(Optional Memorial for Saint Lawrence Ruiz, Martyr, and his Companions, Martyrs)
(Optional Memorial for Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr)
Biographical Information about St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions
Alternate readings for the Memorial of St. Lawrence Ruiz and his Companions may be taken from the Common of Martyrs
Alternate readings for the Memorial of St. Lawrence Ruiz and his Companions may be taken from the Common of Martyrs
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| “Zechariah and Gabriel” artist and date are UNKNOWN |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Zechariah 8:1-8
Commentary on Zec 8:1-8
The Prophet Zechariah was a contemporary of Ezra and Haggai. In these first five of the ten prophecies found in Zachariah, there are a series of pronouncements about what God wants from his scatted people (not just the Babylonian exiles but all the Jewish people). The prophet issues God’s call to the people to come back from exile to Zion. He calls the future Jerusalem a faithful city, one of great import to the faith; a Holy Mountain – a high place, dedicated to God where he resides in a special way. He issues God’s call for the people to return in faith, that the city might be reborn in greatness. We may see it as a call to conversion, a return to more steadfast faith in the New Jerusalem – Christ’s Kingdom.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23
R. (17) The Lord will build up Zion
Commentary on Ps 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23
Psalm 102 gives us a prayer of thanksgiving for the restoration of the people to Israel Zion
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Gospel: Luke 9:46-50
Commentary on Lk 9:46-50
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Reflection:
Kneeling before the tabernacle, I can think of only one thing to say to our Lord: "My God, you know that I love You." And I feel that my prayer does not weary Jesus; knowing my weakness, He is satisfied with my good will. -Saint Therese of Lisieux
How do we understand the word of God when we read the Gospel of St. Luke and listen to those words with our hearts; “For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest”? There are some contemporary examples we could point to for meaning. None, however, are more eloquent than the attitude expressed by St. Thérèse, the Little Flower of Jesus who was quoted at the beginning of this entry.
The simple faith captured in that one piercing prayer “My God, you know that I love You.” says volumes and when it comes from the heart it drives our actions to imitate those of Christ. His whole mission was to give exactly that message from God to us “My Children, you know that I love you.”
In essence, this is a call to conversion of heart; much the same as Zechariah’s call to the Hebrew people to return to Jerusalem to build up God’s city. For what is the New Jerusalem but a city of love?
The Lord was telling his Disciples that when their intent was unselfish, their actions directed at loving God, then their leadership would be genuine and the outcome pleasing to the Father whose love is expressed perfectly in Jesus. It is such a simple concept that, like them, we often “over think” it. We get caught up in the complexity of human interaction, trying to detect motives and appeal to agendas. Our expression of that prayer; “My God, you know that I love You.” in our every action will accomplish what God intends.
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