Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
Readings: Jer 26:1-9; PS 69:5, 8-10, 14; Jn 11:19-27
Notes: The beginning of the Babylonian exile. Seventy Years of Exile.
Shiloh: an important sanctuary where the ark of the covenant was kept, according to the Books of Joshua, Judges, and 1 Samuel. In response to the corrupt behavior of the priests serving there, God allows the Philistines to destroy Shiloh and take the ark of the covenant. Cf. 1 Sm 1:9; 4:3–4; Ps 78:60, 68–69. From:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/7?12=#30007012
First reading
The loss of Shiloh would be the equal in our times to the sacking of Rome and the loss of the Basilicas and sanctuaries. A truly tragic outcome from the eyes of those living in that time and in our time.
It is an important reminder that losing the edifices of the faith is painful but our mission and our hope is for eternal life and a place in the everlasting hills.
Responsorial Psalm
Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Alleluia Verse
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
Gospel Portion
What is a greater loss?
- Shiloh or the Vatican?
- Life or Eternal Life?
- Damnation or Salvation?
Martha said to Jesus,
“Lord, if you had been here,
my brother would not have died.
But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”
Jesus said to her,
“Your brother will rise.”
Martha said to him,
“I know he will rise,
in the resurrection on the last day.”
Jesus told her,
“I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?”
She said to him, “Yes, Lord.
I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,
the one who is coming into the world.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 