A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday and Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 11, n. 19)
SECOND WEEK OF EASTER: April 7-13, 2013 ***
(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 C from three perspectives. For reflections on the Sunday liturgy based on the Gospel reading, please scroll up to the “ARCHIVES” above and open Series 2. For reflections based on the Old Testament reading, open Series 5. For reflections based on the Second Reading, open Series 8. Please go to Series 10 and Series 11 for the back issues of the Weekday Lectio.
Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: April 7-13, 2013. The weekday reflections are based on the First Reading. For the weekday reflections based on the Gospel Reading, please open Series 10.)
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April 7, 2013: SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
(or SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY)
“JESUS SAVIOR: “Eight Days Later He Came and Stood in Their Midst”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 5:12-16 // Rv 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 // Jn 20:19-31
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
I enjoyed Peggy Weber’s Easter experience that she shared with the readers of GUIDEPOSTS magazine (cf. p. 4-5, April 2004 issue). One April afternoon, that busy mother braved to shop in a department store with her four-year-old and toddler twins in tow. Peggy narrates how totally frazzled she was with the embarrassing situation of the children’s tantrums: “By the time I got to the linen department, they were having a total meltdown – kicking and bawling. I could feel the stares of other shoppers. ‘Can’t people keep their kids quiet?’ one muttered. Then an elderly woman came up. I braced myself for criticism. Instead, she said, ‘Looks like you could use a hand.’ She nudged her husband who headed to another department. He returned with three small bags, one for each kid. Inside? Chocolate Easter bunnies. You never saw two toddlers stop crying so fast. What a sweet reminder that patience and understanding do exist in a busy world.” The kind elderly couple brought peace and joy to an otherwise unpleasant and wearying predicament. Their compassion and understanding led a distraught mother closer to the Easter event.
In today’s Gospel passage (Jn 20:19-31), we contemplate the apparition of the Risen Lord to his disciples and his gentle compassion to make them experience the marvelous Easter event of his glorification. The one who had undergone the saving passion appeared to the fearful disciples in glorified form. Freed from the constraints of his mortal body, he can appear anywhere: no obstacle, no locked door can prevent him from coming. Though the resurrected body of Jesus possesses spiritual qualities, the evangelist John underlines the continual existence of him whom the first witnesses had known familiarly. Jesus showed his hands and side to his disciples to make them realize that it was really the crucified who was standing there in their midst. The Easter apparitions were meant to calm their fears and evoke the faith of the disciples in the reality of the resurrection of the one who suffered and died on the cross.
In this Easter apparition, the Risen Lord, who calmed the fearful disciples with his blessing of peace, bestowed upon them the greatest Easter gift – the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the ultimate Easter gift is the Holy Spirit, who enables the Christian disciples to relish the fruits of love, joy and peace that Jesus reaped from the tree of life, the cross of his passion and glorification. On the cross at Mount Calvary, Jesus breathed forth his Spirit to the Father in total oblation (cf. Jn 19:30). In the Easter apparition, the glorified Jesus breathes his Spirit anew as he celebrates the re-creation of God’s people. The Risen Lord’s gift is also the animating energy of the post-Easter Church in its mission to perpetuate the work of salvation accomplished by Christ in his passion, death and glorification. The Spirit of the Risen Lord is the power of the Christian mission throughout time and space.
Today’s Easter Gospel is also an exhortation “to believe without seeing”. According to John’s narrative, the Risen Lord appeared eight days later and stood in their midst. Together with them was Thomas who doubted and reacted vehemently to their testimony. Jesus confronted the doubting Thomas with the stigmata of his passion and said to him: “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe” (Jn 20:27). Thomas’ resistance and unbelief broke down completely in the face of the Risen Lord. He then uttered the ultimate Christian profession of faith: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28). The Risen Lord, however, exhorted him to a greater faith: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (Jn 20:29). Like the first disciples, the faith of Christian disciples through history is founded in the presence of Risen Lord through his Spirit.
The last verse of today’s reading crystallizes the motive for the many “signs” written and proclaimed about Jesus, the glorious resurrection being the crowning event and the “sign of signs”. The evangelist John tells the recipients of the Gospel: “These are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name” (Jn 20:31). Indeed, to really relish the joy of Easter we need to believe this: that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the Christ – the Son of God. He is the Lord and God of those who have experienced the power of Easter.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Are we receptive to the Easter event? Do we believe in faith that the Risen Lord is in our midst to renew all things and make us share in his glorious victory over sin and death? What does the bestowal of the Holy Spirit, the Risen Lord’s Easter gift, mean to us? How will this Easter gift affect and shape our life in Christ?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Almighty and merciful God,
your Son Jesus Christ is in our midst.
He who once was dead
is now truly living.
He lives forever and ever
and through him, we too live forever.
By the Easter mystery of the ever-living Lord,
give us the grace to minister your healing love
to our suffering brothers and sisters.
Make us true messengers of the Gospel.
Help us to be joyful witnesses of the Easter event.
We extol you with sweet “Alleluias”,
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 disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.” (Jn 20:20).
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
On this Easter day, pray for a greater awareness of the blessings of Christ’s resurrection and of our consequent new birth in God’s Spirit, the Easter gift. At the consecration of this Sunday’s Mass, during the elevation of the sacred host and sacred wine, repeat solemnly the words of Thomas’ faith confession: “My Lord and my God!”
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April 8, 2013: THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Incarnation Is Announced by the Angel”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 7:10-14; 8:10 // Heb 10:4-10 // Lk 1:26-38
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s Old Testament reading speaks of a prophetic sign directed to King Ahaz, who is anxious and trembling for the imminent siege of Jerusalem in 735 B.C. by the kings of Syria and Israel. Confronting his lack of trust in the Lord, the prophet Isaiah declares: “The Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” With the sign of the conception and birth of a child, God wants to manifest to King Ahaz that the Lord Yahweh is in perfect control of human history and destiny. Indeed, God is with us and intimately involved in our affairs. The “sign” announced by the prophet Isaiah is an invitation to Ahaz to trust in God alone – in the realization of the Covenant and his continual protection. King Ahaz ought not to rely on the political and military interventions of the Assyrians for salvation from his enemies. The conception and birth of a child by the king’s young wife is meant to indicate Yahweh’s abiding presence and merciful intervention on behalf of his people. The weakling ruler, however, does not accept the birth of his son Hezekiah as a “sign” of salvation and of God’s solicitude for the house of David. Trusting more in political security, Ahaz sends gold and silver to the King of Assyria and woefully becomes Assyria’s vassal.
The “sign” of a child used by the prophet Isaiah to challenge the feckless Ahaz is surpassed and radically fulfilled in the mystery of the Lord’s Annunciation. It is through the message of an angel that we learn of the incarnation of the Son of God. It is not a sign among many, but THE sign of God par excellence. The feast of the Annunciation celebrates the mystery of the Son of God conceived by the Blessed Virgin Mary in her womb in order to give him a body. This body, formed from the flesh and blood of the Virgin Mother by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the “body” that brings salvation to all through the paschal event of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.
The Indian Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore remarks that the birth of every child is a sign that God has not given up on the world. God continues to surround us with “signs” of salvation and of his care and love. The following story narrated by Sue Monk Kidd in an old issue of GUIDEPOSTS magazine illustrates how the appearance of a child in the languishing church community of Melba becomes a sign of the divine will to bring life and salvation.
In 1977, the Baptist Church in Melba, a rural American town, was about to close its doors forever. Over the years, churchgoing had dropped off alarmingly. Some hurts and misunderstandings had divided and shattered the congregation. All that remained was about a dozen people on the verge of giving up. That handful of people gathered in the church one Sunday to vote whether to continue services or close down for good. Their meeting was interrupted when a child appeared – a child of only seven years – who wanted to join the Sunday school and the church service. Angela, for that was her name, returned the next Sunday, and the next and the next.
That child became the reason for the Melba Baptist Church to go on. They struggled to live in order to nurture a young spirit from one Sunday to the next. Angela was their glimmer of hope. She was their future. The child’s appearance saved the congregation from extinction and sure death. The Melba Baptist Church has become renovated and increased in membership. As far as they are concerned, the little girl who came alone to the church that long-ago Sunday was sent by God.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
What is the personal significance of the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God in our life? Are we ready to welcome the Lord’s annunciation and incarnation as a saving sign that transforms our life?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(cf. Alternative Opening Prayer of the Mass of the Annunciation)
Almighty Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
you have revealed the beauty of your power
by exalting the lowly virgin of Nazareth
and making her the mother of our Savior.
May the prayers of this woman
bring Jesus to the waiting world
and fill the void of incompletion
with the presence of her child,
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.
“The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us!” (Is 7:14; 8:10)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Any time today pray and meditate on the beautiful prayer, “The Angelus”. By your acts of kindness and charity, enable the people around you to welcome and experience God’s ultimate sign of love in Jesus Christ.
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April 9, 2013: TUESDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (2)
“JESUS SAVIOR: In Him We Are of One Heart and Mind”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 4:32-37 // Jn 3:7b-15
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The following delightful story shared by one of our Sisters, the Indian born Sr. Mary Luce Cornelio, has both a missionary and Easter tone.
We had a papaya tree in our garden and it was full of papayas, big and small. Since they were too heavy, it was bending. When my father saw it, he wanted to save the tree from falling. So he gave it a support, a piece of wood, and tied it. Then he prayed, saying, “Lord, please save this tree from falling and every papaya on it. When the fruits will ripen, we will sell them and put the money in the mission collection box.”
So the papaya tree never fell, neither did the fruits. We were able to sell all the papayas and we mortified ourselves from eating any of them. Finally, the mission collection box was full of money. When the priest came to pick up the box, he was surprised. Our collection contribution was the highest so he announced it during the Mass. My father’s joy was great and so was ours. We will never forget the great faith and love of our father for the missions. HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
We have here a tightly knit family, animated by faith and love, capable of sharing and sacrifice. The members of this family and domestic church are capable of responding to the needy and have the missionary capability of going out of themselves to help others. In this charming family account is a glimpse of the Easter idyll narrated by the evangelist Luke in today’s first reading (Acts 4:32-35).
The passage from the Acts of the Apostles proclaimed today in the liturgical assembly depicts the early Christian community as being “of one heart and mind”. The sharing and caring faith-community that was formed in the aftermath of the Easter events is the fruit of a “new creation”. It sprang forth from the redemptive action of the Risen Christ and the vivifying action of the Holy Spirit – his Easter gift to the Church. The first Christians who were “of one heart and mind” were concerned with the needs of others. The early Christian believers were marked by harmony, unity and love that were the fruits of their response to the renewing and recreating action of the Holy Spirit in their lives and to the great power by which the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Indeed, Luke’s Easter idyll of the sharing and caring Christian community that is “of one heart and mind” challenges today’s Easter people to create a world in which no one has any need. The picture of a selfless faith-community in the “springtime of the Church” denounces the acquisitive and consumerist culture in which we live. It goads us to denounce the abuse of hoarded goods and the ill distribution of resources. The absolute necessity of Christian disciples to respond positively to the needy is resounded by the Church Fathers.
St. Basil the Great, an early Church Father, cries out to the hoarding, uncaring rich: “They proclaim themselves masters of the common goods they hoard, because they were the first to own them. If every one of them kept only what he required for his immediate needs, and if the surplus was given to the poor, wealth and poverty would be abolished … You are not a thief? You have taken for your own the goods of which you are supposed to be the caretaker … To the hungry belongs the bread you have … To the naked the cloak that is hidden in your trunk … To the footsore, the shoes rotting in your house … To the poor the money that you have buried in the earth. How can you oppress so many people that you could help?”
The vehement appeal of St. Basil the Great reminds us in this Easter season of our prophetic duty as redeemed people to pool our resources and sacrifice our possessions for the sake of the needy. The capacity to share and the grace to live in communal charity are signs of the in-breaking of the Spirit and the victory of the Risen Lord over the world of sin and selfishness. Indeed, if we live today in consonance with the idyll of the springtime of the Church, great favor will be accorded us all – God’s Easter people.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
What is the relevance of Luke’s idyllic picture of the “springtime of the Church”? How do I respond to this challenge? Am I willing to live to the full the Christian call to communal charity? Do I strive to be truly “of one heart and mind” with the faith community that cares for the needy? How do I share with the poor and needy the graces that flow from the glorified Jesus, the font of Divine Mercy?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
your Son Jesus Christ is alive and present in our midst.
His vivifying Spirit, the Easter gift,
renews us in our minds and hearts.
We adore you, thank you and praise you
for the beauty of the Easter mystery.
Help us to grow increasingly into a faith-community
that is “of one heart and mind”.
May we efficaciously build a more just and caring world
and gently and lovingly care for the poor
and respond to each other’s needs.
Assist us to be channels of the peace and divine mercy
that flow out from Jesus, the Risen Lord,
who lives and reigns 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 community of believers was of one heart and mind … There was no needy person among them.” (Acts 4:32, 34)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Replicate in your daily life the spirit of unity and charity of the faith-community described in the Acts of the Apostles.
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April 10, 2013: WEDNESDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (2)
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Apostles Continue to Teach in His Name”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 5:17-26 // Jn 3:16-21
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Though persecuted, the apostles have the courage to continue the Easter proclamation because God’s protection is with them. The Christian apostles of today are called to manifest the same courage in the face of the opposition and trials that confront those who live out their faith. The following is a profile of a modern-day apostle who continues to teach the Easter faith in the name of Jesus Christ (cf. Russel Shaw, “Archbishop William E. Lori: Religious Liberty Point Man” in “Catholics of 2012” in Our Sunday Visitor, December 30, 2012, p. 10)
For a little more than a year, Archbishop William E. Lori has been the American bishops’ point man in the toughest fight the Catholic Church in America has faced in a long time. Maybe ever, in fact.
As chairman of the religious liberty committee of the bishops’ conference, the 61-year-old Archbishop of Baltimore is at the center of Catholic resistance to an Obama administration act of aggression – commonly known as the “HHS mandate” – as well as other government incursions on religious free exercise.
The mandate would require hundreds of church-related institutions to provide coverage for contraceptives, abortifacient drugs and sterilizations in employee health plans. This is the first time in America that government has sought to force the Church to cooperate in what it regards as a moral evil.
The religious liberty committee was established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in September 2011. As chairman, Archbishop Lori has testified before Congress and played a key role in strategic planning for the Church’s response to what observers call the potential “institutional martyrdom” of Church programs via the HHS mandate. Currently, the mandate is the target of lawsuits in several courts.
A native of Louisville, KY, the archbishop was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., in 1977 and received a doctorate in Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America in 1982. He served as secretary to the late Cardinal James Hickey of Washington, chancellor, moderator of the curia, and vicar general. Blessed Pope John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of Washington in 1995 and bishop of Bridgeport, Conn., in 2001. Eleven years later, Pope Benedict XVI named him Archbishop of Baltimore.
Archbishop Lori has held numerous committee posts with the bishops’ conference, including chairing the Committee on Doctrine and the Ad Hoc Committee on Universities and Colleges. He is the Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus.
Speaking at USCCB’s fall general assembly in November, he predicted the religious liberty struggle would be a long one. “We’re going to stay the course”, he promised the bishops and the Church.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Are we willing to trust in God’s protecting hands when we take a stand for moral issues and for the Catholic faith?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(cf. Opening Prayer of the Mass, Wednesday – 2nd Week of Easter)
God of mercy,
you have filled us with the hope of resurrection
by restoring man to his original dignity.
May we who relive this mystery each year
come to share it in perpetual love.
Grant 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.
“Tell the people everything about this life.” (Acts 5:20)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Resolve to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church and affirm the Catholic teaching on moral issues such as right to life and the dignity of the human person, option for the poor and vulnerable, etc.
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April 11, 2013: THURSDAY – SAINT STANISLAUS, bishop, martyr
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Apostles Courageously Give Witness to Him”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 5:27-33 // Jn 3:31-36
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
As an Easter people, our Christian faith is very much linked to ministry and witnessing. A limpid example of an Easter witness for Christ is Mother Marianne Cope (1838-1918) who went to Molokai in Hawaii on November 13, 1888, to help Fr. Damien DeVeuster minister to the lepers. A member of the Sisters of St. Francis, she and her companions served the outcasts of Molokai, described as “the most dreary place one could ever imagine”. Here is an account by the writer Jill Boughton (cf. “Count It All Joy for the Sake of Love: The Journey of Mother Marianne Cope” in THE WORD AMONG US, February 2007, p. 44-45).
According to Mother Marianne, their mission was “to make life as pleasant and comfortable as possible” for the outcasts who had been sent to Molokai to die. She brought beauty as well as order into the settlement, planting fragrant flowers under her sisters’ windows and sewing colorful garments for the girls. With her landscaping skills, she worked to transform the barrenness and bring a sign of hope.
Besides the challenges of caring for the sick and all their needs, Mother Marianne was responsible for schools and hospitals and their workers on three other islands. She had to be submissive to her religious superiors, who were often distant and uninformed; to keep detailed records; and to placate the Board of Health, the royal family, and government officials. Yet in all her dealings, her sisters described her as “kind” but “firm.” There were never enough workers, and some who thought the work would be romantic left after a short time. Some opposed Mother Marianne and tried to stir up discontent among the sisters, but she remained patient and tried to pastor each one individually without jeopardizing the work.
Mother Marianne also had to be patient with the limitations of her own health. Around the turn of the century, she was up all night spitting blood; the sisters learned of her distress only when they gathered her laundry. Toward the end of her long life, she also experienced heart and kidney failure and was confined to a wheelchair. True to character, however, Mother Marianne remained cheerful and attentive to others even in her final illness. She wouldn’t let Sr. Leopoldina keep vigil at her bedside: “If you cannot rest nights, how can you do justice in your work with the lepers?” although she was unable to eat, she insisted on being wheeled to the dining room to join her sisters.
Marianne Cope died on August 9, 1918, surrounded by praying sisters. On her coffin, the lepers she loved used white flowers to spell out one simple word: “Mother.” It spoke volumes about how they had experienced her loving care for them.
The “sign” of pastoral love continues to be actualized in time and space through the ministry of the apostles and the faith-community brought about by their witnessing. The apostles proclaim fearlessly the core of the Gospel message. They tenderly care for God’s flock by nourishing them with the bread of the Word. They lovingly tend the sheep by extending to the sick and suffering the compassionate healing touch of God. They lay down their life for the sheep that have been neglected and abused by the false shepherds. Indeed, in the task of Gospel proclamation, the apostles are opposed and persecuted. Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles illustrates how Peter and the apostles incur the ire and resentment of the threatened Jewish religious leaders. The Sanhedrin officials strongly reprimand them for disobeying their orders to stop teaching in the name of Jesus. But Peter and the apostles resolve to obey God rather than men.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
In what manner did Peter and the apostles carry out their witnessing before the people and the Sanhedrin? How did Peter and the apostles minister to the needs of God’s flock entrusted to their care? Are we today’s heroic apostolic witnesses? Are we credible “signs” of the Risen Lord’s pastoral love and care for his sheepfold?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O Risen Christ,
by the gift of your Holy Spirit,
Peter and the apostles became courageous witnesses
of your death and rising.
As we contemplate this Easter mystery,
grant us the grace to recognize you,
alive and present to us
in the “death and rising” events of daily life.
Make us courageous witnesses of the Gospel
by the power of the Holy Spirit
and anoint us for a greater service
to your suffering people
and the needy flock entrusted to our care.
We adore you, we love you,
and we resolve to serve and give witness to 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.
“We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 5:32)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
An action of charity and self-giving on behalf of God’s needy flock is a necessary part of Easter witnessing. Endeavor to bring the power of the Risen Lord upon various situations that need healing, comfort, peace and joy.
***
April 12, 2013: FRIDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (2)
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Apostles Rejoice to Suffer for the Sake of His Name”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 5:34-42 // Jn 6:1-15
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Peter and the apostles have made known to the Jewish religious authorities their resolve to obey God rather than any human authority. Although not opposed to lawful authority in principle, their ultimate loyalty lies in God alone. Hence, they are likely to come into conflict with those who wield power and demand from them total loyalty and absolute obedience. They boldly proclaim anew before the Sanhedrin the Easter kerygma about Jesus: they have killed him by nailing him to a cross, but God has raised him from the dead for the forgiveness of sins and the repentance of Israel. Their witnessing so infuriates the Sanhedrin that they want to put the apostles to death.
The greatly revered teacher Gamaliel, a leading Pharisee said to be the teacher of Saint Paul, fittingly raises a word of caution. He persuades the Sanhedrin to wait and see whether this movement is of merely human origin. If it were so, it will fail like others in the past. If it were from God, then they would be fighting in vain against God. Gamaliel’s wisdom prevails and the Sanhedrin follows his advice. The apostles are released, but not before enduring suffering. They were flogged and ordered never again to speak in the name of Jesus. The apostles go out rejoicing, feeling privileged to suffer for the sake of Jesus. Every day in the Temple and the people’s homes, the apostles continue to teach and proclaim the Good News about Jesus as the Messiah.
To die rejoicing is exemplified in the martyrdom of the Japanese Christian Francis Toyama Jintaro (cf. Full Sail with the Wind of Grace, ed. “Martyres” Editorial Committee, Tokyo: Don Bosco Sha, 2008, p. 90-93).
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon …” The young pure hearted Jintaro was captivated by the spirit of St. Francis, taught him by the Franciscan missionary Fr. Apolinar Franco. Jintaro said to himself, “I too, want to give my life for God’s peace. Jintaro was baptized in 1616 when he was 16 years old. He received the name of the St. Francis he loved.
His family and friends were worried about him. “Jintaro, are you sure about this? The Christian religion is forbidden and persecution is getting worse everywhere.” The 16 year old could well understand what kind of suffering awaited those who become Christians, but no one could change his mind which was set on serving God.
Jintaro joined the Confraternity of the Cord to take care of the sick and help the poor. He led an austere life. Having learned foreign languages from the missionaries, Jintaro read books which were not yet translated into Japanese, and using simple words explained the teachings to other Christians. The missionaries visiting Wakayama took a rest at Jintaro’s home. When they were staying there, the house would be filled with the voices of the faithful who came to attend mass. Young Francis Jintaro matured into becoming a leader of the Church in Wakayama.
In 1619, Asano Nagaakira was transferred to Hiroshima. Jintaro moved to Hiroshima with his master. In Hiroshima also, where persecution had already begun, there were Christians secretly living their faith. Jintaro worked hard for God in Hiroshima, too … Jintaro had a serenity that was unusual for a youth of 19. He served everyone well and there was peace wherever he went. (…)
In December 1623, upon witnessing the Great Martyrdom of Edo, Jintaro’s master Nagaakira was terribly troubled. He could no longer turn a blind eye to the Christians. Upon returning to Hiroshima in January of the following year, Nagaakira started a thorough survey to identify the Christians. One day, when Jintaro was out, an officer came to his house. “There aren’t any Christians in this house!” Jintaro’s servant tactfully told the officer, turning him away. When Jintaro heard of this, he turned himself in to the commissioner. “I am a Kirishitan. I won’t run or hide.” Jintaro had decided to turn himself in because he didn’t want to cause other Christians to weaken. (…)
Many officers came and surrounded Jintaro’s residence. “You are disobeying the orders of the lord, and must commit seppuku like a samurai!” Jintaro shook his head and replied to those who brought Nagaakira’s orders. “I will not kill myself. My life is a gift from God.”
Before the execution, Jintaro left these words to his mother and his wife. “My time has come at last! Please rejoice. I am at peace!” “You have served everyone well. At least we are consoled to know that your wish will be fulfilled. Our tears are tears of joy.” Jintaro’s mother and his wife cast their eyes down and wept. Jintaro’s last wish was granted and he was beheaded before a statue of Our Lady, while his family prayed. It was 16 February 1624. Jintaro was only 24 years old.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Are we willing to replicate the experience of the apostles: “rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(cf. Opening Prayer of the Mass, Friday in the Second Week of Easter)
Father,
in your plan of salvation,
your Son Jesus Christ accepted the cross
and freed us from the power of the enemy.
May we come to share the glory of his resurrection,
for he 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 week. Please memorize it.
“Rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name … they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Messiah, Jesus.” (Acts 5:41-42)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
When you suffer humiliation or an offense, do not react negatively but gracefully, and offer this for the glory and honor of our Lord Jesus Christ.
***
April 13, 2013: SATURDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (2); SAINT MARTIN, pope, martyr
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Serve”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 6:1-7 // Jn 6:16-21
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (6:1-7) presents the endeavor of the early Christian community to be configured to the Risen Lord Jesus in its life of service. The Church is depicted as responsive to a challenging situation, receptive to the needs of others and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, able to organize in view of a more efficient community ministry, and has the capacity to restructure an existing service system and to innovate under charismatic impulse. In the beautiful springtime of its growth, the Church is presented as ministerial – a serving Church that cares for the needs of the faithful.
Harold Buetow comments on the First Reading (Acts 6:1-7): “The first converts came from two groups of Jews, the Hellenists and the Hebrews. The Hellenistic Jews were Greek-speaking, and had returned to Jerusalem from all over the Mediterranean region. The Hebrews were native Palestinian Jews who spoke Aramaic. Today’s reading from Acts demonstrates one of the tensions between them: the Hellenistic group complaining that their poor widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food from the common store (v. 1) by the majority group, the local Hebrews. Another problem was that some of the members were so overworked in the service of the community that they were neglecting other important duties. The solution, arrived at by prayer and discernment, showed flexibility and growth, optimism and imagination. It showed the Church as an organization with an atmosphere of love, consideration, and enthusiasm. It showed a Church with each person treated equally with love, in the forefront of breaking down ethnic and racial barriers. Many of the qualities of the early Church were embodied in a new office: that of deacon. Though the assistants are not called deacons here, their office is deaconing: that is, service. Deacons were, however, to meet more than the immediate material needs. Later (Acts 6:8 and 8:5) we see two of the deacons involved in evangelization. All the faithful are called to serve with commitment. We are the lifeblood of the Church.”
The ideal of a serving and responsive Church continues to live on in today’s modern world. The following testimony and appeal of Tom Monaghan, a poor boy turned millionaire, illustrates the creative spirit of service and mission that animates the Christian disciples today.
My name is Tom Monaghan, and I am the founder of DOMINO’S PIZZA. Nine years ago I sold DOMINO’S in order to devote my time and assets to helping the Church. Over these last nine years, I have spent most of my time and money on advancing higher education through Ave Maria University, and I need your help to do it well. During the last quarter-century, I have given to a lot of Catholic causes, and been asked to give to more than I can remember.
Frequently, I have been criticized for both causes I have and haven’t supported. I think the first public example came in 1984 when I helped build the new Cathedral in Nicaragua. Some people said “Why put up a building, when there are poor people who need food?” So I then supported a mission in Central America that taught the youth how to farm to raise enough food for their families, and other people said “Why give them just food? You need to educate them so they can earn their keep.” So I started a system of Catholic grade schools. However, after building a number of schools, I realized that, as worthwhile and important as this was, due to the expense of starting all these individual schools, I was going to run out of money faster that I had first thought. During this time, I realized that through Catholic higher education, we could train young men and women – tomorrow’s leaders, most importantly – in the precepts of Catholic Church, but also to be dynamic and successful contributors in our society and the Church. When this happens, people thrive, the society thrives, and the Church thrives. (…)
Years ago, I started going to daily Mass and then added praying the rosary daily some years later. I share this with you to invite you to do so as well. I first started going to daily Mass when I still owned DOMINO’S PIZZA, and I thought I was so busy. Then I read that Don Shula, the great head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who had just finished the only perfect season ever, was a daily communicant, and I thought, if a head coach of a pro football team has time to go to daily Mass, then so do I. Then, I heard a sermon regarding some of Mary’s apparitions and how she was asking us to pray the rosary daily. I thought, if Mary is going through all this trouble to appear to us in such an extraordinary way, and she herself asked us to do this, then why shouldn’t I do so? It may sound funny coming from a guy who built a pizza delivery company, but I know what fasting is and that it will remain an integral part of worshipping God. I have always been taught that we were both physical and spiritual – having both bodies and souls – and that Christ clearly wants us to bend the body to the will of the soul. Christ fasted, and that’s good enough for me. It is especially important that we fast as the Church directs us. It is good for us, and not coincidentally, the money we save by cutting back on food and restaurants can be applied to the Church. (…)
In the late 80’s and early 90’s, I was approached by many Catholic causes asking me to support their efforts – some I did and some I didn’t. I wanted to be prudent with the resources at my disposal and I wanted them to have the greatest impact for the good of the Church. I learned that not everything that called itself “Catholic” was really Catholic, so I had to be discerning, as you do, in what I supported. As I got more and more involved in Catholic causes, I developed what I thought was a fairly specific focus of what I thought was the most important work for me to do, because I knew I couldn’t support everything that was good. Yet, I soon became convinced that I needed to get even more focused, and through this process I became convinced that investing in Catholic higher education would be the most efficient and effective way to train the next generation of Catholic leaders, both lay and clerical, who will carry on the vital work of the church after you and I are gone.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
How does the Church of today endeavor to incarnate the life and ministry of Jesus? How do you incarnate the life and ministry of Jesus in the here and now?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
we thank you for the witness of the early Church.
In the beautiful springtime of its creative growth,
the believers were receptive to the promptings of the Spirit,
responsive to the needs of the community,
and lived fully our vocation as a serving Church.
Bless the Church in the modern world that,
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Risen Lord’s Easter gift,
we may endeavor to incarnate in the here and now
the life and ministry of Jesus.
We adore you, compassionate and caring Father;
we love you 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.
“Select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task.” (Acts 6:3)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your ministry to the poor and the needy, endeavor to keep alive the saving presence of the Risen Christ.
***
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