A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday and Weekday Liturgy

 

BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 11, n. 43)

25th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME: September 22-28, 2013 *****

 

 

(N.B. The pastoral tool BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD: A LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY LITURGY includes a prayerful study of the Sunday liturgy of Year C from three perspectives. For reflections on the Sunday liturgy based on the Gospel reading, please scroll up to the “ARCHIVES” above and open Series 2. For reflections based on the Old Testament reading, open Series 5. For reflections based on the Second Reading, open Series 8. Please go to Series 10 and Series 11 for the back issues of the Weekday Lectio.

 

Below is a LECTIO DIVINA APPROACH TO THE SUNDAY - WEEKDAY LITURGY: September 22-28, 2013. The weekday reflections are based on the First Reading. For the weekday reflections based on the Gospel Reading, please open Series 10.)

 

 

***

 

September 22, 2013: 25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

“JESUS SAVIOR: “He Wants Us to Be Enterprising”        

 

BIBLE READINGS

Am 8:4-7 // I Tm 2:1-8 // Lk 16:1-13

 

 

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

 

This experience is told by a teenager writing in a Filipino national magazine. A Chinese family moved into their neighborhood. The local Filipino families considered their new neighbors “aliens”. They did not have much sympathy for them. The Chinese immigrants are good businessmen and generally have more resources than the local folks. Their business acumen and financial success sometimes generate a feeling of resentment among the natives. One day, the poor neighbors heard much bustling and activity from the rich Chinese home. They heard pigs being butchered and saw domestic helpers moving about laden with groceries. Enormous vessels of food were cooked outdoors. The aroma of delightful dishes stimulated not only the neighbors’ appetite, but also their curiosity. In the evening, the domestic helpers of the Chinese scurried through the neighborhood, lugging a gift for each poor family: a big wicker basket filled with a mouth-watering dinner to satisfy their hungry stomachs: “adobo” – a spicy pork dish, “pancit” – made of egg noodles and stir fry vegetables, and “leche flan” – a special creamy custard. There was also nicely cooked white rice and delicious, ripe fruits to make the meal complete. Instead of hosting a party for their relatives and friends, the Chinese family creatively celebrated the birthday of their daughter by preparing food baskets for the poor. The enterprising character of their charity slowly demolished the resistance of the local folks who eventually became their friends.

 

This Sunday’s Gospel reading is composed of the parable of the crafty steward and several of Jesus’ sayings about the right use of money. The biblical scholar, Eugene Maly comments: “In the parable the manager, about to be dismissed, calls in the master’s debtors and reduces their bills (probably by renouncing part or all of his own commission) in order to gain their good will for the future. The lesson intended by Jesus is simply that we should be as enterprising about our future in the Kingdom as was the manager about his future. No judgment, good or bad, is made on the possession of goods.”

 

Indeed, in the parable of the wily manager is Jesus’ invitation to his disciples to be enterprising in the pursuit of the kingdom of God. At the conclusion of the parable, Jesus says to his disciples: “For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light”. In it is a powerful appeal to Christian followers, not only to be creative in the ways of kingdom stewardship, but also to be radically decisive when confronted with a crisis situation concerning God’s reign. Robert Karris remarks: “The steward was decisive when faced with a crisis, so too should Jesus’ listeners who are wavering in their decision to follow him and his kingdom message.”

 

An enterprising kingdom stewardship entails prudent use of wealth, day-to-day fidelity and trustworthiness in the management of earthly goods, and putting absolute priority on the spiritual reality over material goods. Jesus exhorts his disciples: “I tell you, make friends for yourself with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings”. The disciples of Jesus are to convert material wealth into heavenly capital by sharing them with the poor and needy. Indeed, there is only one honest and prudent way of using material goods: helping the poor.

 

Jesus also counsels his disciples to be trustworthy. Trustworthiness in small things leads to a greater trust in the realm of physical stewardship as well as spiritual realities. If we do not share our material and spiritual possessions, we will not be entrusted with the true, heavenly reality. If we share our material wealth and spiritual goods, we will receive the ultimate treasure of heaven – the love of God and full communion with him in eternity. Trustworthiness in dealing with material goods means daily faithfulness in using them with prudence and restraint in order to promote the advent of God’s kingdom on this earth.

 

Jesus Master reminds his disciples: “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon”. The authors of the Days of the Lord, vol. 6, explain: “To serve with respect to God, has a strong significance; it implies an engagement of the whole person, an absolute preference, an undivided love … Serving amounts to adoring, worshipping. Applied to money, the term means the same thing, for Jesus speaks of money as an idol. The Gospel here calls it mammon, a name that personifies it as a power that rules the world. We see all too often that money can be an idol to which everything is sacrificed … In short, one must choose: God or the god Money. It is impossible to serve both at once. No compromise may be made between them. One is faced with an unavoidable choice.”

