(Optional Memorial for Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs)
(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.
 |
| “Saint John the Evangelist's Vision of Jerusalem” by Alonso Cano, 1636-37 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a
Commentary on Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a
This first selection from the Book of the Prophet Zechariah is the third vision the prophet has described. The vision requires and angel to measure the expanse of the New Jerusalem, God’s heavenly Kingdom (see also Ezekiel 40:2-3 and 41:13). In the broader sense, it predicts the coming of the Messiah providing a rather unique glimpse at the messianic expectation – He comes to unify and bring security to the faithful. This passage also demonstrates the “true man, true God” essence of the Lord by saying “I am coming to dwell among you.”
CCC: Zec 2:14 722
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12ab, 13
R. (see 10d) The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Commentary on Jer 31:10, 11-12ab, 13
The song from Jeremiah recalls the Diaspora, the exile of the Hebrews. In these strophes, the prophet sees the salvific work of God who shepherds his people as they return from exile in the “New Exodus” and the reunification of the people. He prophesies their return to the land from which they had been driven; giving praise to God for his mercy.
CCC: Jer 31 1611
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Luke 9:43b-45
Commentary on Lk 9:43b-45
Jesus begins this second announcement of his coming passion using language that would have evoked a sense of the holy as his words (literally; “lay these words within your ears.”) would be reminiscent of Exodus 17:14b. “…meaning; Think seriously about what you have seen and heard, for my life is moving determinately to a violent death. handed over: From Isaiah 53: 12 (LXX) the fourth song of the suffering servant.”[5] The fact that the disciples “…should not understand it” was not seen as a defect of belief on their part, but rather as necessary (not yet time) in the plan of revelation.
CCC: Lk 9:45 554
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
The Gospel proclaimed today is set shortly after the miracle of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus has continued with his disciples toward Jerusalem and his great passion, curing the sick and preaching along the way. As the disciples become more and more in awe of the Lord’s great majesty, he finds it necessary to remind them of what he has already told them – he is not to assume power and majesty in the earthly kingdom, his place is in the New Jerusalem (as described by the Prophet Zechariah in the first reading).
Even with the added emphasis “Pay attention to what I am telling you” they did not grasp what was unfolding. The disciples were so completely taken aback that they were even afraid to ask him for an explanation. But they would have to wait and face their fear in the Garden.
The spiritual frailty of the twelve painted in this excerpt from St. Luke’s Gospel gives us hope for ourselves. How often have we been confronted by issues in our lives and said in prayer “Lord help me to know what to do! I don’t understand what is happening and I can’t see the way.” The disciples were in that place and we know that ultimately the love of God showed them their way.
Our great solace is that when we are confronted with a situation we do not understand, recalling the disciples’ similar challenge, we can be patient and have hope. The Lord went to his passion for our salvation and his Holy Spirit is with us still, to help and guide us. We pray today for the wisdom to hear that word and have hope.
Pax
[1] General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar Miscellaneous Notes no. 5
[2] S.S Commemoratio
[3] The picture is “Saint John the Evangelist's Vision of Jerusalem” by Alonso Cano, 1636-37
[5] See Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, 44:92.
No comments:
Post a Comment