Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Information about the Immaculate Heart of Mary[1]

Readings for the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 2 Cor 5:14-21

This passage from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians has a distinctly initiative flavor. First he speaks of dying with Christ, becoming one with him in the spirit. This occurs in the sacrament of Baptism. The whole idea of being reconciled to God in Christ is inherent in the Sacrament of Confirmation and concluded in the Eucharist. These of course are the three sacraments of Christian Initiation.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

This song of praise rightly focuses our attention on our love of God on this day when the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary so forcefully asks us to reciprocate to the His love for us which we celebrated yesterday with the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Gospel Luke 2:41-51

Placed today on the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the story of the young Jesus in the temple is a fitting example of the love Mary had for her son. Especially when we hear “He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart” we can feel the love Mary has for her son and get the sense that she cherished her time with him.

Reflection:

Yesterday’s celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is joined appropriately with today’s Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Yesterday we rejoiced in the love our Savior has for us. Today, his Mother, our Mother, Mary, reminds us that he expects to be loved by us in return. Even as we know that we can never earn the love of Christ, that we can never receive it on our own merits, we know that our love of Jesus must be made clear.

Today we reflect not just in prayer by in a very pragmatic way about how we can accede to Mother Mary’s fervent hope and example. She demonstrated for us how that love could be shown. She was the first to believe in him. Her actions most closely echoed his command to love one another. She clearly loved the Lord with such intensity and passion that her heart was pierced at his death as Simeon had predicted.

We cannot hope to rival the love of the Theotokos, the Mother of God, in her love for her Son. We may have difficulty finding the intense emotional attachment to the Lord she showed us so naturally. But we can demonstrate our love for Him through our actions.

Think for a moment about how others know we love our parents or our siblings or even our close friends. We do things for them that please them. We spend time with them and we behave in ways that make them happy, sharing our joy and our sorrow.

Using that simple model, that is how we show our love for Jesus. That is the beaconing call of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We do things that please the Lord, we praise His Father (he always enjoys that), and we act in ways that tell others “Oh, they must be Christians”. We serve others, because the Lord’s life and His Mother’s were dedicated to serving others. And we spend time with the Lord, as much time as possible. We talk with him in prayer, not just to ask for things like a spoiled child or and ungrateful friend, but talking to him about the things we have been able to accomplish with his help and about our joys and sorrows. Finally we spend time with him physically in his gift of the Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration. Is this not the way we act with those we love?

Scripture tells us that Mary, Most Holy loved the Lord like no one else could and in her Immaculate Heart we see that example, clear for us to follow. Let us today be revitalized by that plea and embrace the Lord with our actions.

Pax

[1] The image is of “The Immaculate Heart of Mary” artist is UNKNOWN
[2] After Links Expire

Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Information about the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus[1]

Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus[2]
Reading from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Ez 34:11-16

The prophet presents the allegory of God, the shepherd. In this oracle the vision is God the Father, like a shepherd, will gather the people of Israel from the foreign lands to which they have been driven and bring them back to “the mountains of Israel”.

The tenderness shown by the good shepherd toward the sheep is especially poignant on a feast day were we celebrate the intense love of Christ for the people of the world.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Perhaps the most popular psalm in Holy Scripture, the 23rd Psalm used here supports the image of the Good Shepherd used in Ezekiel above. This passage reinforces the role of the shepherd not just as protector but as leader.

Reading II Rom 5:5b-11

In this selection of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, the apostle speaks of how the love of Christ is for not just those who are righteous but for those who are sinners as well. His love of all mankind (exemplified today as the Sacred Heart of Jesus) was demonstrated vividly as he laid down his life so we might be reconciled to God.

Gospel Lk 15:3-7

The Gospel of St. Luke gives us the parable of the Lost Sheep, linking the metaphor of the good shepherd from Ezekiel with the love of God for those who are lost to sin. This parable along with the parable of the lost coin and the prodigal son gives insight into the special love of Christ for those who are lost but through repentance are found.

Reflection:

“Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his Passion, and gave himself up for each one of us: ‘The Son of God. . . loved me and gave himself for me.’ He has loved us all with a human heart. For this reason, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced by our sins and for our salvation, ‘is quite rightly considered the chief sign and symbol of that. . . love with which the divine Redeemer continually loves the eternal Father and all human beings’ without exception. " (Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 478)

How do we understand a love so intense, so complete, so all encompassing that even as our lover died on the cross of our hatred, his sorrow was not for himself but for those who committed the heinous act? How do we respond to a love so pure that our lover returned from heaven so that we would not be left without guidance?

The metaphor of the Shepherd who protects, guides, and heals his sheep is the barest shadow of the loving image of our Lord and Savior whose Sacred Heart we revere today. Our only response can be to link our hearts to his through prayer:

Lord, we beseech You, let your Holy Spirit kindle in our hearts that fire of charity which Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, sent forth from His inmost heart upon this earth, and willed that it should burn with vehemence. Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

[1] The image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus used today is by an UNKNOWN artist
[2] After Links Expire

Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 2 Cor 3:15—4:1, 3-6

St. Paul continues his apologetic to the Christian converts in Corinth who were either being attacked by the unconverted Jewish population or who were still struggling with the Christian doctrine. Here he makes reference to the veil placed between the Torah and the people. The book is just words but the Holy Spirit of God transforms the words into actions which bring glory to God. Those who cannot understand or come to faith in the Gospel reject it because they have chosen to do so and that path leads to death (of the soul).

Responsorial Psalm Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14
R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.

Psalm 85 is a song of thanksgiving. In this selection we hear praise for God’s salvation, for the saving works and the gift of the fruits of the earth.

Gospel Mt 5:20-26

In our reflection yesterday we spoke of Jesus reinterpreting the law. In this passage from Matthew’s Gospel we see that clearly. Here Jesus takes the law “You shall not kill” and moves it to the next level. He tells us that even anger brings a judgment from God. Here he traces the logic from thought to vulgar or abusive words to violent action. Where the Jewish Law forbids the action, Christian law forbids the antecedents as well.

The passage continues with the remedy for this action and a foundation for the sacrament of reconciliation. He instructs us to be reconciled with a person with whom we have bad feelings before coming to the altar. The consequences, he warns, are judgment and punishment.

Reflection:

It has been a couple of months since the great celebration of Easter and therefore even longer since the intense introspection of the Lenten Season. Today we are reminded that it is not just our actions that identify us to others but our attitudes as well.

We suppose that, unless we were perfect as Christ is perfect, there will always be an upwelling of anger as the events of our lives unfold. Actually when we become aware of how and how often these feelings are provoked, we come to appreciate how serine the Kingdom of Heaven must be. But what do we do about the here and now?

Even though we do our very best to remain outwardly calm in the face of provocative acts there will be times when our actions betray us. When we speak words in anger, directed at either another person or even a thing. It is at these times we must take ourselves firmly in hand and make sure we do not go any further. We must immediately run back to the Father for forgiveness. That does not mean we have to get to Confession that day. But it does mean that our prayer must include a request for forgiveness.

The real damage to us comes when we do not recognize that this attitude of anger is not going away. Anger of this sort, frequently a result of deep hurt caused by someone close to us, can fester like a cancer; it destroys the peace of Christ which should be something we bask in. It colors our actions and attitudes. It is this anger, especially, we need to reconcile and expose in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is also frequently something we might be embarrassed to bring forward. We must remember that our Lord sees our deepest secrets and hurts. We take it to the Confessional so that we can be reassured of God’s love and fell the peace that comes from that healing sacrament.

Is it time for a deep dive into a perfect act of contrition? Let us make sure, today, that we do not foster the anger that keeps us from Christ and enter confidently into his loving embrace.

Pax

[1] After Links Expire
[2] The picture used today is “Last Judgment” by Raphael Coxcie, ~1570

Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua,

priest and doctor of the Church

Biographical Information about St. Anthony of Padua[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua[2]
Reading from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 2 Cor 3:4-11

In this passage from St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, the apostle is defending the Christian “Way” against Jewish factions that are clearly either attaching or claiming superiority over the faithful. In this part of his apologetic, he first compares the Covenant of Moses (which ends in death) with the New Covenant (which ends in eternal life). His concluding statements compare the relative glory of these two views with the view of eternal life out shining the fading glory of the Covenant of Moses which ends in death.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 99:5, 6, 7, 8, 9
R. Holy is the Lord our God.

This psalm of praise and thanksgiving holds up the traditions of Moses and Aaron. The praise and respect given to the Law of Moses stands between Paul’s assertion that the new covenant superseded it and Jesus assurance that the Law of Moses stands firm..

Gospel Mt 5:17-19

In this passage from St. Matthew’s Gospel, those who believed that Jesus came to destroy the Jewish faith and law are refuted. The Lord tells them that he did not come to destroy the law even though he disagreed with the way some of those laws were being implemented. Rather he came to fulfill it, essentially give the law a reinterpretation through his own revelation.

Reflection:

If we continue the thought that “beginnings are difficult times" from a couple days ago we see more of that pain in scripture today. In the Gospel, we see Jesus reacting to implications that, because he was re-defining the Law of Moses, he had come to destroy the law. Change is painful and the Lord was emphatic. Just because he changed the way the Law was seen did not mean he did not fully support the “letter of the Law”.

