Starting Point

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Monica
Readings: 2 THES 2:1-3A, 14-17; PS 96:10, 11-12, 13; MT 23:23-26

Today

We explore the starting points for people needing conversion.

• The people of Thessalonica from ignorance and fear.
• Saint Monica’s husband and mother-in-law from jealousy.
• The leadership from self-indulgence.

The Second Series of Woes (4 and 5)

The woes readings were split over threes days. Today is the second. Yesterday’s: http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/08/26/woah-woes/
Why are two today different and split out from the others?

These two TODAY contain prescriptions. Solutions. A cure for the woe they suffer for the behavior they act.

Two Woes

1. [You have] neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity.
2. [You are] full of plunder and self-indulgence.

The Two Remedies

1. For 1. These you should have done (tithe), without neglecting the others (judgment, mercy, fidelity).
2. For 2. Cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean (inner purity).

Summary

Change. In the Church we call it conversion.

CCC 1428 Christ’s call to conversion continues to resound in the lives of Christians. This second conversion is an uninterrupted task for the whole Church who, “clasping sinners to her bosom, [is] at once holy and always in need of purification, [and] follows constantly the path of penance and renewal.” This endeavor of conversion is not just a human work. It is the movement of a “contrite heart,” drawn and moved by grace to respond to the merciful love of God who loved us first (Catechism).

Reflection

In our gospel portion today, Jesus provides a remedy (and a model of remedy) for the Woes we experience from our hardheartedness. But remedies are hard to do. Prayer. Prayer is the answer to the question of how to gain the strength to oveRcome our poor instincts.

1. In our first reading St Paul offers a beautiful prayer to the people of Thessalonica. Although they were ignorant and weak, Paul prayed for them to encourage them and strengthen them to do good deeds and have good words.
2. Our Saint of the Day, Monica, whom we honor today, was prayerful for her husband and mother-in-law for conversion. Certain doom awaited them for their behaviors but prayer liberated them both. See: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-monica/
3. Jesus, dealing with people who should know better, does the same upon closer inspection. He wants to save them from preoccupation with matters of less importance while they neglect the weightier things of the law. And again, to gain self-mastery because lack of self-control, whether in drinking or in sexual conduct (phrases from USCCB Commentary).

The Lament over Jerusalem (the prayer, the pleading)

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her young under her wings, but you were unwilling! (Matt 23:37).

Personal Reflection

CCC 1427 Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel.” In the Church’s preaching this call is addressed first to those who do not yet know Christ and his Gospel. Also, Baptism is the principal place for the first and fundamental conversion. It is by faith in the Gospel and by Baptism that one renounces evil and gains salvation, that is, the forgiveness of all sins and the gift of new life.

Each day is a moment of conversion from your starting point. The point is to start. The most foundational starting point is prayer.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082724.cfm

First Reading

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.

Responsorial

The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Gospel Acclamation

The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Gospel

1. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others.
2. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind [leaders], cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry