Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Ecc 1:2; 2:21-23

Three hundred years before Christ walked the earth, the Hebrew teacher Qoheleth reflects on the illusion of human wisdom and effort. He develops the idea that God’s wisdom is hidden and nothing mankind can do on this earth will reveal it in a meaningful way. “All is vanity.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17
R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

This selection of Psalm 90 is very important to us in that it provides an understanding of God’s time table for creation and man; “For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday…” The psalm laments the mortality of the human life and prays for wisdom and asks for value given to the work of human hands.

Reading II Col 3:1-5, 9-11

The theme of seeking the higher gifts continues in this section of St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. He instructs the church to turn away from the hedonistic instincts of human nature and become the new creation of the Baptized. In this baptism we are unified, one in Christ.

Gospel Lk 12:13-21

The unified theme of scripture today continues with the parable of the rich man. The focus, like the previous readings for today, emphasizes the futility of storing up earthly treasures and the need to focus human efforts of accumulating the wisdom that comes only from the Father.

Reflection:

Today all the scriptural stars line up and point to one specific theme. Our efforts, futile as they may be, should be focused on building up the treasure of heaven. As with all themes, this one uses extreme points of view to emphasize the need to live virtuous lives.

In the first reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes, the ancient teacher Qoheleth (a name, translated from Hebrew to Greek meaning "one who convokes an assembly.") tells us that all our efforts to see the face of God are vanity, in vain. While the pursuits of man may be noble they cannot uncover true wisdom while we walk this earth. His discourse for us is esoteric and ethereal.

St. Paul’s injunctions to the Church at Colossus are more pragmatic. He tells them of the need to refrain from the hedonistic pursuits that yield personal gratification, usually at the expense of others. He reminds them that, in baptism, we have become a new creation and have clothed ourselves in Christ. In doing so they (we) have died to their (our) old selves and have become one in Christ. In this unity there is no place of “…immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry.” Far from being in vain, this transformation is required of all who claim discipleship with Christ.

The Lord himself in the Gospel of St. Luke picks up this same ideal and, using the parable genre, makes the point crystal clear. He reminds us of our own mortality and the brevity of our own lives in the grander scheme of God. (This time sense is beautifully described in the song sung in Psalm 90 today).

Stepping back from the broad lesson taught by the parable that is the root of the old cliché “you can’t take it with you”, we can see he addressed specifically a question form one of those following him. He was asked to intervene in a dispute between relatives over an inheritance. What is he saying is more important in this instance – the physical wealth involved or the motives of the heart?

Clearly it is our interior spiritual selves we should be focused upon as we look for ways to improve our place under the sun (son). Today we pray that our efforts will always be directed toward building that spiritual wealth important to the Father and that all we do will be for His greater glory and not our own.

Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture today is Allegory of the Vanity of Earthly Things by an UNKNOWN French Master, 1630

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Gn 18:20-32

While the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah is not specifically known (the account from Genesis says homosexuality, Isaiah lack of social justice, Ezekiel disregard for the poor, and Jeremiah general immorality) we find Moses interceding for the innocent who reside in those cities. The Lord agrees to spare them if there are 10 innocent people from those towns.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8
R. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Psalm 138 is a song of praise. In this selection we find an individual hymn thanking God for salvation.

Reading II Col 2:12-14

St. Paul refers to the “death of baptism”. He is referring to the process where the baptized die to their sins and rise as a new creation. Paul also talks about “… obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims” this is a reference to breaking or transgressing against Mosaic Law and the proscribed punishments for such violations.

Gospel Lk 11:1-13

The focus of this passage from the Gospel of Luke is prayer. First we are given the Lord’s Prayer from Luke’s Gospel which differs somewhat from the same prayer offered in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 6:9-15). We are taken further in this case to be reminded that God answers prayers. He does this, first as a parable, and then in a litany of assurances.

Reflection:

The readings today speak of the efficacy of prayer and our call to be a people of prayer. This call starts as we hear in St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, with our baptism in Christ and the resulting death to sin, rebirth to innocence in the Holy Spirit and the grace provided in that resurrection. As a new creation, Christ tells us in the Gospel of St. Luke, we are called to be people of prayer.

Do we ask, “Lord teach us to pray? “ No, because that question is already answered. In scripture today it is answered three times! First, we hear Moses in what is perhaps one of the first intercessory prayers as he talks to God’s messengers who are sent to investigate the prayerful cries against Sodom and Gomorrah. He pleads with God to spare the innocent and his prayers are answered. (Note – his prayer is not answered in the way he thought it would be. Moses thought that if there were innocent people in those cities the Lord would spare the city. Instead he told Lott and his family to leave and destroyed the cities none the less.)

The second prayer form scripture gives us today is song. Psalm 138 given for us today is a beautiful example of how we praise God in song. For those in Holy Orders and in vowed religious life, the Psalms are sung (said) at least twice a day in the prayer of the Church – the Liturgy of the Hours. This prayer form offers up in a very real way the words of our ancestors echoed through all the ages of the Church, a song of praise and thanksgiving constantly floating up to our Heavenly Father as each successive region takes up the chant.

Finally, in the Gospel, the Lord offers us the Lord’s Prayer. We note it starts with a blessing of praise to the Father – Holy is His Name. We pray that the Kingdom of God might come to us here on earth so we may live in the purity and joy of the Heavenly Kingdom. We then ask God for our needs, both spiritual and physical as we reference bread for our bodies and bread for our souls in the Eucharist. Finally we ask for forgiveness and the strength to forgive others as Christ has done and we pray most fervently that we not be required to face the same test as our savior.

This compact prayer that we utter most frequently (and in many cases without thinking) is the template upon which the Lord tells us to speak with God. Most important in the Gospel passage is the assurance from God’s only Son that our prayers will be answered. That promise is our great hope and the hope of all the faithful. Today, may our prayers rise up to God and his grace flow back to us. As a people of prayer may we always have faith in the gentile Father who hears our call and answers.

Pax
[1] After Links to the Readings Expire
[2] The picture today is “Decent Toward Sodom” by Marc Chagall, 1931-39

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Gn 18:1-10a

We encounter Abraham after he has already begotten Ishmael through Hagar, Sarah’s slave. We see him now encounter God in the form of a traveler with two messengers (this is revealed later). After extending them hospitality, God tells Abraham that Sarah, his wife will bear him a son within a year. Because Sarah has been barren and is now past child brearing years, this prediction and ultimate event are miraculous.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 5
R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 15 is a Jewish form of examination of conscience. In this selection the poem asks first about lying, then committing violence against his neighbor, and finally about usury, making money by lending to the poor instead of helping without charge as Mosaic Law demands.

Reading II Col 1:24-28

"As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul, he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the Church (NAB)".

Gospel Lk 10:38-42

In this encounter with Martha and Mary in St. Luke’s Gospel we see two distinct messages. First, the importance of the role of women and Jesus’ attitude toward them. Second we see the importance of listening to the word of God "Mary has chosen the better part".

Reflection:

Scripture today presents us with and interesting dilemma. In the first reading we hear of the importance of hospitality in Jewish Law. We see Abraham rush to meet the travelers who are not identified immediately yet we discover later are actually Yahweh and two of his messengers (we could reflect upon this fact alone based on the old adage "When a guest comes, Christ comes."). It is clear from the first reading that the act of not just welcoming strangers but feeding them and seeing to their comfort was important.

That importance is not diminished in the Gospel from Luke. Jesus comes to the house of Martha and Mary and, like Abraham, Mary immediately begins seeing to his needs, preparing food and serving him. Martha’s sister Mary, however, takes an unprecedented place reserved for the Lord’s disciples, at the master’s feet. Martha complains to Jesus that her sister is not participating in the Mosaic Law’s requirement that hospitality be shown to strangers.

We note that Jesus does not say that the law requiring hospitality is not necessary. Rather he tells Martha that her sister Mary has chosen the better of the two roles. Mary has chosen the listen at the master’s feet while Martha continues for follow the older tradition of hospitality. This tableau does not end there. For the audience of the time, the role Mary assumed was reserved for men. In not only telling the reader it was acceptable for Mary to ignore her sisters demand for help with the serving, but saying that she had chosen a better part, the equality of women in the faith community was emphatically displayed.

For us the messages in scripture guide our actions. We, as disciples of Christ understand the importance of listening to the words of Jesus, placing that action above simply doing what society expects. We hear and understand that within our faith community and indeed in our dealings with all others, there is no place for bigotry. There is not place for attitudes that one group, be it gender, race or age demographic, is more deserving of special treatment than another. From top to bottom our view must be that all are equal in eyes of God.

Living up to these standards is not easy. Even St. Martha struggled with her role of service. We are called to follow the New Covenant and as such must constantly strive to overcome our human biases. Today we pray for the strength to do all that is requred.

Pax

1. After Links to Readings Expire

2. The picture used today is Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, by Tintoretto 1570-75

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Dt 30:10-14

This section of the book of Deuteronomy is part of Moses’ last discourse. In this passage he is referring to Mosaic Law which has been chronicled earlier in the book. The gist of his challenge to the people is that the Law, which in turn is an integral part of fulfilling the covenant with God, also established earlier in the book, is not difficult to keep. It is in most cases something they are already doing (“…already in your mouths and in your hearts”)

Responsorial Psalm Ps 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37
R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.

Psalm 69 is a lament. In this passage the song asks God for help in dire straights and expresses trust that the prayer will be answered.

Or Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Psalm 19 is a hymn rejoicing in God’s creation. In this passage we find a strong link to the first reading from Deuteronomy as the poem praises the Law handed down through Moses.

Reading II Col 1:15-20

The footnote from the NAB does a nice job of placing this selection within the context of today’s celebration: “As the poetic arrangement indicates, these lines are probably an early Christian hymn, known to the Colossians and taken up into the letter from liturgical use (cf Philippians 2:6-11; 1 Tim 3:16). They present Christ as the mediator of creation (Col 1:15-18a) and of redemption (Col 1:18b-20). There is a parallelism between firstborn of all creation (Col 1:15) and firstborn from the dead (Col 1:18).”

Gospel Lk 10:25-37

In this passage from St. Luke’s Gospel, we find Jesus being challenged by a person referred to as a “scholar”. It seems clear that this man has a good idea of how Jesus is likely to respond to his initial question about what he must do to inherit eternal life. As soon as the man tells Jesus what the law says, the scholar asks for still more clarification asking “And who is my neighbor?”

The illustration Jesus uses in answering him does clarify the answer and at the same time uses a cultural tension to heighten the lesson. First he says a Priest of the Jewish Temple passes the victim of robbery by, one who is most scrupulous in observing the letter of the Law, next a member of the priestly class, a Levite does the same. The one who helps the victim, presumably a Jew, is a member of the Samaritan culture, antagonists of the Jewish people. In this way the Lord provides a moral lesson along with an explanation of the Law.

Reflection:

For the past week in the daily Mass readings we have been hit time and again with the notion that we are called to be disciples and we are sent into the world to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Today we are given an outstanding example of how we are to accomplish that mission.

In the first reading from Deuteronomy, we hear Moses exhorting the Hebrew people to follow the Law laid down for them. He tells them it is not an impossible thing to ask. Rather it is easily within their grasp – they can feel the rightness of it in their hearts.

