Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Sirach 35:1-12

To keep the law is a great oblation,
and he who observes the
commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
In works of charity one offers fine flour,
and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.
To refrain from evil pleases the Lord,
and to avoid injustice is an atonement.
Appear not before the Lord empty-handed,
for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.
The just one’s offering enriches the altar
and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.
The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing,
nor will it ever be forgotten.
In a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord,
be not sparing of freewill gifts.
With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.

For the Lord is one who always repays,
and he will give back to you sevenfold.
But offer no bribes, these he does not accept!
Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion.
For he is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
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Commentary on Sir 35:1-12

This reading from Sirach deals with the explicit rules surrounding Jewish Sacrifice rituals and the importance of having the right mind-set when presenting gifts to God. The passage concludes by reminding the faithful that God repays sevenfold (we note here the reference to seven which in Hebrew numerology symbolizes completeness or the perfect number) that which is given by the “cheerful giver”.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23

R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“Gather my faithful ones before me,
those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
And the heavens proclaim his justice;
for God himself is the judge.
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“Hear, my people, and I will speak;
Israel, I will testify against you;
God, your God, am I.
Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
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Commentary on Ps 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23

Psalm 50 is part of the faithful response to God’s covenant and supports the idea of ritual sacrifice to God. The psalmist refers to the practice as supporting the covenant made between God and his people. From our place in the history of faith, Christ was the one sacrifice that ended the need for all other sacrificial offerings.

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Gospel: Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus,
‘We have given up everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
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Commentary on Mk 10:28-31

This passage contains the disciples response to Jesus’ teaching about the discipline of discipleship embodied in the story of the wealthy young man (Mark 10:17-27). After seeing the young man leave because he could not part with his possessions, Peter finds it necessary to remind Jesus that they (the disciples) had given up everything to follow him. The Lord replies that those who have sacrificed to follow him will receive not just the sevenfold repayment promised by Sirach 35:10, but a hundred times more of what they have given up.

This reference made by St. Mark is likely to the growth of Church under the Apostles’ evangelization and the communal sense of the Church in its early years. The same reference is true of Jesus’ final statement where we hear “But many that are first will be last, and (the) last will be first." Here St. Mark is probably referring to the martyrdom many will find before joining the Lord in his heavenly kingdom.

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Reflection:

Since today the Gospel continues yesterday’s reading from the Gospel from St. Mark and is supported again by a reading from the Book of Sirach, we should extrapolate the point of our earlier reflection. In the story of the Wealthy Young Man we saw the importance of placing God before the material wealth in our lives. It is easy to say that God is more important to us than material things. It is another matter to demonstrate that by giving away or donating a significant part of that wealth (which is later translated into “things”).

This is the point scripture is making today. It is not good enough to just say we love God more than wealth. We must demonstrate that love by sharing what we have with those less fortunate. The disciples did that to the extreme by walking away from their livelihoods. They gave up every material thing to follow Jesus. Peter feels he must remind the Lord of that fact today. And the Lord tells Peter (and the rest of the disciples, we assume Peter was speaking for all of them) that for what they have sacrificed, they will be rewarded.

The lesson today is that charity is something that must be an integral part of our practice of the faith. Ours must not be a faith of words but of actions and our actions must demonstrate the love of Christ. Today we pray that God will give us strength to give to others, at least in part, what he has given to us.

Pax

[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Gathering and Protecting Mankind” by Frans Floris, 1562
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Sirach 17:20-24

To the penitent God provides a way back,
he encourages those who are losing hope
and has chosen for them the lot of truth.
Return to him and give up sin,
pray to the LORD and make your offenses few.
Turn again to the Most High and away from your sin,
hate intensely what he loathes,
and know the justice and judgments of God,
Stand firm in the way set before you,
in prayer to the Most High God.

Who in the nether world can glorify the Most High
in place of the living who offer their praise?
Dwell no longer in the error of the ungodly,
but offer your praise before death.
No more can the dead give praise
than those who have never lived;
You who are alive and well
shall praise and glorify God in his mercies.
How great the mercy of the LORD,
his forgiveness of those who return to him!
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Commentary on Sir 17:20-24

The first part of this moral teaching from Sirach (in antiquity called “Wisdom of the Son of Sirach" and in the Middle Ages Ecclesiasticus first deals with penitence. God always invites us back. All that is necessary is to love what God loves.

The second section asks for conversion or a return to God. Here the author says the dead cannot intercede for those who do not turn away from sin. We also hear how God’s mercy flows to those who do return from a sinful past.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7

R. (11a) Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

Blessed is he whose fault is taken away,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt,
in whose spirit there is no guile.
R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
my guilt I covered not.
I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,”
and you took away the guilt of my sin.
R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

For this shall every faithful man pray to you
in time of stress.
Though deep waters overflow,
they shall not reach him.
R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me;
with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round.
R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.
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Commentary on Ps 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7

Psalm 32 is an individual hymn of thanksgiving. The psalmist sings a song of gratitude that the Almighty Father has pardoned his sins (which were freely confessed). In spite of these blemishes, salvation is heaped upon the repentant.

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Gospel: Mark 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother.”
He replied and said to him,
“Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
“You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
At that statement, his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
“How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the Kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply,
“Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
“Then who can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said,
“For men it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God.”
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Commentary on Mk 10:17-27

The story of the rich young man presented today in St. Mark’s Gospel is an ideal teaching moment for Christ. Clearly the young man depicted is of Pharisaic persuasion since he believes in concept of eternal life (Sadducees would not). After he has heard that the young man has carefully followed Mosaic Law (summarized in the Decalogue the Lord mentions), Jesus tells the young man he has only one more step to take. Selling all he has and giving the proceeds to the poor is too much for the rich young man who leaves downcast.

Jesus uses this example to emphasize first that the love of God must come first and before desire for possessions, before the accumulation of wealth. Those listening were also down hearted and say “Then who can be saved?”

Jesus then makes his second point. No one earns salvation from God! Only the Lord alone can grant it and nothing is impossible for Him. “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” God must provide the path.
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Reflection:

The Good News offers us a way home if we have fallen or have moved away from the Lord. There is a God billboard in our region of the country that says; “If you fell God is far away, who moved?” It fits today’s scripture.

In Sirach we are told that the path to God is open for those who have fallen into sin or have denied the Lord. The opening line is an invitation (that sounds like it came out of an Indiana Jones movie) “To the penitent God provides a way back, he encourages those who are losing hope and has chosen for them the lot of truth.” From the oldest times God has provided a way to return if we fail.

We are told that to return we must first want to return. Actually, if we think about it, that is the major hurdle we must cross. If we want something, say a new car or a pair of shoes, our behavior supports that desire. We save money for the car; we look into offerings by various dealers or stores. We do our homework so that we achieve what we want. The larger the item or the goal the longer it takes to achieve it and the more discipline in our behavior. We see how goals can come into conflict in the Gospel story. The rich young man wants exactly what we do and finds the barrier in himself. The Lord tells him to remove the things in his life more important to him than God, his material possessions, and he (the young man) cannot do it.

When Jesus turns to his disciples after the young man leaves, he explains that, to those who place their wealth first in their lives, the Kingdom of God is not attainable. Even if we find a way to achieve that perfect state of mind (it is very difficult) it is only through God’s mercy that we will achieve that heavenly place – thank God his mercy is endless.

Pax


[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “Christ and the Young Rich Man” by Heinrich Hofmann,1889
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Sunday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Sunday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Isaiah 49:14-15

Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me;
my LORD has forgotten me.”
Can a mother forget her infant,
be without tenderness for the child of her womb?
Even should she forget,
I will never forget you.
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Commentary on Is 49:14-15

This reading from Isaiah is a part of the second “Servant of the Lord” oracles. The servant has promised salvation to the captives and light to those in darkness. The response from Zion is the Lord has forsaken them. To which we hear the tender response; “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” God’s fidelity and faithfulness is assured.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

R. (6a) Rest in God alone, my soul.

Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all.
R. Rest in God alone, my soul.

Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed.
R. Rest in God alone, my soul.

With God is my safety and my glory,
he is the rock of my strength; my refuge is in God.
Trust in him at all times, O my people!
Pour out your hearts before him.
R. Rest in God alone, my soul.
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Commentary on Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Psalm 62 is a hymn in praise of God as rock and fortress. This song is one of deep and abiding faith. The singer trusts only in God and is at peace in God’s abiding love.

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Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Brothers and sisters:
Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ
and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Now it is of course required of stewards
that they be found trustworthy.
It does not concern me in the least
that I be judged by you or any human tribunal;
I do not even pass judgment on myself;
I am not conscious of anything against me,
but I do not thereby stand acquitted;
the one who judges me is the Lord.
Therefore do not make any judgment before the appointed time,
until the Lord comes,
for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness
and will manifest the motives of our hearts,
and then everyone will receive praise from God.
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Commentary on 1 Cor 4:1-5

St. Paul concludes this section of his First Letter to the Corinthians on Christian Wisdom with an exhortation to the community not to pass judgment on their leaders. The words St. Paul uses to describe the roles are, in the first instance “servants of Christ” Hypēretēs- a word that designated rowers on the lowest rank of a galley later coming to mean assistant or helper. The word “Stewards” (or managers) was oikonomos a name given to servants put in charge of their master’s property. The sense of this selection is even the evangelist cannot judge his contributions to the Kingdom of God – this can only be done by the Lord at the Parousia.

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Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34

Jesus said to his disciples:
“No one 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 God and mammon.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink,
or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds in the sky;
they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns,
yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are not you more important than they?
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
Why are you anxious about clothes?
Learn from the way the wild flowers grow.
They do not work or spin.
But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor
was clothed like one of them.
If God so clothes the grass of the field,
which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow,
will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’
or ‘What are we to drink?’or ‘What are we to wear?’
All these things the pagans seek.
Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.
Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”
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Commentary on Mt 6:24-34

Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount, being very clear about what must be placed first in the life of his disciples. Here the word Mammon is used, an Aramaic word meaning wealth. The Lord does not deny that people need the physical things of the world (i.e. food, clothing, and water) but tells them that if they have faith in God and pursue the things of God’s Kingdom, the heavenly Father will provide for them. He goes further to say that, if they are constantly focused on material goods, they will not extend their lives even a little.

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Reflection:

The sacred history of God’s involvement with mankind demonstrates repeatedly the lesson Jesus tries to teach in the selection proclaimed from the Sermon on the Mount. People who place physical wealth and power first in their lives parish with it. Those who worship the idols of avarice and greed, ignoring God who created all things, find only dust at the end of their earthly lives.

Jesus, who is trying desperately to show the people the depth of God’s love, tells the disciples and those with them, that loving wealth, power, and material goods leaves the soul empty. What comfort and consolation does a bar of Gold give when one is frightened or ill? What strength does a mansion of bricks and mortar give when our mortal shell begins to fail? What genuine love is received from hirelings paid to serve?

It is only in the Lord, whose love for us is unimaginable, that the comfort, consolation, and strength may be found. It is only with the strength of spirit, bolstered by the indwelling Holy Spirit that allows us to look into the eye of defeated death and walk forward unafraid.

As disciples of the Lord, we are reminded once more that our energy and focus in life must be to embrace the spiritual treasure that the Lord offers us. It is by prizing him above all else that this treasure is accumulated. We pray today that our minds constantly flow to Him who, with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, are the authors of our creation.

Pax

[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “The Worship of Mammon”, by Evelyn De Morgan, 1909
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Sirach 17:1-15

God from the earth created man,
and in his own image he made him.
He makes man return to earth again,
and endows him with a strength of his own.
Limited days of life he gives him,
with power over all things else on earth.
He puts the fear of him in all flesh,
and gives him rule over beasts and birds.
He created for them counsel, and a tongue and eyes and ears,
and an inventive heart,
and filled them with the discipline of understanding.
He created in them knowledge of the spirit;
With wisdom he fills their heart;
good and evil he shows them.
He put the fear of himself upon their hearts,
and showed them his mighty works,
That they might glory in the wonder of his deeds
and praise his holy name.
He has set before them knowledge,
a law of life as their inheritance;
An everlasting covenant he has made with them,
his justice and his judgments he has revealed to them.
His majestic glory their eyes beheld,
his glorious voice their ears heard.
He says to them, “Avoid all evil”;
each of them he gives precepts about his fellow men.
Their ways are ever known to him,
they cannot be hidden from his eyes.
Over every nation he places a ruler,
but God’s own portion is Israel.
All their actions are clear as the sun to him,
his eyes are ever upon their ways.
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Commentary on Sir 17:1-15

This selection is part of Sirarch’s treatise linking God’s Wisdom to creation. We note here that Sirach does not consider mankind before and after the fall but rather accepts the faithful in the cultural situation of his day. Creation is a part of God’s salvific work. Mankind (especially Israel) is given privileged position in having dominion over what God has provided but is still a debtor to God; his wisdom is but a shadow of the Wisdom of God. The Father gave a part of his wisdom as the law, imparted at the covenant at Sinai and sees how it is kept.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18

R. (see 17) The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
he remembers that we are dust.
R. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

Man’s days are like those of grass;
like a flower of the field he blooms;
The wind sweeps over him and he is gone,
and his place knows him no more.
R. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward children’s children
among those who keep his covenant.
R. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
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Commentary on Ps 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18

Psalm 103 is a hymn of praise (and thanksgiving). It is a simple and beautiful reaction to God’s goodness. Reflecting upon human mortality, the psalmist reflects on the brevity of life and the blessing God bestows upon us in his eternal blessing of those who follow him and keep his covenant.

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Gospel: Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them,
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,
“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amen, I say to you,
whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it.”
Then he embraced the children and blessed them,
placing his hands on them.
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Commentary on Mk 10:13-16

This picture of Jesus demonstrates that those who had seen his works and heard his words saw in him greatness. They brought their children to him instinctively that they might receive the grace empowered by his touch. This activity made his disciples indignant that their master should be pestered by these little ones. The Lord, however, used this as a teaching moment and told the crowd that only complete dependence upon God’s support would allow them salvation (“…for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”).

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Reflection:

We must, given the direction offered by Sacred Scripture, contemplate the need and power for prayer in our lives. If we think about this relationship we hope to establish with God our Father and His Son, Jesus we can use as a worldly model the relationships we build on earth.

When we wish to get to know someone well, we speak with them. We ask them questions we hope that by speaking with them we can uncover who they are, where they were from, how and were did they grow up, what do they like and dislike. The more intensely we want this relationship, the deeper and more intensely we talk to them, spending hours conversing about all manner of things.

With members of our own families, much of this discussion is not necessary since we share a common history and life. Much of what we need to know we have learned through long association. The love we have for these family members is stimulated by our common desires, our common experiences, and the deep understanding we build with them over time.

A child so knows the mind of their loving parent that the worst thing they could contemplate is disappointing that parent through actions they know would be against their wishes. Likewise the child knows, without question, that if they are in trouble, that parent will do every thing in their power to rescue them from that situation. And if that child falls ill, the loving parent does whatever they can to see the child of their love return to health.

The analogy comes so easily. If we wish to know God, to build that relationship with Him, prayer is our best approach. Much of who God is and what he likes and does not like, we discover in the Sacred Texts of the Bible. The deeper we delve into that treasure chest of past experiences of God, the better we understand how to know Him in our lives.

But God was not a “Historical Figure”, he is a living God who loves and cares for us. It is this present and living Trinity that we want to know. So we talk to Him. We tell him we love him, we honor him because he deserves honor, and when we are in need, we ask for his help. We ask, confident as the child with a loving parent, that he will do all he can to save us from our difficulty. He may show us the way, he may open a door, and if all that is not enough and he wishes to demonstrate his love more visibly, he may offer up a miracle. They are more common than we know.

Today we pray to know our Loving Father better. We thank him for all he has done for us and in a special way, we pray for all those who are sick that through the Sacrament of Anointing, they might be restored to health and oneness with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Pax

[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “Christ Blessing the Children” by Nicolaes Maes, 1652-53
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Sirach 6:5-17

A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies,
and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings.
Let your acquaintances be many,
but one in a thousand your confidant.
When you gain a friend, first test him,
and be not too ready to trust him.
For one sort is a friend when it suits him,
but he will not be with you in time of distress.
Another is a friend who becomes an enemy,
and tells of the quarrel to your shame.
Another is a friend, a boon companion,
who will not be with you when sorrow comes.
When things go well, he is your other self,
and lords it over your servants;
But if you are brought low, he turns against you
and avoids meeting you.
Keep away from your enemies;
be on your guard with your friends.
A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure.
A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth.
A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy,
such as he who fears God finds;
For he who fears God behaves accordingly,
and his friend will be like himself.
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Commentary on Sir 6:5-17

“The thought of a man isolated as the result of the abuse of speech (v.1-4) suggests the opposite result for one who guards his speech. He will have many friends. In friendship, however, caution is the keynote. Sirach stresses the subject of friendship more than any other biblical author; many years of personal experience are doubtlessly reflected in his words.”[4] Types of false friendship are enumerated; the implication being that true friendship is only revealed through a test of that bond. Sirach concludes this passage with praise of the “true friend” using the words “life-saving remedy”. In Greek texts this is translated literally as “bag of life”. God was thought to preserve the life of the faithful in a bag (see 1 Samuel 25:29).[5]

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34, 35

R. (35a) Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

In your statutes I will delight;
I will not forget your words.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Open my eyes, that I may consider
the wonders of your law.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Give me discernment, that I may observe your law
and keep it with all my heart.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Lead me in the path of your commands,
for in it I delight.
R. Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
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Commentary on Ps 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34, 35

Placed within the body of the Psalter, psalm 119 invites the singer to meditate upon the joys of following God’s law. It prepares the singer for the psalms that follow. Psalms 120-124 are called the “Songs of Ascents” they are the psalms sung as pilgrims approach their goal – the Temple of the Lord. Psalm 119 prepares them for the joy of their arrival.

In these strophes the singer begins by recalling that to keep God’s law, one must first know it. They conclude emphasizing that it is only through God’s mercy that the faithful are allowed to know the Law ("Give me discernment, that I may observer your law…”)

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Gospel: Mark 10:1-12

Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan.
Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom,
he again taught them.
The Pharisees approached him and asked,
“Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?”
They were testing him.
He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?”
They replied,
“Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce
and dismiss her.”
But Jesus told them,
“Because of the hardness of your hearts
he wrote you this commandment.
But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
So they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together,
no human being must separate.”
In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this.He said to them,
“Whoever divorces his wife and marries another
commits adultery against her;
and if she divorces her husband and marries another,
she commits adultery.”
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Commentary on Mk 10:1-12

This passage gives us the scriptural support for the Church’s view of the “Sacrament of Matrimony”. The Pharisees question to Jesus and their response to his; “Moses permitted him to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her." shows the Mosaic Law they are referring to (Deuteronomy 24:1) dealt with a contractual relationship. Jesus, in quoting Genesis (see Genesis 1:27 and 2:24) speaks instead of the spiritual bond which joins husband and wife. This bond cannot be broken (“…what God has joined together, no human being must separate.").

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Reflection:

Understanding the reading from the Gospel of St. Mark is critical for us if we are to understand the Church’s view of the Sacrament of Marriage. In the past the view was popularly held that the Church forbade divorce entirely because of the statement “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

The historical difficulty here is the clear reference earlier in the passage stating; “Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” The key idea there is that God has joined them, not man, not a civil contract that can be ratified by a Justice of the Peace or a civil judge. What God has joined in marriage is an unbreakable bond. It is a covenant that includes God the Father and is seen as a living symbol of Christ and his bride, the Church. If this bond is present, it cannot be broken.

Does this mean that all marriages witnessed by the Church include this sacramental bond? We do our very best to insure they do, but the Sacrament of Marriage is a lived sacrament. The Church does not “administer” the Sacrament of Marriage as it does Baptism or the Eucharist.

The Church, through its marriage preparation programs, tries to insure the sacramental bond is present. But, it is like a scientist using a very powerful microscope to look at the molecular structure of some material. Is he able to see the chemical bonds that hold the material together and make it the compound it appears to be? No, he cannot see the bonds but, depending upon how the material reacts under different circumstances (especially when he tries to take it apart) the bonds demonstrate their existence even though they are invisible to the human eye.

The civil contract of marriage can be easily broken. It is just like any business contract. There are terms and conditions and there are remedies in civil law. The only cost is legal fees. If the civil contract is nullified in what was presumed to have been a sacramental marriage, does that mean the sacramental bond that was presumed to have existed at the time it was validly witnessed in a Church was also nullified? No! That is why there is a Tribunal in each diocese. To make sure that the sacramental bond was never present. If present, it cannot be broken, if not present, the civil bond was all that bound the couple in the first place.

This whole view is widely misunderstood, even within the ranks of the faithful and we need to, whenever we encounter these misunderstandings, correct them. Jesus said; “What God has joined together, no human being must separate.” Thank God for his unfailing love for us.

Pax

[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “The Marriage Feast at Cana “ by Juan De Flandes, 1500
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, 33:23, pp.544
[5] Ibid

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Sirach 5:1-8

Rely not on your wealth;
say not: “I have the power.”
Rely not on your strength
in following the desires of your heart.
Say not: “Who can prevail against me?”
or, “Who will subdue me for my deeds?”
for God will surely exact the punishment.
Say not: “I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?”
for the Most High bides his time.
Of forgiveness be not overconfident,
adding sin upon sin.
Say not: “Great is his mercy;
my many sins he will forgive.”
For mercy and anger alike are with him;
upon the wicked alights his wrath.
Delay not your conversion to the LORD,
put it not off from day to day.
For suddenly his wrath flames forth;
at the time of vengeance you will be destroyed.
Rely not upon deceitful wrath,
for it will be no help on the day of wrath.
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Commentary on Sir 5:1-8

Sirach condemns those who “presume” upon the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. He points out that wealth in itself is not evil but the sense of self-reliance and power that comes with wealth is the real danger. Those who presume that because they are wealthy and powerful, they do not need to follow God’s laws are doomed to reap the punishment of the God of Justice. They must repent and turn away from their conceit or find it is too late. Here “…on the day of wrath” refers to reversals in fortune or even death.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
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Commentary on Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

Psalm 1 serves as a preface to the whole book of the psalms. The psalmist here exalts those who follow the Lord’s commands and reflects upon the blessings they will receive. As in Romans 6:19ff, this selection emphasizes the contrast between the salvation of the just and the punishment of the wicked.

This portion of the psalm fits with the Isaiah reading above like an overlapped formula of covenant. Blessed is the man who “delights in the Law day and night” but; “the way of the wicked vanishes.”

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Gospel: Mark 9:41-50

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink
because you belong to Christ,
amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,
it would be better for him if a great millstone
were put around his neck
and he were thrown into the sea.
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.
It is better for you to enter into life maimed
than with two hands to go into Gehenna,
into the unquenchable fire.
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off.
It is better for you to enter into life crippled
than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.
Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye
than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,
where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

“Everyone will be salted with fire.
Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid,
with what will you restore its flavor?
Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”
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Commentary on Mk 9:41-50

In this passage, Jesus finishes his warning to the disciples against jealousy and intolerance toward others. Having said that those who call people to faith in him, even if they do not walk with the disciples are friends, he speaks of those who would lead the people away from him, again using the “Little Child” as a symbol of the weak in spirit and the poor. Those that do so, or who are tempted to do so, should resist such temptation at any price or they will find an eternal punishment waiting for them using a paraphrase from Isaiah 66:24.

The final verse speaks of salt using the analogy of purifying and preserving food. The word of Christ will have the same effect e.g. purifying and preserving the believer.

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Reflection:

The words of Sirach and the Psalm certainly are in synch with each other pointing out that the values of the faithful must be placed on spiritual things rather than material wealth. Even the Gospel chimes in speaking about the consequences of getting it wrong as the Lord talks about avoiding temptation (“…If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire”).

There are those who would say that Holy Scripture, properly used should always be “uplifting”. Today, instead we get a reality check. When we hear that God will deal harshly with the unjust rich, those who covet their wealth and ignore the plight of those less fortunate, we are forced to examine our own circumstances. We, who live in the richest nation on earth must constantly be vigilant not to allow wealth to become the motive for what we do. As scripture points out, there are unpleasant consequences.

It is easy to fall into that trap of serving wealth instead of God. Our society praises those who are able to gain great wealth. Likewise society tends to turn a blind eye on those who abuse that wealth and the power that comes with it. Our children are exposed to these misguided values (“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea”).and it is sometimes tempting to rationalize that by focusing on the accumulation of wealth, we can do more good with the money we hoard.

Look at the transcripts from the recent exchange between corporate executives of the oil companies and the Senate Energy Committee. When asked how they could continue to justify huge profits while the people are suffering because of high gas prices; their response was that they are forcing the country to become better at conserving those energy resources. Even a firm believer in the free enterprise system would agree that sometimes greed gets out of hand.

The Gospel mandate is clear. While we are called to use the gifts God gives us to provide for ourselves and our families, we must constantly be on guard against allowing our search for prosperity override the need to express God’s love to those with less. Our prayer today is a simple one; God help the prosperity of the work of our hands for your greater glory and may what we do help those less fortunate, that they too might know their loving Father and His Son, Jesus

Pax

[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “St. Lawrence Giving the Wealth to the Poor” by Palma Giovane, 1581-82
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Memorial of Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr

(Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time)

Alternate Proper for the Memorial of St. Polycarp

Readings for Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Sirach 4:11-19

Wisdom breathes life into her children
and admonishes those who seek her.
He who loves her loves life;
those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord.
He who holds her fast inherits glory;
wherever he dwells, the LORD bestows blessings.
Those who serve her serve the Holy One;
those who love her the LORD loves.
He who obeys her judges nations;
he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers.
If one trusts her, he will possess her;
his descendants too will inherit her.
She walks with him as a stranger
and at first she puts him to the test;
Fear and dread she brings upon him
and tries him with her discipline
until she try him by her laws and trust his soul.
Then she comes back to bring him happiness
and reveal her secrets to them
and she will heap upon him
treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice.
But if he fails her, she will abandon him
and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.
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Commentary on Sir 4:11-19

Sirach speaks of the rewards of Wisdom. “Up to this point the author has analysed the virtue of fidelity to God in its basic aspects of attitude toward God, parents, self, and the downtrodden. Before taking up miscellaneous wisdom topics, he shows th fruits of wisdom in an effort to entice his reader to accept his principles.”[4]

Set as an allegory of a mother, wisdom guides her children and gives them the life of faith. The one who embraces God’s wisdom sees justice through the eyes of God, judging the nations (see also Proverbs 8:15). It is clear mankind is not forced to accept wisdom. Rather the discipline of wisdom tests those who seek her. The ones who accept are given happiness and the treasures of the Kingdom of God; those who reject wisdom are abandoned by God and suffer the ravages of the world.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:165, 168, 171, 172, 174, 175

R. (165a) O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Those who love your law have great peace,
and for them there is no stumbling block.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

I keep your precepts and your decrees,
for all my ways are before you.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

My lips pour forth your praise,
because you teach me your statutes.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

May my tongue sing of your promise,
for all your commands are just.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Let my soul live to praise you,
and may your ordinances help me.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
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Commentary on Ps 119:165, 168, 171, 172, 174, 175

An acrostic poem; each of the eight verses of the first strophe (aleph) begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet; each verse of the second strophe (beth) begins with the second letter; and so on for all 22 letters of the alphabet.

The entire work is in praise of the Law, and the joys to be found in keeping it. It is not "legalism" but a love and desire for the word of God in Israel's Law, which is the expression of the Lord's revelation of himself and his will for man.

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Gospel: Mark 9:38-40

John said to Jesus,
“Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name,
and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.”
Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name
who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.”
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Commentary on Mk 9:38-40

Still responding to the Disciples confusion following the casting out of the unclean spirit that could only be cast out through prayer (see Mark 9:17-29), Jesus warns his friends about being exclusivist in representing himself. He tells them that those who do good in his name, are joined with them in proclaiming the truth of the Kingdom of God and should not be considered as enemies but as coworkers in the mission upon which he was sent and warns the disciples about jealousy and intolerance toward others who use the Lord’s name but are not traveling with them. “For whoever is not against us is for us.”

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Reflection:

How wondrous it is to see how Christ reveals God’s will. He speaks to the disciples in St. Mark’s Gospel trying to help them understand that those who have, like them, accepted the truth of Jesus to the point of using his name to accomplish good works are allies and coworkers for God. He speaks that famous phrase; “For whoever is not against us is for us.”

When we look at it, isn’t that the same message the son of Sirach was attempting to make as he extolled the merits of God’s wisdom in the first reading? Sirach personifies wisdom as a loving mother. In aspect we see glimpses of wisdom in Mother Mary. We also see a facet of the Holy Spirit which guides each of us in the Wisdom of God lifted up by Sirach.

Sirach attempted to tell the Hebrew people that all who accept God’s wisdom are adopted by God and enjoy the rewards of the Father. Of course, writing as he did nearly 200 years before Christ walked the earth; his understanding of the true nature of God’s wisdom was limited to the Law of Moses (rejoiced in by Psalm 119) and the great prophets that had gone before him. But truth is truth and is timeless. So we who are enlightened by Christ hear his words and marvel that the wisdom of God is eternal. We also see in Christ one who encompasses all of God’s understanding synthesizing it and applying it for his friends.

From a practical perspective, we hear the words of Sirach and rededicate ourselves to embracing God’s wisdom and truth condensed into the precepts of our faith. At the same time we are called to recognize that, while we believe the Wisdom of God is a treasure of the Holy Church, we must accept as coworkers those who similarly profess a faith in Christ Jesus and work toward proclaiming the Kingdom of God in faith and actions. It is a good reminder for us as we speed toward the discipline of Lent.

Pax

[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “The Triumph of Wisdom” by Filippo Gherardi, 1671
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, 33:19, pp. 544

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle

Readings for the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading I: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Beloved:
I exhort the presbyters among you,
as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ
and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed.
Tend the flock of God in your midst,
overseeing not by constraint but willingly,
as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly.
Do not lord it over those assigned to you,
but be examples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd is revealed,
you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
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Commentary on 1 Pt 5:1-4

St. Peter, the first Bishop of Rome writes to those who have been appointed to lead local Christian communities. He provides a view of leadership consistent with Christ’s teaching and contradicting the Jewish Leadership style which was authoritarian. He exhorts the Presbyters or Elders to offer their service as a gift to God and provide leadership through their example of humility.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6

R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
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Commentary on Ps 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6

Psalm 23 is the most popular Psalm in all of Holy Scripture. While the theme of Shepherd is mentioned in the first strophe, the psalm really speaks to the peace given to those who follow the Lord and place their trust in HIm, even into the “dark valley”.

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Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi
he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
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Commentary on Mt 16:13-19

St. Matthew’s story of how Jesus asked about what people were saying about him has a profound impact on the Church. Here, when challenged by Jesus with the question, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon answers, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” The second title is not present in St. Mark’s version of this encounter. It adds an understanding that Jesus is not just the Messiah, but also the Son of God.

Given this response, Jesus confers upon Simon a new name “Kephas” which comes from the root Aramaic word Kepa or “Rock”. When translated into Greek it came out Petros and from there to Peter. The name, however, becomes the foundation for the Church and Peter, as a consequence of this exchange is given Christ’s authority, an authority that is passed down through Papal Succession to Pope Benedict XVI today.

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Reflection:

It is ironic that the rationale for our celebration surrounding the story of the Lord giving the “Keys of the Kingdom of God” to St. Peter should come from St. Paul. It was St. Paul who so eloquently proclaimed the understanding that we are all adopted children of God and as such all heirs to the legacy left on earth as well as a place in the Heavenly Kingdom. We are given the formal access to that treasured status as Jesus passes his authority to St. Peter. The keys to the treasury are given; a treasury that is at once the deposit of faith and the responsibility that goes with it.

It is a great blessing for us, this offer of adoption through the authority passed on to St. Peter. It gives us access to the wisdom of God and the peace that comes with knowing God’s salvation is available to us. The reading from the First Letter of St. Peter points out that with this adoption, this special status of belonging to God’s family, there are also responsibilities.

Some might say that St. Pete is only addressing his fellow Presbyters – the Priests and Bishops of the early Church in this letter. It might be said that we need only listen to those whose authority flows more directly from the Chair of Peter, as the pontificate in now called. But those who think so would be wrong. We are all given some share in the responsibility for leading God’s flock. We are all witnesses to the world of the love of Christ that is most eloquently proclaimed from St. Peter’s Chair. It is our inheritance to spend in the world. The keys that bind us in the form of the Magisterium are also the keys that free us; allowing us to be free from the secular chains of envy and greed.

In a sense it is like the Mark Twain story of the “Prince and the Pauper”, the two identical youths switched places and in their unfamiliar roles the boy who was now a Prince was thought to have become mentally ill and the Prince not placed in the role of beggar was likewise thought to have become deranged. They were not acting in accord with their birth rights. We are not merely sheep to follow blindly anyone who calls themselves shepherds. We are the part of the flock of the one true shepherd and we follow only his voice. And those who see us and know us understand that we follow that voce; it is like a brand set upon us; ashes on our foreheads that should not be washed off.

Today we rejoice in our adoption as children of God. We thank the One Shepherd for calling us and setting wise shepherds to carry on the great work that he began. We pray this day for the strength and courage to be seen as members of that flock and to be worthy to carry his brand in our hearts.

Pax

[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “St Peter Enthroned with Saints” by Cima da Conegliano, 1495-97
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only..

Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Peter Damian, Bishop, Doctor

Alternate Proper for the Memorial of St. Peter Damian

Readings for Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Sirach 1:1-10

All wisdom comes from the LORD
and with him it remains forever, and is before all time
The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain,
the days of eternity: who can number these?
Heaven’s height, earth’s breadth,
the depths of the abyss: who can explore these?
Before all things else wisdom was created;
and prudent understanding, from eternity.
The word of God on high is the fountain of wisdom
and her ways are everlasting.
To whom has wisdom’s root been revealed?
Who knows her subtleties?
To whom has the discipline of wisdom been revealed?
And who has understood the multiplicity of her ways?
There is but one, wise and truly awe-inspiring,
seated upon his throne:
There is but one, Most High
all-powerful creator-king and truly awe-inspiring one,
seated upon his throne and he is the God of dominion.
It is the LORD; he created her through the Holy Spirit,
has seen her and taken note of her.
He has poured her forth upon all his works,
upon every living thing according to his bounty;
he has lavished her upon his friends.
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Commentary on Sir 1:1-10

This passage begins the Book of Sirach. Written in about 175 B.C., this sacred text’s author, the son of Sirach, writes extensively about the Law and our relationship to it. It is not considered to be part of the Jewish Bible after the first century and is not contained in the protestant cannon either. The church has always considered it sacred and it has been included in the Catholic Cannon since it was first established.

In these opening verses, the author explains that the Wisdom of God is poured out on all God’s creation through the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, the author notes, can only come from God and there is, of course only one God. The wisdom spoken of here is God’s external revelation of himself, present in all His creation.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5

R. (1a) The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

The LORD is king, in splendor robed;
robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

And he has made the world firm,
not to be moved.
Your throne stands firm from of old;
from everlasting you are, O LORD.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed:
holiness befits your house,
O LORD, for length of days.
R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
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Commentary on Ps 93:1ab, 1cd-2, 5

Psalm 93 is a hymn of praise commemorating Yahweh as king. The external revelation of God mentioned in Sirach 1:1-10 is celebrated in this song of praise. The image of God’s throne on high, repeated here reinforces God’s omnipotence.

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Gospel: Mark 9:14-29

As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John
and approached the other disciples,
they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them.
Immediately on seeing him,
the whole crowd was utterly amazed.
They ran up to him and greeted him.
He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?”
Someone from the crowd answered him,
“Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit.
Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down;
he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid.
I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.”
He said to them in reply,
“O faithless generation, how long will I be with you?
How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.”
They brought the boy to him.
And when he saw him,
the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions.
As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around
and foam at the mouth.
Then he questioned his father,
“How long has this been happening to him?”
He replied, “Since childhood.
It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him.
But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.”
Jesus said to him,
“‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.”
Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”
Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering,
rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it,
“Mute and deaf spirit, I command you:
come out of him and never enter him again!”

Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out.
He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!”
But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.
When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private,
“Why could we not drive the spirit out?”
He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”
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Commentary on Mk 9:14-29

In this selection from St. Mark’s Gospel, the Lord encounters a “situation”. When he comes down the mountain where Peter, James, and John had just witnessed the transfiguration of the Lord, he discovers the rest of the twelve being challenged by scribes and Pharisees because they cannot cast out a “mute spirit”.

Jesus’ reaction seems a bit exasperated. He remarks on the faithlessness of the crowd (including the Scribes and Pharisees) and proceeds to cure the boy. He then explains to the disciples (possibly chastising them as well) that in such cases, cure can only be effected through prayer and in some texts “fasting” is added to this account..

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Reflection:

The Gospel tells a story of what happens when people try to do something without enlisting God’s help. The son of Sirach explains in the first reading that all wisdom (and grace) comes from God and resides in God in fullness. When the disciples who were not with Jesus as he was being transfigured and revealed to Peter, James, and John are confronted with a request to cure a possessed boy, they fail. Recall Jesus already “gave them authority over unclean spirits” and sent them out with successful results (cf Mark 6:7-13). They fully expected to be able to cure the boy. When they failed, it reflected poorly on their teacher, Jesus.

When Jesus returns and finds them embroiled in an argument with the people (including the scribes and Pharisees) he recognizes the situation at once. First, the people who came with the boy did not have faith that the boy could be cured (by God) and second, his disciples, under pressure, had failed to ask God for assistance and tried to accomplish the task by human will alone.

In the Gospel Jesus rebukes both groups; the crowd with "O faithless generation, how long will I be with you?” And later, privately, the disciples with what must have been for them a pretty scathing testimony from their teacher’ "This kind can only come out through prayer." The implication was they had not been praying, they had forgotten that grace and wisdom from God must flow through them if good is to be accomplished.

That same lesson is the one we walk away with today. It is one about which we need to be constantly reminded. We are not asked to perform miracles on a daily basis. But we are confronted and challenged to proclaim the Good News. When we try to do this on our own, forgetting that it is only through Christ Jesus who left us the Holy Spirit that this can be accomplished, we fall into the same trap as the nine who forgot to pray.

This then is our challenge for today. That we be a people of prayer, constantly asking God for aid in glorifying his name though our actions. May all we do this day be a song of praise to him.

Pax

[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “Jesus Casts our Unclean Spirit” by Gustave Doré, 1865
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.