           

 

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

 

Do I belong to “the children of light”? If so, do I respond positively to Jesus’ challenge to be creative and enterprising in promoting God’s kingdom? How do I manage material and spiritual goods? Is it with prudence, trustworthiness and personal dedication? Or is it with undue attachment to possessions? What is my decisive response to Jesus’ assertion: “You cannot serve both God and mammon”? What is my fundamental choice and primary directive? 

 

 

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

 

Loving Father,

grant us the grace to be enterprising

in the pursuit of your kingdom.

Help us to use creatively

the spiritual and material goods you have given us

by sharing them with the poor and needy.

May we be faithful and trustworthy in managing the goods

you have entrusted to us, your children.

Above all, may we love and serve you alone,

our true treasure and absolute good

for we have gleaned the truth of Jesus’ saying:

“You cannot serve both God and mammon”.

As the lowly stewards of your gifts,

we adore you, love you 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.

 

“You cannot serve both God and mammon.”  (Lk 16:13).

 

 

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

 

Pray in supplication for those who find themselves tempted with the cult of mammon and have fallen victim to this terrible temptation. With the aid of material and spiritual possessions given you by the Lord, minister to the needs of the poor. Find a creative and enterprising way of relieving the plight of the poor.  

 

 

***

 

September 23, 2013: MONDAY – SAINT PIUS OF PIETRELCINA, priest

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Builds God’s House”

 

 

BIBLE READINGS

Ezr 1:1-6 // Lk 8:16-18

 

 

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

 

Today we begin to read from the Book of Ezra, which describes the return of some of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the restoration of life and worship in Jerusalem. Today’s Old Testament reading marks a momentous event: the edict of the Persian king Cyrus which marks the end of the Babylonian exile. In the first year that Cyrus is an emperor (538 B.C.), he issues a decree of liberation and a command to the Jewish exiles: “May God be with all of you who are his people. You are to go and rebuild the Temple of the Lord, the God of Israel; the God who is worshiped in Jerusalem.” He likewise orders the Babylonians to assist those exiles who need help to return. They are to give them provisions as well as free-will offerings. In the Jewish faith perspective, the benevolent ruler, King Cyrus, is an instrument of God’s saving plan. Thus the families of Judah and Benjamin, the priests and Levites, and everyone else whose heart God has moved prepare to go up to Jerusalem to build the house of the Lord.

 

The Pauline Family’s apostolic endeavor to construct the Church of Saint Paul in Alba, Italy gives us insight into the task and challenge of the Jews as they return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Lord’s temple (cf. Luigi Rolfo, SSP, JAMES ALBERIONE: Apostle for our Times, New York: Alba House, 1987, p. 243-245)

 

The Institute would multiply its appeals among its friends and Cooperators in order to receive some material help. And the Cooperators, most of whom found themselves in very modest economic conditions, responded to these appeals with generosity and an interest which could be hard to match in these times of ours in which people are much better off. (…)

 

The church could be opened to the public for worship and so it was on Sunday, October 28, 1928. That morning, the venerable Joseph Francis Re, bishop of Alba, conferred the diaconate on eight young Paulines. In the afternoon, he went to bless the new church whose construction he had authorized and which he had always followed with great interest. (…)

 

The ceremony of the benediction was followed by an entire week of festivities, which it would perhaps be more proper to call a week of special prayers. In fact, in the new church Masses were celebrated without interruption from 4:00 a.m. till noon. At 9:00 each day there was a sung Mass with a homily. At 12:00 noon the Blessed Sacrament was solemnly exposed and adoration, which concluded at 3:00 p.m. with the solemn chanting of vespers, a sermon and benediction, was begun. (…)

 

Those who were present at those festivities may have forgotten all the details. But, most probably, they could never forget the effect which was produced in the soul by the prayers and certain Gregorian chants of the Pauline Family when it was reunited in the new church. It was truly a massive choir upon which the slight echo from the cupola conferred a very special solemnity. Many times, when the religious silence of the function was unexpectedly interrupted by a prayer or a song by the whole community, people who were to be found but occasionally in church were seen to weep with emotion.

 

 

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

 

Do we take to heart our duty and responsibility to contribute to the house of God and to help it make secure?

 

 

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

 

O loving God,

we thank you for using human instruments

to promote your saving plan.

The Persian King Cyrus liberated your people in Babylon

and gave them the opportunity

to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.

We too are called, in the here and now,

to build up the Church,

the temple of living stones.

Help us to do our very best

to promote the holiness and integrity of the Church.

And as members of the Church,

let us radiate your divine glory

to all peoples of the earth.

You live and reign,

forever and ever.

Amen.  

 

 

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

 

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

 

“They prepared to go up to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.” (Ezr 1:5)

 

 

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

 

Seriously consider the possibility of becoming actively involved in Church ministry. If you are already involved, be very grateful to God for this opportunity to do your very best in the Lord’s temple.

 

 

***

 

September 24, 2013: TUESDAY – WEEKDAY (25)

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the True Temple”

 

BIBLE READINGS

Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20 // Lk 8:19-21

 

 

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

 

Today’s First Reading depicts the role of another Persian emperor in the saving plan of God. The enemies of the people living in Judah and Jerusalem try to stop the construction of the Jerusalem temple decreed by King Cyrus of Persia. Work on the temple ceases and remains at a standstill until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia. At this time the prophets Haggai and Zechariah begin to speak in the name of the Lord. Hearing their message, Zerubbabel and Jeshua begin to rebuild the house of God. Governor Tattenai and his fellow officials oppose them. But God is watching over the Jewish leaders. The Persian local officials decide to take no action until they could write to King Darius and receive a reply. Governor Tattenai requests that the archives be searched to see if there is an ordinance of King Cyrus for the rebuilding of the temple. King Cyrus’ order is rediscovered in the city of Ecbatana in the province of Media.

 

In his letter, King Darius voices his own directive on the matter under investigation. He tells the local officials not to interfere with the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. He also orders them to facilitate the work with money collected through taxation as well as to provide materials for the daily temple offerings required by the Jewish law. The motivation of King Darius is interesting: “This is to be done so that they can offer sacrifices that are acceptable to the God of Heaven and pray for his blessings on me and my sons.”

 

With the backing of King Darius, work on the “Second Temple” goes forward and it is completed in the spring of 515 B.C. The temple is dedicated by a legitimate community of faith led by priests and Levites. Although the offerings for this occasion are relatively modest compared to the sacrifices at the dedication of the “First Temple” led by King Solomon, the “Second Temple” is destined to be honored by a longer life. In spite of the poverty of the struggling community, the children of Israel celebrate the dedication of the house of God with joy. Thus the cultic services resume as prescribed in the book of Moses and the Jews celebrate the ritual feast of the Lord’s Passover.

 

The joy that the Jewish people feel at the completion of the “Second Temple” is similar to the joy that we - the parishioners of St. Mary Queen of the Apostles - feel at the completion of our much longed for church building. Here is a profile of the parish (cf. Ron Orozco, “St. Mary Queen of the Apostles” in Fresno Bee, March 16, 2012, p. C4).

 

Parishioners at St. Mary Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church in west Fresno say they feel comfortable in their new church building. It’s been an interesting journey, some say. Several years ago, nearly every parishioner agreed the congregation had outgrown its church building, used since the 1960s. Seating capacity was about 225 people. With west Fresno growing, a campaign began to build a moderate church building to accommodate more people. Plans called for pews accommodating about 600.

 

Some parishioners, however, said they were concerned about the church growth. “They said, ‘I hope it doesn’t make us not be a family’, Debi Nichols remembered. “There was a fear it would be cold.” Others said they welcomed the step up. “For years a lot didn’t come because they didn’t like the little old church”, Lisa Newsom said.

 

The larger building – at a cost of $2.5 million – became a reality and was dedicated Dec. 8. Church officials also thought they might have to cut back from six to four weekend Masses. But so many parishioners flocked to services in the new building, the church returned to six Masses. “A beautiful problem to have”, said the church’s pastor, the Rev. Timothy Cardoza. “It’s a wonderful community.”

 

On a recent Sunday, parishioners sang the songs, “I Am the Light of the World”, “In These Days of Lenten Journey” and “Here I Am”. Church piano player Marina Aksenov recognized the new building acoustics: “It’s beautiful.”

 

Here are other notes from the visit:

 

What’s the first things you notice from your pew? The wooden cross with purple draping near the altar.

 

What might you see here that you won’t other places? Parishioners recently filed out of Masses and went to the old church building, now a social hall. Fresh cinnamon rolls and other foods and items were sold there to raise money for the Msgr. McCormick Jamaica Project.

 

What’s everyone talking about? The church’s youth getting involved in the Guadalupana Society.

 

 

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

 

How do we participate in the liturgy of the Church and how do we promote true worship?

 

 

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

(Cf, Common of the Dedication of a Church, The Roman Missal)

 

God our Father,

from living stones, your chosen people,

you built an eternal temple to your glory.

Increase the spiritual gifts you have given to your Church,

so that your faithful people may continue to grow

into the new and eternal Jerusalem.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

 

 

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

 

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

 

“They finished the building according to the command of the God if Israel.” (Ezr 6:14)

 

 

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

 

Be informed about are the real needs of your parish community and see what you can do to help respond to these needs.

 

 

***

 

September 25, 2013: WEDNESDAY – WEEKDAY (25)

“JESUS SAVIOR: In Him Mercy Comes to Us”

 

BIBLE READINGS

Ezr 9:5-9 // Lk 9:1-6

 

 

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

 

Today’s First Reading can be understood better if we read chapters 7 and 8 of the Book of Ezra. A third benevolent Persian king Artaxerxes becomes an instrument of God’s saving plan. By divine grace the priest-scribe Ezra has won the favor of King Artaxerxes, who gave him everything he asks for. King Artaxerxes decrees that all the Israelite people in his empire, that so desire, be permitted to go with Ezra to Jerusalem. He sends Ezra to investigate the conditions in Jerusalem and Judah in order to see how well the Law entrusted by God is being obeyed. He also assures Ezra that anything he needs for the Temple he may get from the royal treasury.

 

When Ezra arrives in Jerusalem he is crushed with grief for the sins committed by the returned exiles. They have intermarried with non-Jews and the “abominations” of the spouses have corrupted the Israelites. Their marriages have brought them into contact with the worship of other gods and led them into the sin of idolatry. Ezra’s prayer of lament for the sin of his people is climaxed by a proclamation of divine mercy: “You have been gracious to us … You have let us escape from slavery, and have given us new life.” But the present favor is in jeopardy. Israel has transgressed against God’s commandment. Their religious integrity has been compromised by consorting with idolaters. Indeed, the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple-building is a secondary issue to the real issue of the building up of the chosen people, the dwelling place of God. The book of Ezra concludes with a gracious note: the returned exiles promise to do what God’s Law demands and they end their sinful marriages with foreigners.

 

The experience of divine mercy and new life narrated in the Book of Ezra continues to be felt in the here and now. Here is an example (cf. Fr. Edward Wolanski, CP, “A Successful Mission” in 101 Inspirational Stories of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Sr. Patricia Proctor OSC, Spokane: Franciscan Monastery of Saint Clare, 2006, p. 127-128).

 

I was sent to preach a parish mission in a small parish church. There was a family who was helping the pastor prepare for the mission. They were very devoted to Our Lady of Fatima. For six months before the mission, this family and two other families gave up their Saturday mornings to come to the church and pray the rosary for the success of the mission. This was especially difficult for the children, but they believed their prayers would help.

 

On the opening day of the mission only thirty-five people came. The pastor, the three families and I were all very disappointed. After the first service I went with the pastor to the confessionals. The first person who entered my confessional began by saying, “Father, it had been forty years since my last confession.” The second person who came began with, “Father, it has been twenty-five years since my last confession.” I was overwhelmed. The third person who came in said, “Father, I don’t know how long since it has been since my last confession.” One after the other, with few exceptions, all had been away from the sacrament for a long, long time.

 

I came out of the confessional thinking I was the last one in the church, only to find the pastor coming out of his confessional. We met in the center aisle, and before I could tell him of the wonderful experience I had, he excitedly told me: “I have never heard confessions like that in all my priesthood. People who have been away for years and years came.” I then shared my experience with him and we both looked to the tabernacle and gave thanks to the Lord and Our Lady.

 

The next day we shared with the three families what had happened and how their prayers during those six months helped so many people find the courage to approach the sacrament. We all agreed that the mission was successful, not because of the number who attended, but because of those who found new life through the sacrament of reconciliation.

 

 

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

 

Do we recognize the divine mercy that enfolds us in our life and do we feel the need to respond to God’s gracious love?

 

 

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

 

Loving Father,

you are good and merciful.

You do not allow our servitude to sin

to last forever.

Your Son Jesus Christ breaks the bondage of evil

and raises us to new life.

Make us true “living stones” of the Church,

your dwelling place in the Spirit.

Let us give you glory and praise,

now and forever.

Amen.

 

 

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

 

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

 

“Thus he has given us new life to raise again the house of our God.” (Ezr 9:8)

 

 

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

 

Be deeply aware of the divine mercy that enfolds you and resolve to take seriously the gifts you have received from God for the building up of the Church, the people of God.

 

 

***

 

September 26, 2013: THURSDAY – WEEKDAY (25); SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, martyrs

 “JESUS SAVIOR: He Urges Us to Build the House of God”

 

BIBLE READINGS

Hg 1:1-8 // Lk 9:7-9

 

 

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

 

Within these two days we shall hear more accounts concerning the reconstruction of the Jerusalem temple – this time from the book of Haggai, the first prophet of post-exilic Israel. The foundation of the Jerusalem temple has been laid out in the spring of 536 B.C. by the first group of returned exiles from Babylon. No additional progress has been made and in 520 B.C. the temple still lies in ruins. The people feel they are too poor to take up the undertaking. They say: “This is not the right time to rebuild the house of the Lord.” Their excuse however is unjustifiable. They live in well-built houses while the temple decays. The prophet invites the people to reflect on their experience. Although they have labored for food, drink, clothing and wages, the results are poor and unsatisfying. Haggai asserts that the blessings of the Lord God do not accompany the people because of their failure to build the temple. Things will change if it is rebuilt. When the temple is completed, blessing will replace judgment and the Lord will dwell in the temple-community again. Indeed, for the prophet Haggai the physical restoration of the temple-building has a symbolic value. To rebuild the temple-building means to restore the relationship of the community with God.

 

Against the backdrop of today’s reading, Mark Shea’s article, “In Defense of Beauty” enables us to understand the purpose and importance of the Catholic Church’s artistic and cultural tradition, which offers its riches in the service of God (cf. Our Sunday Visitor, February 5, 2012, p. 9-12).

 

“Why does the Church have all those gold cups and fancy paintings?” (…) This remains the substance of the charge to this day: that the evangelical counsel of poverty is contradicted by the art, the gold, the finery, the gorgeousness of the Catholic artists and cultural tradition and that the only true Christian is more or less walking barefoot in the snow like St. Francis. (…)

 

Catholics who seek to defend the Faith should not give that point short shrift. St. Dominic certainly didn’t. Instead, he founded an order of beggars and revived obedience to the evangelical counsels of chastity, obedience and poverty that had fallen on hard times in his day. Other Catholics from the Discalced Carmelites to the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal have done the same over the centuries.

 

What they have not done, however, is demand that the Church sell off its artistic legacy or start celebrating Mass with paper plates and Styrofoam cups. Indeed, what is remarkable is that those who have most strongly embraced the evangelical counsels of poverty for themselves and urged them upon the faithful have also insisted on the gorgeousness of the Church in its work of worship to God. Servant of God Dorothy Day, who was not exactly a fan of Donald Trump-like opulence and who had a heart for the poor as big as any saints who ever lived, said, “For Christ himself housed in the tabernacles in the Church, no magnificence is too great, but for the priest who serves Christ, and for the priesthood of the laity, no such magnificence, in the face of the hunger and homelessness of the world, can be understood.”

 

This distinction between the gorgeousness that is properly devoted to God and the temperance we should practice toward ourselves should get our attention. (…) Jesus said, “Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me” (Jn 12:8). This gives us a clue about how reformers from St. Dominic to Dorothy Day could call for radical poverty, yet have no objection to lavish beauty in the service of God. For Jesus himself had no objections to the worshipper lavishing what she had on God. In this, he was acting in obedience to what his Father had revealed in the Old Testament. (…)

 

[In Exodus 25-32] God calls the Israelites to put their very best into the worship of him. The sanctuary was to be made of the finest materials they had and worked with the best craftsmanship. It was to be not merely functional, but beautiful. Scripture (which almost never mentions colors) dwells on the scarlet, red and blue materials of the Tabernacle and lays out in minute detail the way the precious metals of gold and silver (as well as bronze) are to be used to create the place that will be the Dwelling Place of God. In this, we hear something of the unique sort of love and joy that is known by those who create beautiful things with their hands: the joy of beauty. (…)

 

The essence of worship is sacrifice and that all, rich and poor, are called to worship. So [Jesus] likewise welcomes the sacrifice of Mary’s jar of ointment, expensive as it is, as a fitting adornment to the greatest sacrifice of all: his own crucifixion in just a few days’ time. (…)

 

But as Jesus also showed in accepting the anointing of Mary, we are not to be stingy with God in the slightest – because he has been absolutely lavish with us by pouring out the very life of his Son for our salvation.

 

 

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

 

Do we give priority to our daily subsistence rather than cultivate personal relationship with our loving God? Do we endeavor to live a life of true worship even at the cost of sacrifice?

 

 

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

 

Loving Father,

at times our priorities are totally warped

so that we allow the cares of daily living to overwhelm us.

We fail to give you glory and praise

and even disdain the external symbols and signs of true worship.

Forgive us for our failure

towards the Church of “living stones”

and for neglecting our duties

to our poor and needy brothers and sisters.

Let our lives be sanctified as temples of the Holy Spirit.

You live and reign,

forever and ever.

Amen.

 

 

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

 

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

 

 “Build the house that I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory.” (Hg 1:8)

 

 

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

 

When you enter the church-building be deeply aware that it is a sacred space meant for prayer and community worship. Observe reverent silence in this sacred place.

 

 

***

 

 

 September 27, 2013: FRIDAY – SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, priest

“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Temple of Splendor”

 

BIBLE READINGS

Hg 2:1-9 // Lk 9:18-22

 

 

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

 

In today’s First Reading we hear again from the prophet Haggai. His message to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah; to Joshua, the high priest; and to the Jewish people is about the splendor of the new temple. Haggai speaks in 520 B.C. on the final day of a week’s celebration of the feast of Tabernacles. It is on this festival during Solomon’s reign that the First Temple was dedicated. The temple being rebuilt by the returned Jewish exiles lacks the splendor of Solomon’s temple. God thus speaks to the people through the prophet Haggai exhorting them not to be discouraged, but to continue the work of rebuilding the temple. The Lord God assures his people: “I am with you … I will fill this house with glory … Greater will be the future glory of this house … In this place I will give you peace.” Indeed, the true glory of the temple is not the material adornment, but the continuing presence of God. The full meaning of Haggai’s message will be realized in the messianic age – in the glorified body of the Risen Christ, the splendor of the Father.

 

The following story illustrates that where the love of Jesus Christ dwells, the splendor of beauty and grace shines (cf. Judy Newton, “A Simple Celebration” in COUNTRY, December-January 2013, p. 8).

 

The lights of the little country church shone upon the snow, welcoming us as we made our way to Christmas Eve services. It was a simple country church filled with farm folk who, after bedding their animals down for the night, came here from miles around. Times were hard in the 1940s, but anyone could see the hope and faith on the faces of these hardworking people.

 

My parents, my sister and I had come to celebrate the birth of our Savior with friends and family. Warmed by the stove and the seasonal cheer, we were secure in the knowledge of our love for one another.

 

The program began with pieces recited by the smaller children, and then came the play. There were no flashing lights, no sound system or other modern equipment, but the church glowed with love as the actors told the Nativity story.

 

After the program, Santa gave each child a small brown paper bag filled with candies, nuts and an orange. When the church was over, we went to my grandparents’ house to exchange gifts. Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad, aunts, uncles and cousins filled the house to overflowing.

 

That country church is gone now, lost to fire, and a lot of those people have gone on to be with the Lord. But neither time nor flames can hurt the memories of those holidays long ago.

 

 

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

 

When things are not as splendid as we expect them to be, do we feel discouraged? Do we believe that God’s indwelling in us, through Christ in the Spirit, is the true splendor and the utmost joy to fill our hearts?

 

 

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

 

Loving Father,

we thank you for assuring us,

“Fear not … I am with you!”

We thank you for the gift of Jesus,

the splendor of your love,

who fills our hearts with grace and beauty.

Let the glory of the Risen Christ abide in us

and help us irradiate the light of his saving presence

to all nations.

We give you glory and praise,

now and forever.

Amen.    

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 “I will fill this house with glory.” (Hg 2:7)

 

 

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

 

Be attentive to the divine splendor that enfolds us. Seek to share the beauty of God’s love with those who are despondent and discouraged.

 

 

***

 

 September 28, 2013: SATURDAY – SAINT WENCESLAUS, martyr; SAINT LAWRENCE RUIZ AND COMPANIONS, martyrs; BVM ON SATURDAY

“JESUS SAVIOR: All Nations Dwell in Him”

 

BIBLE READINGS

Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a // Lk 9:43b-45

 

 

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

Starting today and in the next few days we shall be hearing from the priest-prophet Zechariah, whose prophecies are dated from 520 B.C. to 518 B.C. His visions deal with the restoration of Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the temple, the purification of God’s people and the messianic age to come. The messianic Jerusalem will bring back the golden days of Moses when God is presented as leading his people by columns of cloud and fire.

Today’s First Reading is about the vision of an angel with a measuring line. He measures the city in order to rebuild it. Another angel appears to give a message of blessing and hope. He announces that Jerusalem will have many more people than before. The Lord God himself will be the wall of fire to encircle the city to protect it and he will dwell there in all his glory. Zechariah’s prophecy underlines the universal character of the divine saving plan: “At that time many nations will come to the Lord and become his people.”

That “many nations shall join themselves to the Lord” and that “the Lord comes to dwell among the nations” has been realized through the paschal sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The martyrdom of San Lorenzo Ruiz and his companion martyrs, saints from various nations, illustrates the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy of universal salvation. Here is an account of their martyrdom (cf. Wikipedia on the Internet).

Lorenzo Ruiz was born in Binondo, Manila, to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother who were both Catholic. His father taught him Chinese while his mother taught him Tagalog.

Ruiz served as an altar boy at the convent of Binondo church. After being educated by the Dominican friars for a few years, Ruiz earned the title of escribano (calligrapher). He became a member of the Cofradia del Santissimo Rosario (Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary). He married Rosario, a native, and they had two sons and a daughter. The Ruiz family lead a generally peaceful, religious and content life.

In 1636, while working as a clerk in Binondo Church, Ruiz was falsely accused of killing a Spaniard. Ruiz sought asylum on board a ship with three Dominican priests: Saint Antonio Gonzales; Saint Guillermo Courtet; Saint Miguel de Aozaraza, a Japanese priest; Saint Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz; and a lay leper Saint Lazaro of Kyoto. Ruiz and his companions left for Okinawa on 10 June 1636, with the aid of the Dominican fathers and Fr. Giovanni Yago.

The Tokugawa shogunate was persecuting Christians by the time Ruiz had arrived in Japan. The missionaries were arrested and thrown into prison, and after a year, they were transferred to Nagasaki to face trial by torture. He and his companions faced different type of torture. One of these was the insertion of needles inside their fingernails.

On 27 September 1637, Ruiz and his companions were taken to Nishizaka Hill, where they were tortured by being hung upside down in a pit. This form of torture was known as tsurushi in Japanese or horca y hoya in Spanish. The method was supposed to be extremely painful: though the victim was bound, one hand is always left free so that victims may be able to signal that they recanted, and they would be freed. Ruiz refused to renounce Christianity and died from blood loss and suffocation. His body was cremated and his ashes thrown into the sea.

 

According to Latin missionary accounts sent back to Manila, Ruiz declared these words upon his death: “Ego Catholicus sum et animo prompt paratoque pro Deo mortem obibo. Si mille vitas haberem, cunctas ei offerrem.” In English this may be rendered: “I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for the Lord. If I had a thousand lives, all these I shall offer to him.” This may be reconstructed into Tagalog or Pilipino as “Isa akong Katoliko at buong-pusong tinatanggap ang kamatayan para sa Panginoon. Kung ako man ay may isanlibong buhay, lahat ng iyon ay iaalay ko sa Kanya.”

***

 

The life and martyrdom of San Lorenzo Ruiz are likewise encapsulated in the following poem of homage called “lowa”. Violeta Dioko, a Fresno resident and originally from Batangas province in the Philippines, composed this beautiful poem in Tagalog.

 

LORENZO RUIZ – kay gandang pangalan!

Bigay ng simbahan nang siya’s binyagan;

LORENZO ay Santong kilala ng bayan,

Apelyido’y RUIZ ng ninong niya naman

 

Doon s’ya namulat at nagpakatao,

Sa isang distritong ngalan ay Binondo;

Laganap na noon ang Kristianismo

Ang bansang Espanya ang gumugubierno.

 

Lumaki’t nag-aral at nagkapamilya,

Buhay ay tahimik, panatag, maganda;

Butihing ama s’ya na may kinikita,

Sa kanyang tungkuling katulong ng kura.

 

Dahil magaling siya sa pagsusulat

Ng “calligrapia” ay hanga ang lahat;

Papeles ng kasal, kumpil, at ng binyag,

Pambihirang ganda – walang katulad!

 

Isang Eskribano and tawag sa kanya,

Na may katangiang bihirang makita;

Salitang Kastila’y natutuhan niya,

Magaling magdasal, isang palasimba.

 

Malapit sa Birhen ang diwa at puso,

Pag-ibig sa Dios, tinanggap nang buo;

Ang Santont Rosario’y, natutuhang tanto,

“Dominico Tercera” – dangal niyang ginto.

 

Katu-katulong siya noong mga pari,

Gawaing kumbento’s dinadali-dali;

May sipag at tiyaga, magandang ugali,

Tiwala sa kanya’y, walang pasubali.

 

Nguni’t isang araw, may bulung-bulungan,

Kasangkot daw siya sa isang awayan;

Kahit hindi tunay, walang kalinawan,

Siya’t mga pari ay nag-agam-agam.

 

Ang pagkataon ay parang tinikis,

May’roong isang Misyon na handing umalis;

Mga Dominikong, may layong malinis

Kakilala sila ni Lorenzo Ruiz.

 

May’roong pahintulot na siya’y sumama,

At sinangayunan mg kanyang pamilya;

Ang maglingkod sa Diyos, hindi ba maganda?

Isang pagkakataong bihirang makita.

 

At ang grupo nilang mga misyonero,

Lumulan sa “galleon” na pangkagarmento;

Ang mga tauhan, mabuting tao,

Si Lorenzo’y tumulong sa gawaing barko.

 

Ang “galleon” ay bapor na walang makina,

Ang takbo at tulin ay paiba-iba;

Sa lakas ng hangin, tumatagilid pa,

Malalaking layag, ang s’yang nagdadala.

 

Itong si Lorenzo at mga kasama,

Sa tagal ng biyahe, lalong nagkilala;

Mga pagdarasal sa gabi’ts umaga,

Ang sa kanyang puso’y lalong nagpasigla.

 

Sa wakas natapos itong paglalakbay,

Sila ay sumapit sa lupaing Japan;

Doon ang Kristiano ay binabantayan

Tunay na kaaway kung sila’y turingan.

 

Dati ay laganap ang Katolisismo,

Ngunit’s ipinagbawal ng bagong Daimio;

Taga-roon man o dayuhan, parusa ay pareho,

Malupit na kamatayan; hinding-hindi mababago.

 

Hindi nga nagtagal, sina Lorenzo’y hinuli,

Dinala sa parusahan, sa bundok ng Nagasaki;

Wala silang kaligtasan hangga’t hindi magsasabi,

Na sila ay sasang-ayon – Kristianismo’y iwawaksi.

 

Maliwanag na sumagot si Lorenzo sa nagtanong,

“Ikaw nga ba ay Kristiano?” buong dangal niyang tugon –

“OO, at sa pagka-Kristiano, ang buhay ko’y iuukol”

Sa ganito niyang sagot, ang parusay’s itinuloy.

 

Si Lorenzo ‘y ibinitin sa Balon ng Parusahan,

Sa tayong patiwarik, sa langit nakatunghay

Kung puputulin yaong lubid, ang kaniyang babagsakan

Ay balong anong lalim, marurumi yaong laman.

 

Sinabihang muli’t muli, sumuko na’t kalagan,

Ngunit’s siya ay matatag sa salitang binitiwan;

“Iisa ang buhay ko, sa Dios aking ibibigay.

At kung higit pa sa isa, Sa Dios ko rin iaalay.”

 

May gapos siya nang mahigpit, mga paa at katawan,

Liban sa isang kamay upang kanyang maikaway –

Bilang senyas na siya ay nagbabago ng isipan

Nguni’t siya’y di gumalaw; pinili ay kamatayan.

 

Walang sinong nakaalam, kung ano ang namagitan,

Sa Dios at kay Lorenzo nang buhay ay pumanaw;

Mga Angeles sa langit, tiyak na nag-awitan

Nanh humarap si Lorenzo, sa Dios nating Amang Mahal.

 

PAPURI AT PANALANGIN:

 

Niloob ng Dios na lubhang Maalam,

Na kusa mong iwan ang sariling bayan;

Nang sa ibang lupa’y iyong maitanghal

Tunay na pag-ibig sa Ka-Kristiyanuhan.

 

Tibay ng iyong loob, sana’y aming matularan,

Saan mang dako ng mundo kami’s maging mamamayan;

Sa buhay na sagana, hirap, lungkot, karangalan –

Sa pag-ibig ng Diyos, huwag kaming mawawalay.

 

 

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

 

Do we believe that God dwells among us and that his indwelling is not only in Jerusalem, but among the nations? What do we do to promote evangelization and the vitality of the Church-faith community? How do we imitate the faith of our fathers and the faith of the martyrs?

 

 

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

 

Loving Father,

you manifest your glory in our midst.

We thank you for surrounding the Church,

the new city Jerusalem,

with your glory and protection.

Give us the grace to spread the Good News of salvation to all

that all nations may dwell in this city

and be filled with your glory.

You live and reign,

forever and ever.

Amen.     

 

 

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

 

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

 

“Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day.” (Zec 2:15).  

 

 

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

 

Take note of the cultural diversity and multi-ethnic character of the faith community. Be grateful to the Lord for this gift and resolve to give your very best to enhance the universal character of the Church.

 

***

 

 

Prepared by Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang  PDDM

 

 

PIAE DISCIPULAE DIVINI MAGISTRI

SISTER DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER

60 Sunset Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314

Tel. (718) 494-8597 // (718) 761-2323

Website: WWW.PDDM.US

Go back