Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr

(Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time)

Alternate Proper for the Memorial of St. Justin

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

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: 1 Peter 4:7-13

Beloved:
The end of all things is at hand.
Therefore be serious and sober-minded
so that you will be able to pray.
Above all, let your love for one another be intense,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another
as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God;
whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies,
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you,
as if something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ,
so that when his glory is revealed
you may also rejoice exultantly.
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Commentary on 1 Pt 4:7-13

“The inner life of the eschatological community” (the Christian Community’s focus on the end times) “is outlined as the end (the parousia of Christ) and the judgment draws near in terms of seriousness, sobriety, prayer, and love expressed through hospitality and the use of one's gifts for the glory of God and of Christ”[4] The doxology in v. 11 may have been the ending of an address or possibly even the conclusion of a baptismal celebration.

The concluding verses recapitulate the baptismal exhortation and encourage the Christian community to share in the tribulations of Christ and share also the salvation that flows through him. See also Romans 8:17.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13

R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.
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Commentary on Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13

This hymn of praise of God who is God alone poses an invitation to the faithful. The selection rejoices in God’s creative power and establishes His role as King over all that he has created.

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Gospel: Mark 11:11-26

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area.
He looked around at everything and, since it was already late,
went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry.
Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf,
he went over to see if he could find anything on it.
When he reached it he found nothing but leaves;
it was not the time for figs.
And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!”
And his disciples heard it.

They came to Jerusalem,
and on entering the temple area
he began to drive out those selling and buying there.
He overturned the tables of the money changers
and the seats of those who were selling doves.
He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area.
Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written:

My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples?
But you have made it a den of thieves.”

The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it
and were seeking a way to put him to death,
yet they feared him
because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching.
When evening came, they went out of the city.

Early in the morning, as they were walking along,
they saw the fig tree withered to its roots.
Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look!
The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”
Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God.
Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,
‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’
and does not doubt in his heart
but believes that what he says will happen,
it shall be done for him.
Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,
believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.
When you stand to pray,
forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance,
so that your heavenly Father may in turn
forgive you your transgressions.”
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Commentary on Mk 11:11-26

The Gospel today has three intertwined elements. First we hear Jesus uncharacteristically “curse” the fig tree for its lack of fruit. The common thought about this incident is that it is a metaphor for the Jewish lack of faith and acceptance of scriptures fulfilled in Christ.

The second element is the story of Jesus and the money changers. The Lord drives out the merchants who had set up their tables in the outer most courtyard of the Temple called the Court of Gentiles. The sacrifices for sale could only be purchased with money from Tyre – all other currency had to be exchanged at these tables.

Finally we come to the last part of the Gospel as Jesus instructs the disciples about prayer. Our reading concludes much like the Lord’s Prayer, with the request for forgiveness. v. 26 (which is omitted because it is not found in the best source documents) actually reads: "But if you do not forgive, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your transgressions,"

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Reflection:

The story of Jesus cursing the fig tree provides us with some shock value. It is so out of character that the Lord of love would do anything like cursing a tree (or for that matter disrupting the money changers in the temple). In this case we can almost miss the real point being made by these short vignettes.

In the case of the fig tree, Jesus is demonstrating the power of faith. Note when the disciples see the results of the curse he laid upon the tree and call it to his attention he makes the profound response “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him.”

It is that incredible faith, the faith of Bartimaeus the blind man whose site was restored, that the Lord asks us to have. It is so difficult for us to accept that the use of this gift can have such an amazing effect on our lives. But there it is; we are promised that if we do not let doubt enter in, our faith in the Christ will allow almost anything to be possible.

Today as we recall the shock value of the cursed fig tree, let us pray in our hearts for the faith the Lord asks us to have. We have been assured, if we can approach that level of trust in God, all things are possible.

Pax

[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “The Accursed Fig Tree” by James Tissot, 1886-94
[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] See NAB Footnote on 1 Peter 4:7-11

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Information about the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
He will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
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Commentary on Zep 3:14-18a

This reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah is part of a hymn of joy sung by the remnant restored to Zion. It comes at the end of the oracle as the faithful worship God their savior who has given them what he promised and forgiven them of their many sins against him.

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Or Romans 12:9-16

Brothers and sisters: Let love be sincere;
hate what is evil,
hold on to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection;
anticipate one another in showing honor.
Do not grow slack in zeal,
be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope,
endure in affliction,
persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,
exercise hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you,
bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep.
Have the same regard for one another,
do not be haughty but associate with the lowly;
do not be wise in your own estimation.
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Commentary on Rom 12:9-16

St. Paul gives a litany of instructions to those who wish to remain faithful to Christ’s teachings. He is speaking to a community that is one in faith in Christ. He tells the community that in their union the gifts of each must serve the needs of all and these gifts need to be exercised. In this selection the Evangelist gives a litany of exhortations to live the love of Christ, following his command to love one another sincerely and to forgive those who persecute them.

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Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

R. (6) Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
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Commentary on Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

This canticle from the Prophet Isaiah emphasizes the peace and confidence of his servant in the salvation of God. He sings his praise to God and exhorts all of Israel to praise Him as they see his constant presence among them in his blessings upon them.

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Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."
And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever."
Mary remained with her about three months
and then returned to her home.
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Commentary on Lk 1:39-56

The Gospel selection from St. Luke gives us the story of Mary’s journey from Nazareth, over the mountains to Hebron, south of Jerusalem, to visit her cousin St. Elizabeth who was also with child. St. Elizabeth’s greeting gives us substance for the “Hail Mary” and Mary’s response is the great Canticle of Mary which exemplifies her faith and faithfulness, appropriate for the Mother of Jesus who is the Christ.

Mary’s meeting with Elizabeth follows the annunciation by Gabriel that she would carry the Son of God which proclaims the coming of the Lord and the faith of Mary before the nativity event. We note that Elizabeth is first to identify Jesus as Lord as she says” …how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” She not only professes the identity of the infant but foreshadows Mary’s leadership standing, elevating the stature of her much younger cousin with reverence. Elizabeth continues her praise of Mary by establishing that her (Mary’s) faith had allowed her to accept even the incredible role God had offered her.

In response we hear Mary’s humility as she gives us the Magnificat “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior...” This opening phrase establishes that the Blessed Mother gives herself to God eternally (her eternal self -Soul) and completely (the very core of her being -Spirit). What follows in her great song is an abject expression of faith in the Father’s omnipotence and her own humility and awe in the face of his request of her – to carry God’s only Son.

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Reflection:

As we reflect upon the Visitation, as sometimes happens, we consider the event in broad or general terms – Mary, the vessel of Jesus visits St. Elizabeth, the vessel of St. John the Baptist. The mothers greet each other but only after the Lord and St. John have already communed in spirit. St. John “leaped for joy” in the presence of the Lord, communicating his own exultation to his mother.

We see this reaction in St. Elizabeth when she greets Mary, already knowing the identity of the child she carries. St. Elizabeth clearly recognizes the holiness of Mary. This is remarkable when we consider that St. Elizabeth is far older than her young cousin. We were told that she was barren “And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived * a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;” (Luke 1:36) when Mary received the news of her own conception from the Archangel Gabriel. Yet, her cousin not only differs to her but offers her worshipful praise “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb”.

This meeting, as we look back upon it is much more than an encounter between faith-filled women; rather it is the Messiah, the Only Begotten Son of God, being introduced to the world in the persons of St. John the Baptist and, secondly, to his mother St. Elizabeth. It is for this reason we celebrate this event in solemn worship. It is, in essence, our first meeting with the Incarnation.

Our joy in this meeting is echoed by St. Elizabeth who gives us the words of the Hail Mary in her salutation. It is a reminder, not only of the Blessed Virgin’s own faith in God and acceptance of His will, but our own need to thank St. Mary for her obedience, St. Elizabeth for her understanding, and St. John for his recognition of this wondrous event.

