Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ex 2:1-15a; PS 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34; Mt 11:20-24
Notes: Had some great conversations with a fellow deacon yesterday. It is a privilege to serve as an Order, Vocation and College.
For good or bad.
First reading
Pity and divine pity are a frequent topic for me.
In this reading it is clear that the divine impetus is present.
- Jochebed (Moses Mother) has pity on her son, under the order of death, set adrift.
- Thermouthis (Pharaoh’s daughter) has pity on the son and draws him out of the river.
- Thermouthis pays Jochebed to nurse her own son even as she did not know the relation.
- Miriam, a brave girl, watches over her brother and intermediates for son and mother.
- Moses after committing a crime fled to land of Midian to escape justice.
There was a lot of bad in this story (evil).
There was a lot of good in this story (pity).
Pity won.
Good or bad, God is with us.
Responsorial Psalm
Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.
We have two great needs.
- Healing from the pains inflicted upon us.
- Healing from the pain we inflict on others.
Alleluia Verse
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
Gospel Portion
In our gospel portion today Jesus makes it clear: we cannot continue to fool ourselves.
- Chorazin – place that received miracles not otherwise mentioned. Chorizan means “the secret” in Hebrew.
- Bethsaida – Jesus heals the blind man.
- Capernaum – City of Peter, Home (purposefully) of Jesus, Many miracles.
- Tyre – Pagan Phoenician city. False gods.
- Sidon – Roman settlement. Occupation forces.
- Sodom – Place of radical inhospitality.
Each must deal with the basic issue of doing good or bad in this life.
Be of good cheer.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 