A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 22, n. 44)
Week 26 in Ordinary Time: September 29 – October 5, 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: September 22-28, 2024 please go to ARCHIVES Series 21 and click on “Ordinary Week 25”.
Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: September 29 – October 5, 2024.)
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September 29, 2024: TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B
WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Authentic and Inclusive”
BIBLICAL READINGS
Nm 11:25-29 // Jas 5:1-6 // Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A, Gospel Reading (Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48): “Whoever is not against us is for us. If your hand causes you to sin, cast it off.”
The following charming story, “Jesus at the Football Match”, from Anthony De Mello’s book, The Song of the Bird (New York: Doubleday Image Books, 1984, p.147), helps me to understand today’s Gospel reading in a humorous vein.
Jesus Christ said he had never been to a football match. So we took him to one, my friends and I. It was a ferocious battle between the Protestant Punchers and the Catholic Crusaders. The Crusaders scored first. Jesus cheered wildly and threw his hat high up in the air. Then the Punchers scored. And Jesus cheered wildly and threw his hat high up in the air. This seemed to puzzle the man behind us. He tapped Jesus on the shoulder and asked, “Which side are you rooting for, my good man?” “Me?” replied Jesus, visible excited by the game. “Oh, I’m not rooting for either side. I’m just enjoying the game.”
Indeed, Jesus is not in the habit of taking sides. He is concerned with the good of people and not with trifling issues of party membership or political color. In light of the above story, we can understand why Jesus roots for anyone who does good in terms of service to God’s anawim – his “little ones” – even if that person does not belong to the inner circle of disciples. In today’s Gospel reading, he recognizes the good work done by someone driving out demons in his name. He tries to correct the clique tendency and the petty exclusivity of his disciples. John complained about the outsider: “We tried to prevent him because he does not follow us”. Jesus’ reply challenges the disciples’ narrow-mindedness and parochial parameters: “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward”.
Jesus thus refutes the immaturity and the petty arrogance of his disciples who try to exclude a “non-member” from doing a ministry to “the little ones” in his name. As the Divine Master, he teaches his disciples to be tolerant and open to others of good will. He also underlines the reward due to the laudable ministry done by anyone who is not against us. Indeed, charity done to Christian disciples and to all the “little ones” in his name will be graciously rewarded.
Today’s Gospel reading (Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48) continues to underline the challenges of Christian discipleship. Confronting the evil of causing scandal to others, Jesus uses the imagery of the unquenchable fires of Gehenna. In order to avoid this unfortunate destiny, the disciples must be extremely cautious of giving bad example to anyone. Jesus asserted: “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire”. Jesus’ remarkable saying is not meant to be taken literally. Physical mutilation will not always work against temptation. Aelred Rosser explains: “The point of the hyperbole here is to emphasize beyond any doubt how important it is to enter the reign of God, no matter what the cost. We are being taught in a very striking way what our hierarchy of values must be. Nothing, absolutely nothing is more important that belonging to the reign of God. Anything that jeopardizes our participation in it must be expunged from our lives.”
Indeed, the Christian disciples need to be purified in their innermost motives. They need to be “salted with fire” and experience the purifying fire of trials by which the faithful become pleasing sacrifices to God and at peace with one another. They need to expunge the evils of ambition, intolerance and scandal from their midst. In place of these, they have to make a tough choice for primacy in service, for tolerance and openness to others of good will, and for integrity in their dealing with God’s “little ones”. Those who respond to the radical demands of Christian discipleship with zest and gusto become the “salt of the earth”. As the good “salt of the earth”, they continue to inspire people with the liveliness of the Gospel spirit and lead them to yearn for God’s kingdom.
B. First Reading (Nm 11:25-29): “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets!”
When I went back to the Philippines for a visit in 2005, I was delighted to see that the young boys and girls we had trained as ushers and usherettes to serve at the Sunday liturgy in our convent in Antipolo had grown up. Some of them were attending college. The senior ones wisely suggested that a new group be trained to take the place of those who have new commitments. We made an appeal at the Sunday Mass for boys and girls, ten to eighteen years old, to join a training program and carry out the ministry of ushers and usherettes at our convent. More than twenty young people responded to the invitation. While preparing the formation program, it occurred to me that the incumbent ushers and usherettes would be the best facilitators and trainers for this ministry. After being trained as facilitators, the “senior” ushers and usherettes conducted the liturgy seminar with enthusiasm and expertise. Their language was simple and clear. The mode of imparting the information was excellent. They were able to sustain the interest of the young candidates from the beginning to the end – a tremendous feat! While I stayed in the background, quietly preparing snacks for them, I thanked the Lord for the wonderful creative spirit the Lord had poured upon us through these young “prophets”. I beamed with a teacher’s pride and joy. Would that God’s power of love and spirit of service be bestowed on all!
The reading (Nm 11:25-29) is a wonderful statement on the inclusiveness of the spirit of God. The authors of the Days of the Lord, vol. 5, comment: “Among the stories that enliven the Exodus history, the one we read today is among the most colorful. Replete with meaning, it shows that religious structures in no way limit the initiatives of God’s freedom. Far from being offended by divine liberality, as if it detracted from the right of certain privileged persons, we must, on the contrary, rejoice and wish that all may be granted the same graces (Num 11:25-29) … God told Moses to choose seventy elders as helpers in the task of leading the people. Moses was to gather them at the meeting tent for their investiture. So it was done, and God took some of the spirit that was on Moses to distribute it to his helpers. And immediately they entered into a frenzy. Now two men – Eldad and Medad – who had not gone to the meeting tent, although they were part of the gathering of elders, began to prophesy in the camp where they had remained. When Joshua, who from his youth had been Moses’ aid, heard this, he said, Moses, my lord, stop them, probably because he feared his master’s authority would be jeopardized. Such words betray a practical misunderstanding of God’s freedom, of the nature and finality of his gifts. These gifts are ways and means for being of service to the community, and not personal prerogatives jealously guarded. God does not impoverish anyone by spreading his gifts among many.”
Decrying elitism and evincing the great wisdom of a true leader, Moses does not resent the “new prophets” and is not jealous of their gifts. He wishes that all the people of the Lord might be prophets and hopes selflessly that the spirit of the Lord be bestowed on them all. Christian tradition would see Moses’ prayer fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Moreover, the Old Testament episode serves as precedent and as a wonderful parallel to the Gospel episode of someone, not belonging to the intimate circle of Jesus’ disciples, driving out demons in his name.
C. Second Reading (Jas 5:1-6): “Your wealth has rotted away.”
In the Second Reading (Jas 5:1-6), St. James comes to grips with a sinful situation that jeopardizes the Christian community’s call to serve the kingdom of God and to mirror his liberality. The selfish desire for possession brings about violence to the innocent and militates against human dignity and the beautiful unfolding of our Christian vocation.
Harold Buetow comments: “Today’s Second Reading laments that some people, instead of being prophets as Moses and Jesus had wished – that is, speakers of God – place their trust in money … An angry James wants to show the ultimate worthlessness of riches and to show how detestable some who own riches can become. James condemns the rich who hoard their wealth, cheat laborers of their just wages, and live in a luxurious way that is unmindful of the poor. He, like the rest of Scripture, does not condemn wealth as such, but insists strenuously upon its responsibilities and on the perils that surround the person who has it. The more you own, the more you are owned; it is good to have money, if money is not all you have … The desire for possessions can eat at a person like a fire. This all-consuming fire can cause a person to be oblivious of the needs and rights of others – even those to whom we have immediate obligations, like employees … James insists that we cannot be right with God unless one is just.”
Manila Hotel’s former PR officer Gwen Carino writes about her close encounter with hotel guest Michael Jackson in December 1996. Her testimony serves as a counterpoint to the portrait of the uncaring rich depicted in the passage from St. James. The grace of God calls us to manifest God’s liberality and compassion for the poor and to all.
MANILA, Philippines – When I was a PR officer at Manila Hotel, I was assigned to head the annual Orphan’s Christmas Party where 300 children from different orphanages around Metro Manila were treated to a day of fun and surprises. It was one of the biggest projects on my plate and it was such a challenge to focus on work the day before the big event, knowing Michael Jackson was billeted in the hotel. Two nights before, I had been fortunate to be part of his welcome line at the hotel lobby together with the rest of the PR and sales staff but was content enough to see him walk by.
The day before, a guy claiming to be Michael Jackson’s aide from Mamarao Productions came to the office. I couldn’t recall his name but he looked for the “person in charge” and said his boss had read the announcement about the event in the Dear Guest flyers we had circulated to all the rooms a week before. Michael wanted to know how he could help. His aide went up to the Penthouse and down to the PR office several times after we gave our suggestions. Michael offered to fill up the 300 loot bags with goodies and toys, candies and chocolates. But after getting close to 50 sponsors, it was actually a problem for us to dispose of everything. So I thought hard…how can the King of Pop meaningfully join the affair?
I couldn’t possibly have him be with the kids in the palayok game or the pabitin as he might end up being mobbed! And since the annual event was really all about giving, I mustered all my courage and told the Mamarao guy that the best thing I could think of was for Michael to literally be present to help distribute the loot bags, sign autographs and pose with the children for photos. “Wow, that may not be easy. You’re talking about handing goodie bags to 300 children and I can just imagine the chaos. We’ll see, Ms. Jacinto. I’ll get back to you,” he said.
Lunch break came and it was the most hurried one I ever took in my entire life. It wasn’t until after 5 p.m. that Michael‘s aide came back and said, “Michael is more than happy to do whatever you suggest. How do we go about it tomorrow?” I wanted to scream. I had to calm myself and regain composure as the Lizzie Maguire in me said, “Get real, get back into focus.”
We agreed that Michael would join after the games, musical program and snacks, and at the last part to give out the loot bags. My colleague Annette Africano and boss Dulce Agnir requested additional security around the garden and the stage area as this was where we decided to distribute the gifts. We made sure the children would form an orderly line.
Then the moment arrived. It was at the Champagne Gardens on Dec. 7, 1996. I was surprised to see him walking towards us, guided by his aide. Michael came up to me as I had to brief him. “Hi, how are you? Thanks so much for letting me in, I know I’m early ’coz I didn’t want to miss the program.” I said, “Are you kidding? Thanks so much for volunteering! Here’s what, Michael, why don’t you just sit here and watch the musical numbers before we get into the gift giving. I will have to tweak the program a bit.” He replied, “Sure, anything you say… (pausing to look at my name tag) Gwen!” I was stunned at how incredibly sweet and modest he was. And in my mind it was, “Oh my God, this is really happening!”
Amazing how he patiently sat through the whole program. Carol Banawa, then an Ang TV mainstay, couldn’t believe MJ was watching her perform. She had her red blouse signed by him right after her number. Then followed Stefano Mori’s dance number. Later, his backup singers and dancers came up on stage followed by select kids from different orphanages who danced to the beat of Billie Jean. Oh, the smile on Michael’s face was just amazing.
Then we announced that Michael will be distributing gifts onstage. I explained to him that there’s a loot bag for the younger kids and another for the older ones and he nodded. The thrill and excitement he gave those children was incredibly touching. It was in between the gift bag distribution that I caught a glimpse of MJ, not as a performer but as a person. It was one in the afternoon. Santa Claus (David Endriga, a friend of fellow PR officer Francis Capistrano) was with us. The heat was scourging and I was worried that Michael felt so hot with his black long-sleeved signature attire and hat. “Are you alright Michael? We can let you take a break,” I asked. He said, “I’m cool Gwen. Just imagine how Santa feels inside his velvet suit and beard. We’ll be fine.” I never heard him complain or say a word about how hot it was or how long the line was. He had the most beautiful manners. He didn’t even ask for a drink or a towel to wipe his sweat but one of our banquet staff made sure he got a glass of fresh orange juice.
An hour passed and we were halfway through gift-giving when we noticed that the garden was getting filled up. Suddenly, there were people from the media, politicians, officials and hotel guests including those in a wedding reception at the nearby Champagne Room who deserted the newly-weds just to get a glimpse of the King of Pop. “Oh oh, this isn’t supposed to be, I’m so sorry,” I said. “It’s all right, we’ll get through it,” Michael said smiling. As we finished giving out the last loot bag to an 11-year-old orphan, a new line of more kids and adults formed. Michael’s bodyguard, Wayne, said. “We can leave now.” Michael replied calmly, “We can’t leave when there are still people in line. It’s Christmas, dude.” I felt my heart beat faster and the hair on my arms and back stood up. He wasn’t just the most electrifying performer, but the most generous person.
One of the most memorable moments was when a lady came up to him for an autograph. Laughing and holding his tummy, he said “Hey Gwen, you’ve gotta check this out”. He whispered, “It’s a blank check. The lady is making me sign on a blank check.” We laughed hard and little did we know that it wasn’t even half of the comedy. He later showed me and Wayne other stuff people would use or pick up on the ground when they couldn’t find paper for him to sign on. One lady made him sign at the back of her elegant, designer Filipiniana gown. One teenager came up to him holding a dead leaf and another one, a popped balloon. Imagine how our laughter ballooned as well.
It was an amazing, genuine experience. At one point he asked if I was going to catch his History concert and I said “tomorrow night.” “Oh, you’ll have a blast!” Michael told me. At this point he became concerned about the stage as adults outnumbered the kids. His face had nervousness written all over it but he still didn’t complain. He tapped the wooden floor with his foot several times making sure it was sturdy enough not to fall apart. “I’ve experienced the stage collapse and I just want to make sure we’re all safe here,” he explained. Half of me wanted the line to finish because we were literally melting and worried about our safety, but half of me didn’t, knowing that once the line ended, Michael will leave.
At some point it did end. I managed to get an autograph for my sisters and me before our general manager, Clem Pablo, requested him to sing Give Love on Christmas Day. Cesar Sarino, one of the hotel’s officials, addressed his thank you note to the King of Pop. Then I saw his guards and aides whisking Michael off stage. I said in my mind, “Oh man, I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye.” Suddenly, I saw Michael return on stage and say, “Thanks so much to you and your team, Gwen. This really means a lot.” Then he held me beside him and said, “I’ll see you at the concert.”
As Michael Jackson is laid to rest and returned to pristine condition in the afterlife, these two incredible acts of the King of Pop — volunteering for charity and unselfishly spending time with the less fortunate, will forever be the way I will remember this man.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we exclude “non-members” from the ministry and echo the intolerance of the immature disciples of Jesus: “Teacher, we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us”? Do we believe wholeheartedly in Jesus’ declaration: “There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.” For whoever is not against us is for us”? How do we respond to the radical challenge of Jesus: “It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
at times, our hearts are intolerant.
We try to lay exclusive claim to the Reign of God.
Help us to realize that the heavenly Kingdom
is meant for all people of good will
in every time and culture.
Teach us to be receptive to your saving grace
in its manifold and all-inclusive expressions.
Dear Jesus,
forgive us when we cause scandal and damnation
for God’s “little ones”.
Help us to heed your warning
not to corrupt their innocence and integrity.
Teach us to treat the “little ones”
with respect and loving care.
O merciful Lord,
help us to reject the evil choices we have made.
Teach us to make the right choices for the Kingdom.
We trust in you, Divine Master,
for in letting us be “salted with fire”,
we become the “salt of the earth”.
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.
“Whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mk 9:40)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for the success of the ecumenical movement in the Church and the laudable endeavor of inter-religious dialogue. See what tangible contribution you can make in this regard. Pray for the victims of sexual abuse and the perpetrators of these crimes. Offer something significant in reparation for this grave scandal and injustice against God’s “little ones”.
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September 30, 2024: MONDAY – SAINT JEROME, Priest, Doctor of the Church
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Teaches Us to Care for Little Ones and to Be Little Ones … Like Job
He Was Subjected to Suffering”
BIBLE READINGS
Jb 1:6-22 // Lk 9:46-50
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 9:46-50): “The one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”
As Jesus comes closer to his passion, he strains to prepare his disciples for his death and its meaning in God’s plan. In today’s Gospel reading (Lk 9:46-50), we hear that they fail to understand and are unresponsive to his second prediction of the passion. Their self-centered focus has blinded them to the divine purpose. Very inappropriately, they begin to argue who is the greatest and quarrel about their status in God’s kingdom. The Divine Master is ever patient and, to help them overcome their obtuseness, he takes a child. Placing the little one by his side, Jesus asserts that to receive and care for such a “child” is to receive him. He likewise declares that the least is the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus drills into his disciples the following truth: that the greatest loves even the lowliest and has the greatest need for God. A “child” is thus a model of discipleship and the “little one” among us – the poor, the weak, the humble and vulnerable - becomes the object of our caring discipleship.
The life of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus is a beautiful response to Jesus, who teaches us to care for the “little one” and shows the way of the “little one”. The following insights into her spirituality are circulated on the Internet.
Thérèse entered the Carmel of Lisieux with the determination to become a saint. But, by the end of 1894, six full calendar years as a Carmelite made her realize how small and insignificant she was. She saw the limitations of all her efforts. She remained small and very far off from the unfailing love that she would wish to practice. She understood then that it was on this very littleness that she must lean to ask God's help … Thérèse found a passage from Proverbs that struck her with particular force: If anyone is a very little one, let him come to me (cf. Proverbs 9:4). And from the book of Isaiah (66:12-13), she was profoundly struck by another passage: As a mother caresses her child, so I shall console you, I shall carry you at my breast and I shall swing you on my knees. She concluded that Jesus would carry her to the summit of sanctity. The smallness of Thérèse, her limits, became in this way grounds for joy, more than discouragement.
It is only in Manuscript C of her autobiography that she gave to this discovery the name of “little way”, “petite voie”. Echoes of this way, however, are heard throughout her work. From February 1895 she would regularly sign her letters by adding very little, toute petite, in front of her name. It was on this view then, that she based her extraordinary refusal to consider her daily faults important. Because of her lack of illusions in her view of human beings, she assigned to these things no more significance than they deserved. "I have long believed that the Lord is more tender than a mother. I know that a mother is always ready to forgive trivial, involuntary misbehaviour on the part of her child. Children are always giving trouble, falling down, getting themselves dirty, breaking things - but all this does not shake their parents’ love for them. "
This “little way” of Therese is the foundation of her spirituality: “I rejoice to be little because only children, and those who are like them, will be admitted to the heavenly banquet.” She developed an approach to the spiritual life that people of every background can understand and adopt. This is evident in her approach to prayer: "For me, prayer is a movement of the heart; it is a simple glance toward Heaven; it is a cry of gratitude and love in times of trial as well as in times of joy; finally, it is something great, supernatural, which expands my soul and unites me to Jesus. . . . I have not the courage to look through books for beautiful prayers ... I am like a child who does not know how to read; I say very simply to God what I want to say, and He always understands me.”
B. First Reading (Jb 1:6-22): “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
The Book of Job deals with the suffering of the innocent. It has a universal quality for in it is an eloquent presentation of our human struggle to understand the justice of God. Job is a remarkable figure: blameless, upright, God-fearing and avoiding evil. He has seven sons and three daughters and an abundance of livestock and servants. God delights in Job, but Satan (the Adversary) impeaches Job’s integrity. Satan is skeptical and in front of the heavenly court suggests that Job is virtuous simply because he gets something out of it. If Job were to lose all the blessings bestowed upon him, he would flagrantly curse God. Satan is permitted to test Job’s integrity. In quick succession, four messengers rush in reporting disaster. Job’s blessings are taken away: his livestock, his servants and his children. Job’s cosmos (world) is reduced to chaos. But in all this, Job did not sin and did not say anything disrespectful to God.
The following modern day account gives insight into the “graciousness” with which Job responds to his “loss” (cf. Joshua Sundquist in Daily Guideposts 2010, p. 45).
I was skiing too fast. But I was only sixteen and I was a bit, well, reckless. As I came over a crest onto the steep section of the trail, I could see that my momentum was carrying me straight toward an unsuspecting skier about twenty feet below. I threw my foot sideways, sharply turning my ski – as an amputee, I use only one – so I skidded around him.
On my next turn, though, something felt wrong. I stopped by the side of the trail and looked down. My ski was cracked, on the verge of breaking in two. What a disaster! I thought. I didn’t have the money for a new ski, so that crack spelled the end of my first season of ski racing. How could You let this happen, God?
But it wasn’t more than week later that my friend Justin showed up on my doorstep, holding a single orange ski. “I was skiing in some deep snow powder”, he said,. “One of my skis popped off and I couldn’t find it in the snow. I remember what happened to you and I wanted to give you the other one.”
“Wow!” I said. “Thanks!”
As I inspected my new ski, I thought about how grateful I was that Justin hadn’t just stuck it in the closet, feeling bitter about his loss. Instead, he’d allowed his mishap to be the solution to mine.
Lord, don’t let bitterness about the past keep me from bringing a brighter future to someone else.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. How do we heed Jesus’ invitation to care for the little ones in our midst and to pursue the Kingdom as a “child” who greatly needs divine help?
2. What is our reaction when the blessings we have received are taken away? Do we learn to be gracious in our loss?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
we thank you for teaching us the “little way”.
You teach us to receive a “child” in your name.
You also teach us
that the least is the greatest
in the heavenly kingdom.
Help us to care for the “little ones” among us,
especially the poor and vulnerable.
Give us the wisdom to pursue the kingdom
following the path of humility
and total dependence on his grace.
We love you Jesus
and we offer ourselves totally you.
You are our saving Lord, now and forever.
Amen.
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Loving God,
in moment of trial and terrible loss,
Job chose to be gracious.
When all that we have in this world is counted as “loss”,
help us to use his words of surrender:
“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord!”
Let us continue to trust in you, our saving God.
We glorify 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.
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me … The one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” (Lk 9:48) // “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Jb 1:22)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Be greatly aware of the Church’s social teaching concerning the option for the poor and vulnerable. By prayer, word and action, show your care for the weakest among us – the unborn, those dealing with disabilities or terminal illness, the poor and marginalized. // In moments of loss, learn from the humble and faithful stance of the proverbial “patient Job”.
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October 1, 2024: TUESDAY – SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS, Virgin, Doctor of the Church
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Journeys to Jerusalem … He Endures Our Affliction”
BIBLE READINGS
Jb 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 // Lk 9:51-56
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 9:51-56): “He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.”
Today’s Gospel reading (Lk 9:51-56) is about Jesus’ departure for Jerusalem. The evangelist Luke presents the call to radical discipleship within the context of Jesus’ decisive journey to his paschal destiny. The Gospel passage begins with 9:51, the turning point in Luke’s narrative: “When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.” Jesus’ decision to go to Jerusalem is not a casual decision, but a deliberate one. He is resolved to do the Father’s will. Christian discipleship demands total participation in his Easter itinerary of dying on the cross and life-giving glory. To journey with Jesus to Jerusalem is to walk along the road of faith – the old rugged road that leads to Calvary.
The following modern day account gives insight how in daily life we “walk along the road of faith” (cf. Jon Sweeney in Guideposts 2014, p. 206).
I have long been drawn to old roads. I look at well-worn tracks to the forest or up the mountain and wonder who walked them for the first time and what the land looked like then. Sometimes I imagine deer or moose trekking along a ridge down from the mountain to a stream, and eventually men following, until a path is formed and then a road is built in its place.
Walking these roads every day, I am sometimes reminded of other important “roads” in my life.
Traveling along the road of faith, I am never alone. My great-grandmother used to challenge me as a boy. She told me to learn the Bible, inspiring me to follow her example by reading it every day and memorizing many verses. Then my grandparents asked me to love the Lord and, more importantly, showed me how to do it in the hands-on ways that their compassion went out to the elderly, whom they served every week in nursing homes.
My parents, too, shined a light down that path of faith that can sometimes be dark and tough to follow. Also, aunts and uncles, friends and mentors have walked the path before me. I am able to follow their well-worn treads. Because of them all, I know which way to go.
B. First Reading (Jb 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23): “Why is light given to the toilers?”
The Old Testament reading (Jb 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23) is taken from the Book of Job, the story of a good man who suffers total disaster. After losing all his children and property, he prostrates on the ground and declares: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” The “patient” Job’s affliction is not over. A repulsive disease attacks him. Sores break out all over Job’s body. Sitting by a garbage dump, he scrapes his sores with a piece of broken pottery. Three friends of Job hear of his plight and come to comfort him. When they see Job’s pitiable condition, they begin to weep and wail. Then they sit there on the ground with him for seven days and nights without saying a word because they see how much he is suffering.
Finally Job breaks the silence. The proverbial “patience of Job” comes to an end. In today’s reading, Job pours out his lamentation. He begins with the most radical possible declaration of his misery by uttering a rejection of life itself. He curses the day on which he was born. Job prays for death: “I wish I had died in my mother’s womb or died at the moment I was born.” There is bewilderment about God’s goodness: “Why let men go on living in misery? Why give light to men in grief?” Job prefers an untroubled non-existence to his present anguish.
The following modern day account gives insight into Job’s despair and illustrates his complaint that those in grief wait for death, but it never comes (cf. John Gallagher, “Don’t Jump” in Amazing Grace for Survivors, ed. Jeff Cavins, et. al., West Chester: Ascension Press, 2008, p. 199-206).
As a man in this world of ours, I am expected to hold a job, make enough money to pay my bills, provide for my four children, and be there for my wife. But sometimes in the hustle and bustle of everyday life all the tasks and responsibilities build up into an overwhelming stress. That’s what happened to me nine years ago. On the outside everything looked great. I had an MBA, a job as a financial analyst, a wife and four children. But on the inside, everything began falling apart. My company was cutting back, and I feared not being able to provide for my family. Life began to overwhelm me. (…)
As time went on, my situation only worsened. In addition to the pain, anxiety surged as heart palpitations took my breath away. Sleepless nights become the norm, and eating became a chore. I simply had no appetite. I lost sixty pounds and wore two sets of clothing to hide how thin I had become. Feelings were absent. I could not concentrate and felt powerless. My wife and kids were supportive and loving, but everyone was getting frustrated.
I tried everything I could think of to put an end to the darkness. From a multitude of doctors, to healing Masses and prayers. Nothing seemed to help. I felt betrayed by God. Yet, the demands to function in my life did not abate. But I reached the point where I could not go on. I was a shadow of my former self. Suffering was one thing, but the feeling of abandonment and loneliness was unbearable.
Yes, I had tried to kill myself by breathing in exhaust fumes, but I had suddenly stopped when I realized my link with God, though thin and torn, was not completely worn away. He still had a hold on me. I knew my life was only mine to live, not to take.
At the hospital, my blood pressure was still very high, and so they took me to the cardiology department in an attempt to lower my blood pressure before tackling other problems. My wife stood patiently by the hospital bed. She showed me pictures of our kids. The pictures were meant to cultivate some feelings of happiness in me. Instead, I felt all the more desperate, convinced that the best was all behind me now. Then Trish left the room to phone the children.
Alone in my room, I thought that the best of my life was now in the past and could only haunt me. My twisted thinking led me to imagine that the doctors would commit me to an insane asylum. Near my bed, a pleasant breeze drifted in from the window, which was ajar. I looked at the window as an end to my suffering. I arose from my bed and approached the window. The raw throbbing in my head had dulled my thought process so I acted without much thought beyond a drive to escape. I looked down the three stories. I can do it, I thought. I will do it. I jumped, relieved that the pain would finally go away. It did not.
I landed on my legs, and then crumbled. Rage exploded inside me. I’m still alive, I cried. I could not even kill myself. I lay on the asphalt bleeding and cursing my survival. Landing on my legs had saved my life, but they were now crushed and broken. The police and ambulance arrived in minutes. (…)
Then on January 20, 2008, I discovered there was still another chapter left in all of this. I read a newspaper story about a high school student who had survived a nine-story jump. What struck me was that he was willing to speak out about his experience. It was then that I realized that sharing my story would help others. And that is just what is happening. Now that I have begun speaking out, people come forward to thank me. Some are dealing with depression in their own families. Reaching out to others has helped our own family to heal. Instead of hiding, Trish and I are sharing the truth about the pain we went through. Our children too have told us they now understand.
I never would have chosen the path of pain I have walked. But no, I can see that by turning to God through it all, Trish and I have grown closer to Him and to each other. I am a living proof that no matter how bad things get, there is always a road towards healing that is paved with angels.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Are we ready to follow Jesus resolutely on the road to Jerusalem?
2. Did we ever experience so much pain and suffering that, like Job, we curse the day we were born?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
after your public ministry in Galilee
and when the time drew near for you to be taken up to heaven,
you resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.
We too would like to journey with you to Jerusalem
and participate intimately in the paschal destiny of your death and rising.
Help us to follow you on the old rugged road that leads to Calvary.
You bore our afflictions and suffered human miseries.
Let us never despair in moments of trial and intense affliction.
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.
“Jesus resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem...” (Lk 9:51) // “Why is life given to the bitter in spirit?” (Jb 3:20)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that you may have the grace to understand and experience the meaning of Christian discipleship. Pray in thanksgiving for all those who are able to follow Christ resolutely on the road to Jerusalem. Be an instrument of God’s hope and strength to the despairing.
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October 2, 2024: WEDNESDAY – THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Entrusts Us to Guardian Angels … He Teaches Us to Submit to God’s Mighty Power”
BIBLE READINGS
Jb 9:1-12, 14-16 // Mt 18:1-5, 10
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 18:1-5, 10): “Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
Jesus continues to teach his disciples not to despise the little ones. They are so important to God that he has given his angels charge over them. If children need angelic guardians, we can safely assume that adults need them. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, number 336, asserts about angels: “From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” Angels, who are pure spiritual creatures, live constantly in the presence of God and convey God’s will to us and his protection. Like the angels, we are intelligent beings created by God to glorify him and be happy with him in heaven.
The famed Mother Angelica of EWTN has this to say about angels (cf. Mother Angelica’s Answers, Not Promises, Mother Angelica with Christine Allison, New York: Pocket Books, 1987, p. 197-199).
I will never forget an incident that happened when I was ten or eleven years old. I was still living in Canton, Ohio, and had gone to the town square in the early evening to run some errands for my mother. There was a parking lot in the middle of the square, and for some reason it was blocked off by a big chain that day so cars could not enter. I blithely strolled across the street when I suddenly heard someone screaming, and I looked around only to see a pair of headlights coming at me. I was temporarily blinded, and then felt two hands pick me up and swing me over the chain barricade.
The car had run a red light and sped on. Slowly I realized what had happened. Dozens of people ran up to ask how I had leaped over the chain. I had no idea how I had gotten there.
I ran home and burst into the house looking for my mother. I was pale and trembling and started crying. “Mother, I almost got killed tonight.” Then she, too, started crying and said, “I know, Rita, I know.”
Later, I learned that my mother had sensed somehow that I was in danger earlier that afternoon and had knelt down to pray, asking God to save my life. Clearly, God had sent my angel to do just that. I will never forget that odd sensation of being lifted up, literally lifted, by two hands over a chain that separated me from death.
You and I, and everyone who ever lived, all have guardian angels. They are powerful friends, probably the most powerful friends you will ever have. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always needed all the friends I could get, and therefore have been on very close terms with my angel since the day of near-tragedy. I call my angel Fidelis, which is Latin for faithful, and faithful he has been, for I know I’ve been on tough assignments. (…)
God loves you so much that he gave you a guardian angel, a friend who prays for you, cheering you on, concerned for your salvation. If you’ve been overcome by loneliness, you should remember the friend God has given you as part of your birthright. He is with you every moment of the day.
B. First Reading (Jb 9:1-12, 14-16): “How can one be justified before God?”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Jb 9:1-12, 14-16) contains Job’s answer to his friends as they try to delve into the meaning of Job’s sufferings. The friends of Job explain suffering in terms of retributive justice. Since God, so they assume, always rewards good and punishes evil Job’s sufferings can only mean that he has sinned. For Job that is too naïve. An unusually good and righteous man, Job feels he does not deserve such a cruel punishment. He is baffled how God can let such evil happen to him. He wants to be justified and to regain his honor as a good man. But he feels completely helpless for God is impeachable in his power as well as in his judgment. It is impossible to “sue” God or to establish his innocence if God condemns him. However, out of frustration, the suffering Job continues his tirade against God whom he accuses of being irresponsible, or worse, of being responsible for his misery.
The following story illustrates that Job’s experience of “unmerited” suffering is replicated through time and space (cf. Jon Sweeney in Daily Guideposts 2014, p. 70).
My friend Brent lives next door and was known throughout our neighborhood as a mild-mannered, quiet, thoughtful person. This all came to an abrupt end one morning when he watched his only daughter suffer a terrible tragedy. I don’t even want to reveal what the tragedy was, but suffice it to say that Brent’s daughter was hurt more than any other teenager should ever be – and Brent was furious with God.
It was shocking to see. Sitting in his living room, Brent explained bitterly, “The deal is over. God is supposed to love us, and I don’t see any love left.” He was mad, but his anger masked a very deep sadness and sense of loss.
What does someone say in this sort of situation? I had no idea, even though I had read the books and articles and heard the sermons that explained how God is love and is ready and waiting to love us, even, and especially, when awful things happen.
But what do you say to your friend who already knows all of that? I just listened … and listened for the better part of a year. At the end of that year, I began to see Brent’s daughter heal. And just when I was about to suggest to Brent what I’d wanted to suggest earlier – that God is good and wants all that is good even though the world often offers what is painful – he beat me to it.
Today, Brent and his daughter and God are all back on the same page. Of course, they always were.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do I believe in the presence of an angel who is ever at my side to light and guard, to protect and guide me?
2. Like Job, do we sometimes rage against God’s “justice” or “lack of justice” when we suffer “undeservedly”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
God our Father,
in your loving providence
you send your holy angels to watch over us.
Hear our prayers,
defend us always by their protection
and let us share your life with them forever.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” (Mt 18:10) // “How can a man be justified before God?” (Jb 9:2)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray the beautiful prayer “Angel of God, my guardian dear …” and if you have not done it yet, give a name to your guardian angel. By your kind deeds and compassionate acts, be an “angel” to the people around you. // Be patient and continue to trust in God’s wisdom and care of you, even in the midst of intense suffering.
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October 3, 2024: THURSDAY – WEEKDAY (26)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Proclaim the Gospel and to Be Bearers of Peace … He Is Our Redeemer”
BIBLE READINGS
Jb 19:21-27 // Lk 10:1-12
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 10:1-12): “Your peace will rest on him.”
The book, Stories for the Heart, compiled by Alice Gray (Multnomah Press: Sisters, Oregon, 1996, p.239), contains a heartwarming story, “Picture of Peace” by Catherine Marshall. Her story gives us a glimpse of what true peace is all about.
There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all the pictures. But there were only two he really liked, and he had to choose between them. One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace. The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the king looked closely, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest – in perfect peace.
Which picture do you think won the prize? The king chose the second picture. Do you know why? “Because,” explained the king, “peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. This is the real meaning of peace.”
Today’s Gospel (Lk 10:1-12) tells us about the mission of the seventy-two disciples who are called to be peace-bearers. The peace that they are sent forth to bring comes from the sacrificial love of Christ, and it is the true peace welling up from within. The peace-bearing mission of Christ’s disciples has a universal character. In Luke’s account, we hear: “The Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.” The number “seventy-two” stands for the number of all the nations; and the Christians disciples are to reach out to all the nations and preach the Good News. Harold Buetow adds a depth of meaning to the number seventy-two symbolism. He remarks: “In the Gospel Jesus sends seventy-two disciples like lambs among wolves (v. 3) to spread his message of peace – a reminder that, when Moses was worn down with work, the Lord had him designate seventy-two elders to help him … We must not only be grateful for his salvation but must actually share it by carrying our responsibilities. Although we can’t offer instant solutions to all problems or suffering, Jesus’ Good News can alone provide true peace.”
The evangelist Luke expresses the magnitude of the missionary task of the seventy-two disciples in terms of “abundant harvest” as we can glean from Jesus’ exhortation to his disciples: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest” (Lk 10:2). The plentiful harvest refers to the extensive missionary work that the followers of Christ need to carry out on behalf of the entire human race. Indeed, the task of preaching the Gospel of peace to humankind entails the self-sacrificing ministry of apostolic “reapers” to gather the fruitful harvest of the redeemed into the barns of God’s kingdom.
Luke’s account of mission-sending underlines, moreover, the urgency of the Gospel task. According to the commands of Jesus, the disciples are to travel light, salute no one along the road, and not be deterred by those who refuse to welcome them. There is an impelling quality and resoluteness in the task of proclaiming the Reign of God and in spreading the message of peace. The disciples sent by Jesus must not be waylaid nor indulge in distractions or petty matters, but rather, trust in the providence of God as they experience their own vulnerability and the people’s hostility. Indeed, the time of salvation has come. The kingdom of God is at hand. The mission of the Christ’s disciples is urgent and they must keep moving.
Marked by the spirit of poverty, Saint Francis of Assisi is a true Gospel bearer, a channel of God’s peace and a promoter of the integration of creation. Circulated on the Internet, the following article helps us understand what it means to proclaim that the kingdom is at hand.
It has been argued that no one in history was as dedicated as Francis to imitate the life, and carry out the work, of Christ in Christ’s own way … This is important in understanding Francis' character and his affinity for the Eucharist and respect for the priests who carried out the sacrament… He and his followers celebrated and even venerated poverty. Poverty was so central to his character that in his last written work, the Testament, he said that absolute personal and corporate poverty was the essential lifestyle for the members of his order … He believed that nature itself was the mirror of God. He called all creatures his “brothers” and “sisters,” and even preached to the birds and supposedly persuaded a wolf to stop attacking some locals if they agreed to feed the wolf. In his “Canticle of the Creatures” (“Praises of Creatures” or “Canticle of the Sun”), he mentioned the “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon,” the wind and water, and “Sister Death.” He referred to his chronic illnesses as his “sisters." His deep sense of brotherhood under God embraced others, and declared that he considered himself no friend of Christ if he did not cherish those for whom Christ died … Francis' visit to Egypt and attempted rapprochement with the Muslim world had far-reaching consequences, long past his own death, since after the fall of the Crusader Kingdom it would be the Franciscans, of all Catholics, who would be allowed to stay on in the Holy Land and be recognized as Custodians of the Holy Land on behalf of Christianity. (…)
Francis preached the teaching of the Catholic Church, that the world was created good and beautiful by God but suffers a need for redemption because of the primordial sin of man. He preached to man and beast the universal ability and duty of all creatures to praise God (a common theme in the Psalms) and the duty of men to protect and enjoy nature as both the stewards of God's creation and as creatures ourselves … Legend has it that on his deathbed, St. Francis thanked his donkey for carrying and helping him throughout his life, and his donkey wept.
B. First Reading (Jb 19:21-27): “I know that my vindicator lives.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Jb 19:21-27) reminds me of my Benedictine professor at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome. Fr. Phillip Rouillard, who teaches the Rite of Christian Funerals, shared at class that he would like used at his Funeral Mass the passage from the Book of Job in which the beleaguered Job declares, “I know that my Redeemer lives …”
In today’s episode, Job feels utterly alone, abandoned and rejected by his family, friends and loved ones. To add insult to injury, his well-meaning but tactless friends insist on Job’s culpability. Job seeks reprieve and laments: “You are my friends. Take pity on me! The hand of God has struck me down. Why do you hound me as though you were divine? Haven’t you tormented me enough?” Protesting his innocence, Job wishes that his declaration be chiseled in stone to speak for him after he is gone. Then Job makes a startling faith statement in a deliverer or “Vindicator” whom he will certainly see with his own eyes. His inmost being is consumed with longing for his “redeemer”, who is seen in Christian perspective as a figure of Jesus Christ.
Job’s “leap of faith” in a redeemer is made famous by Handel’s “Messiah” (“I know that my redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”). Likewise, the following lyric, composed by Samuel Medley, is deeply inspired Job’s faith declaration and underlines its Christian implication (cf. the song “I Know that My Redeemer Lives”).
I know that my Redeemer lives!
What joy the blest assurance gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my everlasting head!
He lives triumphant from the grave.
He lives eternally to save.
He lives in majesty above.
He lives to guide his church in love.
He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, all glory to his name!
He lives my Savior, still the same.
What joy this blessed assurance gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we heed the exhortation of Jesus: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest”? As disciples of Christ in mission are we resolute and decisive in proclaiming the Reign of God and its message of peace? Do we travel light or are we are encumbered with a heavy load? Are we distracted or do we have focus? Are we truly bearers of peace? Does our evangelical mission beget tranquility in others?
2. Do we believe that Jesus Christ is the “Vindicator”, our Redeemer who lives forever? How does this faith statement impact our daily life?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
we pray for more laborers to reap the harvest of the human race.
Help us that we too may be self-giving reapers
in that fruitful harvest.
Make us instruments of your peace.
May the peace that you have bestowed upon us
rest on the people we are to bless.
Do not let discouraging results overwhelm us,
nor encouraging achievements inflate us.
Let us truly rejoice in your peace
and in the assurance that having done your saving will,
our names are written in heaven.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
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Loving Father,
when you call us home,
let us be heartened by the loving sacrifice
of Jesus on the cross.
He is our Vindicator-Redeemer.
We know that he lives forever
and by him, we are led into the beatitude of eternal life
and the joy of your paternal embrace.
We give you glory and praise, now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“Go on your way; behold I am sending you.” (Lk 10:3) //“I know that my Vindicator lives.” (Jb 19:25)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for an increase of priestly and religious vocations in the Church. Pray for peace in the world and those called to be special peace-bearers in today's situations of violence and conflict. By your kind words and charitable speech, be a bearer of God’s peace, harmony and reconciliation. // Be deeply aware of the “last things” and renew your faith: “I know that my Redeemer lives.”
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October 4, 2024: FRIDAY – SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Experienced Rejection … He Surrendered to God’s Awesome Plan”
BIBLE READINGS
Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 // Lk 10:13-16
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 10:13-16): “Whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
In today’s Gospel reading (Lk 10:13-16), Jesus warns the recipients of his public ministry in Galilee of the dire consequences of their impenitence. The lakeside towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum have received so much in terms of divine grace, but fail to bear fruits of conversion. They do not surrender themselves to Jesus and are deaf to his word. Jesus works miracles in their midst and proclaims the Good News to them, but they refuse to accept him as the Messiah. Because of their resistance to grace, they merit judgment more severe than the people of Tyre and Sidon, ancient cities notorious for wickedness and impiety. The life-giving Gospel that Jesus preaches cannot be ignored. There are unfortunate and death-dealing consequences in rejecting his divine offer of salvation. To reject Jesus is thus to opt for self-destruction.
Like Jesus, his disciples of today will meet hostility and rejection as the following article shows (cf. “Hands off the Cross” in L’Osservatore Romano, July 25, 2012, p. 9).
The Russian Orthodox Church cannot stand by and watch while Christianity is persecuted in Europe, according to Fr. Philip Ryabykh, a representative of the Patriarchate of Moscow to the Council of Europe, in an interview with the Voice of Russia. He was referring to the two British citizens fired for their refusal to remove the crosses around their necks in the workplace. The cases of Nadia Eweida, an employee of British Airways at Heathrow Airport, and Shirley Chaplin, a nurse, will soon be examined by the European Court of Human Rights and Orthodox representatives, together with Russian lawyers, have already guaranteed their support. Fr. Philip called this an “unprecedented situation”.
The two women have appealed to the Court to recognize that the freedom of religion has been violated and that they have been discriminated against because of their religious ties. British authorities – the Voice of Russia says – did not expect the case to be brought before the Strasbourg Court and has proposed a law that allows employers to dismiss employees who refuse to hide their religious confession.
“The decision of the Strasbourg Court will apply to all countries that are members of the Council of Europe, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova – that is, countries where Orthodox Christianity is the most common denomination”, Fr. Philip says. It is a tradition among Orthodox Christians to wear a crucifix and, he warned, “if the Strasbourg Court’s decision turns out not in favor of these women, this would create a dangerous precedent which, I believe, would be very dangerous. This may become a start of persecution against Christianity in Europe”.
B. First Reading (Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5): “Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning and entered into the sources of the sea?”
In today’s Old Testament reading (Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5), God speaks directly to Job “out of the storm”, a traditional setting for the manifestation of divine power. The Lord does not address Job’s complaint about unmerited suffering, but poses a series of counter questions. The Lord begins his interrogation with a pointed reminder of Job’s finiteness: “Who are you to question my wisdom with your ignorant, empty words? Stand up now like a man and answer the questions I ask you.” Then God interrogates Job about the marvels of creation. Does Job understand any of these? Can he do any of them? Has Job ever commanded a day to dawn? Has he entered into the sources of the sea or walked on the floor of the ocean? Like a teacher springing a surprise quiz, the Lord God is involving Job in the process of learning. God is leading Job out of a limited world into the larger world.
The Lord continues: “Job, you challenged Almighty God, will you give up now, or will you answer?” Confronted by God’s mighty wisdom and power, Job is overwhelmed and responds humbly: “I spoke foolishly, Lord. What can I answer? I will try not to say anything else. I have already said more than I should.” Job’s complete inability to understand God’s ways is clearly demonstrated. He finally allows himself to be caught up into the mystery of God and the universe. Acknowledging the vanity of his efforts, Job acknowledges the divine mystery that is beyond human reach.
Job’s experience invites us to be more receptive to the divine mystery revealed in creation. The following personal account is inspiring and insightful (Marilyn Morgan King in Daily Guideposts 2010, p. 298).
This afternoon I received an e-mail from my friend Lucinda, who hasn’t been well for some time. Some days she just can’t even get out of bed. Yet the final paragraph of her letter reads:
I think I shall dress so that I can drive to the park to watch the sunset if there is one … of course, with all the buildings I can only see the upper part of the sky, but even that can be glorious. I have not seen a sunrise or sunset for many years, and I do so miss them.
Lucinda’s letter made me realize something. Right now in my life, I’m able to watch the sunrise nearly every day, yet I often fail to notice it. We live in a little valley with the mountains in the north, west and south, so we rarely have a chance to watch a sunset. But every morning, unless the sky is overcast, I can watch the sunrise. As my eyesight becomes more and more precious to me in its long good-bye, I must remember to value the beauty I can see now.
Tomorrow morning I’ll not miss the sunrise as it streams in through our breakfast room window, spilling colors on the table like a prism. And like Lucinda, I might even drive out of the valley in the early evening to watch the sunset.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we suffer rejection and hostility for our Christian faith? What is our response to such a situation?
2. Are we receptive to the divine presence revealed in creation? Do we trust in God’s wisdom and saving plan for us? Like Job do we allow ourselves to be taken intimately into the mystery of God and the universe? Do we “stand under the mystery” rather than breaking our heads in order “to understand the mystery”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you experienced hostility and rejection
in the lakeside towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum.
Forgive us, Jesus, for our lack of response to your merciful love.
Give us the grace never to reject you again.
Fill us with courage to be faithful.
Teach us to be responsive to the presence of God
revealed in nature and in the daily events of life.
Draw us into the depths of the Father’s saving mystery.
You are our saving Lord, 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.
“And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Lk 10:16) // “Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning and shown the dawn its place?” (Jb 38:12)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Through prayer, word and action, seek to overcome the hostility and “persecution” against the Church in the modern world. Make a daily effort to see the presence of God in creation and in daily events of life. Allow yourself to be enfolded by the loving wisdom of God and submit to his mysterious ways.
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October 5, 2024: SATURDAY – WEEKDAY (26); SAINT FAUSTIN KOWALSKA; BLESSED FRANCIS XAVIER SEELOS, Priest (USA): BVM ON SATURDAY
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Rejoices at the Return of the Disciples in Mission … He Grants Us the Joy of Restoration”
BIBLE READINGS
Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17 // Lk 10:17-24
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 10:17-24): “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
The Divine Master experiences misunderstanding and rejection from the towns along Lake Galilee where he has performed many miracles. Many have painfully disappointed him. But in today’s Gospel episode (Lk 10:17-24), the seventy-two disciples who returned rejoicing from their mission have filled Jesus with joy. They have subjected demons through the power of his name. Rejoicing with them, Jesus makes them understand that the source of their joy should not be in having subjected the demons, but in having their names written in heaven. His disciples, in welcoming him as their true Master and Lord, have proven themselves “childlike” in character. They have opened themselves up to the spiritual revelation that Jesus gives, but which “the wise and the learned” of this world refuse to perceive. Through Jesus, God the Father is revealed. God is no longer an enigma, for through Jesus we can “see” God as the fullness of love. No wonder Jesus turns to his disciples and exclaims: “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!”
As Christian disciples in today’s world, we too must be “childlike” in our stance. We are able to rejoice because we are assured of the divine presence wherever we are and in whatever “storms” we encounter. The following story, circulated on the Internet, will give insight into this and will make us smile.
A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning.
The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school. She also feared the electric storm might harm the child. Full of concern, the mother got into her car and quickly drove along the route to her child’s school. As she did, she saw her little girl walking along. At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and smile. More lightning followed quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile.
When the mother drew up beside the child, she lowered the window and called, “What are you doing?” The child answered, “I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture.”
B. First Reading (Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17): “But now my eye has seen you and I disown what I have said.”
In the first part of today’s Old Testament reading (Jb 42:1-3, 5-6) is Job’s response to God’s challenging question: Is it really necessary for him to condemn the Lord in order to affirm his innocence? God however remains kind to Job though the latter has overstepped his limits in his search for understanding and in protesting his innocence. God does not intend to destroy Job for he actually delights in him. Job’s final answer is humble and recognizes God’s power and purpose. He admits that God’s ways are beyond his ability to understand. The Lord’s marvelous works are too great for him to know.
God finally vindicates Job and restores him. The second part of today’s reading (verses 12-17) depicts the joy of restoration. The Lord blesses the latter days of Job more than his earlier ones. His livestock are returned, but double the quantity. He begets seven new sons and three new daughters, who are so beautiful. Job lives to a hundred and forty years, long enough to see his grandchildren and even his great grandchildren.
The following story depicts a modern day “joy of restoration” (cf. Gay Behrensmeyer, “Music Lesson” in Mysterious Ways: Mini-Sampler by Guideposts, p. 5-6).
My organ teacher, John Hildreth, and I always met at an old Episcopalian church in town. I’d taken lessons from him for 30 years, but now I was ready to give up. My playing just wasn’t what it used to be. I sat on the organ bench, wondering how to tell him. He would be so disappointed.
“Take a listen to this recording”, John said, “and I’ll be right back.” He hit play and stepped out of the sanctuary. The melody coming from the speakers was beautiful, rich with notes that seemed to float from all directions. The organist’s coordination between the manual keys and the foot pedals was spot on. I closed my eyes and took it all in. Gosh, Lord, I thought, if I could play like that, I’d never quit.
Before our new choir director arrived, I’d been more confident. Then the criticism began. “You’re playing too fast”, she’d say. “Now it’s too slow … can’t you play something more contemporary?” Then last month, a member of the congregation said, “You know, you missed a note in the last piece.” I could’ve cried.
Clearly I was losing my touch. Much as I’d miss playing, what was the point if the music didn’t sound good anymore? I’d have to find a different way to praise God. But how?
Soon John returned. He turned the tape off. “That was lovely!” I blurted out. “I wish I could play that well.”
John gave me a quizzical look. “That was you playing. It’s a performance from a few weeks ago.”
And with that, I had my answer.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we trust in Jesus as the true revelation of the Father? Are we the “little ones” who are willing to savor the rich and life-giving revelation of Jesus?
2. Are we willing to imitate the final humble stance of Job before God and his mysterious ways? Do we look forward to the “joy of restoration”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O loving Father,
thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus,
the meek and humble One.
Teach us to be receptive as “little ones” to the light of wisdom
and perceive the beauty of your saving plan.
Grant us the grace to live the life of Christ in the Spirit
and reject the awful pride of the “wise and learned”.
Help us to surrender to your awesome and mysterious ways.
Bless us with the “joy of restoration”.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.
“He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit.” (Lk 10:21) // “The Lord blessed the latter days of Job.” (Jb 42:5)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that Christian disciples may always be “childlike” and receptive to the divine revelation given to us in Jesus Christ each day. In experiences of suffering that one cannot understand, trust in God and look forward to the “joy of restoration”.
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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