(Optional Memorial for Saint Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr) Or
(Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
On Saturdays in Ordinary Time when there is no obligatory memorial, an optional memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary is allowed.[1] Mass texts may be taken from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from a Votive Mass, or from the special collection of Masses for the Blessed Virgin Mary. (USCCB recommends: #26 The Blessed Virgin Mary, Image and Mother of the Church, II)
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| ”The Israelites after Crossing the Red Sea,” Hans Jordaens III, 1620s |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Exodus 12:37-42
Commentary on Ex 12:37-42
Following the tenth plague visited upon the Egyptians in the story of the Exodus, Pharaoh has released the people of Israel, and, in this passage, they are leaving Egypt under Moses’ leadership. As they were instructed in the rules for Passover, the bread is unleavened and their parting is hurried.
The numbers referenced in the passage may have been symbolic of a very large number (as is seen in other parts of the Old Testament, cf. Numbers 1:46; 26:51). The event is remembered by the Church today as it is captured in the Exultet, proclaimed at the Easter Vigil Mass:
"This is the night, when once you led our forebears, Israel's children, from slavery in Egypt
and made them pass dry-shod through the Red Sea. This is the night that with a pillar of fire banished the darkness of sin. This is the night that even now, throughout the world, sets Christian believers apart from worldly vices and from the gloom of sin, leading them to grace and joining them to his holy ones."
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 136:1 and 23-24, 10-12, 13-15
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Commentary on Ps 136:1 and 23-24, 10-12, 13-15
Psalm 136 gives thanks for God’s intervention for the people in bondage in Egypt
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Gospel: Matthew 12:14-21
Commentary on Mt 12:14-21
After the Lord challenged Pharisaic Law and declared the “Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8), the Pharisees see Jesus as a threat to their hold over the people. Jesus backs away from their intended violence. In doing so, he fulfills the “Suffering Servant” role in the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 42:1-4). This passage re-emphasizes his meekness (see Matthew 11:28-30), and extends his mission to the gentiles.
"Matthew next shows how Jesus' withdrawal is not a setback but a part of God's Plan as foretold in the Old Testament prophecy. Matthew uses the formulaic statement , 'what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet,' in order to set up his longest fulfillment quotation from the Old Testament: a passage from the Servant Song of Isaiah 42:1-4.
"The opening line of this prophecy ̶ 'Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight' ̶ was already alluded to by the heavenly voice at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17) and will be repeated at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:5)." [5]
CCC: Mt 12:18-21 713
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Reflection:
What great solace this Gospel passage gives to anyone who has ever tried to bring another person to believe in God and Christ and has been rebuffed or rejected. What a great example it is to anyone who intends to go out the door today to try to bring Christ to the world by word or example. In this one short Gospel passage we are given both the method of our going and the attitude of our offered gift.
In this selection from St. Matthew, Jesus has just tried very hard to convince those faithful to the Law of Moses of his mission and identity. Those who should understand best what he has been sent to accomplish rejected him, and began to plot against him because he challenged their authority. Considering the power of the Lord, his reaction is remarkable. With a gesture of his will, he could have presented these pious doubters with miraculous evidence not seen since Moses invoked God to part the Red Sea . Yet he did not challenge further, nor did he become defensive. True to his mission, fulfilling the prophetic description of his attitude, he meekly continued to offer himself to those who could accept what he offered.
This is the example and attitude that must be ours. No matter how difficult it is, we can only offer the path to God’s grace and salvation. Just as we marvel that the Pharisees, who should have instantly recognized Jesus for who he was, rejected him, we are incredulous that those we attempt to show the face of Christ cannot or will not accept what he offers them.
The comparison is not really fair. Our example and words are a poor reflection of Jesus’ ministry and life. Yet the principle is the same. We who are called to be like him, offer ourselves to the world, and, if we are doing it close to right, the world will reject us. We should expect nothing more. And when this happens we should not be angry, disappointed, defensive, or sullen. We should rejoice.
Pax
[1] General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar Miscellaneous Notes no. 5: “Outside Advent, Christmas Time, Lent, and Easter Time, on Saturdays which have no commemoration having the rank of Obligatory Memorial or higher, a Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary may be celebrated. This is indicated in the calendar by “BVM.” The readings and prayers may be selected from the Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
[2] The picture is”The Israelites after Crossing the Red Sea,” Hans Jordaens III, 1620s.
[4] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[5] The Gospel of Matthew, © 2010 Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI, p. 167.
