sheba who came seeking the wisdom of Solomon.
The final verse of this passage summarizes the message. Christ’s call to repentance carries more weight than Jonah’s call did for the Ninevites and his wisdom is greater than that of Solomon.
Reflection:
If we combine St. Paul’s profession of faith expressed in his opening lines addressed to the Romans with the chastisement laid at the feet of the Lord’s audience in St. Luke’s Gospel we get a clear picture that we need to accept, on faith, the truth passed on to use through Jesus. As uncharacteristic as his warning in the Gospel sounds, Jesus is adamant about the need for faith without signs.
We find this interchange laid out in the Gospel’s of St. Mark and St. Matthew as well. In all cases the message is the same. If those who doubt that Jesus came to fulfill the promise of God made by the Prophets, that an Anointed One, a Messiah would be sent for the salvation of the world, their doubt would not be removed by a sign. If they cannot hear in the words of the Lord and the wisdom contained in them, the message of God’s call, no sign would be sufficient to change their minds.
It seems that we hear frustration in this exchange with our Savior. He came, curing the sick, casting out demons, even raising the dead, yet they ask for a sign. The Pharisees in the region have called him and agent of the evil one. Many of those who have come to hear him, act as if it’s some sort of magic show. Is it any wonder that he provides a different sort of scriptural reference for them? They just don’t get it.
The warning he brings them is more dire than the one Jonah brought to the people of Nineveh – that unless they repented, their city would be destroyed. His wisdom is greater than that sought by the Queen of Sheba, who, after she had seen and heard Solomon’s words said “Happy are your men, happy these servants of yours, who stand before you always and listen to your wisdom.” Yet these people were looking for something more spectacular, more sensational.
We have our message today. The quiet faith of Teresa of Jesus is the model we seek to follow. Our submission of will to the Lord of Life will bring us the inward sign – the sign of Christ’s peace that we all seek. Let us pray today, not for a sign, not for some proof of God’s love, but for faith in Christ and his call to holiness.
Pax
[1] The picture today is Teresa of Avila by Peter Paul Rubens, no date was given
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
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