Holy Gifts

Greetings on this the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
Readings: Mal 3:13-20b; PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Lk 11:5-13
Notes: We will use the daily readings today.

Reflection (from the Franciscans)

The purpose of the rosary is to help us meditate on the great mysteries of our salvation. Pius XII called it a compendium of the gospel. The main focus is on Jesus—his birth, life, death, and resurrection. The Our Fathers remind us that Jesus’ Father is the initiator of salvation. The Hail Marys remind us to join with Mary in contemplating these mysteries. They also make us aware that Mary was and is intimately joined with her Son in all the mysteries of his earthly and heavenly existence. The Glory Bes remind us that the purpose of all life is the glory of the Trinity.

The rosary appeals to many. It is simple. The constant repetition of words helps create an atmosphere in which to contemplate the mysteries of God. We sense that Jesus and Mary are with us in the joys and sorrows of life. We grow in hope that God will bring us to share in the glory of Jesus and Mary forever. From: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/our-lady-of-the-rosary

Daily readings are found here: https://bible.usccb.org/

First reading
The Need to Serve God

In this old testament portion today, we see the very age old argument against doing right and worshiping God (rich people are blessed, poor are without the Lord’s favor the saying goes).

Hint: Next Sunday’s gospel takes up this theme too. Jesus dispels the myth that rich people are automatically blessed of the Lord and those in poverty are in disfavor.

Argument:

You have said, “It is useless to serve God;
what do we gain by observing God’s requirements,
And by going about as mourners
before the LORD of hosts?
But we call the arrogant blessed;
for evildoers not only prosper
but even test God and escape.”

Response:

Then those who fear the LORD spoke with one another,
and the LORD listened attentively;
A record book was written before him
of those who fear the LORD and esteem his name.
Then you will again distinguish
between the just and the wicked,
Between the person who serves God,
and the one who does not.
But for you who fear my name, the sun of justice
will arise with healing in its wings;
And you will go out leaping like calves from the stall.

As to those who are rich by way of unrighteousness:
For lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,
when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,
And the day that is coming will set them on fire,
leaving them neither root nor branch,
says the LORD of hosts.

Responsorial Psalm
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.

Alleluia Verse
Open your hearts, O Lord,
to listen to the words of your Son.

Gospel Portion
Persistence in prayer. This is the second theme of the three day theme on prayer. Jesus’ example that even ordinary human friendship can be moved with persistence to render aid.

Then he says:
And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives;
and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

God answers prayer. Richly and abundantly:

• Fish.
• Eggs.
• Good gifts.
• and… even Himself, in the Holy Spirit source of all wisdom and strength.

How do we distinguish between bad RICH and good RICH, if you will allow.

Ah, yes.

The final gift is the key. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the highest gift.

Keep asking (for His Friendship, for His Spirit, for daily needs).
Ask with sincerity.
Receive Fish and Eggs and other good things.
But most of all, be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry