Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

“Abraham and the Three Angles”
by Giambattista Tiepolo, 1770

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

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Genesis 18:16-33

Abraham and the men who had visited him by the Terebinth of Mamre

set out from there and looked down toward Sodom;

Abraham was walking with them, to see them on their way.

The Lord reflected: “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do,

now that he is to become a great and populous nation,

and all the nations of the earth are to find blessing in him?

Indeed, I have singled him out

that he may direct his children and his household after him

to keep the way of the Lord

by doing what is right and just,

so that the Lord may carry into effect for Abraham

the promises he made about him.”

Then the Lord said:

“The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great,

and their sin so grave,

that I must go down and see whether or not their actions

fully correspond to the cry against them that comes to me.

I mean to find out.”

While the two men walked on farther toward Sodom,

the Lord remained standing before Abraham.

Then Abraham drew nearer to him and said:

“Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty?

Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city;

would you wipe out the place, rather than spare it

for the sake of the fifty innocent people within it?

Far be it from you to do such a thing,

to make the innocent die with the guilty,

so that the innocent and the guilty would be treated alike!

Should not the judge of all the world act with justice?”

The Lord replied,

“If I find fifty innocent people in the city of Sodom,

I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

Abraham spoke up again:

“See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord,

though I am but dust and ashes!

What if there are five less than fifty innocent people?

Will you destroy the whole city because of those five?”

He answered, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.”

But Abraham persisted, saying, “What if only forty are found there?”

He replied, “I will forbear doing it for the sake of forty.”

Then Abraham said, “Let not my Lord grow impatient if I go on.

What if only thirty are found there?”

He replied, “I will forbear doing it if I can find but thirty there.”

Still Abraham went on,

“Since I have thus dared to speak to my Lord,

what if there are no more than twenty?”

He answered, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.”

But he still persisted:

“Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time.

What if there are at least ten there?”

He replied, “For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it.”

The Lord departed as soon as he had finished speaking with Abraham,

and Abraham returned home.

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Commentary on Gn 18:16-33

Following the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham and Sarah ("I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son." Genesis 18:10), the messengers of the Lord leave the hospitality of his tent. Led by Abraham, they travel together to where Lot and his household had gone (Genesis 13:12) and prepare to punish the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for their sinfulness. Abraham, for his part, attempts to negotiate for the cities asking for mercy for the innocent. He is successful, demonstrating the mercy of God to the innocent.

CCC: Gn 18:16-33 2571; Gn 18:20 1867

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1b-2, 3-4, 8-9, 10-11

R. (8a) The Lord is kind and merciful.

Bless the Lord, O my soul;

and all my being, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

He pardons all your iniquities,

he heals all your ills.

He redeems your life from destruction,

he crowns you with kindness and compassion.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

Merciful and gracious is the Lord

slow to anger and abounding in kindness.

He will not always chide,

nor does he keep his wrath forever.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

Not according to our sins does he deal with us,

nor does he requite us according to our crimes.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,

so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.

R. The Lord is kind and merciful.

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Commentary on Ps 103:1b-2, 3-4, 8-9, 10-11

Psalm 103 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. Remembering God’s promise of mercy for the innocent, the psalmist praises God for his compassion and gives thanks for his salvation. It is not by human merit that God judges, but out of compassion and mercy.

CCC: Ps 103 304

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Gospel: Matthew 8:18-22

When Jesus saw a crowd around him,

he gave orders to cross to the other shore.

A scribe approached and said to him,

“Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,

but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

Another of his disciples said to him,

“Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”

But Jesus answered him, “Follow me,

and let the dead bury their dead.”

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Commentary on Mt 8:18-22

This is an interlude between the miracle stories in St. Matthew’s Gospel. In this passage we find two sayings dealing with discipleship, and what that means. The first of these is in the form of a reply to a scribe who wished to travel with the Lord. The Savior’s response indicated that he must be prepared to have no permanent home if he was going to do so. The scribe must give up material wealth, and embrace Christ's consistently stated love of the poor.

In the second situation, the would-be disciple asks to be allowed to bury his father. This does not mean his father had already died, but that he wished to wait for that to happen so he could carry out his family responsibilities. The Lord’s response makes it clear that ties to the family would be secondary to the disciples' call to follow him (see also commentary on Luke 9:51-62).

CCC: Mt 8:20 2444

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Reflection:

The whole idea of spiritual leadership is presented in broad brush strokes in today’s Scripture.  In the first reading God is intending to punish the people of Sodom and Gomorrah and Abraham, the Patriarch who knows his kinsman Lot has taken up residence there pleads with God for mercy for the innocent.  In this same way we are called not to judge in the name of God but to pray for God’s mercy for those who live in sin.

Just as Abraham did not judge those who lived in the accursed cities, we are not to judge those whose actions proclaim them to be godless.  Ours, as our Savior taught us, is a role of intercession even for our enemies. 

The second part of the lesson plan for discipleship comes from the Gospel of Matthew.  Jesus responds first to the scribe telling him that if he wishes to follow the Way he must have as his first priority the kingdom of God.  The scribe’s possessions must take a distant second place.  That message comes to us as well.  We too are called to focus our efforts on living a life worthy of the name “disciple of Christ.”

The final lesson on spiritual leadership takes the focus on the Lord further, eclipsing even our ties to family.  If our efforts are first for God all else will fall into place.  If we place anything else first in our lives, this emphasis will be clearly visible to others as well.

Pax

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[1] The picture today is “Abraham and the Three Angles” by Giambattista Tiepolo, 1770.

[2] S.S. Commemoratio

[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 republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Catechism Links[1]

CCC 587: Jesus’ Ascent to Jerusalem for his death and resurrection

CCC 2052-2055: Master, what must I do…?

CCC 1036, 1816: The urgency of discipleship

“Sorrowful Christ”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

Readings for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time[2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[3]

Readings and Commentary:[4]

Reading 1 : 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21

The LORD said to Elijah:

“You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah,

as prophet to succeed you.”

Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat,

as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen;

he was following the twelfth.

Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him.

Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said,

“Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,

and I will follow you.”

Elijah answered, “Go back!

Have I done anything to you?”

Elisha left him, and taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them;

he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh,

and gave it to his people to eat.

Then Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant.

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Commentary on 1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21

Elijah’s time is coming to an end, and God instructs him to select his successor, Elisha. In response to God’s instruction, Elijah travels to a region near Damascus, and finds Elisha plowing a field using the symbolic twelve oxen (for the twelve tribes of Israel). “Elijah's act of throwing his mantle over the shoulders of Elisha expressed the divine call to share the prophetic mission. Elisha's prompt response through destruction of his plow and the oxen is an example of total obedience and detachment from his former manner of living in order to promote the glory of God.”[5]

"Elisha's response to Elijah's call is quite exemplary: he leaves everything behind and puts himself at the disposal of the prophet. That will be how the apostles respond to Christ (cf. Matthew 4:20, 22; etc.), and it should be how anyone responds when the Lord calls him or her to a mission which involves leaving everything. But the call issued by Jesus is more pressing than Elijah's, as can be seen from the Gospel passage where Jesus, in response to someone who says, 'I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home,' replies, 'No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God' (Luke 9:61-62)."[6]

CCC: 1 Kgs 19:16 436

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R. (cf. 5a) You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;

I say to the Lord, “My Lord are you.

O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup,

you it is who hold fast my lot.”

R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.

I bless the Lord who counsels me;

even in the night my heart exhorts me.

I set the Lord ever before me;

with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,

my body, too, abides in confidence

because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,

nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.

R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.

You will show me the path to life,

fullness of joys in your presence,

the delights at your right hand forever.

R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.

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Commentary on Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

Psalm 16 is a song of thanksgiving that has become prophetic. It speaks clearly of the resurrection accomplished in Christ. It is a hymn of trust in God. Each strophe ends with an affirmation of faithfulness. Key, in the context of the Easter season, is the idea of trust in God who has conquered death and offers the same gift. ("Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.") The psalmist prays that God will shield the faithful from harm, and expresses confidence in the Lord’s salvation; closing the passage with praise for God’s loving mercy.

CCC: Ps 16:9-10 627

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Reading II: Galatians 5:1, 13-18

Brothers and sisters:

For freedom Christ set us free;

so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

For you were called for freedom, brothers and sisters.

But do not use this freedom

as an opportunity for the flesh;

rather, serve one another through love.

For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement,

namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

But if you go on biting and devouring one another,

beware that you are not consumed by one another.

I say, then: 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.

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Commentary on Gal 5:1, 13-18

St. Paul begins addressing the concept of Christian freedom. The freedom he expresses is freedom from the Law of Moses, and freedom from the requirement for Gentiles to participate in all of the laws of the Jews in order to be part of the Christian faith. He warns them not to take this as permission to engage in activities that violate the law, but rather to focus on the spiritual freedom this gives. He goes on to tell them to be guided by the great commandment: “love your neighbor as yourself,” and in this way they will achieve the Christian ideal.

CCC: Gal 5 1454; Gal 5:1 1741, 1748; Gal 5:16-25 2744, 2819; Gal 5:16 2515; Gal 5:17 2515

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Gospel: Luke 9:51-62

When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled,

he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,

and he sent messengers ahead of him.

On the way they entered a Samaritan village

to prepare for his reception there,

but they would not welcome him

because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.

When the disciples James and John saw this they asked,

“Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven

to consume them?”

Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him,

“I will follow you wherever you go.”

Jesus answered him,

“Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,

but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

And to another he said, “Follow me.”

But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”

But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead.

But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

And another said, “I will follow you, Lord,

but first let me say farewell to my family at home.”

To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow

and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”

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Commentary on Lk 9:51-62

This passage from St. Luke’s Gospel, set shortly after the transfiguration event, begins the narrative of Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem with his disciples. The announcement, “When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled,” provides language almost identical to the description of Elijah’s assumption in 2 Kings 2:9-11.

As they travel, word comes that the name of Jesus is being used to cast out demons by others, not part of the group of disciples traveling with him.  The Twelve are upset by this, but Jesus reminds them of the justice of their common cause, a clear reference to the Lord's later call to all peoples to participate in the ministry.

They travel through a Samaritan region in which Jesus was not welcome because of his Jewish identity (see also John 4:9). His rejection by the Samaritans is a forerunner to the rejection he will receive when he reaches his destination. James and John (the “Sons of Thunder”) want to destroy the place, but Jesus, prefiguring the persecution he will face in Jerusalem, does not dispute his rejection.

As the journey continues, the author provides us with three sayings of Jesus about the requirement to place the values of Christian discipleship above all other requirements of life. Proclaiming the kingdom of God must come before even family obligations.

In the first of these sayings, “Foxes have dens…,” Jesus provides an example to all who follow him. He lives in poverty, dedicated to his mission.

The second: “Let the dead bury their dead,” is a play on words. Let the spiritually dead bury the physically dead. Jesus' message is the message of life. This saying was never intended to be taken literally, as filial piety is deeply ingrained in Jewish life.

The third saying: “No one who…looks to what was left behind,” Jesus demands more than Elisha (see 1 Kings 19:19-21). “Plowing for the Kingdom demands sacrifice.” [7]

CCC: Lk 9:51 557; Lk 9:58 544

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Reflection:

We think about Jesus’ mission and how he must have felt at the time where the Gospel passage from St. Luke places him.  “The days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled,” that means his time on earth is growing short and while he has significant notoriety around Galilee, and many know of him in Jerusalem, he was sent to bring salvation to the whole world.  He was given the mission of bringing God’s message to all the people of the world, and he has barely scratched the surface.  Even as he and his friends travel to Jerusalem for the last time, he encounters people who reject him.  We can almost feel his despair, even as his too-zealous disciples offer to use their newly discovered faith to “call down fire from heaven to consume them.” 

So much had to be left to these simple followers of his; even with the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen them, he knows how difficult it will be.  It is this mood that strikes us from the Gospel (and from the story of Elijah selecting his successor, since he too was ending his service on earth).  God’s plan, though, moves forward.  Jesus’ final journey and his great passion at the end of it will be enough.  Already the Word of God impacts the world, and even with Jesus’ apparent defeat on the cross, the will of God to reveal himself has moved beyond where those who would wish to stop it could.

In all the years since the events in Galilee and Jerusalem, the Gospel of Jesus has been proclaimed by people of faith.  It has been taken around the world, and there are few alive now who do not know the name of Jesus.  His great task in not compete though.  There is still much to do.  The battle is waged against the forces of evil and they are persistent.  Jesus passes his call on to us through the words of scripture.  He asks us, through his apostle St. Paul, to continue to live in the freedom of God’s spirit, which informs us to love one another.

Today we pray that we heed that call, and with the Holy Spirit as our constant ally that we are able to do his work and transform the world though our great love.  We pray also that this great effort may be our top priority, since this is the subtext for the example of Elisha and the Lord’s sayings to his disciples. It is an enormous task, but we have the Lord to help us.

Pax

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[1] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, Published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014.

[2] The picture is “Sorrowful Christ” Artist and Date are UNKNOWN.

[3] S.S. Commemoratio

[4] 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 republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

[5] See NAB footnote on 1 Kings 19:16ff.

[6] The Navarre Bible: “Joshua-Kings”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p. 500.

[7] Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, 44:125, p.150.

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Mass During the Day[1]

Mass at the Vigil 

(For pastoral reasons, the vigil Mass may be celebrated on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.)

Catechism Links[2]

CCC 153, 424, 440, 442, 552, 765, 880-881: Saint Peter

CCC 442, 601, 639, 642, 1508, 2632-2633, 2636, 2638: Saint Paul

“Saints Peter and Paul” by Guido Reni, c. 1600

Readings for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible[3]

Readings and Commentary:[4][5]

Reading 1: Acts 12:1-11

In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them.
He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword,
and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews
he proceeded to arrest Peter also.
-It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.-
He had him taken into custody and put in prison
under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each.
He intended to bring him before the people after Passover.
Peter thus was being kept in prison,
but prayer by the Church was fervently being made
to God on his behalf.

On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial,
Peter, secured by double chains,
was sleeping between two soldiers,
while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison.
Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him
and a light shone in the cell.
He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying,
"Get up quickly."
The chains fell from his wrists.
The angel said to him, "Put on your belt and your sandals."
He did so.
Then he said to him, "Put on your cloak and follow me."
So he followed him out,
not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real;
he thought he was seeing a vision.
They passed the first guard, then the second,
and came to the iron gate leading out to the city,
which opened for them by itself.
They emerged and made their way down an alley,
and suddenly the angel left him.
Then Peter recovered his senses and said,
"Now I know for certain
that the Lord sent his angel
and rescued me from the hand of Herod
and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting."
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Commentary on Acts 12:1-11

The Christian Jews in Jerusalem have fallen from favor, probably due to St. Stephen’s teaching and the subsequent backlash. The execution of St. James marks the beginning of the third persecution of the early Church in Jerusalem, this one from a more formal source.

The liberation of Peter from prison echoes many events of Jewish history (the deliverance of Joseph, Genesis 39:21-41:57; the three young men, Daniel 3; and Daniel [himself], Daniel 6) that consciously reflect the paschal liberation (Exodus 12:42). Peter now undergoes the same trial and deliverance as his Master and in his own person becomes a sign of God’s deliverance of his people.

CCC: Acts 12:5 2636; Acts 12:6-11 334
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (5) The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
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Commentary on Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving and a favorite for celebrating the heroic virtue of the saints. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Psalm 34:5, 7), can teach the "poor," those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone. This psalm, in the words of one being unjustly persecuted, echoes hope for deliverance and freedom. The Lord in his faithful love always hears those who call to him for help and salvation.

CCC: Ps 34:3 716; Ps 34:8 336
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Reading II: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.

The Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
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Commentary on 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18

Paul is writing from prison at the end of his life. The only deliverance he can expect is death, and he confidently proclaims that it is the greatest deliverance of all. The death of the Christian who has lived and worked in union with the death of Christ, through baptism, is truly released to freedom and glory. The Apostle views this deliverance as an act of worship. At the close of his life Paul could testify to the accomplishment of what Christ himself foretold concerning him at the time of his conversion: "I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name" (Acts 9:16).

CCC: 2 Tm 4 2015
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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. The title 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 is petros, and from there to Peter. The name, however, becomes the foundation for the Church. As a consequence of this exchange, Peter is given Christ’s authority, an authority that is passed down through papal succession to the pope who sits on the Chair of Peter today.

CCC: Mt 16-18 1969; Mt 16:16-23 440; Mt 16:16 424, 442; Mt 16:17 153, 442; Mt 16:18-19 881; Mt 16:18 424, 442, 552, 586, 869; Mt 16:19 553, 1444
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Reflection:

Where would we be without St. Peter and St. Paul? Peter was given the keys to the kingdom to pass down to us while Paul was sent to proclaim that kingdom to non-Jewish people. Without Peter, there would be no first pontiff; without Paul, Christianity might have been nothing more than an insignificant scandalous offshoot of Judaism.

While they were both critical to God’s plan, how differently they are painted by scripture. Peter was so very human. He could suddenly be open to the Holy Spirit and then just as suddenly fall prey to doubt. We saw it many times in the Gospel.

Remember the time in the boat on the Sea of Galilee, when he saw Jesus and got out of the boat and actually began walking on the water? (Matthew 14:22-36) We are reminded of a child learning to ride a bike. The parent patiently takes the child out onto the sidewalk, tells the child to begin pedaling as the parent walks next to them holding on to the back. At some point the parent lets go and the child rides on. Until, that is, they realize the parent is not there and then they generally lose faith (and concentration) and crash. Peter was like that; he started walking on water and as soon as he realized that it was impossible, he started to sink. The Lord rescued him, of course, like he always does for all of us. And he chastised Peter for his lack of faith.

Remember that awful night in the garden when Jesus was taken? How earlier in the evening when they were reclining at table Peter told Jesus how he would follow Jesus down any road? Remember how the Lord told him that before that night was out he would deny him three times? Again Peter was caught up in the spirit and said the noble thing only to fall prey to his own human weakness later. (Matthew 26:14—27:66) I love him for that weakness; it gives me hope for myself.

Then we have Paul who was a melodramatic firebrand. Paul, it seemed to me, threw himself into situations he knew would be spectacular. It was his style. Once there, with the predictable outcome (usually that meant he was either in jail or on the verge of being executed), he would lament his troubles (like today: "I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation"). He wanted us to see graphically that being Christian and following Christ in our lives would be difficult, should be difficult. He had a keen intellect and enjoyed matching wits with the best philosophical minds in Rome. Like so many of us in the Church today, Paul, as a convert, was the most fervent in his faith.

Two very different tools in the Lord’s toolbox are celebrated today. We, his modern-day followers will do well if we can emulate either of them in their love of God and their dedication to the faith. We celebrate the fact that both followed Christ in life and death, and sit now in the heavenly kingdom with all the angels and saints. We ask for their intercession on our behalf.

Pax

In other years on this date: Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

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[1] The picture used is “Saints Peter and Paul” by Guido Reni, c. 1600.

[2] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014.

[3] S.S. Commemoratio

[4] 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 republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

[5] In part, from the commentary from Fr. Tom Welbers at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Berkley, California.

Solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Catechism Links[1]

CCC 210-211, 604: God’s mercy

CCC 430, 478, 545, 589, 1365, 1439, 1825, 1846: Christ’s love for all

CCC 2669: The Heart of Christ worthy of adoration

CCC 766, 1225: The Church born from the pierced side of Christ

CCC 1432, 2100: Christ’s love moves our hearts

“St Margaret Mary Alacoque
Contemplating the Sacred Heart of Jesus”
by  Corrado Giaquinto, c. 1765

Information about the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus[2]

Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus[3]

Reading from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[4]

Reading 1: Ezekiel 34:11-16

Thus says the Lord God:

I myself will look after and tend my sheep.

As a shepherd tends his flock

when he finds himself among his scattered sheep,

so will I tend my sheep.

I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered

when it was cloudy and dark.

I will lead them out from among the peoples

and gather them from the foreign lands;

I will bring them back to their own country

and pasture them upon the mountains of Israel

in the land's ravines and all its inhabited places.

In good pastures will I pasture them,

and on the mountain heights of Israel

shall be their grazing ground.

There they shall lie down on good grazing ground,

and in rich pastures shall they be pastured

on the mountains of Israel.

I myself will pasture my sheep;

I myself will give them rest, says the Lord God.

The lost I will seek out,

the strayed I will bring back,

the injured I will bind up,

the sick I will heal,

but the sleek and the strong I will destroy,

shepherding them rightly.

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Commentary on Ez 34:11-16

The prophet presents the allegory of God, the shepherd. In this oracle, the vision is God the Father, like a shepherd, will gather the people of Israel from the foreign lands to which they have been driven, and bring them back to “the mountains of Israel.”

"This beautiful oracle resounds in our Lord's parable of the Good Shepherd who takes care of his sheep (cf. John 10:1-21), in what he says about the Father's joy on finding the lost sheep (cf. Matthew 18: 12-14; Luke 15:4-7), and in things he has to say about the Last Judgment as reported by St Matthew (Matthew 25:31-46)."  [5]

The tenderness shown by the good shepherd toward the sheep is especially  pertinent on a feast day where we celebrate the intense love of Christ for the people of the world.

CCC: Ez 34:11-31 754

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-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.

He guides me in right paths

for his name's sake.

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, 3b-4, 5, 6

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar songs in the entire psalter. “God's loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Psalm 23:1-4) and a host's generosity toward a guest (Psalm 23:5-6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Isaiah 40:11; 49:10; Jeremiah 31:10).” [6]  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.”

The reference in the third strophe above: “'You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes' occurs in an exodus context in Psalm 78:19. As my enemies watch: my enemies see that I am God's friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Psalm 104:15; Matthew 26:7; Luke 7:37, 46; John 12:2).” [7]

CCC: Ps 23:5 1293

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Reading II: Romans 5:5b-11

Brothers and sisters:

The love of God has been poured out into our hearts

through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

For Christ, while we were still helpless,

died at the appointed time for the ungodly.

Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person,

though perhaps for a good person

one might even find courage to die.

But God proves his love for us

in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood,

will we be saved through him from the wrath.

Indeed, if, while we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son,

how much more, once reconciled,

will we be saved by his life.

Not only that,

but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom we have now received reconciliation.

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Commentary on Rom 5:5b-11

In this selection of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, the apostle speaks of how the love of Christ is not just for those who are righteous, but for those who are sinners as well.  His love of all mankind (exemplified as the Sacred Heart of Jesus) was demonstrated vividly, as he lay down his life so we might be reconciled to God.

The Apostle speaks of the hope of Christians who have been made holy, sanctified, “justified” by their faith in Christ Jesus. This faith was “poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” [in baptism]. (This connection between Christ and the Holy Spirit begins the apostle’s Trinitarian theology.)

Justification is not through some merit of theirs (or ours), but through God’s infinite mercy. The demonstration of mercy was Christ’s sacrifice for those who called him “enemy.” While still burdened by sin (the Law of Moses defined sin and all were sinners because of this), Jesus became the sacrifice of atonement. His blood reconciled us to the Father by removing the sin that kept us apart.

CCC: Rom 5:3-5 2734, 2847; Rom 5:5 368, 733, 1820, 1964, 2658; Rom 5:8 604; Rom 5:10 603, 1825

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Gospel: Luke 15:3-7

Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes:

"What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them

would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert

and go after the lost one until he finds it?

And when he does find it,

he sets it on his shoulders with great joy

and, upon his arrival home,

he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them,

'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'

I tell you, in just the same way

there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents

than over ninety-nine righteous people

who have no need of repentance."

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Commentary on Lk 15:3-7

The Gospel of St. Luke gives us the parable of the Lost Sheep, connecting the metaphor of the good shepherd from Ezekiel (Ezekiel 34:11-16), with the love of God for those who are lost to sin. This parable, along with the parable of the lost coin and the prodigal son, gives insight into the special love of Christ for those who are lost, but are found through repentance.

CCC: Lk 15 1443, 1846; Lk 15:1-2 589; Lk 15:7 545

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Reflection:

The human spirit is frequently moved by different external influences.  A touching story, even one known to be fiction, can bring a tear to our eyes.  A piece of music, sensitively played, may cause a variety of emotions depending upon the way it touches us.  Similarly, pieces of art evoke emotions and thoughts both verbal and nonverbal that move our spirit.  The image of Christ on the cross is a constant reminder of the Lord’s sacrifice.  We see it in our churches and wear it around our necks.  We even recall it symbolically when we pray; making the sign on our own bodies.

Today in a great feast of the Church, that occurs nineteen days after Pentecost, we remind ourselves of the great love Jesus bore for us in spite of our sinful nature, as we worship him in his most Sacred Heart.  Like many of the more mystic devotions, devotion to the Sacred Heart is not as prominent as it was in a more innocent age, in an age where an artificial heart had not been invented, and where no one could even dream of a heart transplant.  The devotion to Jesus’ Most Sacred Heart was not directed to the physical organ that pumped blood, although it is depicted in that way.  Rather the worship of Christ in His Most Sacred Heart was focused on the metaphorical heart seen as the seat of love and compassion. 

Sacred Scripture repeatedly drives home the Lord’s command for us to love as he loves.  It is the greatest commandment, and the most difficult thing he demands of us.  We see in his essence the love of God poured out for us.  We see, in the images given to us, the great pain the heart of Jesus endured for us as it is classically depicted, with a spear thrust into it as a symbol of his crucifixion, his human death endured for our sins.  We see also the crown of thorns depicted in the traditional image, worn as part of his great passion, also endured so our sins might be forgiven.  And we see the flames surrounding it, for the Lord descended to hell and defeated death, rising triumphantly, his love for all of us blazing forth, undiminished by its tortuous path.

Along the path of his great passion we are joined in devotion to the Lord’s great love with our need to give reparations to the Lord.  He calls us to himself with his great love.  But we must come to him unburdened by sin for which we may atone.  He offers his forgiveness and we are called to reconciliation in him.  This is the mystery of the Sacred Heart.  This is the unknowable love of God poured out through his Son.  Today we offer our greatest contrition to God, who is love expressed most beautifully in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Pax

In other years on this date: Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

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[1] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014.

[2] The picture is “St Margaret Mary Alacoque Contemplating the Sacred Heart of Jesus” by  Corrado Giaquinto, c. 1765.

[3] S.S. Commemoratio

[4] 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 republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

[5] The Navarre Bible: “Major Prophets”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, p.733.

[6] See NAB footnote on Psalm 23.

[7] Ibid.