Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(Optional Memorial for Saint Jerome Emiliani, Priest) or

(Optional Memorial for Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin) or

(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. Suggested for this date: Blessed Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom, #24B.

Proper for the Memorial of St. Jerome Emiliani

Biographical information about St. Jerome Emiliani

Proper for the Memorial of St. Josephine Bakhita

Biographical information about St. Josephine Bakhita

“The Dream of Solomon” by Luca Giordano, c. 1693

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

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [3]

Readings and Commentary:[4]

Reading I: 1 Kings 3:4-13

Solomon went to Gibeon to sacrifice there,

because that was the most renowned high place.

Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings.

In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night.

God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.”

Solomon answered:

“You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David,

because he behaved faithfully toward you,

with justice and an upright heart;

and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today,

seating a son of his on his throne.

O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant,

king to succeed my father David;

but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.

I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen,

a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.

Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart

to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.

For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”

The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.

So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this–

not for a long life for yourself,

nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies,

but for understanding so that you may know what is right–

I do as you requested.

I give you a heart so wise and understanding

that there has never been anyone like you up to now,

and after you there will come no one to equal you.

In addition, I give you what you have not asked for,

such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.”

-------------------------------------------

Commentary on 1 Kgs 3:4-13

As Solomon assumes his role as king, he seems to begin by contravening what was said in Deuteronomy 12:2-3, by going to one of the pagan “high places” to offer sacrifice. However, in these early days of the monarchy, they seem to have attained Hebrew significance as well (see 1 Chronicles 16:39, 1 Chronicles 21:29). Samuel offers a sacrifice in the hopes that his prayer may be heard. The answer to his prayer comes in a dream, a means frequently depicted in the Old Testament whereby God has an exchange with his servants (see also Genesis 20:3, Genesis 28:12, Judges 7:13ff, Job 4:13, Zachariah, Joel and Daniel).

Because he asks for wisdom to guide his people as God would intend, the Lord not only imparts the wisdom he asks for, but also those normal desires, wealth and success, which he did not. Solomon is clearly beloved of God.

-------------------------------------------

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

R. (12b) Lord, teach me your statutes.

How shall a young man be faultless in his way?

By keeping to your words.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

With all my heart I seek you;

let me not stray from your commands.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Within my heart I treasure your promise,

that I may not sin against you.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Blessed are you, O LORD;

teach me your statutes.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

With my lips I declare

all the ordinances of your mouth.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

In the way of your decrees I rejoice,

as much as in all riches.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

-------------------------------------------

Commentary on Ps 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

An acrostic poem; each of the eight verses of the first strophe begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (aleph). Each verse of the second strophe begins with the second letter (beth) and so on for all 22 letters of the alphabet.

The entire work is in praise of the Law, and the joys to be found in keeping it. It is not "legalism" but a love and desire for the word of God in Israel's Law, which is the expression of the Lord's revelation of himself and his will for man.

-------------------------------------------

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus

and reported all they had done and taught.

He said to them,

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

People were coming and going in great numbers,

and they had no opportunity even to eat.

So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.

People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.

They hastened there on foot from all the towns

and arrived at the place before them.

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd,

his heart was moved with pity for them,

for they were like sheep without a shepherd;

and he began to teach them many things.

-------------------------------------------

Commentary on Mk 6:30-34

This passage from St. Mark’s Gospel continues the story of the disciples as they return from being sent, and give Jesus a report of their efforts. The disciples are called “apostles” for the first time, as they are gathered to give an account of what they had accomplished. They will not assume this formal title until after Pentecost, but St. Mark uses it here, perhaps because they have now become Christ’s emissaries, not just his students.

They go off to a deserted place to rest in a boat but are followed by a large crowd.  They did not sail far from shore, since the crowd knew where they were putting in and was there to meet them. The Lord looked at this new exodus and saw them as "sheep without a shepherd:" "A familiar simile from the Old Testament.  It generally depicts Israel's need for spiritual leadership (Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; Judith 11:19; Jeremiah 23:1-3; Zechariah 10:2).  Ultimately God himself promised to shepherd his sheep through the Messiah (Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:11-16)." [5]  He began to teach them.

-------------------------------------------

Reflection:

We are taught that if we pray, God hears us.  Scripture tells us that if we pray to God, asking him whatever we will, he will answer our prayers.  We see this in the dream of Solomon in the First Book of Kings.  Solomon goes to a “high place,” a place where God is thought to listen to mankind, and there he offers a thousand sacrifices, incense rises to God and, in a dream, God speaks to him.  God is pleased because of the nature of what Solomon requests.  God grants the young king’s request for wisdom that he (Solomon) might lead his people well. 

God not only answers Solomon’s prayer, but because of his selfless request, he also gives him gifts that a more self-serving person may have asked for, wealth and prosperity.  There is an important message that operates as a guiding principle when it comes to praying and prayers being answered.  Before we get to that, however, we must address the absolute statement: “God always answers prayers.”   Like a parent answering their child, God answers his children, but sometimes he has to say no.  He says no when his children ask for things they should not have, things that might harm them or others.    The Lord will say no when what we ask for serves our own purpose, but goes against God’s purpose.

In the case of Solomon, God’s purpose was eminently served by the king’s prayer.  The Wisdom of Solomon was seen as a gift from God, and when he exercised that gift God himself was praised.  Can we say the same for the prayers we utter in the darkness of our rooms or in the depth of our hearts?  Of course all our prayers will not be answered as we want them to be.  God’s way is not our way. (Look at how he brought us salvation – though the painful death of his own Son.)

The lesson of Solomon’s prayer is well received today.  Our prayer is that we too might have the selfless heart of a true servant of God, and all that we do may bring glory to our Heavenly Father.

Pax

---

[1] General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar Miscellaneous Notes no. 5: “Outside Advent, Christmas Time, Lent, and Easter Time, on Saturdays which have no commemoration having the rank of Obligatory Memorial or higher, a Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary may be celebrated. This is indicated in the calendar by “BVM.” The readings and prayers may be selected from the Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

[2] The picture is “The Dream of Solomon” by Luca Giordano, c. 1693.

[3] S.S. Commemoratio

[4] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

[5] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. p. 76.

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

“Salome with the Head of John the Baptist” by Caravaggio, 1609.

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

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading I: Sirach 47:2-11

Like the choice fat of the sacred offerings,

so was David in Israel.

He made sport of lions as though they were kids,

and of bears, like lambs of the flock.

As a youth he slew the giant

and wiped out the people’s disgrace,

When his hand let fly the slingstone

that crushed the pride of Goliath.

Since he called upon the Most High God,

who gave strength to his right arm

To defeat the skilled warrior

and raise up the might of his people,

Therefore the women sang his praises,

and ascribed to him tens of thousands

and praised him when they blessed the Lord.

When he assumed the royal crown, he battled

and subdued the enemy on every side.

He destroyed the hostile Philistines

and shattered their power till our own day.

With his every deed he offered thanks

to God Most High, in words of praise.

With his whole being he loved his Maker

and daily had his praises sung;

He set singers before the altar and by their voices

he made sweet melodies,

He added beauty to the feasts

and solemnized the seasons of each year

So that when the Holy Name was praised,

before daybreak the sanctuary would resound.

The Lord forgave him his sins

and exalted his strength forever;

He conferred on him the rights of royalty

and established his throne in Israel.

-------------------------------------------

Commentary on Sir 47:2-11

This selection is part of the eulogy of Israel’s historical figures.  The son of Sirach uses lyric poetry to extol the virtues of King David in these verses, summarizing the great deeds attributed to him before he ascended to the throne and after.  The purpose of this section is to give Sirach’s students an appreciation for God’s plan of salvation.  He precedes this section with a brief mention of Nathan and follows it with a description of the virtues of Solomon (King David’s son).

"The eulogy of David recalls, above all, his love for God, which led him to give thanks for his victories, acknowledging that it was the Lord who made it possible for him to achieve them (cf. vv. 6-8). One expression of that love was the ends he went to ensure the splendor of the liturgy (cf. vv. 9-10); in this he (as Aaron before) anticipated the example that would later be set by the high priest Simon. As a reward for the care he took over the liturgy, the Lord showed him great kindness and took away his sins (v. 11)." [4]

-------------------------------------------

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 18:31, 47 and 50, 51

R. (see 47b) Blessed be God my salvation!

God’s way is unerring,

the promise of the LORD is fire-tried;

he is a shield to all who take refuge in him.

R. Blessed be God my salvation!

The LORD live! And blessed be my Rock!

Extolled be God my savior.

Therefore will I proclaim you,

O LORD, among the nations,

and I will sing praise to your name.

R. Blessed be God my salvation!

You who gave great victories to your king

and showed kindness to your anointed,

to David and his posterity forever.

R. Blessed be God my salvation!

-------------------------------------------

Commentary on Ps 18:31, 47 and 50, 51

Psalm 18 is a hymn of thanksgiving for God’s salvation. While in its full form it is in thanks for victory following a physical battle, here we see that thanks given for heavenly aid in difficult situations.

-------------------------------------------

Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread,

and people were saying,

“John the Baptist has been raised from the dead;

that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

Others were saying, “He is Elijah”;

still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.”

But when Herod learned of it, he said,

“It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.”

Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison

on account of Herodias,

the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.

John had said to Herod,

“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Herodias harbored a grudge against him

and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,

and kept him in custody.

When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,

yet he liked to listen to him.

Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,

gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers,

and the leading men of Galilee.

His own daughter came in and performed a dance

that delighted Herod and his guests.

The king said to the girl,

“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”

He even swore many things to her,

“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,

even to half of my kingdom.”

She went out and said to her mother,

“What shall I ask for?”

Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”

The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,

“I want you to give me at once on a platter

the head of John the Baptist.”

The king was deeply distressed,

but because of his oaths and the guests

he did not wish to break his word to her.

So he promptly dispatched an executioner

with orders to bring back his head.

He went off and beheaded him in the prison.

He brought in the head on a platter

and gave it to the girl.

The girl in turn gave it to her mother.

When his disciples heard about it,

they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

-------------------------------------------

Commentary on Mk 6:14-29

Mark’s account of the capture and execution of St. John the Baptist is presented in this pericope, or excerpt. We note the story has many similarities with Jesus’ encounter with Pilate later in the Gospel (Mark 15:1-47). Both Herod and Pilate acknowledge the holiness of the ones they are to put to death. In both cases following the executions, faithful followers insure the body is given a respectful burial. St. Matthew’s Gospel gives a more complete introduction of Herod and Herodias (see Matthew 14:1-3). 

"Herod projects onto Jesus his bad conscience for the gruesome murder of John the Baptist, under circumstances that show the deep connection between tyrannical eros and wanton cruelty.  The detail of the Baptist's head being brought to Herodias and her daughter on a platter (Matthew 14:11) makes of Herod's birthday feast a kind of satanic eucharist, where lust rules instead of self-sacrificial love and which links Herod, Herodias, her daughter, and their minions and guests in a communion of evil.  For, do not all of these participate in Herod's sworn covenant, motivated by lust and resulting in murder?" [5]

The actual account presented here is done as a flashback, as Herod questions the identity of Jesus whose disciples have just been sent into his region with great authority.

CCC: Mk 6:17-29 523

-------------------------------------------

Reflection:

If we were unfamiliar with the saga of our Savior and were hearing this story for the first time, told as it was in the centuries following Jesus’ death, when the storyteller relates the death of St. John the Baptist, the audience would react with surprise.  It would have been clear to them that this eccentric prophet was a major player in the story of Jesus.  St. John had recognized Jesus before his birth. He knew who Jesus was when the Lord came to him to be baptized in the Jordan.  He must surely have recognized Jesus’ purpose in God’s plan as he languished in Herod’s prison.

Even before Salome’s dance, the Baptist knew his part of the story was done.  He had left clues for the careful listener.  He had said, “he must increase, I must decrease,” as the disciples of Jesus were baptizing at the Jordan (John 3:29-30).  Even so, some listeners might be shocked that one so mighty in God’s eyes would be killed in such a way, beheaded to satisfy the wicked vanity of a harlot.

The first-time listeners might have wondered then: if God sacrificed St. John in such a way, can the Son of God be headed for a happy ending?  There might have been some suspense. They may have been waiting to see if Jesus would strike down the evil Herod in revenge.  “Ah, but that was not the Lord’s way,” the storyteller would have explained.  Jesus was sad at the loss of his cousin, but remember, he came to forgive sin, not as the vengeful God understood by the Jews who only had the Law and Prophets.

We, in our time, hear the story of the death of St. John and are reminded (because we know the whole story) that Jesus too will suffer and die at the hands of such people.  We recall that it was for this purpose the Savior was sent into the world.  Today as we consider the roles of St. John the Baptist and the earlier role of King David, we might pause to consider our own part in God’s great plan.  What does he want from us?  What are we called to do in his name?  Can our ending be joyful or will we be called to follow the Baptist or even the Lord himself?

Pax

---

[1] The picture is “Salome with the Head of John the Baptist” by Caravaggio, 1609.

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

[4] The Navarre Bible: “Wisdom Books,” Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p. 537.

[5] Fire of Mercy Heart of the Word Volume II, Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA, © 2003 p. 349.