Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr

Proper for the Memorial of St. Justin [1]
Biographical information about St. Justin

“St. Justin, Martyr, Patron of the Destitute” 
from an antique holy card, 
artist and date are UNKNOWN

Readings for Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time 
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Commentary:

Reading 1: 1 Peter 4:7-13

Commentary on 1 Pt 4:7-13

“The inner life of the eschatological community” (the Christian community’s focus on the end times) “is outlined as the end (the parousia of Christ) and the judgment draws near in terms of seriousness, sobriety, prayer, and love expressed through hospitality and the use of one's gifts for the glory of God and of Christ” [4] The doxology in v.11 may have been the ending of an address or possibly even the conclusion of a baptismal celebration.

The concluding verses recapitulate the baptismal exhortation, and encourage the Christian community to share in the tribulations of Christ, sharing also in the salvation that flows through him. See also Romans 8:17.

CCC: 1 Pt 4:6 634; 1 Pt 4:7 670, 1806; 1 Pt 4:8 1434

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13

R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Commentary on Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13

Psalm 96 is a hymn of praise to the one true God. The psalmist invites all people to come to faith and believe in God who created all things, and is above all things. He exhorts the people to praise the Lord for his wondrous works of creation. The reason for this exhortation is that God will come to rule the earth with his justice. In this passage we see the forerunner of the understanding of the New Jerusalem – the Heavenly Kingdom.

“What does this justice and fidelity mean?  On the day of Judgment, he will gather his chosen ones to himself and send the rest away, he will place some to his right hand and others to his left.  It is only right and fair that those who show no mercy before the coming of the judge should not then hope for mercy from him.  Whereas those who struggle to be merciful towards others will be judged with mercy.” (St Augustine, Enarrationes in Psalmos, 95, 15) [5]

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Gospel: Mark 11:11-26

Commentary on Mk 11:11-26

This Gospel passage has three intertwined elements. First we hear Jesus uncharacteristically “curse” the fig tree for its lack of fruit. The common thought about this incident is that it is a metaphor for the Jewish lack of faith, and acceptance of scriptures fulfilled in Christ.

The second element is the story of Jesus and the money changers. The Lord drives out the merchants who had set up their tables in the outermost courtyard of the Temple called the Court of Gentiles. The sacrifices for sale could only be purchased with money from Tyre; all other currency had to be exchanged at these tables.

Finally we come to the last part of the Gospel as Jesus instructs the disciples about prayer. The selection concludes, much like the Lord’s Prayer, with the request for forgiveness. [Note: verse 26 is omitted because it is not found in the best source documents: "But if you do not forgive, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your transgressions."]

CCC: Mk 11:24 2610; Mk 11:25 2841

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Reflection:

The story of Jesus cursing the fig tree provides us with some shock value. It is so out of character that the Lord of love would do anything like cursing a tree (or for that matter disrupting the money changers in the temple). In this case we can almost miss the real point being made by these short vignettes. 

In the case of the fig tree, Jesus is demonstrating the power of faith. Note, when the disciples see the results of the curse he laid upon the tree, and call it to his attention, he makes the profound response “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him.”

It is that incredible faith, the faith of Bartimaeus the blind man whose sight was restored, that the Lord asks us to have. It is so difficult for us to accept that the use of this gift can have such an amazing effect on our lives. But there it is: we are promised that, if we do not let doubt enter in, our faith in Christ will allow almost anything to be possible.

Today as we recall the shock value of the cursed fig tree, let us pray in our hearts for the faith the Lord asks us to have. We have been assured, if we can approach that level of trust in God, all things are possible.

Pax

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[1] The picture is “St. Justin, Martyr, Patron of the Destitute” from an antique holy card, artist and date are UNKNOWN

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[4] See NAB Footnote on 1 Peter 4:7-11

[5] The Navarre Bible: “Psalms”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p. 324.

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In other parts of the world: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

(This Solemnity is transferred to Sunday in the United States)

“The Visitation” by Tintoretto, 1549

Information about the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary [1]

Readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Commentary:

Reading 1: Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Commentary on Zep 3:14-18a

The Prophet Zephaniah begins this passage with an exaltation of praise to God. His invitation sounds in the present tense, but then he says: “On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem,” which places the event, the rejoicing over the Lord God being in their midst, in the future. In effect, this is a prediction of events to come. Zephaniah also includes the effects of God’s presence as he continues: “a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love.”

We hear the expectation of the Messiah: “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.” In this case the effects of the Messiah on the people are the focus. The prophet proclaims a renewal of God's loving adoption and the joy felt by the Father at his favorite creation.

CCC: Zep 3:14 722, 2676; Zep 3:17a 2676; Zep 3:17b 2676

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Or: Romans 12:9-16

Commentary on Rom 12:9-16

St. Paul gives a litany of instructions to those who wish to remain faithful to Christ’s teachings. He is speaking to a community that is one in faith in Christ. He tells the community that, in their union, the gifts of each must serve the needs of all, and these gifts need to be exercised. In this selection the evangelist gives a litany of exhortations to live the love of Christ, following his command to love one another sincerely, and to forgive those who persecute them.

CCC: Rom 12-15 1454, 1971; Rom 12:9-13 1971; Rom 12:11 2039; Rom 12:12 1820; Rom 12:14 1669, 2636

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Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

R. (6) Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Commentary on Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

This hymn of praise is a profession of faith: “My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.” It also does something interesting in that it challenges those who profess their faith in the Lord to proclaim it in the world: “…among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name.”

This canticle emphasizes the peace and confidence found in his servant, enjoying the salvation of God. He sings his praise to God and exhorts all of Israel to praise him as they see his constant presence among them in the blessings they receive.

CCC: Is 12:3 2561

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Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Commentary on Lk 1:39-56

The Gospel selection from St. Luke gives us the story of Mary’s journey from Nazareth, over the mountains to Hebron, south of Jerusalem, to visit her cousin St. Elizabeth, who was also with child. St. Elizabeth’s greeting gives us substance for the “Hail Mary,” and Mary’s response is the great Canticle of Mary, which exemplifies her faith and faithfulness appropriate for the Mother of Jesus, who is the Christ.

Mary’s meeting with Elizabeth follows the annunciation by Gabriel that she would carry the Son of God, which proclaims the coming of the Lord, and the faith of Mary before the nativity event. We note that Elizabeth is first to identify Jesus as Lord as she says:” …how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” She not only professes the identity of the infant, but foreshadows Mary’s leadership standing, elevating the stature of her much younger cousin with reverence. Elizabeth continues her praise of Mary by establishing that her (Mary’s) faith had allowed her to accept even the incredible role God had offered her.

In response we hear Mary’s humility as she gives us the Magnificat: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior...” This opening phrase establishes that the Blessed Mother gives herself to God eternally (her eternal self -soul) and completely (the very core of her being -spirit). What follows in her great song is an abject expression of faith in the Father’s omnipotence, and her own humility and awe in the face of his request of her to carry God’s only Son.

CCC: Lk 1:41 523, 717, 2676; Lk 1:43 448, 495, 2677; Lk 1:45 148, 2676; 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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Reflection:

As sometimes happens when we reflect upon the Visitation,  we consider the event in broad or general terms. Mary, the vessel of Jesus, visits St. Elizabeth, the vessel of St. John the Baptist. The mothers greet each other, but only after the Lord and St. John have already communed in spirit: St. John “leaped for joy” in the presence of the Lord, communicating his own exultation to his mother.

We see the reaction in St. Elizabeth when she greets Mary, already knowing the identity of the child her cousin carries. St. Elizabeth clearly recognizes the holiness of Mary. This is remarkable when we consider that St. Elizabeth is far older than her young cousin. We were told that she was barren: “And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived  a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren,” (Luke 1:36) when Mary received the news of her own conception from the Archangel Gabriel. Yet, her cousin not only defers to her, but offers her worshipful praise: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

This meeting, as we look back upon it, is much more than an encounter between faith-filled women; rather it is the Messiah, the Only Begotten Son of God, being introduced to the world in the person of St. John the Baptist, and secondarily to his mother St. Elizabeth. It is for this reason we celebrate this event in solemn worship. It is, in essence, our first meeting with the Incarnation.

Our joy in this meeting is echoed by St. Elizabeth who gives us the words of the Hail Mary in her salutation. It is a reminder, not only of the Blessed Virgin’s own faith in God and acceptance of his will, but our own need to thank St. Mary for her obedience, St. Elizabeth for her understanding, and St. John for his recognition of this wondrous event.

Today we pray that our faith may be as perceptive as St. Elizabeth’s in recognizing Christ in our brothers and sisters, and that St. Mary’s unwavering obedience to God might give us courage to obey him as well.

Pax

In other years on this date: Thursday of the Eighth Week of Easter

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[1] The image used today is “The Visitation” by Tintoretto, 1549

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

“The Handing-over the Keys” Raffaello Sanzio, 1515

Readings for Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time [1]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Commentary:

Reading 1: 1 Peter 1:18-25

Commentary on 1 Pt 1:18-25

Following St. Peter’s call to holiness, he reminds the five churches that they were saved from their sin by the perfect sacrifice of Christ (the Blood of the Lamb), who was raised from the dead so they might have hope in the resurrection to eternal life. The passage concludes with a call to actions that reflect the grace they are given in Baptism (“…You have been born anew”). This rebirth is not just through water but the Word (Logos) which is eternal and is food for the soul (“…from imperishable seed, through the living and abiding word of God”).

CCC: 1 Pt 1:18-20 602; 1 Pt 1:18-19 517; 1 Pt 1:18 622; 1 Pt 1:19 613; 1 Pt 1:23 1228, 2769

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Commentary on Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise. In these strophes the singer celebrates God’s gifts to his people: the gift of faith to the patriarch Jacob, and the gift of His presence in the holy city Jerusalem. These strophes are from the third section (each section offering praise for a different gift from God to his special people). This section focuses on the gift of the Promised Land with Jerusalem as its spiritual center. We see the call to praise Jerusalem, the Holy City, because in it was revealed the Word of God and a call to holiness. The Lord is praised for sending food that sustains the people. The final strophe also rejoices that the Law was handed on to them through Jacob.

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Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

Commentary on Mk 10:32-45

This Gospel passage starts with the third prediction of the Passion in St. Mark’s Gospel. The sons of Zebedee take this opportunity (thinking it is the time for Christ to come into glory) to ask for places of honor when he assumes his kingship. The Lord responds with the metaphors of “drinking the cup he will drink,” and “being baptized with the baptism with which he will be baptized,” symbolic of his passion and death. When the brothers respond in the affirmative, Jesus predicts that they will follow him in martyrdom, but that only God can give them the places of honor they request.

When the disciples become upset at James and John, Jesus uses the opportunity to explain “servant leadership.” Unlike secular leaders who autocratically order their subjects about, the servant leader comes to lead by example and service to those being led. He concludes by describing his own role: “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

CCC: Mk 10:32-34 557; Mk 10:33-34 474; Mk 10:34 649, 994; Mk 10:38 536, 1225; Mk 10:39 618; Mk 10:43-45 1551; Mk 10:45 608, 1570

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Reflection:

Once upon a time there were two young men, twins in fact, who came to see their father who was going on a long journey. Their father gave them each an intricate and beautiful key, telling them that they were to keep it safe always because it was the key that unlocked their inheritance. He told them further that, between his departure and when they would come into this inheritance, many evil people would attempt to take the keys away from them.

Now one of these twins truly loved his father and took all of these words to heart. The other did not listen to the wise words spoken to him. The loving son did as his father had asked. He kept the key safe, on a chain next to his heart. In times of trouble he would take it out and be reminded of his father and the love he bore his sons. The other son threw his key into a box containing other knickknacks of little importance and generally forgot about the key altogether.

In the years that followed, the son who carried his key always seemed to make good choices in life and was happy and content, while the other twin fell in with people who used him and were cruel to him. In short his life was miserable.

At the end of their lives they had to make the final journey their father had made. It was long and difficult. At the end of this journey was a wondrous palace surrounded by a moat. The palace was beautiful and the twins could hear music and smell flowers and luscious food coming from inside. When they approached the gate, they saw their father on the other side and he was overjoyed to see them. He told them that all they had to do to enter was to use the key he had given them and unlock the gate.

The loving son immediately pulled out the key he wore on the chain about his neck and unlocked the gate and went in. The other son pleaded to come too but he had left his key behind. The father and his brother were both heartbroken at this news but explained that each key would let in only one, the one for whom it was made, and the other twin must go back and retrieve his key if he wanted to enter. It would take him a very long and miserable time to do this but it must be done. Eventually the second twin learned the value of the key and returned to receive his inheritance was well.

The sacrament of Baptism is the key we are given. It is the key to salvation and sets us on a course to eternal life. So many of those who are given this key are never reminded they have it, and forget how to use it. Our prayer today is that we encourage all of those baptized in Christ and show them, with our words and actions, the means by which their own salvation may be insured. In our story, the period required to journey back to retrieve the key may be likened to our time in Purgatory wherein we renew our baptismal promises and recall, in perfect contrition, our sins.

Pax

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[1] The picture used today is “The Handing-over the Keys” Raffaello Sanzio, 1515

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

“St. Peter” by El Greco, 1610-1613

Readings for Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: 1 Peter 1:10-16

Commentary on 1 Pt 1:10-16

In this selection, St. Peter continues to exhort the five churches to respond to the call to holiness, a call brought to them by the Apostles who were filled with “the Spirit of Christ.” It was this Holy Spirit that motivated them as it had motivated the prophets of old in their understanding of God's salvation to come.

The passage concludes with very practical instructions about their behavior, instructing them to avoid their former way of life: “…do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance,” but rather be holy as God is holy, quoting Leviticus (Leviticus 11: 44).

CCC: 1 Pt 1:10-12 719

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.

Commentary on Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. We see in this selection how God is praised for the strength he lends his people, and the salvation he brings to those who are faithful. The psalm rejoices in God’s salvation. The Lord has revealed his compassion toward the people, and they sing his praises in response. The Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies. Christians see the deeper expression of God’s love, as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.

This is an excellent example of how Christians, heirs to the Judeo-Christian truth, can see clearly in these ancient texts the references to the Christ: “The Lord has made his salvation known.” It is this event about which we “sing joyfully to the Lord.”

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Gospel: Mark 10:28-31

Commentary on Mk 10:28-31

The passage contains the disciples' response to Jesus’ teaching about the discipline of discipleship embodied in the story of the wealthy young man (Mark 10:17-27). After seeing the young man leave because he could not part with his possessions, Peter finds it necessary to remind Jesus that they (the disciples) had given up everything to follow him. The Lord replies that those who have sacrificed to follow him will receive not just the seven-fold repayment promised by Sirach 35:10, but a hundred times more than what they have given up.

This reference made by St. Mark is likely to the growth of Church under the Apostles’ evangelization, and the communal sense of the Church in its early years. The same reference is true of Jesus’ final statement where we hear: “But many that are first will be last, and (the) last will be first." Here St. Mark is probably referring to the martyrdom many will find before joining the Lord in his heavenly kingdom.

CCC: Mk 10:28-31 1618

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Reflection:

What’s in it for me?

As we hear the response of the disciples to Jesus’ requirement of the “Rich Young Man,” we empathize with them.  Jesus has just told the young man that he must give up what is most important to him in order to follow Jesus.  Seeing this requirement of self-sacrifice, the disciples exclaim that they have given up everything to follow the Lord, and are now wondering what they will receive in return.  To this Jesus reassures them, saying the material wealth and social position they have given up in this world will be made up many times over in the next.

Responding so completely to the call of the Lord is something most of us just cannot do.  We have accepted the vocation of marriage, or we live in a secular world that places responsibilities upon us that force us to keep a job, dedicating much of our time to that effort. Or, we are called to care for a home and children, an equally important vocation.  How then can we fulfill the requirements of social responsibility and also dedicate ourselves to Jesus?

We come closest to doing this when we dedicate our effort, whether at home, at work, or other committed action, to God’s greater glory, rather than our own.  We offer our success to the Lord and give him credit.  We ask for his help in being examples to others, bringing the Holy Spirit to the world as we are called while, in our heart of hearts, remaining apart from it.  We reject the call of Satan, who beckons to us constantly, and we embrace the austerity we can while supporting our families.

It is a very difficult thing the Lord asks, and we must be constantly mindful of our own tendency to procure an excess of material wealth in the name of familial support or the rationale of need.  We pray today for the spirit of the disciples, that we might offer up our lives for the sake of the one who gave up his life for us.

Pax

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[1] S.S. Commemoratio

[2] The picture is “St. Peter” by El Greco, 1610-1613