Greetings on this the Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a; Jeremiah 31:10, 11-12ab, 13; Lk 9:43b-45
Notes: When people consider Noah’s Ark they often remark how small it is. I mean if you are going to preserve every living thing, that’s a lot of things (plants, animals, food, etc, etc). Add to that the number of people that should have been in the Ark to be saved.
The answer is not in the physical dimensions.
The answer is in the heart of the Lord.
During the required feasts the size of Jerusalem would increase greatly. Many unable to find accommodations or even touch the city limits due to the crowds would encamp outside the city.
The Chief Rabbi would declare, temporarily, “The City of Jerusalem now includes…”
How big is Noah’s Ark?
Bigger than you can ever imagine because its size is the size of the Mercy of God.
First reading
How big is Jerusalem?
Run, tell this to that young man:
People will live in Jerusalem as though in open country,
because of the multitude of men and beasts in her midst.
But I will be for her an encircling wall of fire, says the LORD,
and I will be the glory in her midst.
As big as it needs to be.
Size is not a delimiter.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Alleluia Verse
Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Gospel Portion
The First Prediction of the Passion.
Then:
- The Conditions of Discipleship – commitment and hardship.
- The Transfiguration of Jesus – majesty and glory in Sonship.
- The Healing of a Boy with a Demon – power over the invisible.
Then:
The Second Prediction of the Passion.
Pay attention to what I am telling you.
The Lord, our God, is “ALL IN”.
And so should we be.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 