Greetings on this the Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: HOS 2:16, 17C-18, 21-22; PS 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; MT 9:18-26
Notes: Happy 4th of July!
Christianity is not a fertility cult.
We do not engage in acts of appeasement of the gods.
Appeasment, specifically to bring about fertility of land, animal and human.
We are deeply rooted in our femininity. Becoming, being pregnant, giving birth and being born are honored moments in life. We specifically celebrate three special pregnancies and births:
- Nativity of John the Baptist.
- Nativity of Mary.
- Nativity of Jesus.
Men have lost their awe of women, of their gift of person, gender and mother.
We need to do better in every dimension.
First reading
The first reading is a reversal of sorts.
An early, emerging feminist movement.
- I will allure her now – is reversing the ordinary understanding allure as a betrayal.
- The valley of Achor (valley of trouble, misery or disaster) becomes a door of hope.
- My baal (lord, master) the fertility god, instead the Lord bring your health and fertility.
A law response in Leviticus:
You shall not offer any of your offspring for immolation to Molech, thus profaning the name of your God. I am the LORD (Lev 18:21).
A love response in Hosea:
Instead the Lord offers the deep abiding love of a Spouse:
I will espouse you to me forever:
I will espouse you in right and in justice,
in love and in mercy;
I will espouse you in fidelity,
and you shall know the LORD.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord is gracious and merciful.
Alleluia Verse
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Gospel Portion
In today’s gospel portion Matthew, like Mark and Luke, tells the story of two women.
- A little girl needing restoration of life itself by the Lord through the urging of her father.
- An old woman needing healing by her own initiative to come to the Lord.
Women, young or old, are under the Lord’s care fully and completely, for life, for health and for fertility. In every way, in all ways and at all times.
Women, hold nothing back from the LORD. Even all that troubles you or you seek special attention – do!
Men, advocate for women, as this father did in today’s portion.
Jesus listened to women and for women.
Jesus acted to restore rightness for women.
We men should act likewise.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 