A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 13, n. 43)
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time and Weekday 25: September 20-26, 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: September 13-19, 2015, please go to ARCHIVES Series 13 and click on “Week 24”.
(Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: September 20-26, 2015.)
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September 20, 2015: TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Son of Man Handed Over and Killed”
BIBLICAL READINGS
Wis 2:12, 17-20 // Jas 3:16-4:3 // Mk 9:30-37
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
I visited the California State Fair in Sacramento on August 29, 2003. It was very enriching and educational. The organizers, personnel, and the contributors to the fair had done an extraordinary service, not only to the American nation, but also to the general progress of peoples and the enhancement of the quality of life of God’s beloved creation. One of the most enjoyable features I experienced at the Fair was at the Fine Arts section of the Expo Center Buildings where I saw an interesting piece of art entitled “Napping in the Garden”. The artist depicted the corpus of Christ, stretched in the form of a cross, lying serenely in a cosmic garden of incredible beauty and surrounded with ministering angels and created beings. The artist’s message for me was clear and incisive. The one “napping in the garden” is the Servant of Yahweh, who offered his ultimate service on the cross of sacrifice and is now at the center of adoration and ministry of the entire cosmos. Indeed, the artistic depiction of Christ “napping in the garden” has captured the lesson of this Sunday’s Gospel on primacy in service: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mk 9:35).
Today’s Gospel (Mk 9:30-37) begins with a description of the itinerary of Jesus. His public ministry in Galilee over, Jesus is moving towards Jerusalem, willfully avoiding popular acclaim based on an erroneous messianic concept. The biblical scholar, Daniel Harrington remarks: “The reason for the secrecy about the journey through Galilee seems to be Jesus’ desire to instruct his disciples about his passion and resurrection.” Indeed, it is Jesus’ intention to rectify the false adulation that honors him principally as a political leader, miracle worker and breadbasket king, and not as the Suffering Servant to redeem the world from sin. The three prophecies of his passion and resurrection are meant to distill his disciples’ messianic perception based on the primacy of temporal powers, and not on service to God’s saving will (cf. Mk 8:31-33; 9:30-32; 10:30-34).
Today’s account contains Jesus’ second prediction of his paschal destiny to his non-comprehending disciples: “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise” (Mk 9:31). Although there may have been an allusion to Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, the more basic meaning of the verb paradidotai (“to be delivered”, “to be handed over”) refers to the divine saving plan in which Jesus’ death is pivotal. The prediction that the Son of Man would be delivered or handed over does not imply constraint on the part of Jesus but rather an attitude of filial obedience and the fulfillment of God’s plan. Indeed, the one who handed over the Son is the Father, in accordance with St. John’s assertion: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3:16) and with St. Paul’s conviction: “He did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all” (Rom 8:32).
The biblical expert Eugene Maly reflects on the principle that animated Christ’s paschal destiny: “The principle is: God makes us all that we are by his love. We must be as open to that love as a slave is to the Master’s bidding. Here the working concept, on the human side, is responsible openness, acceptance. This can be expressed in many different ways. The most striking way, the one illustrated above all by Jesus, is acceptance of the Father’s love that asks the obedience of death. That is total acceptance, total openness and total self-giving.”
The response of the disciples to the Divine Master’s patient endeavor to make them grasp the true meaning of the messianic mission is bewilderment. They do not understand the Master’s sayings and they are afraid to question him. They are not willing to accept the painful element of Christ’s paschal destiny and are incredulous to the promise of his resurrection and glory. Since their narrow vision is incapable of grasping the implications of Christ’s paschal mystery, their personal concerns degenerate to authority issues and power struggles. Upon arrival in Capernaum, they remain silent when asked by Jesus what they were arguing on the way, for they had been discussing among themselves who is the greatest.
The Divine Master, however, utilizes the disheartening and embarrassing moment to teach them anew. The detail concerning the posture of Jesus is significant; sitting down is the position taken by teachers in Mark’s culture. As the supreme Teacher, Jesus sits down to impart a very important lesson to his not-so-receptive disciples: to rank first, one must be the last in worldly esteem and first in service. To reinforce his teaching on the meaning of true greatness, Jesus resorts to a symbolic action. “Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the one who sent me’” (Mk 9:36-37). The child that Jesus puts in their midst is a symbol of the anawim: “the poor ones of Yahweh” - the humble ones of the earth, those without legal status and therefore insignificant and helpless. To perform an act of service and love to “the poor ones of Yahweh” is a mark of true greatness. The primacy in service is a sterling quality of Christian discipleship.
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I was born in a small Philippine town near the picturesque Mayon Volcano that is renowned for its beauty and its perfect cone. When I reminisce about my hometown, I also remember our hardworking houseboy named Julian. A no-nonsense orphan, it was his dream to go to school. My parents made arrangements so that he could be a working student. One day, when he was going to school to enroll and pay his tuition, his half-brother accosted him, asking for money. The half-brother grew up with bad companions and was addicted to gambling and drinking. He detested Julian’s clean character and resented that he was the “good boy”. Though threatened with a gun, Julian refused to give up his hard-earned money. His half-brother shot him to death. Our quiet neighborhood was convulsed by the injustice suffered by an innocent boy.
The conflict between good and evil is verified again and again in human experience. The life of Julian replicates that of the “just one” referred to in today’s Old Testament reading and the paschal destiny of the “Son of Man” mentioned in the Gospel reading. The life of the “just one” is a reproach to those who do evil. The authors of the Days of the Lord, vol. 5, comment on the Old Testament reading (Wis 2:12, 17-20): “Those who do evil are intolerant of contradiction, whatever its form. They strive to silence it. But nothing is more unbearable to them than the living reproach and permanent challenge of the life of just persons in their midst … Through their very lives, led in conformity with God’s law, the just denounce the misconduct of the impious … This passage from the Book of Wisdom applies to a multitude of men and women of all times, persecuted, tortured, put to death because they stood, by their mere presence, unshakable witnesses to right and justice.”
Jesus Christ is the “just one” par excellence. The unmerited injustice suffered by the “just one” mentioned by the Book of Wisdom adds poignancy and intensity to the figure of the Suffering Servant-Messiah delineated in the Gospel reading: “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” Ironically, while Jesus embraces his paschal destiny, his uncomprehending disciples compete for greatness. Ever sagacious, the Divine Master Jesus utilizes the occasion to instruct them. The way of the just is a life of service to the “poor ones of Yahweh”, a symbol of which is the little child around whom Jesus wrapped his arms. In order to be the first in the heavenly kingdom, ushered in by the Suffering Servant Jesus, we must become the last and the servant of all.
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The Christian disciples, immersed through baptism into the paschal mystery of the Servant-Son of God, are called to be “first” in the Kingdom of God by following the way of obedience and loving servitude. In reality, however, there are lapses and failures in their response to their grace-filled, but exigent vocation. This is the experience of the early Christian community animated and served by Saint James (Jas 3:16-4:3). There are jealousy and selfish ambition, as well as disorder and every foul practice. There are fights and quarrels. There are members even ready to kill on account of their evil desires and passions. James rightly assesses that their life is not what it is meant to be. Even their “prayer” is not properly motivated. The Jesuit biblical scholar Jerome Neyrey remarks: “James keeps on insisting that the roots of evil and sin are within us … Despite conversion and baptism, Christians are not perfect yet and must strive to let God’s grace rule their hearts progressively in every way.”
St. James thus exhorts the community to live by “the wisdom from above”. True wisdom is community building and bears fruits of goodness and peace. Without faith in God and the wisdom from him, true goodness is not possible. Indeed, a world without God is a cruelly violent world. It is therefore expedient for Christians to be receptive to the grace of God – to be open to the transforming divine love - as a slave is to the master’s bidding and as a child to a brand new world.
Harold Buetow explains: “James joins all those Jewish writings like the Book of Wisdom which were always of one mind that true wisdom is “from above”, from God. People imbued with God’s wisdom are pure enough to approach God. Such people are peaceable, maintaining a right relationship between person and person and between people and God. They are gentle, knowing how to forgive even when strict justice may give them the right to condemn. They are compliant, allowing themselves to be persuaded, knowing when to yield. They are full of mercy and good fruits, giving sympathy to people who are in trouble, even though they have brought these troubles on themselves. They are constant, not hesitating to make decisions. And they are sincere, having no trace whatsoever of hypocrisy.”
The following story impressed me deeply for it depicts the unfortunate situation of those who are not animated with “the wisdom from above” (cf. “The Window”, Author Unknown, in A 2nd Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul, ed. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, Deerfield Beach: Health Communications, Inc., p. 178-179). It illustrates the wise saying of St. James: “You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy, but you cannot obtain” (Jas 4:3). It makes us feel sorry for our sins and our frailties and helps us feel the need to turn back to God.
There were once two men, both seriously ill, in the same small room of a great hospital. Quite a small room, it had one window looking out on the world. One of the men, as part of his treatment, was allowed to sit up in bed for an hour in the afternoon (something to do with draining the fluid from his lungs). His bed was next to the window. But the other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
Every afternoon when the man next to the window was propped up for his hour, he would pass the time by describing what he could see outside. The window apparently overlooked a park where there was a lake. There were ducks and swans in the lake, and children came to throw them bread and sail model boats. Young lovers walked hand in hand beneath the trees, and there were flowers and stretches of grass, games of softball. And at the back, behind the fringe of trees, was a fine view of the city skyline.
The man on his back would listen to the other man describe all of this, enjoying every minute. He heard how a child nearly fell into the lake and how beautiful the girls were in their summer dresses. His friend’s descriptions eventually made him feel he could almost see what was happening outside.
Then one afternoon, the thought struck him: Why should the man next to the window have all the pleasure of seeing what was going on? Why shouldn’t he get the chance? He felt ashamed, but the more he tried not to think like that, the worse he wanted a change. He’d do anything! One night as he stared at the ceiling, the other man suddenly woke up, coughing and choking, his hands groping for the button that would bring the nurse running. But the man watched without moving – even when the sound of breathing stopped. In the morning, the nurse found the other man dead, and quietly took his body away.
As soon as it seemed decent, the man asked if he could switch to the bed next to the window. So they moved him, tucked him in, and made him quite comfortable. The minute they left, he propped himself up on one elbow, painfully and laboriously, and looked out of the window.
It faced a blank wall.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O Jesus Master,
we are afraid of our own paschal destiny.
Help us to catch a glimpse of its glorious end.
We struggle for primacy and engage in power games.
Help us to be the “last”
and seek the true greatness that lies in service.
We ignore the cry of the poor
and fail to care for “the little ones”.
Touch our hearts
that we may serve them with compassion.
Lord Jesus,
you are the crucified Messiah who comes to our aid.
You live and reign forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him.” (Mk 9:31)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for our civil and religious leaders that they may be animated by a true sense of Christian service. Contribute in some way to alleviate the sufferings and respond to the needs of “the little ones of Yahweh”.
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September 21, 2015: MONDAY – SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Matthew to Follow Him … He Is the Source of Gifts to Build Up the Church”
BIBLE READINGS
Eph 4:1-7, 11-13 // Mt 9:9-13
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The Fresno-based Poverello House is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization whose mission is to enrich the lives and spirits of all who pass their way, to feed the hungry, offer focused rehabilitation programs, temporary shelter, medical, dental and other basic services to the poor, the homeless, the disadvantaged, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability through Providential and community support. Its founder is Mike McGarvin, a man who had experienced God’s mercy and transforming compassion through a saintly Franciscan priest, Fr. Simon Scanlon. They met at the “Poverello Coffee House” which Fr. Simon opened in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, notorious for its poverty, prostitution and violence. Mike narrates: “Gradually my life of self-indulgent destruction was being replaced by a life of service … I began seeing people through Father Simon’s eyes. He, in turn, saw people through Christ’s eyes, and he deeply believed that Jesus walked among the poor and the outcast. It was a revelation to me. The more I got to know the people who came to Poverello, the more compassion I felt for them.”
Today’s Gospel reading (Mt 9:9-13) is not only a concise presentation of Matthew’s vocation story, but also a powerful theology of the Christ, as full of compassion and mercy. The liturgical scholar, Adrian Nocent explains: “St. Matthew records his own calling in a simple, straightforward way … Christ chooses and calls; the person chosen and called immediately leaves everything and follows Jesus … Jesus comes to dine with Matthew and the other disciples in Matthew’s house at Capernaum; they are joined at table by many tax collectors and sinners, to whose ranks Matthew belonged until now. It is easy to see the point Matthew wants to make, namely, that Jesus has come into the world to save not only the Jews but others as well, including sinners. When Jesus is challenged for eating with sinners, we observe that he does not justify himself but simply speaks of himself as a physician. A physician does not have to justify his presence among the sick; neither does Jesus. Matthew is thus, once again, offering us a theology of the Christ. Jesus is characterized by mercy, because his Father is mercy itself and he, Jesus, has been sent in order to communicate God’s mercy.”
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Today’s First Reading (Eph 4:1-7, 11-13) is about the unity and growth in the Body of Christ and the various gifts received from Christ for the building up of the Church. Saint Paul urges the believers to live a life worthy of their Christian calling. The Holy Spirit, the single inner source of Christian life, moves all members toward what promotes peace and harmony. Within this basic unity, there are gifts from the Risen Christ so that each member may contribute in a unique way to the growth and progress of the Church. The one who “gave gifts to mankind” has appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. Saint Matthew is an example of those whose roles are essential to the life of the Church. The giftedness of the Church is in view of the unity in our faith and the growth in the knowledge of Christ. We endeavor to become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ’s stature.
The following profile of a parishioner shows how one’s “gifts” are used for Church ministry and the building of the Body of Christ (cf. Jessi Emmert, “Francis O’Brien: Constant Fixture at His Parish” in Our Sunday Visitor, December 30, 2012, p. 12).
Francis O’Brien, a retired military officer, is a vital part of St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church in Roswell, Georgia. He leads the Rosary before the 8:00 a.m. daily Mass, serves as a lector when needed and is secretary of the parish’s pro-life committee. “He’s the type of person who is quiet”, said Yakaly Fernandez, a fellow parishioner. “He will do things without anybody knowing, and that’s what I think is amazing.” O’Brien is a fixture in the parish. “He’s there every single morning”, Fernandez said.
O’Brien loves his parish because of its active and vibrant culture. “We have perpetual Eucharistic adoration, which is a great thing for a parish”, he said. “I take part in that.”
O’Brien’s wife, Judy, is also involved at St. Peter Chanel and serves on the pro-life committee with him. The parish is the closest one to the couple’s home, and they have been attending since the parish began in 1998. O’Brien described how they have seen the church grow throughout the years. “In the beginning, Mass was being held in school gymnasiums and so on, then to the temporary sanctuary, and now we’re in the permanent church”, he said.
O’Brien is also involved in a Catholic outreach, “The Society of St. Francis and St. Therese” that sends out postcards to the public, offering a free course in Catholicism. He has used his retirement in a beautiful way that gives back to the Church. His passion for stewardship, evangelization, service and commitment to life represent the qualities of a strong and focused parishioner.
O’Brien is a symbol of the countless men and women who serve in parishes around the world. While they may not have an official title in the Church, their dedication and servants’ hearts make the ministry of the Catholic Church possible. Their silent but steadfast work may often go unnoticed, but they deserve a standing ovation for their loyalty and love.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. What is our response to Jesus’ call addressed personally to each of us, “Follow me”? Are we willing to welcome fully into our hearts Jesus and the gift of divine mercy that he brings?
2. How do we promote the unity and vitality of the Church? What are the “gifts” we have received from the Risen Christ and how do we use them for the building up of the Church?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you are kind and merciful.
In calling Matthew,
and in dining with sinners and tax collectors,
you reveal that you are truly the divine physician
who comes to heal our sickness and infirmities.
Help us to cling to your words:
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Loving Father,
we are many parts of the one body.
We thank you for the oneness and fullness that you give us
through Christ in the Spirit.
May the “gifts” we have received
be wisely used for service
and to build up the Body of Christ.
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.
“Follow me.” (Mt 9:9) //“But grace was given to each of us.” (Eph 4:7)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your vocation, ministry and compassionate acts of mercy, resound in today’s world God’s call to Matthew and to us all: “Follow me!” // Identify your “gifts” received from the Risen Christ and, in imitation of Saint Matthew, put them to use for the building up of Christ’s Body, the Church.
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September 22, 2015: TUESDAY – WEEKDAY (25)
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Family Hears and Acts on God’s Word”
BIBLE READINGS
Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20 // Lk 8:19-21
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s Gospel (Lk 8:19-21) continues to challenge us to respond fully to the word of God. The mother of Jesus and other relatives come to see Jesus, but are prevented by the thick crowd. They stand outside and call for him. The Divine Master wisely uses the occasion of their visit to assert that the fundamental relationship to him lies not through blood ties or other earthly connections, but through hearing and acting upon the word of God. While his kin are waiting, Jesus delineates what constitutes his spiritual family – those who hear and obey the divine word are the authentic family members. In light of Mary’s response at the Lord’s annunciation, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word”, the mother of Jesus passes the criterion with flying colors. Mary is the supreme model of one who hears and acts upon the word. Mary is the exemplar of receptivity to the divine word. In her womb, the word of God becomes flesh and she brings forth the Savior of the world. Mary is truly the mother of Jesus and is thus the most privileged member of the “family of God”.
In a humorous vein, the following story gives insight into the meaning of “family” (cf. Davida Dalton, as told to Jo Ellen Johnson, “In His Mother’s Footsteps” in Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul, ed. Jack Canfield, et. al., Deerfield Beach: Health Communications, Inc., 1997, p. 108-109).
It was a busy day in our Costa Mesa, California home. But then, with 10 children and one on the way, every day was a bit hectic. On this particular day, however, I was having trouble doing even routine chores – all because of one little boy.
Len, who was three at the time, was on my heels no matter where I went. Whenever I stopped to do something and turned back around, I would trip over him. Several times, I patiently suggested fun activities to keep him occupied. “Wouldn’t you like to play on the swing set?” I asked again.
But he simply smiled an innocent smile and said, “Oh, that’s all right, Mommy, I’d rather be in here with you.” Then he continued to bounce happily along behind me.
After stepping on his toes for the fifth time, I began to lose my patience and insisted that he go outside and play with the other children. When I asked him why he was acting this way, he looked up at me with sweet green eyes and said, “Well, Mommy, in Primary my teacher told me to walk in Jesus’ footsteps. But I can’t see him, so I’m walking in yours.”
I gathered Len in my arms and held him close. Tears of love and humility spilled over from the prayer that grew in my heart – a prayer of thanks for the simple, yet beautiful perspective of a three-year-old boy.
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Today’s First Reading (Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20) depicts the role of another Persian emperor in the saving plan of God. The enemies of the people living in Judah and Jerusalem try to stop the construction of the Jerusalem temple decreed by King Cyrus of Persia. Work on the temple ceases and remains at a standstill until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia. At this time the prophets Haggai and Zechariah begin to speak in the name of the Lord. Hearing their message, Zerubbabel and Jeshua begin to rebuild the house of God. Governor Tattenai and his fellow officials oppose them. But God is watching over the Jewish leaders. The Persian local officials decide to take no action until they could write to King Darius and receive a reply. Governor Tattenai requests that the archives be searched to see if there is an ordinance of King Cyrus for the rebuilding of the temple. King Cyrus’ order is rediscovered in the city of Ecbatana in the province of Media.
In his letter, King Darius voices his own directive on the matter under investigation. He tells the local officials not to interfere with the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. He also orders them to facilitate the work with money collected through taxation as well as to provide materials for the daily temple offerings required by the Jewish law. The motivation of King Darius is interesting: “This is to be done so that they can offer sacrifices that are acceptable to the God of Heaven and pray for his blessings on me and my sons.”
With the backing of King Darius, work on the “Second Temple” goes forward and it is completed in the spring of 515 B.C. The temple is dedicated by a legitimate community of faith led by priests and Levites. Although the offerings for this occasion are relatively modest compared to the sacrifices at the dedication of the “First Temple” led by King Solomon, the “Second Temple” is destined to be honored by a longer life. In spite of the poverty of the struggling community, the children of Israel celebrate the dedication of the house of God with joy. Thus the cultic services resume as prescribed in the book of Moses and the Jews celebrate the ritual feast of the Lord’s Passover.
The joy that the Jewish people feel at the completion of the “Second Temple” is similar to the joy that we - the parishioners of St. Mary Queen of the Apostles - feel at the completion of our much longed for church building. Here is a profile of the parish (cf. Ron Orozco, “St. Mary Queen of the Apostles” in Fresno Bee, March 16, 2012, p. C4).
Parishioners at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church in west Fresno say they feel comfortable in their new church building. It’s been an interesting journey, some say. Several years ago, nearly every parishioner agreed the congregation had outgrown its church building, used since the 1960s. Seating capacity was about 225 people. With west Fresno growing, a campaign began to build a moderate church building to accommodate more people. Plans called for pews accommodating about 600.
Some parishioners, however, said they were concerned about the church growth. “They said, ‘I hope it doesn’t make us not be a family’, Debi Nichols remembered. “There was a fear it would be cold.” Others said they welcomed the step up. “For years a lot didn’t come because they didn’t like the little old church”, Lisa Newsom said.
The larger building – at a cost of $2.5 million – became a reality and was dedicated Dec. 8. Church officials also thought they might have to cut back from six to four weekend Masses. But so many parishioners flocked to services in the new building, the church returned to six Masses. “A beautiful problem to have”, said the church’s pastor, the Rev. Timothy Cardoza. “It’s a wonderful community.”
On a recent Sunday, parishioners sang the songs, “I Am the Light of the World”, “In These Days of Lenten Journey” and “Here I Am”. Church piano player Marina Aksenov recognized the new building acoustics: “It’s beautiful.”
Here are other notes from the visit:
What’s the first things you notice from your pew? The wooden cross with purple draping near the altar.
What might you see here that you won’t other places? Parishioners recently filed out of Masses and went to the old church building, now a social hall. Fresh cinnamon rolls and other foods and items were sold there to raise money for the Msgr. McCormick Jamaica Project.
What’s everyone talking about? The church’s youth getting involved in the Guadalupana Society.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do I truly hear the word of God and act upon it? Do I look upon Mary as the model of hearing and acting upon his word?
2. How do we participate in the liturgy of the Church and how do we promote true worship?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
we thank you for giving us
the true criterion of kinship with you.
Help us to look upon Mary
as the supreme model of hearing and acting upon the word
so that we may truly belong to your family.
In your name,
let us be brothers and sisters to one another.
We bless and thank you
for making us a part of the family of God.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
(Cf. Common of the Dedication of a Church, The Roman Missal)
God our Father,
from living stones, your chosen people,
you built an eternal temple to your glory.
Increase the spiritual gifts you have given to your Church,
so that your faithful people may continue to grow
into the new and eternal Jerusalem.
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.
“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” (Lk 8:21) //“They finished the building according to the command of the God if Israel.” (Ezr 6:14)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your prayers and concrete acts of charity, be a brother or a sister to those in need. // Be informed about are the real needs of your parish community and see what you can do to help respond to these needs.
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September 23, 2015: WEDNESDAY – SAINT PIUS OF PIETRELCINA, Priest
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Sends Them to Proclaim the Gospel and to Heal … In Him Mercy Comes to Us”
BIBLE READINGS
Ezr 9:5-9 // Lk 9:1-6
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s Gospel reading (Lk 9:1-6) is about the Lord who sends, and the mission of those he sends. Jesus sends them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He summons his disciples and selects the Twelve. Tutored by Jesus, and present with him as he heals many from sickness and evil, the Twelve go out into the world with tremendous power bestowed upon them. Luke narrates: “They set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.” The task of those sent by Jesus is to bring the healing balm of forgiveness to those wounded by the virulence of sin and to denounce evil wherever its presence is obvious, openly confronting it by appealing to the power of Christ. Pope Paul VI remarks: “The Church is a continuation and extension of his presence, called above all to carry on the mission of Jesus and his work of evangelization without ceasing. Never can the Christian community be shut in on itself.”
The following inspiring story illustrates that the apostolic spirit lives on in the world today (cf. Oliver Costantino, “Helping to Save Lives” in Maryknoll, May/June 2014, p. 35-36).
Ten years ago, my pediatrician, Doctor Benitez, told my family that he was going on a mission trip to Bolivia. My parents asked my brothers and me if we would like to contribute any money to his mission. We all pitched in and gave Doctor Benitez $250. When he returned from Bolivia, he told us that the money was used to pay the medical expenses for a girl from a homeless family. She was burned in a fire and left to die.
That was my first experience of giving. I do not remember, but my parents tell me that I was proud that the money saved a life. That experience started a longtime support of Doctor Benitez and his missions. The following year my family had a fund-raising party. We raised over $3,000 and collected over 200 pairs of shoes. The party was a huge success, and we felt happy to be helping others.
In 2004, Doctor Benitez decided to go to Uganda, where his friend Lawrence Mulinda was born and raised. This time we sent him with $500 and all of our used clothes and shoes. Again, the money was used to save a life. While Doctor Benitez was touring a hospital in a small village, he noticed a newborn baby who looked as if she were starving to death. When he asked about her, the doctor told him that she had a cyst under her tongue that made it impossible for her to nurse. Since that was the only way to feed a baby, she was waiting to die. Doctor Benitez asked how much money it would cost to do the simple surgery. He was told that it was very expensive because she would have to be taken to the capital and they would have to pay for transportation, the hospital bill and hotel for her mother. Doctor Benitez asked again and they finally told him $500 should take care of it. He pulled our donation out of his pocket and handed it to the nun who was the administrator of the hospital. Baby Winnie’s life was saved.
Throughout the years we have continued to support the mission in Uganda, financially as well as through prayer. We have watched the village of Kayenje grow with a new church, school, teacher’s home and convent. I love to think about the difference the little we do makes in a country like Uganda.
Last summer my mother and brother had the opportunity to go to Uganda on a mission. The entire trip was rewarding. They were able to clothe, feed and care for the children’s medical needs. My brother even held a soccer clinic and brought enough balls, cleats, shin guards and new uniforms for the two teams in the village. My mother says the greatest blessing of the trip was getting to meet Baby Winnie. She is now 9 years old, and her parents came to meet my mom and thank our family for saving her life. My mother reminded them that God saved her life, not us.
Our experience of giving to the poor in Uganda is definitely an act of charity, but I love that God gives me the opportunity to perform an act of charity every day, and I do it with a smile. As Pope Francis says, “We all have the duty to do good.”
***
Today’s First Reading (Ezr 9:5-9) can be understood better if we read chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Ezra. A third benevolent Persian king, Artaxerxes, becomes an instrument of God’s saving plan. By divine grace the priest-scribe Ezra has won the favor of King Artaxerxes, who gave him everything he asked for. King Artaxerxes decrees that all the Israelite people in his empire, that so desire, be permitted to go with Ezra to Jerusalem. He sends Ezra to investigate the conditions in Jerusalem and Judah in order to see how well the Law entrusted by God is being obeyed. He also assures Ezra that anything he needs for the Temple he may get from the royal treasury.
When Ezra arrives in Jerusalem he is crushed with grief for the sins committed by the returned exiles. They have intermarried with non-Jews and the “abominations” of the spouses have corrupted the Israelites. Their marriages have brought them into contact with the worship of other gods and led them into the sin of idolatry. Ezra’s prayer of lament for the sin of his people is climaxed by a proclamation of divine mercy: “You have been gracious to us … You have let us escape from slavery, and have given us new life.” But the present favor is in jeopardy. Israel has transgressed against God’s commandment. Their religious integrity has been compromised by consorting with idolaters. Indeed, the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple-building is a secondary issue to the real issue of the building up of the chosen people, the dwelling place of God. The book of Ezra concludes with a gracious note: the returned exiles promise to do what God’s Law demands and they end their sinful marriages with foreigners.
The experience of divine mercy and new life narrated in the Book of Ezra continues to be felt in the here and now. Here is an example (cf. Fr. Edward Wolanski, CP, “A Successful Mission” in 101 Inspirational Stories of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Sr. Patricia Proctor OSC, Spokane: Franciscan Monastery of Saint Clare, 2006, p. 127-128).
I was sent to preach a parish mission in a small parish church. There was a family who was helping the pastor prepare for the mission. They were very devoted to Our Lady of Fatima. For six months before the mission, this family and two other families gave up their Saturday mornings to come to the church and pray the rosary for the success of the mission. This was especially difficult for the children, but they believed their prayers would help.
On the opening day of the mission only thirty-five people came. The pastor, the three families and I were all very disappointed. After the first service I went with the pastor to the confessionals. The first person who entered my confessional began by saying, “Father, it had been forty years since my last confession.” The second person who came began with, “Father, it has been twenty-five years since my last confession.” I was overwhelmed. The third person who came in said, “Father, I don’t know how long since it has been since my last confession.” One after the other, with few exceptions, all had been away from the sacrament for a long, long time.
I came out of the confessional thinking I was the last one in the church, only to find the pastor coming out of his confessional. We met in the center aisle, and before I could tell him of the wonderful experience I had, he excitedly told me: “I have never heard confessions like that in all my priesthood. People who have been away for years and years came.” I then shared my experience with him and we both looked to the tabernacle and gave thanks to the Lord and Our Lady.
The next day we shared with the three families what had happened and how their prayers during those six months helped so many people find the courage to approach the sacrament. We all agreed that the mission was successful, not because of the number who attended, but because of those who found new life through the sacrament of reconciliation.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. As Christian disciples today, do we trust in the loving God who is totally involved in our lives? What is the specific apostolic mission entrusted to us by Christ today? Do we believe in the Gospel’s power against the forces of evil?
2. Do we recognize the divine mercy that enfolds us in our life and do we feel the need to respond to God’s gracious love?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Jesus Lord,
you summon us and entrust to us the Gospel
with its power of action against evil.
You send us to touch the wounded world
with the healing power of your love.
Grant us the grace we need
to proclaim the Good News and cure diseases.
Teach us to trust in the word of God.
He is a shield for all who seek his protection.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Loving Father,
you are good and merciful.
You do not allow our servitude to sin
to last forever.
Your Son Jesus Christ breaks the bondage of evil
and raises us to new life.
Make us true “living stones” of the Church,
your dwelling place in the Spirit.
Let us 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 sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” (Lk 9:1) //“Thus he has given us new life to raise again the house of our God.” (Ezr 9:8)
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. // Be deeply aware of the divine mercy that enfolds you and resolve to take seriously the gifts you have received from God for the building up of the Church, the people of God.
*** *** ***
September 24, 2015: THURSDAY – WEEKDAY (25)
“JESUS SAVIOR: Herod Wants To See Him … He Urges Us to Build the House of God”
BIBLE READINGS
Hg 1:1-8 // Lk 9:7-9
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
In India I was struck by a powerful image given to us by a priest in a retreat conference. A stone is submerged in the bottom of a river – for days and days, for months and months, for years and years, for ages and ages – but never soaked and drenched. It is impervious. At the core it remains dry and lifeless. The impenetrable stone surrounded by clear waters is a pathetic image of Herod Antipas who is resistant to grace. He is licentious and feckless. He lives in incestuous union with Herodias. John the Baptist censures him severely for taking his brother’s wife. Herod retaliates by having him arrested and imprisoned. On account of a senseless oath to a stepdaughter who delighted him with a sensuous dance, he has John the Baptist beheaded. Herod is also superstitious.
In the Gospel reading (Lk 9:7-9), the wild news about Jesus of Nazareth being John the Baptist raised from the dead baffles Herod. He keeps trying to see Jesus. But when he finally sees Jesus in a mock trial before the latter’s passion and crucifixion, he would want to see him perform some miracle and be entertained with religious prodigies. Jesus however would not respond to his frivolous questions and requests. The Son of God would remain silent. Too sated with self-centered pleasure-seeking, Herod would not able to recognize the presence of grace standing before him. Herod would not be moved to repentance and conversion by the Word of God. Respecting his fundamental choice, the incarnate love would have difficulty penetrating his heart wholly taken up by frivolity and corruption.
The following story illustrates the tragedy of making evil choices and of being impervious to divine grace (cf. David Schantz, Daily Guideposts 2010, p. 22).
My minister-father was a storyteller, and the best part of Sunday was listening to his stories from the pulpit. One of my favorites was about an exceptional contractor who built beautiful homes. There was always a long waiting list of customers.
One day the contractor told his foreman, “I need to go East for a few months, and while I’m gone I want you to build this house for me.” He showed the foreman the plans. “I want this to be the best house you’ve ever built for me. Spare no expense. I want it done right.”
When his boss left, the foreman got to thinking, “This is a big project. I could make some extra money on it by substituting grade-B materials where they won’t show. I could pocket the difference.”
When the boss returned, he was impressed. “The house is beautiful!” He put his arm around the foreman’s shoulders. “The reason I wanted you to make this house special is that I want you to have it as an expression of my gratitude for your years of service to me.”
The foreman’s face fell, knowing that he had cheated only himself.
***
Within these two days we shall hear more accounts concerning the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple – this time from the book of Haggai, the first prophet of post-exilic Israel. The foundation of the Jerusalem temple had been laid in the spring of 536 B.C. by the first group of returned exiles from Babylon. No additional progress has been made and in 520 B.C. the temple still lies in ruins. The people feel they are too poor to take up the undertaking. They say: “This is not the right time to rebuild the house of the Lord.” Their excuse however is unjustifiable. They live in well-built houses while the temple decays. In today’s reading (Hg 1:1-8), the prophet Haggai invites the people to reflect on their experience. Although they have labored for food, drink, clothing and wages, the results are poor and unsatisfying. Haggai asserts that the blessings of the Lord God do not accompany the people because of their failure to build the temple. Things will change if it is rebuilt. When the temple is completed, blessing will replace judgment and the Lord will dwell in the temple-community again. Indeed, for the prophet Haggai the physical restoration of the temple-building has a symbolic value. To rebuild the temple-building means to restore the relationship of the community with God.
Against the backdrop of today’s reading, Mark Shea’s article, “In Defense of Beauty” enables us to understand the purpose and importance of the Catholic Church’s artistic and cultural tradition, which offers its riches in the service of God (cf. Our Sunday Visitor, February 5, 2012, p. 9-12).
“Why does the Church have all those gold cups and fancy paintings?” (…) This remains the substance of the charge to this day: that the evangelical counsel of poverty is contradicted by the art, the gold, the finery, the gorgeousness of the Catholic artists and cultural tradition and that the only true Christian is more or less walking barefoot in the snow like St. Francis. (…)
Catholics who seek to defend the Faith should not give that point short shrift. St. Dominic certainly didn’t. Instead, he founded an order of beggars and revived obedience to the evangelical counsels of chastity, obedience and poverty that had fallen on hard times in his day. Other Catholics from the Discalced Carmelites to the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal have done the same over the centuries.
What they have not done, however, is demand that the Church sell off its artistic legacy or start celebrating Mass with paper plates and Styrofoam cups. Indeed, what is remarkable is that those who have most strongly embraced the evangelical counsels of poverty for themselves and urged them upon the faithful have also insisted on the gorgeousness of the Church in its work of worship to God. The Servant of God Dorothy Day, who was not exactly a fan of Donald Trump-like opulence and who had a heart for the poor as big as any saints who ever lived, said, “For Christ himself housed in the tabernacles in the Church, no magnificence is too great, but for the priest who serves Christ, and for the priesthood of the laity, no such magnificence, in the face of the hunger and homelessness of the world, can be understood.”
This distinction between the gorgeousness that is properly devoted to God and the temperance we should practice toward ourselves should get our attention. (…) Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me” (Jn 12:8). This gives us a clue about how reformers from St. Dominic to Dorothy Day could call for radical poverty, yet have no objection to lavish beauty in the service of God. For Jesus himself had no objections to the worshipper lavishing what she had on God. In this, he was acting in obedience to what his Father had revealed in the Old Testament. (…)
[In Exodus 25-32] God calls the Israelites to put their very best into the worship of him. The sanctuary was to be made of the finest materials they had and worked with the best craftsmanship. It was to be not merely functional, but beautiful. Scripture (which almost never mentions colors) dwells on the scarlet, red and blue materials of the Tabernacle and lays out in minute detail the way the precious metals of gold and silver (as well as bronze) are to be used to create the place that will be the Dwelling Place of God. In this, we hear something of the unique sort of love and joy that is known by those who create beautiful things with their hands: the joy of beauty. (…)
The essence of worship is sacrifice and all, rich and poor, are called to worship. So [Jesus] likewise welcomes the sacrifice of Mary’s jar of ointment, expensive as it is, as a fitting adornment to the greatest sacrifice of all: his own crucifixion in just a few days’ time. (…)
But as Jesus also showed in accepting the anointing of Mary, we are not to be stingy with God in the slightest – because he has been absolutely lavish with us by pouring out the very life of his Son for our salvation.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Do we make habitual and chronic evil choices so that we become impervious to God’s grace? Are we like Herod Antipas in our behavior and choices?
2. Do we give priority to our daily subsistence rather than cultivate personal relationship with our loving God? Do we endeavor to live a life of true worship even at the cost of sacrifice?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus, the incarnate Wisdom of God,
you preach the Good News
and call people to conversion.
Please help us to listen to your voice
and make a fundamental choice for you.
Help us to avoid the tragic choices of Herod.
Do not allow us to pursue mere “vanities”.
Teach us to respond to divine grace
and let us be filled with the love and blessings of God.
You are our glorious Savior, now and forever.
Amen.
***
Loving Father,
at times our priorities are totally warped
so that we allow the cares of daily living to overwhelm us.
We fail to give you glory and praise
and even disdain the external symbols and signs of true worship.
Forgive us for our failure
towards the Church of “living stones”
and for neglecting our duties
to our poor and needy brothers and sisters.
Let our lives be sanctified as temples of the Holy Spirit.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“And Herod kept trying to see him.” (Lk 9:9) //“Build the house that I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory.” (Hg 1:8)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that our daily choices might be responsible and in accordance to the will of God. Make an effort to enlighten the people around you in making the “right” choice for our Savior Jesus. // When you enter the church-building be deeply aware that it is a sacred space meant for prayer and community worship. Observe reverent silence in this sacred place.
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September 25, 2015: FRIDAY – WEEKDAY (25)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Predicts His Passion and Glorification … He Is the Temple of Splendor”
BIBLE READINGS
Hg 2:1-9 // Lk 9:18-22
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
I visited the California State Fair for the first time on August 29, 2003. I had a great time at the Fine Arts section of the Expo Center Building where I saw a painting entitled “Napping in the Garden”. The body of Christ, stretched in the form of a cross, is sleeping peacefully in a cosmic garden of incredible beauty. Jesus Christ is surrounded by ministering angels and created beings. The artist’s message for me is incisive. The one “napping in the garden” is the Servant of Yahweh, who offered his ultimate service on the cross. The “Messiah of God” is now at the center of adoration and ministry of the entire cosmos.
Jesus, acknowledged by Peter as the “Messiah of God”, presents himself to his disciples as the Suffering Servant. In today’s Gospel (Lk 9:18-22), he predicts his passion and glorification. The Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. He will be put to death, but three days later he will be raised to life. Although Jesus speaks of suffering and death, what triumphs ultimately is the power of life. There is redemption in his total self-giving.
The following story gives us a glimpse of the saving glory that comes in living out our paschal destiny (cf. Roberta Messner in Daily Guideposts 2010, p. 27).
For forty years I suffered with head and mouth pain from tumors caused by an incurable disorder. I lived from moment to moment and went to great lengths to get my mind off the relentless pain. Then a curious thing happened: I began to notice that whenever I turned my thoughts to others instead of dwelling on myself, I experienced an incredible sense of well-being. Whether I was planning to give, anticipating the act of giving or doing the giving myself, I could feel my entire body change.
One of the most difficult aspects of living with intractable pain is getting started in the morning. So before turning in each night, I placed a gift for someone at work alongside my car keys. It might be as simple as an article clipped from a magazine or coupons for laundry detergent or a tea bag in a new herbal flavor. Or it might be a pair of earrings I really wanted for myself that God nudged me to give away.
I mentioned my newfound approach to my physician, Dr. Brownfield. He told me that my discovery was supported by both the Bible and medical science. “Giving releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, Roberta. Studies have actually shown that volunteers, some of the most devoted givers of all, lead happier, healthier and longer lives.” He closed our time together that day with a prayer that God would continue to bless me with the abundant life He promises in His Word, the giving life.
Since that day I’ve continued to give in the ways God directs. And I hadn’t needed a single dose of breakthrough pain medicine. I’ve come to understand that giving is a God-given tool – like exercise and a balanced diet – that helps us to live the full life He has in mind for us.
***
In today’s First Reading (Hg 2:1-9), we hear again from the prophet Haggai. His message to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah; to Joshua, the high priest; and to the Jewish people is about the splendor of the new temple. Haggai speaks in 520 B.C., on the final day of a week’s celebration of the feast of Tabernacles. It is on this festival during Solomon’s reign that the First Temple was dedicated. The temple being rebuilt by the returned Jewish exiles lacks the splendor of Solomon’s temple. God thus speaks to the people through the prophet Haggai exhorting them not to be discouraged, but to continue the work of rebuilding the temple. The Lord God assures his people: “I am with you … I will fill this house with glory … Greater will be the future glory of this house … In this place I will give you peace.” Indeed, the true glory of the temple is not the material adornment, but the continuing presence of God. The full meaning of Haggai’s message will be realized in the messianic age – in the glorified body of the Risen Christ, the splendor of the Father.
The following story illustrates that where the love of Jesus Christ dwells, the splendor of beauty and grace shines (cf. Judy Newton, “A Simple Celebration” in Country, December-January 2013, p. 8).
The lights of the little country church shone upon the snow, welcoming us as we made our way to Christmas Eve services. It was a simple country church filled with farm folk who, after bedding their animals down for the night, came here from miles around. Times were hard in the 1940s, but anyone could see the hope and faith on the faces of these hardworking people.
My parents, my sister and I had come to celebrate the birth of our Savior with friends and family. Warmed by the stove and the seasonal cheer, we were secure in the knowledge of our love for one another.
The program began with pieces recited by the smaller children, and then came the play. There were no flashing lights, no sound system or other modern equipment, but the church glowed with love as the actors told the Nativity story.
After the program, Santa gave each child a small brown paper bag filled with candies, nuts and an orange. When the church was over, we went to my grandparents’ house to exchange gifts. Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad, aunts, uncles and cousins filled the house to overflowing.
That country church is gone now, lost to fire, and a lot of those people have gone on to be with the Lord. But neither time nor flames can hurt the memories of those holidays long ago.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. How does Jesus’ pronouncement of his passion impinge on us? Do we see the intimate connection between Jesus’ self-giving passion and his glorification?
2. When things are not as splendid as we expect them to be, do we feel discouraged? Do we believe that God’s indwelling in us, through Christ in the Spirit, is the true splendor and the utmost joy to fill our hearts?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
we thank you for your beloved Son, the Suffering Servant.
Give us the grace to be Christian disciples marked by self-giving.
Help us to trust in you, the Lord of time and history.
You are in control of the past, the present and the future.
We dwell in “your time”.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Loving Father,
we thank you for assuring us,
“Fear not … I am with you!”
We thank you for the gift of Jesus,
the splendor of your love,
who fills our hearts with grace and beauty.
Let the glory of the Risen Christ abide in us
and help us irradiate the light of his saving presence
to all nations.
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.
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly … and on the third day be raised.” (Lk 9:22) //“I will fill this house with glory.” (Hg 2:7)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Through concrete acts of charity to those experiencing fears and difficulties, manifest your intimate participation in the paschal destiny of Jesus, our self-giving Lord and the “Messiah of God”. // Be attentive to the divine splendor that enfolds us. Seek to share the beauty of God’s love with those who are despondent and discouraged.
*** *** ***
September 26, 2015: SATURDAY – WEEKDAY (25); SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIEN, Martyrs; BVM ON SATURDAY
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Teaches the Disciples the Meaning of His Death … All Nations Dwell in Him”
BIBLE READINGS
Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a // Lk 9:43b-45
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
In today’s Gospel reading (Lk 9:43b-45), Jesus speaks again about his death. The response of the disciples to the Divine Master’s patient effort to make them understand his messianic mission is bewilderment. They fail to grasp what Jesus means and they are afraid to question him. It is because they do not want to be confronted with the painful element of Christ’s paschal destiny. They are afraid to stare at the specter of Jesus’ impending death. In the first prediction, Jesus has underlined the harsh implications of his passion for his disciples. To be true followers of Jesus they too need to carry their cross. This is an aversive proposition for the disciples. Hence, when the Master brings out the issue again, they remain silent. They willfully choose not to understand. Bereft of the paschal vision, their personal concerns degenerate into authority issues and power struggles.
The following story presents in a humorous vein what it means “to refuse to understand” (cf. Anthony De Mello, Taking Flight: A Book of Story Meditations, New York: Image Books, 1988, p. 172).
A bishop had decreed that woman housekeepers for priests should be at least fifty years of age. He was startled, in the visitation of his diocese, to discover a priest who thought he was observing the law by keeping two housekeepers, each one of whom was twenty-five years of age.
***
Starting today and in the next few days we shall be hearing from the priest-prophet Zechariah, whose prophecies are dated from 520 B.C. to 518 B.C. His visions deal with the restoration of Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the temple, the purification of God’s people and the messianic age to come. The messianic Jerusalem will bring back the golden days of Moses when God is presented as leading his people by columns of cloud and fire.
Today’s First Reading (Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a) is about the vision of an angel with a measuring line. He measures the city in order to rebuild it. Another angel appears to give a message of blessing and hope. He announces that Jerusalem will have many more people than before. The Lord God himself will be the wall of fire to encircle the city to protect it and he will dwell there in all his glory. Zechariah’s prophecy underlines the universal character of the divine saving plan: “At that time many nations will come to the Lord and become his people.”
That “many nations shall join themselves to the Lord” and that “the Lord comes to dwell among the nations” has been realized through the paschal sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The martyrdom of San Lorenzo Ruiz and his companion martyrs, saints from various nations, illustrates the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy of universal salvation. Here is an account of their martyrdom (cf. Wikipedia on the Internet).
Lorenzo Ruiz was born in Binondo, Manila, to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother who were both Catholic. His father taught him Chinese while his mother taught him Tagalog.
Ruiz served as an altar boy at the convent of Binondo church. After being educated by the Dominican friars for a few years, Ruiz earned the title of escribano (calligrapher). He became a member of the Cofradia del Santissimo Rosario (Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary). He married Rosario, a native, and they had two sons and a daughter. The Ruiz family led a generally peaceful, religious and content life.
In 1636, while working as a clerk in Binondo Church, Ruiz was falsely accused of killing a Spaniard. Ruiz sought asylum on board a ship with three Dominican priests: Saint Antonio Gonzales; Saint Guillermo Courtet; Saint Miguel de Aozaraza, a Japanese priest; Saint Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz; and a lay leper Saint Lazaro of Kyoto. Ruiz and his companions left for Okinawa on 10 June 1636, with the aid of the Dominican fathers and Fr. Giovanni Yago.
The Tokugawa shogunate was persecuting Christians by the time Ruiz had arrived in Japan. The missionaries were arrested and thrown into prison, and after a year, they were transferred to Nagasaki to face trial by torture. He and his companions faced different types of torture. One of these was the insertion of needles inside their fingernails.
On 27 September 1637, Ruiz and his companions were taken to Nishizaka Hill, where they were tortured by being hung upside down in a pit. This form of torture was known as tsurushi in Japanese or horca y hoya in Spanish. The method was supposed to be extremely painful: though the victim was bound, one hand is always left free so that victims may be able to signal that they recanted, and they would be freed. Ruiz refused to renounce Christianity and died from blood loss and suffocation. His body was cremated and his ashes thrown into the sea.
According to Latin missionary accounts sent back to Manila, Ruiz declared these words upon his death: “Ego Catholicus sum et animo prompt paratoque pro Deo mortem obibo. Si mille vitas haberem, cunctas ei offerrem.” In English this may be rendered: “I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for the Lord. If I had a thousand lives, all these I shall offer to him.” This may be reconstructed into Tagalog or Pilipino as “Isa akong Katoliko at buong-pusong tinatanggap ang kamatayan para sa Panginoon. Kung ako man ay may isanlibong buhay, lahat ng iyon ay iaalay ko sa Kanya.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
1. Are we willing to understand the meaning of the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ and the personal implications for our life?
2. Do we believe that God dwells among us and that his indwelling is not only in Jerusalem, but among the nations? What do we do to promote evangelization and the vitality of the Church-faith community? How do we imitate the faith of our fathers and the faith of the martyrs?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you speak to us about your passion.
Help us to listen with the heart
and understand what it means to be your disciple.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
***
Loving Father,
you manifest your glory in our midst.
We thank you for surrounding the Church,
the new city Jerusalem,
with your glory and protection.
Give us the grace to spread the Good News of salvation to all
that all nations may dwell in this city
and be filled with your glory.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” (Lk 9:44) //“Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day.” (Zec 2:15)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for the grace to understand and follow the divine saving will and foster a discipline of prayerful silence before the Blessed Sacrament. // Take note of the cultural diversity and multi-ethnic character of the faith community. Be grateful to the Lord for this gift and resolve to give your very best to enhance the universal character of the Church.
***
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