A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday and Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 10, n.13)
WEEK 7 IN ORDINARY TIME: February 19-25, 2012 ***
(N.B. The pastoral tool BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD: A LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY LITURGY includes a prayerful study of the Sunday liturgy of Year B from three perspectives. For reflections on the Sunday liturgy based on the Gospel reading, please scroll up to the “ARCHIVES” above and open Series 1. For reflections based on the Old Testament reading, open Series 4. For reflections based on the Second Reading, open Series 7. Please go to Series 10 for the back issues of the Weekday Lectio.)
Series 10 presents A LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: February 19-25, 2012. The following reflections are based on the weekday liturgy’s Gospel reading.)
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February 19, 2012 (Sunday): 7th SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Heals and Forgives”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 43:18-19,21-22,24b-25 // II Cor 1:18-22 // Mk 2:1-12
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word, is God’s “YES” to our cry for forgiveness and healing. He is the “YES” that fulfilled the Father’s saving plan. It is also through Jesus that our “AMEN” is given to God in response to his healing and forgiving love. The healing of the paralytic and the forgiveness of his sins (Mk 2:1-12) shows that God’s benevolent “YES” is fully at work. The paralytic is restored in both body and soul. The messianic activities of Jesus underline the tender compassion of our merciful and forgiving God.
In the following story, replete with charm and inspiration, we can see the forgiving stance of Jesus at work in the life of a remarkable couple (cf. Lola Walter, “Tale of Two Houses” in GUIDEPOSTS, Large Print Edition, December 1997, p. 169-180). The young couple Lola and Glenn, struggling through financial constraint and the effects of the Great Depression, had to resort to the arrangement of a used-car dealer when their old vehicle broke down beyond repair.
The sign at the lot advertised easy credit, just what we needed. The owner, a husky man in his mid 30’s, treated us like old friends. He picked out a good, clean Chevrolet sedan. “This one’ll do you real fine,” he promised, and we settled on a price before heading to his office. “My wife will type up the contract,” he said, gesturing to the prim blond woman who smiled at us shyly as she slipped onto a stool. In minutes she pulled the paper from the roller bar. Ceremoniously her husband passed the contract to Glenn. “If the details are agreeable to you, sir …” he said. We met our payments faithfully – paid to the car dealer in person, in cash - and rejoiced when half the coupons in the credit book were gone. (…)
Not long after, we got a strange visitor. “I’m a bank officer, ma’am,” the man explained. “I’d like to talk to you and your husband about your car payments.” I wiped my hands on my apron. What is there to talk about? The contract was filed in our strong box with other important papers; the deal was legitimate. But something told me this man didn’t have good news. “Please come in,” I said warily. I held the screen door and called my husband. “This man’s come from the bank.” I filled Glenn in as we sat down around the kitchen table. “Oh?” Glenn said. “And what brings you out this afternoon?” The man explained that our car dealer had financed his business through the bank, and the bank owned the contract we signed. “We’ve not received a single payment on that car, Mr. and Mrs. Walters. You’re a year delinquent on the loan – with interest.” “There must be some mistake,” Glenn said. “No mistake, Mr. Walters. I’m sorry to have to tell you that unless you bring the debt up to date, the bank will repossess the car.” (…) I tried to calm down while Glenn saw the bank officer to the door. Surely the dealer had some explanation.
But when we got to the car lot, the easy credit sign was gone. The place had been shut down. We learned the car dealer had filed for bankruptcy. More than likely he had pocketed our payments. We convinced the bank we were victims of fraud. Payments were extended another year and bank interest was waived. We started from scratch … While we made do in our barely patched house, the car dealer continued to live in his big, beautiful home. Bitterness filled my heart every time we passed it. I never saw the wife in their big fancy car anymore. Vacation? I wondered sarcastically. And then we saw her working at the assessor’s office when we went to file some documents. I had to restrain myself from telling her off. Apparently her husband didn’t need to work, for at any time of any day we saw him walking the streets in fashionable dark glasses. Trying to look debonair, I thought with contempt.
About the time we were again down to 12 payment slips, we were shocked to read that the car dealer had found his wife dead from an overdose of sleeping pills. I was thankful I had held my temper around the unhappy woman. The next time I saw the car dealer walking the streets near his home, decked out in his dark glasses even though the day was overcast, I was even more disgusted. If I ever got the opportunity, I would tell that man one thing: “You ought to feel ashamed of your dishonest dealings.” That would give me a great deal of satisfaction.”
During the next years we paid off the car debt … The first winter in our new, improved, insulated house, I cooked every holiday dish I could think of … After the blessing over the food, Glenn dished up a bowl of soup and began to eat, in silence. “Is something wrong?” I asked. “I picked up Fred.” The car dealer? We hardly ever spoke his name. “You gave that cheat a ride?” I demanded. “Why?” “You don’t understand,” Glenn said slowly. “He was lying on a snow bank in front of his house. I helped him inside. It was a mess in there. He was mumbling about his wife.” I had noticed in the last few years the dealer had grown thin and his walk had become unsteady. He seemed to let his house go too. But I had paid little attention to his troubles. My only thoughts regarding him were angry ones, focused on his dishonesty. For the first time I considered that he was a man with his own problems. “Was he drunk?” I asked. Glenn nodded. “He could have frozen to death.” (…)
It’s hard to reach out to someone in need – sometimes impossible, if not plainly inappropriate. But I had not even taken the first step, the step I owed it to my faith to take: After all that time I had not forgiven this man in my heart. Fred disappeared soon after Glenn stopped to help him. We never saw him again. But I think about him often, and pray for him … Forgiving him has been a step-by-step process … And if I could tell Fred only one thing, I would say, “I forgive you, completely.” It would give me a great deal of satisfaction.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
How do the acts of forgiveness and healing accomplished by Jesus on behalf of the paralytic affect you? How does his saving “Yes” inspire you?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father, we thank you for your faithful Son Jesus. His gracious “YES” accomplished our healing and salvation. Like the paralytic, lovingly brought to Jesus by his ingenious friends, let us hear your healing and forgiving words. With Saint Paul the apostle and the entire Church, we offer you our “AMEN” through Jesus Christ. We bless you and worship you. We love you and we pledge our faithful service to you, 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.
“Your sins are forgiven.” (cf. Mk 2:5)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Through a life of integrity and charity, enable the people around you to experience the Father’s healing and forgiving “YES” in Jesus Christ.
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February 20, 2012 (Monday): WEEKDAY (7)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Faith”
BIBLE READINGS
Jas 3:13-18 // Mk 9:14-29
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The transfiguration story, which precedes today’s episode, is a figure of the future risen glory of Jesus. In the same way, the story of the disciples trying to heal an epileptic boy and dealing with argumentative scribes is a figure of the challenges the future Church would experience in attempting to do his works. The effort of the disciples to drive out the evil spirit from the boy was futile. The scribes must have outclassed them in discussion as well. The disciples felt powerless. But the Divine Master showed them what it means to keep faith: “Everything is possible to one who has faith.” The boy’s father, stirred by an inchoative faith, confessed: “I do believe; help my unbelief.” Jesus thus exorcised the evil spirit and the boy was healed. The miracle healing of the boy reiterates Jesus’ messianic power. It is also a powerful lesson and an urgent invitation to his disciples to trust in him. Prayer is a sign of faith. By faith the Christian disciples will experience power to carry out his saving work, through time and space.
The following charming story gives us insight into the faith of a holy man and the marvels that God would accomplish through him (cf. Anthony De Mello, TAKING FLIGHT: A Book of Story Meditations, New York: Image Books/Doubleday, 1990, p. 110-111).
There once lived a man so godly that even the angels rejoiced at the sight of him. But, in spite of his great holiness, he had no notion that he was holy. He just went about his humble tasks, diffusing goodness the way flowers unselfconsciously diffuse their fragrance and streetlights their glow. His holiness lay in this – that he forgot each person’s past and looked at them as they were now, and he looked beyond each person’s appearance to the very center of their being, where they were innocent and blameless and too ignorant to know what they were doing. Thus he loved and forgave everyone he met – and he saw nothing extraordinary in this, for it was the result of his way at looking at people.
One day an angel said to him, “I have been sent to you by God. Ask for anything you wish and it will be given to you. Would you wish to have the gift of healing?” “No”, said the man. “I’d rather God did the healing himself.” “Would you want to bring sinners back to the path of righteousness?” “No”, he said, “it is not for me to touch human hearts. That is the work of angels.” “Would you like to be such a model of virtue that people will be drawn to imitate you?” “No”, said the saint, “for that would make me the center of attention.” “What then do you wish for?” asked the angel. “The grace of God”, was the man’s reply. “Having that, I have all I desire.”
“No, you must ask for some miracle”, said the angel, “or one will be forced on you.” “Well, then I shall ask for this: let good be done through me without my being aware of it.”
So it was decreed that the holy man’s shadow would be endowed with healing properties whenever it fell behind him. So everywhere his shadow fell – provided he had his back to it – the sick were healed, the land became fertile, fountains spring to life, and the color returned to the faces of those who were weighed down by life’s sorrow.
But the saint knew nothing of this because the attention of people was so centered on the shadow that they forgot about the man. And so his wish that good be done through him and that he be forgotten was abundantly filled.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do I trust God and put faith in him that he will give me strength to do his saving work?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus, the epileptic boy needed healing. The boy’s father confessed his faith and begged you to increase his rudimentary faith. You healed the boy in response to his prayer of faith. We – your disciples - are called to bring your power and wisdom to a wounded world. Without you, we are powerless and our good efforts are futile. With faith in you we can do all things. Loving Lord, we have faith, but not enough. Strengthen our feeble faith. Teach us the meaning of prayer and trust in your grace. You are our savior and we love and serve you, 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.
“I do believe; help my unbelief.” (cf. Mk 9:24)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Offer a simple prayer of faith in Jesus. Accompany your daily act of charity with a prayer of faith.
***
February 21, 2012 (Tuesday): SAINT PETER DAMIAN, bishop, doctor, optional memorial
“JESUS SAVIOR: He is the Servant of All”
BIBLE READINGS
Jas 4:1-10 // Mk 9:30-37
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
After healing the epileptic boy and the lesson on faith, Jesus and his disciples left the place and went on through Galilee. He spoke again about his passion, death and resurrection, but his disciples did not understand. Though afraid to ask what he meant, they did not have any qualms about arguing who among them was the greatest. At a house in Capernaum, Jesus thus patiently tried to enlighten their hearts. Teaching them to overcome their wicked ambition, Jesus put in their midst a child, symbol of poverty and powerlessness. To be first is to serve. True greatness consists in service and in caring for the weak and vulnerable.
Jesus is the ultimate servant. By his passion and death on the cross, he offered himself totally at the service of the Father’s saving will. By his life-giving sacrifice, the Servant Messiah embraced infinitely all the “children of God”, especially the poor and vulnerable. A moral test of a society is how we treat the weakest among us: the unborn, those dealing with disabilities and terminal illness, the poor and marginalized. Those who are in greatest need deserve our preferential treatment. In our preferential option for the poor and in our care for the weak, we truly embrace God’s children. Like Jesus Christ, we become the “servant of all”.
The following story, circulated through the Internet, is very touching. It illustrates a compassionate stance on behalf of a needy child and his loved ones.
I was walking in a Walmart store, when I saw a cashier hand this little boy some money back. The boy couldn’t have been more than 5 or 6 years old. The cashier said, “I’m sorry, but you don’t have enough money for this doll.” Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him, “Granny, are you sure I don’t have enough money to buy this doll?” “No, my dear.” Then she asked him to stay there for just five minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly. The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.
Finally, I walked toward him and asked him who he wished to give his doll to. “It’s the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.” I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly, “No, Santa Claus can’t bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my Mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.” His eyes were so sad while saying this, “My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.”
My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said, “I told Daddy to tell Mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.” Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing. He then told me, “I want Mommy to take my picture with her so she won’t forget me. I love my Mommy and I wish she didn’t have to leave me, but Daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.”
Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy, “Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!” “OK” he said, “I hope I do have enough.” I added some of my money without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money. The little boy said, “Thank you God for giving me enough money!” Then he looked at me and said, “I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that Mommy could give it to my sister. He heard me! I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my Mommy, but I didn’t dare to ask God for too much. But he gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose. My Mommy loves white roses.”
A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket. I finished my shopping in a totally different state of mind from when I started. I couldn’t get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local newspaper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy?
Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the newspaper that the young woman had passed away. I couldn’t stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still to this day, hard to imagine, and in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Are our hearts blinded with ambition and are we unable to be the “servant of all”? Do we endeavor to welcome the needy and vulnerable “children of God” in our midst?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O Jesus, you are the ultimate servant and the “servant of all” by your life-giving sacrifice on the cross. We thank you for your service of life and love through your passion, death and resurrection. Help us to be first by our serving love. Give us the grace to welcome the poor, the needy, the vulnerable – all the children of God. Enrich us in our poverty and empower us in our weakness for we wish to serve our needy brothers and sisters. We rejoice in your love and we praise you, 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.
“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (cf. Mk 9:35)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that the Christian disciples may be strengthened in faith and may have the grace to serve the poor and the needy children of God. In your acts of charity, enable the people around you to feel the love of Christ, the “servant of all”.
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February 22, 2012 (Wednesday): ASH WEDNESDAY
“LENT: A Time for Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting”
BIBLE READINGS
Jl 2:12-18 // II Cor 5:20-6:2 // Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
With Ash Wednesday we begin the Lenten season. Lent is a sacramental sign of our conversion and participation in the sacred mystery of Christ, who fasted, was tempted and remained victorious over temptation. Today we are signed with ashes, symbol of penance and mortality, as well as of our hope and desire for renewal in Jesus.
The sacred season of Lent is specially marked with prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Today’s Gospel reading invites us to a genuine practice of these traditional works of piety and to reject hypocritical practices. Jesus criticizes pious self-display but not the pious actions themselves. He upholds public prayer, but not religious showiness. He does not object to fasting, for he himself fasted forty days, but its spurious practice to gain self-recognition.
The Lenten works of prayer, fasting and alms-giving enable us to participate more intimately in the life of Christ, who fasted, prayed and gave himself totally to the Father’s saving will. We exercise fasting for a new beginning and to open ourselves to God’s vision, to express our penance, invoke God’s mercy, and to obtain greater self-control. Physical fasting, though a typical expression of the Lenten practice, does not exhaust its meaning. It includes other forms of salutary abstinence in every sector, e.g. fasting from criticism, reduced use of electronics media, etc. True prayer is personal communion with God and the “full offering” of ourselves to him. Prayer attunes us to listen to God and prepares us to do his will. Real fasting and true prayer lead to charity and service … to alms-giving. Fasting and prayer inspire not only alms-giving but above all personal self-giving and community-communion.
The following account gives insight into the laudable spiritual practice of prayer, fasting and alms-giving (cf. Flavio Rocha, “Missioner Tales” in MARYKNOLL, April 10, 2010, p.7).
Good Friday is a day of prayer and fasting for all Catholics, but people understand this in different ways. In the town of Duas Estradas, where I grew up in northeastern Brazil, poor people go from house to house asking for their “fasting”. The food that they collect will nourish their families for a couple of weeks. A similar tradition is to exchange the “fasting” of fruits, sweets or fish with families and friends. One year my mom used this ritual of reconciliation. She and her sister-in-law hadn’t talked to each other in more than a year after a dispute. One Good Friday morning, my mother took fruit to her sister-in-law and said, “Here is your fasting.” My aunt thanked her and later that day brought my mom’s fasting and they were reunited. Fasting is more than not eating; it is the cleansing of our hearts of anger and stubbornness to embrace the promise of the Resurrection.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do I endeavor to apply myself to the Lenten works of prayer, fasting and alms-giving?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus, we thank you for the gift of ashes, sign of mortality and penance, symbol of hope and renewal. We rise again from ashes. With your gift of the Holy Spirit, we are renewed and Lent becomes for us a springtime of hope. Help us to dedicate ourselves to prayer, fasting and alms-giving that we may truly live in you and you in us. We promise to listen to your Word. Give us the grace to follow you closely in this Lenten journey to Easter glory. 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.
“Your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” (cf. Mt 6:3)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Through fasting, prayer and alms-giving, let the needy and suffering people in our midst experience a springtime of hope.
***
February 23, 2012 (Thursday): LENTEN WEEKDAY
“LENT: A Time to Take Up the Cross”
BIBLE READINGS
Dt 30:15-20 // Lk 9:22-25
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Lent is a favorable time to discover what Christian discipleship means. The Gospel reading today gives beautiful insight into it. Discipleship is to take up the cross and follow Christ through the narrow path that leads to life. Lent is a privileged time to follow Christ through the rigors of discipline, sacrifice and self-denial to the joy of Easter.
At the beginning of our Lenten journey, let us remember the words of St. Andrew of Crete: “Had there been no cross, Christ would not have been crucified. Had there been no cross, life itself would not have been nailed to the tree. And if life had not been nailed to it, there would be no streams of immortality pouring from Christ’s side, blood and water for the world’s cleansing. Therefore, the cross is something wonderfully great and honorable. The cross is called Christ’s glory; it is saluted as his triumph.”
The following charming story shows how to bear the cross of mutual charity in our daily life (cf. Fr. Rich Broderick, “Missioner Tales” in MARYKNOLL, May/June, 2010, p.7). With a spirit of love, fraternal service becomes a life-giving “cross” that is possible to bear and easier to carry.
As a diocesan priest in Albany, N.Y, I also serve a few months a year in Guatemala. One day, three women from the States accompanied me for Mass in an indigenous hamlet in the Guatemalan hills. Although one of the women, Arlene, used a wheelchair, I saw no problem, as the church was only a 20-minute drive away. But when we got to the church, we learned that Mass would be at a home more than a half mile away – on foot down a steep dirt and rock footpath. Clearly, Arlene’s wheelchair wasn’t going to make it.
Knowing the men of these rural communities regularly carry their sick to the road on their backs, I squatted down like a frog and Arlene climbed aboard. My knees felt as if they would buckle! Yet I was able to ease us down one step and one breath at a time. We celebrated a joyful Mass with about 75 Mayan people.
Then the dreaded return. This time a Mayan man said, “Padre, just put her on my back.” We did as instructed and up the hill he went with no stops. He didn’t even break a sweat and was waiting by the car with Arlene still on his back when we caught up!
A profusion of thanks drew only a humble “No es nada” (It’s nothing) from our Good Samaritan, while I wondered if I might find a chiropractor in one of the villages.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Are we willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus on the narrow road that leads to life? How do we bear the cross in our daily life?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Jesus Lord, we thank you for the sacred season of Lent. We bless you for giving us the grace to delve into the meaning of discipleship and the challenge to take up the cross and follow you all the way. We pray that we may follow you faithfully and bear the life-giving cross with joyful courage. Let the sign of the cross bring salvation to all. We adore you, we praise you and we serve you, 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.
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Lk 9:23)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for those who find the cross of their daily lives overwhelming and burdensome. In your own way and doing the best you can, try to alleviate the sufferings of the people around you.
***
February 24, 2012 (Friday): LENTEN WEEKDAY
“LENT: A Time to Fast”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 58:1-9a // Mt 9:14-15
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Unlike the Pharisees and John’s disciples, the disciples of Jesus did not have the ascetic discipline of fasting. Jesus explained to the followers of John who raised the issue that for the Christian disciples it was not yet opportune to fast. Guests at a wedding party do not fast, but rejoice in the presence of the bridegroom. In the same way, the sojourn of Jesus with his disciples was a time of intimate bonding and not of mourning. Hence, fasting, or other symbols of grief or mourning, was out of place. In his public ministry, Jesus was using every moment to lead his disciples to an intimate participation in his paschal destiny. With his paschal mystery brought to completion and radical salvation achieved, then his disciples would fast for a very special motive … a Christ-centered motive. Christian disciples, through time and space, would fast that they may be more sensitive to the face of Christ present in the plight of the hungry poor, the needy and the weak. During the Lenten season, they especially dedicate themselves to fasting that they may become more receptive to the saving will of God and efficaciously participate in the compassionate works of Christ.
The following excerpt gives suggestions on meaningful ways of doing the Lenten fast (cf. Jeanne Hunt, “Cleaning Our Spiritual Closets” in ST. ANTHONY MESSENGER, February 2012, p. 36-40).
MY FAVORITE LENTEN FASTS
* Proclaim an electronic fast on weekends. That means no iPad, iPod, Blackberry or computer until Monday morning. Then spend the resulting free time visiting people you love and spending quality time with your spouse and children.
* Stay out of unnecessary stores during Lent. Anything beyond the grocery store, pharmacy, etc. is off-limits. Instead of adding more stuff during Lent, give away or throw away three things each day before Easter.
* Go green in a big way. Every day perform a Lenten “random act of kindness for the earth”. Keep a journal of your green project work, and after Easter do these acts regularly.
* Fast from media during Lent. Stop watching TV or Internet news or even listening to the radio. For 40 days, turn your thoughts to God. Choose to spend your time reading a book or magazine that feeds your soul.
* Walk everywhere you can. Limit gas usage to a certain amount and make it last all week. Each day, walk with God. Simply imagine that you and Jesus are running or walking side by side. Talk to him and listen to him.
These are only a few suggestions that can impact your life. We need to look at our lives objectively, honestly recognizing our weaknesses. Design a fast that responds to those weaknesses. And, most of all, don’t do something that comes easily. Your Lenten workout should hurt a little. We will know when we are changing for good when it takes effort to do the deed.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
What forms of Lenten fast do I resolve to do this year? How can I derive the best fruits from my Lenten fast?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O Jesus Savior, when you sojourned on earth with your disciples, you did not require them to fast. But now that your paschal mystery is complete, we need to fast so that we may have clearer vision and be more ready to follow your call. Help us to perceive your presence in the poor and the weak and attend to their needs. Grant that our discipline of fasting may bear fruit in concrete works of charity and justice. Let our Lenten sacrifice hasten the coming of your kingdom. We love you and serve you. We bless you and glorify you, 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.
“They will fast.” (Mt 9:15).
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Let the fruits of your Lenten fast and renunciation be destined for the victims of natural and man-made calamities and/or the needy people in your local community.
***
February 25, 2012 (Saturday): LENTEN WEEKDAY
“LENT: A Time to Feast”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 58:9b-14 // Lk 5:27-32
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
In his public ministry, Jesus did not impose fasting on his disciples though he himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness. In today’s Gospel episode, we see Jesus feasting! He had joined an awesome party celebrating Levi’s conversion and new-found calling. The feast included a large number of tax collectors and other guests. The Pharisees and scribes complained that Jesus was eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners. But Jesus defended his table fellowship with sinners and outcasts. They needed him and he came to call them to repentance and healing. The “righteous”, however, do not need a savior just as the healthy do not need a doctor. With Jesus present, the banquet hosted by Levi became a feast of God’s kingdom … a joyous celebration of conversion and coming home … a figure of the supper of the Lamb at the end time. The season of Lent invites us to a deeper fellowship with Jesus and with one another at the table of the Word and the Eucharist.
Like the feast-loving Jesus Savior, Mike McGarvin, the founder of POVERELLO HOUSE in Fresno, knows the importance of table fellowship and meal ministry. Following the “Iron Chef” competition between the cooks in the drug rehab program and the chefs-in-training at the Institute of Technology, “Papa Mike” treated the resident cooks to a breakfast at his favorite diner, Café 309. That experience broadened the addicts’ perspectives and helped them see that there is so much to admire and enjoy in a world of sobriety. The following is an account of Doug, one of those who joined the breakfast (cf. “The Simple Joys of Food and Fellowship” in POVERELLO NEWS, February 2011, p. 3-4).
The 309 Café had a home-like atmosphere that was inviting to people that liked to be regulars somewhere. The restaurant was old-looking, but very, very clean. The walls weren’t marked up and all the tables and chairs were very, very shiny … The food was hot and great-tasting and I liked that they had no problem with me ordering something odd, like rye toast.
The waitress was good and very friendly and made me feel at ease. I was impressed by her. I wasn’t surprised when she patted Papa Mike’s back, because you could tell she knew him well as a regular customer, but I was wowed when she put her hand on Anthony’s shoulder, who was a first-time customer. That type of caring is probably why they are doing well in the restaurant business.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we realize the importance and beauty of Jesus’ table fellowship and meal ministry? Do we imitate his tender loving care for the needy, the sinners and the marginalized?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus, you peered into Levi’s heart and saw his noble hope and genuine compunction. You joined him at table and enjoyed fellowship with the crowd of tax-collectors and outcasts. You feasted with joy at the celebration of a “sinner” turned disciple. By your presence at Levi’s house, you turned his party into the banquet of God’s kingdom and a celebration of homecoming. Give us the grace during this Lenten season to participate more deeply, actively and consciously at the table of the Word and the Eucharist. Help us to seek the lost and lead them to the supper of the Lamb. We bless you and praise you for you are the victorious Lamb and our gracious host, 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. “They were at table with Jesus.” (Lk 5:29)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Let the meals that you share be as pleasant and spiritually rewarding as possible and an occasion for healing and bonding. During the Lenten season, give quality time to family meals.
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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