As sort of an introduction to the Gospel, we hear St. Paul in his Letter to the Colossians calling Jesus the “Mediator of Creation”. It is he who will define for us the will of God the Father and explain what we must do to follow His will.

This great introduction flows into the story of the Good Samaritan, a story it turns out, that is a refinement of our understanding of the Great Commandment. It helps us understand that it is all mankind that we are joined to in God. The Lord did not just make us Jews, or Christians, or Pagans, or Islamic, or Buddhist, or even atheists. We are all one in the eyes of God and as such our obligation as Disciples of Christ is to help those in need regardless of their creed or lack thereof.

Our Great Commandment is reiterated today. It is an exclamation point on this past week’s injunction to go into the world with the Good News. Strengthened with God’s grace and bolstered with his word we only need to act on our convictions.

Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture today is “The Good Samaritan” by Johann Karl Loth, 1676

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Is 66:10-14c

Isaiah speaks metaphorically here to those returning from exile. They hear of the creation (birth without pain) of God’s children in a New Jerusalem. His oracle relates to a time of prosperity that comes about due to God’s love for those he has created. It is a calling home; a call to return to that place that gave them birth.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Psalm 66 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. In this passage we give thanks to God for his creation and join all the earth in its song of praise for the wondrous things God has accomplished.

Reading II Gal 6:14-18

St. Paul, in this selection, tells the Galatians that the Good News of Christ (and Him crucified) is for all people (“For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation”). He then tells his audience that not through the ancient marks of branding does he belong to Christ but through the marks of his persecution (from stonings and beatings).

Gospel Lk 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9

It is only in Luke’s Gospel that we find the sending of the 72. This event is supported in other non-biblical accounts of the period (see Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 265-c. 340) - Church History). It is noteworthy that the instructions given to these disciples are very similar to those given to the twelve in Luke 22:35.

Homily:

This Gospel today tells us the story about the sending out of the “Seventy Two.” This passage from Luke’s Gospel brings to mind a story. The story is about a pretty ordinary man. To protect the innocent, let’s call him David Smith. David worked as a claims adjuster for the local branch of a company that sells all sorts of insurance. While he was a fairly spiritual person, we would not have thought of him as a “leader of the parish”. He came to Mass regularly and did his best to follow the moral teachings of the Church in his daily life.

This time of “ordinary life” went on for several years until, in a very short period of time (three weeks) two devastating events took place in his life. First, his younger sister, whom he loved intensely, died of cervical cancer (thank God it was a short fight) and next his best friend was killed in a car crash. This was especially hard since he found out about it when he was called to assess the car his friend was driving as part of his job. (Makes sense, his best friend would buy insurance from Dave’s company).

Dave was understandably very upset having lost two people he loved in such a short time. And, like so many of us, he turned more intensely to his faith. The day after the funeral of his best friend, Dave decided to hit Daily Mass on a regular basis to pray for his sister and friend. It made his grief at their loss feel somehow shared and it took the edge off his pain.

As he listened to the scripture during that first week he of his new faith effort, he began to hear a new message, as if for the first time in his life; even though he had heard these readings before (he’d even tried to read the whole bible cover to cover once. But it was hard going and he finally gave it up.). As he listened, he wondered, what if I took the message out to the world like the disciples. They were not all that special, fishermen, tax collectors; ordinary people, kind of like me. The more he thought about it, the more it tugged on him so, one day, as he was leaving Mass headed for work he decided he would give it a try for just one day. He would see if he could act like one sent by God to bring the Good News to others.

He immediately found out it would not be easy. He had no sooner walked into his office than a person called with an insurance claim that needed to be looked into. The person on the phone, Sam Wagoner (not his real name), was particularly nasty and insulting (clearly expecting to run into deep resistance from Dave who was, in his eyes, in a position to protect the insurance company’s money). Dave took a deep breath and, thinking of the Lord’s disciples who faced ridicule and even stonings, he put on the face of Christ and spoke words that were understanding and compassionate. (By the way, this was not part of the training manual he had received when he joined the company those many years ago). After a short time, being patient and not responding to the anger of the person, he agreed to come out that day and examine the claim.

When he arrived in the rather depressed neighborhood where the claimant lived, he began to understand why his customer had been abusive on the phone. This was an area that had seen hard times and the older residents who retained a foothold in their once pleasant community were frequently victims of scams and violence. Dave went to the door. He had already seen the vehicle parked in the driveway. Its driver’s side window was broken out and evidence the inept thieves had tried to “hot-wire” it were clear to his trained eye.

It was right on the borderline, this claim. Dave had two ways to go. He could deny the claim since the policy holders insurance did not cover vandalism, or he could grant it because it did cover damage as a result of theft. Two months ago Dave would have been ready to leave the area (having been given such a rough time on the first call) and phone the person back telling them that it was vandalism and they did not have coverage. This would have made Dave’s company very happy. But today, Dave was fortified with a different spirit.

The door was answered by older man, perhaps late 50’s or early 60’s. The fire that Dave had felt at the beginning of his phone call was back in Mr. Wagoner’s eyes. He stepped out on the porch and told Dave that at about 2:00 AM the night before he had heard the sound of glass breaking and run down stairs just in time to see a young man trying to steal his car. The young man had actually gotten the car started and it had moved a foot or two down the driveway and stalled.

Forgetting his anger for a moment, Sam chucked and said “You have to wait a couple of minutes with that car. Stalls every time if you try to just take off.” Then , rounding on Dave he said “What are you going to do about it.?”

Dave didn’t even bat an eyelash, “Why Mr. Wagoner, your car was stolen. This damage clearly occurred as part of that event. We should be able to take care of this right here if this is the same information on the police report.”

“It’s the same thing I told the police this morning.” Mr. Wagoner replied and then to Dave’s complete surprise, he began to cry. Not heaving sobs, just a tear that came unwillingly to Sam’s eye, quickly dashed away with an embarrassed forearm.

“I was sure you were going to tell me no” he said as if to explain the tear. “Nearly the same thing happened down the street not a week ago and Tony Balitelli got denied. He’s still taking the bus. If you had given me the same treatment, I would have lost my job for sure and I can’t afford that at my age. Thank God for you Mr. Smith.”

“Thank God, indeed Mr. Wagoner.” Dave said with a gentle smile and gave Sam a voucher to get the damage repaired and even threw in a free tow if it was needed. He continued to hold that vision of discipleship in his heart for a long time after that and while all of the outcomes were not as rewarding as his encounter with Sam Wagoner, his spirit was buoyed and he found peace in is life.

Perhaps I should just end here with; “They all lived happily ever after.” But this story is one person’s example of discipleship and how he listened to the Gospel message. We are challenged today to find our own response to the Lord’s call, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few”. Like the “Seventy Two, we are sent, we too are given the Spirit to make wonderful things happen in the name of Christ. What is our response?

Pax


[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used today is “The Seventy Disciples are Sent out Two by Two” by James Tissot, 1886-96

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Mass during the Day

Readings for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Is 49:1-6

In this passage, the beginning of the second of the four “Servant of the Lord” oracles, the Prophet Isaiah speaks of his own call to servant hood. Because this selection is used on the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist, we see in Isaiah’s words the calling to which John was beckoned.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15
R. I praise you for I am wonderfully made.

In support of the miracle of creation, Psalm 139 reminds us that like us St. John was formed and created in the womb as a gift from God to Elizabeth, his mother. He came, known by God and God’s only Son.

Reading II Acts 13:22-26

St. Paul, speaking to Jews who were being called to deeper faith in Christ, reminds them that the prophecy that the Messiah would come from the lineage of King David had been fulfilled. He speaks of St. John the Baptist as herald of that event by recounting his (St. John’s) prophetic speech on the occasion of Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan.

Gospel Lk 1:57-66, 80

We hear the angel’s announcement to Zachariah fulfilled in St. Luke’s account of the birth of St. John the Baptist. The naming of the child “John” broke tradition and by acceding to the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement, we see the child set on a course directed by God and dedicated to him.

Reflection:

We wonder, out loud, today if John the Baptist understood his role in our salvation. He was, after all the pathfinder, the one who paved the way for the Lord. His life so closely paralleled that of Jesus it is remarkable that more people did not mistake him for the Messiah.

From before his birth he knew Jesus. Although no scripture records it, we can easily speculate that these cousins knew each other growing up. I mean if Margaret and Mary were as close as scripture implies, they must have spent time together and their sons must have been together from time to time as they grew. Although, given that Joseph took Jesus to Egypt right after he was born for a period of time, they were probably not best friends early on.

But did John know? Did he suspect that his cousin Jesus was the one, before they met at the Jordan that day Jesus went into the water? We will never know for sure. We do know that after Jesus began his public ministry, John sent his own disciples after Jesus. And that Jesus and John had parallel ministries, although John was focused on repentance while Jesus went much further with forgiveness.

But John was the voice. He was the one who cried out in the wilderness that the Kingdom of God was at hand. It was he who publicly announced the messiah. It was he who prefigured Christ, even in death. It is truly good that we celebrate his birth on this day.

And were does that birth take us? As we recall the events leading up to Johns birth, how his father Zechariah, a priest, was caused to be mute by the angel Gabriel for not believing, until the day of St. John’s birth and naming. We hear the words of his profession each morning as those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours unite with him in praising God. While his prayer is omitted in today’s Gospel, we feel his faith as he names his son John. We remember the life that son was to follow, one of obedience that led to his outspoken proclamation of Christ’s coming.

His example shines for us. Perhaps we are not able to be so bold as he was. Perhaps we cannot go out and call to those who have turned their backs to “Repent” and return to the Lord. But we are given his example to guide us as well as that of Jesus to whom we aspire. Let us be strengthened by the same Holy Spirit that filled him and, by our words and actions, be another voice, today, crying out in the wilderness.

Pax

[1] After Links Expire
[2] The picture used today is “Birth of St. John the Baptist” by Tintoretto, 1563

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 2 Sm 12:7-10, 13

Nathan the prophet comes to King David who has, in the previous chapter arranged to have the husband of Bathsheba killed in battle so he could marry her. In this passage the Lord reminds David of all the blessings he has bestowed upon him. Faced with this charge we hear David’s simple admission and repentance. In response, the prophet tells David “"The Lord on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die.” David is forgiven, but the consequences of his sin remain.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11
R. Lord, forgive the wrong I have done.

Keeping to the theme of confession and repentance, Psalm 32 proclaims our gratitude to God who alone can forgive our sins.

Reading II Gal 2:16, 19-21

In this selection of St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, the Apostle contrasts actions that are in accord with the precepts of Mosaic Law against the interior life of faith that justifies us before God in Christ. The difference the Apostle pointed to here says that just because a person acts in accordance with the Law does not mean their faith and actions toward others places them in grace – in this instance St. Paul explains that interior faith is more important that outward acts of piety.

Gospel Lk 7:36—8:3 or 7:36-50

In St. Luke’s story about the Pardoning of the Sinful Woman, we are shown contrasting attitudes and their associated rewards. The Pharisee clearly does not believe he is a sinful person and looks with disdain on the woman who humbly washes the Lord’s feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. The Lord tells the story of the two debtors to illustrate his point that the magnitude of sin forgiven stimulates a corresponding level of gratitude and love in return.

Reflection:

Our faith has a wonderful mechanism built in. We are called at least once a week to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in which we partake of the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus. Before we received the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, we are to insure that we are in a state of grace. That means we have evaluated what we have done in the previous week and if there are thoughts or actions that have removed us from being in God’s Grace, we are to reconcile ourselves to Him through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Our scripture today reflects the idea of Reconciliation and the fact that everyone needs to come to God for forgiveness. In the reading from Second Samuel we see how Kind David, blessed with so many gifts from God became greedy and caused the death of Uriah so he would not be violating Mosaic Law when he took his wife as his own. It was exactly this kind of behavior St. Paul pointed at in his Letter to the Galatians when he said “We who know that a person is not justified by works of the law”.

In the Gospel, the Lord goes to the house of the Pharisee, Simon for a meal. It is clear from Simon’s condescension that he views the sinful woman who comes in repentance that he (Simon) views himself as a righteous person, not requiring God’s forgiveness. Jesus uses the analogy of the debtors to show him that while some debts are larger than others, all are sinners and require God’s forgiveness.

With that message clearly expressed by the Word of God today, let us reexamine our own state and rejoice in God’s loving forgiveness provided through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Pax

[1] After Links Expire
[2] The Picture used today is “Jesus anointed by the sinful woman” by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1851-60

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Information about the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)[1]

Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Gn 14:18-20

The Melchizedek story in this chapter of Genesis drives the interpretation of he entire chapter. Using the lens of this passage, the chapter becomes a testament to the power of God and the irresistible nature of His plan.

The surface intent of this reference is obvious placed on this feast day as a reference to the Eucharistic meal we celebrate. Placed against the tapestry of God’s involvement with mankind, Melchizedek, Priest-King of Jerusalem (Salem is likely a reference to the same geographical place) is likely celebrating a covenant meal with Abram following their great victory. The parallel to our celebration of the Eucharist is clear.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

Psalm 110 is a royal psalm sung to the king (Melchizedek – Priest King, see above). We are reminded that God supports his people with power.

Reading II 1 Cor 11:23-26

This selection from St. Paul’s letter is the earliest written account of the institution of the Lord’s Supper. It is a clear injunction to repeat this celebration and in doing so recreate the blessing of the upper room.

Gospel Lk 9:11b-17

The story of “Feeding the Multitude” from St. Luke’s Gospel serves as the image for the Eucharist on the Feast of Corpus Christi. The clear statement “Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them,” is a reference to our own Eucharistic meal.

Reflection:

On this day especially, we are awed that Jesus Christ shares his body, once more broken in sacrifice for the multitudes, is shared by the faithful. We wonder what St. Paul would think if he were alive today. All over the world the word is proclaimed and the great covenant between God and his people is renewed.

The most Holy Sacrament of the Alter has so many different representations to us. It is truly the life of the Christian faithful. It is celebrated at each Mass, thousands and hundreds of thousands each day. It represents the meal of Christ with his friends the night before he was betrayed. It is the covenant meal and Christ was the sacrifice that sealed it. It is the High Feast of the Lamb of God in which and by which we are made one with the Lord. It is food for the journey.
While in other parts of the world this solemnity was celebrated last Thursday, we are reminded that the most holy Body and Blood of Christ, the Corpus Christi, is shared by the whole Church on this Sabbath Day. In one unifying burst, the Lord becomes the conduit of faith that unites us in Him for our salvation and as an expression of God’s love seen around the world.

Pax

[1] The picture used today is “Communion” by Giuseppe Maria Crespi, 1712
[2] After Links Expire

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

History of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity[1]

Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Prv 8:22-31

The author of Proverbs here reflects on the eternal nature of the plurality of persons in God. Wisdom here is used as a metaphor for Christ and the Holy Spirit, the first becoming incarnate and the second coming on the heels of the first. Concurrently we are reminded of the creative Gift of the Triune God who delights in His people.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

The psalmist here reflects upon the marvel of God’s creation and man’s place of underserved honor in it. Recognizing mankind’s power over the created environment, we thank God for his gifts to us.

Reading II Rom 5:1-5

In this passage St. Paul declares the peace of Christ which flows to the faithful from the Father through Jesus who cast out sin and death for our salvation. The complete acceptance of our earthly station is made possible by the Holy Spirit which flows from the Father and the Son into our hearts.

Gospel Jn 16:12-15

Jesus, in this reading from St. John’s Gospel, is telling the disciples that the Holy Spirit will not bring new revelations but will allow them to understand the things that have already happened. And in that revelatory understanding Christ will be glorified because He and the Father are one.

Reflection:

I believe it was at the beginning of our Diaconal Formation Class on Christology that Father Phil Gallagher asked each of the individuals in our class to rise and give a definition of the Trinity. After each person stood and gave forth pious wisdom, Father would say; “You’re a hieratic, sit down.” To try to put into words that which is beyond human understanding is a dangerous thing.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says this:

“237 The Trinity is a mystery of faith in the strict sense, one of the "mysteries that are hidden in God, which can never be known unless they are revealed by God". To be sure, God has left traces of his Trinitarian being in his work of creation and in his Revelation throughout the Old Testament. But his inmost Being as Holy Trinity is a mystery that is inaccessible to reason alone or even to Israel's faith before the Incarnation of God's Son and the sending of the Holy Spirit.”

So many people have said over the years have said, “What does that tell us? It’s a mystery.” We need to look at the traces of its effect upon us in scripture to answer that question. Today we are happily exposed to a divinely inspired reflection on that “What does that tell us” question. In Proverbs we see the ancient understanding of how God existed in that unknowable pluralistic state from before the world was. We rejoice in the consequences of that diversity because it gives us the ability to be touched by our creator on so many levels.

Today we thank God the Father for creating heaven and hearth and choosing us as His special possession. We thank God the Son for revealing the amazing love He has for us by sacrificing himself so that we might have lives of peace and happiness. And we thank the Holy Spirit for coming to us at our baptism and guiding in the ways of peace throughout our lives.

Pax

[1] The image used today is “Holy Trinity” by Hendrick van Balen, 1620s
[2] After Links Expire

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time[1]

Commentary:

Reading 1 Jer 17:5-8

The Prophet Jeremiah is doing his level best, in this passage, to call the people back to faith in God. He rails against those who believe that good is accomplished through human effort alone and pronounces the doom of those who do not rely on God for strength.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Jeremiah’s influence on the Psalms is evident in this section of Psalm 1. We see his analogy of the righteous man being like a tree planted by a river; always deriving sustenance from the Lord.

Reading II 1 Cor 15:12, 16-20

In this reading, St. Paul challenges those (probably Sadducees) in Corinth who are denying that there is a resurrection on the last day. Rather than try to provide commentary on this selection, I’ll let our Holy Father, Pope John Paul the Great, do it for me. Here is a brief selection from his teaching on this passage from one of his General Audiences:

“It is difficult to sum up here and comment adequately on the stupendous and ample argumentation of the fifteenth chapter of the First Letter to the Corinthians in all its details. It is significant that, while Christ replied to the Sadducees, who "say that there is no resurrection" (Lk 20:27), with the words reported by the synoptic Gospels, Paul, on his part, replied or rather engaged in polemics (in conformity with his temperament) with those who contested it.(1) In his (pre-paschal) answer, Christ did not refer to his own resurrection, but appealed to the fundamental reality of the Old Testament covenant, to the reality of the living God. The conviction of the possibility of the resurrection is based on this: the living God "is not God of the dead, but of the living" (Mk 12:27). Paul's post-paschal argumentation on the future resurrection referred above all to the reality and the truth of the resurrection of Christ. In fact, he defends this truth even as the foundation of the faith in its integrity: "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.... But, in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead" (1 Cor 15:14, 20).”

Gospel Lk 6:17, 20-26

As a special treat we are given the Beatitudes from St. Luke’s Gospel. This part of the Sermon on the Plane (as opposed to St. Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount) has an almost covenantal feel to it since we are given not just what the “Blessed” receive but the “Woe to” as well.

This introductory part of the sermon addresses the conditions his mostly gentile audience are facing (note this sermon is delivered in the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon where there would be a mix of Jews from Jerusalem and gentiles present.

Reflection:

The Beatitudes are, for many of us, like a comfortable pair of old shoes. We have heard them many times and, because they are so broad in their reach we always can find one of the “Blessed” passages that feels like it applies to us.

As was said in the commentary above, this selection has the feel of the New Covenant to it. Jesus says; Blessed are the poor, the hungry, the weeping, and those outcast because they are Christian. In a sense they have done what God has asked. Then come the “Woes”. Woe to those who are rich, filled, laughing, and those who follow false prophets. The formula for a covenant given in the Old Testament says that first God says what he will do then says what man needs to do in return. The formula ends with the consequences of not doing what is required.

In the reading today it’s turned around a bit because Jesus says “Blessed are the poor”, before he makes the assumption that they will be shown mercy on account of their belief in the Son of Man. The consequences piece is clear enough though.

We look at this passage in a more complex way today so that the comfortable old shoe might take on new meaning in our lives. It is not so much a comfort bur rather a focus for our lens of faith. Look at what the Lord has denounced; the rich (How many of us live below the poverty line in the richest country on earth?), the filled (How many of us are hungry?), the laughing (How many of us deserve the depression that comes from a hopeless situation based upon our economic circumstances?)

No, the comfortable shoe challenges us today, as disciples. We are to reach out to those who are truly in need so that the mercy the Lord promises those in need will be seen through us. We who are given so much are called to share in the spirit of Love with which this sermon was delivered all those years ago.

“I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man with no feet.”

Pax


[1] After 04/07

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Commentary:

Reading 1 Is 6:1-2a, 3-8

The Prophet Isaiah tells us the story of his call “In the year King Uzziah died” (742 B.C.) The prophet first relates his belief that he will die, since it is the common belief that no one who had not been purified could see the face of God and live. Then one of the seraphim flew to him and, using a coal from the fire at the altar (there would have been a fire for burning the holocaust – a sacrificial offering completely burnt as opposed to simply slaughtered).

With that coal, the seraphim touched Isaiah’s lips in symbolic cleansing, making the prophet worthy to proclaim God’s word. The Church remembers this event with the Priest’s blessing of himself or the Deacon with the words – “May the Lord open my (your) lips that I (you) may worthily proclaim the Holy Gospel; In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

The reading closes with that lyric that we express in song in “Here I am Lord” many other hymns.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

The response we use in this song of thanksgiving and praise links us to Isaiah’s vision of the seraphim in the first reading. We are also reminded of God’s saving power and his enduring faithfulness.

Reading II 1 Cor 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11

St. Paul cuts to the heart of the faith as he tells the Corinthians that first and of most importance we have the fact that Jesus, the Christ, died for our sins and on the third day was raised up. He goes on to offer proofs that Jesus was raised from the dead by giving what amounts to a chronology of his post resurrection appearances with which he includes his own vision on the road to Damascus. His last statement can be paraphrased as saying; “Regardless of who you hear it from that is truth and should be believed.”

Gospel Lk 5:1-11

Here we are given St. Luke’s account of the call of the first disciples. No mention is made here of Simon’s (Peter’s) brother Andrew who would also have been there and in fact as a disciple of John the Baptist actually introduced the two (John 1; 41 ff). We do hear that James and John, Zebedee’s sons were also there as Simon’s partners and are called at the same time.

Much like Isaiah in the first reading, Simon – Peter’s response to the Lord’s call is one of being sinful that thereby unworthy of the presence of the Lord. In response to Simon’s fearful humility, Jesus invites them all to leave what they have and become fishers of men.

Reflection:

The common thread that flows through our scripture today is “Call and Response”. In Isaiah we hear the prophet exposed to a vision of the throne of heaven and of God the Father. His response was fear since, being a sinful man, he was sure that he would not survive seeing God face to face. God’s response was to send one of his angels to purify Isaiah so that he could fulfill the mission he was called to.

In St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, we find the Apostle Paul referring to his own call; “Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.” Note the humility as he refers to himself as unworthy of the grace he receives in seeing and being sent. He goes on to flesh out his unworthiness recounting his former life, persecuting Christ’s followers.

Finally we come to the Gospel story from St. Luke’s Gospel. Here we find Jesus requisitioning St. Peter’s boat and using it as speaking platform so more people could hear his words. In recompense for taking the owner away from his work he instructs Peter to move away from shore a short distance and lower his nets. Peter resisted indicating that it was the wrong time of day to catch anything but did as he was asked. (We must surmise from his response at this point that Jesus’ words, spoken to the crowd from his boat, must have inspired some faith within him since this was not a simple task.)

When the nets came back so full of fish they threatened to swamp not only Peter’s boat but his partner, Zebedee’s boat as well, his epiphany was complete. Much like Isaiah, out of fear, he responded; “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” While the Lord did not immediately create a pure vessel for carrying the Word of God, as His Father did with Isaiah. His response was none the less to make the call and receive a wordless “Here I am,” I said; “send me!” The disciples left all they owned and followed him.

Our lives are similarly themed by call and response. As disciples of Jesus we are called to continue the work started by Peter, Andrew, James and John who began their journey of response in the Gospel today. We are unworthy of that call as were Isaiah who said; “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips” and St. Paul as he recounted; “…as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me”.

What is clear to us is that God takes us as we are, gives us the grace we need and then expects us to make a faith response. That response may be as simple as prayer for others, and ourselves, or it may be as all encompassing as a vocation to a formal ministry. The one message we must take from today’s scripture is we are called. No mater how meek or unworthy we feel; no mater how weak or unschooled our faith may feel, we are called. Today we are also given the expected response –

“Here I am,” I said; “send me!”

Pax

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Commentary:

Reading 1 Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

We delve into the Book of the Prophet Nehemiah and since this is a book we do not hear much from perhaps a little explanation is useful, especially since today Nehemiah’s reading deals with Ezra, who’s Book precedes Nehemiah in the current canon of the Bible.

Both prophets were active at the time of the Restoration. That is the time following the Babylonian exile during which the Jewish people were returned to their historical geography and the nation of Israel was reestablished.

In the reading today, we hear Ezra, who of the two was more responsible for reintroducing the Law as the constitution of the reformed state, proclaiming the Law. Now comes Nehemiah, the Administrator telling the people who were overcome with emotion at hearing God’s word once more, explaining that it is a time for rejoicing because they are once more united under God’s Law.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Psalm 19 captures the joy of the people we hear in the reading from Nehemiah. It is a song that rejoices in the Law of the Lord and happily embraces it because of its saving power.

Reading II 1 Cor 12:12-30

Today we are given the great Pauline analogy of the Body as Church. He goes first into detail enumerating the parts of the body and distinguishing their functions. He then proposes that the body needs the diversity of parts and could not function effectively without all of them.

Paul then goes through the same process with functions within the Church, again enumerating the functions; “first, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues.” His message is clear, the Church needs all of these functions and even though some get more attention, all are prized.

Gospel Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21

The Gospel selection today is actually two different passages from Luke’s Gospel. Probably because last week we were given the story of the Wedding at Cana from John’s Gospel as sort of a wrap up to Epiphany, this week we start with the introduction to Luke’s Gospel as he writes of his purpose to Theophilus.

We then pick up the story of Jesus following his baptism and temptation in the desert. These will be dealt with in more detail during the Lenten Season. Luke’s Gospel refers in a summary way to the works we have been hearing about in Mark’s Gospel during the week.

Jesus comes to the Synagogue and reads from Isaiah (Isa 61; 1-3). The passage refers to the coming of the Messiah and the mission of the Son of God to the poor and marginalized. He then tells those listening; "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." This is our true beginning of Ordinary Time as revelation is complete.

Reflection:

The focus of our scripture today flows like the beginning of a journey. We are first given the story of the restoration of the Law to the Hebrews in the story from Nehemiah. We are told how, upon hearing Ezra read and explain the Torah, the people wept. After their long exile in Babylon, God’s presence, his guiding force was once more upon them. Then Nehemiah tells them that this is indeed a time for rejoicing. This same sentiment is reflected in the Psalm as we hear; “Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life”.

Unifying Ezra the scribe and Nehemiah the Leader of the People, we have St. Paul’s analogy that says all parts of the body are needed if the risen body of Christ, which is the Church, is to operate properly. His statements remind us that we are united in Him and like the ancient Hebrews we are moved with joy at our own unity.

