A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday and Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 11, n. 4)
ADVENT WEEK 4 & CHRSTMAS: December 23-29, 2012 ***
(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: December 23-29, 2012. The weekday reflections are based on the First Reading. For the weekday reflections based on the Gospel Reading, please open Series 10.)
***
December 23, 2012: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Be Christ-Bearers”
BIBLE READINGS
Mi 5:1-41 // Heb 10:5-10 // Lk 1:39-45
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Composer and performer Bradley James has put Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s teachings and prayers to music in the internationally acclaimed recording, “Gift of Love: Music to the Words and Prayers of Mother Teresa”. Bradley remembers: “Mother said we don’t have to go to Calcutta to help the poor; rather, we must help them right in front of us.” He applied this lesson when he encountered a homeless beggar on the streets of San Francisco (cf. Susan Conroy, Our Sunday Visitor, Oct. 19, 2003, p. 17). Bradley placed some money in his metal cup, then reached out and shook the man’s hand. The recipient gave him a big smile and the two exchanged names and small talk. Bradley recalls: “Then he pulled me a little closer and said, ‘Thanks for the money, but what I really needed was a handshake’.” Indeed, what was remarkable was the human dignity that Bradley brought to the beggar through the handshake. In effect, Bradley has replicated in his life the joyful mystery of the Lord’s visitation.
The psychiatric therapist Caryll Houselander (1902-1954) remarks: “Sometimes it may seem to us that there is no purpose in our lives, that going day after day for years to this office or that school or factory is nothing else but waste and weariness. But it may be that God has sent us there because, but for us, Christ would not be there. If our being there means that Christ is there, that alone makes it worthwhile. There is clearly one exquisite incident in Our Lady’s advent in which this is clearly seen: the visitation.”
In Luke’s Gospel account of the visitation of Mary to her kinswoman, Elizabeth, he brings together the new mothers-to-be, so that both might praise God’s marvelous activity in their lives and that Elizabeth’s child might be presented as the precursor of Mary’s child. Indeed, the meeting of the two expectant mothers has a redemptive significance: God’s inauguration in Jesus of the final stage of salvation. The one who brought the saving Lord to Elizabeth’s home is Mary, the Mother of the Lord. She is the “christofora” or the bearer of the good news. The mother of Christ, God’s most beautiful and precious gift to humankind, brings him to John, in the womb of Elizabeth. The Church, the community of Christian disciples, is called to be the bearer of Christ’s saving love in the here and now. Our ministry today is like that of Mary, the “christofora” or bearer of Christ. But before becoming bearers of Christ, we must let him be formed in us.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we believe that we are being sent to carry out the Lord’s visitation and saving mission? Do we perceive the meaning of the tremendous gift that we, as Christian disciples, are called to share to the world? That we may be effective “christoforas” or Christ bearers, do we allow Christ to be formed in us?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(Adapted from the Advent Preface “The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and Mary’s Canticle of Praise)
Father, all-powerful and ever living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
By your Holy Spirit
you inspired Elizabeth
to reveal the surpassing honor
you have given to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Mary is rightly hailed as blessed
because she believed in your promise of salvation;
in her act of loving service
she is greeted as mother of the Lord
by the mother of Christ’s herald.
We make our own the canticle of joy
on the lips of God’s Virgin Mother,
and in our lowliness we too proclaim your greatness:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit exults in God my savior.”
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk 1:43)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Be an instrument of the Lord’s visitation to those who need his salvation by visiting the sick, the lonely, and/or the prisoners.
***
December 24, 2012: MONDAY – ADVENT WEEKDAY (4)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Messiah from the Line of David”
BIBLE READINGS
II Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a // Lk 1:67-79
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Venerable Bede comments on the awesome character of Jesus, King David’s messianic descendant: “The Lord God gave to our Redeemer the throne of his father David, when he decreed that he should take flesh from the lineage of David. As David had once ruled the people with temporal authority, so Christ would now lead them to the eternal kingdom by his spiritual grace … By faith and love he dwells in the hearts of his elect and guides them by his unceasing care toward their heavenly reward. In the life to come, when the period of exile on earth is ended, he will exercise his kingship by leading the faithful to their heavenly country. There, forever inspired by the vision of his presence, their one delight will be to praise and glorify him.”
