Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest
Readings: Is 29:17-24; PS 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31
Notes: In our first reading today Isaiah reminds us the type of changes that occur when a person has an authentic encounter with the Lord. Sometimes this is a reflex change, that is, it happens without any additional effort. Sometimes one must sit with it in silence. In that case, the work of your salvation is to resist the temptation to do otherwise.
The story is different for everyone.
It is so in the unique story of the two blind men in today’s gospel story.
- Do you talk too much?
- Do you live the faith instead?
Reflection
All of us are called to “go and preach to all nations—see Matthew 28:19. Our preaching is not necessarily on distant shores but to our families, our children, our husband or wife, our coworkers. And we are called to preach not with words, but by our everyday lives. Only by sacrifice, the giving up of all selfish gain, could Francis Xavier be free to bear the Good News to the world. Sacrifice is leaving yourself behind at times for a greater good, the good of prayer, the good of helping someone in need, the good of just listening to another. The greatest gift we have is our time. Francis Xavier gave his to others. From: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-xavier
First reading
When his children see
the work of my hands in his midst,
They shall keep my name holy;
they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob,
and be in awe of the God of Israel.
Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding,
and those who find fault shall receive instruction.
Changes:
- Sabbath in the Lord and keeping the Sabbath holy.
- Be in awe of the Holy One.
- Spiritual awareness of the way of the Lord, the right ways.
- Revealed faults and a pathway out of them.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
The Lord is ever protecting you and preserving you from harm.
Especially when speaking gospel truth, don’t worry!
Alleluia Verse
Behold, our Lord shall come with power;
he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.
Gospel Portion
Jesus warned them sternly,
“See that no one knows about this.”
But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
- Did Jesus want privacy?
- Did Jesus want to leave the people in proximity no divine presence or divine aid?
- Or Jesus wants the faith in these two now healed blind men to come to full fruition?
Changes In Silence:
- Sabbath in the Lord and keeping the Sabbath holy.
- Be in awe of the Holy One.
- Spiritual awareness of the way of the Lord, the right ways.
- Revealed faults and a pathway out of them.
When the LORD does good for you, it is a cause of celebration!
But FIRST it is a cause of change, in the silence of the soul.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 