(Optional Memorial for Saint Lawrence Ruiz, Martyr, and His Companions, Martyrs) or
(Optional Memorial for Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr)
Texts for the Memorial of St. Lawrence Ruiz and his companions may be taken from the Common of Martyrs.
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| “The Handing-over the Keys” by Sanzio Raffaello, 1515 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
Commentary on Eccl 3:1-11
This famous passage from Ecclesiastes begins by emphasizing that there is a correct order of events dictated by God (see also Proverbs 15:23, 25:11). The sequence of events in human life (birth, death, happiness and sadness) are ordered and ordained by God alone (timeless). Mankind cannot change time. As a consequence, the faithful should enjoy what comes to them as a gift from God.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4
R. (1) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Commentary on Ps 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4
Psalm 144, taken in its entirety, is difficult to classify. It opens with a lament, however, in the strophes in this selection, it concludes in thanksgiving (v. 12-15). Supporting the theme of the powerlessness of mankind and human frailty, these first verses present a plea, in humility, to an all-powerful creator.
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Gospel: Luke 9:18-22
Commentary on Lk 9:18-22
As is frequently the case in St. Luke’s Gospel, we find the Lord at prayer. When asked by the Lord about the attitude of the people, the disciples answer much like the counselors of Herod did in Luke 9:7-9 with identities of John the Baptist and Elijah. St. Peter answers for the group when asked about Jesus’ identity, pronouncing him the Messiah. (see also commentary on Matthew 16:13-20)
CCC: Lk 9:18-20 2600
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Reflection:
The episode describing Jesus walking with his disciples and asking them who the people say he is has been repeated several times in this past year both in weekday liturgies and Sunday Mass readings. This is no accident. The question is important for the disciples and for us.
Today’s iteration of this story was actually set up by, and can be contrasted to, this same question asked by King Herod in the previous verses. When Herod asked his advisers, they gave essentially the same answers as the Lord’s disciples when first asked. It is clear from these two sets of responses that, at the time he walked the earth as man, Jesus was known to be something very special.
“They said in reply, ‘John the Baptist; others, Elijah.’” These first two responses are significant in that Elijah’s return, according to Hebrew tradition, would announce the coming of the Messiah. Many contemporaries of St. John St. John
This identification for us is anticlimactic. We already profess Jesus as the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. But saying it with our lips is not nearly as important as knowing it in our hearts. When we feel that relationship emotionally, as opposed to knowing it logically, something important changes in how we think and act. We have been taught from our earliest memories (those of us born into a Christian family) that Jesus is the Messiah, born of Mary on Christmas, died on Good Friday, risen on Easter. We know these facts like we know that parts of the North American Continent were once British colonies.
Asking ourselves Jesus’ question: “But who do you say that I am?” we must look to our hearts and find there the answer. Not a fact but something more – faith must inform us because only faith can reveal the answer. Jesus tells St. Peter as much in St. Matthew’s version of this story when he said: “…flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 16:17)
Today we depend upon faith to answer for our hearts as Jesus once more turns to us in scripture asking that remarkable question: “But who do you say that I am?” We pray our hearts respond in a way pleasing to him, and in doing so motivate us to be true followers as well as believers.
Pax
[1] The picture used today is “The Handing-over the Keys” by Sanzio Raffaello, 1515.
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