In the person of the Word made flesh, conceived by Mary of Nazareth and born of David’s lineage, is the radical fulfillment of God’s promise of an everlasting kingdom. As we approach the last days of preparation for the birth of Jesus, we marvel at the immensity of God’s love and his ineffable plan of salvation. Harold Buetow remarks: “These days, we contemplate the unexpected spectacle of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. Every new birth is a wonder, but the newness of this one is an especial marvel … Let us create the wonder of Christmas anew by saying ‘yes’ to God at all times and bringing Jesus to the world.”
The following article circulated on the Internet gives us insight into the unique character and mission of Jesus Savior as the meaning and substance of Christmas.
JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA.
Santa lives at the North Pole. Jesus is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh. Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year. Jesus is an ever-present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies. Jesus supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited. Jesus stands at your door
and knocks … and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa. Jesus is close at the mention of his name. Santa lets you sit on his lap. Jesus lets you rest in his arms.
Santa doesn’t know your name; all he can say is “Hi, little boy/girl. What’s your name?”
Jesus knew our name before we did. Not only does he know our name. He knows our address, too. He knows our history and future, and he even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl of jelly. Jesus has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO-HO-HO! Jesus offers health, help and hope.
Santa says, “You better not cry!” Jesus says, “Cast all your cares on me
for I care for you.”
Santa’s little helpers make toys. Jesus makes new life,
mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes, and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle, but …. Jesus gives you joy that is your strength. While Santa puts gifts under your tree.
Jesus became our gift and died on the tree. It’s obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put CHRIST BACK IN CHRISTMAS.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.
MAY THE LORD BLESS AND WATCH OVER YOU
AND YOUR LOVED ONES THIS CHRISTMAS 2012!
AND MAY HE PROSPER AND BLESS THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS
IN THE NEW YEAR 2013!
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we believe that, in Jesus, God’s promise of faithful love and eternal kingdom is radically fulfilled? Do we trust that we too are part and parcel of that promise? Do we face the responsibility of making the spirit of Christmas alive in an increasingly secularized world? Do we embrace the duty of being heralds of God’s promise and eternal kingdom of justice and peace in a society warped with evil, violence, and sadness?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
we thank you for intensifying our longing
to celebrate worthily the birth of Jesus Savior,
the fulfillment of messianic expectations.
Help us to contemplate this Christmas event
with love and awe.
Make us true heralds of Christmas
and the advent of the Word-made-flesh into our life.
Through him, with him, and in him
be glory and praise to you,
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.
“Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.” (II Sm 7:16)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that the divine promise of David’s eternal kingdom may be rightly perceived and claimed by today’s believers in Christ. Endeavor to make the kingship of Christ, the Son of David, real and palpable by works of justice and love and by a preferential option for the world’s poor.
***
December 25, 2012: THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Savior Born for Us - the Father’s Gift to Us”
BIBLE READINGS
Midnight: Is 9:1-6 // Ti 2:11-14 // Lk 2:1-14
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
In the Christmas mystery, the Son of God became totally involved in our human lot. Jesus Savior thoroughly embraced our humanity, immersing himself in the human situation – experiencing the best of us and the worst of us. This is what God intended. He refused to be a mere spectator in human affairs. He wanted to participate, to be a part of it. This is the tremendous mystery of the Incarnation; this is the beautiful mystery of Christmas; this is the profound mystery of the Eucharist. They are all a definitive participation of Jesus Christ in our human affairs in a self-giving manner. Thus, in these moments, Jesus gives us a model of self-giving. He shows us the way to love.
The studies of my professor in Scripture, Fr. Herman Hendrickx, CICM, on the Infancy Narratives of Luke, can help us deepen our understanding of the Lord’s self-gift and total involvement in our human situation.
1) In chapter 2 of the Infancy Narrative, the evangelist Luke states that “there was no place for them in the inn”. There was no place for them in the inn because the inn is the place for strangers … for traveling strangers who stay only for the night. But Christ is not a stranger. He comes to his own. “The word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The inn is not a place for him to stay because he is not a stranger or distant from us. He belongs to us. His total involvement in our human destiny makes him really one with us. He could never be born in the inn, that is, outside of us. He has to be born in each one of us. He has to make his home in each of us.
2) Luke also mentions that Mary laid him in a “manger”. The manger is the place where animals are nourished. The manger is the place of sustenance … of nourishment. Jesus was laid in the manger because he is the symbol and reality of God’s support and sustenance of his people. The Son of God has to be born in Bethlehem, the “city of Bread” for he is the Bread of life – the Bread to be given, broken, and shared. Jesus in the manger points to the reality of being a “self-gift” in the Eucharistic Bread, the nourishment of his people.
3) Furthermore, Luke mentions that Jesus was wrapped in “swaddling clothes”, symbol of royalty. Rather than a sign of poverty and destitution, the swaddling clothes of Jesus indicate that he is a king. And in the biblical term, a king is the one who shepherds and cares for God’s people. And the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes becomes truly “king-shepherd” upon the tree of life – the Cross! It is there where he becomes truly KING-SHEPHERD in the fullest sense of the word – laying down his life for the sheep. On the Cross, Jesus King-Shepherd gathers all sheep into one flock to guide and lead them to the eternal home.
The Child Jesus laying in the manger, symbol of God’s sustenance and nourishment … the Lord Jesus who, on the night when he was given up, offered us the Eucharistic Bread and the Cup … the Lord Jesus, King-Shepherd, laying down his life for us on the Cross, the altar of sacrifice … HE IS STILL PRESENT IN OUR MIDST! He is the “Emmanuel”, the God-with-us Savior. Our celebration of Christmas and our participation in the Eucharist should transform us, like Jesus, into “self-gift”. Our celebration of the birth of Christ and our sharing in the Eucharistic feasting ought to make of us – Christian disciples – capable of sharing the best of what we are … capable of sharing both our poverty and our riches, following the example of Jesus, the model of self-giving.
My former student in the seminary, G. Campese, writes: “Our expectations for something new, for a better humanity and human society, our joy and hope which come from the spirit of Christmas, will remain just a confused ideal and will return into a disillusion if we do not take seriously and clearly to ourselves the message of Christmas: in Jesus Christ the salvation from God becomes a reality; the kingdom is not yet fulfilled, but it is already here, and it needs our cooperation in service and self-giving.”
This remark reminds me of my favorite Christmas story that was narrated by Fr. Paul Bernier in his book, Bread Broken and Shared. How I wish that this Christmas story would be repeated and replicated over and over, certianly not just in story-telling, but in the daily miracles of life!
The film might have been entitled “Christmas Dinner in the Dump”. Being homemade, however, it was untitled. But it was about real people, and it was all about Christmas in the town dump. We were being told of the apostolic efforts of some Jesuits working in El Paso, Texas. It seems that across the border from El Paso lies Juarez. Juarez is much better known to Americans for its cheap goods, its gambling and the other amenities provided by Mexican border towns. Less well known is the town dump, which dozens of people call home. There they build their shanties, raise their families and compete with the rats for the food that is provided daily by the garbage pails of the nearby city.
One of the Jesuits working with a group of cursillistas had gotten the brilliant idea of expressing something of the joy and peace of Christ’s birthday by sharing Christmas dinner with the unfortunate people, the refuse of the society, living – existing would be a better word – across the border. It was considered to be a good idea, so two dozen or so people with their families prepared food and gifts and set off for the dump on Christmas afternoon. They were not prepared for what they saw. Instead of the dozens which they expected to find, there were hunderds. They were completely outnumbered by the wretched poor whose only hope of survival was vying with others to glean the leftovers and discarded items of the city.
The film captured that so graphically: a small group laden with food advancing amid the garbage and the rubble being met by an army of hungry for whom the available food would hardly be enough for appetizers. But they continued on and bravely told the people of their love and concern, and offered apologies that they had not brought sufficient food so that they might all enjoy a good Christmas dinner together. However, they could at least share as much as would go around. So with songs, hymns, and good will the dinner was begun. They took the food, blessed it, and distributed it to the people. Did they eat! The film showed smiling faces and full plates. The film also showed, inexplicably, that horde of humanity completely satisfied – and plenty of food left over. Once again the disciples gathered what was left over after all had had their fill. Once again, the Lord wondrously fed the multitudes.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we allow ourselves to be enthralled by the mystery of the Son “born for us” – God’s awesome self-gift to us?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(cf. Alternative Opening Prayer, Mass at Midnight)
Lord our God,
with the birth of your Son,
your glory breaks on the world.
Through the night hours of the darkened earth
we, your people, watch for the coming of your promised Son.
As we wait,
give us a foretaste of the joy that you will grant us
when the fullness of his glory has filled the earth,
who lives and reigns with you 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.
“She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Lk 2:7)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your charity and goodness to people who are experiencing a bleak Christmas, translate the mystery of Christmas into a lived reality and into acts of self-giving.
***
December 26, 2012: WEDNESDAY – SAINT STEPHEN,
THE FIRST MARTYR
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Opened the Gates of Heaven for Stephen”
BIBLE READINGS
Acts 6:8-10 // Mt 10:17-22
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
At the birth of Jesus, the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds keeping the night watch over their flock and the glory of the Lord shone around them. At the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr and one of the first deacons appointed by the apostles, he saw the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. On the second day of the Christmas Octave, when we rejoice at the birth of the Christ Child, we also celebrate the “dies natalis” – the birthday into eternal life of Stephen, who gave a faithful witness to Jesus as the Messiah. His declaration that Jesus is the “Messiah” provoked the murderous onslaught upon him. Stephen’s martyrdom is his road to glory.
According to Saint Fulgentius (+ 533), the martyrdom of Saint Stephen is intimately connected with the Christmas mystery. He remarks: “Yesterday, my dear brethren, we celebrated the birth in time of our timeless king, today we celebrate the victorious sufferings of a soldier … Yesterday the angels sang joyfully: Glory to God in the highest. Today, Blessed Stephen is clothed by Christ with the garment of immortality. Yesterday the narrow crib contained the Infant Christ. Today the boundless heavens receive the triumphant Stephen.”
Today’s secularized world that is increasingly hostile to religious realities calls for the “Saint Stephen type” of courageous witnessing. The following remarks of Andy Rooney, circulated on the Internet, give us an idea on how we can be more proactive disciples in today’s world.
Andy Rooney and Prayer:
Andy Rooney says: I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered in any way because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game. But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America and Canada, countries founded on Christian principles.
According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect – Somebody chanting Hare Krishna? If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome …
“But what about the atheists?” is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of earplugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer! Or, just exercise their right to leave this country! Unfortunately, one or two will call their lawyer. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do.
I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me. The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want! It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, "You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right. But by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!"
God bless us one and all … especially those who denounce Him. God bless America and Canada, despite all our faults, we are still the greatest nations of all. God bless our servicemen who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God. Let's make 2012 and 2013 the years the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. And our military forces come home from all the wars.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Are we ready to show the mettle that Saint Stephen manifested in his Christian witnessing? Are we ready to embrace the gift and the challenge of the Christmas-paschal mystery?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(Cf. Opening Prayer for December 26, Feast of Saint Stephen)
Lord,
today we celebrate the entrance of St. Stephen
into eternal glory.
He died praying for those who killed him.
Help us to imitate his goodness
and to love our enemies.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
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.
“Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Put “Christ” back into Christmas: choose Christmas cards with religious motif; do not be shy to say “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Holy Day – Christ is born”, etc. Above all, bring the love of Christ to the poor and suffering.
***
December 27, 2012: THURSDAY – SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Word of Life that John Heard and Proclaimed”
BIBLE READINGS
I Jn 1:1-4 // Jn 20:2-8
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Saint Stephen gave witness to Jesus, the Messiah, by his martyrdom. The evangelist John, the only apostle among the twelve who was not martyred, gave witness to the Christ by his ministry of the Word. In today’s Gospel, John gives an Easter account of how he and Peter went to the tomb and found it empty. When the beloved disciple John saw the “empty tomb”, he believed. He believed that Jesus rose from the dead. John did not enter the cave of Bethlehem but an empty tomb. He did not see the swaddling clothes but the empty burial cloths. But on Easter day he came to believe in the meaning of the Crib and the Cross – in the power of Christmas and the passion of Christ.
Today’s First Reading is John’s beautiful testimony about the Word of Life that they have heard, that they have seen with their eyes, that they have looked upon and touched. John emphasizes the historical reality of the Word of Life, made incarnate in Jesus Christ. The Word of life became visible that we may be brought into intimate communion with God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. The very act of giving witness to the Word of life by writing is for Saint John a cause for joy.
The Word of Life that Saint John heard and proclaimed continues to be experienced and shared by the Christian disciples in the here and now (cf. Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, Testimony of Hope, Boston: Pauline Books and Media, 2000, p. 64-65).
It is not enough to accept and to live the Word. It must also be shared. (…) Such a sharing of the Word allows us also to glimpse what is the typical Christian announcement: to communicate a life (the Life), and, therefore, to witness to an experience. This was well understood by the Johannine community: “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands … we also proclaim to you so you too may have fellowship with us” (I Jn 1:1-3).
Only in this way does the Reign of God advance, and true communion expands to the point of accepting all humanity in the unity of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The Catholics in the prison of Phu Khanh had secretly brought in a copy of the New Testament. They divided the book into small pieces and distributed these pieces among the Catholics who began to learn the passages by heart. Since the cells had floors of sand, when they heard a guard’s footsteps, they would hide the Word of God by burying it in the floor.
In the darkness of the night, the prisoners would recite in turn the part of the New Testament each had already memorized. It was an impressive and moving experience to hear the Word of God proclaimed in the silence and darkness of the prison … to be in the presence of Jesus the “living Gospel” spoken by the prisoners with all the strength of soul; to hear the priestly prayer and the passion of Christ …
The non-Christians also listened with respect and admiration to what they called the “Sacred Word”. Many said they felt the Word of God to be “spirit and life”.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we endeavor to share the Word of life that we have heard, seen and touched with the people in the here and now? Do we allow it to shape our life and to make our hearts rejoice?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(Cf. Opening Prayer for December 27, Feast of Saint John)
God our Father,
you have revealed the mysteries of your Word
through Saint John the apostle.
By prayer and reflection,
may we come to understand the wisdom he taught.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the day. Please memorize it.
“We have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life.” (I Jn 1:3)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Make an effort to study and reflect on the Gospel of John and the Letters of Saint John. Let the Word of life comfort, nourish, and form you that you may in turn share it with others.
***
December 28, 2012: FRIDAY – THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Blood Cleanses Us from All Sin”
BIBLE READINGS
I Jn 1:5-2:2 // Mt 2:13-18
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The pain of the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy is raw. The sorrow of the bereaved evokes the grief of those whose children were slain by the jealous Herod the Great. Today’s Entrance Antiphon of the Mass tries to make sense of the killing: “These innocent children were slain for Christ. They follow the spotless Lamb, and proclaim for ever: Glory to you, Lord”. The massacre of the innocent children in Bethlehem anticipates the martyrdom of the wholly “Innocent One” Jesus Christ, who was offered for our sins and for those of the whole world.
The First Letter of Saint John declares that the blood of the divine Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. The pouring out of his innocent blood is a means of expiation and redemption. To have fellowship with God and one another, we must allow ourselves to be cleansed by the blood of the truly Innocent One. Indeed, though the blood of Christ is meant to cleanse us from sin, this is contingent on our response to the divine initiative of salvation. The loving and merciful Father calls us today to acknowledge our sin and ask forgiveness from the “Holy Innocent” par excellence, Jesus Christ.
The following story entitled “The Visitor”, circulated on the Internet, gives us an idea of the expiatory character of Christ’s sacrifice.
One day, a man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him, “I always park there. You took my place!”
The visitor went inside for Sunday school, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, “That’s my seat! You took my place!”
The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday school, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, “That’s where I always sit. You took my place!”
The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet.
Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, “What happened to you?” The visitor replied, “I took your place.”
“Christ himself carried our sins in His body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by His wounds that you have been healed.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
What do we do to make reparation and expiation for the sacrifice of the innocents? Do we allow ourselves to be washed clean by the redemptive blood of Christ?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(Cf. Opening Prayer for December 28, Feast of the Holy Innocents)
Father,
the Holy Innocents offered you praise
by the death they suffered for Christ.
May our lives bear witness
to the faith we profess with our lips.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION OF THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the CONTEMPLATIO
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the week. Please memorize it.
“The blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.” (I Jn 1:7)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray in reparation for the violence committed against the innocent. By your concrete charitable action on behalf of today’s innocent victims, let the cleansing blood of Christ wipe away enmity and bring healing to a deteriorating society.
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December 29, 2012: SATURDAY – FIFTH DAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD; Saint Thomas Becket, bishop, martyr
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Calls Us to Walk in the Light of Love”
BIBLE READINGS
I Jn 2:3-11 // Lk 2:22-35
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Christmas is the festival of light. One beautiful Christmas episode is the old man Simeon’s encounter with Jesus, as the infant was being presented to the Lord by Joseph and Mary at the temple. Simeon took the child in his arms and identified him as the “light of revelation to the Gentiles”. Jesus continues to reveal to us in the here and now the light of divine love. He also calls us to walk in the light of love, which entails abiding by the demands of fraternal charity. Those who love their brother remain in the light, while those who claim to in the light while hate their brother are in darkness. Christian discipleship is not simply an intellectual knowledge for it demands a life consonant with God’s love and his moral imperative. Christ’s command to love is not new because it has been a part of baptismal instruction; but in a sense it is always “new” for Jesus has given us the abiding newness of his example, which we renew in ourselves.
The following story by Poverello House Founder Mike Garvin speaks of an “encounter” as well as provides us with some modern examples of walking in the light of love (cf. POVERELLO NEWS, November 2009, p.1-20).
It’s a strange thing to know someone for ten years, but never actually meet him. That describes my friendship with a young man, up until last summer. One Christmas season ten years ago, I received a letter from a six-year old child whose name was Campbell. It was charming. The boy wrote as if he knew me, and told me all about the things in his life that interested him. Accompanying the letter was some money he had earned to help the homeless. I sent a letter to thank him. The next year, he sent another little missive with yet another donation. Again, the tone was familiar and conversational, as if we had been pals for decades. I shared these letters with the Poverello staff, who were as delighted as I was.
The letters came every year about the same time, with one exception. One Christmas rolled by a few years ago with no letter from Campbell. I was disappointed, and, to tell the truth, a little depressed. I figured he had grown tired of Poverello House, and had moved on to new things. However, much to my relief, the letter came in January. He apologized, and said his life had been so busy that he was a little late. And busy he was. Each year, he would describe the joys and anxieties of entering a new grade in school. I learned about his martial arts lessons, his school wrestling, and the academic subjects that excited or bored him the most. Each letter was a glimpse into the life of a thoughtful, engaging, and very involved youngster. Every letter also contained a school picture of him, so I could see him grow from a cute little boy into a handsome teenager.
In the decade that passed, Campbell talked about visiting Poverello, but never seemed to get the time. Then, one day in August, I got a surprising call: he and his grandfather were going to come down and see the Pov. After all this time, I thought I knew what to expect. I was a little shocked to meet the face in the pictures attached to a body that was as tall as me. At sixteen years old, Campbell was well over six feet tall. He towered over his grandpa. I gave them both a tour, which they seemed to enjoy. When we paused at the POW/MIA table in our dayroom, the grandfather got a little emotional. It turns out that he had spent many years in the military and had fought in World War II.
Sometimes, working at Poverello and living down here is a little like being in a bubble. Most of what I see is negative, and I don’t get away enough to see much else. I meet many young people on the streets, most of whom are going nowhere in life, and who are pretty well ruined before they turn twenty. It’s easy to lose hope.
Now and then, however, a vibrant, compassionate young person like Campbell crosses my path, and I start to think more positively. If there’s someone like Campbell, who, since the age of six, has thought about the poor and done what he could to help, then maybe, just maybe, there are a lot more like him. What a blessing it was to finally meet him face to face and to see the good work that God started in him. Maybe there’s hope for humanity, after all, if somehow we can help to produce a few more Campbells.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
What is your response to the call to walk in the light of love? Are you receptive to welcome Jesus who continues to reveal the light of love in our daily lives?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
(Cf. Opening Prayer for December 29, Fifth Day in the Christmas Octave)
All-powerful and unseen God,
the coming of your light into our world
has made the darkness vanish.
Teach us to proclaim the birth of your Son Jesus Christ,
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.
“Whoever loves his brother remains in the light.” (I Jn 1:10)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Make an effort to spread the Christmas joy to the people around you and continue to walk in the light of love, especially by your compassionate acts for the poor and the needy.
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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