A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 22, n.35)
Week 17 in Ordinary Time: July 28 – August 3, 2024
(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 21-27, 2024 please go to ARCHIVES Series 21 and click on “Ordinary Week 16”.
Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: July 28 – August 3, 2024.)
*** *** ***
July 28, 2024: SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B
WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Bread to Be Shared”
BIBLICAL READINGS
2 Kgs 4:42-44 // Eph 4:1-6 // Jn 6:1-15
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 6:1-15): “He distributed as much as they wanted to those who were reclining.”
Today’s Gospel reading (Jn 6:1-15) reminds me of a true story for inspiration that I read in Guideposts magazine. A housewife was worried. Some friends from out of town called up for an impromptu visit. She and her husband were delighted to see them, but she was troubled because there was not enough food in the house. They had been working on a shoestring budget and the pantry was practically empty. She went to her bedroom to pray. Then she heard a kindly voice assuring her, “You have food to serve.” She went to the kitchen to check. She found a fistful of ground meat in the freezer; two pieces of withered carrot and some onions in the vegetable bin, and a small box of biscuit mix in the cabinet. She hurriedly prepared a small pot of meat stew from this meager supply and baked mouth-watering biscuits, her specialty. The guests came and sat with them. She dreaded that there was not enough food for all. But as they amiably exchanged stories and the food was passed around, the guests, as well as the hosts, were able to serve themselves. They even treated themselves to a second serving. After dinner, when she was complimented by their guests for the delicious stew and biscuits, she was aghast that there was even leftover. The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves was replicated in their lives!
The Gospel account of the multiplication of the loaves teaches us that personal involvement is needed in carrying out a miracle of love for God’s people. Although overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation, Andrew does not detach himself from the problem. He says to Jesus: “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Andrew is creatively involved in the pastoral situation of the hungry crowd. Rather than being passive, he explores possible solutions. In the process, he unwittingly points to a basic material for Jesus’ miraculous intervention. From the modest portion offered by the boy, Jesus prepares a banquet for all.
St. Augustine reflects on this miracle that is meant to lead the human mind through visible things to the perception of the divine: “Christ did what God does. Just as God multiplies a few seeds into a whole field of wheat, so Christ multiplies the five loaves in his hands - for there is power in the hands of Christ. Those five loaves were like seeds, not because they were cast on the earth but because they were multiplied by the one who made the earth. This miracle was presented to our senses to stimulate our minds; it was put before our eyes in order to engage our understanding and so make us marvel at the God we do not see because of his works which we do see.”
The following poem (cf. T.V.N., Loaves and Fishes) expresses the beauty of giving our “little lot” and the miracle of God’s love that transforms our “little lot” into abundance.
Then perhaps the lad said proudly,
“Jesus took my little lot,
blessed and broke my loaves and fishes.
See what everybody’s got!”
Lord, I haven’t much to give you.
But I’ll give you all I’ve got.
You could make it work wonders,
bless and use my little lot.
B. First Reading (2 Kgs 4:42-44): “They shall eat and there shall be some left over.”
The Secular Franciscan, Mike McGarvin, the founder of Fresno’s Poverello House, a place where the homeless can get food for body and soul, started his ministry of redeeming lives in the Fresno area with a few loaves of bread. Mike narrates:
It was 1973, just a few months after we had moved back to Fresno. I went to a day-old bread store, loaded up on loaves, got some peanut butter and jelly, and went to work. I took it all back to our trailer, and Mary and I made up a bunch of sandwiches. I got some disposable cups, a jug of ice water, and drove the short distance to Chinatown.
I was working nights, so I had days free, and I started going to Chinatown daily, taking sandwiches and the water, walking and giving them out. People were suspicious at first, but as time went on, they started warming up to me. It helped that I was big, had a black belt in judo, and wasn’t intimidated.
The homeless people I encountered had no place to go. There was a rescue mission in town, but at the time it didn’t have a day program. Most of these folks were typical skid row types – older alcoholics and drug addicts, worn-out prostitutes, and poor, disabled men. They hung out on the streets in the summer heat and the winter cold because there was nowhere to turn. They weren’t wanted by anyone … I had stumbled onto a whole community of outcasts.
That old Poverello spirit was starting to take hold of me again. I loved going out and seeing the smiles on the faces when I handed out sandwiches. I enjoyed the jokes and the stories I’d hear. I liked getting to know people by name, and many of them seemed to crave not only the food, but also the attention.
Indeed, God can multiply the meager resources that we offer to him and together with him feed our hungry brothers and sisters. He can make abundant and copious the little bread that we wish to share with the poor and needy. The story of a small amount of food being able to feed so many, that we hear this Sunday in the Old Testament reading (2 Kgs 4:42-44) and in the Gospel reading (Jn 6:1-15), is heartwarming and astounding. The Elisha account of the multiplication of the twenty barley loaves to feed a hundred hungry prophets prepares us to appreciate more deeply the abundance and sacramental significance of the five loaves of barley bread multiplied by Jesus Christ to feed the hungry crowd of five thousand.
Concerning today’s Old Testament Reading, the authors of the Days of the Lord, vol. 5, comment on the implications of the bread of the first fruits generously offered to Elisha by a kind man from Baal-shalishah: “In the biblical tradition, Elisha, who played an important role in the northern kingdom, is presented as a person whose life was marked by many miraculous episodes. The liturgy has chosen the miracle of the multiplied loaves as a counterpart to Jesus’ miracle. The episode itself is most simple. There was a famine in the land (2 Kgs 4:38). A man offers Elisha twenty barley loaves made from the first fruits, and fresh grain in the ear. Elisha has this providential food distributed among his prophet-brethren who are with him, numbering one hundred. Not only is the small quantity of food sufficient for all, but remnants are collected … We are dealing with bread multiplied in order that it might be shared … In the Bible, bread, the gift of God to humans to strengthen them, symbolizes intelligence and wisdom. It is a sign of concluded peace, of life. The barley loaves are those of the bread offering. The gesture of the man who brings to Elisha the first fruits, which earth has given and human hands have made, has a definite liturgical connotation. Finally, the abundance of the bread that will feed the poor has come to suggest, in a later tradition, the banquet of the end times, when at last God himself will liberally satisfy all human needs.”
The abundance in the multiplication of loaves in the Elisha story is surpassed by Jesus’ miraculous action of the feeding of the hungry crowd of about five thousand. The evangelist John tells us that after the meal, Jesus instructs his disciples to gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted. The disciples collect the fragments as instructed and fill “twelve wicker baskets”, a symbol that evokes the Church – “the new twelve tribes of Israel” – the Eucharistic community that continues to celebrate the breaking of the bread and gathers the elect from all corners of the world.
C. Second Reading (Eph 4:1-6): “One body, one Lord, on faith, one baptism.”
The theme of the Church gathering together in unity is reinforced in today’s Second Reading (Eph 4:1-6). It is taken from the letter to the Ephesians, which is called “the epistle of unity”. Jesus Christ is the Savior sent by the Father to gather all human beings in the unity of the one body and one Spirit. Their vocation is to serve one Lord and to share one faith and one hope. Immersed into the blood bath of Christ, they are reborn and renewed by that one baptism and become the beloved children of the one God and Father of all. The scattered “fragments” of the one loaf – the dispersed members of the Body of Christ – are destined to be restored in the Eucharistic Christ and to be gathered in unity.
The sharing of a meal is a means and sign of unity. In the following story, we can have a glimpse of how the “gathering of fragments” and the spirit of love and unity is at work in a domestic Church in Guatemala (cf. “Missioner Tales” in Maryknoll, March 2009, p. 6.)
A village in the highlands of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, where I served as a missioner, was having its annual festival for its patron saint. Standing on the fringes observing the comings and goings, I noticed a man and a woman and two children – a girl about 8 and a boy maybe 6 years old. Most likely they came from an outlying area, and from their clothing, I sensed they were quite poor. Quietly and respectfully, they stood as a family enjoying the music and the activities. Nearby a man was selling ice cream cones. They were not expensive, maybe the equivalent of 10 cents. Suddenly, the father approached the ice cream man and bought just one cone. What I witnessed then made a lasting impression upon me. The father returned to his wife and children, and the four of them shared one ice cream cone.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Are we sensitive to the hunger of today’s poor? Do we believe that we are being called to share our modest portion of “five barley loaves and two fish”? Are we personally involved in making the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves happen in our community/society today?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Jesus, bread of life,
help us to perceive
the marvelous “signs” of your love.
Like your disciple Andrew,
let us be personally involved
in caring for your flock.
Teach us to see the potential
of the resources available to us.
Do not let the needs of today’s poor overwhelm us.
Like the self-giving boy who provided you
with the material to feed the hungry crowd,
may we be generous
and share our “five barley loaves and two fish”.
You continue to nourish your flock
by offering yourself as the bread of life.
We thank and bless 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.
“Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining … They had their fill.” (Jn 6:11-12)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Spend a moment of quiet before the Blessed Sacrament, and ask the Lord to help you acknowledge the “five barley loaves and two fish” that you have. Identify the needs in your community/society and make a practical move to share your “five barley loaves and two fish” with the needy.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
July 29, 2024: MONDAY – SAINTS MARY, MARTHA AND LAZARUS
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Living Word and Eternal Life … He Teaches Us to Cling to the Lord”
BIBLE READINGS
Jer 13:1-11 // Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 10:38-42): “Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things.”
One thing I have in common with Sr. Mary Adele, a remarkable Sister born in a small scenic town close to Naples, Italy is a love for pasta. One day as we were enjoying a delicious, hot serving of spaghetti cooked “al dente” and topped with dense rich tomato sauce and grated Parmesan cheese, she narrated to me a modern version of the Gospel story of Martha and Mary.
Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. A plate of pasta and a glass of wine will do.”
In today’s alternative Gospel text (Lk 10:38-42) for the memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany, Jesus, in the course of his paschal journey to Jerusalem, stops to rest in their welcoming home. The sisters receive him with solicitude and hospitality. Martha’s type of hospitality, however, is anxious and her intense concern misdirected. Martha’s “over-reacting” hospitality thus provokes a good-natured reproach from Jesus. He cautions her not to be anxious. It is the same advice that Jesus gives to his other disciples as they journey towards the cross and Easter glory. Indeed, Martha’s endeavor to prepare a perfect meal and her preoccupation for the “details of hospitality” detract her from the essential and primordial: to welcome Jesus in his life-giving Word.
B. Alternative Gospel Reading (Jn 11:19-27): “I have believed that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The missionary tale in Maryknoll magazine (December 2004, p.5) narrated by Joseph G. Healey, M.M. is about a little girl who escaped the clutches of death and lived. This interesting story of a Tanzanian girl’s rescue gives us a glimpse of the marvelous work of Jesus in saving his beloved friend, Lazarus from death and bringing him back to life.
One morning when Father Joseph Brannigan went to say Mass at a mission chapel in Shinyanga, Tanzania, he discovered an inert baby lying in front of the altar. The mother, explaining that the little girl was dead, asked if the priest could say Mass for her. Just then, the bundle moved. “She’s still alive,” Brannigan declared. “But she’s sick and I have no money for medicine. She’ll be dead soon anyway,” the mother replied. Giving the mother 10 shillings, the missionary sent her to the hospital with the baby. Seven years later a woman stopped Brannigan on the road. Breathlessly she explained, “My little girl lived. Here’s your 10 shillings. I’ve spent a long time looking for you.”
Today’s alternative Gospel reading (Jn 11:19-27) is also about the triumph of life over death. The raising of Lazarus from the tomb is a “sign” for it reveals Christ’s messianic and divine identity as the resurrection and life. The theological center of today’s account is found in Jn 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live; and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Martha, the sister of the deceased Lazarus, responds fully to Jesus’ words and declares: “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” Formerly an over anxious hostess who has no time and leisure to welcome Jesus in his life-giving word, Martha has progressed deeply in her discipleship. Today’s episode shows her as listening to the words of Jesus and responding with full faith to Christ’s offer of eternal life.
***
Today, the memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, the following poem composed by Angela O’Donnell is meaningful (cf. America, February 9, 2009, p. 35).
ST. MARTHA
“She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.” (Lk 10:39)
A silly child she ever always was –
our mother said so a thousand times –
her quick eye caught by the flight or buzz
of some pretty creature’s mastering wings.
Lazarus tried to keep her out of sight,
to spare his clever sister women’s tasks.
I hauled the water, rose before first light,
set bread upon the board before they asked.
The day You came to us our prayers were granted.
My hands obeyed the rhythms of my labor
while Mary sat beside You like a man,
embraced within the circle of Your favor.
I stood apart, Your beauty kept from me,
and only when You left us did I see.
B. First Reading (Jer 13:1-11): “This people shall be like a loincloth which is good for nothing.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Jer 13:1-11) is a parable in action. Its purpose is to dramatize the prophetic message and to impact the hearers. God asks Jeremiah to buy a linen loincloth and to wear it on his loins. Then God asks him to go by a Judean stream, whose name evokes a river in Babylon and the threat of Exile. The Lord commands Jeremiah to bury his loincloth in a hole in the rocks. After some time when the Lord commands him to retrieve it, the loincloth is rotted, good for nothing. The message of the parable in action is clear: God wants his people to cling to him in an intimate loving relationship; to refuse to cling to the Lord is self-destruction. God intends all the people of Israel and Judah to hold tightly to him so that as his chosen people they may give praise and honor to his name. Sadly, like the rotting loincloth, they refuse to cling to him and to obey him. They resort to idolatry, rather than fidelity to God. Thus specter of the Babylonian Exile looms ahead.
In our modern time, Pope Francis - like prophet Jeremiah - sounds a voice of condemnation against the grave crimes of clerical sexual abuse. The perpetrators of these crimes are like a “rotting loincloth” that refuses to cling to God. Here is an excerpt from the Pope’s homily given on July 7, 2014 in a morning Mass at Domus Sanctae Marthae, where he addressed six victims of sexual abuse: three men and three women from Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom, accompanied by a few family members and loved ones (“I Humbly Ask Forgiveness” in L’Osservatore Romano, July 11, 2014, p. 5).
For some time I have felt in my heart deep pain and suffering … This is what causes my distress and pain at the fact that some priests and bishops, by sexually abusing minors, violated their innocence and their own priestly vocation. It is something more than despicable actions. It is like a sacrilegious cult, because these boys and girls had been entrusted to the priestly charism in order to be brought to God. And those people sacrificed them to the idol of their own concupiscence. They profane the very image of God in whose likeness we are created. Childhood, as we all know, young hearts, so open and trusting, have their own way of understanding the mysteries of God’s love and are eager to grow in the faith.
Today the heart of the Church looks into the eyes of Jesus in these boys and girls and wants to weep; she asks the grace to weep before the execrable acts of abuse which have left life-long scars.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Are we hospitable like Marta, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany? Why or why not? In what ways are we Martha? In what ways are we Mary? In what ways are we like Lazarus? Is our Christian discipleship characterized by receptivity and true listening to the word of God? // Is our response to Christ’s faith assurance: “I am the resurrection and the life” (Jn 11:25) like that of Martha, the sister of Lazarus? Are we willing to be a “sign” of resurrection in the death-dealing situations of today’s wounded world?
2. Are we like a “loincloth” that clings to the Lord or are we a “rotting loincloth” alienated from God by our sins of idolatry?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
your Son honored Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus
by coming to their home in Bethany as a guest.
By their prayers
may we serve Christ in our brothers and sisters
and be welcomed by you into heaven, our true home.
We love and serve you,
now and forever. Amen.
***
Loving Father,
give us the grace to cling to you always
and to be faithful to you, our loving God.
Teach us to reject idolatry of any form.
We love and adore you;
we praise and bless 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 week. Please memorize it.
“Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (Lk 10:42) // “I am the resurrection and the life … Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:25-26) //“The wicked people shall be like this loincloth which is good for nothing.” (Jer 13:10)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Introduce the laudable practice of Lectio Divina to your family members and friends. Carry out your daily tasks with personal dedication and with a loving spirit drawn out from the love of Jesus. // Pray for the victims of clerical sexual abuse and for the perpetrators of these crimes.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
July 30, 2024: TUESDAY – WEEKDAY (17); SAINT PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, Bishop, Doctor of the Church
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Judge at the Harvest … He Calls Us to True Repentance”
BIBLE READINGS
Jer 14:17-22 // 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 (Jer 14:17-22): “Remember, Lord, your covenant with us and break it not.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Jer 14:17-20) depicts the “great destruction” that overwhelms the people of Judah. The military onslaught of the Babylonians has filled the fields with dead bodies. A terrible drought in the land exacerbates the misfortune. There is no rain and the ground is dried up. There is no water in the cisterns and their jars are empty. The farmers are sick at heart and people are starving to death. On account of the famine, even prophets and priests forage in a land they know not
The people thus make a plea to the Lord. A collective lament rises up to him: “We have sinned against you … Remember your promises and do not despise us … Do not break the covenant you made with us.” But they continue to be filled with wrongdoing as they attempt to manipulate God’s benevolence. They try to shame him into acting in their favor. Their plea for mercy is rejected because, in their hearts, there is no repentance. They have turned away from the covenant by their idolatrous actions. And yet they expect God to continue to protect them. They even attempt to con God into ending the drought by evoking his immense power over nature: “None of the idols of the nations can send rain; the sky by itself cannot make showers fall.” But God is adamant. The idolatrous people of Judah are doomed to die in war and from starvation. Moreover, some are doomed for exile.
The present day drought in California gives us insight into the death-dealing situation that afflicted the people of Judah during the time of prophet Jeremiah (cf. Robert Rodriguez, “Small Farmers Losing Hope” in Fresno Bee, July 20, 2014, p. A1, A10).
This time of year, May Vu’s farm in Sanger should be carpeted with blooming flowers and a bounty of vegetables. But a failing irrigation pump and a nearly empty well have dried up Vu’s farm and with it, her source of income.
The 58-year-old Vu knows she is up against major obstacles as California struggles through one of the worst droughts in history. Still, she carefully walks the trellised rows, hunting for vegetables to harvest. The summer heat and lack of water have shriveled her crop of bitter melon, turning the Asian vegetables from a bright green to a yellow-orange color. “This is not what it should be like”, Vu says, plucking the vegetables and tossing them on the ground. “You get no money for this, no money.”
Across the state, the drought has put tremendous pressure on large and small farmers such as Vu, who increasingly are relying on ground water to sustain the crops. The spike in ground water use has caused water levels to drop below the reach of irrigation pumps. (…)
For now, with her pump pulling out just a fraction of water it normally provides, she is doing what she can to keep her plants alive. She has seen a severe drop in production. Instead of 125 boxes of vegetables a week, she is harvesting about two boxes a week. She estimates she has lost thousands of dollars in the sales.
Her flower garden succumbed to the dry conditions about two weeks ago. A field that once was blanketed with lilies, daisies, tulips, dahlias, sunflowers, carnations and peonies is dry. Stubborn weeds have taken over, choking out what few flowers remained.
Vu, known for her flowers, sold them at several farmers markets including Hanford, Clovis and Fresno. She grows them in honor of her husband who died in 2006. “The flowers always made me feel happy”, Vu said. “But now, there isn’t a lot to be happy about.”
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. Is our prayer to God properly motivated or is it just a selfish way to con him to grant us favors?
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.
***
Our loving and forgiving God,
we have been unfaithful.
We recognize, O Lord, our wickedness.
For your name’s sake spurn us not.
Remember your covenant with us; break it not.
We promise to turn away from sin
and to follow you with our whole heart.
You are just in all your ways.
Hence, we resolve to 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.
“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Mt 13:43) //“Remember, Lord, your covenant with us and break it not.” (Jer 14:21)
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. // Conscious of the critical situations in drought-stricken countries/states/areas, pray for God’s blessing of the life-giving rain. Be sparing and judicious in the use of water.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
July 31, 2024: WEDNESDAY – SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, Priest
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Kingdom Is a Treasure … He Strengthens Our Prophetic Vocation”
BIBLE READINGS
Jer 15:10, 16-21 // 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 (Jer 15:10, 16-21): “Why is my pain continuous? – If you repent, you shall stand in my presence.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Jer 15:10, 16-21) depicts the vocation crisis of Jeremiah. His prophecy of doom to the people of Judah has made him “a man of strife and contention”. On account of his unwelcome message, he has to quarrel and argue with everyone in the land. This unfortunate situation leads him to regret the day of his birth. With bitter sarcasm, Jeremiah complains to the Lord: “I have not lent any money or borrowed any, yet everyone curses me.” He asserts that he is faithful to his prophetic ministry and because of his single-hearted devotion he does not even indulge in a good time. He whines: “Why do I keep on suffering? Why are my wounds incurable?” The disgusted prophet suspects that he could no longer rely on the Lord who must have forsaken him. Jeremiah completes his tirade: “You have indeed become for me a treacherous brook whose waters do not abide.”
God replies with a rebuke that Jeremiah himself needs to be converted. Indeed, Jeremiah ought to return to God and repent of his rebellious thoughts. Moreover, if instead of talking nonsense he proclaims a worthwhile, constructive message to the people, then Jeremiah will be God’s prophet again. In humbly returning to God, Jeremiah will experience anew the divine presence and protection. The Lord thus assures the prophet: “For I am with you to deliver and rescue you.”
The following modern day account, circulated on the Internet by the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights and dated July 8, 2014, gives insight into the contentious situation that Jeremiah experiences as a man of God.
Court Rules against Seal of Confession: Bill Donohue comments on a ruling made by the Supreme Court of Louisiana.
In 2008, a fourteen-year-old girl alleges that she told her parish priest that she was being abused by a now-deceased lay member of their parish. The girl alleges the disclosures came during the Sacrament of Confession. Now her parents are suing the priest and the Diocese of Baton Rogue for failing to report the alleged abuse. The State’s Supreme Court has ruled that the priest, Fr. Jeff Bayhi, may be compelled to testify as to whether the Confessions took place, and if so, what the contents of any such Confessions were.
Confession is one of the most sacred rites in the Church. The Sacrament is based on a belief that the seal of the confessional is absolute and inviolable. A priest is never permitted to disclose that an individual did seek the Sacrament. A priest who violates that seal suffers automatic excommunication from the Church.
As a result of this ruling, Fr. Bayhi may now have to choose between violating his sacred duty as a priest and being excommunicated from the Church or refusing to testify and risk going to prison. The Diocese said Fr. Bayhi would not testify.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the free exercise of religion. Just as government cannot compel anyone to follow a particular religion, it likewise cannot prevent anyone from exercising the tenets of his faith. By deciding that Fr. Bayhi must choose between his faith and his freedom, the Louisiana Supreme Court has endangered the religious liberty of all Americans.
The Catholic League supports Fr. Bayhi and the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
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. When things go wrong and we suffer trials and difficulties, do we whine and complain to the Lord? Or do we humbly turn to God and beg him for help and protection?
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.
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) // “For I am with you to deliver and rescue you.” (Jer 15:20)
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. // In fulfilling your prophetic ministry, resolve to turn to God and humbly beg his help when faced with difficult, contentious situations.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
August 1, 2024: THURSDAY – SAINT ALPHONSUS LIGOURI, Bishop, Doctor of the Church
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Kingdom Is Like a Dragnet … He Teaches Us to Be Docile to the Divine Potter”
BIBLE READINGS
Jer 18:1-6 // 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 (Jer 18:1--6): “Like the clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.”
In today’s Old Testament reading (Jer 18:1-6), God commands Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house and there a message is given to him. Just as the potter must work with the clay and shape it until a useful and good vessel is obtained, so the Lord acts with Judah. The Lord shapes and disciplines his people in the same way the potter patiently moulds an earthen vessel from the clay. God is the potter and the people of Judah are the clay that he shapes into his saving design. But the clay needs to be docile and responsive to the deft hands of the potter. Indeed, the God of Israel recognizes the people’s freedom to choose good or evil. Just like the potter who re-shapes imperfect pottery into something else, God plans to chastise a people who stubbornly cling to evil. Indeed, through the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah, God is calling his people to conversion and to be open to grace.
The following excerpt, from the story of a heartbroken mother who hunts down her drug-addicted daughter to save her life by bringing her home, takes on special significance against the backdrop of Jeremiah’s parable of the potter and the clay (cf. Margaret Williams, “Just Come Home” in Amazing Grace for Survivors, ed. Jeff Cavins, et. al., West Chester: Ascension Press, 2008, p. 161-167). Like a lump of clay in the potter’s hands, human conversion needs docility and openness to the dew of divine grace.
We arrived at Marie’s and could see through the mail slot that she was sleeping on the couch. “Marie, get up!” I called. She later said it was like a flashback from school days as she got up half asleep and opened the door. Seeing us, she became angry. Marie had made up her mind that she did not want to go back to Michigan. She decided her life was with these people and it was her mission to stay and help them.
I told her that I loved her and wanted her to come home with me. She told me she loved me but she was not going. Meanwhile, in the other room, Marie’s siblings Mark and Gloria proceeded with the plan to call the police. It was about 10:30 a.m. One of the neighbors came to the house to see what was going on. Marie overheard Mark tell the neighbor she should leave because the police would soon be there. With that, Marie called out and said that if that’s the way we wanted it, that was all right with her. At least she would get some rest in jail. I broke down and cried. At that point, I gave up all hope of her coming home with me.
As Marie walked out of the bedroom, the police arrived. Two young officers came through the living room. They began to question her as she walked back to the bedroom to put on her shoes. Mark sat back on his heels, put his head in his hands and cried. The three of us gave up all hope. Suddenly, one of the other officers came out of the other bedroom and said, “Marie, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to arrest you for possession of rock” (the slang term for crack cocaine). We all looked shocked!
The officer walked into the front room holding a large rock in his hand – an actual fieldstone. It was a joke! Suddenly, laughter burst out, cutting all the tension. Then the other officer turned around and said, “Marie, why don’t you go home with your mom?”
To our amazement she answered, “All right.” We could hardly believe it. They never even mentioned the tickets. I thanked them profusely. It was like something right out of the movies.
Once Marie made up her mind to go home with us, the struggle was over. We went to Mark’s to pick up my luggage and still had enough time to stop for lunch before getting dropped off at the airport. On the plane ride home, Marie said that there was a saying back in the neighborhood when someone had some crack that “you gotta break me off some of that good stuff”. She looked at my rosary and said, “You gotta break me off some of that good stuff.”
Marie spent one year in a rehabilitation program at Dawn Farms. She has been sober for close to fifteen years now, and we are very happy and grateful to see what a wonderful person she has become.
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. Are we like clay docilely responding to the deft hands of the Divine Potter? Or are we stubborn and unyielding clay?
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
and see the depth of its meaning
against the backdrop of the Law and the prophets.
Help us to be docile and responsive
to the deft hands of the heavenly Father, the Divine Potter.
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.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.” (Mt 13:47) // “Like the clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand.” (Jer 18:6)
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. // Resolve daily to be open and responsive to the saving will of the Divine Potter.
*** *** ***
August 2, 2024: FRIDAY – WEEKDAY (17); SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI, Bishop; SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD, Priest
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Experienced Rejection … He was Persecuted”
BIBLE READINGS
Jer 26:1-9 // 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 (Jer 26:1-9): “All the people gathered about Jeremiah in the house of the Lord.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Jer 26:1-9) depicts Jeremiah’s fearless ministry of the Word and the condemnation it has brought upon him. Soon after King Jehoiakim became king of Judah, God commands Jeremiah to stand by the Temple court to speak to the worshippers about the impending doom to fall upon them if they persist in their evil ways. Through the prophet, God continues to appeal to the people to obey his life-giving words and thus avert self-destruction. But the people of Judah react angrily to the words of Jeremiah. His preaching the wrath of God provokes a general scandal. Instead of repenting, the people accuse him of blasphemy. They crowd upon him intending to kill him. They shout: “You ought to be killed for this!”
The following modern day account gives us insight into Jeremiah’s predicament as God’s faithful prophet.
June 18, 2014: Bill Donohue comments on San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone's response to those protesting his participation in the March for Marriage; it is being held tomorrow in Washington. A motley group of public officials, community activists, religious leaders, and gay advocates are upset that Archbishop Cordileone supports marriage, properly understood. It is a striking sociological moment when elites stage a protest of an archbishop in the Roman Catholic Church simply because he believes—as the whole world has believed for thousands of years—that marriage is the union of a man and a woman. It is not a good cultural sign that this commonsensical position is considered controversial, even hateful.
Those who are quick to brand support for traditional marriage hateful need
to look in the mirror. As Archbishop Cordileone said in his excellent
response to his critics: "For those who support the conjugal understanding
of marriage, the attacks have not stopped at rhetoric. Simply for taking a
stand for marriage as it has been understood in every human society for
millennia, people have lost their jobs, lost their livelihoods, and have
suffered other types of retribution including physical violence.”
The archbishop, who is chairman of the bishop's Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, offered to meet with those offended by his participation in the march. He asked “before you judge, get to know us.” But will they?
Kudos to Archbishop Cordileone for standing on principle. Let's also give a shout-out to his courageous spokeswoman, Christine A. Mugridge, for exclaiming, "We don't hate-monger, we don't pander to bigots." We are not accustomed to such straight talk coming from those in her position.
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. How does the predicament of the faithful prophet Jeremiah inspire us or daunt us? Are we ready to be persecuted for the word of God?
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.
Help us to believe in you.
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.
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) // “You must be put to death!” (Jer 26:8)
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. // Pray for today’s persecuted Christians all over the world.
*** *** ***
August 3, 2024: SATURDAY – WEEKDAY (17); BVM ON SATURDAY
“JESUS SAVIOR: The Baptist Shared in His Paschal Destiny … He Is Our Defender”
BIBLE READINGS
Jer 26:11-16, 24 // 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 (Jer 26:11-16, 24): “For in truth it was the Lord who sent me to you to speak all these things for you to hear.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Jer 26:11-16, 24) underlines God’s protection upon Jeremiah. The words spoken by the Lord to Jeremiah are true: “I will rescue you from the power of the wicked and violent men” (cf. Jer 15:21). Jeremiah risks his life by speaking “in the name of the Lord, our God”. Faithful to his ministry as a prophet, he confronts the people of Judah: “For in truth it is the Lord who sent me to give you this warning.” He challenges his persecutors: “Do with me whatever you think is fair and right. But be sure of this: if you kill me, you and the people of this city will be guilty of killing an innocent man.” The civil leaders and the people who believe that Jeremiah speaks in the name of the Lord defend him. And because Jeremiah has the support of a powerful friend Ahikam, the faithful prophet is not killed. Ahikam is the son of Shaphan, the royal scribe who helped promote the word of God during the reform of King Josiah. Indeed, God continues to stand by Jeremiah – to protect him and keep him safe.
God’s rescue of his faithful Jeremiah gives depth and perspective to the modern day account, circulated on the Internet, of the rescue of a “faithful” Christian.
ROME (AP) - Pope Francis met privately Thursday with a Sudanese woman who refused to recant her Christian faith in the face of a death sentence, blessing the woman as she cradled her infant born just weeks ago in prison. The Vatican characterized the visit with Meriam Ibrahim, 27, her husband and their two small children as "very affectionate." The 30-minute encounter took place just hours after the family landed at Rome's Ciampino airport, accompanied by an Italian diplomat who helped negotiate her release, and welcomed by Italy's premier, who hailed it as a "day of celebration."
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said the pope "thanked her for her faith and courage, and she thanked him for his prayer and solidarity" during the half-hour meeting Thursday. Francis frequently calls attention to the suffering of those persecuted for their religious beliefs.
Lombardi said the presence of "their wonderful small children" added to the affectionate tone of the meeting. Ibrahim was presented with a rosary, a gift from the pope. Ibrahim held her sleeping infant as she stepped off the plane from Sudan, which had blocked her from leaving the country even after the country's highest court overturned her death sentence in June. An Italian diplomat carried her 18-month-old son and they were followed by her husband, Daniel Wani, who is a citizen of the United States and South Sudan. Ibrahim and her family are expected to spend a few days in Rome before heading to the United States.
Ibrahim, whose father was Muslim but whose mother was an Orthodox Christian from Ethiopia, was sentenced to death over charges of apostasy. She married her husband, a Christian, in a church ceremony in 2011. As in many Muslim nations, Muslim women in Sudan are prohibited from marrying non-Muslims, though Muslim men can marry outside their faith. The sentence was condemned by the United States, the United Nations and Amnesty International, among others, and both the United States and Italy - a strong death penalty opponent with long ties to the Horn of Africa region - worked to win her release.
Sudan's high court threw out her death sentence in June, but she was then blocked from leaving the country by authorities who questioned the validity of her travel document. Lapo Pistelli, an Italian diplomat who accompanied the family from Sudan, said Italy was able to leverage its ties within the region. "We had the patience to speak to everyone in a friendly way. This paid off in the end," he said.
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. Do we believe that if we are faithful to God, he will be for us our help and defender?
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.
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) // “For in truth it was the Lord who sent me to you.” (Jer 26:15)
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 in various parts of the world and pray to God for the courage to be peaceful.
*** *** *** *** ***
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