Biographical Information about St. Pius X, Pope[1]
Readings for the Memorial of St. Pius X[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible (Alternate Readings for Today)
Commentary:*
· Today we are offered two options for the readings the first is provided by the USCCB site, the second by Universalis in the UK.
Reading 1 Jgs 6:11-24a
We hear in the reading from Judges the story of Gideon’s encounter with the Angel of God. As in many of the stories from this period, the hero, Gideon, does not know that it is God who commands him and needs proof. Once he sees the sign it is God in the sacrifice, he accepts and believes.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 85:9, 11-12, 13-14
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
This selection is part of a hymn of thanksgiving. It relates nicely to the Judges reading as it refers to receiving what God has spoken. Note also the reference to peace links to the name Gideon gave to the altar he built Yahweh Shalom (“God’s Peace).
Gospel Mt 19:23-30
St. Matthew’s Gospel continues the focus on valuing the spiritual life above the material pursuits of earthly existence. The disciples were dismayed at the aestheticism required and asked the Lord who could be saved, since all have fallen prey to that sin.
The Lord then provides the answer that for God all things are possible and that through their faith him Him they will find their reward. He continues his discourse with an eschatological description of who shall receive the gift of eternal life regardless of when they come to faith (the last shall be first…).
Alternate Readings for the Memorial of Pius X
Reading 1 1 Thessalonians 2 2b-8
St. Paul describes his worthiness as being established in God’s eyes rather than the view of his abilities as seen by others. He communicates his affection for the Thessalonians and his hope that the word he has spoken will abide with them.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25, and 27
R. Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
As St. Paul identified himself as God’s servant in the reading from Thessalonians, this psalm speaks of another of God’s servants, David. Like David, St. Paul has been chosen as a faithful servant.
Gospel John 21:15 – 17
Jesus appears to the disciples in Galilee and is made known to them in the breaking of the bread (this was the third time since his resurrection). He instructs Simon Peter as he receives Peter’s three fold affirmation (in atonement for his three fold denial of the Lord the night in the courtyard of Caiaphas.) His instructions were to fulfill his previous call as Rock upon which Jesus was to found his Church with the Eucharist at the center. (Feed my sheep!).
Reflection:
The celebration of the Memorial of St. Pius X, Pope directs our reflection today. He was called to service and acceded to God’s call without the persuasion of an Angel of the Lord or the proof of a burnt offering. He was faithful throughout his life and with the Help of the Holy Spirit, he accomplished amazing results in a difficult time, leading the Church as Europe moved headlong into war (WW I).
The reforms he was able to make strengthened the Church he loved and allowed her to provide hope to the hopeless and give comfort to those afflicted by “the war to end all wars” (as it was called). It is difficult for us to appreciate the task this Holy Father of the Church undertook. In a time before instant communication and uniform constitutions he brought a unified front to the Church and was able to guide her on right paths when many were falling to greed and despotism.
In short, the Saint we remember today was there in spirit with Christ on that beach in Galilee as he responded with Peter, “Lord, you know that I love you." Our response to this memoriam must be to follow that same path of faithfulness. We too are called to “Feed his sheep” even though we are also sheep. We too are called to “Feed his lambs” even though we are also lambs. May God give us the strength and wisdom to emulate him on this course today.
Pax
[1] The picture used is a photograph of Pope Pius X, photographer and date UNKNOWN
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
Readings for the Memorial of St. Pius X[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible (Alternate Readings for Today)
Commentary:*
· Today we are offered two options for the readings the first is provided by the USCCB site, the second by Universalis in the UK.
Reading 1 Jgs 6:11-24a
We hear in the reading from Judges the story of Gideon’s encounter with the Angel of God. As in many of the stories from this period, the hero, Gideon, does not know that it is God who commands him and needs proof. Once he sees the sign it is God in the sacrifice, he accepts and believes.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 85:9, 11-12, 13-14
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
This selection is part of a hymn of thanksgiving. It relates nicely to the Judges reading as it refers to receiving what God has spoken. Note also the reference to peace links to the name Gideon gave to the altar he built Yahweh Shalom (“God’s Peace).
Gospel Mt 19:23-30
St. Matthew’s Gospel continues the focus on valuing the spiritual life above the material pursuits of earthly existence. The disciples were dismayed at the aestheticism required and asked the Lord who could be saved, since all have fallen prey to that sin.
The Lord then provides the answer that for God all things are possible and that through their faith him Him they will find their reward. He continues his discourse with an eschatological description of who shall receive the gift of eternal life regardless of when they come to faith (the last shall be first…).
Alternate Readings for the Memorial of Pius X
Reading 1 1 Thessalonians 2 2b-8
St. Paul describes his worthiness as being established in God’s eyes rather than the view of his abilities as seen by others. He communicates his affection for the Thessalonians and his hope that the word he has spoken will abide with them.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25, and 27
R. Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
As St. Paul identified himself as God’s servant in the reading from Thessalonians, this psalm speaks of another of God’s servants, David. Like David, St. Paul has been chosen as a faithful servant.
Gospel John 21:15 – 17
Jesus appears to the disciples in Galilee and is made known to them in the breaking of the bread (this was the third time since his resurrection). He instructs Simon Peter as he receives Peter’s three fold affirmation (in atonement for his three fold denial of the Lord the night in the courtyard of Caiaphas.) His instructions were to fulfill his previous call as Rock upon which Jesus was to found his Church with the Eucharist at the center. (Feed my sheep!).
Reflection:
The celebration of the Memorial of St. Pius X, Pope directs our reflection today. He was called to service and acceded to God’s call without the persuasion of an Angel of the Lord or the proof of a burnt offering. He was faithful throughout his life and with the Help of the Holy Spirit, he accomplished amazing results in a difficult time, leading the Church as Europe moved headlong into war (WW I).
The reforms he was able to make strengthened the Church he loved and allowed her to provide hope to the hopeless and give comfort to those afflicted by “the war to end all wars” (as it was called). It is difficult for us to appreciate the task this Holy Father of the Church undertook. In a time before instant communication and uniform constitutions he brought a unified front to the Church and was able to guide her on right paths when many were falling to greed and despotism.
In short, the Saint we remember today was there in spirit with Christ on that beach in Galilee as he responded with Peter, “Lord, you know that I love you." Our response to this memoriam must be to follow that same path of faithfulness. We too are called to “Feed his sheep” even though we are also sheep. We too are called to “Feed his lambs” even though we are also lambs. May God give us the strength and wisdom to emulate him on this course today.
Pax
[1] The picture used is a photograph of Pope Pius X, photographer and date UNKNOWN
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
No comments:
Post a Comment