In that same tormented debate, years later, after Jesus had already been condemned and crucified (under the law), we find St. Paul contrasting the two views. Mosaic Tradition he characterized as words carved in stone, while the New Covenant, forged in the Blood of Christ, he referred to as formed in “Spirit”. The old covenant ended in death, the new in eternal life. Indeed, Jesus did not destroy the Law with his divine revelation but he forever changed the way that Law was viewed.

While many of the Jews of his time viewed the Law with such reverence that it took on a glory of its own. The Lord put it in proper perspective. It was meant to reflect the ultimate commandment of God to His children; to love on another. It was this interpretation that took the Law from a strictly legal mentality to a lived faith that reflected the true will of the Father.

Today we celebrate the Memorial of St. Anthony, one of the great doctors of the Church. In one of his sermons about the faith he writes on this very subject:

“Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. We are full of words but empty of actions, and therefore are cursed by the Lord, since he himself cursed the fig tree when he found no fruit but only leaves. It is useless for a man to flaunt his knowledge of the law if he undermines its teaching by his actions.”

May we be guided by these words today as we remember that the Law serves God and we serve Him as well.

Pax

[1] The picture used today is “The Vision of St. Anthony of Padua” by Vicente Carducho, 1631
[2] After Links Expire

Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 2 Cor 1:18-22

In this selection of St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians he is making it clear that there is no ambiguity in what they have been told regarding the Lord and the Kingdom of God. There is only truth and it is not variable. The assent (Amen) they give to Christ is an assent to God since God and Christ are one. The last reference to being sealed with the Holy Spirit is a reference to the unity shared by the faithful in Baptism and Confirmation.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135
R. Lord, let your face shine on me.

The reference to “light” in this section of Psalm 119 is the light of revelation. It supports the Gospel below. Those who travel in light find the right paths and rejoice in the light.

Gospel Mt 5:13-16

In this selection from the Gospel of Matthew Jesus uses allegory to push the Word of God into the world. He tells his disciples they are an integral part of the faith of the people in God. Like seasoning is to food, so is the Word of God to the faith. They must remain steadfast so they do not loose that zeal for God that is the taste of that seasoning. It is that which sets it apart.

He uses a second allegory, light, to provide still more direction. The light of faith will be seen by all because it is reflected in the actions of those who believe. That light serves to guide others to God where they may otherwise become lost in darkness and wander in to paths of desolation. That light that pours from the disciples will be seen as a gift not from them but from the Father and the Father will be glorified because of the light.

Reflection:

There is one path to God and it lies through Jesus the Savior. There is no way around it and the path is easily recognized both by those who are on it and those who seek it. It is illuminated by the acts of those who shuffle along with Christ on that dusty road to Emmaus. Those who seek it will find it, but those who hate the light will shun the path because the light reveals them to others and they would rather follow the darkness.

I know that sounds like pious prattle. Very stilted and condescending, at least to my ears. That is what happens when we try to extract just the black and white message from scripture. The first couple of sentences try to capture St. Paul’s struggle with the Corinthians who were flagging in their zeal for the faith. They must have somehow communicated to St. Paul that part of what he said they could accept but other parts they could not. The passage we see to day says there is not “yes or no” only yes, only one path.

The second part of that initial paragraph speaks to the Lord’s analogy in the Gospel of St. Matthew. It calls the disciples to be salt of the earth and a light in the darkness. Again very clear, the works of Christ, who uses the disciples as a conduit, light the way to the Kingdom of God. There is no way to conceal the fact that the actions of the righteous flow from God and lead to him.

In spite of the crude way the message was communicated today, the impact of the words of scripture is clear; we are called to accept and act upon the truth we have been given. We can do no less. To behave otherwise would deny what we believe and who we hope to become.

Pax

[1] After Links Expire
[2] The Drawing used today is “Christ as the True Light” by Hans (the Younger) Holbein, 1526

Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

Biographical Information about St. Barnabas, Apostle[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Barnabas[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3

In this account from Acts, Barnabas is sent by the body of the Apostles to see what Paul is doing. Recall, Paul went through his conversion on the road to Damascus and never received guidance or direction from the Apostles. The last they knew, St. Paul was still on the “other side”. Barnabas journey therefore was, at least until he reached Antioch, tense. Barnabas finds Paul in Tarsus and the two of them begin an aggressive evangelical ministry.

In the second account from the thirteenth chapter, now that Barnabas is closely associated with the Church in Antioch we see him sent from there to further advance the faith in other regions.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Psalm 98 was much used between Easter and Pentecost. It is used again here as a tribute to the mission of St. Barnabas as he proclaims God’s saving works to all the lands.

