Greetings on this the Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Cor 10:14-22; Ps 116:12-13, 17-18; LK 6:43-49
Notes: Contributors to this reflection include.
- A Holy Musician, lover of Christ and his wife of more than 60 plus years .
- A Holy Deacon, growing in holiness every day. He must increase as I must decrease.
- A Holy Priest, who gives us teachings long lost in the din of the modern language.
- An Inn Keeper, who engaged in daily and lengthy and probing discourse.
- Me, who enjoys agitating all of you into service filled with divine love.
- You, dear reader, who allow a challenge to your mind and heart.
Curse:
To the man he said: … Cursed is the ground because of you! In toil you shall eat its yield all the days of your life. Thorns and thistles it shall bear for you, and you shall eat the grass of the field (Gen 3:17b-18).
Reverse:
Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head (Mat 27:29-30).
A Reply:
Thanks Deacon!
I really enjoyed the read!!
I remember growing up:
You were being taught that America is a Great Melting Pot. This is where all different peoples come together and melt-blend into one another to create a marvelous amalgamation. This is partly true. It is better to describe America as a Three Bean Salad. It too is a marvelous blend but with great distinction between its elements, each maintaining their distinction and contribution with boundaries and form. They don’t melt together, they enjoy being side-by-side.
A more recent version is Notre Dame:
The Melting Pot vs. The Salad Bowl – Black & Green Atlantic (nd.edu)
Today?
I could divert into a discussion of dye color changes for the beloved M&M candies but that would trivialize the concern.
Without prayer and fasting, I don’t think we can arrive at a satisfactory answer to freedom, democracy and ethical v moral constructs that incorporate and tolerate a variety of theological basis, especially the perturbed versions being pushed today (I am speaking of our current age), nor even basic norms of truthfulness, fidelity and honor (of whom I shall not speak his name though he is often described as Twice Impeached, disgraced, Ex-President).
In Spain there are interfaith chapels marvelous and beautifully made. Active centers of worship and cooperative service.
Anyway, you know what I think and I enjoy our banter.
May I leave you with this classic metaphor?
Question: What is the difference between a prison and a gated community?
Answer: The direction the barbed wire is facing. The former keeps them in. The latter keeps them out.
What do we with a country where some want to erect barbed wire facing all directions?
The school chaplain gave a sermon on LGBT. It is a Church of England school located in Britain. It has made national and I guess international news.
The chaplain was sacked but He spoke of the laws of the Church and sacred scripture. He has been reinstated but can no longer preach.
It could be something rolling our way soon.
Love to the family,
Gerry
First reading
We know who we are and what we believe and what we are called to do (servant leadership, not domination). Anything else is less.
My beloved ones, avoid idolatry.
I am speaking as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I am saying. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the Blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the Body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one Body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
Responsorial Psalm
To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
Alleluia Verse
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.
Gospel Portion
Jesus said to his disciples:
“A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.
For every tree is known by its own fruit.
For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles.
A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 