Today we pray that our faith may be as perceptive as St. Elizabeth’s in recognizing Christ in our brothers and sisters and that St. Mary’s unwavering obedience to God might give us courage to obey him as well.

Pax

In other years: Thursday of the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time

[1] The image used today is “The Visitation” by Tintoretto, 1549
[2] ALTRE
[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.

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

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

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: 1 Peter 1:18-25

Beloved:
Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct,
handed on by your ancestors,
not with perishable things like silver or gold
but with the precious Blood of Christ
as of a spotless unblemished Lamb.
He was known before the foundation of the world
but revealed in the final time for you,
who through him believe in God
who raised him from the dead and gave him glory,
so that your faith and hope are in God.

Since you have purified yourselves
by obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love,
love one another intensely from a pure heart.
You have been born anew,
not from perishable but from imperishable seed,
through the living and abiding word of God, for:

“All flesh is like grass,
and all its glory like the flower of the field;
the grass withers,
and the flower wilts;
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
This is the word that has been proclaimed to you.
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Commentary on 1 Pt 1:18-25

Following St. Peter’s call to holiness, he reminds the five churches that they were saved from their sin by the perfect sacrificed of Christ (the Blood of the Lamb) who was raised from the dead so they might have hope in the resurrection to eternal life.

The passage concludes, again with a call to actions that reflect the grace they are given in Baptism (“…You have been born anew”). This rebirth is not just through water but the Word (Logos) which is eternal and is food for the soul (“…from imperishable seed, through the living and abiding word of God”).
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.

He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.

He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise. This selection is the third of three calls to praise within the psalm. In these strophes we see the call to praise Jerusalem, the Holy city because in it was revealed the Word of God and a call to holiness. The Lord is praised for sending food that sustains the people. The final strophe also rejoices that the Law was handed on to them through Jacob.

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Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem,
and Jesus went ahead of them.
They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.
Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them
what was going to happen to him.
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man
will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes,
and they will condemn him to death
and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him,
spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death,
but after three days he will rise.”

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
came to Jesus and said to him,
“Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”
He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?”
They answered him,
“Grant that in your glory
we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.”
Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I drink
or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
They said to him, “We can.”
Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink,
and with the baptism with which I am
baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.
Jesus summoned them and said to them,
“You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles
lord it over them,
and their great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you.
Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
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Commentary on Mk 10:32-45

This Gospel passage starts with the third prediction of the Passion in St. Mark’s Gospel. The sons of Zebedee take this opportunity (thinking the time for Christ to come into glory) to ask for places of honor when he assumes his place. The Lord responds with the metaphors of “drinking the cup he will drink” and “being baptized with the baptism with which he will be baptized” symbolic of his passion and death. When the brothers respond in the affirmative, Jesus predicts that they will follow him in martyrdom but that only God can give them the places of honor they request.

When the disciples become upset at James and John, Jesus uses the opportunity to explain “servant leadership”. Unlike secular leaders who autocratically order their subjects about, the servant leader comes to lead by example and service to those being lead. He concludes by describing his own role “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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Reflection:

Once upon a time there were two young men, twins in fact, who came to see their father who was going on a long journey. Their father gave them each an intricate and beautiful key, telling them that they were to keep it safe always because it was the key that unlocked their inheritance. He told them further that between his departure and when they would come into this inheritance, many evil people would attempt to take the keys away from them.

Now one of these twins truly loved his father and took all of these words to heart. The other did not listen to the wise words spoken to him. The loving son did as his father had asked. He kept the key safe, on a chain next to his heart. In times of trouble he would take it out and be reminded of his father and the love he bore his sons. The other son threw his key into a box containing other knickknacks of little importance and generally forgot about the key altogether.

In the years that followed, the son who carried his key always seemed to make good choices in life and was happy and content. While the other twin fell in with people who used him and were cruel to him. In short his life was miserable.

At the end of their lives they had to make the final journey their father had made. It was long and difficult. At the end of this journey was a wondrous palace surrounded by a mote. The palace was beautiful and the twins could hear music and smell flowers and luscious food coming from inside. When they approached the gate, they saw their father on the other side and he was overjoyed to see them. He told them all they had to do to enter was to use the key he had given them and unlock the gate.

The loving son immediately pulled out the key he wore on the chain about his neck and unlocked the gate and went in. The other son pleaded to come too but he had left his key behind. The father and his brother were both heartbroken at this news but explained that each key would let in only one – the one that it was made for and the other twin must go back and retrieve his key if he wanted to enter. It would take him a very long and miserable time to do this but it must be done. Eventually the second twin learned the value of the key and returned to receive his inheritance was well.

The sacrament of Baptism is the key we are given. It is the key to salvation and sets us on a course to eternal life. So many of those given this key are never reminded they have it and forget how to use it. Our prayer today is that we encourage all of those baptized in Christ and show them, with our words and actions the means by which their own salvation may be insured. In our story, the period required to journey back to retrieve his key may be likened to our time in Purgatory wherein we renew our baptismal promises and recall, in perfect contrition, our sins.

Pax


[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture used today is “The Handing-over the Keys” Raffaello Sanzio, 1515
[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.

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings for Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: 1 Peter 1:10-16

Beloved:
Concerning the salvation of your souls
the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours
searched and investigated it
investigating the time and circumstances
that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated
when it testified in advance
to the sufferings destined for Christ
and the glories to follow them.
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you
with regard to the things that have now been announced to you
by those who preached the Good News to you
through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven,
things into which angels longed to look.

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly,
and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Like obedient children,
do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance
but, as he who called you is holy,
be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct,
for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.
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Commentary on 1 Pt 1:10-16

The Apostle here continues to exhort the five churches to respond to the call to holiness. A call brought to them by the Apostles who were filled with “the Spirit of Christ”. It was this Holy Spirit that motivated them as it had motivated the prophets of old in their understanding of the salvation to come.

The passage concludes with very practical instructions about their behavior, instructing them to avoid their former way of life “…do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance” but rather be holy as God is holy quoting Leviticus (see Leviticus 11: 44).

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.

Sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

The Lord has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.

All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
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Commentary on Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

Psalm 98 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. We see in this selection how God is praised for the strength he lends his people and the salvation he brings to those who are faithful. The psalm rejoices in God’s salvation. The Lord has revealed his compassion toward the people and they sing his praises in response. As the Hebrews saw this as salvation for the people of Israel from its enemies, we see the deeper expression of God’s love as he sent his Son for salvation and justice for the whole world.
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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

Following the exchange with the rich young man and the rest of the crowd, St. Peter brings up the fact that the disciples had given up everything to follow Jesus. The Lord responds telling them they will receive a reward “a hundred times more” and “eternal life”.

The 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:

As we hear the response of the Disciples to Jesus’ requirement of the “Rich Young Man” we empathize with them. Jesus has just told him that he must give up what is most important to him in order to follow Jesus. Seeing this requirement of self-sacrifice, the Disciples exclaim that they have given up everything to follow the Lord and are now wondering what they will receive in return. To this Jesus reassures them that the material wealth and social position they have given up in this world will be made up many times over in the next.

Responding so completely to the call of the Lord is something most of us just cannot do. We have accepted the vocation of marriage or we live in a secular world that places responsibilities upon us that force us to keep a job, dedicating much of our time to that effort. Or we are called care for a home and children, an equally important vocation. How then can we fulfill the requirements of social responsibility and also dedicate ourselves to Jesus?

We come closest to doing this when we dedicate our effort to God’s greater glory, rather than our own. We offer our success to the Lord and give him credit. We ask for his help in being examples to others, bringing the Holy Spirit to the world as we are called while, in our heart of hearts, remaining apart from it. We reject the call of Satan who beacons to us constantly and we embrace the austerity we can while supporting our families.

It is a very difficult thing the Lord asks and we must be constantly mindful of our own tendency to procure an excess of material wealth in the name of familial support. We pray today for the spirit of the disciples, that we might offer up our lives for the sake of the one who gave up his life for us.

Pax


[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “St. Peter” by El Greco, 1610-1613
[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: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading,
kept in heaven for you
who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith,
to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while
you may have to suffer through various trials,
so that the genuineness of your faith,
more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire,
may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him;
even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him,
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy,
as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.
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Commentary on 1 Pt 1:3-9

St. Peter writes to early churches (this letter is thought to have been composed while St. Peter was in Rome and published to them between 64 and 67 AD shortly before his martyrdom at the hands of Nero). This passage is the beginning of the first section of his letter dealing primarily with the gift and call of Christ in Baptism.

In this passage, although Baptism is not mentioned, we see the allusion to it, first with “…who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope” and then later with “…you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls”. These gifts of hope and faith, presented in Baptism, give the Christian their indelible character.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10c

R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the Lord,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

He has sent deliverance to his people;
he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.
His praise endures forever.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10c

Psalm 111 is a song of praise. The hymn professes God’s greatness, revealed in creation and revered by all that live and have being. The final reference to God’s imperishable covenant (“…he has ratified his covenant forever") links nicely to the baptismal references above.

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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. 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.”

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Reflection:

It is very tempting to focus just on the Gospel as we embark on our new direction following the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost. Jesus challenges us with re-ordering our priorities in the parable of the rich young man. However, there is a passage in the final verse of the first reading from St. Peter’s first letter that refines our idea of the role our faith plays in directing our lives:

“Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1: 8-9)

While we have heard the definition of faith from St. Paul as being “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11: 1) here St. Peter gives us the goal of faith – our salvation, the very fundamental purpose of God’s Son coming into the world – eternal life.

On the surface this sounds very ethereal, a nice philosophical realization without real pragmatic application in our lives. How, after all, does this realization drive our application of that faith in our daily lives? St. Peter praises the early Christian community to whom he writes for their faith in Christ “…even though you do not see him now”. In fact most of those he writes to never saw Jesus in the flesh, in that we are not dissimilar to that audience. So the totality of Peter’s message flows to us.

He pointedly speaks of our re-birth in baptism and the gifts given in that most important sacrament (while Eucharist is considered the most holy sacrament – baptism, because of its prerequisite nature is considered the most important). Through this gate (the true sheep gate of Christ) we are called to be a people enlightened by faith that has become a beacon to others. The faith we are given is not to be kept hidden, nor is its purpose to be restricted to us. Rather the faith we are given is given to share with the world.

As we take that gift of the Holy Spirit and go into this next season of faith, we ask God to strengthen the faith we have been given, for our salvation and that of the whole world.

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.

Pentecost Sunday

(Mass during the Day)

Pentecost at the Vigil Mass

Readings for Pentecost Sunday

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Acts 2:1-11

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled,
they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky
a noise like a strong driving wind,
and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.
At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd,
but they were confused
because each one heard them speaking in his own language.
They were astounded, and in amazement they asked,
"Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?
Then how does each of us hear them in his native language?
We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites,
inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene,
as well as travelers from Rome,
both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs,
yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues
of the mighty acts of God."
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Commentary on Acts 2:1-11

“When the Time for Pentecost was fulfilled” – the word in its Greek form means “fifty” so we understand this phrase to mean – fifty days after Christ’s resurrection (Easter). An interesting coincidence is the Jewish Festival of Weeks (Harvest Festival “Shavuoth”) was also called Pentecost. Whether it was taken first by the Christians and later adopted by the Hellenistic Jews we do not know.

Those present (not just the disciples) heard a loud noise like the rushing of the wind. This signified a new action by God. Indeed we see the symbol of the Holy Spirit, a flame, descend upon the Apostles launching them into prayers of ecstasy that were heard by all present in their own language. This event can be interpreted as a representation of the universal mission of the Church to all peoples of all nations.


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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!
O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!
How manifold are your works, O Lord!
the earth is full of your creatures;
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

May the glory of the LORD endure forever;
may the LORD be glad in his works!
Pleasing to him be my theme;
I will be glad in the LORD.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.

If you take away their breath, they perish
and return to their dust.
When you send forth your spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

In Psalm 104 we find a refrain that is the most popular hymn sung at Pentecost. The final strophe recognizes the third person of God and asks for its blessing.

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Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

Brothers and sisters:
No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.

As a body is one though it has many parts,
and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,
so also Christ.
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,
whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons,
and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.
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Commentary on 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13

In this letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul acknowledges the role of the Holy Spirit and the different gifts supplied to the members of the Mystical Body of Christ. At the same time he also proclaims the oneness of the triune God. The unity theme is carried finally to the people of God who are one in the spirit and therefore one with God.

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Or: Galatians 5:16-25

Brothers and sisters, live by the Spirit
and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
For the flesh has desires against the Spirit,
and the Spirit against the flesh;
these are opposed to each other,
so that you may not do what you want.
But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious:
immorality, impurity, lust, idolatry,
sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy,
outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness,
dissensions, factions, occasions of envy,
drinking bouts, orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I warned you before,
that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Against such there is no law.
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh
with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.
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Commentary on Gal 5:16-25

St. Paul in this selection reminds the Galatians that with freedom in Christ comes a higher calling. He contrasts “works of the flesh” with “fruit of the Spirit”, providing a catalogue of sins and of virtues. The evangelist gives the community a clear warning that those who follow the flesh will not inherit the Kingdom of God but those who “belon Christ Jesus” have experienced an inner conversion. Those “crucified in their flesh” are able to rise above worldly desires and live in the spirit.

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Gospel: John 20:19-23

On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, "Peace be with you."
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you."
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
"Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained."
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Commentary on Jn 20:19-23

St. John gives us the picture of the disciples (now Apostles) in hiding immediately following the Lord’s crucifixion. Twice Jesus comes to them once with Thomas absent and then again when he is present.

There are a number of very important elements of this version of the story. First, the Lord’s greeting, “Peace be with you.” While this may have been a simple Shalom, it is more likely intended to emphasize the rejoicing sense of the meeting. Immediately the Lord sends them on their mission, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you." As part of this action we are told the Lord gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen them and gives them authority to act in his name.”

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Or: John 15:26-27; 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.
And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning.

"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you."
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Commentary on Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15

Jesus’ farewell speech continues with the theme of the strength to be given in the “Advocate”, the “Spirit of truth”, the Holy Spirit (see commentary on John 14:15-21). His reference to the coming of the Holy Spirit is explained further and the unity of the trinity comes into focus as the Lord tells his friends that this Advocate will give them what is also his (the Lord’s)

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Reflection:

The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, the Divine Advocate is celebrated today. How great is our God that, not only did he send his only begotten Son to reveal his great love for us, he sends us His guiding Spirit to be our strength and compass.

It is the Holy Spirit that we look to for the daily miracles in our lives. It is the Holy Spirit that was given to us at our Baptism, that gives is the ability to understand what God wants for us and from us. It is the Holy Spirit that is the glue of the great covenant sealed with the blood of Christ.

Today we, as Church, complete our Easter Celebration with this great feast that reminds us in John’s Gospel how the Lord himself sent the Divine Advocate to his body, the Church so that all we hold as bound on earth shall also be held bound in heaven. He gave his Holy Spirit first to the Disciples that infusion of grace that allowed them to convey the message of love and life through our Heavenly Father to all peoples of all nations. Through that Holy Spirit he gives us a glimpse of Divine Wisdom that directs us.

Today we, as individuals, thank God for his gifts of love an mercy, communicated to us directly from the Heavenly Throne by the Holy Spirit. We recognize these gifts as we reflect on the bounty God has given us in our lives. Gifts that start with the life we dedicate to His service and all of the things we have been given since.

Today, the whole world holds its breath in wonder as the Church proclaims once more that the gift, guide and Advocate left to us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is alive and well and living as the visible Body of the Risen Christ – the Church. Praise be to the Triune God and all His marvelous deeds.

Pax


In other years: Saint Augustine of Canterbury


[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture used is” Pentecost” by Sir Anthony van Dyck, 1618-20
[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.