Gospel Mt 5:1-12

There is a large volume of information contained in the footnotes on this selection from Matthew. These notes, for the interested reader, explain much of what St. Matthew, the author, and the Lord intended with this first discourse from the Gospel of Matthew – The Sermon on the Mount. While it is linked closely with St. Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” (Luke 6; 20-49) this speech is delivered to a large assembly of people. Used on the Memorial of St. Barnabas, it supports the Apostle's evangelical zeal and provides a sample of the Lord’s wisdom he delivered.

Reflection:

To quote the opening phrase in the novel Dune by Frank Herbert, “Beginnings are difficult times.” Not much was heard about St. Barnabas during the life of the Lord. It is speculated by the ancient Church historian, Eucebius, that Barnabas was one of “the Seventy” sent out by the Lord. However, his inclusion as an Apostle derives, like St. Paul, from his missionary activity on the part of the early Church. It is likely that St. Paul, who was known to the “Twelve” as the one responsible for the martyrdom of St. Stephen, Saul the persecutor, would never have been fully integrated into the Church leadership, had St. Barnabas not stood as his sponsor.

The lesson for us today as we hear the story of St. Barnabas is that one need not be born to greatness in the eyes of God. In fact, we are all “born to greatness” in His eyes. We look to St. Barnabas who, according to history and tradition, received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He was transformed by that Spirit and was instrumental in helping the Word through that “Beginning” that was such a difficult time. He took the authentic Word we find encapsulated in the Beatitudes to those outside the immediate sphere of apostolic influence and spread it as far as he could.

That image of taking the word forward comes to us like a baton in a relay race. We are handed the Word to carry it forward by our words and actions so that others might receive it and in their turn carry it further still. Today we remember the great work of St. Barnabas who earned the title Apostle through his evangelical prowess. We are given a challenge to, like him, carry the work and word of God forward.

Pax

[1] The picture used today is “Paul and Barnabas at Lystra” by Nicolaes Berchem, 1650
[2] After Links Expire

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

Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

And Saint Ephraem, Deacon, Doctor

Biographical Information about St. Ephraem[1]

Readings for Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Tb 12:1, 5-15, 20

At this point in the story of Tobit, the prophet asks his son to pay the “man” that had accompanied him not realizing that who they thought was a man was really Raphael, the Archangel. When they approach him to give a generous reward, Raphael unmasks himself and instructs them to give praise to God for the saving acts.

Special emphasis is made in Raphael’s instruction to act in accordance with the Law of Moses (righteousness) and acts of charity (almsgiving). These two actions are better even than prayer and fasting, private worship of God. The recurring statement: “A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be declared and made known.”

Responsorial Psalm Tobit 13:2, 6efgh, 7, 8
R. Blessed be God, who lives for ever.

The psalm response is also taken from the Book of Tobit. It is the response to Raphael’s instruction, a hymn of praise and thanksgiving.

Gospel Mk 12:38-44

In this passage from Mark, Jesus warns against scribes (holy men) who wear their faith on the outside and accept homage for their religious acts. Their acts of charity are missing. In contrast to those who flaunt their faith and their wealth the Lord praises the poor widow who gives alms from her need not from her excess as the wealthy did.

Reflection:

The scripture today is in complete accord, our faith must be supported by acts of charity and service to others or it is empty. In the first instance today the Archangel Raphael is enjoining Tobit and his son Tobiah to praise God loudly, that while prayer and fasting are good things, God wishes his love for people to be known through acts of charity and righteousness performed in his name.

The same them is the subject in the passage we are given from the Gospel of St. Mark. Jesus takes aim at the practices of the scribes who proclaim their faith by dressing in distinct ways and accepting the accolades for following scrupulously the letter of Mosaic Law as it applies to individual piety. He is emphatic in his rejection of this practice saying “They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers.”

St. Mark goes on relating Christ’s observance of the rich members of the faith community placing alms in the temple treasury (making sure, we are told, that their acts of generosity are observed.) The Lord contrasts this practice to a poor widow who gives a fraction of the material wealth deposited by the rich but her contribution amounts to all she had. Hers was a gift from the heart, the rich gave from their excess.

The message today is to the point and emphatic. We who are called to be the adopted sons and daughters of God are called to be a people who proclaim God’s love to humanity through our acts of service and charity. Nothing proclaims the glory of God more loudly and publicly than our actions in his name. The more anonymously these actions are performed the louder the praise to God who made the blessing possible.

Pax

[1] The icon of St. Ephraem used today is by and UNKNOWN artist.
[2] After Links Expire

Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Tb 11:5-17

As the story of Tobit continues today, Tobiah, Tobit’s son has now completed the task for which he was sent to Media. He had recovered the money Tobit had deposited there before their exile and, in addition he had married Sarah.

Again we see that Tobit’s first reaction, like that of his son and Sarah yesterday, was to thank God and praise him for his help. In the prayer of Tobit we find a formula for praise and thanksgiving.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:1b-2, 6c-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!

Supporting Tobit’s prayer of thanksgiving we hear similar themes in Psalm 146. Specifically we find praise for God who “gives sight to the blind” and “raises up those who are bowed down.”

Gospel Mk 12:35-37

It is now Jesus’ turn to question the Pharisees. He asks them who the Messiah be to which they answer that he will be a son of David (of the lineage of David). Jesus then, while not denying their statement (as he is from the line of David), tells them, quoting scripture, that David called the Messiah “Lord” and would he do that to his own off spring? In other words the Messiah would be more than just true man, he would be true God as well.

Reflection:

We have been following the story of Tobit for the past several days and the tale is engrossing. The constant theme is “Whatever good is accomplished through man’s effort comes as a blessing from God.” Today we hear about the return of his son Tobiah (Tobias). He comes, accompanied by the Archangel Raphael who has helped, protected and guided him through the perils of his journey. Does Tobit, his father praise him (Tohiah)? No, he thanks God for the return of his son whom he clearly loves. Then he goes on to praise God for delivering him from the darkness of his blindness and the great favor he has shown to Tobit and his family. He also accepts the trials he has been put through as a chastisement from God.

We have developed an understanding of the Lord that Tobit could not (we have Jesus, the Messiah, he did not). We understand that the unfortunate events that overtake people are not “caused” by God to punish, but rather the result if choices made by people or physical developments caused by our environment.

While we have moved past the Old Testament understanding of God as the punisher of the wicked, we do understand even more clearly as a result of that same Messiah Tobit did not have, that God, loving and merciful, does support, protect and guide us. We do not have physical contact with an Archangel as Tohiah did, but the Holy Spirit left to us by Christ himself and given individually in Baptism is a strength we all share. As we review our own lives and the blessings that we have not earned but none the less have been given to us, let us, like Tobit, praise God for is generosity and love and thank his Only Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ for the revelation of the Father’s great love for us.

Pax

[1] After Links Expire
[2] The picture used today is “Tobias Healing the Blindness of His Father” by Gioachino Assereto, 1626-36

Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time [1]

Readings for Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time[2][3]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Tb 6:10-11; 7:1bcde, 9-17; 8:4-9a

We pick up the story of Tobiah, Tobit’s son (or Tobias in other translations) as he and the Archangel Raphael come to the place where Sarah and her family live. We see that the Jewish Customs related to marriage are followed. The warning about what has happened to Sarah’s seven previous husbands on their wedding night is delivered but this union is ordained by God and so we see it contracted and consummated, the latter with prayer for deliverance which concludes the reading today.

Excluded from the story were Raphael’s instructions (somewhat mystical regarding the use of a fish liver and gall) and the Archangels victory over the demon that had killed Sarah’s seven previous husbands. While this all seems fanciful, it is clear that prayer and divine intervention are the keys to Tobiah’s and Sarah’s successful marriage.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Supporting the lesson of Tobit regarding the need for faith in God in the marital union, Psalem 128 reemphasizes this tenet of our faith.

Gospel Mk 12:28-34

In the story of the Great Commandment from the Gospel of St. Mark we find the questioner is impressed with the way Jesus handled the previous challenge by the Sadducees (we saw that yesterday). The Lord answers his question, first with the opening of the Shema, the great Jewish Prayer and then he follows that statement with the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. When the scholar clearly understands what Jesus is saying, the Lord tells him he is not far from the Kingdom of God.

Homily

Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these

This is the greatest commandment, the heart of all the actions that make us visible as Christians are contained in this short statement by Jesus. It is our great strength and our great weakness. It is strength because, in doing Gods will, and it is Him alone we serve, we gain the great reward promised by Jesus, eternal life.

The greatest commandment is perceived by the secular world as our great weakness because of what it demands of us with relation to those who hate us. We are to love them, we are to turn the other cheek, give more than we are asked. In the eyes of the world, that is a silly thing for us to do.

It is said that for the last ten years of his life, St. John, the Apostle preached every day to his community. Each day he would come down and simply say Love one another. It is also said that one day one of his followers asked him why he never said anything else. After all he had been with Jesus for almost the entire time he was in active ministry. We are told that John answered saying that “Love one another.” was the most important thing Jesus had said to them. He repeated to them often and it could not be repeated enough.

It is such a simple concept but so hard to live by. It requires us to submit ourselves to the will of God on a daily basis. The only way that the greatest commandment can be easily followed is by a hermit monk who spends all day each day praising God and asking for mercy on the whole world.

Perhaps that is the reason the Divine Mercy Chaplet has become so popular in the past three years. It is one manifestation of the greatest commandment. Today lets give it a try. For just today see if we can follow that commandment, without fail, for the whole day.

Pax



[1] Note - on the General Calendar of the Church the Solemnity of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Jesus) is celebrated. In the US, this celebration was moved to the following Sunday.
Readings for that celebration will be posted at that time.
[2] After Links Expire
[3] The image used today is the Shema in Hebrew.

Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

And Saint Norbert, Bishop

Biographical Information about St. Norbert[1]

Readings for Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time[2]
Reading from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Tb 3:1-11a, 16-17a

We take up the story of Tobit once more. In the beginning of this passage we hear Tobit’s prayer of penitence probably stimulated by the chastisement he received from his wife at the end of the previous chapter. (It is also likely that his mood was amplified by his malady which he would interpret as a punishment from God for his sins and the sins of his forbearers.)

While the prayer of Tobit rises we begin to hear the story of Sarah whose part in the story becomes important. She too has suffered chastisement (note: we see more evidence here of the influence of Near Eastern myth at the introduction of the demon Asmodeus as the murder of Sarah’s seven husbands.) The number seven is in Hebrew Numerology the perfect number. This part of the story is likely the source of the example used in the Gospel below.

In her sorrow she also turns to prayer and both prayers reach God who decides to intervene. He sends the Archangel Raphael to heal both their hurts and to intertwine their fates.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 25:2-3, 4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9
R. To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.

In the first strophe of this hymn of thanksgiving we hear support for our belief that God did indeed answer the prayers of Tobit and Sarah. Their trust was justified. The song continues as an individual prayer asking for guidance and salvation.

Gospel Mk 12:18-27

The Sadducees are approaching Jesus in this passage with a two fold attack against his teaching on the resurrection (Sadducees, as a group, do not hold with the theology of resurrection of the dead). First they ask Jesus to solve the puzzle of who the widow of seven husbands would be married to in heaven. Jesus chides them for their lack of understanding telling them that life in the Kingdom of Heaven transcends life in the body. He then goes further attacking their disbelief in the resurrection by quoting Exodus 3; 6 telling them the Father is the God of the living not the dead.

Reflection:

Ignatius of Loyola once said “Pray as if it is all up to God and work as if it is all up to you.” His words come to mind as we hear the story of Tobit and the Lord’s intervention in his life. It is also a big part of what we know of St. Norbert whose memorial we celebrate today. St. Norbert, following his Pauline like conversion (less the scales) dedicated himself to reformation within the Church with strict rules. His journey started with a prayer; “Lord, what do you want me to do?”

That same prayer must have been implicit in the prayer of Tobit and Sarah and is explicit in Psalm 25 as we hear the song pray; “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.” With faith that God does answer prayers, that must become our prayer as well.

We conclude today’s reflection with the Collect from Mass:

Father,
You made the bishop Norbert
an outstanding minister of Your Church,
renowned for his preaching and pastoral zeal.
Always grant to Your Church faithful shepherds
to lead Your people to eternal salvation.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


[1] The Picture today is “St. Norbert” by Marten Peplin 1637
[2] After Links Expire

Memorial of Saint Boniface, bishop and martyr

Biographical Information about St. Boniface[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Boniface[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Tb 2:9-14

We hear in this next installment from Tobit how the Prophet became blind. This would have been viewed as a punishment from God by members of the community. The once wealthy Tobit has come to a point were his wife works as a weaver. Tobit in either his pride or his suspicion tells his wife to give back a goat given to her as a bonus. In her response his wife provides the moral lesson of the story as she points out that charitable deeds and virtuous acts begin in the home.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 112:1-2, 7-8, 9
R. The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.

We continue Psalm 112 from yesterday as well. This hymn of praise and thanksgiving, in this selection commends the people faithful to the Law of Moses. The one who is blameless in the eyes of God does not fear from his community or others since the Lord is his protector.

Gospel Mk 12:13-17

The Pharisees and Herodians come to Jesus with a dispute. Is it right for Jews to pay a tax to Caesar? If he sides with the Herodians (who would want the tax to be paid) he would be trapped because he was authorizing tribute to one who claimed to be a god, violating Jewish Law. If he sided with the Pharisees against the Herodians, he would be in conflict with civil law and be taken before the Roman Authorities.

Jesus saw the trap and avoided it using the first ever argument for the separation of Church and State by the famous statement: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

Reflection:

Scripture today, in all three of the passages used, pointes to the need for constant vigilance on our part to insure that we are following God’s laws. In the reading from Tobit we find a truly applicable scenario. Tobit has his sight taken from him in a rather disgusting fashion when birds defecate in his eyes while he is sleeping. This, for a proud and once powerful man, must have been especially humiliating.

Then, Tobit’s wife, who has been forced to work since he was deprived of his wealth in their exile to Nineveh, gets a bonus, a goat. The prideful and condescending Tobit tells her to take it back it must be stolen. The domestic argument concludes as his wife dutifully reminds him that his acts of charity (he was certainly not charitable to her) and virtue (again his actions were not virtuous with her) should start at home. With the exception of the type of bonus and the source of his medical problem, this same kind of thing could have happened today.

In the Psalm Response we hear exhortations about stay faithful to God’s Law supporting the lesson from Tobit. And in the Gospel, the Lord neatly avoids a trap laid by the Pharisees and Herodians by using a graven image approach to get out of a now win question. He uses the Law, both civil and Mosaic to provide a reasonable solution.

Yes, today we are called to follow God’s Law at home and at work or school or in our social environment. I should be constantly before us because by our scrupulous adherence to it we identify ourselves as Christian – further spreading the word through our actions.

Pax

[1] The picture representing St. Boniface used today is from an old German Holy Card, Artist UNKNOWN
[2] After Links Expire

Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Tb 1:3; 2:1a-8

This section of the Book of Tobit contains the trials of the author. We hear the festival Pentecost (the Hebrew festival of Weeks, not the Christian Solemnity) is taking place and the virtues of the author in alms giving and charity.

The second part of the Story about the murder and subsequent acts sets the stage for fulfillment of earlier prophecies and further events in the story the prophet tells.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 112:1b-2, 3b-4, 5-6
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

In this section of Psalm 112 the virtues of faithfully following God’s commandments are extolled. The one who follows the Lord will be upheld by God “in everlasting remembrance.”

Gospel Mk 12:1-12

In the first part of the Gospel we hear the Parable of the Vineyard. Since this story is directed to the Chief Priests and Scribes, we see that the Vineyard represents the Kingdom of God and the tenants the Sanhedrin. They should have been working on behalf of God but instead misused their power and disregarded the Prophets, killing some, beating others. And when the Son of the owner comes, that Son being Jesus, he prophesies his own death.

The final section of the reading uses the image found in Ps 118; 23-24, “the stone rejected.” Jesus uses this scripture image to drive home his point that the Sanhedrin had completely missed God’s intent and that the one they rejected, Jesus himself, the Messiah, was to be the cornerstone of the New Jerusalem, God’s Kingdom on earth and in heaven.

Reflection:

Given the theme of the reading from the Book of Tobit in which the Prophet was being scrupulous in following the Law of Moses but incurred the enmity of his neighbors, and the theme from the Gospel where the Lord illustrated that by rejecting his word, the Hebrew people had forfeited their claim on the Kingdom of God. We see that today we are warned once more that living the life of faith can be challenging.

If we think about it too much, we may even become discouraged. First we are told that we must follow Christ’s commandments if we are to be his followers. (Oh, and he also tells us that the only way to the Father is through Him.). His principle commandment to us is to “Love one another as he loved us.” That is super tough since our natural inclination is to be self serving and do what we see is to our personal advantage. That impulse is frequently at odds with that principle commandment of the Lord.

Let’s say we are very good and put a huge effort into following God’s commandments. Now we are told that in doing so, we are not loved in return. Not only are we not loved in return but those we treat with respect and kindness may even hate us for that action. Was there ever a more compelling reason for us to absolutely require the Holy Spirit to help us at times?

Today we pray that we continue to have the strength to live the faith authentically. We ask for the indwelling strength of the Holy Spirit to help and guide us as we walk our path today. And when others do not reciprocate with the same love we offer them, let us follow Christ’s example and pray even more fervently for them.

Pax

[1] After Links Expire
[2] The image used today is “The Parable of the Tenants”, by Caspar Luken, 1712

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

Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

And Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs

Biographical Information about Saints Marcellinus and Peter[1]

Readings for Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Sir 51:12 cd-20

Paraphrasing the son of Sirach’s prayer, he first praises God and blesses His name. He then recounts that since his earliest time he sought wisdom through the Law. This wisdom guided him and matured in him. It gave him peace and made his road smooth. It is for this reason he lifts his prayer of praise, because after diligent effort he discovered the peace and wisdom he sought.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Supporting the prayer of Sirach above, Psalm 19 here rejoices in the Law of Moses. The passage reflects the idea that following God’s statutes leads to peace and prosperity.

Gospel Mk 11:27-33

The chief priest attempt to spring a trap on Jesus so they could arrest him but the Lord turns the tables on them by using John the Baptist, a popular figure and thought to be a prophet, to turn them away.

