A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 13, n. 32)
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time and Weekday 14: July 5-11, 2015 ***
(N.B. The pastoral tool BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD: A LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY LITURGY includes a prayerful study of the Sunday liturgy of Year B from three perspectives. For reflections on the Sunday liturgy based on the Gospel reading, please scroll up to the “ARCHIVES” above and open Series 1. For reflections based on the Old Testament reading, open Series 4. For reflections based on the Second Reading, open Series 7. Please go to Series 10 - Series 13 for the back issues of the Weekday Lectio. For the Lectio Divina on the liturgy of the past week: June 28 – July 4, 2015, please go to ARCHIVES Series 13 and click on “Week 13”.
(Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: July 5-11, 2015.)
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July 5, 2015: FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Suffers the Perils of a Prophet”
BIBLICAL READINGS
Ez 2:2-5 // II Cor 12:7-10 // Mk 6:1-6a
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The following story narrated by Anthony de Mello in his book, The Song of the Bird, illustrates poignantly the irony contained in the Gospel passage (Mk 6:1-6).
Nasruddin earned his living selling eggs. Someone came to his shop one day and said, “Guess what I have in my hand.” “Give me a clue,” said Nasruddin. “I shall give you several: It has the shape of an egg, the size of an egg. It looks like an egg, tastes like an egg, and smells like an egg. Inside it is yellow and white. It is liquid before it is cooked, becomes thick when heated. It was, moreover, laid by a hen.” “Aha! I know!” said Nasruddin. “It is some sort of cake!”
It is ironic. The expert misses the obvious. And it is also with irony that the neighbors of Jesus of Nazareth miss the obvious. They think they know every detail about him. In purporting to have complete knowledge of his personal data, they end up showing their ignorance. Their knowledge of “the carpenter, the son of Mary” is superficial. Their prejudice prevents them from believing and responding to the Christ, the Son of God.
In today’s Gospel episode (Mk 6:1-6a), we come face to face with the mystery of a resisting and unbelieving heart. Mark’s narrative illustrates the possibility and reality of closing one’s heart and mind to the Prophet of truth and Savior of the world. It is ironic that the saving Lord, who would be the object of Peter’s faith declaration: “You are the Christ.” (Mk 8:30) and the centurion’s climactic confession at the foot of the cross: “Truly this man was the Son of God.” (Mk 15:39), is not welcomed by his townsfolk. According to Mark, “they took offense at him”. They were prejudiced by the utter ordinariness of Jesus’ background.
The account of the people’s rejection of Jesus serves as a transition point. It bridges the greatest of Jesus’ miracles in his Galilean ministry, the raising of the daughter of Jairus to life (Mk 5:35-43), with the sharing of his healing power with the disciples (Mk 6:7-13). This episode underlines the tragic end of Jesus’ Galilean ministry and foreshadows the greater rejection of Israel that he would undergo. It also signals the new phase of the ministry of the Twelve whose increasingly active role anticipates the all-inclusive mission of the apostolic Church. Indeed, this transitional passage dramatizes that Jesus’ preaching would also meet failure. Disappointment and rejection are part and parcel of the mission of Jesus, as well as of his disciples and the Church.
Jesus is amazed by the lack of faith that he finds at Nazareth. The popular proverb he cites, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house” (Mk 6:5), situates him in line with all the prophets who are subjected to rejection by their co-citizens as illustrated by the fate of the prophets Elijah and Elisha (cf. Lk 4:25-27). Jesus is affected by the power of their unbelief and is “not able” to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. Jesus respects human freedom. The decision of an unbelieving and resisting heart, which negates the gratuitous offer of his love, is respected.
***
My liturgy class at Maryhill School of Theology in Metro Manila Philippines in 2001 included the topic “Liturgy and Creation”. I invited a team from Barrio Ugong to give my students a background on the ecological endeavors in the country. The team was composed of enterprising housewives. Though none of them had a college or even a high school degree, they were a leaven of transformation for the local community. Barrio Ugong was judged one of the best barrios in the entire Philippines, definitely through the help of such “noble” women. Speaking in Tagalog, for none of them was proficient in English, the medium of instruction in higher Filipino schools, they conducted the seminar on waste management, recycling, composting, organic gardening, etc. in very simple terms, but with expertise. They also shared the rejection they experienced in pursuing their community development project. Especially resistant were the macho men who spent much time drinking, gambling and in sheer indolence. The women steeled themselves from their unjust attacks and continued their endeavor with single-hearted devotion and courage. Their patience, persistence and prophetic stance paid off.
The poignant experience of Jesus in his hometown, where the people’s familiarity with his humble beginning made them contemptuous of his fame and suspicious of his newly revealed wisdom and mighty deeds, is already prefigured in the pathos and sufferings of the prophet Ezekiel. Indeed, a prophet must speak, whether or not people listen. A prophet must act, whether or not people accept him. A prophet must prophesy whether or not people welcome him. The agony and ecstasy of a prophet sent by God result from the Lord’s uncompromising solicitude for his people and stem from the divine saving plan. God places harsh words in his prophet’s mouth to lead obdurate sinners to conversion. Through his prophet God reveals not only his judgment, but his compassion and mercy.
Today’s Old Testament reading (Ez 2:2-5) tells us that in his perilous mission, the prophet is not alone for he is strengthened by God’s spirit. While commissioning Ezekiel to speak his words to the people of Israel exiled in Babylon, the Lord fills the prophet with his spirit to strengthen him and set him on his feet. The spirit of the Lord enables Ezekiel to be attentive to the Lord’s presence and the meaning of his words. The biblical scholar, Eugene Maly comments: “It is said that spirit entered into Ezekiel. This means a special power coming from God enabling him both to hear the word of God and to communicate it to others. This is an indication of the extreme difficulty of the prophet’s task. The word was one of doom; he would need spirit. He would need spirit, above all, because of the people to whom he would preach. They are hardhearted and rebellious … Nevertheless, the power of God would be manifested, not necessarily in the conversion of the people, since that requires their free response … They will know that a prophet has been among them. On the basis of that knowledge, let them choose.”
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The liturgical scholar Adrian Nocent remarked: “A life marked by persecution, coercion and suffering of every kind is not regarded by the Christian as a reason for discouragement or despair; rather, it is a life that draws strength from the indwelling Lord. Weakness and suffering enable the Christians to clear a space within himself where the power of God can dwell.”
This is likewise the experience of the New Testament prophet Paul, who was afflicted with a “thorn in the flesh”, according to the reading (II Cor 12:7-10). Like Ezekiel and his beloved Lord Jesus Christ, the great apostle Paul was rejected, challenged, contested and criticized by the people he was meant to serve. Some vicious critics in the Corinthian community doubted his credentials and rated him as not on par with the “super apostles” who had received visions and revelations. Compelled to deal with his critics on their own terms, the indignant Paul confessed that he too was a recipient of a special vision. This unique “revelation” transported him to paradise. His ecstatic, mystical experience definitely surpassed those being vaunted for the “super apostles”. Paul spoke of this “revelation” in the third person to emphasize that it was an undeserved gift received from God. Indeed, until driven to this extreme by his Corinthian critics who looked down on him, he had refrained from speaking about this and kept it a secret. However, in order that he may not become conceited on account of this extraordinary revelation, the mystic Saint Paul was also gifted with a “thorn in the flesh”, most likely an embarrassing, chronic physical malady. The purpose of this affliction was clearly to help Paul assume a humble stance and allow the grace of God to work more freely and efficaciously in him.
The experience of Saint Paul, as well as that of the prophet Ezekiel and the ultimate prophet Jesus Christ, testifies to the presence of divine grace in all our afflictions. Though his “thorn in the flesh” continued to afflict him, the certainty of God’s favor and assistance was enough for Paul. The Christians of today are called to the same trust, surrender and faith that in weakness, there is strength, if only we are united with Christ. The following story of the cancer victim, Kevin Barry, a former chief of legislation for the U.S. Coast Guard and a director of the National Institute of Military Justice, is a modern day testimony of how a physical affliction – a “thorn in the flesh” can be a “gift” to manifest the love and power of God (cf. “Pain and the Power of Prayer” in Saint Anthony Messenger, February 2009, p. 35-37).
It is said that cancer changes everything. That goes also for prayer. I was diagnosed with colon cancer on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1997. When the diagnosis first came in, prayer suddenly took on a much more prominent role in my wife’s life, as well as my own. Each time the cancer returned, and with each new crisis, prayer again rose up to be a more constant companion. But it is not just the proximity or amount of time we came to spend in prayer. What is more important is that, since cancer, our prayer habits have changed. Our prayers have become more present, more intense, more frequent, more together. (…)
My cancer has also resulted, at various times in the past years, in me experiencing pain. At such times I tend to pray with more intensity than is my norm when I am not in any pain and life is proceeding smoothly. That intensity can vary from a little more prayer than normal to an almost constant plea for strength to endure when the pain is particularly severe … Obviously, the pain is part of the whole deal. It is a result of cancer. Thus, it has to be part of what Roslyn and I have come to accept as “the gift of cancer”. (…)
To a certain degree, my experience of pain changed in 2007, after I had to stop chemotherapy in February because it wasn’t working well – its toxicity became too great. My white blood cell and platelet counts were being suppressed and were taking longer and longer to bounce back. Soon thereafter, I began to experience cancer pain that was chronic and quite severe, and I learned just how much a part of my life pain and pain medications could become. I spent more time praying, not just for the grace to endure the pain, but especially for the grace to accept better both my cancer and its pain as part of the gift (some would call it a cross), which was fashioned just for me by my loving God. I was extraordinarily blessed when the next round of chemotherapy miraculously terminated the pain just two days after the first treatment. I believe this sudden relief from all pain was a reminder of God’s mercy. (…)
The serious pain I have experienced has led me to consider pain and suffering on another level. Paul the Apostle has two extraordinary sentences in his letters. One is: I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me (Gal 2:20). The other is: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ (Colossians 1:24). What could possibly be lacking in the sufferings of Christ? His passion and death were part of his perfect sacrifice. The only thing I know that is lacking is for his suffering to be made present today – in this place and in this time. But if Christ lives in me, then my suffering becomes Christ’s suffering. Suddenly, it is much easier to endure pain knowing that, by doing so with the right intention, I bring the mystery of Christ’s own suffering into my life, for my benefit and for the benefit of all who are “one with me” in my struggle. It is like a variation on the Mass, through which Christ’s sacrifice is made present today in our world. In my suffering here and now, if I can truly live Paul’s words, Christ lives and suffers in me. And I live and suffer in him. What an awesome mystery. What a profound faith to share.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we believe in Jesus as the true prophet? How deep is our faith in Jesus? Is it deep enough to allow him to be effective in our life?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
your neighbors were scandalized by your humble “roots”.
They were prejudiced because you were “only” a carpenter,
and they knew you “so well” as the son of Mary.
They took offense at your ordinariness.
Through their lack of faith,
they have closed their hearts to the mighty deeds
you would have performed in Nazareth.
Jesus, have mercy on us!
Forgive us for the many times we have rejected you.
We are sorry for the pain you have suffered on our account.
Grant us the grace of true faith in you.
You are the true prophet.
You speak the words of life.
We welcome you into our heart.
Speak, Lord, for your servants are listening.
We bless you and adore 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.
“And they took offense at him.” (Mk 6:3)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for those who share the Word, especially those experiencing rejection and difficulties, that they may be strengthened in their prophetic ministry. In reparation for the rejection suffered by Jesus from his neighbors, do not react negatively to someone who treats you with hostility, but rather, respond to him/her with an act of kindness.
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July 6, 2015: MONDAY – WEEKDAY (14); SAINT MARIA GORETTI, Virgin, Martyr
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Lord of Life”
BIBLE READINGS
Gn 28:10-22a // Mt 9:18-26
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s Gospel (Mt 9:18-26) is a glorious celebration of life. It tells of the restoration of the fullness of life to a hemorrhaging woman and to a young dying girl. To both, Jesus brings life and brings it gladly. The woman healed of her bleeding and the little girl whom Jesus raised from the dead will die again. But because of Jesus’ benevolent actions on their behalf, their chances for eternal and unending life are enhanced. Their contact with Jesus is transforming and radically life-giving. In the same way, we are being challenged today to improve and enhance the quality of our own life and that of others. The Lord Jesus wants to give life and build a new world through us.
The following story testifies to the endeavors of Christian disciples of today to bring life to a death-dealing situation (cf. Deacon Darrell Smerz in “Missioner Tales” in Maryknoll, May-June 2012, p. 10).
A few years back, St. Mary’s Parish in Tomahawk, Wis., passed a resolution to adopt a sister parish. I contacted Father Leo Shea of Maryknoll and we were assigned a parish in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. A year later, our pastor and I visited that city, where Maryknoll Father David La Buda hosted us around many of the barrios. What a revelation! Of the many experiences, one stands out the most.
A 15-year old girl lay on a worn mattress on a dirt floor with one leg swollen three times the size of the other. The following day in the rain we placed her on a flat board in the uncovered back of a pickup truck to take her to the hospital 13 miles away. I held an umbrella over her head as we made the journey with her father. She was diagnosed with cancer and our parish paid for the amputation.
Months later the girl died, but she had remarked that the months after the amputation had given her great relief from pain. I’ll never forget that journey in the rain in the back of the open truck with the open umbrella over our heads.
***
In today’s Old Testament reading (Gn 28:10-22a), we read of Jacob’s fascinating dream. Departing from his father Isaac’s house at Beersheba to seek a wife from the ancestral clan and, impelled by a more urgent reason – to flee from his twin brother’s wrath, Jacob journeys to Haran. Jacob stops for the night at a holy place and it is there that he has a dream: a stairway reaching from earth to heaven, with angels going up and coming down by it. This is the first major theophany, or divine revelation, in Jacob’s life. In this dream, the Lord reveals himself to Jacob as the God of Abraham and Isaac and extends to him the promises of land and posterity made to the patriarch Abraham. The Lord God assures Jacob of his presence and protection: “Know that I am with you. I will protect you wherever you go.” Jacob is deeply touched by this religious experience and divine revelation. He takes the stone that he has slept upon, sets it up as a memorial stone and, pouring olive oil upon it, he consecrates the place to God. He names the place “Bethel” and makes a vow to God.
Jacob’s dream is a revelation of his destiny. It gives us a glimpse of what lies ahead for him. In the same way, the people of our times are also gifted with “dreams”. Martin Luther’s “dream” has a social-mystical quality that is deeply inspiring and transforming. The following is an excerpt from the speech, “I Have a Dream”, given by civil rights worker, Martin Luther King on August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends. And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of the creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of “interposition” and “nullification” – one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together”.
This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.
With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we trust in Jesus, the Lord of life? What do we do to promote life in death-dealing situations?
2. Like Jacob’s experience of the “stairway to heaven”, did we ever have such a profound religious experience? How does is affect and/or transform us?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Dear Jesus,
you are the Lord of Life.
Animated by the Holy Spirit,
we choose to tread the path of love
and to affirm the power of life.
Help us to promote life in death-dealing situations
and to respond fully to your unending love.
With you we celebrate the triumph of life and love.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
All-powerful God,
you revealed yourself to Jacob
as the God of Abraham and Isaac
and with your promise of land and posterity.
In a dream at Bethel,
you assured him of your abiding presence and protection.
Grant us also a mystical experience
and the capacity “to dream”
about our glorious destiny
for we are your children in Jesus Christ,
the “abode of God” and the “stairway to heaven”.
We bless and adore you.
We glorify and give you thanks,
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 woman was cured … the little girl arose.” (Mt 9:22, 25) // “This is nothing else but an abode of God and that is the gateway to heaven.” (Gn 28:17)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your charitable actions and care for the sick and suffering, let the healing power of Jesus prevail over death-dealing situations. // Spend some quiet moments before the Blessed Sacrament and allow God to let you experience Jacob’s dream and have a vision of the “stairway to heaven”.
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July 7, 2015: TUESDAY – WEEKDAY (14)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Work in God’s Harvest”
BIBLE READINGS
Gn 32:23-33 // Mt 9:32-38
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s Gospel episode (Mt 9:32-38) presents Jesus as having power to exorcise demons and to heal speechlessness. The people respond to his miraculous intervention with amazement, but the unbelieving Pharisees claim that Jesus works by demonic power. It is unfortunate that the Pharisees, who have witnessed the miracles, have closed their hearts to Jesus as the one sent by God. In spite of their resistance and defiance, Jesus continues to fulfill his saving mission in word and deed. He teaches in the synagogue, preaches the Good News about the Kingdom, and heals people of every kind of disease and sickness.
Jesus’ compassion is full of concern for the negligence and harassment to which the people are subject. The lowly ones are troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. They are an “abundant harvest” that needs to be gathered and brought into the Father’s kingdom. They need the care of good shepherds and the service of harvest workers. God is the ultimate Shepherd and Harvest Master, but he needs the collaboration of those who accept Jesus’ invitation to discipleship. Like Jesus, his followers need to shepherd the sheep and to help gather the Father’s “harvest”. Indeed, Christian discipleship entails pastoral activity and service.
The following vocation story of Sr. Mary Tiziana Dal Masetto, PDDM, gives insight into a disciple’s response to God’s call to work in his harvest and to care for his sheep.
My vocation came at an early time in my life. It dawned on me at my First Communion at age seven. I also asked myself, "What can I do to help Jesus?"
The question "What can I do for Jesus?" kept blossoming as my teenage life developed. Everything took place gradually and gently. I experienced wanting to spend time with Jesus. I was blessed with a grandmother who attended Mass every day; I would join her walking to the church. During winter, it was dark, and at times it was snowing. During summer, the light of the sun gave us a delightful and enjoyable time.
My desire to stay with Jesus grew further when my grandmother joined a prayer group whose members took turns praying the Rosary. The members of the group also had turns at night, so when my grandmother got sick, she asked me to take her turn. By this time, I already had my Confirmation at age eight. I continued to participate in the daily Holy Mass, going by bicycle and then keeping my turn to pray at night. I was so faithful to kneel on the bed and gaze at the picture of Jesus on the wall above my bed.
One day, when I was age twelve, our pastor read the Gospel of Matthew and explained how this tax collector was very prompt and generous in leaving behind all his business to follow Jesus. This story kept my mind and my heart occupied in imagining how this could have happened.
My turn for the night vigil came again. There I was at 1:00am when, while saying the Rosary, I stopped, and the whole scene of Matthew and Jesus came before me. I could hear the sweet voice of Jesus enlightening Matthew about what is important in life and how urgent it was for him to leave everything behind and to follow Him in love.
I remember feeling my heart throbbing. From kneeling on my bed, I found myself standing on it, as if Jesus were there in front of me, beckoning. I wanted to follow Him so much. Entranced, I walked towards the door of my room until I realized I was really in my room and had to go to bed. This experience was so sweet and attractive, and since I was already thinking about my life and my future, I felt that this was the answer to who I would be in life: a close follower of Jesus. This experience never left me even up until now.
Later, when I was fourteen years old, as my mother groomed me into becoming a young lady, I was already praying in the secret of my heart for a concrete way to enable me to follow Jesus more closely, more devoutly, and more exclusively.
My grandmother had many books on the saints. I became a voracious reader and was figuring out the lives of the saints – what part of each life was feasible for me to imitate. I also had the invitation to participate in the social life, like the celebration of marriages with all its day-long banquets, dancing, and music.
I remember being familiar with father's polkas, tangos, mazurkas, and waltzes, and how enjoyable the time was. This social life was part of my life, and often this kind of celebration was done in our home, where relatives, neighbors, and friends gathered for singing, playing, dancing, talking, and eating. I also experienced the gaze of a nice young man admiring me, and I felt very proud and happy about it. But the gaze of Jesus upon Matthew on that night when I was twelve kept coming back and attracting me, showing me how I could be united with Him in doing good around the world.
In the 50s, Italy experienced a strong wave of emigration to different parts of the world, and I was envisioning myself with Jesus and doing good everywhere. There were talks about Australia, Argentina, USA, Germany, France, and many other places. These were familiar in my town; even my father considered leaving Italy.
I just wanted to go with Jesus everywhere in the world to do good. So I had this great desire, this opening to follow Jesus as a missionary. That night, when the story of Matthew came alive for me for the first time, was the foundational experience of the Call of God for me.
At fourteen, I left home with the intention of studying and preparing myself to become totally consecrated to God. In my youthful ardor, I did not hesitate to express to Mother Mary Lucia my missionary dream, and with pleasure she said, "I will keep this in mind." In fact, throughout my formative years, she provided me opportunities for studies, travels, and the most varied experiences. My heart and mind were shaped into that missionary spirit of St. Paul. And at the age of twenty-seven, Mother Lucia sent me first to Brazil for the work of formation of young women aspiring for Religious Life. Then I was sent to the Philippines and to many other countries until I reached the USA, where I find myself still with that passion burning within me to help "Jesus Master" in drawing to Him new Pious Disciples who will adore, celebrate, and serve Him in the Eucharistic, Priestly, and Liturgical Ministries in the contemplative style of Divine Beauty.
And what I now enjoy in my heart is this prayer: "One thing I ask of the Lord, all the days of my life: that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate His temple." – Psalm 27:4
***
Today’s reading (Gn 32:23-33) is one of the most powerful scenes in the Old Testament. Jacob journeys back from Haran, where he has stayed twenty years in the service of his uncle Laban, toward his home in Canaan. Jacob takes his wives, Rachel and Leah, the two maidservants Bilhad and Zilpah, and his eleven children, together with all the possessions he has acquired in Mesopotamia. After sending them across the Jabbok River, he stays behind alone. A mysterious visitor wrestles with him throughout the night. Jacob’s struggle with the spiritual being represents one’s “battle of faith”. The test in the darkest night that Jacob undergoes signals the beginning of a new stage in his life. He receives a new name. He will no longer be called “Jacob” but “Israel” because he has struggled with God and men, and has won. The blessing he receives will give new direction to his life. Jacob is profoundly altered by his spiritual experience of the “dark night” battle. He is transformed into a person of honor and integrity, which is befitting for one who is destined to be the father of the Chosen People.
Jesus, who is prefigured by Jacob, undergoes the ultimate spiritual battle on the cross and is victorious. Jesus Christ wages the battle of faith perseveringly through the darkest hours upon the cross and thus attains the light of glory. Likewise, from our struggles with tribulations and sufferings, we emerge with integrity. We become “wounded healers”, like Jacob who goes limping to meet his estranged brother Esau in an embrace of reconciliation and like Jesus Savior, made victorious through his paschal sacrifice on the cross.
The following story, “No Hopeless Situations” narrated by Steve Goodier and circulated on the Internet, illustrates how to struggle through seemingly hopeless situations and emerge victorious.
Some 40 years ago, when he was only 11 years old, Morgan Rowe lost his left arm and much use of the right arm. It happened when he fell off a tractor at his father’s fence company in Valdosta, Georgia, and was dragged beneath the machine. Morgan’s left arm was destroyed and his right arm mangled.
Young Morgan was released from the hospital after three and a half months. The first thing he set out to do was to help pay the bills - $30,000 worth. That was a lot of money back then as it is now. For a boy of 11 to accomplish such a task, the situation seemed hopeless.
For five years Morgan scoured roadsides picking up cans and bottles. He collected thousands of cans and sold newspapers. He never gave up hope. First, he paid off the $455 ambulance bill. Then he put $2,500 down on the hospital bill. He was still a long way off though his parents raised another $9,000 toward the debt.
People began to hear about the injured boy and eventually some 2,000 donations poured in, totaling $25,000. The bill was paid in full! Morgan set aside the additional money for future education.
What then? Though the bill was paid up, Morgan kept his projects going to collect money for the hospital so he could help others.
Someone forgot to tell the boy he was too injured for that kind of work. Someone forgot to tell him the situation was hopeless. Somehow young Morgan didn’t realize that an 11-year-old could never pay off a hospital bill so large.
Church reformer Martin Luther once said, “Everything that is done in the world is done by the hopeful.” And entertainer Dinah Shore observed, “There are no hopeless situations – only people who are hopeless about them.” Morgan Rowe should know.
I will not always be young and strong. My life circumstances can change in an instant. My health may leave me and I may lose people who are important in my life. But there are no hopeless situations. So I won’t easily turn loose of my hopeful outlook, even when things seem bleak. Without hope, I’m lost. But with it, I suspect that any situation can be creatively redeemed.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we try to live out the compassion of Jesus who was moved with pity because the crowds pursuing him were like sheep without a shepherd? Do we pray that the master of the harvest may send out laborers for his harvest?
2. What are some of the spiritual battles we have undergone, or are experiencing at the moment? How do the examples of Jacob and Jesus Christ inspire us?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Jesus,
you pity the hapless crowds
who are troubled and abandoned.
They are like sheep without a shepherd.
Give us the gift of compassion
that we may respond in service
to the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
Together with you,
we pray that the Lord of the harvest
may send out laborers for his harvest.
We love you, dear Jesus.
Please never allow us to sow the evil wind
and thus reap the violence of the whirlwind.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
God our Father,
Jacob perseveres in his spiritual battle
through a dark night by Jabbok River.
Jesus Christ lives out fully
his spiritual battle upon the cross.
Give us the strength to fight our battle of faith
when hope is gone
and the darkness of despair frightens us.
Please bless us with your love and protection.
We bless and thank you.
We love and serve you,
now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“His heart was moved with pity for them.” (Mt 9:36) // “You have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed.” (Gn 32:28)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your words and actions, bring the compassion of Jesus to the people around you. Pray the following invocation: “O Jesus, eternal Shepherd of our souls; send good laborers into your harvest.” // When assailed with trials and difficulties, withdraw to a quiet place and pray for the grace to prevail over them. Assist the people around you who are struggling with various “tests of faith”.
*** *** ***
July 8, 2015: WEDNESDAY – WEEKDAY (14)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Summons and Sends His Disciples”
BIBLE READINGS
Gn 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a // Mt 10:1-7
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
(Gospel Reflection by Sr. Mary Anthony E. Basa, PDDM)
Jesus called the twelve disciples and sent them on a mission to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. The foundation of the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master in Iligan City in Mindanao was on June 26, 2011. I remember very well the time when the three of us (with Sr. John Paul and Sr. Elizabeth) were called to be the first Sisters in the new foundation. Iligan is a place that I do not know much about and, though I can understand a little, I do not speak the language. It is also a place where the peace situation is not very stable. How can one assigned in the liturgical and biblical ministry cope with the limitations of language? When one animates a liturgical celebration and shares the Bible, it should be in the vernacular.
As we begin our mission, I have experienced how the grace of God works. I have realized that serving others is not just about knowing the language or being familiar with the place. The message of God’s reign is preached in loving deeds and compassion. More than anyone else, I am the one who is formed and moved to conversion as I tend to the people of Iligan. When the city was hit by typhoon “Sendong”, thousands of people lost their homes, loved ones and properties. The call to reach out to the lost sheep became a real mission and a pastoral challenge for us as Sister Disciples. When God calls us for a mission, we need not fear because He will bless us with all the graces we need most in order to fulfill that mission.
***
Today’s Old Testament reading (Gn 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a) is an excerpt from the story of Joseph, which should be read in full (cf. Genesis 37, 39-50). It is one of the most beautiful accounts I have ever read. Joseph, sold by his brothers to a group of Ishmaelite traders traveling from Gilead to Egypt as a slave, rises to power in Egypt. “And the Lord is with him”, the Bible says. He becomes the governor of Egypt and has full authority. During the famine throughout the land, there is food in the storehouses of Egypt and Joseph is in charge of the distribution. People come to Egypt from all over the world to buy grain from Joseph because the famine is severe everywhere. Joseph’s brothers from Canaan likewise go to Egypt to buy grain. But Jacob keeps Joseph’s full brother Benjamin with him so as not to lose him.
Joseph, concealing his identity, puts his brothers to the test. He accuses them of spying and makes an exigent demand. He orders them to bring their youngest brother Benjamin to him to prove that they are not spies. However, this is just a ploy to expose their inmost heart. The brothers, who have subjected Joseph to undeserved cruelties, now manifest deep remorse and are in anguish. They feel they are being punished for the anguish they have caused their brother. They recognize that they have done wrong to him and are being punished rightly for causing his death. The poignant self-recriminations of his brothers make Joseph weep. His benevolence moves him not to revenge but to reconciliation with his contrite brothers.
The benevolent Joseph is a figure of Jesus Christ who moves us to remorse and teaches us compassion. The following story illustrates what it means to be kind, benevolent and forgiving (cf. Anthony De Mello, Taking Flight: A Book of Story Meditation, New York: Image Books, 1988, p. 159-160).
Abbot Anastasius had a book of very fine parchment, which was worth twenty pence. It contained both the Old and New Testaments in full. Once a certain monk came to visit him and, seeing the book, made off with it. So that day when Anastasius went to his Scripture reading he found that it had gone and knew at once that the monk had taken it. But he did not send after him, for fear he might add the sin of perjury to that of theft.
Now the monk went into the city to sell the book. He wanted eighteen pence for it. The buyer said, “Give me the book so that I may find out if it is worth that much money.” With that, he took the book to the holy Anastasius and said, “Father, take a look at this and tell me if you think it is worth as much as eighteen pence.” Anastasius said, “Yes, it is a fine book. And at eighteen pence it is a bargain.”
So the buyer went back to the monk and said, “Here is your money. I showed the book to Father Anastasius and he said it was worth eighteen pence.” The monk was stunned. “Was that all he said? Did he say nothing else? “No, he did not say a word more than that.” “Well, I have changed my mind and don’t want to sell the book after all.”
Then he went back to Anastasius and begged him with many tears to take the book back, but Anastasius said gently, “No, brother, keep it. It is my present to you.” But the monk said, “If you do not take it back, I shall have no peace.” After that the monk dwelt with Anastasius for the rest of his life.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we thank Jesus for calling his disciples in order to send them out and become his loving compassion for others?
2. What is our reaction when we are wronged or have done wrong to others? Are we ready to show benevolence and forgiveness to those who have offended us? Do we help those who have wronged us to see the light, to seek conversion and to feel remorse for their sins?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Jesus,
You send us to the “lost sheep”
that we may proclaim the transforming good news:
“The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Grant that we may be faithful to the grace of conversion.
Help us to correspond to the beauty of our vocation-mission
as Christian disciples in today’s world.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Almighty God,
your mighty hand leads Joseph, son of the patriarch Jacob, into Egypt.
And you are always present to him.
You bless all his endeavors with success.
You make use of him
to move his erring brothers
to remorse and penitence.
The benevolent Joseph
becomes an instrument of salvation for all the nations.
Teach us to imitate him
in his obedient submission to your saving will.
You are our loving and compassionate God.
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.
“Jesus summoned his twelve disciples … Jesus sent out these twelve disciples.” (Mt 10:1, 5) // “We are being punished because of our brother.” (Gn 42:21)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Let us thank the Lord for our vocation and mission as Christian disciples in today’s world. Let us discover meaningful ways to live out fully this gift of discipleship. // When your heart is full of remorse for the wrong you have done, put your trust in the loving God who treats us with compassion and is ready to forgive. Manifest that same forgiving love to those who have offended you.
*** *** ***
July 9, 2015: THURSDAY – WEEKDAY (14); SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG, Priest
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Sends Them to Proclaim the Kingdom”
BIBLE READINGS
Gn 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5 // Mt 10:7-15
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The Burnham couple, Martin and Gracia, who were serving in the Philippines as missionaries, was captured by the dreaded Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group in Southern Philippines, whose primary activities were kidnapping and extortion. Gracia survived 14 months of terror in the jungle. On June 7, 2002, Martin died and Gracia was wounded in the shootout that resulted from the rescue attempt made by the Philippine Army. Gracia’s testimony revealed that Martin had been a missionary through and through. Thousands of people – including senators and ambassadors - attended Martin’s funeral at Wichita, Kansas. Gracia remarked: “They admired him most, perhaps, for what he stood for, what we all try to stand for. Nothing complicated. Just a simple, whole-hearted goodness. His death had not been in vain. He showed me what strength was. Faith. Faith in yourself, in those you love, and in God to be present in every moment of your life.” The missionary Martin Burnham is a modern-day example of a disciple sent by Jesus, one who had kept faith in him and had shown the world that faith is the inner strength to conquer evil.
Today’s Gospel reading (Mt 10:7-15) is about the Lord who sends and the mission of the disciples he sent. The origin of the missionary vocation is Jesus who prepared the apostles for this important moment. It was Jesus who called them personally; it was he who selected the Twelve to be his companions and to be sent out to preach with the power to cast out devils. Taught by Jesus and present with him as he healed many from sickness and evil, the Twelve were sent out with tremendous healing power bestowed upon them. The task of those sent by Jesus is to bring the healing balm of peace and forgiveness to those wounded by sin and to drive out the power of evil.
The missionaries of Jesus are to keep a simple lifestyle, bereft of material comforts and financial security. The Divine Master counsels the virtue of detachment, for without detachment the missionary’s attention cannot be centered on the Good News. Indeed, the life of missionaries is absolutely oriented to the task of preaching God’s kingdom. The missionaries must also contend with the possibility of not being welcomed and of not being listened to. In this case, they are simply replicating in their lives the destiny of the sending Lord who was rejected even by his neighbors in Nazareth. Indeed, the missionaries of all ages will be subjected to all kinds of trials. Their option is not violent reprisal, but humility and kindness. They accept the indignities of rejection and the painful process of “birthing” in order that the saving word of the Gospel may reach the ends of the earth.
***
In today’s Old Testament reading (Gn 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5), Joseph reveals himself to his estranged brothers and is fully reconciled with them. But this happens only after subjecting his siblings to a final test. Joseph orders his steward to incriminate his brothers in a crime that he may find out whether their evil hearts have changed. Genuinely shocked when accused of the theft of Joseph’s silver cup, they protest their innocence. They vow death to the thief and slavery for the rest of them if the cup be found in their possession. When the incriminating silver cup is found in the youngest brother’s sack, they are dumbfounded and feel defenseless. But they realize more intensely that this dire situation is God’s punishment for their crime against Joseph. In contrast to their jealousy and evil acts in the past against a brother, they now manifest a genuine concern to protect their youngest brother from harm and to spare their aged father Jacob from a death-dealing grief. They who were once callous and murderous now show great fraternal and filial solicitude. Judah’s impassioned plea for clemency is the clincher. Joseph is convinced that his siblings have changed.
Joseph weeps in a great emotional outburst and discloses himself to his brothers as the one whom they sold into Egypt. Their fear and bewilderment open the way for Joseph’s even greater disclosure. It is really for the sake of saving lives that God sent Joseph there ahead of them. God has turned the brothers’ crime into a saving deed. The Lord is the one who sent Joseph to Egypt to deliver ultimately Jacob’s clan from famine and destruction. Indeed, God writes salvation history even on crooked lines.
The following story gives us an idea how God guides human events and makes them salvation history (cf. Karen Barber in Daily Guideposts 2010, p. 18).
Grandma’s spinning wheel had belonged to our family for generations. The wheel was as big as a wagon wheel, and the wood had been polished smooth by use and age. This colonial treasure proudly graced Mom and Dad’s living room and later my sister Susan’s home built on a hillside in Grandma’s land. Then one day the heirloom was missing from Susan’s home.
“Where’s Grandma’s spinning wheel?” I asked. “I gave it to our second cousin”, Susan said. “I prayed, and it seemed the right thing to do because he’s so crazy about family history.” I was stunned. I don’t give away things very easily; I hand on, telling myself that I’ll be ready to part with them sometime in the future.
A year later, Susan’s house burned to the ground in the middle of the night. Nothing was saved. “I’m so glad I gave away the spinning wheel before the fire”, she told me. “Me too”, I replied gratefully. “Who would have thought that by giving away the spinning wheel you were really saving it?
Sometimes the best thing I can do with things that seem well worth keeping is to give them away.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
2. Do we see that God’s mysterious hand is at work and guides us through our life? Do we trust in divine providence and his desire to bring to good the trials and difficulties in our life?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Jesus Lord,
you have called us
and entrusted to us the Gospel
with its power to overcome evil.
You commission us to overcome
the death-dealing situations of today’s world
by the strength of your Holy Spirit.
You send us to touch the wounded
with the healing power of your love.
Help us to share with them the image
of a compassionate and merciful God.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Loving God,
we trust in your wisdom and love.
The brothers of Joseph sold him into Egypt,
but in reality it is you who sent him there
in order to save Jacob’s family
from famine and destruction.
How marvelous and mysterious are your ways!
You are compassionate
and true to your covenant promises.
Give us the grace to trust
that for those who love you,
everything works for their good.
We adore and glorify you,
now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“Go and make this proclamation.” (Mt 10:7) // “It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you.” (Gn 45:5)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for all missionaries that they may carry out their mandate with absolute trust in God and apostolic zeal. Be a missionary to a person close to you and in need of the healing power of the Gospel. // When trials and difficulties come, trust that the Lord is with you and that, like the experience of Joseph, everything will turn out for our good.
*** *** ***
July 10, 2015: FRIDAY – WEEKDAY (14)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Strengthens Us in Persecution”
BIBLE READINGS
Gn 46:1-7, 28-30 // Mt 10:16-23
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
(Gospel Reflection by Sr. Mary Mercedes Pineda, PDDM)
Many say that it is not easy to follow Christ or to be a good Christian. Our Lord himself did not promise wealth, comfort, prestige, or power to those who have followed him. Rather, in today’s Gospel, Jesus made his chosen disciples aware of what awaits them once they accept Him as their Lord and Master; for example, rejection, opposition, persecution and discrimination.
As we journey through life and grow in our faith, we encounter these sad realities in various ways and degrees. We might experience them from people we love, from friends and associates, from strangers, from the community to which we belong, or in our workplace.
Rejection, opposition, persecution and discrimination are experienced due to differences in religious, political, cultural background and beliefs, perceptions and even sexual orientation. The Gospel values that as Christians we try to live in fidelity to God, are opposed to the values of the world and this could give rise to the harsh realities in families, communities and in society.
How do we react to persecution, opposition, discrimination and rejection? Is our response “flight or fight?” How do we bear with them?
I remember when I joined a pilgrimage to the Holy Land coming from Rome. In Tel-Aviv airport, I was segregated from the rest of our group, invited to go to the immigration office to be interrogated, simply because I was carrying a Philippine passport. Our group included priests, religious men and women, and families. I was the only one from Asia. The rest were Europeans and Americans, who passed immigration without any difficulty. It was indeed a humiliating and painful experience of rejection and discrimination. However, I remained calm and composed, talking to the Lord in silent prayer: “Lord Jesus, this is an unpleasant joke! See, I’m not welcome in your country. But thank you for this unexpected experience, because this is a chance to practice patience and humility. Amen.”
Jesus promised to give us the inner strength to endure such occurrences and to persevere in following him whatever the cost. We have only to trust and believe that He is always with us and in us.
In this Gospel text (Mt 10:16-23), we are invited and challenged to learn to accept these negative realities as occasions for growth in faith, in our maturity to follow Christ and lastly, an opportunity to renew our commitment to Jesus our Lord.
***
Today’s Old Testament reading (Gn 46:1-7, 28-30) focuses on the patriarch Jacob, who receives God’s assurance at Beersheba, goes down to Egypt with his entire clan in response to the divine command and meets his long-lost son Joseph. At Beersheba, where Jacob had erected an altar, he offers a sacrifice to the God of his father Isaac. God speaks to Jacob in a vision at night telling him not to be afraid to go to Egypt. The decision to depart from the Promised Land can be justified only by God’s command and his benevolent plan to make of Jacob in Egypt a “great nation”. The Lord assures him of his presence: “I will go down to Egypt with you.” God also promises that he will bring the patriarch and his descendants back to the Promised Land. Hence, Jacob, whose new name is “Israel”, and all his descendants migrate to Egypt.
The reunion of Israel with Joseph at Goshen is very touching. When they meet, Joseph throws his arms around his father’s neck and weeps a long time in his arms. Israel says to Joseph, “I am ready to die, now that I have seen you and know that you are still alive.” Israel’s joy is complete in being reunited with a beloved son once given up for dead. Indeed, the joyful experience of Israel is a foretaste of the Easter joy that is given to us through the paschal mystery of Christ’s death and rising.
Like the patriarch Israel who is ready to die after meeting his beloved son Joseph, the recently canonized Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron willingly embraces the prospect of death after having encountered Jesus Savior, his ultimate love and the font of eternal life (cf. Ann Prendergast, “St. Rafael’s Cross” in America, May 29, 2010, p. 19-21).
Rafael Arnaiz Baron, a little-known Spanish Trappist, died at age 27 in April 1938 and was canonized on October 11, 2009. (…) Rafael was a Jesuit-educated architect, who originally intended to become a monk, but the onset of Type 1 diabetes forced him to withdraw. In December 1937 he re-entered the monastery for the last time as an oblate, a layman who shares in the spiritual life and prayer of the community. There he lived in the infirmary until his death four months later.
During this time he noted: “When I left my home, by my own deliberate intent, I left behind a series of treatments that my illness required and I came to embrace a state in which it is impossible to care for so touchy a sickness. I knew perfectly well what awaited me. Nevertheless … sometimes, poor Br. Rafael, without your being aware of it, you were suffering, seeing yourself deprived of many necessary things, stripped free of the liberty of giving in to the weakness of your illness and giving it the remedies that out there in the world you did not lack.”
Here we are confronted with the folly of the cross. Saint Rafael is set apart from us by his special vocation, but even more, by his freely chosen decision to abjure the care available to him for love of the cross of Christ. (…) He sums up his message of the cross in homage to simplicity: “With Jesus at my side nothing seems difficult to me, and I see more that the road to sanctity is simple. Better still, it seems to me that it consists in continuing to get rid of things instead of collecting them, in slowly boiling down to simplicity instead of becoming complicated with new things. In the measure that we detach ourselves from so much disordered love for creatures and for ourselves, it seems to me that we are getting closer and closer to the only love, the sole desire, the one longing of this life … to true sanctify which is God.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. What is our response to persecution? Do we trust in divine assistance when faced with rejection and persecution?
2. Are we ready to follow God’s command “to go down into Egypt” that he may make of us a “great nation”? Are we ready to embrace the prospect of dying?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O Jesus, font of strength,
you send us like sheep in the midst of wolves.
You counsel us
to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves
in the midst of a troubled world.
We trust in your saving help.
We trust that the Holy Spirit
will put his words into our mouth
and will defend us from all evil.
You have summoned us
to tread the path that leads to life.
Let us be faithful to the ways you have shown us.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
O loving God,
you have shown great favor to Israel and his descendants.
The patriarch Israel obeys your command
to leave behind temporarily the Promised Land
in order to go to Egypt
where you will make of him a “great nation”.
There in Egypt he is reunited with his beloved son Joseph,
who is alive and not dead as he was made to believe.
Israel’s joy is complete
and he is ready to die.
Help us to imitate our patriarch Israel
in completely entrusting himself to your saving will.
Help us to be truly united with Jesus, the Risen Lord,
so that we may embrace the fullness of joy
and that death may not prevail over us.
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.
“Whoever endures to the end will be saved.” (Mt 10:22) // “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt.” (Gn 46:3)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
When experiencing rejection, trust in Jesus and pray for help and protection. When persecuted on account of your fidelity to Church teaching, ask the Lord for strength and endurance and the grace to refrain from a violent response. // When you are forced to make a “detachment” and painful separation, unite this experience with Jesus Savior and recall also the acts of faith of the patriarchs.
*** *** ***
July 11, 2015: SATURDAY – SAINT BENEDICT, Abbot
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Exhorts Us Not to Fear”
BIBLE READINGS
Gn 49:29-32 // Mt 10:24-33
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
(Gospel Reflection by Dr. Rachel Quinto, Holy Family Institute, Fresno, CA-USA)
Many years ago and for a very long time, I had a recurrent nightmare that would wake me up in the middle of the night in cold sweat. I dreamed that someone or something was chasing me in the dark shadows. I was alone and feared for my life. No matter how fast I ran or imagined hiding places where I would not be seen, I sensed that I could never escape this thing’s sinister grip. Strangely enough, even when I was paralyzed with fear and could not move, I was not overcome by my pursuer. When I finally managed to wake up, I would find myself exhausted, as if from an actual ordeal.
Back then, I understood healing to be physical or psychological and via human intervention. Using my background in psychology and medicine, I tried to analyze the origin of this unsettling subconscious experience in order to hopefully resolve it. But my intellectual efforts met with failure. The nightmares managed to come back over and over again to haunt me.
My breakthrough came in a most unusual manner. As I grew in faith, I began to know the healing power of the Word of God. After reflecting on this very same passage (Mt 10:24-33), I decided to take Jesus at his word. With all the conviction I could gather consciously, I resolved that when the chase happens again in my sleep, I will not run away. In fact, I am determined to turn around and face my pursuer unafraid. I am totally convinced that the Lord will protect me from all danger. In fact, with the Lord beside me, not a single hair on my head will be touched by this evil that has been after me for a long time. After all, am I not worth more than many sparrows?
Miraculously, just like that, the nightmares ended.
***
Today’s Old Testament reading (Gn 49:29-32; 50:15-26a), which is taken from the last two chapters of the Book of Genesis, presents three episodes: the death of Jacob, Joseph’s assurance of forgiveness for his erring brothers, and the death of Joseph himself. Jacob’s command to bury him at Machpelah in Canaan alongside Abraham, Isaac, Sarah, Rebecca and wife Leah is solemnly heeded. The divine promise must not die with Jacob in the land of Egypt. Indeed, the transfer of Jacob’s mortal remains to the Promised Land prefigures the later deliverance of the Israelite nation from Egypt and the fulfillment of the covenant promise. The benevolent response of Joseph to his siblings’ fear of retaliation underscores not only his forgiving nature, but also his total cooperation in the divine saving plan. He reiterates that the evil deed they had done against him has been redeemed by God and transformed for his saving purpose. Joseph does not act out of personal animosity, for he himself is at the service of God’s plan of salvation. In the concluding scene in the Book of Genesis, Joseph, on his deathbed, utters the prophetic words: “God will surely take care of you and lead you out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Joseph’s final words point to the glorious destiny of Israel as God’s liberated and covenant people. They also evoke the paschal journey of Jesus from death to glory.
The assurance that God will take care of his people and lead them to the Promised Land is also experienced by those who are making a “transitus” or passage to the next life. The following testimony gives an insight into it (cf. Hal Zina Bennett, “Grateful Life, Joyous Passage” in Chicken Soup for the Soul, ed. Jack Canfield, et. al. Cos Cob: CSS, 2008, p. 354-357)
The evening my mother died, I was holding her hand. My mother’s eyes dropped shut, and I decided to close mine as well. As I did so, a tremendous feeling of peace spread over me. Speaking only in my mind, I said, I think it’s time for you to go. I opened my eyes. My mother was looking right past me, her eyes alert and happy. “All right”, she said, answering what I had only said in my mind. A coincidence?
“Go toward the light”, I said. She turned her head slightly up, to the right. Her face lit up. I had the clear impression she was greeting someone she was pleased to see. In a soft, calm voice, I repeated these words, “Go lightly, lightly, lightly.” I felt her hand in mine was slipping away, like an airplane fading away, growing smaller, becoming a dot, a blur. Then she was gone. Her soul had left her body – of that I had no doubt. Yet she looked radiant. I said a little prayer, though I don’t recall the words.
My mother’s gravestone bears the following epitaph: “A grateful life, a joyous passage.” It tells the story well.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we believe that God cares for us and that we are worth more than many sparrows? Do we try to overcome useless anxieties by putting our trust in the God who loves us?
2. Do we trust that at the moment of our passage to the promised “eternal life” the Lord God will be there for us with his comfort and guidance?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Jesus Lord,
you care for us
and assure us that we are worth more than many sparrows.
Deliver us from evil and useless anxieties.
Help us to trust in you.
Grant us the grace to respond to the holy presence of God
and his call to share in his plan of salvation.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Loving Father,
you are loving and gracious.
You are true to your promise.
As you have guided the life and destiny
of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph with his brothers,
we pray that you may likewise be our guide and protection.
Be with us at the hour of our death.
Be with us as you have been totally present to your Son Jesus
in his paschal mystery.
Let your saving hand lead us gently
as we make the passage from this world to eternal life.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.
“So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Mt 10:31) // “God will surely take care of you and lead you out of this land to the land that he promised.” (Gn 50:24)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
When anxieties come, remember the words of Jesus: do not to be afraid for we are worth more than many sparrows. Spend some quiet time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, drawing strength from the Eucharistic Master. // Resolve to spend some quality time to contemplate the “last things” and to prepare yourself for them.
***
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