(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.
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| “Crossing of the Red Sea” by Cosimo Rosselli, 1481-82 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9
Commentary on Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9
This selection from the Book of Wisdom speaks first of the bondage and death the Hebrews suffered in Egypt. There is a specific intent in this section (called the fifth diptych) to relate the Egyptian massacre of the infants born to the Hebrews with the tenth plague in which the first sons of Egypt were killed. The image presented is inspired by Exodus 12:23, Job 4 13-15, and 1 Chronicles 21:15-27.
In the second section we hear an account of the exodus through the Red Sea and of the gratitude of those delivered. Again Wisdom borrows imagery from Exodus 14:19-20 as the freed peoples passed through the sea unimpeded, awestruck by the power of God.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43
R. (5a) Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Commentary on Ps 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43
This passage from Psalm 105 focuses on the part of the exodus story that deals with the final plague in Egypt
CCC: Ps 105:3 30
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Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
Commentary on Lk 18:1-8
This is the first of two parables on the need for prayer found in St. Luke’s Gospel. In this selection the Lord tells the disciples of the need for persistent prayer so they do not fall victim to apostasy. He assures them that God, the Just Judge, will listen to their prayers and come speedily to their aid in times of need. “As the widow pleaded for justice, so we should persevere in faith and tirelessly petition God for our needs (Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)” In v.6, “His [the unrighteous judge’s] indifference to the widow’s distress was a violation of justice (Deuteronomy 27:19). The parable’s outcome is thus a mere shadow of God’s concern for us. If an unjust and callous judge will vindicate a persevering widow, the Father will much more come to the aid of his prayerful children (Sirach 35:12-17).”[5] The question at the end of the Parable; “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” completes a thought in Luke 17:37 which relates the relationship of the faithful to God at the final judgment.
CCC: Lk 18:1-8 2573, 2613; Lk 18:1 2098; Lk 18:8 675
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Reflection:
The parable from St. Luke’s Gospel on the need for the disciples to pray constantly has a sort of “folksy” ring to it. It demonstrates a relationship to God that is at once very personal and at the same time respectful. The dishonest judge from the parable would have rendered a judgment in favor of the widow had she been able to bribe him. As the story goes, he renders that judgment because of her persistence. Jesus uses this story as a contrast rather than an example of the effect our constant prayers have on the “Just Judge.” The dishonest judge delayed in rendering judgment, Jesus tells the disciples that the Father will act quickly to answer the prayers of his children.
We think the analogy of the mother of an adolescent child probably shows us the relationship Jesus has in mind. The youngster sees things in black and white terms and feels that fairness is their right. So, when they have what they perceive is a “need” they go quickly to their mother (or father, but for the sake of this analogy we will use the mother – it’s more realistic. When the child reaches adulthood and they need really big favors – then they go to dad.) The child wants/expects their request to be acted upon quickly; it is after all a dire need. At that age all needs are dire. The mother, in her wisdom sees the bigger picture and understands that perhaps, the excruciating need their child has expressed for say, an iPod or a new phone, might not be quite as life changing as other needs. Yet when that same child is truly in need of help, their mother will move heaven and earth, at the speed of light if she can, to see the child is protected from harm.
God sees and hears our prayers in the same way. Some prayers God sees as beyond the scope of his direct involvement, others he sees as unrealistic or absurd. And still other prayers he sees already answered although we may not see or understand how that is possible. An example of that “already answered prayer” is the dying person’s prayer – “Please don’t let me die.” God has already answered that prayer, but not in the way the person requests – God has opened the door to eternal life. All that is necessary is to accept God’s offer.
The important conclusion we must draw from the Gospel is that in praying to God for our wants and needs we must be willing to accept that we may not understand how God’s answer will come – or when it will come. The really important message is that we must stay in touch with the Lord. Communication with him in prayer is our life line.
Pax
[1] General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar Miscellaneous Notes no. 5
[3] The picture is “Crossing of the Red Sea ” by Cosimo Rosselli, 1481-82
[5] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. pp. 140
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