Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Gn 1:20—2:4a; Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Mk 7:1-13
Notes: The Earth was made for us and we were made for her.
I tell my RCIA students that space travel is bringing Earth to the rest of the Universe.
We transport all we need with us lest we die on the journey.
Gravity, water, plant and animal food, air in particular proportions, radiation protection and community of men.
We are of the Earth and the Earth is of us.
Even more: man too is God’s gift to man (LAUDATO SI’, Pope Francis, 115).
Conpendium: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals.html
FRATELLI TUTTI
Once more, I would like to echo a statement of Saint John Paul II whose forcefulness has perhaps been insufficiently recognized: “God gave the earth to the whole human race for the sustenance of all its members, without excluding or favouring anyone”. FRATELLI TUTTI, Pope Francis, Given in Assisi, at the tomb of Saint Francis, on 3 October, Vigil of the Feast of the Saint, in the year 2020, the eighth of my Pontificate.
LAUDATO SI’
- What is more, Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness. “Through the greatness and the beauty of creatures one comes to know by analogy their maker” (Wis 13:5); indeed, “his eternal power and divinity have been made known through his works since the creation of the world” (Rom 1:20). For this reason, Francis asked that part of the friary garden always be left untouched, so that wild flowers and herbs could grow there, and those who saw them could raise their minds to God, the Creator of such beauty.[21] Rather than a problem to be solved, the world is a joyful mystery to be contemplated with gladness and praise. LAUDATO SI’, Pope Francis, 12.
First reading
And so it happened. God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. Evening came, and morning followed–the sixth day.
Responsorial Psalm
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Alleluia Verse
Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees; And favor me with your law.
Gospel Portion
You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 