A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday and Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 11, n. 21)
FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER: April 21-27, 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 21-27, 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 21, 2013: FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
“JESUS SAVIOR: “He Gives His Sheep Eternal Life”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 13:14, 43-52 // Rv 7:9, 14B-17 // Jn 10:27-30
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The following true story, published in Poverello News (March 2004), tells us how a desperate and hopeless young man, Rick McNiel, found “life” through the pastoral ministry of the staff of Poverello House, who believe in the dignity of every human being and provide care for the homeless, the poor and the disadvantaged. In 2002, Rick found himself living on the streets, in tremendous spiritual and emotional pain. His marriage had fallen apart, and he had been terminated from two drug rehab programs. He came to Poverello House in order to survive. Rick, however, made the mistake of breaking the community’s zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol. Getting kicked out of a homeless mission was perhaps his lowest point, but sometimes good can emerge from brokenness and humiliation. The guard who found him drinking a bottle of vodka suggested that he come back the next day and try to get in the Resident Program. Rick had hit his bottom and was willing to listen. The miracle began at that moment. He did what was suggested. Rick narrates: “Something started happening … I faced things that I didn’t think were possible to deal with. Poverello really came through for me. The staff got to know me well enough that they saw when I needed a push, or when I needed to be confronted … There’s a lot of acceptance, but also accountability; if you mess up, you pay the price.” Rick is now a Poverello staff driver for donation pick-ups. He is in his own apartment, paying bills, and learning to be a responsible citizen all over again. Rick has come a long way since getting kicked out for that pint of vodka two years ago. His inspiring story gives us a glimpse of what is presented in today’s Gospel (Jn 10:27-30), on the interpersonal relationship that exists between the life-giving Shepherd and the sheep that are called to follow the Shepherd.
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. Today’s Gospel proclamation contains an astounding christological revelation: “The Father and I are one” (Jn 10:30), which is the basis for the life-giving pastoral ministry of Jesus. The profound mystery of unity between the Father and his Son Jesus, the victorious paschal Lamb, is the source of the latter’s incomparable power and unimpeachable authority as the Good Shepherd. He answers our most profound human longings and intense spiritual needs. Eternal life is the Good Shepherd’s most beautiful gift to us, the flock he shepherds.
The Shepherd’s gift of eternal life demands a positive response from the recipients. Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me” (Jn 10:27). The interpersonal “knowledge” that exists between them necessitates receptivity in listening and obedience in following after Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Those who hear his voice and follow him obediently and lovingly are truly known by Jesus, the Good Shepherd. To the obedient and loving flock of disciples, whom he knows intimately and upon whom he would bestow the Easter gift of eternal life, Jesus gives the solemn assurance of divine protection. The perfect assurance given to the disciples comes not only from his solicitude and devotion as the Good Shepherd. Rather, the Son of God and Shepherd of the sheep can assure them of complete protection because the Father and he are one. Since the Father and the Son are one, no one can frustrate the divine saving plan, that is, the gift of eternal life for those who believe.
Today’s Gospel image of the Good Shepherd who defends and gives solemn assurance to his sheep has a profound implication for the Christian believer that he continues to shepherd today. The Benedictine liturgist Adrian Nocent comments: “The baptized Christian feels a new strength flow into him from these words of Christ; he is also compelled to reflect on the responsibility that such a gift demands of him … It means heeding and following; it means being disposed for a difficult life of conflict, but one in which we are sure that victory is possible.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we hear the voice of the Shepherd? Do we open our hearts to his call? Do we follow as true disciples? Do we incarnate in our life the life-giving ministry of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Do we truly recognize and avow in the witnessing of our life the solemn revelation of Jesus, the Good Shepherd: “The Father and I are one” (Jn 10:30)?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(From the prayers composed by Blessed James Alberione)
Jesus Good Shepherd,
who brought from heaven the fire of your love,
give us your heart.
Inflame us with the desire for the glory of God
and with a great love for our brothers and sisters.
Make us sharers in your apostolate.
Live in us,
that we may radiate you
in word, suffering, in pastoral action,
in the example of a good life.
We offer you ourselves as docile and faithful sheep,
to become worthy of cooperating
in your pastoral mission in the Church.
Dispose all minds and hearts
to receive your grace.
Come, divine Shepherd, guide us;
may there soon be one flock and one shepherd.
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 sheep hear my voice … I give them eternal life.” (Jn 10:27-28)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
The eternal life promised by the Good Shepherd continues to flow to the community of the believers through the Word and sacraments and other forms of Christian witnessing. Today as we celebrate the WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS, offer special prayers for the increase and perseverance of priestly and religious vocations. Offer a “sacrifice” for this intention.
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April 22, 2013: MONDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (4)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Gave the Gentiles Life-Giving Repentance”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 11:1-18 // Jn 10:1-10
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The PDDM congregation (to which I belong) takes care of the Souvenir Shops at Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. When I was assigned in Rome, I also had the privilege of helping at the Souvenir Shops. There we meet pilgrims and tourists from all continents of the world. One Japanese Sister met a young man from Japan, a non-Christian. She became God’s instrument for his conversion. When he returned to Japan the youth enrolled in RCIA and became a Christian.
In today’s episode from the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit presses irresistibly toward the integration of all nations in Jesus Christ, and the apostle Peter is a principal instrument of that divine saving plan. Peter reports to the Church in Jerusalem what happened in Cornelius’ household in Caesarea. To those who criticized him for visiting and eating with the Gentiles, Peter justifies his conduct and attributes to God’s action the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his Gentile household, the same gift that was outpoured upon them on Pentecost when they believed in Jesus Christ. Peter asks rhetorically: “Who was I to be able to hinder God?” Peter’s critics are pacified and conclude that God has also granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles. Though the early Christian community now recognizes officially the evangelization of the Gentiles as God’s initiative, the battle is not wholly won. The issue whether Christianity should be bound to the Jewish practices or not would recur (Cf. Acts 15).
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Are we receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, even to the necessity of assuming new stance and perspective?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
you granted life-giving repentance to all peoples
by the death and rising of your Son Jesus Christ.
Help us to imitate Saint Peter
who is open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit
and receptive to your universal saving plan.
Make us an instrument of your Easter grace
to all the nations.
We ask this through our Lord 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.
“God has granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too.” (Acts 11:18)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
When you read today’s current events, place in the heart of God the needs of today’s convulsed and deeply troubled world, especially the victims of terrorist attacks and violence.
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April 23, 2013: TUESDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (4); SAINT GEORGE, martyr; SAINT ADALBERT, bishop, martyr
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Believers Proclaim the Good News to the Greeks”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 11:19-26 // Jn 10:22-30
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
In 1984 one of the best professors at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome suddenly died of a heart attack. The Benedictine Daniel Gelsi was a monk at the Greek Byzantine monastery of Chevetogne in Belgium. He was the foremost liturgical scholar specializing in the “Liturgical Traditions of the East”. At his funeral both the monks from the Roman Latin tradition and those from the Greek Byzantine rite participated. That was one of the most fascinating liturgical celebrations I have ever witnessed. Listening to the monks pray and chant for Fr. Gelsi, I felt that his soul was in the bosom of God, relishing the infinite beauty of the heavenly liturgy. I also felt blessed to experience the liturgical traditions of both the East and the West and the richness of a multi-cultural Church.
Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles depicts the proclamation of the Gospel to the “Greeks” in Antioch by the Greek-speaking Christian Jews from Cyprus and Cyrene (in African Libya). They do not limit their proclamation to Jews, but reach out also to the Gentiles. The Lord’s power is with them and many believe and turn to the Lord Jesus. When the news reached the church in Jerusalem, they send Barnabas to Antioch (the largest town in ancient Syria). What he sees makes him rejoice and he encourages the new Christians to be faithful and true to the Lord with all their hearts. As official representative of the Jerusalem church, the Cyprus-born Barnabas has the task of incorporating the Christian “Greeks” into the fold. He also engages Saul of Tarsus to help in the building up of the Gentile church through catechesis. Antioch is where the believers are first called “Christians”.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Does the example of the enterprising Christian believers from Cyprus and Cyrene inspire you to be more pro-active in the ministry of evangelization in today’s world?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
we thank you for the missionary zeal
of the first Christian believers in Cyprus and Cyrene
and for their enthusiasm
in proclaiming the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ
to the “Greeks” as well.
Help us to be receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit,
who propels us to evangelize all the nations.
We bless and praise 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.
“They began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 11:20)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Utilize the power of the mass media and the digital media to share the Good News about the Lord Jesus, especially with those who have lost hope.
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April 24, 2013: WEDNESDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (4)
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Disciples Were Set Apart by the Holy Spirit”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 12:24-13:5a // Jn 12:44-50
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents a summary report of the spread of the word of God and the return of Barnabas and Saul to Antioch, bringing with them John, who is called Mark. Even though Antioch is secondary to Jerusalem, the doctrinal center from which the word of God spreads forth, Antioch in Syria becomes the historical center for the spread of the Gospel into the Gentile territory. Antioch is a church that has not only received the Gospel, but is also playing an important role in the evangelization of the Gentiles. In the church of Antioch there are prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon the Niger, Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Governor Herod, and Saul from Tarsus who met the Lord on the road to Damascus. The Holy Spirit works through them as they fast and pray and he prompts them: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” The work for which the Holy Spirit is consecrating them is the carrying of the “name” of Jesus and of the word of God to the people of Israel and to the Gentiles.
The prophets and teachers lay their hands on them and send them off. The commissioned missionaries sail to Cyprus, the native country of Barnabas and from which the Good News was brought to Antioch and proclaimed to the Gentiles. The church in Antioch is now engaged in a “reverse mission” helping those through whom it has originally received the Christian faith to continue the evangelization of their own country. When they arrive at Salamis they preach the word of God in the synagogues. Barnabas’ cousin, John Mark, is with them to help them in their work.
The grace of “consecration” for a mission continues to be experienced in today’s world. The Italian born Sr. Maria Alba Scellato, PDDM, is celebrating the 70th anniversary of her religious consecration this year. She narrates below the beginning of her vocation and her positive response to God’s call as a consecrated person.
Vocation Story: Sr. Mary Alba Scellato
(First Profession: Mary 25, 1943 – Final Profession: March 25, 1948)
My family was a fervent Christian one that observes the Sunday law and the precepts of the Church. My father died when I was eleven years old. A mule kicked him in the stomach. He was brought home in terrible pain. No means was found to save him. He died after three days. He was a Franciscan tertiary. A Capuchin father came to bless him.
My elder sister Felicia was learning tailoring. My mother had been sick in many ways. She wanted us to learn anything that would enable us to take care of ourselves. She thought she would die soon. All of us attended the church. We were close to a church and the hospital where the Sisters of St. Anne served and taught catechism. It was proposed to us to learn 100 questions and answers on catechism without mistakes. The benefits were many: to know Christian life and the Eucharistic presence with a few gifts besides, including a photo. Eight of us won!
At that time I was going to an embroidery class. The weekly catechetical instruction and the music rehearsal left a deep impression in me about the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The Sisters of St. Anne had a blind musician who played the organ. He taught us to sing a song I would never forget: heaven and earth exult on the day we receive Jesus in the Eucharist … we need to adore him present on the altar.
When I turned fourteen, my mother became more sick. Doctors suggested bringing her to Catania. My aunt Paula knew where to go and whom to contact. It was February 19, 1939. They took a rental car to go to Catania. In that car, there was an extra seat. Aunt Paula asked me if I wanted to go. She would visit the PDDM sisters in Catania because she used to give them hospitality when they were going to our native town of Nicosia for the ministry. We went to Catania and met the Sisters. Mother Pia Dogliani told us that if I wanted to stay with them, I was welcome. So when my mother was in the hospital, I stayed with them for nine days. When my mother was ready to return to Nicosia, I told her that if the Sisters would be willing to keep me, I would remain with them. Then my mother said, “You must come with us; we will prepare the dowry and bring you back.” But I said, “If I go home, I would not have the courage to leave home. But now that I am here, I am happy to remain.” My mother said “Yes” to me with tears in her eyes. I remained there and was very happy. My mother immediately gave part of the dowry and would settle the rest in the near future.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we fast and pray, opening ourselves to the grace of the Holy Spirit, that we may discern the divine will and our mission in life?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
the prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch
worshipped you wholeheartedly and with self-sacrifice.
Bless us
and teach us to open ourselves
to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Like Barnabas and Paul,
help us to embrace fully our mission
to share the Gospel to all the earth.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” (Acts 13:2)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Spend some quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament and, accompanied with fasting, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance concerning important aspects of your life, particularly your Christian mission to preach the Gospel.
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April 25, 2013: THURSDAY – SAINT MARK, EVANGELIST
“JESUS SAVIOR: Saint Mark Proclaims His Gospel to the Nations”
BIBLE READINGS
I Pet 5:5b-14 // Mk 16:15-20
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
In today’s First Reading, we hear the concluding part of Saint Peter’s letter to the Christians scattered throughout the northern part of Asia Minor and his encouragement to those who are facing persecution and suffering for their faith. In his final greetings, Peter mentions “Mark, my son”. Through Peter, Mark cordially sends them his own greetings, together with those of the Christian community in “Babylon”, that is, Rome. The affectionate greetings from Peter, Mark and the Christian community in Rome, which are directed to the suffering Christians in Asia Minor, underline that they all participate in the loving and glorious saving passion of Jesus Christ. The churches in the East are greeted by the church in the West (Rome). East and West, Jews and Gentiles … all are freely and equally chosen by God as his own people and are given the peace of Christ.
Today’s Gospel reading depicts the missionary expansion of the Church after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The disciples of the Risen Lord go and preach everywhere and he works with them and proves that their teaching is true. The missionary outreach is carried out by Spirit-filled disciples such as Saint Mark, whose feast we celebrate today. The following article, circulated on the Internet, gives us a glimpse of the spiritual and apostolic power that animated him.
Mark the Evangelist is the traditional author of the Gospel of Mark. He is one of the seventy disciples and the founder of the Church of Alexandria, one of the four main Episcopal sees of Christianity. (…) When Jesus explained that his flesh was “real food” and his blood was “real drink”, many disciples left him, presumably including Mark. He was later restored to faith by the apostle Peter. He then became Peter’s interpreter, wrote the Gospel of Mark, founded the church of Africa, and became the bishop of Alexandria.
According to Eusebius of Caesaria, Herod Agrippa I, in his first year of reign over the whole Judea (41 AD), killed James, son of Zebedee and arrested Peter, planning to kill him after the Passover. Peter was saved miraculously by angels, and escaped out of the realm of Herod. Peter went to Antioch, then through Asia Minor (visiting the churches in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, as mentioned in I Pet 1:1), and arrived in Rome in the second year of Emperor Claudius. Somewhere on the way, Peter picked up Mark and took him as travel companion and interpreter. Mark the Evangelist wrote down the sermons of Peter, thus composing the Gospel according to Mark, before he left for Alexandria in the third year of Claudius.
In 49 AD, about 19 years after the Ascension of Jesus, Mark traveled to Alexandria and founded the Church of Alexandria, which today is part of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Aspects of the Coptic liturgy can be traced back to Mark himself. He became the first bishop of Alexandria and he is honored as the founder of Christianity in Africa. (…)
According to the Coptic Church, Saint Mark was born in Cyrene, a city in the Pentapolis (now Libya). This tradition adds that he returned to Pentapolis later in life, after being sent by Saint Paul to Colossae, and serving with him in Rome; from Pentapolis, he made his way to Alexandria. When Mark returned to Alexandria, the pagans of the city resented his efforts to turn the Alexandrians away from the worship of their traditional gods. In 68 AD they placed a rope around his neck and dragged him through the streets until he was dead.
His feast day is celebrated on April 25, and his symbol is the winged lion.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we imitate the apostolic zeal of Saint Mark to proclaim the Gospel and his desire to share the saving Word to all generations?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(cf. Opening Prayer, Mass of St. Mark, evangelist)
Father,
you gave St. Mark
the privilege of proclaiming your gospel.
May we profit by his wisdom
and follow Christ more faithfully.
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.
“This the true grace of God. Remain firm in it.” (I Pt 5:12b)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
St. Mark is patron of Egypt, of Venice, and of notaries. Offer special prayers for these and for those engaged in the evangelization through the printed and digital media. By your kind words and charitable deeds, let the Gospel be proclaimed in a “living” way to the people around you.
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April 26, 2013: FRIDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (4)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Fulfillment of the Promise”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 13:26-33 // Jn 14:7-14
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles is a part of the first major sermon that Paul gives to an assembly. After their mission in Cyprus, Paul and his companions sail from Paphos to Perga, a city in Pamphylia, where Barnabas’ cousin, John Mark, leaves them and goes back to Jerusalem. From Perga, Paul and Barnabas proceed to Antioch in Pisidia. On the Sabbath they go into the synagogue. Upon the invitation of the synagogue leaders, Paul addresses a word of encouragement to the assembly. Paul proclaims the Good News: that God’s promises to their ancestors are now fulfilled in the death and rising of Jesus Christ. Paul identifies the crucified and risen Jesus, a descendant of David, as the Messiah. The apostles’ proclamation about Jesus as the Messiah creates a great impact on the people. They invite Paul and Barnabas to come back the next Sabbath and tell them more about these things.
Like Paul and Barnabas, today’s Christian disciples are called to proclaim the Gospel to the nations. The life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) is an example of a living Gospel proclamation (cf. Bert Ghezzi, “Spending this Advent Season with the Saints” in Our Sunday Visitor, December 2, 2012, p. 23).
Blessed Pope John Paul II celebrated Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati as a man of the Beatitudes. Athletic and strong, he devoted himself to the weak and malformed. He was wealthy, but he lived in poverty so he could give everything to the poor. He was gregarious, but a lover of solitude. He was rambunctious, the life of every party, and a practical joker, but at prayer he was solemn, reflective and quiet.
As a teenager, Pier Giorgio made friends of the poor in Turin’s back streets and gave them whatever he had – his money, his shoes, his overcoat. “Jesus comes to me every morning in holy Communion”, he replied to a friend on why the hovels did not repulse him. “I repay him in my very small way by visiting the poor. The house may be sordid, but I am going to Christ.”
Pier Giorgio saw the need for social change to relieve the causes of poverty. At the university he decided to major in mechanical engineering so that he could work with miners, who were especially disadvantaged. He was a leader in student political organization and actively opposed Mussolini and the Fascists. At the same time, he was the organizer of student parties, games and ski trips to the Alps, where he would lead his friends in prayer. Afterward, they relaxed and enjoyed food, wine, cigars and songs.
Blessed Pier Giorgio has become the hero of contemporary young Catholics. They recognize his high Christian ideals still help while pursuing the same pleasures that they enjoy. They gravitate to this handsome and charming saint who delighted in reciting the poetry of Dante, praying the Rosary in a booming voice and spending a night in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Like Paul and Barnabas, do we endeavor to proclaim the Gospel with every means and opportunity at our disposal?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(cf. Opening Prayer, Mass of Friday – Fourth Week in Easter)
Father,
of our freedom and salvation,
hear the prayers of those redeemed by your Son’s suffering.
Through you may we have life;
with you may we have eternal joy.
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 week. Please memorize it.
“What God promised our fathers he has brought to fulfillment for us.” (Acts 13:33)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your spirit of joy and charity make the people around you experience that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah.
***
April 27, 2013: SATURDAY – EASTER WEEKDAY (4)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Preached to the Nations”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 13:44-52 // Jn 14:7-14
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
In today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles we see the people’s response to the Gospel: it is received both positively and negatively. The first reaction to Paul’s preaching in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia is positive. Many are converted. Nearly everyone gathers to hear the word of the Lord on the next Sabbath. But other Jews, full of jealousy on account of the interest and crowds the apostles are generating, contest what Paul is saying and insult him. But Paul and Barnabas speak out even more boldly and assert that since the Jews are rejecting the Gospel, they will turn to the Gentiles. In obedience to God’s commands, the apostles will be – in imitation of Jesus Christ – “a light for the Gentiles” so that all may be saved. The Gentiles rejoice and praise God’s message and they believe. But as the word of the Lord spread everywhere in that region, the Jews incite violence against the apostles. They start a persecution against Paul and Barnabas who shake the dust off their feet in protest. The apostles head off to Iconium to continue their work of evangelization. Meanwhile, the believers in Antioch are full of joy and the Holy Spirit.
The Christian disciples are called to continue the work of evangelization. The Parish of the Sacred Heart in Manila, where I grew up, was under the pastoral care of the Capuchin friars. One of the priests serving there, who became my spiritual director, was born in Goa, India. Before being assigned in Manila, he worked as a missionary in Portuguese Angola, in Southwest Africa. He shared with us that when he viewed the movie “The Nun at the Crossroad”, about a nun who was sexually assaulted by African rebels, tears ran down his face. He had a first-hand experience of the violence the missionaries suffered from the Angolan rebels. He narrowly escaped death, but some of his colleagues were tortured and killed. The rebels plucked their beards, tearing off patches of skin from their faces, creating raw wounds and terrible pain. They have replicated in their life the trials Paul and Barnabas endured for the sake of the Gospel. Indeed, their afflictions were a participation in the saving passion of Christ.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
What do we do when we meet obstacles and trials, especially for the sake of the Gospel?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(cf. Opening Prayer, Mass of Saturday – Fourth Week of Easter)
Father,
may we whom you renew in baptism
bear witness to our faith by the way we live.
By the suffering, death and resurrection of your Son
may we come to eternal joy.
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.
“The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By the way you respond to daily trials and difficulties, manifest to the world that Christ, the Risen Lord, is the center of your life and the font of strength.
***
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