A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday and Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (Series 11, n. 51)
33rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME: November 17-23, 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: November 17-23, 2013. The weekday reflections are based on the First Reading. For the weekday reflections based on the Gospel Reading, please open Series 10.)
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November 17, 2013: 33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
“JESUS SAVIOR: In Him We Will Secure Our Lives”
BIBLE READINGS
Mal 3:19-20a // II Thes 3:7-12 // Lk 21:5-19
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The article, “A Tree Grows in Kenya” in GUIDEPOSTS magazine (January 2004) is about Wangari Maathai’s effort to fight off ecological destruction in her native land, Kenya. The author, Christopher Davis, narrates the gargantuan feat of this enterprising woman whose perseverance epitomizes this Sunday’s Gospel exhortation: “By your perseverance you will secure your lives” (Lk 21:19).
In 1960 Wangari won a Kennedy scholarship to study in America. She earned a master’s in biology from the University of Pittsburgh, then became the first woman from Kenya ever to earn a Ph.D. Wangari returned to her county in 1966 and was shocked by what she found. The forests had been cut down for lumber. Heavy rains washed most of the good soil away, since there was no longer vegetation to protect it. Rivers were silt-choked, the soil leached of nutrients. Nothing grew and nothing bloomed anymore … Worst was what had happened to Kenya’s most precious resource – people. Men abandoned farms for jobs in overcrowded cities, leaving wives and children behind. Trees in the countryside were so scarce that women walked miles to gather a few sticks for a fire – the center of village life. “There were so many problems,” Wangari says. “I did not know where to start, except to pray.” Then she remembered what the missionaries said: Every forest begins with a single seed. She planted a tree. Then another. Then hundreds. In 1977 she founded a group called the Green Belt Movement, which promotes tree planting in rural areas and trains farmers in eco-friendly farming methods. Since the group started, it has planted some 20 million trees in Kenya and has changed the way Kenyans look at their environment.
On October 8, 2004, Wangari Maathai was proclaimed the winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. The patient perseverance of the tree planter, Wangari, who did not allow herself to be overwhelmed by a disastrous situation, but exhibited creative and life-giving attitudes under duress, anticipates the victorious quality of God’s coming at the end time. Indeed, by living out the spirit of stewardship and care of God’s creation, she presents to the world of today the patient endurance that leads to life.
The setting of this Sunday’s Gospel episode is the Jerusalem Temple where Jesus is teaching the people and proclaiming the Good News. A beautiful refurbishing of the Temple was begun about forty-six years before Jesus by Herod the Great. The Temple, though not yet complete, is already one of the wonders of the ancient world. Some of the granite stones in the Temple walls, as big as modern freight cars, are so expertly linked together without mortar that it is hard to see the joints. The magnificence of the Temple with its brilliant white marble and gold ornament awes the people. Today’s Gospel passage describes how some people are commenting on the Temple adorned with costly stones and votive offerings. In the midst of this enthused admiration, Jesus grimly utters a prophecy on the destruction of the Temple.
The destruction of the Temple is a signal of the apocalypse. Indeed, there is an intimate connection between the destruction of Jerusalem and the events of the end of the world. The crisis that Jerusalem faced in Jesus’ ministry is a harbinger of the crisis that Jesus and his message, and above all, his coming as the Son of Man, will bring to all. Jesus does not give a definite date for the destruction of the Temple; neither does he give a specific time for the parousia, or his second coming. At the brink of his paschal sacrifice, Jesus asserts the faith reality that in the course of world history and at the end time, God triumphs over the forces of evil. By predicting the destruction of the Temple and by giving warning signs of cosmic destruction, Jesus prepares his disciples spiritually for what is ahead.
The basic theme that permeates today’s Gospel passage is the Lord’s absolute control of history and his ultimate victory. Despite all the evil that can be imagined, the hand of God guides our personal and cosmic destiny into a glorious triumph. This Sunday’s Gospel passage concludes beautifully with Jesus’ words of assurance. The promise that no harm will come to even one hair of a Christian disciple underlines the ultimate spiritual protection of those who endure persecution for the sake of Jesus. After this heartwarming assurance, Christ exhorts his disciples to manifest the sterling quality of perseverance – the courageous attitude that leads to ultimate victory in God.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
What message do the tumultuous events in the world today and the threats of ecological-cosmic destruction bring to us? What is our attitude towards the last things? How do we respond to Jesus’ comforting words and vigorous challenge: “By your perseverance you will secure your lives”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
Jesus assures us
that your victorious saving hand is at work.
Help us to be peaceful and life-giving
when confronted with the tumult of today’s history.
You control the course of our destiny.
We are attentive to Jesus who comes in the events of our life.
Although we do not know the hour
and the circumstances of the end time,
we wish to work perseveringly with Jesus
in the final realization of your Kingdom.
May we humbly and boldly trust in Jesus’ exhortation:
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
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.
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives” (Lk 21:19).
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for the Filipino people suffering the apocalyptic devastation brought by the super-typhoon Haiyan (or “Yolanda”). In any way you can, assist them in their urgent need for food, water, medicine, etc.
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November 18, 2013: MONDAY – WEEKDAY (33); THE DEDICATION OF THE BASILICAS OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES; SAINT ROSE PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE, virgin (USA)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Our Refuge in Terrible Affliction”
BIBLE READINGS
I Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 // Lk 18:35-43
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
As we are about to conclude the liturgical year, this week’s Old Testament readings are taken from the books of Maccabees. They describe the onslaught of Greek culture upon the Jewish people through the instigation of Alexander the Great and his successors. The books’ strong religious theme emphasizes that God is at work in history and rewards those who are loyal to him. Today’s reading presents the wicked ruler Antiochus Epiphanes, a descendant of one of Alexander’s generals. Priding himself to be a manifestation of a god and considering himself as “illustrious”, Antiochus Epiphanes, the king of Syria, aims to unite all peoples in his kingdom by imposing upon them the Greek culture. He wants them to abandon their particular traditions and religious practices and adopt his religion. The decree of Hellenization is divisive. Many Jews, finding the Greek culture attractive and convenient, especially those engaged in trade and commerce with the Hellenists, connive in dismantling their religion. However, some heroic Jews resolve to maintain their fidelity to the covenant even to the point of risking their lives. They prefer to die rather than break the holy covenant. Indeed, terrible affliction is upon Israel.
The oppressive stance of Antiochus Epiphanes continues to be verified in a new form today (cf. Denyse O’Leary, “Quebec Charter Aims to Put Religion Under Wraps” in Our Sunday Visitor, October 13, 2013, p. 4).
Could wearing a cross become a crime in Canada? Or a firing offense? In late August, a Montreal newspaper leaked details of a proposed secularist charter for the Canadian province of Quebec. Officially unveiled Sept. 10, the Charter of Quebec Values claims “an obligation to remain independent of religious authority”.
Proposed by the Parti Quebecois, which is the province’s governing party, it would ban the wearing of conspicuous religious symbols in public places. Quebec’s Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms would then be amended to limit claims for accommodation of religious beliefs and practices.
Included is a ban on public sector employees – civil servants, teachers, doctors, nurses, police, day care staff, municipal and university staff – wearing a hijab, turban, kippa, large visible crucifix or any other “ostentatious” religious symbols at work.
Elected members of the Quebec legislature would be exempt from the regulations. Also, crucifixes that are of mere historic significance could remain, even in political venues. The multitude of locations named for religious significance would not be changed under the proposed charter.
But Quebec’s secularist lawmakers are serious about driving religion out of the public square and mind. The Parti Quebecois of Canada’s Parliament, has expelled its only female and ethnic member for dissent, leaving only four seated members. Maria Mouranti, a Catholic of Lebanese origin who now sits as an Independent, wears a crucifix.
“Firing women from day care centers because they’re wearing a cross or a scarf, or a man from a hospital because he’s wearing a kippa or a turban – I can’t adhere to such a policy”, Mourani told reporters Sept. 13. (…)
The Catholic Church has responded cautiously, aware of the risk of triggering counter-productivity from secularists. Church authorities have pointed out, however, that the proposed charter would enable social injustices. For example, Muslim men would have no problem fulfilling its requirements because they would be permitted beards; but Muslim women might be forced out of the work force if head scarves are forbidden, contributing to their isolation and victimization.
Also, there is a transparency issue: as Montreal Archbishop Christian Lepine put it, if nuns who run a kindergarten funded by the government are not permitted to wear habits, “Why not? That’s who they are. They’re nuns. Why hide the fact that they are nuns?”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we have the resolve to be faithful to our covenant relationship with our loving God? Do we trust that he will be our strength in affliction?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Almighty God,
you scorn the proud and love the humble.
Give us the strength to be faithful.
Let us give witness to you
in a world that is hostile to sacred signs.
Help us to love you to the end.
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.
“They preferred to die rather than profane the holy covenant.” (I Mc 1:63)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
In a world that is secularized and greatly hostile to religious symbols, resolve to give a sign of the “sacred” by your concrete acts of charity.
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November 19, 2013: TUESDAY – WEEKDAY (33)
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Strengthens Us to Live with Integrity and Give Faithful Witness to God”
BIBLE READINGS
II Mc 6:18-31 // Lk 19:1-10
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
The Old Testament readings for today and tomorrow depict the courage of the faithful Jews who would rather die than profane the holy covenant with God. Today’s reading presents the martyrdom of the 90-year-old scribe Eleazar, who is worthy of his old age. He leaves to the young an example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws. Keeping his integrity before the Lord, he demonstrates that fidelity to the law of God is a supreme value. Eleazar wisely spurns the deception urged by his pagan and/or “paganized” friends, for his conscience recognizes the evil that can result socially from “scandal”. The seven young Maccabee brothers follow Eleazar in his martyrdom. Eleazar is considered the “teacher” of the seven young brothers on the path to martyrdom. Indeed, his courage and integrity have impacted not only the youth but the whole Jewish nation.
The martyrdom of Dominic Collins relives the courage and integrity of the Old Testament hero Eleazar (cf. “Lives of the Saints: The Irish Martyrs” in ALIVE! September 2013, p. 15).
Dunboy Castle fell to the English on 17 June, 1602. The garrison was massacred with the exception of the Jesuit, Dominic Collins, and two others from whom the victors hoped to extract information. The three were taken to Cork City to be interrogated. Dominic’s companions proved to be minor catches and were soon sent to the gallows. The English commander, Sir George Carew thought Collins had more to reveal and interrogated him personally. He might at least gain a propaganda victory by “turning” Collins. Even some of his family tried to persuade Dominic to feign conversion and then change back again. But even to save his life he would not do evil.
Carew eventually gave up and on 31st October 1602 he sent Dominic to Youghal, the home town he had left 15 years before. He was paraded through the streets to the place of execution. He spoke to the crowd telling them that his sole ambition was to serve God and defend the faith, and that it was for this he was dying. He was then hanged. That night some local Catholics took his body away and buried it in a secret place. Immediately he was venerated as a martyr and his fame quickly spread through Ireland and Europe. Many favors and cures were attributed to his intercession.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do I live a life of integrity and total dedication to God? Or do I tend to compromise when faithfulness is not convenient?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O loving God,
we thank you for the courage and faith
of the Old Testament hero Eleazar.
He spurned deception
and offered his life for the holy covenant.
May his example help us to live with integrity
and total devotion to your divine will.
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.
“He died, leaving in his death a model of courage and an unforgettable example of virtue.” (II Mc 6:31)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
In your daily living, take care to live with integrity and resolve to avoid actions that lead to scandal and the moral degradation of others, especially the youth.
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November 20, 2013: WEDNESDAY – WEEKDAY (33)
“JESUS SAVIOR: In Him We Will Live Forever”
BIBLE READINGS
II Mc 7:1, 20-31 // Lk 19:11-28
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
We are almost at the end of the liturgical year and coasting toward a new one. In our spiritual journey as a worshipping community, we have experienced our vulnerability as well as the courage and strength that come from God. As the liturgical year draws to a close, our attention is drawn gently towards the transitory character of human existence and our eternal destiny with God. The “last things” fascinate us and the reality of the “end time” provokes us. Today’s liturgy of the Word enriches us with profound insights on life and death.
The Old Testament reading (II Mc 7:1-2, 9-24) portrays the intense sacrifices of the Jewish martyrs who trusted in the faithful God who would bring them back to life. The faith declaration that “the King of the world will raise them up to live again forever” is a radical expression of the gradually developing belief of Israel in the resurrection of the body. Explicit belief in the resurrection only appeared in Judaism during the persecution of the Greek king Antiochus IV (167-164 B.C.).
The biblical scholar Eugene Maly explains: “For a long time Israel of the Old Testament period had no positive conviction of a life after death. True, they thought that the deceased went to Sheol. But Sheol was a shadowy place of shadowy existence. Israel had no conviction of a fullness of life after death. But Israel had a hope. It was in a God who willed that fullness of life and would somehow bring it about … The real breakthrough in the expression of this hope came in the second century B.C. In the book of Daniel we read, ‘Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever …’ (12:2). It is no accident that this revelation was realized at a time of persecution of the just. The book of Second Maccabees was written as a theological reflection on that same persecution. Our reading is part of a story of a Jewish mother and her seven sons who were put to death for their faith. And we read of their affirmations of the resurrection of the body, powerful statements that need no commentary of themselves.”
The following story is fascinating and illustrates that there is comfort and strength from beyond (cf. Deborah Sudduth-Snyder, “A Rose for Kate” in GUIDEPOSTS, July 2010, p. 33-34). God’s mysterious hand is at work to encourage us in loving and to assure us of the power of love that transcends death.
I love you. Just three simple words. So why couldn’t I say them to my aunt Kate, a woman who had meant so much to me through the years. I walked into my apartment and collapsed on the couch. I had taken off from work that morning and had hopped on a bus to visit my aunt at the nursing home. I’d stood by her bed, trying to tell her how much I loved her. But the woman I saw before me – frail, pale, with glazed eyes, only patches of stubble where short sandy blonde hair had once been – scared me silent. I knew that Aunt Kate didn’t have much time left. But that made it so much harder. Saying “I love you” felt like saying goodbye. And I couldn’t bring myself to do that.
Just a few months earlier, Aunt Kate and I had hiked at Warren Dunes State Park on the shore of Lake Michigan, a beautiful trail we had hiked so many times before, when my brother, Chris, and I were just kids and came to visit her in the summertime. Aunt Kate had always led the way on those outings, but this time she had to turn back. I knew that cancer was finally taking its toll. Still, to me, Aunt Kate was invincible. She was fearless and independent. The great outdoors was her playground. She never married and never had children, so she treated Chris and me like her own. She taught us how to hike and swim. We rode horses and camped out in the woods. It was Aunt Kate who had made a nature lover out of a city girl like me.
Then there was our garden. There was no room to plant anything where I lived, so Aunt Kate let me grow whatever I wanted at her house. “Garden? More like a jungle”, my dad had said when he saw it. My favorites were the yellow roses that Aunt Kate and I planted. Even after a harsh Michigan winter, they grew back year after year. I lay back against the couch and prayed, Lord, help me let her know how much I love her, before it’s too late.
That garden we planted popped into my mind. Flowers. That’s what I could give Aunt Kate. Yellow roses, like the ones we had grown together all those years ago. In the morning I went out to the florist and chose a beautiful bouquet. On the card I wrote the words I had such trouble saying aloud. The next day the nurse called to tell me that my aunt had received my gift. Good, I thought. On my next visit, I’ll be able to say it in person.
But the following day I got another call. One I hadn’t wanted to receive. Aunt Kate passed away. I was devastated. The funeral was hard to get through, but not as difficult as visiting the nursing home one last time to collect my aunt’s things. “She requested that you care for her flowers”, the nurse told me, handing me the roses, my card still taped to the vase. Silently I took them from her.
When I got back home, I set the flowers by the window and removed the card. Through tear-blurred eyes, I read the words I had written: “I love you.” Did she know, Lord, how much I loved her? Could she even read the card? I wondered. I wiped my eyes and the card came into focus. There were some light gray marks near the bottom. I looked more closely at the card. Below “I Love You”, in shaky pencil, just dark enough for me to make out, my aunt Kate had written “U 2”.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
How does the courageous witnessing of the Jewish martyrs impinge on us? How does their faith in the God of life inspire us? Do we allow ourselves to be strengthened by God in every good deed and word? Do we pray that we may persevere in the love of God and endure in our witnessing of Christ?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O loving God,
you are the God of the living.
To you all are alive and in you all exist.
Your infinite power
conquers sin and death.
We believe that you will raise us up
to live again forever.
Help us to endure with Christ
and overcome the trials of life.
We serve and extol 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.
“The Creator of the universe will give you back both breath and life.” (II Mc 7:23)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that the sustaining power of God and the reality of resurrection may continue to be felt by Christian disciples in their daily life. By your acts of justice, charity and peace, allow the loving plan of the Lord of life to be operative in the here and now.
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November 21, 2013: THURSDAY – THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESED VIRGIN MARY
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Will Help Us to Stand Up for the Faith”
BIBLE READINGS
I Mc 2:15-29 // Lk 19:41-44
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s episode recounted in the First Reading marks the start of the Maccabean revolt against the Greeks. Mattathias and his family are of priestly descent. The officials of King Antiochus Epiphanes attempt to force the people into apostasy. They invite Mattathias, a person of prominence, to be the first to obey the king’s edict by offering a pagan sacrifice on the altar. No amount of flattery and persuasion could dissuade Mattathias from being faithful to the covenant. He asserts: “My sons, my relatives and I will continue to keep the covenant that God made with our ancestors. With God’s help we will never abandon his Law or disobey his commands.” Not everyone is disposed to resist the king’s order and risk one’s life. When someone comes forward to comply, Mattathias kills him in a just fury. He also kills the royal official who is forcing the people to sacrifice and he tears down the altar. Mattathias and his family flee to the wilderness to prepare their defenses. They invite those who are faithful to the covenant to follow them. This incident at Modein is decisive in adopting an aggressive response of resistance to the king’s attempt to impose his religion upon the Jewish people.
Mattathias’ courageous stance should inspire us to stand up for our faith today. The following illustrates what it means to be pro-active in our faith defense (cf. Teresa Tomeo, “Stand Up for the Faith” in Our Sunday Visitor, October 13, 2013, p. 17).
We don’t have to just sit there and take it. Whether it’s one more biased news story on what Pope Francis allegedly said or another commentary on how the Catholic Church needs to conform to the world instead of the other way around, we can do something about the attacks on our faith – attacks that have been coming at us at a rapid-fire pace. Having a proactive versus a reactive approach is always something I advocate with my radio listeners, and I was recently reminded of just how successful the proactive approach can be.
The topic of engaging the culture was front and center during a recent Vatican conference in Rome, where I heard some very encouraging real life stories about very proactive Catholics. They didn’t have a media platform but were able to get themselves before a large audience – not just once, but regularly. (…)
One of my fellow panel members was a Catholic mother based in Australia who pens a popular column in a major daily newspaper. Angela Shahanan told attendees how frustrated she was with the Australian media’s coverage of women’s issues, especially coverage of stories relating to motherhood and moms like her who chose parenting as their vocation versus work outside the home. So one day she decided to write a letter to the editor. Her letter was published and because it received so much response – much of it negative but a lot of responses – the powers at the publication asked her to start contributing additional opinion pieces and a columnist was born.
During the same session, one of the attendees, an attorney based in Nigeria, shared a similar story. He had written a letter to the editor of his local paper in response to several biased stories pertaining to the Church in Africa. He too soon found himself not just writing additional op-ed pieces for publication but covering issues and events related to the Church. He told me he was a lawyer by training and that law is still his full-time profession, but he does a lot of writing as well. (…)
The bottom line is our willingness to engage the culture … Given the powerful influence of the mass media and the misinformation machines that love to pounce on the pope and all things Catholic, we have to do what we can to defend and explain, in a Christ-like manner, the truth and beauty of our faith. We are not responsible for what so-and-so decides to do with the information, but we are all called to evangelize and this type of evangelization can have a far-reaching effect. As Blessed Mother Teresa said, “God doesn’t expect us to be successful; only faithful.” The important thing is to at least give it a shot and let God do the rest.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Like Mattathias, do we have zeal for God, and do we have the courage to be faithful?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Almighty God,
you are our strength and our hope.
Help us to live with integrity.
Give us the courage to be faithful
and never succumb to the pagan temptation
of secularization and godlessness.
Strengthen us with the power of the Holy Spirit
and make us faithful followers of Jesus Christ
to the point of life-sacrifice.
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.
“We will keep to the covenant of our fathers.” (I Mc 2:20)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Resolve to delve into the meaning and the challenges of our Catholic faith and be ready to stand up for the faith.
***
November 22, 2013: FRIDAY – SAINT CECILIA, virgin, martyr
“JESUS SAVIOR: In Him We Offer Joyful Sacrifice”
BIBLE READINGS
I Mc 4:36-37, 52-59 // Lk 19:45-48
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s reading tells us of Judas Maccabeus and his brothers, the sons of the zealous religious rebel Mattathias. With the grace of God, they are victorious against their pagan enemies. They resolve to rebuild and rededicate the Temple that has been desecrated by the Greek king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Their army assembles and goes up to Mount Zion. There they find the Temple abandoned, the altar profaned, the gates burned down and the courtyards in a forest of weeds. They repair the Temple inside and out, build a new altar and fix the courtyards. They make new utensils for worship and bring the lamp stand, the altar of incense and the table for the bread into the Temple. They light the lamps on the lamp stand and there is full light in the Temple. The new altar is dedicated and hymns are sung to the accompaniment of harps, lutes and cymbals. All the people worship and praise the Lord for giving them victory. The assembly decides that the Feast of Dedication should be celebrated annually for eight days. This is the origin of the Jewish annual feast of Hanukkah, a feast of joy and praise because the “disgrace” has been removed from among the people.
The dedication of the Jerusalem Temple celebrated by Judas Maccabeus and his people involves ritual elements that include music and songs. Christian tradition likewise gives importance to songs and music in the liturgy. Saint Cecilia is the patroness of music. It has been reported that “Cecilia sang in her heart while the musical instruments sounded for her wedding.” Here are some biographical notes about this virgin and martyr, the patroness of sacred music because of the song of God in her heart (cf. Catholic Encyclopedia on the Internet).
SAINT CECILIA: This saint, so often glorified in fine arts and in poetry, is one of the most venerated martyrs of Christian antiquity. About the middle of the fifth century originated Acts of Martyrdom of Saint Cecilia. They inform us that Cecilia, a virgin of a senatorial family and a Christian from her infancy, was given in marriage by her parents to a noble pagan youth Valerianus. When after the celebration of marriage, the couple had retired to the wedding chamber, Cecilia told Valerianus that she was betrothed to an angel who jealously guarded her body; therefore Valerianus must take care not to violate her virginity. Valerianus wished to see the angel, whereupon Cecilia sent him to the third milestone on the Via Appia where he should meet Bishop (Pope) Urbanus. Valerianus obeyed, was baptized by the Pope, and returned a Christian to Cecilia. An angel then appeared to the two and crowned them with roses and lilies.
When Tiburtius, the brother of Valerianus, came to them, he too was won over to Christianity. As zealous children of the Faith both brothers distributed rich alms and buried the bodies of the confessors who had died for Christ. The prefect, Turcius Almachius condemned them to death; an officer of the prefect, Maximus appointed to execute this sentence, was himself converted and suffered martyrdom with the two brothers. Their remains were buried in one tomb by Cecilia.
And now Cecilia herself was sought by the officers of the prefect. Before she was taken a prisoner, she arranged that her house should be preserved as a place of worship for the Roman Church. After a glorious profession of faith, she was condemned to be suffocated in the bath of her own house. But as she remained unhurt in the overheated room, the prefect had her decapitated in that place. The executioner let his sword fall three times without separating the head from the trunk, and fled, leaving the virgin in her own blood. She lived three days, made dispositions in favor of the poor, and provided that after her death her house should be dedicated as a church. Urbanus buried her among the bishops and confessors, i.e. in the Catacomb of Callistus.
Her church in the Trastevere quarter of Rome was rebuilt by Paschal I (817-824), on which occasion the Pope wished to transfer thither relics; at first, he could not find them and believed that they had been stolen by the Lombards. In a vision he saw Saint Cecilia, who exhorted him to continue his search, as he had already been very near to her, i.e. near her grave. He therefore renewed his quest; and soon the body of the martyr, draped in costly stuffs of gold brocade and with the cloths soaked in her blood at her feet, was actually found in the Catacomb of Praetextatus. They may have been transported thither from the Catacomb of Callistus to save them from earlier depredations of the Lombards in the vicinity of Rome. The relics of Saint Cecilia with those of Valerianus, Tiburtius, and Maximus, also those of Popes Urbanus and Lucius, were taken up by Pope Paschal, and reburied under the high altar of Saint Cecilia in Trastevere. The monks of a convent founded in the neighborhood by the same Pope were charged with the duty of singing the daily Office in this basilica. From this time the veneration of the holy martyr continued to spread and numerous churches were dedicated to her.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
Do we experience the importance of being consecrated to the Lord? Do we see the importance of places of worship and of ritual elements that promote the Church’s worship? Do we see the importance of music and songs in the liturgy?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
Jesus Christ is the true Temple
and we are “living stones” in that Temple
by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Grant that we may be totally consecrated to your living will.
Let our life of faith, hope and love
be a song of praise and a sound of music
to your greater 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 day. Please memorize it.
“They celebrated the dedication of the altar and joyfully offered sacrifices of deliverance and praise.” (I Mc 4:56)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Make an effort to give your very best at the Eucharistic celebration. Bring to it you conscious, active and fruitful participation.
***
November 23, 2013: SATURDAY – WEEKDAY (33); SAINT CLEMENT I, pope, martyr; BLESSED MIGUEL AGUSTIN PRO; priest, martyr (USA); BVM ON SATURDAY
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Our Vindication”
BIBLE READINGS
Wis 18:14-16; 19:6-9 // Lk 18:1-8
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s Old Testament reading underlines how God has vindicated the Jewish people by giving King Antiochus his due. He experiences defeat after defeat, frustration after frustration. He goes into a fit of deep depression because things do not turn out as he has hoped. He remains ill for a long time. The author of Second Maccabees tells us that even the eyes of this godless man crawl with worms and his stink is so bad that no one is able to come close enough to him (cf. II Mc 9: 9). Waves of despair sweep over the tyrant and he finally realizes he is going to die. He then remembers the evil he did in Jerusalem when he despoiled the Temple of sacred objects and tried without any good reason to destroy the inhabitants of Judea. His wrongdoing against God’s chosen people is the reason why these terrible things happen to him and why he is to die in deep despair in a foreign land. Indeed, the misery of King Antiochus is a lesson on retribution: vengeance on evil tyrants and a fearful end for them. His destiny is an invitation to walk on the path of right and justice.
The following is a modern-day example of our call to stand before God with a clear conscience (cf. “When We Stand before God” in ALIVE! September 2013, p. 7).
Robert Bolt is best remembered for his famous 1960 play about Saint Thomas More, A Man for All Seasons … The English playwright was an agnostic, but he had a profound regard for Henry VIII’s chancellor. More had surrendered his powerful position, his wealth and eventually his life out of loyalty to Christ, the Church and his conscience. Cost what it may, he would not do evil. (…)
In 1961 Bolt took part in an anti-nuclear protest in London. Arrested, he was given a month in jail. As he was writing the script for Lawrence of Arabia at the time, his absence put the film in danger, with producer Sam Spiegel standing to lose a fortune. Going to the prison, Spiegel prevailed on Bolt to sign a pledge to keep the peace, and he was freed.
“This surrender, in total contrast to Sir Thomas More’s refusal to save his life by signing a royal document, had, according to Bolt’s friends, a profound effect on his life and self-confidence”, wrote John Calder in 1995. In an obituary for Bolt he continued: “the guilt lasted for years. It may account for a decline in his stage writing thereafter.”
Put to the test, Bolt failed. But had he been a believer he might have found peace by humbly seeking God’s forgiveness and trying to repair the harm he had done.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the MEDITATIO
What lessons do you glean from the fearful destiny of the tyrant Antiochus? Are there moments in our life when we experience true remorse and penitence for our sins?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O loving God,
you are loving and forgiving.
Forgive us the wrong we have done.
Lord, if you ever mark our guilt,
who would survive?
Look kindly upon us
and accept the sacrifice of our contrite heart.
We adore and worship 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.
“His designs had failed.” (I Mc 6:8)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Resolve to avoid evil thoughts, words and actions that we may be spared from just punishment and avoid self-inflicted miseries.
***
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