Finally, in the Gospel we hear how Christ returns from his own exile in the desert. Like Ezra, he opens God’s word to the people, proclaiming God’s will with authority. Unlike Ezra, the Lord actually proclaims his own coming. With that we close the book for today. We can only imagine the impact of those words on his contemporaries in the Synagogue.

What should we take away from the events that unfold in scripture? First, and we need this reminder often, we can know that today can be the first day of our journey of faith. Today does not need to find our steps falling into their familiar pattern. We can turn to the Lord and make a fresh start. Even if we have felt we were going in the right general direction, we can make a new start; a fresh beginning with the Lord.

Our second lesson today is that we must really examine our attitudes toward our brothers and sisters in faith. We must, like our Savior, look at each person with profound respect. We do so because without them, we are incomplete. Without the other members of the body, the body is maimed. Paul is so right as later in the same body of work he tells us that the greatest crime we can commit in the sight of God is dividing the Body of Christ. We cannot afford to be anything but humble in the face of so great a charge.

Today let us rejoice in the Lord because he gives us a fresh start. We can be free from all encumbrances as we start this day. We pray it is one free from old prejudices and filled with awe and respect for our brothers and sisters who are part of the same body, the living body of Christ.

Pax

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time [1]

Commentary:

Reading 1 Is 62:1-5

Isaiah prophesies the coming of the Christ with several references and images. Christ is identified as the vindication of Israel. Once the Lord has delivered his salvation the land will be called the Lord’s delight. Finally the image of the bridegroom and the bride are used as a common metaphor for the Messiah and the people of God.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10
R. Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Our psalm selection is one of praise and worship. It begins with songs of proclamation then moves to imploring praise and honor and finally and instruction on attire and demeanor.

Reading II 1 Cor 12:4-11

St. Paul associates different gifts within the community to the same Holy Spirit. He thus calls out the beauty of diversity and the need for it within the community of faith. All gifts serve the same purpose; the greater glory of God. All gifts are needed within the body of Christ which is his Church.

Gospel Jn 2:1-11

St. John gives us the story of Jesus first revelatory action following his Baptism by John in the Jordan. He and his disciples are invited to a wedding, the wine runs our, and Jesus’ mother lets her son know that the time has come for his revelation, even though Jesus does not think so.

Ironically the stone water jars were there for the ceremonial cleansing, the very Hebrew custom John the Baptist took and created the call to repentance. The Hebrew custom was symbolic, the Lord would later make it efficacious.

The final statement in this story; “…his disciples began to believe in him” is the only time in John where there was any doubt about the Lord’s true identity on their part.

Homily:

Welcome to the incredible celebration in which we are about to participate! You may ask; “Wait a minute, is today something special? Didn’t we just start Ordinary Time?” The answer to both of those questions is “Yes” even though they seem to contradict each other.

Today is the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time by the Church Calendar. But, as with many words in our faith, the word “Ordinary” has a different meaning than our common English usage. We could talk about the root of the word – from the Latin “ordo” or order, but that would bore the young folks who never had to take Latin and bring back bad memories congregation to those of us who studied the language in earlier days.

The Church uses the word Ordinary in an extraordinary way, if you will excuse the pun. For instance, the “Local Ordinary” or the person who is in charge of the Church of Lansing of which we are a part is an extraordinary person named Bishop Carl Mengling. Another example, the Ordinary Minister of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Priest. The Ordinary Minister of the Eucharist is a Priest or Deacon. Contrast this with the use of “Extraordinary” in the Church. There are Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist; these are lay persons delegated by the Pastor (the Ordinary Minister) to bring communion to the sick and homebound outside of the assembly and to assist the Ordinary Ministers in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ in this assembly. Priests of the Diocese are frequently delegated as Extraordinary Ministers of the Sacrament of Confirmation by the Ordinary Minister of the sacrament which is the Bishop.

Now we can come back to the Calendar and get a better understanding of Ordinary Time. Ordinary time celebrates the mystery of Christ in all His fullness. He is revealed as the Son of God at Epiphany we celebrated last week, during the Lenten season we focus on preparing ourselves for the great Feast of Easter. During “Ordinary Time” we try to understand what God asks of us, through His Son and the Holy Spirit. We marvel at the wonders of God’s love and the Life of Christ among us.

In the beginning we asked two questions. The first as you recall was; “Didn’t we just start ‘Ordinary Time?’” The second was; “Is something special going on today?” The answer to that question is also, emphatically, “Yes”.

Today we celebrate the great wedding feast of the Church. We heard in St. John’s Gospel the story of the Wedding at Cana, one of what has been called the “Wow” miracles of the Lord because it is so spectacular. The Lord, along with his disciples goes to Cana to a wedding. While he is there, the host runs out of wine. It would be very embarrassing for the couple to have this happen so Jesus’ mother brings it to the Lord’s attention.

We see the Lord struggle with this. He tells his mother; “My hour has not yet come.” But she tells the servants; “Do whatever he tells you.” She knows, somehow, that something remarkable is about to take place. The Lord then tells the servants to fill six large stone jars with water and somehow that water becomes wine.

It is almost difficult for us to look past the miracle to see all that this event says to us. We see the image of Jesus stepping out of time.

He at once is the wine; his blood poured out for us.
He is the groom who takes the church as his bride.
He stands with our Priest as once more water and wine become our salvation.

And we have a part too. We stand as the servants who hear Mary say; “Do whatever he tells you.”
We stand as the servants who know where that “Best” wine came from and how it came to be in those stone jars.
We know there were only six and not seven because it was not yet His time.

Is this just an Ordinary sequence of events in the life of Jesus? What a wondrous gift he has given. And all he asks in return is our acceptance of that gift, accepting our role as the children of that marriage of the Lord and His Church.

Amen

[1] ALTRE