A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 22, n. 50)
Week 32 in Ordinary Time: November 10-16, 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: November 3-9, 2024 please go to ARCHIVES Series 21 and click on “Ordinary Week 31”.
Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: November 10-16, 2024.)
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November 10, 2024: THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to a Total Self-Giving”
BIBLICAL READINGS
1 Kgs 17:10-16 // Heb 9:24-28 // Mk 12:38-44
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A, Gospel Reading (Mk 12:38-44): “This poor widow put in more than all the others.”
One grace I have experienced as a missionary and consecrated person is the opportunity to see inspiring acts of self-giving everywhere in the world. When I was enrolled at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome, I used to volunteer to help our Sisters working in the souvenir shops at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Pilgrims from all parts of Italy and from all over the world would come to our place for religious objects and souvenirs to bring back home to their loved ones. In carrying out this service to the pilgrims, I had a chance to witness memorable acts of goodness, generosity, and self-giving. During a Jubilee year celebration when I was assisting a group of pilgrims from Bergamo, I met a pleasant-looking, elderly peasant from the hometown of Pope John XXIII. His resources were very limited, so he bought only two small holy cards worth 500 liras. I wrapped his purchase in a nice little paper bag and gave it to him with a warm smile. After receiving it with gratitude, he fell into deep thought. Then he dipped into his pocket and handed me 10,000 liras as a donation for candles. What an act of kindness and generous giving!
Our bible readings for this Sunday give us a lesson on total and wholehearted giving. Today’s Gospel (Mk 12:38-44) depicts the fascinating figure of a destitute but extremely generous widow. Observing the devout act of the poor widow who is putting two small coins into the temple’s treasury, Jesus calls the disciples to himself in order to let them see the profound contrast between complete and incomplete giving. The one who teaches the meaning of total giving is himself “the Gift: and “the Giver”. Jesus, the Servant-Son of God is the ultimate self-giving Lord – the only true Poor One who gives everything back to God, including his very own life upon the cross. Christ offers his life “once and for all” in order to redeem us. In union with him, our lives become capable of total self-giving. In the footsteps of the Divine Master, the true Anawim of Yahweh, our lives are transformed into a totus tuus – a wholehearted gift to God.
We are almost at the end of the liturgical year. As we are completing the Church’s year of grace, it is fitting to meditate upon the totus tuus quality of God’s relationship with us, as well as, the totus tuus character of the response he demands from us. The biblical scholar Eugene Maly remarks: “Totus tuus … “totally yours” … Such total self-giving is characteristic of biblical religion. It is not to be understood as a purely human initiative. Rather, it is the expected response to the redemptive love of God. It is he who loves first. Then empowered by that love, we can love God and neighbor in turn…God’s initial love is always a presupposition. Our lives are, or should be, one large thank you to a loving God. And the thank you must be expressed wholeheartedly.”
B. First Reading (1 Kgs 17:10-16): “The widow made a little cake from her flour and gave it to Elijah.”
The Old Testament reading (1 Kgs 17:10-16)) is about the pagan woman who gives all - the little she has. The authors of the Days of the Lord, vol. 5, remark: “What a marvelous story! The most admirable part is not the miracle itself, but the faith of the protagonists, especially the poor widow’s. Elijah, of course, believed in the Lord; but the Lord had spoken to him and, by the bank of a stream, had just given him a signal proof of his power and solicitude. But this woman was a pagan. She believed God’s word – an unlikely promise – transmitted by an unknown person, a stranger who spoke to her in the name of a God locked in combat with the baal she served. On this word, she risked her life and her son’s life. This is an admirable faith on the part of a simple and poor woman, and it reminds us of all those who, forgetting themselves, accomplish the acts of mercy that God expects.”
The story of the poor widow of Zarephath delineates the depth and power of faith that is the font of total giving. The poor widow - a pagan - does not hesitate to part with her remaining meager provisions for the benefit of a needy stranger - Yahweh’s prophet. The Old Testament backdrop of the impoverished, but faith-filled and generous widow of Zarephath reinforces and vivifies the fascinating figure of the destitute, but extremely generous widow of this Sunday’s Gospel reading (Mk 12:38-44). The widow at the Jerusalem temple wholly entrusts herself to God and in her generous offering, Jesus sees the total gift of himself that he is about to make in his paschal sacrifice on the cross.
The following account of my cousin Belen Papina Villaluz gives an example of a wholehearted gift to God.
A few years ago, our parish church in Guinobatan, Albay in the Philippines was down for a major renovation. The condition of the church was so bad that, except for the walls and the belfry, everything had to be torn down. This big undertaking was in anticipation of the centennial foundation of our parish. Solicitation letters were sent out to parishioners who were deemed able to contribute to make the project successful. Donations poured in from within the parish and beyond, that is, from town mates living abroad. Some gave a good portion of their salaries or bonuses. Others willingly shared their retirement benefits, while some found ways and means to convince other people to contribute. Those who could not give in kind or cash, rendered their services.
In a matter of two or three years, the church renovation project was accomplished and it was a complete success. During the feast day in honor of our patroness, Our Lady of the Assumption, a grand celebration was held to thank everybody and most especially those who have supported in making the endeavor a success. People from everywhere came to celebrate with us on that most special day. A bountiful feast and a sumptuous meal were prepared for everyone to enjoy. Certificates of recognition and plaques of appreciation were given to all those who have given much of their time, talent and treasure. And their names were posted on the bulletin board for everyone to see.
However, during that time when the church was being renovated and even until I left for the States, I always see this man who, during the offertory, goes up to the altar to offer what I found out later was handful of coins wrapped in newspaper. He heard Mass almost every day and without fail continued his practice come offertory time. I came to know that this man is a baggage boy who works in the public market. He makes a living by carrying anything and everything anybody could not carry. For his service he is given whatever amount his clients find appropriate … which most of the time is a few coins. He could not afford to buy anything for himself for he went to Mass in a very old t-shirt, short pants and a pair of worn-out rubber slippers. Every time I see him, I could not help but admire and envy him for his selfless giving.
I was one of the recipients of a plaque of appreciation but seeing this man, I realized that he gave more than I did.
When judgment day comes, who will be the first to enter the Kingdom of God? Will it be the person who gave a big amount with his name announced to everyone or the man who gave everything he had without even first thinking of his needs?
C. Second Reading (Heb 9:24-28): “Christ was offered once to take away the sins of many.”
The reading (Heb 9:24-28) is very significant for it underlines the courage and generosity of Jesus in giving his totus tuus to the Lord. The total offering of the poor widow witnessed by Jesus (Mk 12:38-44) evokes Christ’s total, sacrificial gift of himself for the forgiveness of our sin and the redemption of all. The annual religious ritual of the high priest in Jerusalem temple on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is inadequate to bring reconciliation. Instead, it is Christ’s totus tuus on the cross and his complete surrender to the divine saving plan that brings about total reconciliation with God.
Harold Buetow comments: “Jesus did not offer sacrifices daily or annually, but once. That sacrifice was the total self-giving of his life. He took away the sins of all people by taking those sins upon himself. The blood of the sacrifice was his own – ineffably more effective by reason of his worth than the previous sacrifices of animals. Rather than entering the sanctuary of the Temple, which was only a man-made construction, he entered heaven itself that he might now appear before God on our behalf.” Moreover, at the parousia or second coming, Jesus Christ will gather and bring to full salvation those who wait for the advent of his kingdom.
Our priests of today are called to make present in the “here and now” Christ’s totus tuus to the Father. They are called to incarnate Christ’s sacrificial gift of himself on behalf of God’s universal people. An example of a priest whose life is a totus tuus is Father Yan Mangun, whose total self-giving is extolled by seventh-grader Gina Escandon in her prize winning essay, “God’s Representative” (cf. Maryknoll, May/June 2009, p. 33-34), which we report below.
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. Over 250 million people live there. Most of them are Muslim, and only 3 percent of them are Roman Catholic. My name is Gina Escandon and, along with my family, I was an expatriate in Indonesia for almost eight years. My parents wanted me and my brother to grow up going to Mass every Sunday. But living in Indonesia made it kind of hard to do so. Thanks to Father Yan Mangun, it was made possible.
Excuse me. I think I should introduce Father Yan to you. Father Yan Mangun is part of the Dayak people. The Dayaks are a native group of Borneo. Prior to their conversion to Christianity, they were headhunters and believers of animism. Father Yan was very proud to be the first Dayak ordained as a Catholic priest. Being a Christian in a majority Muslim country is difficult and at times dangerous. It was a struggle for Father Yan and other Indonesians to live as proud Catholics. Father Yan set an example for the Indonesian Catholics as well as the international community of Catholics of what living our faith as followers of Christ truly means. For many years before he retired, Father served as a chaplain in the Indonesian Navy, where he learned English. Once he retired, he came to live and work among the very poor in a parish in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
We expats used to attend his Masses in a nice open-air church building. But during that time, there were bombings going on in Indonesia. Some of the extreme Muslims who believe that Indonesia should be 100 percent Muslim were bombing Catholic churches. Many innocent Indonesian Catholics were killed, some even on Christmas Day. It was because of this that we started holding our Masses on the secure compound in which we live. It was thanks to Father Yan that we had our own little parish so far from our home countries. Our new parish being made up of Catholics from around the world was really a “catholic” church. We had members from the United States, Australia, Ireland, Nigeria, Malaysia, Holland, Colombia, Canada, New Zealand and many more countries than you can imagine. The weekly offering that was collected from his international parish was more than his local parish collected in a year. Father Yan would use all the money to help his Indonesian parishioners.
Father Yan, or Pak Yan, as he was called in Indonesian, was a very humble man. He had holes in his shoes, but if you give him money to get new ones, he would just give the money to someone who needed it more. I am so blessed that I have had Father Yan in my life. If it weren’t for him, I would not have made my First Communion until I moved back to America when I was in fifth grade. I would not have been able to go to church every Sunday and understand what was being said. He heard God calling him above everything, and he answered. That’s why Father Yan Mangun is a witness to Christ.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
How do we react to situations of extreme vulnerability, insecurity, and poverty? Do we take the generous stance of the faith-filled widows of Zarephath and of the Gospel? Do we allow ourselves to be configured into the self-giving Lord Jesus, the true Anawim – the ultimate Poor One of Yahweh? Do we trust that in the act of total self- giving and surrender to the divine will we shall experience the true beatitude and the fullness of life?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
the generosity of the poor are known to you.
Your Son Jesus sees the heart of the poor widow
who offers two little coins – her “everything”.
You embrace those who have “nothing”
according to the world’s standards,
but are rich in faith.
Your eyes look kindly on the lowly
who, like Jesus, are capable of total self-giving.
Help us to be poor in spirit
but abundant in the gift of grace.
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.
“She, from her poverty, has contributed all she had.” (Mk 12:44)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that the spirit of totus tuus or total giving may animate our life of Christian discipleship and service. Pray also that the unjust structures that lead to destitution and greater abuse of the poor and needy in today’s society may be rectified. Strive to offer the gifts you have received from the Lord for the good, and at the service of the community.
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November 11, 2024: MONDAY – SAINTMARTIN OF TOURS, Bishop
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Teaches Us Responsibility for the Little Ones … The Ministers Build Up His Church”
BIBLE READINGS
Ti 1:1-9 // Lk 17:1-6
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 17:1-6): “If your brother wrongs you seven times in one day, and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry”, you should forgive him.”
In the previous episodes, Jesus was addressing the “outsiders” – those outside the intimate circle of disciples - the crowds, the scribes and the Pharisees. In today’s Gospel (Lk 17:1-6), he focuses his attention on his disciples and delineates their responsibility for the “little ones”, that is, the members of the faith community. Jesus acknowledges that things that cause sin will inevitably occur because of Satan’s interference and the human misuse of freedom. But he issues a strong warning to his disciples not to lead others to sin. They must take care lest their actions cause others to stumble or lose faith in God. Such scandal-causing disciples will be severely punished.
The Divine Master continues to form his disciples in the way of responsibility and leadership. They must be able to correct and forgive. They must rebuke those who sin and lead them on the right path. They must also forgive unceasingly those who truly repent of their sins. Jesus exhorts them to forgive the truly repentant person for his repeated sins – expressed exaggeratedly as committing wrong “seven times” in one day.
This is a tall order. How can the disciples live up to such a standard of integrity and generosity? Jesus therefore underlines the power of faith. If the disciples truly have “faith”, even the size of a mustard seed, they will be able to command a mulberry tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea. They must have faith to avoid misleading others by sinful actions, and that they may offer the gift of forgiveness to repentant sinners “every time”. The power of faith will enable them to rise to the task and challenge of Christian witnessing and ministry.
In the context of today’s sex-abuse scandal, the words of Jesus resound ominously upon those who abuse the “little ones” and sin against them. The following experience of a survivor illustrates not only the pain he suffered, but also the grace-filled attitude he showed as a victim of offense and scandal (cf. Rachel Zawila, “Survivors Speak” in Saint Anthony Messenger, June 2012, p. 20-25).
Peter Isely is a survivor. Growing up in a devout Catholic family, Isely envisioned maybe becoming a priest himself. While at St. Lawrence, a seminary high school in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, he was assaulted by a priest from age thirteen to seventeen … It took him more than a decade to publicly acknowledge it. And publicly he did. After reading an opinion piece by Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert Weakland in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in November 1992, in which the archbishop stated too much attention was being given to a priest sex-abuse case, Isely could stay silent no longer. His open-letter response to Archbishop Weakland ran on page 1 of the newspaper the following Sunday. In it he shared his story, calling on the need for correction not only of offending priests, but also of the entire culture that allows such abuse to occur.
Since then, Isely has remained in the public eye. A cofounder of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) he now serves as Midwest director in Milwaukee. Isely can be seen around the country, joining in protests, giving speeches, and meeting with bishops, cardinals and priests. (…)
Fighting a public struggle is not the only battle survivors face. For many, an internal conflict of faith also wages on. Survivors struggle mightily with their faith”, says Isely. “That’s a major element.” (…) “Even when victims are angry, you can hear their deep attachment to their spiritual homeland”, says Isely, including himself in the statement. “Many of us came from the most devout and loyal Catholic parents and families. That was given to me as a child before I even understood most of it. This truth was given to me, and I can’t betray it.” (…)
The sex abuse crisis is not over. Further investigations have revealed it is a worldwide problem, and the Church continues to meet and form measures to address the situation. “That we’re now talking about this as a global issue, that is a huge success”, says Isely; “that there’s a conversation about the Vatican and how authority is structured around this and what is happening. So at least that’s being talked about now; that’s where the conversation is. Even getting there is something of a miracle … I’ll tell people I’ve been at this at least fifteen years, and we’ve made more progress in fifteen years than in fifteen centuries.”
B. First Reading (Ti 1:1-9): “Appoint presbyters in every town as I directed you.”
Today we begin to read Saint Paul’s insightful pastoral letter to Titus, a Gentile convert to Christianity, who became Paul’s fellow worker and assistant in missionary work. After his Roman house arrest (61-63 A.D.), Paul commissions Titus as his legate in Crete and later (around 65 A.D.) he writes this letter to give Titus guidelines on how to organize and animate the church community. In today’s reading (Ti 1:1-9) Paul identifies himself as a “slave of God” and “apostle of Jesus Christ”. His divine commission is for the sake of the faith of the Church, God’s chosen people. In the task of building up the faith of the Church in Crete, Saint Paul relies on the help of the young pastor Titus, who is especially bonded to him as a “loyal child in the faith”.
As part of the task of promoting the Christian faith, Titus is charged with organizing the church-community in Crete by appointing an elder (“presbyter”) or leader (“bishop”) in every town, to serve as the primary teacher in the community. They are to preach sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it. Through their ministry, the Church stands as pillar and bulwark of truth. Their service is vital especially in light of the disruption caused by false teachers. In order to carry out their ministry efficaciously, they must be persons of good character, experience and probity. Their sterling qualities lend credibility to their teaching. The bishop oversees the community, and his function as overseer must be carried out faithfully and prudently.
The following article gives insight into the meaning of pastoral ministry exercised by presbyters and bishops (cf. “2015-2016 Lumen Christi Award Finalists” in Extension, Fall 2015, p. 21).
Father Fredy Angel, Diocese of Savannah, Ga.: From Bogota, Colombia, Fredy Angel came to the United States as a missionary in 2001. Just four years later, he became an ordained priest and shortly thereafter was pastoring four churches in southern Georgia.
Today, as the pastor of Queen of Peace Parish in Lakeland and Ray City, Father Angel has grown a once-struggling parish in rural Georgia into a dynamic and thriving multi-ethnic community. Thanks to his perseverance and inspiration, the parish is bursting out of its two locations and now requires the building of a new larger church. Construction on what is to be the new St. Anthony of Padua is now in full swing.
Another impressive feat: Father Angel has brought together all of his parishioners, who come from diverse ethnic backgrounds into a multicultural community. Father Angel has also been a founding member of the diocese’s Hispanic Ministry Council, which acts as an advocate for the region’s Latino Catholics.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Have we ever wronged the “little ones”? Do we recognize our responsibility and culpability? Do we choose the way of forgiveness and repentance? Do we trust in God and have faith that he is loving and forgiving?
2. Do we see and appreciate the importance of the ministry of priests and bishops in the Church? How do we help them carry out more efficaciously their ministry? Do we pray for them?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Jesus Master,
you teach us the meaning of integrity and responsibility.
Help us to care for the “little ones”
Never allow us to wrong them or cause them to sin.
Let our words and deeds be irreproachable.
Give us the courage to correct those who are culpable
and the grace to forgive, “every time”, the repentant sinners.
Let our mustard-size faith sustain us
in the task of Christian witnessing
and in our ministry to the “little ones” of today’s world.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
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(From the Sacramentary: “For Priests”)
Lord our God,
you guide your people by the ministry of priests.
Keep them faithful in obedient service to you
that by their life and ministry
they may bring you glory in Christ.
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.
“Things that cause sin will inevitably occur; woe to the person through whom they occur.” (Lk 17:1) // “Appoint presbyters in every town as I directed you.” (Ti 1:5)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for the victims of sex-abuse and those who are guilty of this crime. Do what you can to help the “survivors” of clergy sex-abuse. // Offer a special Eucharistic Adoration on behalf of priests and bishops.
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November 12, 2024: TUESDAY – SAINT JOSAPHAT, Bishop, Martyr
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to a Total Dedication … We Await for the Great Day of His Appearing”
BIBLE READINGS
Ti 2:1-8, 11-14 // Lk 17:7-10
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 17:7-10): “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we are obliged to do.”
In my brother’s home in Cebu (Philippines), there are three domestic helpers. Each one has a particular task, but all can multi-task. Hence, the gardener can also clean the house if the cleaning boy is not around. The helpers have a food allowance in addition to their monthly salary and are not expected to join the family at table. At meal time at least one of them has to wait at table. They are very dedicated and are treated respectfully and justly. But I suppose none of them would expect to be thanked or praised every time for the work they do since they are paid workers.
Today’s Gospel (Lk 17:7-10) speaks of the personal dedication expected of a multi-tasking servant who can plow the field, tend the sheep and wait at table. A servant must not indulge in self-gratification nor give in to arrogant presumption that the master owes it to him. A servant is expected to carry out his duties humbly and faithfully. If such faithful service and total dedication are expected of a domestic servant, how much more Jesus Master demands them from his followers. The Christian disciples are wisely reminded that they can never stop and rest in the belief that they have worked enough. Immersed into the life of Christ, the Servant of Yahweh, they are “servants” for the kingdom. They are called to be totally, and devotedly, at the service of the Father’s saving will. True servants do not seek themselves. Their humble attitude makes them avow: “We are merely servants and we have done merely our duty!”
B. First Reading (Ti 2:1-8, 11-14): “We live devoutly in this age as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of our savior Jesus Christ.”
In the reading (Ti 2:1-8, 11-14), we hear Saint Paul advising the young pastor, Titus of Crete, to teach the various groups in the Church (the older men, the older women who are, in turn, to teach the younger women, and the younger men) in accordance with sound doctrine. Each group is to follow particular virtues and roles befitting to their life in the community. All are called upon to be a good family example by being self-controlled, steadfast and loving. Moreover, the probity or uprightness of their lives will counteract the suspicions and negative notions of outsiders.
God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all mankind. The saving grace is realized in Jesus. The experience of this grace enables us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live upright and godly lives in this world. Already justified, we wait for our sanctifying confirmation at “the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our Savior Jesus Christ”. The Christian moral life is thus based on Christ’s self-sacrifice. He gave himself up for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.
The following article illustrates that the pastoral spirit that has animated Saint Paul and Saint Titus lives on in the Church (cf. “2015-2016 Lumen Christi Award Finalists” in Extension, Fall 2015, p. 20).
Madeline Lyon, Diocese of Gallup, N.M.: High in the northern mountains of New Mexico near Lumbertown, the small St. Francis School educates and ministers to over 100 children in grades 1-8 as the only Catholic school in this remote, impoverished area.
More than 85 percent of the students are Native Americans from the nearby Jicarilla Apache Nation in Dulce. At the school’s helm is Madeline Lyon, a one-time volunteer who is now the principal.
“The light of Christ is needed here to cast out darkness”, she says. Students can have many obstacles, including alcoholism, early parental death, and suicide. Lyon and her volunteer teachers work tirelessly to overcome social issues and to raise the standards of education within a nurturing Christian commitment.
“Connection to God is our greatest hope”, she says.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. What is our attitude as servants of the Lord? Do we fully commit ourselves to the task of building up God’s kingdom? Are we fully configured to Jesus, the Servant of Yahweh?
2. How does the reality of God’s saving grace accomplished in Jesus Christ affect our life personally? How do we live our Christian life in today’s hostile secularized world, whose values are directly antagonistic to Christian values?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O Jesus, Divine Master,
you are the Servant Yahweh
and in you, we are “servants” for the kingdom.
Help us to be faithful cultivators of the seed of the kingdom,
loving shepherds of God’s flock and
humble waiters at the Eucharistic banquet.
We love you and praise you.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Jesus Lord,
as we await the blessed Day
of your appearing in glory on the last day,
give us the grace to give up ungodly living and worldly passions.
Help us to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this world
so that people may experience the beauty of your saving grace.
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.
“We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we are obliged to do.” (Lk 17:10) // “We live devoutly in this age as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ.” (Ti 2:13).
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that the spirit of service may live on intensely in the Church. By your personal dedication to your daily tasks, let the work you do be a means of sanctification and building up of God’s kingdom. // Pray for the youth and the elderly.
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November 13, 2024: WEDNESDAY – SAINT FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI, Virgin (USA)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Object of Thanksgiving … Because of His Mercy, He Saved Us”
BIBLE READINGS
Ti 3:1-7 // Lk 17:11-19
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 17:11-19): “Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
Today’s Gospel story of the healing of the Ten Lepers (Lk 17:11-19) acquires deeper meaning when seen against the sinful reality of human ingratitude that warps our filial relationship with God. In his book, Ode to Joy (New York: Alba House, 1997, p. 237), Harold Buetow observes that too often we’re like the doting grandmother who was walking with her young grandson along the shore in Miami Beach when a huge wave appeared out of nowhere, sweeping the child out to sea. The horrified woman fell to her knees, raised her eyes to heaven, and begged the Lord to return her beloved grandson. And, lo, another wave reared up and deposited the stunned child on the sand right in front of her. The grandmother looked the boy over carefully. He was fine. But then she stared up angrily toward the heavens. “When he came,” she snapped indignantly, “He had a hat!” Like the ingrate grandmother, we presume that God is the service-giver and that he owes it to us. We, therefore, fail to acknowledge our debt of gratitude to God.
Jesus Master responds compassionately to the ten lepers who call out to him with an intense invocation. The Old Testament cry of despair, “Unclean, unclean” is transformed into a new “prayer” in the presence of Jesus, who is on his paschal journey to Jerusalem. Instead of warning, “Unclean, unclean” to isolate their wretched selves from the society, the ten lepers boldly appeal to him for mercy and compassion. They shout a new “prayer”: “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” Jesus Master orders them to show themselves to the priests. On their way they realize they have been healed.
The grateful Samaritan, healed of his infirmity, returns to Jesus Master, the font of compassion and healing. The return of the grateful Samaritan marks a new life of faith and worship centered in the person of Jesus, the true object of praise and thanksgiving. The healed Samaritan glorifies God, not in the Jewish temple, but in the person of Jesus. The Gospel account of the healing of the Ten Lepers presents us not only with another benevolent ministry of Jesus, but also an example of a faith that is transformed into glory and praise. The return of the Samaritan illustrates the intimate connection between faith and “thanksgiving”. Faith becomes “Eucharist” - an act of thanksgiving and worship in Jesus Master.
B. First Reading (Ti 3:1-7): “For we ourselves were deluded, but because of his mercy, he saved us.”
The reading (Ti 3:1-7) contains Saint Paul’s advice concerning Christian conduct, especially the need to be peaceful, friendly and gentle toward everyone. They are urged not to speak evil of anyone. Christians should dedicate themselves as good citizens to the welfare of the state and submit to legitimate civil authority. Saint Paul counsels them to do be ready to do good in every way. Why should Christians behave in this manner? Because we have been transformed by grace! We were once foolish, disobedient and slaves to passions and pleasures of all kinds. But when the kindness and love of God was revealed through the incarnation of Jesus Christ, we were saved. We are recipients of God’s loving kindness that releases us from sin. Through the Holy Spirit, God gives us new birth and new life through baptism. The Holy Spirit has been poured out abundantly upon us by God through Jesus Christ, transforming us into “heirs of eternal life”. This reality should therefore motivate Christian believers to good works. Indeed, the Christian moral life is empowered by the divine grace experienced in baptism.
The following is a modern-day example of good Christian conduct (cf. Lisa Swan, “Warm Feet, Warmer Hearts” in Guideposts, September 2015, p. 9)
Many current members of the military, as well as veterans, hail from Staten Island, New York. So I wasn’t surprised to read in the newspaper that some students at St. Adalbert’s, a local school, were looking out for those who served.
Through Operation Toasty Tootsies, the kids in first through eighth grade collected socks to give to homeless New York City veterans receiving care through the Department of Veteran Affairs. The kids collected more than 1,000 pairs of socks.
The students drew inspiration from Mother Teresa, who urged us to “do small things with great love”. Why socks? The kids learned in science class that significant body heat can escape through the feet. They might be too young to find homes for veterans who need them, but they can keep them a little warmer.
It was a great reminder that there’s always a way to help. I already bought some socks to donate this year.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. What are the occasions in our life when we pray most intensely, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”? In what way are we the grateful, healed Samaritan leper? In what way are we the healed lepers who did not return to Jesus? Do we allow ourselves to be heartened by Jesus’ words: “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you”?
2. Do our Christian conduct manifest the salvation that the kindness and mercy of God have brought us? Do we endeavor to be good citizens of the nation, promoting the common good and ready to do good in every way?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
We cry out to you, Jesus,
the font of compassion.
Have pity on us and take away our infirmities.
Restore us to health and take away the leprosy of sin.
We thank you for your healing word.
In you is true wholeness.
Let us rejoice in you,
now and forever.
Amen.
***
O merciful God,
you revealed your kindness and love
through the incarnation
and the death and rising of your Son Jesus Christ.
Let our Christian conduct
reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit at work in us,
who gives us new birth and new life through baptism.
Through Christ and in the Spirit,
let us come to the joys of eternal life.
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.
“He fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.” (Lk 17:16) // “Because of his mercy, he saved us.” (Ti 3:5)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for all the marginalized and distressed people in today’s world. By your acts of charity, alleviate their suffering and help them to be grateful to God “no matter what”. // Make an effort to be peaceful, friendly and gentle toward everyone.
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November 14, 2024: THURSDAY – WEEKDAY (32)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Teaches that the Kingdom of God Is Among Us … In Him We Are Brothers and Sisters”
BIBLE READINGS
Phlm 7-20 // Lk 17:20-25
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 17:20-25): “The Kingdom of God is among you.”
In today’s Gospel (Lk 17:20-25), the Pharisees ask Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus answers, “The kingdom of God is among you.” The messianic kingdom has been ushered in by Jesus and is deeply palpable in his compassionate ministry to the poor and suffering. It is silently growing and flourishing, but it cannot be perceived by those who reject the person of Jesus. Hence, for the unbelieving Pharisees it is futile to search for the kingdom here and there and presumptuous to demand spectacular “signs” to know when and where it will come.
Jesus then speaks to his disciples about the definitive fulfillment of the Kingdom that is already at work among them. But before this happens, Jesus must first undergo great suffering and rejection. During the ad interim time, even the disciples will be desperate for the glorious coming of the Son of Man, and this could lead them to succumb to follow false prophets and devious theories about his definitive coming. If only they would give their full attention to the kingdom that is already at work in them, then they will be ready for the glorious return of the Son of Man at the end time. Jesus assures his disciples that his day of glory is unmistakable - it will be as vivid and powerful as the lightning that flashes and lights up the sky.
This happened in 1984. After attending a memorial Mass in Bombay (now Mumbai) for the deceased Italian soldiers who died during World War II, Mother Dorothy and I hitched a ride. Also hitching a ride were two Italian youths - members of the Focolare Movement founded by Chiara Lubich. The two young men were residing in the slums of Bombay and ministering to the poor. A Sister who was with us in the car was reciting a litany of woes. She demanded: “Now tell me: where is the kingdom of God?” The Focolare missionary answered: “The kingdom of God is within you!” The Sister sobered up. When we promote justice and peace in today’s world, when we lovingly care for poor and needy, and when we zealously build a more harmonious world – then we can perceive the kingdom that is within us. Indeed, the kingdom of God is an “already but not yet” reality which we must nurture and treasure.
B. First Reading (Phlm 7-20): “Have him back, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to you.”
In his loving letter to Philemon, Saint Paul, an exemplary Christian disciple and a “prisoner for Christ”, illustrates that absolute preference for Christ and immersion into his paschal destiny lead to transformation and new relationships. Onesimus’ new birth in Christ through baptism establishes a new kinship with the saving Lord and with other Christians. Though Saint Paul does not directly challenge the institution of slavery, he exhibits a humane attitude that would eventually guide Christianity to abhor that system.
Considering the historical background, it seems that Philemon has responded to Paul’s revolutionary challenge to freely love Onesimus and respect him with dignity and respect as a “brother” in Christ. Philemon freely renounces his legal right to his slave Onesimus, who is eventually returned to Paul to be the latter’s co-worker in the Gospel. The former slave, Onesimus, becomes in time a bishop of a vibrant Christian community in Ephesus. Following the inspiration of Saint Paul, Philemon has wonderfully embraced the liberating new vistas of Christian discipleship that enables him to embrace an escaped slave, to give opportunity to a forgiven slave and a “brother” in Christ to realize his full possibility, and to transcend personally the flawed structure of a civil society based on slave ownership.
The following article gives insight into Paul’s assertion that he is a “prisoner for Christ Jesus” (cf. Fr. Kevin O’Neill, “A Bishop’s Story” in L’Osservatore Romano, July 28, 2010, p. 3).
The first time I saw 86 year old Bishop John Baptist Wang was during the Easter Vigil Mass in the cathedral of his diocese. It was a moving Easter ceremony. There was a large fire outside the church followed by a procession into the church with lighted candles. Primary school children read the readings with gusto. Just before the Gloria was sung a huge banner of the risen Jesus was unveiled over the main altar accompanied by a fanfare of trumpets followed by fireworks outside the church.
The symbol of water was in the form of a waterfall set up on the right side of the sanctuary. The congregation shouted aloud in one voice their renewal of faith while holding high their lighted candles. This was very powerful. Just before the liturgy of the Eucharist, Bishop Wang was ushered to the altar with assistance. He sat in a chair beside me so I assisted him with his standing and sitting during the Eucharistic prayer. In 2008 he had a number of minor strokes that affected the feeling in his hands and his ability to walk unaided. A few days later I had the opportunity to talk with him. He was still quite frail then, lying in bed with a drip, nevertheless he graciously met with me.
He was ordained a priest in 1951 at the age of 28. In 1999, at the age of 76 (normally Bishops resign at 75 years of age), he was ordained Bishop by the former Bishop of his neighboring home diocese. He pointed out the needs of his diocese as the formation of priests, sisters, seminarians and catechists. The sisters work in parishes, clinics and an orphanage. The priority of the diocese is mission outreach. The diocese is one of the poorer dioceses in China that gets some financial assistance from Rome.
A few months later I had the opportunity to return to his diocese. This time the Bishop was in better health but still unable to walk unassisted. He shared with me a little of his experience in detention and prison.
In 1965, at the age of 42, he spent 11 years in detention and nine years in prison. It took the officials 11 years to charge him with being an “anti-liberationist”. He said life in detention was tougher than life in prison though life in prison was also difficult. While in prison he shared a small room with seven other men. There was one bed for them to share. If they all slept on their side they could manage to fit onto the bed. If anyone needed to use the toilet at night his space on the bed would be gone. The toilet was in the corner of the room.
They were allowed to leave their room for 20 minutes once per week. Food was passed into the room through a small hole in the door. Meals consisted of soup and a little vegetable. They had a change of clothes once a week. He did not wash his body for the 20 years he was incarcerated! He said the smell in the prison cell was terrible. He was released from prison in 1985 and for political reasons had to leave his home diocese and work in the neighboring diocese where he is now a Bishop. When he was in prison his family sent him a dictionary and the book Tale of Two Cities. He used these to study English. He added a few sentences of English when he spoke to me saying, “Can I now practice my English with you?” A good grasp of Latin helped him in learning English.
It was hard for me to fathom how an old man who had experienced so much suffering could be so serene. He didn’t even have a bad word to say about those who kept him captive all those years. I think deep down he has forgiven them though of course I imagine he could never forget what they did to him and others. Serenity is so obvious in his face, his gestures and speech … Though old and frail; he is strong in mind and spirit.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we believe that the kingdom of God is within us, and is growing towards completion? What do we do to hasten the definitive advent of the kingdom of God?
2. Do we believe that in Christ we become brothers and sisters and enter into a more intimate relationship with God our Father? Do we endeavor to overcomes the various “slaveries” brought by sin?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Jesus Master,
we truly believe your words:
“The kingdom of God is among you.”
When we dedicate ourselves
to works of justice, peace and compassion,
we feel the kingdom power within us.
Give us the grace to be faithful
so that at your glorious coming at the end time,
we may rejoice with you in the heavenly kingdom.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Loving Father,
free us from the slavery of sin
by the death and rising of your Son Jesus Christ.
Let us be dutiful in our service to one another
and let our eyes be fixed on you as those of a faithful servant.
We give you honor, glory and praise, now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“The kingdom of God is among you.” (Lk 17:21) // “He is more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ.” (Phlm 16)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your works of mercy and compassion, by your peace-making efforts, hasten the definitive advent of the kingdom of God. // Do what you can to eliminate all forms of slavery caused by sin.
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November 15, 2024: FRIDAY – WEEKDAY (32); SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT, Bishop, Doctor of the Church
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Teaches Us to Be Ready for His Final Coming … We Remain in His Teaching”
BIBLE READINGS
2 Jn 4-9 // Lk 17:26-37
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 17:26-37): “So it will be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”
Many years ago I saw a movie entitled “The Bad Seed” about a young girl who was very wicked. Twice she committed murder without compunction. One evening she put on a raincoat and, with a flashlight, calmly walked into the rain towards the river to fish out some evidence of her crime. While she was doing that a powerful lightning bolt struck and killed her. That was a brutal end to a “bad seed”.
In today’s Gospel reading (Lk 17:26-37) we hear Jesus talking about his Second Coming as an encounter either with destruction or salvation. For those who have trusted in him and have prepared for his coming, it will be an event of salvation. For those who have rejected him and have been preempted by earthly concerns, it will be an ominous condemnation and self-destruction. Jesus mentions Noah and Lot as examples of those prepared to encounter the divine judgment with integrity. Around them were people who were not prepared for the flood, and the threat of destruction. Worldly pursuits and sinful deeds have prevented them from welcoming the judgment of the Lord as a gift of salvation. Lot’s wife failed to experience the divine offer of salvation because she kept turning back toward the sinful city Sodom.
In his lesson on preparedness, Jesus depicts the opposite fortunes of two people in one bed and of two women grinding meal together: one is taken, the other left. This impressive imagery illustrates the suddenness of the coming of Christ and the readiness, or un-readiness, he will find at his “coming”. Those who are ready to sacrifice even their life for the Lord Jesus are most ready to welcome him at his coming. The call to readiness is reinforced by the image of vultures gathering where there are carcasses: for the impious and the wicked, the coming of the Lord is their destruction.
B. First Reading (2 Jn 4-9): “Whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son.”
The reading (2 Jn 4-9) contains the appeal of the “Elder” to the “Chosen Lady”. The “Elder” or Presbyter addresses himself to the “Chosen Lady”, a quasi-poetic description of some particular church within his jurisdiction. Her “children” are the members of the faith community. His brief but incisive message is an appeal to love one another and a warning against false teachers. The “Elder” reiterates the need to follow what is commanded from the beginning: that all must live in love, a love that entails obedience to God’s commands. The “Elder” likewise inveighs against the “deceivers”, who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ came as a human being. These itinerant teachers deny his “fleshly” existence thus depriving his life among us of any historical reality.
The teaching of the “deceivers” leads to misconceptions: that Christ’s life and death are not a real manifestation, within the confines of history, of the love of the Father and that there is no obligation for Christians to imitate Jesus and give a historical dimension to their life of faith and love. Such a position ultimately denies the very nature of God who revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ as “love” (agape). These false teachers purport themselves as “progressives”, brandishing the superiority of their doctrine. The Church members, therefore, should be on guard against them lest they lose their “full reward”, that is, the eschatological salvation they hope for. The “Elder” exhorts them to remain with the teaching of Christ. For whoever stays with the true teaching has both the Father and the Son dwelling in them.
The presence of false teachers who sow falsehood continues to be verified even in today’s world. The following open letter circulated on the Internet gives insight into the contentious issue delineated by the “Elder” to the “Chosen Lady”.
Dear Friend,
Biology. Tradition. Children … the Constitution?
Rubbish.
So said the Supreme Court of the United States this morning in a 5-4 decision striking down laws in every state passed by the people upholding marriage.
Today we got the “Roe v. Wade of marriage” – where the Court pretends to settle a controversial question by judicial fiat, while the rest of America says: “no way”.
For years same-sex marriage advocates have knowingly lied and deceived the public. They first claimed that they simply wanted the right to “marry” the person they love. And yet where same-sex marriage has been approved, a tiny percentage of people got married.
They claimed homosexuality was genetic, but now say “gender” and “sexual identity” is a choice.
They claimed a mantle of tolerance and diversity – and yet have betrayed those same principles in attacking anyone that disagrees. Speak up for marriage in any public place today and you will be shamed and shunned, or worse.
So what is really at stake?
For many in the LGBT movement, the marriage debate is merely a proxy for a much larger revolution underway. Their end goal is to destroy marriage altogether, including the family, religion, and any institution that proposes limits on human behavior, especially sexual behavior.
They believe gender is a social construct and that children should be brought into the world outside of the traditional family. For many, the idea that men and women are made for each other or that children deserve a mother and a father is a form of discrimination.
This is what the fight for marriage is ultimately about – and why it’s far from over. (…)
In some ways the tables have now been flipped, with the burden of showing respect, tolerance and opposing discrimination now in the hands of the gay-marriage movement.
Will they respect the right of ordinary Americans who believe in male-female marriage to live out this time-honored truth?
Today is the feast of St. Josemaria. With today’s news, it’s good to be reminded now more than ever of our calling to be saints in the world.
This is time for prayer and bold witness.
So much to do.
So many people need Christ,
Brian
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. What do we do to prepare ourselves for the Second Coming of Christ? Do we live in a spirit of detachment, and endeavor to focus on doing the divine saving will?
2. Do we strive to follow God’s great command to love one another? Do we cling to the teaching of Jesus Christ and not allow ourselves to be deceived by the “progressive” teaching of false teachers?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you will come again on the last day.
Help us to be ready
so that our final encounter with you
will be an experience of salvation,
and not of condemnation.
Give us the grace to nurture the kingdom of God
that is already within us.
We look forward to the end time
when you will restore all things
and you will be the king of all nations
and the Lord of all creation.
We give you glory and praise, now and forever.
Amen.
***
Loving Father,
give us wisdom of heart
to discern and commit ourselves to the truth.
Help us to remain in the teaching of Christ
and to reject the “progressive” teaching of false teachers.
Your love for us is eternal
and for this, 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 week. Please memorize it.
“So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.” (Lk 17:30) // Whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son.” (II Jn 9)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Make an effort to focus your attention on the “last things” and let the thought of the Lord’s Second Coming shape your daily life. // Be deeply aware of the Catholic teaching with regards to important social and moral issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, etc.
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November 16, 2024: SATURDAY – WEEKDAY (32); SAINT MARGARET OF SCOTLAND; SAINT GERTRUDE, Virgin; BVM ON SATURDAY
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Does Justice … In Him We Are Co-Workers in the Truth”
BIBLE READINGS
3 Jn 5-8 // Lk 18:1-8
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 18:1-8): “Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?”
At times, the power of evil is so overwhelming that even persons of faith begin to falter. This is evident in the following account:
Archbishop Romero offers her a chair. Marianela prefers to talk standing up. She always comes for others, but this time she comes for herself. Marianela Garcia Vilas, attorney for the tortured and disappeared of El Salvador, does not come this time to ask the archbishop’s solidarity with one of the victims … This time she has something personal to say to him. As mildly as she can, she tells him that the police have kidnapped her, bound, beat, humiliated, stripped her – and they raped her. She tells it without tears or agitation, with her usual calm, but Archbishop Romero has never before heard in Marianela’s voice these vibrations of hatred, echoes of disgust, calls for vengeance. When Marianela finishes, Archbishop Romero, who always gives advice and comfort, is weeping like a child without mother or home. He who always gives assurances, the tranquilizing assurance of a neutral God who knows and embraces all – Archbishop Romero doubts. He weeps and doubts.
Against the backdrop of today’s painful human realities experienced by those whose faith is severely tested, today’s Gospel (Lk 18:1-8) becomes relevant and meaningful. Jesus comforts those in distress with the following truth: God secures the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him in faith. The evangelist Luke explains that the parable of the unscrupulous judge and the importunate widow, which Jesus addresses to his disciples, is about the need to pray always and never lose heart. The widow pursues relentlessly the dishonest judge and pesters him to render a just decision on her behalf. To get rid of the importunate widow, he finally grants her request.
In the Gospel parable, the perverse judge acts as a foil for God, who will, at the end-time, see to it that justice is done speedily for those who persist in faith and prayer. The loving and compassionate God does justice for the poor and the oppressed. Indeed, if the persistent pleading of the helpless widow triumphs over the unjust judge, guided by neither divine nor human law, how much more will the persistent praying of Christian disciples achieve true justice! If an unjust judge yields to the entreaties of a pestering widow, how much more will a gracious God come to the help of his disciples who cry out to him for help. The decisive question, therefore, is the one raised by the Lord Jesus: “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Will the disciples remain faithful to Jesus during the long haul caused by the delay of his return? The true issue is faith, which must always be reawakened in us without losing heart.
B. First Reading (3 Jn 5-8): “We ought to support such persons so that we may be co-workers in the truth.”
The Third Letter of John is short but valuable both theologically and historically. It gives us a glimpse into the life of the early Christian community with their itinerant preachers, their struggle to preserve the purity of the truth they have received, and the rise of factions between them. The reading (3 Jn 5-8) is addressed by the Elder or Presbyter to an individual, Gaius, a leader of another local church. Visitors to that church had spoken well of him. The purpose of the letter is to commend Gaius, while encouraging his continual support for Christian missionaries. Gaius has been generous in helping fellow Christians even when they are strangers. The Elder urges him to help them as they continue their trip in the service of Christ. The Elder urges Gaius and the faith community to help the missionaries so that they may share in their work for the truth – that is, the truth of God’s irrevocable love and merciful plan to save us. Indeed, even in our days, Christian missionaries need the same support granted to them in the New Testament, including sustenance, supplies and our sincere prayers.
The following modern-day account illustrates the beauty of being “co-workers in the truth” (cf. Genie Natividad, M.M. in Maryknoll, May/June 2015, p. 9).
After a long journey from the United States, I arrived early in the morning at the airport in Dar es Salaam only to find my flight to another area in Tanzania had been delayed for six hours. I decided to rest at a hostel about 30 minutes from the airport. As I pushed a cart with my luggage and guitar to find a taxi to the hostel, a man in his early 50s offered to help. I told him where I was going and he offered to drive me.
As he drove, we talked. I found out about his family and his work at a safari company. He asked what I was doing in Tanzania. I told him I am a missionary Sister doing ministry with orphans, HIV/AIDS and women’s groups.
Near the hostel, he handed me five $100 bills and said it was his contribution for my mission. Later, I sent him a text message thanking him again. He replied: “Thank you very much for being a genuine and committed ambassador of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You are blessed for life.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. What is our attitude towards the Lord’s exhortation about the necessity of persevering prayer and the need to pray without losing heart? In light of today’s situations and the unmitigated cry of Yahweh’s anawim for justice, do we truly believe that he will secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him in faith? What is our personal response to the Lord Jesus’ decisive question: “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth” (Lk 18:8)?
2. Do we esteem the role and ministry of missionaries in the Church? How do we collaborate with them in their work for the “truth”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father in heaven,
at times the force of evil is so strong that our faith is shaken.
We doubt and falter.
We lift up our hands in supplication
for justice in today’s fragmented world.
Together with the importunate widow we pray for justice.
Strengthen our faith and hope
so that when our Savior comes at the end-time,
he will find us engaged in promoting your kingdom
and fighting for the cause of justice and right.
We love and glorify you, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Lord Jesus,
you are the missionary par excellence.
We pray for the missionary Church
and all those called to specific missionary tasks.
Help us to be witnesses to your “truth”
and to be “co-workers in the truth”.
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 will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.” (Lk 18:8) // “We ought to support such persons so that we may be co-workers in the truth.” (3 Jn 8)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for the victims of violence and injustice in today’s world, and for those who fight for the cause of justice and right. Read your diocesan paper and/or parish newsletter, and see how you can respond to the appeal of the poor and needy and do justice as part of the diocesan-parish community. // Extend your help (material, moral and spiritual) to the missionaries of today and their work to promote the Gospel truth.
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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