Reflection:

There were once two brothers, Peter and Alex, who had very different views on life. Peter thought that God owed him happiness and the other, Alex, felt he owed God his service. Peter went out to beat the system. He took what ever he could and played fast and hard with the rules. Because he was smart and cunning he became wealthy in worldly goods. However, he was never at rest, he was always expecting that one of his schemes would catch up with him or someone he had dealt falsely with would come looking for him. By secular standards he was viewed as a success.

His younger brother, Alex, always showed compassion and gave freely to those who needed his help. He had many friends who, in turn, came to him in his need. He always seemed happy even though he did not have much in the way of material wealth.

One afternoon, the two brothers happened to be together. This rarely happened because Peter was always busy with his next scheme. He was bragging to Alex about his huge summer house and the new yacht he had just purchased and why didn’t Alex come to work for him because there was lots of money to be made and the unsuspecting were every where.

Peter was surprised when Alex looked at him with a slow, sad, smile and told him he was happy with his life. Peter could not understand. Sure there was a lot of pressure doing what he did. The hours were long and he had to be careful when he went out, but he had it all. Stupid kid, he never was very bright.

Two years later Peter was killed in a traffic accident. He had started drinking. The pressure, you see, and he had run off the road while drunk, in a very expensive car, hitting a very old tree and was killed instantly. Alex mourned him at the funeral service performed at the funeral home. Actually the size of the crowd startled the funeral director. Peter did not have many friends yet a large number of his brothers friends came in support of Alex. Alex, in his short eulogy said it was a shame his brother never found happiness and never understood he was looking for it in the wrong places. You see, Alex knew that what the heart desires most, peace and happiness comes only from the freedom of service to God and in the peace following His Son.

Pax

[1] The pictures used today, the first of St. Marcellinus and the second of St. Peter are contemporary images found at http://www.catholicculture.org/lit/calendar/day.cfm?date=2007-06-02. There is supposedly a picture by Gervasio Gatti over the altar of their church at Cremona, Italy but no representation could be found. If anyone happens to be touring the churches of Italy and has the opportunity, please see if you can get a digital picture and we will include it.
[2] After Links Expire

Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr

Biographical Information about St. Justin[1]

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Sir 44:1, 9-13

In this passage we hear the author extol the virtue of the great people of faith who have gone before – Prophets and patriarchs. He also speaks of those “forgotten” faithful who because they kept their covenant with God, have passed on that heritage and faith to endless generations.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

Psalm 149 is a song of thanksgiving to God. In it we rejoice in being chosen by him as his adopted children.

Gospel Mk 11:11-26

The Gospel today has three intertwined elements. First we hear Jesus uncharacteristically “curse” the fig tree for its lack of fruit. The common thought about this incident is that it is a metaphor for the Jewish lack of faith and acceptance of scriptures fulfilled in Christ.

The second element is the story of Jesus and the money changers. The Lord drives out the merchants who had set up their tables in the outer most courtyard of the Temple called the Court of Gentiles. The sacrifices for sale could only be purchased with money from Tyre – all other currency had to be exchanged at these tables.

Finally we come to the last part of the Gospel as Jesus instructs the disciples about prayer. Our reading concludes much like the Lord’s Prayer, with the request for forgiveness. v. 26 (which is omitted because it is not found in the best source documents) actually reads: "But if you do not forgive, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your transgressions,"

Reflection:

Today we celebrate the Memorial of St. Justin, martyr. His story is effective in that it describes his search for God and the various twists and turns that finally brought him to the Lord. We find the logic that ended up getting him beheaded compelling. In the time of the persecution of Marcus Aurelius (the Emperor depicted in the film “Gladiator”), Christians in Rome were keeping a low profile. St. Justin, because of his difficult path in the search for truth found this unacceptable because the Word was too valuable.

He boldly proclaimed the Lord to all classes of people around Rome and ended up being martyred for his faith. To the end he rightly believed that the light of Christ could not be kept under a basket, even when to make that proclamation meant death.

We see that same attitude in Christ as he goes after the Temple establishment in the Gospel story. It is believed that, although the money changers were gentile, they paid a portion of their profits to the temple for the right to run their currency exchange business. By attacking them, Jesus attacked an important source of income for the wealthy priests and members of the Sanhedrin. His zeal for his Father’s house was very apparent in this episode.

For us, these two examples of outspoken support of the Spirit of Truth remind us that we are part of that heritage. We are called to act upon our faith even when that is not a popular of safe thing to do. We pray today that when faced with injustice in the world, we too have the courage to be outspoken for the Lord.

Pax

[1] The image used today is “St. Justin, martyr” by André Thevet, 1584
[2] After Links Expire