(Optional Memorial for Saint Anselm, Bishop and Doctor of the Church)
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| “The Preaching of St Paul at by Eustache Le Sueur, 1649 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Acts 13:13-25
Commentary on Acts 13:13-25
This is the first of several instances recorded in Acts in which St. Paul uses his scholarly knowledge of the Hebrew tradition to build up logical rationale for Jesus as savior and Messiah. In this passage his development ends as he recounts the history of God’s covenant with the Jewish people, from their exodus from Egypt under Moses to the appearance of John the Baptist. John was a contemporary figure about whom these people would have been aware.
CCC: Acts 13:24 523
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27
R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Commentary on Ps 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 and 27
Psalm 89, taken as a whole, is a communal lament. This selection rejoices in God’s establishment of the Davidic Dynasty and the promise of heavenly support for his kingdom.
CCC: Ps 89 709
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Gospel: John 13:16-20
Commentary on Jn 13:16-20
This passage from St. John’s Gospel is set in the upper room following the Passover meal that was to be the Last Supper. The author’s account of the washing of the disciple’s feet and the immediate aftermath differs from the Synoptic versions, in that here the Lord announces his foreknowledge of the events to follow. Jesus uses this predictive ability to bring the reader to belief in Christ as the Son of God. (“…I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”)
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Homily:
What if Jesus had come to us, as many of the Jews of his day had expected, and immediately assumed a place of secular and political power, taking the seat of an emperor or king? What if, instead of walking through Galilee teaching and performing signs of healing and forgiveness, he had with a mere effort of will, taken the seat of the Emperor of Rome (as with the feeding of the multitudes)? How would that example have changed how we understand God the Father whom Jesus, His Son, came to reveal?
We would never have understood that, even though we may have great wealth or power, our duty as Jesus’ followers is to serve others. We are to be stewards of God’s gifts, not kings to wield them as our own.
In the Gospel today, Jesus has just finished washing the feet of his disciples (including Judas). In the selection just proclaimed, he forces them to look at this servant role and understand that, as he has performed this act of humble service, they too are to express the love of God to others through this attitude of servant leadership.
It is of this very attitude that the Lord tells us: “If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.” Today we are called to express our belief in the Risen Lord by recalling to others his humility and love. We express this love as our Savior commands, in service to others.
Pax
[2] The picture used is “The Preaching of St Paul at Ephesus ” by Eustache Le Sueur, 1649
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