Follow Me

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr
Readings: Gn 18:16-33; PS 103:1b-2, 3-4, 8-9, 10-11; Mt 8:18-22
Notes: Our send-off for Father Nobert is complete. Save for Tuesday night dinner between the clerics for a final common meal. No replacement yet. Hopefully, young men and women will continue to answer the call to serve the Lord. Holy Orders is not intended to be easy. It is a privileged life of service and sacrifice.

https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/videos

https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/vocations/consecrated-life/forms-of-consecrated-life

First reading
Abraham could have just ditched the whole question. Think about it – his future is secured in the Lord.

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.”

Instead the Lord shared with Abraham his greatest care and worry.
Abraham was placed into the decision-making of the Lord.
Abraham was to grow a heart like the Lord.

A whole city needs something: destruction or dispersal and certainly change.

What if righteous are found there? He asked in series, What if n?
50, 45, 40, 30, 20, 10.

Abraham did not ask specifically about his nephew, Lot, only if there were enough righteous to prevent the destruction of the city. Lot was among them, yes, but Abraham asked for all of them.

Abraham wanted a pathway of peace between man and God.

We celebrate Saint Irenaeus today.

Ireanaeus, true to his name, made peace the aim and object of his life, and he labored strenuously for the peace of the Church (Liturgy of the Hours, Canticle Of Zechariah antiphon).

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord is kind and merciful.

Alleluia Verse
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.

Gospel Portion
Consecrated life is much the stuff of Abraham.

You never forget your family.
You define your family more vastly than the number of stars in the sky.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry