Now is the time

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Dt 6:4-13; PS 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 47 and 51; Mt 17:14-20
Notes: A Personal Story.

First reading
This reading is so very powerful and personal.
The Greatest Commandment is to return in love the love the Divine has for you.

Many, many years ago my daughter, an eleven year old, was given the honor to be a reader at the ordination of a to-be priest.
She practiced this reading again and again in preparation.
On the day of ordination someone shifted the reading.

In an instant she was panicked as she was already nervous.

Her distress was clear to me and maybe to many others.
But actually we traveled to Saint Thomas for the ordination.
Everyone talked through the liturgy, even the bishop, few of us were paying attention.

But I was paying attention and praying urgently for my baby girl in such emotional distress.
About the time I thought she couldn’t go on, I prayed with a great intensity:

Lord, if you are going to help her, now is the time!

In that instant, the reading hit upon the verses she had prepared so carefully.

Her continence changed, filled with joy, she loudly, and I mean loudly, proclaimed:

Hear, O Israel, the Lord is Our God the Lord alone!

Literally the bishop’s head snapped to attention, and the entire place went quiet.

She finished the reading and came down to sit by me.

Later, newly minted, Father Charles Crespo came and talked with her about it.
The photo on the blog post is of that day, May 2001 at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral on St. Thomas.
The second, here, is his mother vesting him.

Responsorial Psalm
I love you, Lord, my strength.

Alleluia Verse
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Gospel Portion
Have faith in the One who called you, made you and loves you.

Nothing is impossible for God.
Ask.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry