A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 21, n. 36)
Week 17 in Ordinary Time: July 30 – August 5, 2023
(The pastoral tool BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD: A LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY & WEEKDAY LITURGY includes a prayerful study of the Sunday liturgy from various perspectives. For the Lectio Divina on the liturgy of the past week: July 23-29, 2023 please go to ARCHIVES Series 21 and click on “Ordinary Week 15”.
Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY:
July 30 – August 5, 2023.)
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July 30, 2023: SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Hidden Treasure in the Field
and the Pearl of Great Price”
BIBLE READINGS
1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12 // Rom 8:28-30 // Mt 13:44-52
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 13:44-52): “He sells all that he has and buys the field.”
In today’s Gospel reading (Mt 13:44-52), we continue to listen to Jesus’ Discourse in parables. In the parables of the treasure in the field and the precious pearl (verses 44-46) and in the parable of the dragnet (verses 47-50), he teaches us the meaning of the kingdom of heaven. The twin parables of the treasure in the field and the precious pearl underline the absolute, incomparable value of God’s kingdom, the joy that it brings, the total commitment that it deserves and the overriding zeal with which it must be pursued.
Edward Armstrong, an Anglican writer, comments: “The parable of the peerless pearl is twin to the hidden treasure, and the two may have been told together; for parallelism is a characteristic of Hebrew style … The discoverer of the treasure trove was a comparatively poor man who chanced on the money; the pearl merchant was relatively wealthy; he came on the pearl in the course of business and sold his whole stock to acquire it. One man enters into the joy of the kingdom unexpectedly; another attains it through the maturing of a lifetime’s endeavor.” The remarkable response of the treasure finder and the pearl merchant is decisive, total and absolute. Indeed, the kingdom of heaven is a treasure beyond price and demands renunciation and sacrifice in order to acquire it.
The Church Father, Origen (183-253) from the catechetical school of Alexandria, asserts that Christ is the precious pearl we must seek – the one pearl of great price: “To the seeker after fine pearls may be applied the words, Seek and you will find, and, Everyone who seeks will find. If you ask what is to be sought, and what will be found by everyone who seeks for it, I say with all confidence: pearls – especially that pearl which will be acquired by those who give their all, who sacrifice everything for it, the pearl Paul meant when he said: I have accepted the loss of everything in order to gain Christ. Everything means beautiful pearls; to gain Christ refers to the one pearl of great price.”
The parable of the fishing net thrown into the sea reminds us that the coming of God’s kingdom includes a final judgment in which the good and the bad will be separated definitively and receive their fitting reward and punishment. This parable highlights the presence of both good and evil in the Church and in the world. It seeks to instill in us patience and tolerance, which flow from a discerning heart, until the day of final judgment.
This Sunday’s Gospel passage concludes with a question addressed by Jesus to his disciples: “Do you understand all these things?” (Mt 13:51) and with an important remark on the significance of having discovered the treasure of heaven: “Every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old” (Mt 13:52).
The authors of the Days of the Lord, vol. 4, explain: “To understand all these things is not a question of human intelligence – that of the sages and the smart ones – but of spiritual intelligence – that of the humble and the lowly … We can understand the parables and put their teaching into practice only in the light of the Spirit … The disciples draw near to Jesus in order to receive from him the explanation of the parables. Only by being familiar with the one who pronounced the parables can we probe their meaning and, having become his disciples, be like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” Indeed, the discerning heart of the scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven enables him to assess the radically new act of Christ in the light of the Old Testament tradition. The venerable Church Father Origen remarks: “The law and the prophets fully comprehended are the preparation for the full comprehension of the gospel and the complete understanding of the acts and words of Christ Jesus.”
The journey of the movie actress Dolores Hart from Hollywood to the Holy Vows gives insight into the workings of a discerning heart that is able to find the “hidden treasure in the field” and is able to sacrifice everything for the “pearl of great value” (cf. Mother Dolores Hart, OSB, and Richard DeNeut, The Ear of the Heart, San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2013, p. 174-175, 178).
Don had a clear memory of the night his parents hosted an engagement party in their home: “Dolores was distant from the minute I picked her up, and during the entire party I never felt she was truly with me. On the drive back to her apartment, I suddenly stopped in the middle of the street and asked her if she loved me.”
I said, “Of course I do”, but clearly it wasn’t enough. “Then what is wrong?” he demanded. Obviously the effort to hide my feelings of discontent and desperation wasn’t accomplishing anything except draining me and hurting Don. He said he felt as if he were sitting on a fence, and he couldn’t sit there any longer. He thought we should make an announcement of a postponement right away. I agreed, though I knew I could not stand up under any media scrutiny that that kind of item would provoke.
“You’re still thinking about the monastery, aren’t you?” he asked, and without waiting for an answer he added, “Dolores, I think you have to go back there and get everything straightened out in your mind.”
I could not get to sleep that night. It was one o’clock in the morning when I made reservations on the day’s first flight to the East Coast. En route to the monastery, I was held by a kind of madness that I could not express. I say “madness” because there was no way I could intellectually explain the hound that yapped at my heels. There was no earthly reason why I was shunning the life I wanted most – only that Regina Laudis had gradually seeped through my body like some mysterious liquor and I was at peace only on its taste.
Arriving back at the monastery was one of the strangest experiences. At first, I felt completely foreign. Los Angeles in January is warm and sunny. Everything here was cold and white. As the day drew itself together, things settled down into a familiar framework, and finally a tiny sense of comfort began to fill the picture … During the entire visit, not once did I feel pressured by Reverend Mother to make up my mind. To the contrary, I was constantly being told, “Do what you want to do.” It was maddening that I was the one left with the decision. I would have felt happy if someone would have taken that task away from me. (…)
When Don met Dolores at LAX, he was in good spirits. Nothing in Dolores’ letters from the monastery indicated he would not have a fiancée when she returned.
When he saw her, however, his mood changed. “She looked like a refugee, pale and drawn, no makeup, and her hair wasn’t even fixed. We stopped at a steak house near the airport. It was packed, and we were seated smack in the middle of the room.”
Dolores hadn’t planned on telling Don her decision that evening, and she tried to keep up a conversation that, before long, gave way to silence. Don remembered, “I began thinking, ‘Where are we heading?’ I finally asked point-blank is she was entering the monastery.”
Don’s perception was so strong that I knew I couldn’t put it off. I told him I was.
“I just fell apart”, Don said, “right in the middle of the packed room.”
B. First Reading (1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12): “You have asked for wisdom.”
The Old Testament reading (1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12) tells us that Solomon’s proverbial wisdom is a gift of God. This young ruler of Israel – son of King David by Bathsheba – accedes to the royal throne in about 961 B.C. Solomon is initially an ideal king - a humble, benevolent ruler disposed to follow the divine will. In an eventful encounter with the Lord in a dream, Solomon prays for a discerning and understanding heart to be able to govern the chosen people efficaciously. The Lord God graciously responds to his prayer with the following words: “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” (v. 12).
The divine gift of wisdom to Solomon is meant to promote the good of the people and ensure the welfare of the kingdom. As the supreme arbiter of justice in Israel, King Solomon initially uses this precious gift with sensitivity and benevolence. In the delicate case of two women claiming maternity of a child (cf. I Kgs 3:16-28), he issues a command that enables him to determine the mother of the child in contention. His insightful decision wins the esteem of the people and enables him to experience the glory promised by God. Unfortunately, however, King Solomon in his later years becomes less and less dependent on God. Moreover, he gives vent to his natural inclinations and increasingly relies on his human judgment. Surfeited and jaded, he ceases to follow the wisdom of God and becomes idolatrous. The moral downfall and degradation of Solomon eventually lead to the rupture of the kingdom of Israel.
Each day in the life of a Christian follower is an exercise in moral choice. Christian discipleship is a loving labor of wisdom and the ongoing response of a discerning heart. Those who endeavor to live by the promptings of divine wisdom ultimately triumph. When the final sorting comes, the faithful and wise disciples will join the “righteous” ones in heaven and savor the eternal joy of the kingdom. Like St. Paul, the truly wise in the Lord, the wisdom-filled disciples experience that “all things work for good for those who love God” (Rom 8:28).
Sandy Whiting’s story, “Perennial Blessings” published in the magazine Country Woman (June/July 2008, p.51) is inspiring. The grandma in this story is a giving gardener with a wise and compassionate heart. She understands the power of flowers to console. Her gift of wisdom and kindness touches the bereaved and draws out a response of kindness and gratitude from the community.
Grandma loved earthy things with roots – like the fragrant geraniums she loving grew and found homes for. I walked by her house everyday on my way home from school. She always had a wave and smile ready for me. This particular afternoon, however, she frowned. I backed up a few steps and asked, “What’s the matter? Did the bugs eat your flowers?” Grandma stared at her geraniums and sighed. “That new family on the other side of the square … the Dunkles. They just lost their twin baby boys.” Being 10 and knowing little about life and less about death, I shrugged. “So? We don’t know them.” “We’re neighbors … and neighbors are family”, she said firmly. Perking up, she brushed the dirt from her hands. “Go call your mother and ask if you can run an errand with me, then meet me in the shed.” Minutes later, with Mom’s approval, I shoved open the shed door. “There you are,” Grandma said. “Help me find two pots – pretty clay ones.” (…)
Handing me a trowel, Grandma led me to the garden. “Dig up that pink geranium and plant it in the pot,” she said. “Don’t forget to put a few rocks in the bottom for drainage.” In minutes, I had one pink flower safely tucked into its new home. Grandma quickly finished potting hers. “Come on,” she said. “Let’s get these to the Dunkles.” Not bothering to knock, she placed the plants on the porch, slid a blue scrap of paper under one pot and turned to go. After that errand, I began noticing something unusual about Grandma’s geraniums. I’d count them when I passed in the morning. And by my return trip, there’d be two or three less. On shopping trips with Grandma, I’d hear folks speak of flowers appearing around town and speculate on who the “Geranium Lady” might be. When asked if we had any clues, I’d shrug and Grandma would just smile.
The years turned their pages … I married and moved away. Well, before I was ready, a call came with painful news that Grandma had passed. The trip back home was difficult as I wrestled with my grief, three restless children and one husband in the driver’s seat negotiating country roads. Finally, we pulled into a familiar dirt lane and rounded the curve to Grandma’s house. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Pots spilling over with red, pink, salmon and white geraniums covered the porch. Mother met me. “I don’t know who’s bringing them,” she said. “But every time I come out, there’s a dozen more.” Gently, I lifted a pot from the bottom step. Slipped beneath the sunset orange blooms was a faded blue note, written in Grandma’s own hand. “Only the body goes back to the earth. The soul blooms in greener pastures.” It wasn’t just the Dunkles who had figured out Grandma’s secret. The entire town knew. And now I did, too. Single acts of kindness are returned a thousand times over – perpetually blooming.
C. Second Reading (Rom 8:28-30): “God predestined us to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
To acquire the absolute treasure of God’s kingdom entails deep sacrifice. In the Second Reading (Rom 8:28-30), Saint Paul assures the Romans that all things work for good for those who love God. He stimulates their zeal and enthusiasm in the midst of difficulties and persecution by reminding them that God’s plan of salvation, which is definitively in progress, leads to the glory that is their destiny. Called to be conformed to the image of his Son, nothing will ever happen to them that has not been foreseen by God and directed to their greater good from all eternity. God is in control of everything. The ultimate goal is to be configured to Jesus Christ, who in his paschal sacrifice, is totally glorified.
The following story about the martyrs of Shimabara and Unzen, who died in 1627, illustrates what it means to be truly conformed to the image of Jesus, the Son of God, in his paschal sacrifice (cf. “The Red Roses and the Blessed Sacrament” in Full Sail with the Wind of Grace, written and edited by “Martyrs” Editorial Committee, Tokyo: Don Bosco Shea, 2008, p. 96-102).
A Golden Light: It stopped snowing and the golden rays of the sun shone through the grey clouds. I had been shivering from cold, but when the golden light covered me, I felt as light as air. I had a dream in which I was on my mother’s lap and my father and two brothers were nearby. We were all in the small chapel of our house. Everyone was smiling and we were singing hymns. I loved to sing.
“Ignatius, Ignatius! Stay in there!”
“Ignatius, your father is right here!”
I had almost fainted, but the voices pulled me back to consciousness again. My brothers Balthasar and Antonio were stripped of their kimonos and had their hands tied behind their backs. My father was looking intently at me from a nearby boat, calling my name. I am Ignatius Uchibori. I became a martyr with my two brothers on the Ariake Sea on 21 February 1627. I was only five years old, but I was chosen by God to carry an important message.
Losing the Status of Samurai: When my second older brother Antonio was one year old, my father became a peasant, losing his status as samurai. Our lord Arima Naozumi, who burned eight Kirishitans (= Christians) on the Arima River, hated us and moved to Hyuga to get away from the many Christians in Arima.
“Our only true Master is the Lord our God, for whom we give our lives. We cannot give up what is most important for us.” Many subjects stayed in Arima and Shimabara instead of following the lord and moving to Hyuga. They became peasants and cultivated the land, prayed and helped one another.
My father, Paul Uchibori Sakuemon, became their leader, encouraging and taking care of our friends. That’s why father was the first one to be arrested when, very soon, the commissioner of Nagasaki came to persecute us. He was stripped of his kimono and pulled around the streets with a rope tied to his hands. “It’s all right, my friends. The Lord is always with us.” Father did not stop encouraging our fellow Christians who watched with worried faces along the streets or from their doorsteps. No matter how hard they tried to threaten him, the officers could not change the look on my father’s gentle face with its clear eyes. They gave up and sent him home. My father Sakuemon was greatly trusted by our fellow Christians and the missionaries who worked undercover. We didn’t say so, but we were very proud of him.
The Small Chapel of the Uchibori Family: A new lord was assigned to Arima. His name was Matsukara Shigemasa. Shigemasa dismantled the former castle and decided to build a new one in Shimabara. While the new castle was being built, Shigemasa needed everyone to work for him, so he pretended that he didn’t know we were Kirishitans. For a while, the Church in Shimabara enjoyed peace, like the sea in an early evening calm. Even before I was born, the priests and friars in Shimabara used to stay in our house. Fr. Sebastian Kimura, who would be martyred ahead of us, Fr. Navarro and Fr. Zola dropped by from time to time. “This is our Bethany!” the missionaries would say. “Our home is your home. Please take your rest here” my parents would say. The missionaries would relax with us and my parents would make them feel at home as best they could, feeding them and making them rest. We were happy to be of help, it was our good fortune.
My favorite place was our small chapel. When a priest came and celebrated mass, the wooden floor almost broke under the weight of the faithful who gathered secretly and packed the room. My family prayed together in the chapel every evening, in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, reciting the Litany of Our Lady, singing hymns in thanksgiving for the day. It was our happiest moment. Father treasured the prayers of the family. “There is a treasure in this house. This house is a house of prayer”, Father used to say. I would fall asleep on Mother’s lap by the end of evening prayer.
Moving to Prison: In January 1627, Lord Matsukura Shigemasa who had returned from Edo, was grumpy and sometimes sudden shadows of fear and sadness clouded his face. He kept remembering Shogun Iemitsu’s words, “Order severe punishment for the Kirishitans in Shimabara and force them to give up their faith. Kill them if they don’t obey. If you don’t accomplish this, know that you yourself will be punished!” Shigemasa fell ill from pressure. My father Sakuemon had already been put in the castle prison a half year before Lord Shigemasa returned to Shimabara. On the 20th of February, some officers broke into our home. My mother Agatha, my two brothers and myself were all tied and taken to the castle. Father welcomed us in prison. “Are you all right? I’m so glad to see you all. This cell will be the new chapel for the Uchibori family. The good Lord always gives us everything we need. We felt relieved at seeing father’s gentle face. The prison cell became our fond home that night.
The Red Roses and the White Snow: The following morning, the lord gave out the order. “Choose 16 of the 37 Kirishitans in prison, cut off their fingers, and throw them into the sea with rocks tied to their necks!” We brothers were chosen among the 16. Somehow, father and mother were not chosen this time. The red-faced commissioner spluttered in a loud voice, “Kirishitans are equal to dogs and pigs. Two fingers are enough for them. Cut off the three in the middle!”
The first to be called was my second older brother Antonio. An officer pressed Antonio’s hand ruthlessly on a board and made him spread his fingers. Everyone turned their eyes away in horror. But Antonio said, “That was nothing. At last, now I understand Jesus’ cross.” He joined his hands in prayer, with only the thumb and the little finger left on them. “Good for you, Antonio. I’m proud of you!” said Balthasar and offered his hands to the officer.
I was the last one to be called. I was not afraid, but looked back for a moment at father and mother. “It will be all right, Ignatius.” Their eyes glistened with tears as they nodded at me. When I extended my hands over the board, the officer was trembling. He didn’t need much strength to cut my fingers, but he let out a loud cry as he swung down the chopping knife. I could see my fingers left on the board. It was a strange feeling. I held up my bleeding hands against the sky to see how they looked. The reason I smiled then, was because I saw the face of the heavenly Father through the space where my fingers used to be. Just then, snow began to fall. It was so white. The person who recorded our martyrdom wrote, “This child held up his hands toward heaven and gazed at them, as if he were viewing beautiful rose blossoms.”
To Be Given Such Grace: After they cut off our fingers, they stripped us of our kimonos and took us out to Ariake Sea on boats. They took my father on another boat in order to have him watch us being killed. I was made to lie down at the rear of the boat and snowflakes began to cover me with a thin white veil. And I saw the dream.
“Father, let us thank the Lord for such a grace that he has given us!” Antonio cried out these last words and disappeared into the waters. And then Balthasar, too. I was always the last one. Father never took his eyes off me, as I lay motionless in the boat.
The golden rays of the sun shone from the sky and my turn came. For the last time, I looked at father. He nodded to me with his gentle eyes as he had always done. I felt comforted. I decided then that I would offer my life to God joyfully. After they threw me into the sea, it began to snow again. “During this ordeal, Sakuemon reminded us of Abraham when Abraham offered his son Isaac for sacrifice.” These words of Joachim Mine, who was with my father at the time, can be read in the records.
When the execution was finished, my father and the others were taken back to the castle prison and the officers pressed burning iron and branded the word “Kirishitan” on their foreheads. A week later, 16 prisoners including my father were taken to Mount Unzen (Nagasaki Prefecture) and martyred there. They were thrown into the boiling hot springs. Father continued to encourage the others until the end. “Praised be the most holy Sacrament of the altar!” These were my father’s last words of prayer before he was martyred. Our faith had been strengthened all these years by the Lord who was always with us in our small chapel at home. Two and a half months later, 17 May, Joachim Mine and the others who were still in prison were taken to Mount Unzen and martyred.
If the life that I offered to God starts to live again in all the people who come to know my story, I will be very happy. My life would then become a tremendous gift for them.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do I seek and pursue the heavenly kingdom as the “hidden treasure in the field” and as the “pearl of great price”? Have I allowed myself to be instructed in the kingdom of heaven that like the head of a household, I am able to bring forth from the storeroom both the new and the old? How do I proclaim the treasures of the Gospel in the challenging reality of today’s situation?
2. What was the stance of the young King Solomon before God? Why did he ask the Lord to give him an understanding heart? What was the Lord God’s response? Do you pray to God to give you a wise and understanding heart?
3. Do you look to St. Paul as a model of one who has a wise and understanding heart? How did St. Paul pursue the kingdom value and the spiritual treasure incarnated in the person of Jesus Christ? Do you believe and experience that “all things work for good for those who love God” (Rom 8:28)?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
Please bless us with an understanding heart
that will enable us to make a fundamental choice for Christ.
Strengthen us in our resolve
never to let go of the heavenly treasure that is your gift to us.
In the various trials and afflictions of daily life,
strengthen our faith.
We know that all things work for good for those who love you.
Give us courage, wisdom and inner strength
by the power of the Holy Spirit
that we may allow ourselves to be shaped daily
into the beautiful, wondrous image of your Son Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” (Mt 13:46)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray in thanksgiving for those who have found the treasure of the kingdom of heaven. Pray for all those still seeking to find it. In your life of sacrifice and service, especially to the poor and the outcast, share the joy of one who has found the treasure in the field and the pearl of a great price.
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July 31, 2023: MONDAY – SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Kingdom Is Like a Mustard Seed and a Transforming Leaven … He Intercedes for His People”
BIBLE READINGS
Ex 32:15-24, 30-34 // Mt 13:31-35
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 13:31-35): “The mustard seed becomes a large bush and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.”
In today’s Gospel (Mt 13:31-35), Jesus uses the figure of a mustard seed that grows into an enormous “welcoming” tree to symbolize the hidden power of the kingdom of God. The tiny mustard seed, with its dynamic character, represents the kingdom, which has humble beginnings but is destined for universal greatness. Jesus, moreover, depicts the transforming character of the kingdom by using the image of yeast which a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch is leavened. The kingdom of heaven is hidden in the world like yeast and will transform the world with radical newness. We are “leaven” in the world, vibrant and acting as ferment in the society, on account of Jesus who powers our witnessing and activity.
I went to the Sacramento State Fair in 2012. It was an awesome experience of America’s noble spirit. I muttered: “How come we always hear the bad, and very little of the good?” I had a great time at the livestock pavilion, horticulture pavilion, county pavilion, etc. At the end of the day I was tired. I found a bench near a plot of beautiful flowers and relaxed. A beautiful lady sat beside me and started a nice chat. Her disabled husband in a wheelchair also came. As ministers in their church, they help “at-risk” youth and guide them on the right path. One way is to bring them to the State Fair, which is very educational and inspiring. When I bid them goodbye, I was full of gratitude to God for their ministry and for all the wonderful works I witnessed that day. They all have “mustard seed” beginnings and testify that the “leaven” of God’s kingdom continues to be at work in today’s world.
B. First Reading (Ex 32:15-24, 30-34): “This people has indeed committed a grave sin in making a god of gold for themselves.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Ex 32:15-24, 30-34) depicts the apostasy of Israel and Moses’ intercession on their behalf. God again summons Moses up the mountain and entrusts to him the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments as well as instructions on worship. As Moses encounters God on the mountain for forty days and nights, the people left under the care of Aaron and Hur apostatize. They instigate Aaron to fashion a gold bull-calf. They worship it, saying “Israel, this is our god, who led us out of Egypt.” Their festival to honor the bull-calf degenerates into an orgy of drinking and sex. Coming down from the mountain and confronted with the people’s idolatry, Moses is furious and smashes the tablets of the divine commands. The people have turned away from God and their sinful action has ruptured the covenant. The breaking of the tablets signifies the destruction of their covenant relationship with God. After subjecting them to a punitive action, Moses goes up once more to the mountain to intercede for them. Moses, a self-sacrificing mediator whose prayer of intercession eventually leads to a covenant renewal, prefigures Jesus Christ, the ultimate mediator between God and people.
The following article gives insight into the meaning of “idolatry” or the seeking of false gods in today’s world (cf. Gerard Murphy, “Special Feature” in Alive! January 2013, p. 4).
Last month we reflected a bit on the notion of freedom that dominates in today’s world. It is a simplistic notion that resents all limits, whether they come from other people, the law, nature or even God. The individual should be allowed to make virtually any choice he or she wants, so long as it doesn’t “harm anyone else”.
At its extreme we have demands that two people of the same sex be allowed to “marry” each other – human nature shouldn’t be allowed to restrict marriage to a man and a woman. If a woman wants to abort her unborn child, that should be her choice, and if we want help to kill ourselves, the law should permit it.
Ireland recently voted to allow parents to hand over any of their children to be brought up by the State. Even rearing their own children has become a matter of choice for parents.
When people still believed in God, the Commandments saved us from the most absurd and destructive extremes of this understanding of freedom. But with the loss of religious faith and with growing indifference to God, all barriers are being torn down – pure whim rules.
The decision of the strongest, or of the best manipulator, is the only rule now. No wonder bullying is such a huge problem in society. And government is becoming little more than the exercise of naked power.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we treasure the miracle of small beginnings and the transforming power of the kingdom of God? Do we allow ourselves to be a part of the miracle of the heavenly kingdom?
2. How does Israel’s sin of idolatry and unfaithfulness impact us? How does the figure of Moses and his ministry of intercession inspire us?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
we thank you for the grandiose destiny of your kingdom.
Help us to embrace the challenge of its “mustard seed” beginnings.
Let us be leaven of transformation in today’s world
and instruments of the radical newness your salvation brings.
We love and adore you;
we praise and bless you, now and forever.
Amen.
***
All-powerful God,
you are loving and forgiving.
You heeded the ministry of Moses
on behalf of an idolatrous and unfaithful people.
We, too, lift up our hands in union with Jesus Christ,
the ultimate Moses-mediator,
for the people of today
who have made a false “idol” of their self-will.
Have mercy on us, Lord,
and bring us back to you.
Let us live under the protective shadow
of your saving will.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed... like yeast that a woman took …” (Mt 13:31, 33) //“This people has indeed committed a grave sin in making a god of gold for themselves.” (Ex 32:31)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Be responsive to the challenge of small beginnings. Use the resources you have, however small, to promote justice and peace in society and the integration of creation. // In reparation for the sins committed through the mass media and digital/social media, resolve to fast from the excessive and abusive use of these media.
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August 1, 2023: TUESDAY – SAINT ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, Bishop, Doctor of the Church
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Judge at the Harvest … He Speaks To Us Face To Face”
BIBLE READINGS
Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28 // Mt 13:36-43
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 13:36-43): “Just as the weeds are collected now and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.”
The Gospel (Mt 13:36-43) tells us that in response to his disciples’ request, Jesus Master gives them tools to help them understand the parable of the weeds in the field. The “sower” of the good seed is the Son of Man, the judge at the harvest. The “good seed” are those who have been receptive to the divine word and have borne abundant fruit. The “bad weeds” are the evil ones who reject God’s offer of salvation. The “harvest” is the judgment at the end time. The judgment will determine the final destiny of the righteous and the wicked, and will purify the kingdom entirely. The wicked and the perpetrators of evil will be thrown into the “fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth”. The righteous will shine like the sun in the heavenly kingdom, for God’s brilliant presence will permeate them. Jesus’ parable invites us to be patient with the wicked and likewise assures us that unending doom is the lot of the unrepentant wicked. As Christian disciples in today’s world, we have a duty to catechize people about the “last things”: death, judgment, heaven, hell.
George Alford, a 67-year old surfer in New Smyrna, Florida, counts his mission to surfers and beachgoers as a very important ministry. When he goes to the beach, he plants a cross in the sand in front of his SUV to remind beachgoers that God loves them. On special occasions, he will hoist the 12-foot cross on his shoulder and carry it up and down the beaches. He testifies how God makes his ministry fruitful (cf. Kathy Alford, “Surfing for God” in St. Anthony Messenger, July 2012, p. 33).
One spring break, while George was carrying the cross down the beach, an inquisitive young man with multiple face piercings came walking toward the cross with a cigarette lighter in his hand. He asked, “Can I burn your cross?” “Why do you want to burn the cross?” George asked him. “He said, ‘Because I worship Satan.’”
“The young man wasn’t angry or hostile”, George says. “He just wanted to talk.” “That’s bad news, dude”, George replied. “No, Satan speaks to me in my mind”, the young man said. “Satan hates you. He wants to drag you into hell.” “Oh, that would be great – going to Satan’s house”, the young man responded. “No, hell’s a horrible place, full of anguish and suffering forever. You don’t want to go there.” At that point, the young man started backing away from George, and then he turned and walked away.
A year later, George was carrying the cross down the beach again during spring break, and he saw a young man who smiled at George and nodded. “He looked like he wanted to say something. I slowed down to give him a chance to talk, but he just smiled. I noticed that the young man had scars where piercings used to be. Later, as I walked down the beach, it occurred to me: that was the young man with the lighter!”
“His look had meant, ‘Look at me; I’ve changed. We’re brothers.’ I’ve prayed for another opportunity to see him again, but it didn’t happen. I still continue to pray that the Lord will bless him and help him grow in his faith.”
George pauses, then sums up his passion. “Changing lives: that’s the power of the cross!”
B. First Reading (Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b, 28): “The Lord spoke to Moses face to face.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28) is about the intimate relationship of God with Moses and how the mediator’s intercession leads to a covenant renewal. Moses is indeed God’s intimate friend. At the Tent of the Meeting, the Lord speaks to Moses “face to face, as one man speaks to another”. At Mount Sinai where he summons Moses once again, God reveals himself more intimately to Moses as “the Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in kindness and fidelity”. In the awesome presence of a forgiving God who does not declare guiltless the unrepentant guilty, Moses begs for clemency: “If I find favor with you, O Lord, do come along in our company. This is, indeed, a stiff-necked people; yet pardon our wickedness and sins, and receive us as your own.” Moses stays again at Mount Sinai for forty days and nights, at the end of which the covenant with God is renewed and the words of the Ten Commandments are inscribed once more on stone tablets. Indeed, Moses’ prayer for forgiveness is based on his intimate relationship with God as well as his sympathetic identity with the people of Israel. The salvation of Israel hinges in no small amount on this unique mediation of Moses, who prefigures the perfect saving mediation of Jesus Christ on the cross
The following story gives us an idea of what a “face to face” relationship with the Almighty God means (cf. Anthony De Mello, Taking Flight: A Book of Story Meditations, New York: Image Books, 1988, p. 163).
There was an old Sufi who earned his living by selling all sorts of odds and ends. It seemed as if the man had no judgment because people would frequently pay him in bad coins and he would accept them without a word of protest; or people would claim they had paid him when they hadn’t and he accepted their word for it.
When it was time for him to die, he raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Oh, Allah! I have accepted many bad coins from people but never did I judge them in my heart. I just assumed that they were not aware of what they did. I am a bad coin too. Please do not judge me.”
And a Voice was heard that said, “How is it possible to judge someone who has not judged others?”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we believe that at harvest time we will be judged? How do we prepare for this deep encounter with God’s grace?
2. How does God’s intimate relationship with Moses impact us? Do we long to have an intimate relationship with God? What do Moses and Jesus Christ teach us about personal relationship with God and the ministry of mediation?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Jesus,
we thank you for your patient love and great justice.
You are the sower of good seed
and the judge at the final harvest.
May we bear abundant fruit
and be counted as precious in your sight.
Bring us into your heavenly kingdom
where the presence of God
will make us shine with splendor and glory.
We pray for those who reject your saving love.
Give them light and show them the way.
Let this interim time
be an occasion of healing and conversion for us all
so that we may be spared from eternal doom.
We love you, Jesus,
for you are kind and merciful.
Glory and praise be yours, now and forever.
Amen.
***
Lord God,
you used to speak to Moses
“face to face, as one man speaks to another”.
You revealed yourself to him
as “a merciful and gracious God,
slow to anger and rich in kindness”.
His loving intimate relationship with you
brought healing to a contrite Israel
and the restoration of the ruptured covenant.
Help us to trust in the saving mediation of Jesus,
whose perfect prayer of intercession is offered on the cross,
the point of encounter between heaven and earth.
Restore us to your grace,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Mt 13:43) //“The Lord used to speak to Moses face to face.” (Ex 33:11)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
When the world events tend to depress you, find strength and comfort in the reality of the “last things”. Let the Church teaching on the final judgment be a guidepost on your spiritual journey to God. // Resolve to spend some quiet moments during the day with the Lord and allow him to speak “face to face” with you.
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August 2, 2023: WEDNESDAY – WEEKDAY (17); SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI, Bishop; SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD, Priest
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Kingdom Is a Treasure … He Is the Splendor of God”
BIBLE READINGS
Ex 34:29-35 // Mt 13:44-46
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 13:44-46): “He sells all he has and buys the field.”
Jesus’ parable of the treasure hidden in the field and the parable of the finest pearl (Mt 13:44-46) underline the absolute value of the kingdom of God, the joy it brings and the total commitment it entails. The response of the treasure finder and the pearl merchant who sold all they had to buy the greatest treasure of their life is an example of how we should pursue the heavenly kingdom. It is the chance of a lifetime. It must be pursued at any cost – without regret or hesitation. The heavenly kingdom deserves our deepest love and concern. It is our utmost treasure and absolute good.
The following story, circulated on the Internet, gives insight into what must be our stance in order to achieve our true treasure.
Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times. The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.
One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone." Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated. Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. And our 1st wife is our Soul, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.
B. First Reading (Ex 34:29-35): “Seeing the face of Moses, they were afraid to come near him.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Ex 34:29-35) is about the radiance of Moses’ face that results from his intimate encounter with the Lord. As he goes down from Mount Sinai carrying the Ten Commandments, his face shines because he has been speaking with the Lord. The radiance of Moses’ face reflects the divine glory that he has contemplated and experienced on the holy mountain. Moreover, his shining face is a symbol of the authority he has received from God. Indeed, Moses’ face becomes radiant when he communes with God and when he fulfills his ministry of mediation on behalf of the people. The one who has been challenged and rejected by the Israelites as mediator now restores them in covenant. Moses, a figure of Jesus Christ, the splendor of God, is imbued with divine glory as he continues to participate faithfully in the divine saving plan.
In Moses’ selfless “self” the divine glory shines through. The radiance of the spirit shines when the “self” is overcome through contemplation and deep communing with the Absolute. We can glean this in the following story (cf. Anthony De Mello, Taking Flight: A Book of Story Meditations, New York: Image Books, 1988, p. 138).
A woodcarver called Ching had just finished work on a bell frame. Everyone who saw it marveled, for it seemed to be the work of spirits. When the Duke of Lu saw it, he asked, “What sort of genius is yours that you could make such a thing?”
The woodcarver replied, “Sire, I am only a simple workman. I am no genius. But there is one thing. When I am going to make a bell frame, I meditate for three days to calm my mind. When I have meditated for three days, I think no more about rewards and emoluments. When I have meditated for five days, I no longer think of praise or blame, skillfulness or awkwardness. When I have meditated for seven days, I suddenly forget my limbs, my body; no, I forget my very self. I have consciousness of the court and my surroundings. Only my skill remains.
“In that state I walk into the forest and examine each tree until I find one in which I see the bell frame in all its perfection. Then my hands go to the task. Having set myself aside, nature meets nature in the work that is performed through me. This, no doubt, is the reason why everyone says that the finished product is the work of the spirits.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we pursue the kingdom of God with the creative zeal of the treasure finder and the diligence of the pearl merchant? Do we consider the heavenly kingdom, fulfilled by Jesus Christ, our ultimate treasure and utmost good?
2. Have you experienced divine glory shining through you? What does it mean to be filled with the splendor of God’s glory? What are its implications?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Jesus,
you invite us to pursue the kingdom of God.
Grant us the creative zeal of the treasure finder
and the diligence of the merchant searching for fine pearls.
Help us to make the right choices.
Be our help and protection
in contentious situations and difficulties.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Almighty God,
your glory shines through in the face of Moses
after an intense commune with you.
His face also shines
as he carries out his ministry of mediation
on behalf of your people.
But the full splendor of your glory
rests upon your Son Jesus Christ.
Help us to be totally configured to Jesus
so that we, too, may share in your divine glory,
now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“He sells all that he has and buys the pearl of great price.” (Mt 13:45) //“His face had become radiant while he conversed with the Lord.” (Ex 34:29
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
In your daily choices, be conscious of what brings you closer to the kingdom of God and what draws you away from it. // Resolve to be faithful to the practice of meditation and contemplation. Allow this to shape you into persons capable of radiating the glory of God, just like Moses and Jesus, the Mediator par excellence.
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August 3, 2013: THURSDAY – WEEKDAY (17)
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Kingdom Is Like a Dragnet … In Him the Divine Glory Dwells in Us”
BIBLE READINGS
Ex 40:16-21, 34-38 // Mt 13:47-53
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 13:47-53): “They put what is good into buckets, what is bad they throw away.”
In today’s Gospel (Mt 13:47-63), Jesus gives us the parable of the dragnet. The dragnet, hauled to shore by fishermen, brings with it all the fish of the enclosed area. Some of the catch are inedible and some unclean according to Jewish law, and these will have to be thrown back into the sea. The good edible fish will be separated and put into buckets. The parable of the dragnet underlines the same point contained in the parable of the weeds growing among wheat: the good and bad exist together until the end of the age, when the Son of Man will make the final judgment.
At the conclusion of his series of parables, Jesus asks his disciples a significant question: “Do you understand all these things?” The disciples answered an emphatic “Yes”. The Divine Master has been helping them delve into the meaning of the kingdom of God with the use of parables. The disciples are like “scribes” who study the divine word. The “storeroom” of their lives contains what is “new” – the teaching of Jesus – and what is old – the law and prophets. They are called to see the radically new act of God in Christ in the light of the Old Testament tradition. They realize that Jesus’ message of the kingdom now takes precedence over the old and gives it new meaning.
The following story gives insight into how we will be judged at the end time (cf. Anthony de Mello, Taking Flight: A Book of Story Meditations, New York: Image Books, 1988, p. 137-138).
An old woman died and was taken to the Judgment Seat by the angels. While examining her records, however, the Judge could not find a single act of charity performed by her except for a carrot she had once given to a starving beggar.
Such, however, is the power of a single deed of love that it was decreed that she was to be taken up to heaven on the strength of that carrot. The carrot was brought to court and given her. The moment she caught hold of it, it began to rise as if pulled by some invisible strength, lifting her up toward the sky.
A beggar appeared. He clutched the hem of her garment and was lifted along with her; a third person caught hold of the beggar’s foot and was lifted too. Soon there was a long line of persons being lifted up to heaven by that carrot. And strange as it may seem, the woman did not feel the weight of all those people who held onto her; in fact, since she was looking heavenward, she did not see them
Higher and higher they rose until they were almost near the heavenly gates. That is when the woman looked back to catch a glimpse of the earth and saw this whole train of people behind her.
She was indignant! She gave an imperious wave of her hand and shouted, “Off! Off, all of you! This carrot is mine!” In making her imperious gesture, she let go of the carrot for a moment – and down she fell with the entire train.
There is only one cause for every evil on earth: “This belongs to me!”
B. First Reading (Ex 40:16-21, 34-38): “The cloud covered the meeting tent and the glory of the Lord filled the Dwelling.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Ex 40:16-21, 34-38) is about the preparation and the dedication of the “Tent of the Lord’s Presence” (also called the “Tabernacle” or the “Dwelling”). Moses meticulously follows God’s commands regarding the Tabernacle, the vesture and the anointing of priests. The Lord God then takes possession of the sanctuary and his glory fills the “Dwelling”. Israel’s care for the elements of worship is salutary. It enables Israel to experience the “divine beauty and glory”. Cultic elements are linked to, and manifest, the presence of the Lord among his people. The Book of Exodus concludes with a very consoling note of divine indwelling. As Israel journeys to the Promised Land, the cloud of the Lord’s presence covers the Tabernacle and the dazzling light of divine glory fills it.
Israel’s experience of “divine beauty and glory” through cultic and artistic elements gives them hope. In the same vein, Pope Benedict XVI, in his address to artists, gathered in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican in 2009, underlines how the experience of “divine beauty and glory” through the work of artists leads to hope (cf. Our Sunday Visitor, February 5, 2013, p. 12).
Dear friends, let us allow these frescoes to speak to us today, drawing us toward the ultimate goal of human history. The Last Judgment, which you see behind me, reminds us that human history is movement and ascent, a continuing tension toward fullness, toward human happiness, toward a horizon that always transcends the present moment even as the two coincide. Yet the dramatic scene portrayed in this fresco also places before our eyes the risk of man’s definitive fall, a risk that threatens to engulf him whenever he allows himself to be led astray by the forces of evil. So the fresco issues a strong prophetic cry against evil.
For believers, though, the Risen Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. For his faithful followers, he is the Door through which we are brought to that “face to face” vision of God from which limitless, full and definitive happiness flows. Thus Michelangelo presents to our gaze the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End of history, and he invites us to walk the path of life with joy, courage and hope. The dramatic beauty of Michelangelo’s painting, its colors and forms, becomes a proclamation of hope, an invitation to raise our gaze to the ultimate horizon.
The profound bond between beauty and hope was the essential content of the evocative Message that Paul VI addressed to artists at the conclusion of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council on December 8, 1965: “To all of you”, he proclaimed solemnly, “the Church of the Council declares through our lips: if you are friends of true art, you are our friends!” And he added: “This world in which we live needs beauty in order not to sink into despair. Beauty, like truth, brings joy to the human heart, and is that precious fruit which resists the erosion of time, which unites generations and enables them to be one in admiration. And all this through the work of your hands … Remember that you are the custodians of beauty in the world.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do I prepare myself for judgment day with acts of charity so that I may become an object of God’s mercy and saving grace? Do I treasure the radical newness of the Christ event and see it against the backdrop of the Law and the prophets?
2. How does the expression “the glory of the Lord filled the Dwelling” impact you? What are your experiences of “divine glory and beauty”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Jesus Lord,
at the end time,
let us be the object of your saving grace.
When the dragnet of our destiny is hauled into the eternal shore,
please count us among the redeemed.
Grant us divine wisdom so that,
as scribes of the kingdom,
we may delight in the radical newness of your saving work.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Almighty Father,
you are the font of beauty.
You fill with your glorious presence
the Tabernacle of the Ten Commandments tablets.
The works of Israel’s artists and craftsmen
adorn the Tabernacle of your divine presence.
Dwell in us with your beauty and grace
for we, too, are “tabernacles” of your Holy Spirit.
Transfigure us into the image of your Son Jesus Christ,
the Beauty that saves the world.
Let the works of artists and artisans
give you glory and praise, now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.” (Mt 13:47) //“The glory of the Lord filled the Dwelling.” (Ex 40:34)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your acts of mercy and kindness, prepare for the definitive encounter with God’s mercy and justice at the hour of death and at the end time. // Pray for artists that through their gifts and ministry the people of today may experience the divine beauty and glory. Do what you can to make the church where you worship conducive to prayer and a true dwelling place of the glory of God.
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August 4, 2023: FRIDAY – SAINT JOHN VIANNEY, Priest
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Experienced Rejection and He was Persecuted … He Calls Us to a Sacred Assembly”
BIBLE READINGS
Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37 // Mt 13:54-58
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 13:54-58): “Is he not the carpenter’s son? Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?”
In today’s Gospel episode (Mt 13:54-58), we come face to face with the mystery of a resisting and unbelieving heart. One can close one’s heart and mind to the Prophet of truth and Savior of the world. The townsfolk of Jesus are prejudiced by the utter ordinariness of his background. Jesus is amazed by the lack of faith that he found at Nazareth. The popular proverb he cites, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house”, situates him in line with all the prophets who were subjected to rejection by their co-citizens. Jesus is affected by the power of their unbelief and is not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. Jesus respects human freedom. The decision of an unbelieving and resisting heart, which negates the gratuitous offer of his love, is respected.
The Lord’s frustrating experience of “rejection” also surfaces in our daily life, in one way or another. This can be verified in Papa Mike’s ministry to the homeless (cf. Mike McGarvin, Poverello News, May 2012, p.1).
When homeless people tell me about the difficulties of their lives, I tend to be a good listener, which is why they talk to me, I suppose. However, I also have a habit of jumping in and giving them my opinion. Sometimes, it’s because I think that I can actually help them; other times, I see someone “stuck on stupid”, and I want to give him a reality check.
Like Rodney Dangerfield, it seems that when I offer my two cents’ worth, I don’t get any respect. It’s a little frustrating, because here I am, freely giving this person bits of McGarvin wisdom achieved through that famous School of Hard Knocks, and he completely ignores my advice. You’d think I’d learn to just shut up, but I guess I can’t help myself.
One woman approached me during a lunch meal and, talking very fast, told me how bad things were getting “out there”. She said she doesn’t drink or use drugs anymore, but she doesn’t seem to get away from those who do. I suggested she stay at Naomi’s House, a suggestion that was quickly rejected. This woman suffers from schizophrenia, which may account for her reluctance to accept help, but it was yet another case where I gave someone a good suggestion that was ignored.
B. First Reading (Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37): “These are the festivals of the Lord on which you shall proclaim a sacred assembly.”
We begin today the readings from the Book of Leviticus. It is a call to a life of holiness founded on the presence of the “Holy One” dwelling among his Chosen People. Today’s Old Testament reading (Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37) presents the liturgical calendar of Israel. It is a schedule of important feasts to be celebrated with a holy assembly. God himself calls his people to assemble and celebrate these festivals: the feast of the Passover and Unleavened Bread, the feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Day of Atonement, and the feast of Booths (called also Tabernacles, Tents, Ingathering, or Sukkot).
The feast of Passover celebrates Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt through God’s mighty hand. The Jewish pastoral rite of Passover becomes enriched with the springtime agricultural feast of the Unleavened Bread (Massot), which honors God, as the Lord of the harvest and of new beginnings. The feast of Weeks (also known as Pentecost) is celebrated seven weeks after the feast of the Unleavened Bread and marks the conclusion of the wheat harvest and the offering of the first fruits. The feast of Pentecost becomes a fitting commemoration of the gift of the Torah at Mount Sinai and of the spiritual gifts that result from it. The Day of Atonement is a day of fasting and sacrifice in atonement and reparation for the sins of the people. The feast of Booths, celebrated at the autumn harvest, commemorates the “booths” made from branches and the tent dwelling of the Israelites in their desert sojourn. This feast reminds God’s people that they are still on pilgrimage.
These annual festivals celebrated with a “sacred assembly” (that is, with the active participation of God’s people) help them to be attuned to God’s word. In these festivals and in their religious observance of the Sabbath, they are able to focus their attention on the Lord and discover more deeply that he alone is God. They empower them to contemplate the saving events in their life as God’s Chosen People and “to remember” the transforming marvels God has done.
The freedom to worship and to come in a “sacred assembly” ought not to be taken for granted. The following story illustrates this (cf. Rhoda Blecker, January 30 Reflection in Daily Guideposts 2010, p. 35).
Saturday morning services had become kind of routine. We sang the same songs; we said the same prayers. Some of the joy and mindfulness had gone out of worship, and most of us hadn’t actually noticed that we were only going through the motions.
Then one Saturday a woman we had never seen before came to a service with our social action chairwoman Clara. The new woman seemed nervous, despite the welcome we gave her. Clara explained that she had recently come over from the former Soviet Union, where she had not been allowed to attend a synagogue or even to admit openly that she had a religion.
Instead of having the Torah carried through the congregation before it was read, our rabbi created a ritual of passing it from person to person. Each of us took the velvet-covered scroll from the person on one side of us and passed it to the person on the other. It all went as usual until Clara held out the Torah to the Russian woman.
For a moment she was just frozen, staring at it. Then she reached out, hands shaking, and let Clara put the scroll into them. She slowly lowered her head over the Torah, cradling it, and silently she began to cry. Several minutes went by before she could turn and let the person on her other side take the Torah from her.
We were stunned, and as the Torah made its way through the rest of us and up the platform for reading, our surprise became excitement. The Russian woman had reminded us of how precious the freedom to worship together was and that we must never let it become routine.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. What is our response to experiences of rejection? Are we gracious, or do we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by frustration?
2. What is our attitude toward “sacred assembly” and the call to worship as members of God’s people?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
your co-citizens were scandalized
by your humble “roots”.
You were not able to perform many mighty deeds in Nazareth
for the people’s lack of faith.
You are the true prophet who speaks the word of life.
Grant us the strength and the courage needed
to be true prophets like you.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Gracious Father,
great are your works.
How gracious you are
in calling us to celebrate your saving marvels
in a “sacred assembly”.
Let our festivals be life-transforming
and help us to be thankful
for the freedom to worship as Church.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.” (Mt 13:58) //“These are the festivals of the Lord which you shall celebrate at their proper time with a sacred assembly.” (Lv 23:1)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
In reparation for the rejection suffered by Jesus from his neighbors, do not react negatively to someone who treats you with hostility, but rather, respond to him/her with an act of kindness. // Be mindful of the great gift to freely assemble to worship. Resolve to participate more actively, consciously and fruitfully in the Church liturgy.
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August 5, 2023: SATURDAY – WEEKDAY (17); THE DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF SAINT MARY MAJOR; BVM ON SATURDAY
“JESUS SAVIOR: The Baptist Shared in His Paschal Destiny … He Proclaims the Great Jubilee of Salvation”
BIBLE READINGS
Lv 25:1, 8-17 // Mt 14:1-12
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 14:1-12): “Herod had John beheaded. John’s disciples came and told Jesus.”
In the Gospel (Mt 14:1-12) we hear that in upholding the integrity of moral truth against the malice of King Herod and his partner Herodias, John suffered martyrdom. His death was an intimate participation in the paschal destiny of the Messiah, of whom he was the precursor. In sharing intimately the universal work of salvation of Jesus Christ, the words of Yahweh in the Second Servant Song, could also be applied not only to Jesus but also to John: “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth” (Is 49:6).
The courageous stance of John the Baptist in defense of truth and justice lives on in the Christian disciples of today’s world. This is marvelously illustrated in the lives of Fr. Gregory Schaffer and Fr. Rother (cf. Kayla Ann Smith, “Standing for Guatemalans” in Maryknoll, May-June 2005, p. 19-21). Kayla, a Minnesota teen inspired by those who champion oppressed Central Americans, writes:
Father Schaffer’s true courage to stand up for the poor of Guatemala was put to the test when, in the 1980’s, there were armed campaigns pointed at the natives of Guatemala. Even though the priest from the New Ulm Diocese knew he could be killed at any time for helping the indigents of Guatemala, he remained with the people he had come to love. He was in an especially dangerous position, since he was aiding the innocent of Guatemala as well as being a Catholic priest. Through his many acts of charity, he spoke plainly and boldly that the poor cannot be ignored, and that we are called to help the less fortunate.
Soon Father Schaffer found that he had been put on a death list. Although the fact of possible death would have scared many people to leave the terrorized country, Father Schaffer remained in Guatemala. He barely saved his life by convincing a military commander that he was not an ally of the guerrilla terrorists. Father Rother, who was a priest in the neighboring town, Santiago de Atitlan, was not as fortunate as Father Schaffer. Father Rother was murdered by the death squads. The farmer’s son turned priest from Okarche, Oklahoma, paid the ultimate price for being a soldier of Christ.
The loss of Father Schaffer’s fellow priest friend saddened him almost to the point of anger until he realized that Father Rother’s passing would be a powerful event that united all the people.
B. First Reading (Lv 25:1, 8-17): “In the year of the jubilee you shall return, everyone of you, to your own property.”
In today’s First Reading (Lv 25:1, 8-17), God establishes in Israel the observance of the Jubilee. This fiftieth year, announced on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), is to be a sacred time proclaiming “liberty” for all. The goals of the Jubilee Year are human liberation (releasing captives and so curbing the institution of slavery), economic liberation (restoring land to its original owner and so controlling the distribution of wealth), and ecological liberation (respecting the earth and the animals on it by allowing them to rest and replenish themselves).
The biblical scholar Armando Levoratti comments: “The legislation associated with the Year of Jubilee presents the most radical program for continuous social reform to be found in the Old Testament. The main purpose of these laws is to prevent the utter ruin of debtors. People who incurred debts they could not repay could be forced to sell off their land or even their personal freedom by becoming slaves. When left unchecked this process leads to serious social division, with a class of rich landowners exploiting a mass of landless serfs. Leviticus 25 prohibits all the people of Israel from selling themselves or their land permanently. Therefore Israelites may only rent out their land or their labor for a maximum of 49 years. At the end of that period those who have been enslaved return to their families, and the land sold during the preceding years was to be returned to the original owners or their descendants.
Israel’s Jubilee celebration prefigures the day when God’s reign would be finally and fully revealed. In the fullness of time, Jesus Christ proclaims the great Jubilee of salvation and by his paschal offering on the cross makes it operative for all peoples and creation. The Church’s “Great Jubilee of Redemption” at the beginning of the new millennium fosters the salutary effect of the “Jubilee of salvation” ushered in by our Lord Jesus Christ. The following song composed by the Filipino priest Carlo Magno S. Marcelo captures the meaning of the Christian Jubilee.
THE JUBILEE SONG
It’s a time of joy, a time of peace,
a time when hearts are then set free,
a time to heal the wounds of division.
It’s a time of grace, a time of hope,
a time of sharing the gifts we have,
a time to build the world that is one.
Refrain:
It’s a time to give thanks to the Father, Son, and Spirit,
and with Mary, our Mother, we sing this song.
Open your hearts to the Lord
and begin to see the mystery
that we are all together as one family.
No more walls, no more chains,
no more selfishness and closed doors
for we are in the fullness of God’s time.
It’s the time of the Great Jubilee!
It’s a time of prayer, a time of praise,
a time to lift our hands to God,
a time to recall all our graces.
It’s a time to touch, a time to reach
those hearts that often wander,
a time to bring them back to God’s embrace. (Refrain)
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Like John the Baptist, are we prophets of truth and are we ready to undergo sacrifice for the sake of truth?
2. What does the Jubilee Year, established by the Lord for the observance of Israel, mean to us? What does the Great Jubilee of salvation ushered in by Jesus mean to us?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
God our Father,
you called John the Baptist
to be the herald of your Son’s birth and death.
As he gave his life in witness to truth and justice,
so may we strive to profess our faith in your Gospel.
When persecuted for our faith,
let us feel your saving power.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Father,
in your great compassion you establish the Jubilee Year
for the observance of Israel.
This is meant to bring liberation
to people, the land and all that dwell therein.
And for this we greatly thank you.
Above all, we give you glory and praise for Jesus Christ
for his “Great Jubilee of salvation”.
Help us to treasure the spirit of the Christian Jubilee
and let it transform our life.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.
“Herod had John beheaded in the prison.” (Mt 14:10) //“It shall be a jubilee for you, when every one of you shall return to his own property.” (Lv 25:10)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for Christian disciples who promote God’s kingdom of truth and justice. In your daily life, endeavor to be a prophet of truth. Pray for the persecuted Christians and for the courage to be peaceful. // By your acts of compassion and Christian charity, help those who are enslaved by any form of addiction to be set free.
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Prepared by Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang PDDM
PIAE DISCIPULAE DIVINI MAGISTRI
SISTER DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER
60 Sunset Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314
Tel. (718) 494-8597 // (718) 761-2323
Website: WWW.PDDM.US