Greetings on this the Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Thes 4:13-18; PS 96:1 and 3, 4-5, 11-12, 13; Lk 4:16-30
Notes:
- The Gospel readings this week will be from Luke chapters 4, 5 and 6.
- We complete the readings of the 1st letter to the Thessalonians.
- We being the series on the letter to the Colossians.
The Christ event, the coming of the Messiah, in the flesh is a new encounter beyond all the encounters of the past. The study of his life is called Christology.
- Who is he?
- Why did he come?
- What did he say and do?
First reading
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
I have the hope of the resurrection so these encounters with death while unsettling are also a source of hopeful expectation.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Alleluia Verse
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;
he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
Gospel Portion
The newness of the New Testament is a reengagement of the Law and the Prophets.
- Reinforcing teaching that has lost its vigor.
- Recapitulating the foundational teaching.
- Changing and updating worship with a new, broader, wider theophany.
- Demonstrating the humble and hidden power of God.
This is one of my favorite gospel readings.
Jesus makes his great proclamation.
Many years ago I heard this word proclaimed and was moved to make it my own.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Following Jesus brings certain difficulties:
- I am not a physician – i.e., yes, I am insufficient.
- I cannot cure myself – i.e., yes, I am a sinner in need of a Savior.
- I am not accepted in the own town – i.e., yes, the world rejects this way of life.
But, I get to… go from a heel to a healer so to speak.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 