Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Fabian, Pope, Martyr
Saint Sebastian, Martyr
Alternate Proper for the Memorial of St. Fabian
Alternate Proper for the Memorial of St. Sebastian
Readings for Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading I: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
David spoke to Saul:
“Let your majesty not lose courage.
I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine.”
But Saul answered David,
“You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him,
for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.”
David continued:
“The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear,
will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.”
Saul answered David, “Go! the LORD will be with you.”
Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi
and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag.
With his sling also ready to hand, he approached the Philistine.
With his shield bearer marching before him,
the Philistine also advanced closer and closer to David.
When he had sized David up,
and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance,
the Philistine held David in contempt.
The Philistine said to David,
“Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?”
Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods
and said to him, “Come here to me,
and I will leave your flesh for the birds of the air
and the beasts of the field.”
David answered him:
“You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar,
but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted.
Today the LORD shall deliver you into my hand;
I will strike you down and cut off your head.
This very day I will leave your corpse
and the corpses of the Philistine army for the birds of the air
and the beasts of the field;
thus the whole land shall learn that Israel has a God.
All this multitude, too,
shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves.
For the battle is the LORD’s and he shall deliver you into our hands.”
The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters,
while David ran quickly toward the battle line
in the direction of the Philistine.
David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone,
hurled it with the sling,
and struck the Philistine on the forehead.
The stone embedded itself in his brow,
and he fell prostrate on the ground.
Thus David overcame the Philistine with sling and stone;
he struck the Philistine mortally, and did it without a sword.
Then David ran and stood over him;
with the Philistine’s own sword which he drew from its sheath
he dispatched him and cut off his head.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
We are presented with one of the more famous bible stories from the Old Testament in the first reading as Samuel relates the defeat of Goliath by David. In this somewhat condensed version an alternative account of how David came to undertake the combat is omitted (1 Sam 17:12-31). What is important for salvation history is that David had the support of God which gave him strength and courage to conquer a foe against great odds. This event demonstrates how in preparation, David is faith-filled giving him courage. And in victory he praises God. His motives were morally sound.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10
R. (1) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
My refuge and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
My shield, in whom I trust,
who subdues my people under me.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
O God, I will sing a new song to you;
with a ten-stringed lyre I will chant your praise,
You who give victory to kings,
and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10
Psalm 144 is a song of thanksgiving and praise. In these strophes we find David’s faith provides the courage needed to be victorious in battle. We see the response as ironic if not humorous given the story it follows.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Mark 3:1-6
Jesus entered the synagogue.
There was a man there who had a withered hand.
They watched Jesus closely
to see if he would cure him on the sabbath
so that they might accuse him.
He said to the man with the withered hand,
“Come up here before us.”
Then he said to the Pharisees,
“Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil,
to save life rather than to destroy it?”
But they remained silent.
Looking around at them with anger
and grieved at their hardness of heart,
Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”
He stretched it out and his hand was restored.
The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel
with the Herodians against him to put him to death.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mk 3:1-6
Jesus is again shown in contention with the Pharisees over their laws on the observance of the Sabbath. “Here Jesus is again depicted in conflict with his adversaries over the question of sabbath-day observance. His opponents were already ill disposed toward him because they regarded Jesus as a violator of the sabbath. Jesus' question Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil? places the matter in the broader theological context outside the casuistry of the scribes. The answer is obvious. Jesus heals the man with the withered hand in the sight of all and reduces his opponents to silence; cf John 5:17-18.”[4]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
The Gospel of St. Mark describes another instance in which the Lord must try to differentiate between the correct observance and the spirit of the Law. It is always difficult and dangerous to understand when the law as stated in scripture and when one must look past the words to the spirit of the law. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the differences between the doctrines of the various Christian denominations. Too frequently, the schisms that have occurred are the result of an individual or group deciding that the laws and precepts of our faith were too difficult to follow as written and therefore must be over turned or re-written.
For us, we have basic guidelines for the practice of our faith. These are called the “Precepts” of our faith and are the basic rules we are called to follow.
1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.
2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
There are other rules in the Church contained in the Code of Canon Law and the General Instructions of the Roman Missal. These rules govern how the members of the Church behave in the secular world and how we behave in worship. Coupled with the teaching Magisterium of the Church which reflect on the practical implications of what and how we believe, these works constitute the general norms under which all one billion of us relate to each other and God.
When we think about the size and scope of the universal Church, this is not really a lot. But, it’s enough to stimulate tension. There are those among us who do not think the Church should condemn abortion, infanticide. There are those who believe the Church should bring women into the ordained ranks and there are those who believe that all the Church has done to change itself since the Second Vatican Counsel ended in 1964 is a travesty.
What we hear in the Gospel today is the story of a group of individuals so focused on the rules that they have forgotten the spirit of the Law. In our own Code of Canon Law this lesson is not forgotten. The last words in it are; “Can. 1752 …servata aequitate canonica et prae oculis habita salute animarum, quae in Ecclesia suprema semper lex esse debet “ (“…the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law in the Church, is to be kept before one’s eyes.”)
The problem that most often surfaces is the belief on behalf of some that “traditions” in the local Church community are somehow the perfect reflection of the Church’s precepts, rules, and dogma. As a consequence when changes are made we become uncomfortable and sometimes even indignant. This cannot be what we are about lest we fall into the trap of the Pharisees. We must focus on the spirit of God’s Law, perfectly exemplified by His Son. Jesus said first and foremost, love one another.
Pax
Saint Fabian, Pope, Martyr
Saint Sebastian, Martyr
Alternate Proper for the Memorial of St. Fabian
Alternate Proper for the Memorial of St. Sebastian
Readings for Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading I: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
David spoke to Saul:
“Let your majesty not lose courage.
I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine.”
But Saul answered David,
“You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him,
for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.”
David continued:
“The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear,
will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.”
Saul answered David, “Go! the LORD will be with you.”
Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi
and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag.
With his sling also ready to hand, he approached the Philistine.
With his shield bearer marching before him,
the Philistine also advanced closer and closer to David.
When he had sized David up,
and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance,
the Philistine held David in contempt.
The Philistine said to David,
“Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?”
Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods
and said to him, “Come here to me,
and I will leave your flesh for the birds of the air
and the beasts of the field.”
David answered him:
“You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar,
but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted.
Today the LORD shall deliver you into my hand;
I will strike you down and cut off your head.
This very day I will leave your corpse
and the corpses of the Philistine army for the birds of the air
and the beasts of the field;
thus the whole land shall learn that Israel has a God.
All this multitude, too,
shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves.
For the battle is the LORD’s and he shall deliver you into our hands.”
The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters,
while David ran quickly toward the battle line
in the direction of the Philistine.
David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone,
hurled it with the sling,
and struck the Philistine on the forehead.
The stone embedded itself in his brow,
and he fell prostrate on the ground.
Thus David overcame the Philistine with sling and stone;
he struck the Philistine mortally, and did it without a sword.
Then David ran and stood over him;
with the Philistine’s own sword which he drew from its sheath
he dispatched him and cut off his head.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
We are presented with one of the more famous bible stories from the Old Testament in the first reading as Samuel relates the defeat of Goliath by David. In this somewhat condensed version an alternative account of how David came to undertake the combat is omitted (1 Sam 17:12-31). What is important for salvation history is that David had the support of God which gave him strength and courage to conquer a foe against great odds. This event demonstrates how in preparation, David is faith-filled giving him courage. And in victory he praises God. His motives were morally sound.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10
R. (1) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
My refuge and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
My shield, in whom I trust,
who subdues my people under me.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
O God, I will sing a new song to you;
with a ten-stringed lyre I will chant your praise,
You who give victory to kings,
and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10
Psalm 144 is a song of thanksgiving and praise. In these strophes we find David’s faith provides the courage needed to be victorious in battle. We see the response as ironic if not humorous given the story it follows.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Mark 3:1-6
Jesus entered the synagogue.
There was a man there who had a withered hand.
They watched Jesus closely
to see if he would cure him on the sabbath
so that they might accuse him.
He said to the man with the withered hand,
“Come up here before us.”
Then he said to the Pharisees,
“Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil,
to save life rather than to destroy it?”
But they remained silent.
Looking around at them with anger
and grieved at their hardness of heart,
Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”
He stretched it out and his hand was restored.
The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel
with the Herodians against him to put him to death.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mk 3:1-6
Jesus is again shown in contention with the Pharisees over their laws on the observance of the Sabbath. “Here Jesus is again depicted in conflict with his adversaries over the question of sabbath-day observance. His opponents were already ill disposed toward him because they regarded Jesus as a violator of the sabbath. Jesus' question Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil? places the matter in the broader theological context outside the casuistry of the scribes. The answer is obvious. Jesus heals the man with the withered hand in the sight of all and reduces his opponents to silence; cf John 5:17-18.”[4]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
The Gospel of St. Mark describes another instance in which the Lord must try to differentiate between the correct observance and the spirit of the Law. It is always difficult and dangerous to understand when the law as stated in scripture and when one must look past the words to the spirit of the law. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the differences between the doctrines of the various Christian denominations. Too frequently, the schisms that have occurred are the result of an individual or group deciding that the laws and precepts of our faith were too difficult to follow as written and therefore must be over turned or re-written.
For us, we have basic guidelines for the practice of our faith. These are called the “Precepts” of our faith and are the basic rules we are called to follow.
1. You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.
2. You shall confess your sins at least once a year.
3. You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.
4. You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.
5. You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.
There are other rules in the Church contained in the Code of Canon Law and the General Instructions of the Roman Missal. These rules govern how the members of the Church behave in the secular world and how we behave in worship. Coupled with the teaching Magisterium of the Church which reflect on the practical implications of what and how we believe, these works constitute the general norms under which all one billion of us relate to each other and God.
When we think about the size and scope of the universal Church, this is not really a lot. But, it’s enough to stimulate tension. There are those among us who do not think the Church should condemn abortion, infanticide. There are those who believe the Church should bring women into the ordained ranks and there are those who believe that all the Church has done to change itself since the Second Vatican Counsel ended in 1964 is a travesty.
What we hear in the Gospel today is the story of a group of individuals so focused on the rules that they have forgotten the spirit of the Law. In our own Code of Canon Law this lesson is not forgotten. The last words in it are; “Can. 1752 …servata aequitate canonica et prae oculis habita salute animarum, quae in Ecclesia suprema semper lex esse debet “ (“…the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law in the Church, is to be kept before one’s eyes.”)
The problem that most often surfaces is the belief on behalf of some that “traditions” in the local Church community are somehow the perfect reflection of the Church’s precepts, rules, and dogma. As a consequence when changes are made we become uncomfortable and sometimes even indignant. This cannot be what we are about lest we fall into the trap of the Pharisees. We must focus on the spirit of God’s Law, perfectly exemplified by His Son. Jesus said first and foremost, love one another.
Pax
[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “David with the Head of Goliath” by Guido Reni, c. 1605
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
[4] See NAB Footnote on Mark 3:1-6
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