Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Sir 35:1-12; Ps 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23; Mk 10:28-31
Notes: Empty-handed, empty hearted.
It is that simple.
Spirituality and religion are not disconnected realities.
Spirituality is expressed in the religious intelligible and implementable instruction of the sacred life.
Spirituality without religion is a ‘shot in the dark’.
The Church offers a true and certain pathway that is doable, intelligible, attainable, manageable, just and right.
Regards the wisdom of Sirach: As a wise and experienced observer of life he addressed himself to his contemporaries with the motive of helping them to maintain religious faith and integrity through study of the books sacred to the Jewish tradition.
Sirach introduction reference: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/sirach/0
In regards to the Gospel, the Apostles are called to give all that all might receive, including themselves. With eyes open they can see the gifts returned to them by the Lord: brothers, sisters, lands, and eternal life. Not as possessions! As gift in friendship!!
Persecution, yes! Because this life is full of those who would set upon to acquire, enter alliance, and seek advantage.
Do not go through your life empty-handed before the Lord.
Year A
Eighth Week
First Reading
Appear not before the LORD empty-handed.
- Keep the commandments is an oblation.
- Charity like a fine flour gift.
- Alms like a sacrifice of praise.
- Justice as a sweet odor.
- Generosity is homage to the Lord.
- Cheerful contribution in a spirit of Joy.
Do not do these things:
- Don’t try to bribe God!
- Do not extort God!
He is a God of Justice and knows no favorites.
Responsorial
To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
Gospel
Peter began to say to Jesus, ‘We have given up everything and followed you.”
Yes, and…
[Jesus replied] for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry