Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

(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.

“The Faith of the Centurion” by Caspar Luiken (1712)

 

Readings for Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time[2]

 

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[3]

 

Commentary:

 

Reading 1: Genesis 18:1-15

 

Commentary on Gn 18:1-15

 

Abraham and Sarah encounter God and two messengers in this selection from Genesis. Abraham recognizes the Lord (we note his act of obeisance and form of address “’ădonāy”) and acts as is required by oriental hospitality providing rest, drink, and food. It is clear that the Lord is the key figure in the story. The messengers are soon forgotten as Abraham hears God’s prediction that he would return, and when he did Abraham and Sarah would have a son. When Sarah hears this, she laughs. Sarah's laughter is actually a bit of ironic coloring.  We recall in Genesis 17: 17 that Abraham laughed when he was first told he would bear a son.  In Hebrew, the word is yitshaq, which is identical to Isaac. The name Isaac means "he laughs."[5]

 

CCC: Gn 18:1-15 706, 2571

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Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50 and 53, 54-55

 

R. (see 54b) The Lord has remembered his mercy.

 

Commentary on Lk 1:46-47, 48-49, 50 and 53, 54-55

 

The responsorial is the Magnificat, the beautiful Canticle of Mary. Her song of thanksgiving and humility captures the saintliness that has become synonymous with our image of Mary the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven, and the Mother of the Church. In her dedication to service, she offers herself to God as vessel of the Messiah. She sets the stage for the humble birth of Jesus.

 

CCC: Lk 1:46-55 722, 2619, 2675; Lk 1:46-49 2097; Lk 1:48 148, 971, 2676, 2676; Lk 1:49 273, 2599, 2807, 2827; Lk 1:50 2465; Lk 1:54-55 706; Lk 1:55 422

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Gospel: Matthew 8:5-17

 

Commentary on Mt 8:5-17

 

This selection describes the second and third healing episodes (out of nine) found in St. Matthew’s Gospel. Once again, these encounters serve as proofs of the Lord’s identity as the Messiah. Clear evidence is given of this purpose with the use of the quote: “He took away our infirmities and bore our disease,” taken from the "suffering servant" oracle in Isaiah 53:4.

 

This didactic passage also contains the Centurion's humble profession of faith used in the liturgy of the Mass: "'Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant [soul] will be healed.'"

 

"Centurion": an officer of the Roman army in control of one hundred men. This man's faith is still an example to us. At the solemn moment when a Christian is about to receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, the Church's liturgy places on his lips and in his heart these words of the centurion, to enliven his faith: Lord, I am not worthy..."[6]

 

CCC: Mt 8:8 1386; Mt 8:10 2610; Mt 8:11 543; Mt 8:17 517, 1505

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Reflection:

 

Sacred Scripture provides a nice contrast of attitudes today.  In the first reading we hear the story of Abraham and Sarah’s encounter with God and two angels.  In spite of the fact that Abraham had been told earlier that he and Sarah would have a son (and he laughed), when he is told a second time, Sarah laughs in disbelief (in some ways worse, she also denies that she laughed).  The authors of Genesis actually used a bit of irony in that the Hebrew word used for laughter is identical to the name Isaac; in fact, the name Isaac means “he laughs.” In the case of Abraham and Sarah, God has established a covenant and in spite of the fact that they lack faith in this promise, the Lord will ultimately deliver on his promise to them.

 

This encounter contrasts directly with the account of Jesus’ meeting with the Centurion.  In the second instance, the Centurion demonstrates immediately that he has faith in the identity of Christ and the ability of God to heal his servant.  His faith is rewarded with Christ’s healing word; the faith of the Centurion is justified.

 

Also contrasting with Abraham and Sarah’s skepticism about God’s willingness to intervene in their lives is the Canticle of Mary that is used as the Psalm response.  Mary’s unconditional surrender to the will of God is the ultimate expression of faith as she offers her soul to God.

 

We are challenged by these tales of God’s interaction with his favorite creation.  We ask God today to open our hearts to the miracles God offers us daily.  We pray that like the Centurion, when we encounter the trials of this life we might offer our anxiety to the Lord, with faith that his will be done.  We pray that like the Blessed Virgin, we might offer ourselves to God with complete confidence and accept his grace.

 

Pax

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[1] General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar Miscellaneous Notes no. 5

[2] The picture used is “The Faith of the Centurion” by Caspar Luiken (1712)

[3] S.S. Commemoratio

 

[5] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Genesis © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. pp.40

[6] The Navarre Bible, “Gospels and Acts”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, pp 101

Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

(Optional Memorial for the First Holy Martyrs of Rome)

 

Proper for the Memorial of the First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church

“Abraham, Sarah, and the Angel” 
by Jan Provost, 1520s

 

Readings for Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time[1]

 

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[2]

 

Commentary:

 

Reading 1: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22

 

Commentary on Gn 17:1, 9-10, 15-22

 

This selection follows the birth of Ishmael in Chapter 16. In the first 9 verses omitted (see readings and commentary Genesis 17:3-9) Abram’s name is changed to Abraham and God’s promise is made. In this passage, the second half to the Covenant with Abraham is laid out, explaining what Abraham and his descendants are expected to do to honor God. It is here that circumcision becomes a mark of faith.

 

The selection continues with God renaming Abraham’s wife from Sarai to Sarah, a unique mark of favor and dedication, used to identify individuals who have a special mission from the Father. In Sarah’s case this mission is to bear a son, Isaac, an heir to Abraham. Isaac is to be the living sign of God’s covenant, blessed by him.

 

CCC: Gn 17:1-2 2571

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

 

R. (4) See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

 

Commentary on Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

 

Psalm 128 is a song of thanksgiving. It begins here with the typical blessings given to those following and having faith in the Lord. This selection uses the analogy of the family and the blessing it brings to the faithful, using the symbolism of vines and olives, imagery commonly used in sacred scripture.

 

It also supports the creation of woman and the marriage theme in Genesis 2:18-25. It is the logical extension of the two becoming one flesh and the children flowing from that union.

 

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Gospel: Matthew 8:1-4

 

Commentary on Mt 8:1-4

 

Following the first great discourse from St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus has attracted a large crowd. In the following chapters, we see nine miracles. The cure of the leper is the first of these. This action on the part of Jesus is proof of his identity as the Messiah; hence the usual formula “Your faith has cured you” is missing.

 

The final instruction by Jesus to the cured leper is in accordance with Mosaic Law (see Leviticus 14:2-9) His instruction to tell no one about this was probably to insure that the priest who had to examine him would not reject the cure and the man.

 

CCC: Mt 8:2 448; Mt 8:4 586

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Reflection:

 

We contemplate our relationship with God in the establishment of his covenant with Abraham.  Before the Savior came to give us the living example of the Father’s love, God selected individuals to demonstrate the Father’s hope and concern for his people.  In Genesis he selects Abram, renaming him to Abraham, and his wife Sarai, renamed to Sarah, as his special instruments.  He offers a perpetual relationship to them and, in this case, he seals this covenant with a son to be born of Sarah.  This was to happen even though she had been barren for her entire life, and had been forced to use her servant, Hagar, as a surrogate. 

 

God promises this special relationship with Abraham and his descendants, and uses the gift of Isaac as a seal set upon the covenant.  What he asks of Abraham in this covenant is circumcision, an outward sign of faith and loyalty to God.  This sign will later be hotly debated by St. Paul as unnecessary because Christ came and established a new covenant, and this Jewish mark of faith was no longer necessary in light of the Cross.

 

We note with curiosity a second request made in this exchange between God and Abraham.  Even as he blesses Abraham and Sarah with Isaac, he sets aside Abram's son Ishmael whom God also protects.  Ishmael of course prospers and is the root of Islam.  It appears from the previous chapter that this split between half-brothers, Isaac and Ishmael, is doomed to be one of enmity, and indeed we see this truth in the world today.  Without Jesus Christ to bring peace, we see how this constant struggle continues between Muslims and Jews, Christians, and all other faiths.  Hebrew Scriptures are apparently insufficient to bring reconciliation. It is the coming of the Messiah that may bring peace to that rift.  We pray for that peace daily.

 

And what of us?  How do we see our covenant with the Lord?  We too were the children of Abraham.  Our roots reach back to that union, blessed by God.  But we were also given the great gift of Jesus, the Messiah and healer of wounds.  It is his promise that all who come to him might be healed and have peace.  Our prayer today is that all who feel the fear of strife between races and religions might understand that we are all called, through Christ, to be God’s adopted children.  We pray for peace in the world and peace in our own hearts.

 

Pax

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[1] The picture used is “Abraham, Sarah, and the Angel” by Jan Provost, 1520s

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

 

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Mass During the Day[1]

 

Mass at the Vigil

 

Catechism Links[2]

CCC 153, 424, 440, 442, 552, 765, 880-881: Saint Peter

CCC 442, 601, 639, 642, 1508, 2632-2633, 2636, 2638: Saint Paul

“Saints Peter and Paul” by Guido Reni, c. 1600

 

Readings for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul

 

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[3]

 

Commentary:

Reading 1: Acts 12:1-11

Commentary on Acts 12:1-11

The Christian Jews in Jerusalem have fallen from favor, probably due to St. Stephen’s teaching and the subsequent backlash. The execution of St. James marks the beginning of the third persecution of the early Church in Jerusalem, this one from a more formal source.

 

The liberation of Peter from prison echoes many events of Jewish history (the deliverance of Joseph, Genesis 39:21-41:57; the three young men, Daniel 3; and Daniel [himself], Daniel 6) that consciously reflect the paschal liberation (Exodus 12:42). Peter now undergoes the same trial and deliverance as his Master and in his own person becomes a sign of God’s deliverance of his people.

 

CCC: Acts 12:5 2636; Acts 12:6-11 334
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (5) The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

Commentary on Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving and a favorite for celebrating the heroic virtue of the saints. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Psalm 34:5, 7), can teach the "poor," those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone. This psalm, in the words of one being unjustly persecuted, echoes hope for deliverance and freedom. The Lord in his faithful love always hears those who call to him for help and salvation.

CCC: Ps 34:3 716; Ps 34:8 336
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Reading II: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 

Commentary on 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18

Paul is writing from prison at the end of his life. The only deliverance he can expect is death, and he confidently proclaims that it is the greatest deliverance of all. The death of the Christian who has lived and worked in union with the death of Christ, through baptism, is truly released to freedom and glory. The Apostle views this deliverance as an act of worship. At the close of his life Paul could testify to the accomplishment of what Christ himself foretold concerning him at the time of his conversion: "I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name" (Acts 9:16).

CCC: 2 Tm 4 2015
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Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

Commentary on Mt 16:13-19

St. Matthew’s story of how Jesus asked about what people were saying about him has a profound impact on the Church. Here, when challenged by Jesus with the question, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon answers, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” The second title is not present in St. Mark’s version of this encounter. The title adds an understanding that Jesus is not just the Messiah, but also the Son of God. Given this response, Jesus confers upon Simon a new name “Kephas” which comes from the root Aramaic word Kepa or “Rock.” When translated into Greek it is Petros, and from there to Peter. The name, however, becomes the foundation for the Church. As a consequence of this exchange, Peter is given Christ’s authority, an authority that is passed down through Papal Succession to the Pope who sits on the Chair of Peter today.

CCC: Mt 16-18 1969; Mt 16:16-23 440; Mt 16:16 424, 442; Mt 16:17 153, 442; Mt 16:18-19 881; Mt 16:18 424, 442, 552, 586, 869; Mt 16:19 553, 1444
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Reflection:

Where would we be without St. Peter and St. Paul? Peter was given the keys to the kingdom to pass down to us while Paul was sent to proclaim that kingdom to non-Jewish people. Without Peter, there would be no first Pontiff; without Paul Christianity might have been nothing more than an insignificant scandalous off-shoot of Judaism.

While they were both critical to God’s plan, how differently they are painted by scripture. Peter was so very human. He could suddenly be open to the Holy Spirit and then just as suddenly fall prey to doubt. We saw it many times in the Gospel. 

Remember the time in the boat on the Sea of Galilee, he saw Jesus and got out of the boat and actually began walking on the water? (Matthew 14:22-36) We are reminded of a child learning to ride a bike. The parent patiently takes the child out onto the sidewalk, tells the child to begin pedaling as the parent walks next to them holding on to the back. At some point the parent lets go and the child rides on. Until, that is, they realize the parent is not there and then they generally lose faith (and concentration) and crash. Peter was like that, he started walking on water and as soon as he realized that it was impossible, he started to sink. The Lord rescued him, of course, like he always does for all of us. And he chastised Peter for his lack of faith.

Remember that awful night in the garden when Jesus was taken? How earlier in the evening when they were reclining at table Peter told Jesus how he would follow Jesus down any road? Remember how the Lord told him that before that night was out he would deny the Him 3 times? Again Peter was caught up in the spirit and said the noble thing only to fall prey to his own human weakness later. (Matthew 26:14—27:66) I love him for that weakness; it gives me hope for myself.

Then we have Paul who was a melodramatic firebrand. Paul, it seemed to me, threw himself into situations he knew would be spectacular. It was his style. Once there, with the predictable outcome (usually that meant he was either in jail or on the verge of being executed), he would lament his troubles (like today: I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation). He wanted us to see graphically that being Christian and following Christ in our lives would be difficult, should be difficult. He had a keen intellect and enjoyed matching wits with the best philosophical minds in Rome. Like so many of us in the Church today, Paul, as a convert, was the most fervent in his faith.

Two very different tools in the Lord’s tool box are celebrated today. We, his modern-day followers will do well if we can emulate either of them in their love of God and their dedication to the faith. We celebrate the fact that both followed Christ in life and death and sit now in the heavenly kingdom with all the angels and saints and we ask for their intercession on our behalf.

Pax

In other Years: Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

 

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[1] The picture used is “Saints Peter and Paul” by Guido Reni, c. 1600

[2] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, Published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014

[3] S.S. Commemoratio

 

[5] In part, from the commentary from Fr. Tom Welbers at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Berkley, California.