A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday Liturgy

A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday & Weekday Liturgy

BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 20, n. 33)

15^th Week in Ordinary Time: July 10-16, 2022

(The pastoral tool BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD: A LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY & WEEKDAY LITURGY includes a prayerful study of the Sunday liturgy from various perspectives. For the Lectio Divina on the liturgy of the past week: July 3-9, 2022 please go to ARCHIVES Series 20 and click on “Week 14 Ordinary Time”.

Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY:

July 10-16, 2022.)

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July 10, 2022: FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Teaches Us to Love our Neighbor”

BIBLE READINGS

Dt 30:10-14 // Col 1:15-20 // Lk 10:25-37

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

A. Gospel Reading (Lk 10:25-37): “Who is my neighbor?”

Tim Montanari’s story, “Saving Melissa” in GUIDEPOSTS magazine (July 2004) is notable in that it shows what it means to be a neighbor to one in need. Tim, a police officer in charge of the vice squad at St. Petersburg, Florida, met Melissa Collora, the sweet little girl he used to babysit, after thirteen years as a crack-addicted prostitute, caught in a drug deal in an alley of a notorious neighborhood. Tim remembered being at the Colloras’ home on steamy summer days when he was 15 or so, playing football in the yard with her brothers. Melissa, about three, would sit on the swing-set clutching her teddy bear, watching them with big brown eyes, so sweet and innocent. When she was eight, Mr. Collora died and her mother remarried. Melissa’s stepfather abused her. In 1993 her mother committed suicide. Melissa went to live with relatives outside New York City, where she discovered crack cocaine and life on the street. Tim, a man of faith who tries to see the best in people, made every effort to help Melissa, to no avail. “That girl’s a lost cause,” the officers in his squad said. “Why do you keep trying?” One day, Melissa was ready for a change and appealed to him for help. Tim’s court testimony on her behalf was instrumental in having Melissa’s imminent ten-year sentence at a state prison commuted to treatment at the Walter Hoving Home in New York. Now Melissa is doing well and recovering. Tim Montanari asserted, “What I did for her wasn’t much, but I think it was the best thing I could have done.”

The Gospel reading on the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37), which is set in the context of Jesus’ paschal journey to the cross, underlines an important element of Christian discipleship: love of neighbor. The parable of the Good Samaritan delineates the Christian exigency of active service. Together with the story of the two pious disciples Martha and Mary (Lk 10:38-42), on the pre-eminence of listening to the word of Jesus, the parable of the Good Samaritan helps depict Luke’s comprehensive image of discipleship as love of Jesus present in our neighbor (active charity) and in his living Word (contemplative prayer).

Indeed, Christian discipleship is not a matter of intellectual knowledge, but of unmitigated love of Jesus as concretely expressed in service and compassionate acts to our brothers and sisters in need. The way to eternal life is not merely a mental perception of what is written in the law: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (cf. Dt 6:4-5; Lev 19:18) or the ability to verbalize it, but to translate this twofold love command into action.

In Luke’s account, the litigious lawyer who posed the question of eternal life in order to disconcert Jesus failed in his attempt. He then tried to “justify himself” because Jesus had made his poorly motivated question seem so easy. He thus raised the crucial and politically colored question that can be found in Luke alone: “And who is my neighbor?” (Lk 10:29). The German theologian Dietrich Bonhoffer comments: “The final question Who is my neighbor? is the parting shot of despair (or else of self-confidence); the lawyer is trying to justify his disobedience. The answer is: ‘You are the neighbor. Go along and try to be obedient by loving others.’ Neighborliness is not a quality in other people; it is simply their claim on ourselves. Every moment and every situation challenges us to action and to obedience. We have literally no time to sit down and ask ourselves whether so-and-so is our neighbor or not. We must get into action and obey – we must behave like a neighbor to him.”

The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us that the concept of “neighbor” is not a matter of blood bonds, nationality, or religious communion. There is no theoretical definition of neighbor or practical limits to those whom we could consider a neighbor. Our “neighbor” is the one to whom we draw near because he or she is in need of our help and evokes our compassion. Furthermore, Luke’s parable helps us to focus on the figure of Christ, the Good Samaritan par excellence and our ultimate neighbor.

B. First Reading (Dt 30:10-14): “The word is very near to you: you only have to carry it out.”

I really enjoyed the Reader’s Digest condensed novel “Lady of No Man’s Land” by Jeanne Williams. It is about a young and beautiful Swedish immigrant, Kirsten Mordal, an itinerant seamstress who traveled in the 1870’s around the Old West, in the wild territory called “Neutral Strip” or “No Man’s Land” in a covered wagon. Her escort was a loyal friend named Blue Martin, part Kiowa Indian and a plantation slave descendant. The courageous Kirsten and Blue Martin defied the orders of the “Committee” – a group of shady vigilantes who had enthroned themselves as dealers of “justice” in the lawless “No Man’s Land”, which lay between Kansas and Texas, west of the part of the Indian Territory called the Cherokee Outlet. The vigilantes were hunting for the wounded fugitive, Bob Randall, a dark, good-looking cowboy whom they had falsely accused as a cattle rustler. Kirsten and Blue Martin came upon the bleeding Randall, bound up his wounds and cared for him. Unfortunately, when Randall was strong enough to move on, he was caught by the ruthless and cruel vigilantes and was hung on a cottonwood tree. A paper pinned on the dead man’s vest was a warning from the “Committee” to leave the body on the tree. The carcass of a sentenced rustler dangling on a tree was a grim symbol of the type of “law” that the vigilantes wielded in “No Man’s Land”. Kirsten and Blue Martin buried Randall in a shallow grave dug by Blue Martin. The vigilantes, with their perverted notion of “law”, pursued and punished Kirsten for her defiance. The heroic Kirsten, however, animated by the law of love and spirit of compassion, was ultimately vindicated. Indeed, good triumphs over evil.

The need for obedience to the true law that promotes the life and good of Israel is depicted in this Sunday’s Old Testament reading (Dt 30:1-14). Today’s passage about the Rule of Life is part of a solemn farewell speech attributed to Moses at the end of his life. The Chosen People led by Moses are about to cross the river Jordan to the promised, but unfamiliar land. Moses is calling Israel to repentance and conversion. He reiterates the need for obedience to the law of the Lord, the only way for Israel to secure its future in the Promised Land.

The biblical scholar, Leslie Hoppe comments: “Repentance will bring restoration to the land from which Israel has been exiled. Restoration will mean the complete reversal of the effects of infidelity. Not only will Israel be restored to its land, but it will enjoy a renewed prosperity. The only requirement is obedience – obedience that is the offshoot of Israel’s love for God. To prevent Israel from becoming discouraged by its failures, God will provide an inner source of commitment that was previously unavailable. Israel will no longer have to rely on its own strength but will receive a heart circumcised by God and fit for a renewed commitment.”

Indeed, the principle of life to animate us, the new Chosen People of God, is the absolute love for God (Dt 6:5) and the efficacious love for one’s neighbor (Lev 19:18). The law of God that commands us to love him and our neighbors is not up in the sky or across the sea. It is neither inaccessible nor remote, but very near. It is inscribed in our conscience and etched deeply in our hearts.

C. Second Reading (Col 1:15-20): “All things were created through him and for him.”

The Christian love imperative takes on a deeper meaning and broader perspective when seen against the backdrop of this Sunday’s Second Reading (Col 1:15-20), which is an early hymn of the Church extolling Christ as Creator and Redeemer. As the first-born of all creation and the first-born from the dead, he is the head of the body, the Church, and has primacy in everything. It is astounding that this highly exalted Jesus Christ fulfilled the divine saving plan “to reconcile everything” both on earth and in the heavens through “the blood of his cross”. Christ is the image of the invisible God. By his paschal mystery, he reveals the fullness of the God’s love for us and becomes the perfect icon of the Father’s compassionate love. Through his sacrificial death that has brought redemption and peace to all creation, Christ manifests radically the absolute and uncompromising love of God for all and thus becomes the utmost sacrament of salvation.

As Christian disciples, we are urgently called to be deeply involved in the work of creation and redemption. We do this by following the demands of covenant love: “You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” We too need to be icons or living images of God’s compassionate love for all. One efficacious way to reflect the goodness of God is to treat with sensitivity and preferential concern the poor and needy, the weak and vulnerable among us.

The following story is lovely and very inspiring. It illustrates how we can be “icons of love” in today’s world. We need more inspiring and heart warming testimonies like this (cf. “The Life Cycle of the Egg Salad Sandwich” by Colby Thiele and Roger Williams in The Way of St. Francis, March-April 2010, p. 11-15).

It all began in December 2008. The U.S. economy was continuing its decline, foreclosures were mounting, unemployment rates were steadily rising, and newspaper articles were being written about how the growing homeless population had increased the strain on the local food banks. That was when we – Roger and Colby – decided we wanted to give back to the community by volunteering our time. The two of us shared an employer and rode the bus to work each day. As luck would have it, our route passed right by St. Mary’s Basilica, a Franciscan parish in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Each morning we observed a congregation of homeless men and women in the church’s parking lot, waiting in line for something. Our curiosity aroused, we called to inquire about volunteering our services – and to find out what was really going on.

Our journey began in earnest the first week of February 2009 when we met Linda and Tom, the couple in charge of the St. Mary’s Food Program. What we had been witnessing from the bus was a church-sponsored effort that provided a sack lunch to some 200 to 300 people a day. We were immediately welcomed into the volunteer family of the morning food program. Initially, we thought we could give a little of our time to help those less fortunate. After our first day, however, we found that we had committed to volunteering three days a week: every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning. Little did we know that we would benefit more from our efforts that those who received food from us.

On occasion, the two of us had discussed just how fortunate we both were in life. Life, after all, can take many different paths. Depending on your philosophy, you can attribute your path to luck, choice or divine intervention. After our first few weeks of volunteer work with the food program, we were both overwhelmed with questions. We wondered, if we had made different decisions, or if our circumstances been slightly different during periods in our life, would we be on the other side of the receiving line? We came to the conclusion that this could have easily been the case.

Our first day consisted of placing sandwiches in brown paper bags that already contained round tortilla corn chips and candy. After that, we were escorted by Linda and Tom to the street level with the bagged meals and a cart full of juice boxes. We began the distribution process by joining hands and reciting The Lord’s Prayer. Twelve months later, it is safe to say that the two of us have recited The Lord’s Prayer more often in the back parking lot of St. Mary’s than in all our other days combined!

We handed out the sack lunches and the drinks, and offered simple greetings such as “Good morning” or “How are you?” Each of our guests replied with a pleasant “thank-you” or “God bless you”. It felt good to receive such a warm response and see the appreciation in the eyes of the men and women. Then came the first ripple in the pond that provided the moment of change – we asked a person for his name. He said his name was Clyde, and we, in return, introduced ourselves. The look in Clyde’s eyes and his demeanor immediately changed. The idea that someone would ask his name and take more of an interest than just handing out food surprised him.

As each day went by, we made a point to introduce ourselves and find out the name of at least one additional person per day. Before long we knew Clyde, Chet, Adam, Tony, David, Guy, Anna, Pat, Adrian, Meagan, Blake, Ed, Floyd and many more. We became familiar with some of their likes and dislikes. Guy, for example, likes Costal Cooler juice boxes, so we would save one for him each day and slip him two sandwiches so that he could keep one for dinner. Blake prefers bologna sandwiches with a crunch, so he would take his chips and add them to the middle of his sandwich. Forearmed with this knowledge, we were able to make Blake feel that his preferences were known and important: when he showed up, we’d have his sandwich ready, chips already inserted in the middle.

It didn’t take long before we had our first uncomfortable encounter. One of the homeless men began shouting at others in line. We didn’t know what to do or how to handle it. Fortunately for us, the situation resolved itself. The shouting ended and the man left. The next day the man was back, and we were worried about another confrontation. Instead, the man took his place in line, and we asked his name. He told us his name, Michael, and we introduced ourselves, thus beginning a dialogue that lasted nearly a year. Then we had Sam get upset over a candy bar. He threw it on the ground in front of us and stepped on it. The next day we greeted Sam and went out of our way to be nice and befriend him. We found out very quickly that the way to change people was through kindness and understanding.

As the days and weeks past, we realized we were receiving more from the program than the homeless were. We looked forward to our Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. We found that beginning our day at St. Mary’s was not only good for our souls but actually energized us. We work in an office building with more than 300 coworkers, yet we noticed we were saying hello to more people on the streets than to coworkers in the office. Over the course of the last year, we have become involved in the lives of the people we serve. We have raised funds for cross-country bus tickets; donated watches, hats and clothing; purchased brakes for bicycles; and made hundreds of brownies to add to the food bags. We do these things because we feel we are making a difference. And each time we give, we receive.

Our week begins before 6:30 each Monday morning at St. Mary’s. Immediately upon our arrival in the church’s downstairs social hall, we add 180 to 216 ham and cheese sandwiches to bags already packed with other items. While we are getting the meals ready, Linda is hard at work, running up and down the stairs to the friary kitchen to boil 15 dozen eggs. At 7 a.m., we move the ham and cheese sandwich lunches to the street level, recite The Lord’s Prayer and spend the next sixty minutes handing out food and greeting the people we have come to know over the last year. During this sixty-minute period, other volunteers are peeling the hard-boiled eggs (yes, all 180 of them) and crushing them into sizes small enough for egg salad. The crushed eggs are wrapped and refrigerated.

On Wednesday morning we arrive – again, before 6:30 a.m. – and once more place the day’s sandwiches (this time tuna salad) in the pre-packed bags. Once we have completed this task, it’s time to mix the crushed eggs with mayonnaise into a mixture with the proper consistency to spread on bread. We then proceed to make 180 to 216 egg salad sandwiches. These sandwiches are bagged, boxed and refrigerated for the following day.

On Thursday morning we arrive and transfer the egg salad sandwiches from the refrigerator to the pre-made bags for distribution to the homeless that morning. We have come to know our week as The Life Cycle of the Egg Salad Sandwich. Our journey begins on Monday with the raw eggs and ends on Thursday with very tasty sandwich.

As an aside, since we became involved with the St. Mary’s Food Program, our professional careers have flourished and our personal lives have improved in ways that are indescribable. Coincidence? Some may think so, but we know better.

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

Are we truly neighbors to those in need? Do we respond to them with compassion? Do we trust that Jesus is the Good Samaritan par excellence and our true neighbor?

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

Jesus Master,

we do not ask the petty question,

“Who is our neighbor?”

But rather, we ask the question that matters:

“Are we neighbors to our brothers and sisters in need?”

Fill us with wisdom and love

that we may care for those

who have a claim on our kindness and compassion.

You are the Good Samaritan and our true neighbor.

With you living in us and we living in you,

may we incarnate your love

as the selfless Good Samaritan

and the loving neighbor to those in need.

We praise and adore you,

now and forever.

Amen.

IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO

The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Lk 9:23)

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

Do what you can to help the poor and needy. By your active works of charity to the poor and vulnerable, strive to be “icons of love” in today’s world.

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July 11, 2022: MONDAY – SAINT BENEDICT, Abbot

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Teaches Us the Way of Peace … He Teaches Us True Worship”

BIBLE READINGS

Is 1:10-17 // Mt 10:34-11:1

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

A. Gospel Reading (Mt 10:34-11:1): “I have come to bring not peace, but the sword.”

I was in my third year of high school when I came across Leo Tolstoy’s novel, “War and Peace”. It was irresistible. I did not go to school for three days to read it from cover to cover. I love the works of Tolstoy. I am fascinated by this Russian “prophet”. I am awed by his commitment to Christ’s teaching on love, compassion and non-violence. Peter White’s article, “The World of Tolstoy”, in the June 1986 edition of the National Geographic (cf. p. 758-791) contains interesting insights which I share here.

Count Tolstoy was deeply inspired by Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, especially his moral exhortation, “Resist not evil” (cf. Mt 5:39), but instead, “Return good for evil”. This would be at the heart of Tolstoy’s doctrine on universal love, moral self-improvement and non-violence, as eventually expressed in his work, “The Kingdom of God Is Within You”. India’s Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by Leo Tolstoy. He avowed that, when he read Tolstoy’s work, “The Kingdom of God Is Within You”, he was overwhelmed. Having exchanged correspondence with Tolstoy, Gandhi was cured of his skepticism and became a firm believer in ahimsa, nonviolence. Through Gandhi’s program of nonviolent struggle, India would later be free from British rule.

Leo Tolstoy, however, was a “sign of contradiction”. His radical view on non-violence was greatly opposed. While praising Tolstoy as a genius who drew incomparable pictures of Russian life and castigated social falsehood and hypocrisy, the communist leader Lenin considered his advocacy of nonresistance to evil as “crackpot preaching” and deplored his inability to understand the class struggle – that a better life could be achieved through the violent overthrow of capitalism by the proletariat.

In his novel, “Resurrection”, Tolstoy indicted the tsarist courts and prison system. The Russian Orthodox Church was angered by his comments in this book against the state religion. The Holy Synod declared Count Tolstoy a false prophet, accusing him of undermining the faith. He was excommunicated, but there was an outpouring of sympathy from other segments of Russian society.

Conscience-stricken and upset by the plight of the poor, Count Tolstoy opted for a simplified life and dedicated more greatly his literary pursuits to socio-religious themes. His wife Sonya did not share his zeal for reform and for his new lifestyle that was simple and austere – for example, making himself a brew of barley and acorns because coffee was a luxury! She was chagrined that he chose to work on pugnacious tracts that put people off, when he could be producing wonderful novels that would bring in lots of money. Tolstoy did not care about money, but she had to, otherwise what would become of their children? Unable to bear any longer the divisive and oppressive situation at home, and detesting the luxury found in his estate, Yasnaya Polyana, the 82-year-old Tolstoy, left home on November 10, 1910, accompanied only by his doctor. He fell ill on a southbound train and died at a stationmaster’s house on November 20, 1910. Indeed, Leo Tolstoy is a fascinating figure – a modern day example of a prophet of contradiction.

Today’s Gospel reading (Mt 10:34-11:1) presents the divisions that Jesus’ mission creates, even in families. His way catalyzes separations and provokes conflicts between those who have made a radical choice for him and those who have not. Jesus’ gift of peace comes from God. It is a result of his immersion into the bloodbath of paschal sacrifice and is therefore not a facile kind of peace. The authors of the Days of the Lord, vol. 6, explicate: “To welcome the peace of the kingdom which Jesus gives and which is only attained through the cross, places believers in a situation where they are sometimes set in conflict with others. For this peace rests on faith, the choice for Christ and the kingdom, which necessarily involves detachment from, if not rejection of, all that is opposed to Christ and the Gospel or that is incompatible with the choice one makes for it … Every human life is confronted, at some point or another, with choices that in some instances demand real heroism. The situation becomes particularly distressing when one finds oneself torn between faithfulness to God, faith, and the gospel, and on the other hand, to family, friends, and country.”

B. First Reading (Is 1:10-17): “Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes.”

Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 1:10-17) comes from the first part of the Book of Isaiah (chapters 1-39). Here the prophetic words are directed to the kingdom of Judah to make the beleaguered people realize that the real threat to the nation is not Assyria, but rather their sin and disobedience. Today’s passage is an oracle delivered on a feast day before a throng of worshippers. The prophet Isaiah inveighs against false and hypocritical worship. Sacrifice is worthless without the proper interior dispositions. God detests the people’s ritual sacrifices, offerings, and the observance of new moons and Sabbaths because of the violence of their lives. God hates their gesture of prayer with hands extended and palms open toward heaven because their hands are bloodstained with crimes. God wants them to wash themselves clean, not in a purely exterior ritual, but in an interior cleansing of the heart. Through the prophet, God calls them to stop doing evil and to do right: help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights and defend widows. True worship is linked with justice and right.

Pope Francis, in a courageous move that could even mean his death sentence, denounces those who worship evil, such as members of the mafia, and calls the people to true worship. Here is an excerpt from his homily on the feast of Corpus Christi, during the Mass that concluded his visit to Cassano all’Jonio, in the region of Calabria, Italy (cf. “No to Those Who Worship Evil” in L’Osservatore Romano, 27 June 2014, p. 9).

On the feast of Corpus Christi we celebrate Jesus “the living bread which came down from heaven” (Jn 6:51), food for our hunger for eternal life, strength for our journey. I thank the Lord who today allows me to celebrate Corpus Christi with you, brothers and sisters of this Church in Cassano all’Jonio.

Today is the feast in which the Church praises the Lord for the gift of the Eucharist. While on Holy Thursday we commemorate its institution at the Last Supper, today is for giving thanks and adoration. And in fact, there is a traditional procession with the Most Holy Sacrament on this day. To adore the Eucharistic Jesus and to walk with him. These are two inseparable aspects of today’s feast; two aspects that characterize the entire life of the Christian people: a people who adore God and a people who walk; who do not stand still, who journey!

First of all we are a people who adore God. We adore God who is love, who in Jesus Christ gave himself for us, offered himself on the Cross to atone for our sins, and by the power of this love rose from the dead and lives in his Church. We have no other God but He!

When adoration of money is substituted for adoration of the Lord, this pathway leads to sin, to personal interest and exploitation; when God the Lord is not adored, we become adorers of evil, like those who live by dishonesty and violence. Your land, so beautiful, knows the signs and consequences of this sin. This is ‘ndrangheta: Adoration of evil and contempt for the good. This evil must be fought; it must be cast out! One must say “no” to it! The Church, which I know is so committed to raising awareness, must be ever more concerned that goodness prevail. Our kids demand it; our youth, in need of hope, demand it. Faith can help empower us to respond to these needs. Those who follow this evil path in life, such as members of the mafia, are not in communion with God: they are excommunicated!

Today let us confess it as we turn our gaze on the Corpus Christi, the Sacrament on the altar. And by this faith, we renounce Satan and all his machinations: we renounce the idols of money, vanity, pride, power and violence. We Christians don’t want to worship anything and anyone in this world except for Jesus Christ, who is present in the Holy Eucharist. Perhaps we don’t always understand the full meaning of our profession of faith, what consequences it has or should have.

This our faith in the true presence of Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, in the consecrated Bread and Wine, is authentic, if we commit ourselves to walk behind Him and with Him. To adore and to walk: a people who adore are a people who walk! Walk with Him and behind Him, as we seek to practice His commandments, the one he gave the disciples precisely at the Last Supper: “Even as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (Jn 13:34). People who adore God in the Eucharist are people who walk in charity. To adore God in the Eucharist, to walk with God in fraternal charity. (…)

I encourage all of you to witness to concrete solidarity with brothers and sisters, especially those who are most in need of justice, hope and tenderness. The tenderness of Jesus, Eucharistic tenderness: that love so delicate, so fraternal, so pure … The Lord Jesus never ceases to inspire acts of charity in his people journeying along the path! (…)

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

1. Why does the peace that Jesus brings lead to division? Do we welcome the peace of Christ and his example of total commitment to the kingdom? Are we willing to embrace the detachment, renunciation and opposition that the peace of Christ entails? Are we willing to be fully united with Christ and become, in him, a “sword of division” in today’s world?

2. Do we offer to God true worship, or are we simply engaged in mere external rituals that do not correspond to holiness of life and total obedience to God?

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

Lord Jesus Christ,

you said to your apostles:

“I leave you peace, my peace I give you.”

Look not on our sins,

but on the faith of your Church,

and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom.

Jesus, sword of division,

you take away the sins of the world:

have mercy on us.

Make us walk in the ways of peace

and help us to worship in spirit and in truth.

We love 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 week. Please memorize it.

“I have come to bring not peace but the sword.” (Mt 10:34) // “Make justice your aim.” (Is 1:17)

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

While avoiding facile compromises and easy tradeoffs, endeavor to bring the peace of Christ to a distressing situation that needs healing and reconciliation. Be courageous to be a “sword of contradiction” when the situation calls for it. // Endeavor to offer “true worship” in your daily life and in liturgy.

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July 12, 2022: TUESDAY –WEEKDAY (15)

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Reproaches Them for Their Unbelief … He Exhorts Us to Be Firm in Faith”

BIBLE READINGS

Is 7:1-9 // Mt 11:20-24

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

A. Gospel Reading (Mt 11:20-24): “It will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon and for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”

Today’s Gospel (Mt 11:20-24) teaches us that repentance is a key dimension of Christian discipleship. Those who hear Jesus’ words and witness his mighty deeds, but do not repent, will suffer the same fate as those of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom, the epitome of lack of repentance. The mission of Jesus in Galilee produces only a few disciples. Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum are recipients of his teachings and miracles. But there are those unmoved by his proclamation. Those with hardened hearts refuse to respond to the miracles that reveal his tender solicitude and compassion. Like the inhabitants of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, we are free to make choices and respond to God’s word. But we are ultimately responsible for what we are: our sins, failures, shortcomings, imperfections, the dismal acts that precipitate us to destruction. Jesus calls us to conversion. We must open up to the grace of repentance. Those who have been gifted with much have greater liability and accountability on judgment day.

The words of Mother Teresa contain a tinge of reproach for those who have received much spiritual enlightenment, but fail to respond fully to the gift (cf. Mother Teresa: Her Essential Wisdom, ed. Carol Kelly-Gangi, New York: Barnes and Noble, 2006, p. 117-118).

How is it that nowadays, all over the world, so many priests and nuns abandon their calling? Did they not commit themselves to follow him after long and mature reflection? How then can a nun pronounce perpetual vows, and some years later give up the religious life? Are married people not bound to remain faithful to each other until death? Then, why should the same rule not apply to priests and nuns?

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Many congregations have discarded this vow of obedience. They don’t have superiors anymore. Each member makes her own decisions. They have discarded obedience completely. Do you know what has happened because of that? In the United States alone fifty thousand nuns have left the religious life. The destruction of religious life comes mainly from the lack of obedience. Sheer negligence destroys religious life completely.

B. First Reading (Is 7:1-9): “Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm.”

Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 7:1-9) contains prophet Isaiah’s remarkable message to Ahaz, king of the southern kingdom Judah: “Unless your faith is firm you shall not endure.” The military coalition between Syria and the northern kingdom Israel has thrown Judah in a state of panic. When word reaches King Ahaz that the armies of Syria are already in the territory of Israel ready to attack, he and all his people are so terrified that they tremble like trees shaking in the wind. God commands Isaiah to meet King Ahaz, who is apparently checking his water supply in anticipation of a siege. The advice of the prophet is startling: to stay calm and not to be frightened or disturbed because the attack will not succeed. Moreover, the renegade Israel will be shattered. Isaiah summons King Ahaz to believe in God’s promise to preserve the Davidic dynasty. God will protect and save Judah, provided total trust must be present and merely human strategies be rejected. The divine commitment to make the Davidic line “firm” is conditional on the faith of the king and the people. There is no hope for Judah apart from complete reliance upon the Lord God.

The following modern-day testimony illustrates that by the grace of God and with faith in him, it is possible to “stand firm” (cf. Laura Archuleta, “A Doctor and a Catholic” in Amazing Grace for Survivors, ed. Jeff Cavins, et.al. West Chester: Ascension Press, 2008, p. 128-134).

I often wondered how my Catholic faith could impact my medical practice. Was it okay to give “the pill” to other women, as long as I did not use it myself? The answers did not come easily. (…)

Yet, a doctor could not survive if she does not follow the mainstream. How could I survive as a family practitioner and still follow God without compromise? God if you want me to do this, you have to make me stronger, I prayed.

After three years in practice, it seemed my prayers were answered. I accepted a position in Bismarck as a primary care physician affiliated with St. Alexius, the area’s Catholic hospital. It was a perfect opportunity to make a break with contraceptive practices.

I began my new practice, finally ready to stand by my values. This is a Catholic facility, I reasoned. It should be simple to avoid birth control. It is never that clear cut, though. God had given me a supportive environment, but the final step was up to me. Soon, a patient came in for birth control. OK God, I thought, Let’s do this.

“I’m sorry”, I said, “I don’t prescribe birth control.” I forced the words out of my mouth in a voice that sounded firmer than I felt. The patient accepted that, and decided she wanted to complete her exam anyway. I told her she would need to find another physician to get the prescription. After she left the examining room, I heard from her mother, who was a friend of mine. “Where is she supposed to go?” the mother asked. “She does not know anyone else.” She was not angry – it was an honest question. I caved in and wrote the prescription. But this time was different. I felt horrible. I had moved to a new community for a new job and had been determined to start afresh, without compromise. But at the first challenge, I had failed.

I do not know if I was looking for a sign, or advice, or what, but I got onto the Internet. I landed on the Catholic Medical Association website. There, I stumbled on a familiar name. Dr. John Breheny was an ethicist I had met during my residency in Sioux City. We attended the same church, and I had great respect for him. Thanking the Holy Spirit for this “coincidence”, I quickly sent him an e-mail about my moral dilemma. Dr. Breheny responded right away, making some very strong arguments:

“You know that the Church teaches that contraception is wrong … In fact, it is harmful to women (Physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually), and harmful for men, families and society as well. If something is seriously wrong, then it is wrong to participate in it or facilitate the action … If something is wrong and harmful to women, then it is not a good way to practice medicine. In fact, it is possible to survive and thrive without prescribing contraception. I hope you can come to see that. I’m not making it up. Again, I have met physicians who have gone down this same path, and more continue to come along.”

“In short, I am arguing that not prescribing is not only the right thing to do; it is a good thing for your patients. Having said that, I know that this is not an easy decision. It clearly is easier to stay with the status quo. Going against the current is always hard, and our modern American culture has a lot invested in medical control of women’s fertility. It isn’t just the personal and social values, the medical ‘standards of care’, etc.; there is a lot of money invested as well. But I am convinced that it is important and necessary if we are to transform our culture with the Gospel and necessary to serve women’s health effectively.”

As I read his words, tears filled my eyes. Each line was filled with the arguments I had hidden from for so long. I felt liberated. I can only describe it as the power of the Holy Spirit. I had finally found the strength I needed. Within a week, I went from saying: “I do not want to do this” to clearly stating: “I am not doing this.” The more I said it, the stronger I felt. Now, after a year in my new practice, my resolve is firm. My practice is growing, and I love going to work every day, I’ve finally learned that I can be a good doctor and a Catholic.

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

1. Do we respond fully to the grace of God in our lives? Are there times when we are unrepentant and unresponsive to the word of God and his miracles in our life?

2. Do we ask God for the grace to stand firm in faith?

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

Loving Jesus,

our disobedient hearts merit your reproach.

Forgive our wicked ways.

Help us to be receptive to your grace

so that we may rejoice in your benediction.

Teach us to be responsible in making life choices

that we may no longer deserve your just reproach.

Give us the grace to be firm in faith.

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.

“Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented.” (Mt 11:20) // “Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!” (Is 7:9)

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

Spend quiet moments with the Scriptures and/or the Blessed Sacrament. Examine your conscience and see what in your life deserves Jesus’ just reproach. // Pray for the grace of conversion and to be strong in faith.

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July 13, 2022: WEDNESDAY – WEEKDAY (15); SAINT HENRY

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Comes for the Little Ones … He Teaches Us to Be Humble Instruments of God’s Plan”

BIBLE READINGS

Is 10:5-7, 13b-16 // Mt 11:25-27

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

A. Gospel Reading (Mt 11:25-27): “Although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.”

Today’s Gospel reading (Mt 11:25-27) reinforces the truth that the meek and humble Messiah comes for the “little ones”. Jesus Christ, who exemplifies the anawim, or the lowly ones of God, invites us to assume his basic stance as the meek Servant-Son of Yahweh. He exhorts us to participate in his intimate and loving relationship with God the Father. Those who are childlike and trusting, like Jesus, become the recipients of divine revelation. They are able to relish deeper intimacy with God. Indeed, Christ’s saving message about the Father, the Lord of heaven and earth, could only be grasped by “the childlike” and not by “the wise and the learned”. In order to receive fully the refreshing peace and the restoration of soul that Jesus brings, we need to follow him who is the Servant-Son. We need to learn from him the humble ways of the anawim and the “little ones”. Jesus Christ teaches us how to be receptive to grace and submit to the benevolent plan of God. Through his compassionate ministry we are filled with divine wisdom and experience the joy of being God’s children.

The following story illustrates that the grace of God and his benevolent hand surround the “little ones” (cf. “An Extraordinary Daughter” by Mary Kay Kusner in St. Anthony Messenger, January 2008, p. 23-26).

I knew that something was wrong when I first laid eyes on my newborn daughter. Anna’s tiny forehead looked misshapen, and she was listless. As I held her and scanned her with my eyes, I noticed that her skin looked ashen. Minutes later, she was taken from me, rushed to the intensive care unit and put on a breathing machine. Within four days, the genetic tests were back: Anna had a chromosome abnormality … The doctors weren’t sure what this meant for Anna’s development but told us not to expect much. They predicted her I.Q. would be low – between 30 and 70. I was devastated. God had betrayed me. How could I ever believe again? Through all the sleepless nights and tears, I questioned: “Why? Why would God have kept nudging me to have a disabled child?” It made no sense. Just when I thought I had my life back under control, the rug was pulled out. I felt like a fool. All my life, I had been faithful, trusting. I thought Anna would be an answer to my prayer. Now none of that mattered. (…)

When Anna was about six weeks old, a strange incident occurred. She was lying on her back on our bed while I gently massaged her after her bath. Suddenly, I felt as if we were not alone. Anna looked past me, over my shoulder, to Someone who clearly adored her. My daughter smiled and I became almost bashful in the face of such love. I couldn’t see anything but felt the presence melt through me as I realized that Anna was seeing more than I did, that she was inviting me to see more too. After about a minute, the presence left and Anna looked right at me as if to say, “Why do you doubt, Mom?” I promised her to try to be more open after that.

Our boys adored their new sister from the start. They loved to make her laugh. David taught her how to burp and Jon wrestled with her on the floor. Matthew insisted that I never cut her curly hair. They didn’t notice her differences. When others stared at Anna, the boys got annoyed. “How do they know she’s different?” they asked me. Even though her eyes bulge and her forehead is flat, they don’t see it themselves. But I did. I was painfully aware of how different Anna looked. Sometimes I was embarrassed to take her out in public. Once, while riding in the van with the boys, I said out loud, “I wonder why God made Anna like she is.” After a few moments of silence, Matthew, who was almost 11, said, “Well, Mom, if God didn’t make her like she is, then she wouldn’t be Anna.” It took my breath away. “You’re right,” I said. “Thank you, Matthew.” It was a lesson of faith that made me begin to think twice. I loved Anna, but not as freely as a mom should. My boys were teaching me how unconditional love can be. (…)

One day at church, the fuller meaning of Anna finally hit home. Lorraine, a longtime friend, spotted us and waved from her pew. Anna, who was almost three, waved back, and I saw Lorraine laugh. When church ended, we were walking down the aisle toward the door. Lorraine was making her way toward us. “Hi, Anna, I saw you waved at me,” she said to Anna. Anna smiled and said, “Hi. Hi,” over and over. Then Lorraine looked at me and said with such directness, “Thank you for having Anna for all the rest of us.” Her comment brought tears to my eyes. I realized that Anna is a gift to others. She is her own person with her own worth, her own way of contributing to the world … Anna had taught me to be more open, to allow life to become what it can be, not to force it to be what I think it should be.

B. First Reading (Is 10:5-7, 13b-16): “Will the axe boast against the one who hews it?”

In today’s Old Testament reading (Is 10:5-7, 13b-16), the prophet Isaiah announces an oracle against Assyria. Chosen as an instrument to chastise God’s erring people, the arrogant king of Assyria fails to recognize that he is being used to attain the divine plan of salvation. Following his own violent plans and not God’s, the Assyrian king exterminates many nations, boasting, “I have done it all myself.” He gloats that the nations of the world are like a bird’s nest and that he gathers their wealth as easily as gathering eggs. Indeed, the plundered nations are too terrified to resist Assyria’s military might. Using rhetorical questions, the Lord mocks the presumption of Assyria: “Can an ax claim to be greater than the man who uses it? Is a saw more important that the man who saws with it?” For their haughty pride, the Assyrians will be brought down and punished.

The following is an excerpt from an account of a man who saved the life of a victim trapped in a burning vehicle. It gives an idea what it means to be a humble instrument of God’s saving plan (cf. Chet Czubko, Jr., “Everyday Hero” in Amazing Grace for Survivors, ed. Jeff Cavins, et. al. West Chester: Ascension Press, 2008, p. 29-33).

As I was being bandaged up, a doctor came and shook my hand. “I wanted to shake the hand of a hero”, he said. I looked at him, shocked. I did not think of myself as a hero. The hospital in Jackson made an appointment for me at the University of Michigan burn center because the doctors thought I should go in to have my burns looked at.

Since I had left my car at the side of the interstate, my wife drove me to my parents’ house so that they could take me to my car. I told them the story of what had happened. “Why did you do this?” they asked. “Didn’t you know that you could have been hurt?” I considered this, but realized I was not thinking about my own safety at the time. All I was thinking was that if that had been me in the car I would have wanted someone to be there to try his or her best to help me.

At the accident scene, a policeman had been posted to keep people away. My dad and I drove up with my head all bandaged and explained to him that I had been there earlier in the day and that I had come to get my car. “Yes, I know”, he said. “Do you know you are a hero?” This was the second time I had been called a hero that day, and it made me uncomfortable. After the accident, I was interviewed by the local news, and later that year, along with some other men who helped, I received the American Red Cross’ award for Everyday Heroes. (…)

As a life-long Catholic, I have always had an appreciation and reverence for life in all its stages … A hero is someone who lives life, and when the opportunity to help someone continue living is presented, will do everything in his power to preserve life.

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

1. Do we trust in Jesus as the true revelation of the Father? Are we the “little ones” who are willing to savor the rich and life-giving revelation of Jesus?

2. Are we willing to be humble instruments of God’s saving plan?

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

Loving Father,

you reveal your great love for Jesus, the anawim

and the other “little ones”

who are meek and humble.

In your Servant-Son,

teach us the way of “littleness”

and complete surrender to your saving will.

Help us to be humble instruments of your saving plan.

We praise and bless 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.

“You have revealed them to the childlike.” (Mt 11:25) // “Will the axe boast against him who hews with it?” (Is 10:15)

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

Pray meditatively the thanksgiving prayer of Jesus to the Father and make it your own. Alleviate the suffering of a person who is deeply afflicted and ease the burden of the poor and destitute in the local and world community. // Be attentive to the daily opportunities given you by God to be instrument of his saving will.

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July 14, 2022: THURSDAY – SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA (USA)

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Comes for the Weary and Heavily Burdened … He Teaches Us to Have Confidence in God”

BIBLE READINGS

Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 // Mt 11:28-30

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

A. Gospel Reading (Mt 11:28-30): “I am meek and humble of heart.”

In today’s Gospel (Mt 11:28-30) we hear that Jesus is meek and humble of heart. He fulfills the Father’s saving plan by “humbly” and “meekly” undergoing the paschal mystery of his passion and death and glorious resurrection. By his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as the meek and humble Messiah, Jesus inaugurates God’s kingdom of justice and peace. He offers to all – especially to the poor and the lowly - the radical salvation he merited on the cross. Jesus, who comes for the “little ones” to reveal the truth about the compassionate Father, also comes to refresh the labor-weary and heavily burdened. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” is his compassionate cry. To turn to him is true consolation. Jesus assures us that his “yoke” is easy and his “burden” light. The “yoke” of love that he puts upon our obedient heart becomes “easy”. He gives us the grace and strength to bear it. The “burden” that faithful Christian discipleship entails becomes “light”. He fills us with the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to follow him through the way of the cross to eternal glory.

When my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer when I was a teenager, my mother responded fully to Jesus’ invitation, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest”. She turned to Jesus in trusting prayer. Her favorite praying stance was kneeling - arms outstretched in the form of a cross. Her eyes were closed to focus more intently on Christ crucified. In Jesus, meek and humble of heart, she found solace and strength to cope with life’s trials. My father eventually recovered and lived thirty more years.

In the Prayer Notes series published by the Abbey Press (St. Meinrad, Indiana), Joel Schorn has an article entitled “Comforting Prayers for Times of Pain and Suffering”. He writes: “For Christians, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus testify to the fact that God knows your pain and suffering and promises you relief from your fears.” From the Book of Common Prayer (1979), he cites the following comforting prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father’s will. Be near me in my time of weakness and pain. Sustain me by your grace that my strength and courage may not fail. Heal me according to your will. And help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.

B. First Reading (Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19): “Awake and sing, you who lie in the dust.”

Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 26:7-9, 12, 16-19) is a prophetic vision of the Jewish people singing a psalm of lament in the land. It is a song of contrition and an expression of their trust in God who gives victory. The people remember contritely their vain works. They have accomplished nothing at all and whatever they seem to have achieved is the result of God’s benevolence. They express their longing for the salvation that can never be attained by them and which God alone can give. Confident in their revival as a nation and as persons, they declare: “Those of our people who have died will live again! Their bodies will come back to life. All those sleeping in their graves will wake up and sing for joy. As the sparkling dew refreshes the earth so the Lord will revive those who have long been dead.”

The Jewish people’s longing for renewal and experience of restoration give greater depth to the following modern day account (cf. Susan Brinkman, “God Hears a Mother’s Prayers” in Amazing Grace for Survivors, ed. Jeff Cavins, et. al. West Chester: Ascension Press, 2008, p. 168-171).

Cruz Maria Cumba came to the U.S. from Puerto Rico. With her husband, Pedro Juan, they raised three sons. Pedro, the oldest, was five when the family moved from New York City to Philadelphia. He graduated from a Catholic high school, married at nineteen, fathered two children, and was divorced seven years later. Pedro became involved in the drug culture that would hold him captive for the next twenty years. (…)

After a night of drugs, Cumba woke up with a splitting headache. “I looked in the mirror and one eye was completely shut and my mouth was turned funny. I thought it was from the air conditioning. He walked around for a week in this condition before collapsing in someone’s car. The emergency room doctor told him that he had suffered a brain aneurism. One vessel had exploded, and another vessel had a bubble on it the size of a dime. “If that one explodes”, the doctor told Cumba, “I can’t save you.” The only hope was an emergency surgery, but Cumba wanted no part of it. He attempted to leave the hospital but the doctor told him, “If you walk out of here, you’re going to die.”

“I burst into tears and went into the bathroom of the emergency room. I had seven rocks of crack cocaine in my pocket, and instead of throwing them down the toilet like I should have done, I decided to end my life right there by smoking all seven rocks back-to-back.”

He smoked them, but did not die. “There I was trying to kill myself and I still could not die.” At some point, he realized that maybe God did not want him to die because He had something for him to do. Maybe it was something worth living for. “OK”, he told the Lord. “I’m going to put my life in your hands. If it’s your will that I make it through the operation, if you give me a second chance, I promise I’ll turn my life around.” (…)

That’s exactly what he did. After regaining his sight and hearing, which doctors never expected to happen, he started singing in the choir at the prayer group. Then, he learned how to play bass guitar. From there, he joined the Spirit of the Lord street ministry that reaches out to the very people Cumba knew best – troubled souls on drugs. Headed by Nestali Montes, the ministry sets up their band on drug-infested corners, plays gospel music, and preaches the word of God. Prostitutes and drug addicts have fallen on their knees right in the street and given their hearts to Jesus Christ.

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

1. Do we give heed to Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest”? Are we ready to take up the yoke of the Father’s saving will and learn from him, who is “meek and humble of heart”? Do we relish and look forward to the gentle promise: “you will find rest for yourselves”?

2. Do we trust that if we turn to God with a contrite heart, he will raise us up from the grave of sin and despair?

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

Jesus Lord, meek and humble of heart,

we turn to you with trusting hearts.

We bring to you the world’s afflictions.

Restore our weary souls.

Raise us up from the grave of sin and despair.

My Lord and my God,

you love us beyond death.

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.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:28) // “Awake and sing, you who lie in the dust.” (Is 26:19)

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

That we may appreciate more deeply the promise of comfort of Jesus, the meek and humble of heart, make an effort to spend an hour in Eucharistic Adoration. // Pray and give encouragement to those who are in the grave of sin and despair that in Christ they may experience “resurrection”.

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July 15, 2022: FRIDAY – SAINT BONAVENTURE, Bishop, Doctor of the Church

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Lord of the Sabbath … He Is the Font of Healing”

BIBLE READINGS

Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8 // Mt 12:1-8

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

A. Gospel Reading (Mt 12:1-8): “The son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath.”

The Gospel (Mt 12:1-8) tells us that seeing Jesus’ disciples plucking heads of grain on a Sabbath and eating them, the Pharisees raise the issue of lack of Sabbath observance. According to them, the disciples are harvesting on a holy day and transgressing the law of Sabbath rest. Jesus’ defense of the disciples manifests his compassionate stance. For him, human need takes precedence over the law. People are more important than rigid legal observance. In a case of proportionate necessity, positive law may be rightly dispensed with. The Pharisees have wrongly hedged the Sabbath law with unnecessary prohibitions. Those who have God’s law in their hearts know how to act with compassion, even on the Sabbath. Jesus is the supreme interpreter of the Law and he does so in humanitarian terms. As Lord of the Sabbath, he calls for steadfast love rather than ritualism or false sacrifice.

An ex-seminarian committed suicide by hanging himself in the shower room using a bandanna. The parish priest denied him a Christian burial. He belongs to an old tradition that interprets rigidly the canon law concerning “those to whom ecclesiastical funeral rites are to be granted or to be denied”. A priest from the seminary, together with a group of seminarians, went to visit the grieving family and celebrated the Funeral Mass before the coffin of the deceased. He did so in the compassionate spirit of Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath.

B. First Reading (Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8): “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.”

Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8) is about King Hezekiah’s recovery from a mortal illness by the grace of God who heard his prayers and saw his tears. The rescue of the benevolent king from the claws of death parallels Jerusalem’s rescue from the Assyrian invasion led by the presumptuous King Sennacherib. An angel of the Lord annihilates 185,000 soldiers in the Assyrian camp. The Assyrians are forced to withdraw and return to Nineveh. The prophet Isaiah, as God’s intermediary, assures him that he will be healed and the “sign” of the receding shadows confirms the prophet’s message. Restored to health, King Hezekiah offers to God a hymn of thanksgiving: “Lord, you have healed me. We will play harps and sing your praise, sing praise in your temple as long as we live.” The faithful Hezekiah confesses God’s goodness through this prayer.

The wholehearted piety of King Hezekiah has favored his healing. The following excerpt illustrates how God answers even our “raging” prayer (cf. Todd Burpo, Heaven Is for Real, Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2010, p. 84).

I didn’t feel good about having been so angry with God. When I was so upset, burning with righteous anger that he was about to take my child, guess who was holding my child? Guess who was loving my child, unseen? As a pastor, I felt accountable to other pastors for my own lack of faith. So at Greeley Wesleyan during the conference, I asked Phil Harris, our district superintendent, if I could have a few minutes to share.

He agreed, and when the time came, I stood before my peers in the sanctuary that on Sunday mornings held around a thousand people in its pews. After delivering a brief update on Colton’s health, I thanked these men and women for their prayers on behalf of our family. Then I began my confession.

“Most of you know that before everything happened with Colton, I had broken my leg and gone through the kidney stone operation, then lumpectomy. I had such a bad year that some people had started calling me Pastor Job.” The sanctuary echoed with laughter. “But none of the stuff hurt like watching what Colton was going through and I got really mad at God”, I continued. “I’m a guy. Guys do something. And all I felt like I could do was yell at God.”

I described briefly my attitude in that little room, blasting God, blaming him for Colton’s condition, whining about how he had chosen to treat one of his pastors, as though I should somehow be exempt from trouble because I was doing “his” work.

“At that time, when I was so upset and so outraged, can you believe that God chose to answer that prayer?” I said. “Can you believe that I could pray a prayer like that, and our God would still answer it ‘yes’?”

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

1. What is our attitude in regard to the law? Do we try to live by the letter of the law or by its spirit? Do we follow the compassionate stance of the Lord of the Sabbath? Do we allow the spirit of love to permeate our legal and religious observance?

2. Do we believe that God answers our prayers? Do we turn to him and humbly ask for healing? Do we have faith in his power of healing?

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

O merciful Jesus,

you are Lord of the Sabbath.

Your compassionate ways and fidelity

inspire us to live by the divine law.

Deliver us from false piety

and teach us to walk by your ways.

You, likewise, are the font of healing.

Free us from our infirmities

and restore us to good health.

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.

“For the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath.” (Mt 12:1-8) // “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.” (Is 38:5)

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

Reflect on the meaning of law in the Church. Try to perceive its significance and abide by the spirit of the law, and not by the letter. // By your prayer, words and actions, promote the healing ministry of the Church.

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July 16, 2022: SATURDAY – WEEKDAY (15); OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL; BVM ON SATURDAY

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Will Not Break a Bruised Reed … He Shows Us the Way of Justice”

BIBLE READINGS

Mi 2:1-5 // Mt 12:14-21

I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO

A. Gospel Reading (Mt 12:14-21): “He warned them not to make him known to fulfill what had been spoken.”

In today’s Gospel (Mt 12:14-21), we continue to witness the “meek and gentle” ways of Jesus. He is the chosen and beloved Servant of the Lord, filled with his Spirit. He is destined to proclaim salvation to the nations and bring healing to the bruised and the weak. Jesus is the harbinger of God’s mercy to Jews and Gentiles. Fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the Servant of the Lord, the non-violent Jesus does not “contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets”. He avoids useless confrontations with the Pharisees by withdrawing quietly. He avoids self-aggrandizing publicity by ordering those cured not to make public what he has done. His care for the weak, the discouraged and the marginalized is captured in the beautiful words of Isaiah: “A bruised reed he will not break; a smoldering wick he will not quench.” Far from rejecting sinners and morally weak people, Jesus encourages them to greater efforts and leads them to repentance. He is not a conquering political Messiah, but a Servant Lord who heals and treats mankind with great compassion. His loving heart is open to all. His “meek and gentle” heart can sense the longing for conversion that lies deep in every person.

The ministry of Poverello House, founded by Mike McGarvin (“Papa Mike”) in Fresno, gives us a glimpse of how to incarnate the mission of the Servant of the Lord in today’s world. From the incident he relates below, we are challenged not to give up on the “bruised reed” (cf. Poverello News, December 2011, p.1-2).

People in line for food in our dining room queue up on the southern wall as they come through the door. Here, they wait to move up to the serving window. This places them in close proximity to tables where people are already eating. Often, to pass the time while they wait, those in line exchange pleasantries with friends who are already served. Occasionally, an argument will break out between someone in line and someone seated, but that is, thankfully, a very rare occurrence.

One day recently, a “Code Red” call crackled across our walkie-talkies. Code Red is never good news; it means that there is a fight taking place, or that someone is having some kind of medical emergency, and all the available staff need to rush to the scene to assist. Over the years, Code Reds have been invoked for seizures, fainting, one-on-one fights, melees involving many people, car accidents, stabbings, and shootings. A Code Red is guaranteed to make one’s adrenaline start pumping.

This time, the Code Red was for a man seated near the line on the south wall. He had tried to swallow something too large, and it became lodged in his throat. He started choking severely, his face turning purple, and the people around him began panicking.

The men on security duty knew they needed help, so they immediately put the call out on the radios. Just as they did, a homeless man in the food line observed what was happening. He quietly walked over to the distressed man, and proceeded to do a textbook Heimlich maneuver on him. After a few abdominal thrusts on the choking victim’s diaphragm, the food rocketed out of the victim’s mouth, and he could breathe once more.

As nonchalantly as he left the line, the rescuer walked back over and resumed his place. He was a hero, but he nevertheless didn’t seem to want much attention, nor did he want to miss his meal.

This action surprised many of us, but it shouldn’t have. Sometimes, we make the mistake of thinking far too negatively about our homeless guests, based on the action of a few. In reality, there is a sense of community and helpfulness among many of the homeless.

Around here, the old saying, “There is no honor among the thieves”, sometimes get paraphrased as, “There is no kindness among homeless addicts”. Addictive behavior is often quite predictable, but, because we are dealing with individual human souls, our predictions are never the last word. Even people in the throes of this extremely self-centered affliction are capable of rising above their circumstances and aiding someone else.

Those of us who labor trying to help the homeless are also human. That means that, in spite of our good intentions, we sometimes lapse into negative attitudes, stereotyped thinking, and low expectations. Occasionally, God sends a small miracle our way, like the homeless hero described above, to remind us that people are every bit as capable of saintly behavior as they are of selfishness.

B. First Reading (Mi 2:1-5): “They covet fields and seize them; houses they take them.”

The Old Testament reading (Mi 2:1-5) is now taken from the prophet Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah. Micah comes from a country town of Judah and is convinced that Judah is about to face the same kind of national catastrophe that Amos had predicted for the northern kingdom. Micah prophesies that God will punish the hateful injustice of the people. Today’s passage attacks the capitalists who are guilty of exploitation and corruption. They dispossess the poor by illegal means. They plot evil deeds in the night and shamelessly carry them out in broad daylight. Their plans will be frustrated by God’s counter-plan. The prophetic words threaten: “I am planning to bring disaster on you, and you will not be able to escape it. You are going to find yourselves in trouble and then you will not walk so proudly anymore.” Their punishment will take the form of enslavement and exile.

The unjust capitalists of Micah’s time have put their happiness upon their possessions. The following incident involving the Dalai Lama helps us realize that the quest for happiness does not rely on material possessions (cf. Douglas Preston, “Skiing with the Dalai Lama” in The Week, May 2, 2014, p. 36-37).

We rode the lift down and repaired to the lodge for cookies and hot chocolate. The Dalai Lama was exhilarated from his visit to the top of the mountain. He questioned Abruzzo minutely about the sport of skiing and was astonished to hear that even one-legged people could do it.

As we finished, a young waitress with tangled, dirty-blond hair and a beaded headband began clearing our table. She stopped to listen to the conversation and finally sat down, abandoning her work. After a while, when there was a pause, she spoke to the Dalai Lama. “You didn’t like your cookie?” “Not hungry, thank you.” “Can I, um, ask a question?” “Please.”

She spoke with complete seriousness. “What is the meaning of life?”

In my entire week with the Dalai Lama, every conceivable question had been asked – except this one. People had been afraid to ask this one – the really big – question. There was a brief, stunned silence.

The Dalai Lama answered immediately. “The meaning of life is happiness.” He raised his finger, leaning forward, focusing on her as if she were the only person in the world. “Hard question is not ‘What is meaning of life?’ That is easy question to answer! No; hard question is what make happiness. Money? Big house? Accomplishment? Friends? Or …” He paused. “Compassion and good heart? This is question all human beings must try to answer: “What makes true happiness?” He gave this last question a peculiar emphasis and then fell silent, gazing at her with a smile.

“Thank you”, she said, “thank you.” She got up and finished stacking the dirty dishes and cups, and took them away.

II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO

1. How does the following description of Jesus impinge on us: A bruised reed he will not break; a smoldering wick he will not quench”? Do we imitate the gentle ways of Jesus and his compassionate stance?

2. Are we guilty of injustice and of lack of compassion for the poor and the needy? Do we seek our happiness in wealth and material possessions?

III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO

Jesus Lord,

you are the beloved Servant of Yahweh.

The Lord God delights in you.

He anoints you with his Spirit.

Help us to be channels of your peace to the heart-broken

and bearers of grace to the hopeless.

Give us the courage to be peaceful in a violent world

and the faithful love to care for the needs of the weak.

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.

“A bruised reed he will not break; a smoldering wick he will not quench.” (Mt 12:20) // “Woe to those who plan iniquity.” (Mi 2:1)

V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO

Manifest the compassionate stance of Jesus to the people around you. Pray for the grace to overcome negative attitudes and prejudices so as to avoid breaking a “bruised reed” and quenching a “smoldering wick”. // Be an instrument of God’s peace and justice for the poor and needy.

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