Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr
Readings: Sir 42:15-25; PS 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Mk 10:46-52
Notes: Theology has come to a standstill. The Church was never the leading edge of thinking nor should it be, I suppose.
Rerum Novarum, or Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor, is an encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII on 15 May 1891. It was a reflective piece on the already well advanced secular and philosophical thoughts on the nature of work, machine and the relation between labor and capital. Masterful. But reactive.
We need a refreshment in our theology.
Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love!
We have a new Dawn and a new Darkness.
Do not curse the darkness until you know what it is, essentially.
A worthy Jewish midrash and teaching about the first night is helpful to understand the deficit in our theology. Titled: Two ways of dealing with the darkness in our lives Here: https://www.yisharon.org/rabbisblog?post_id=165365
Worthy of consideration (read between the lines, so carefully written): https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/shortage-theologians/
We need theological advisors. The Apostle Philip encounters the Ethiopian eunuch reading the Prophet Isaiah. The eunuch admits he had no idea what he was reading because he had “no one to guide” him. Like Jesus on the Road to Emmaus, “Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus.” (Acts 8:26-40) Persuaded by Philip’s explanations, the Ethiopian asks for baptism.
Franciscan Media: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-justin-martyr/
Reflection
As patron of philosophers, Justin may inspire us to use our natural powers—especially our power to know and understand—in the service of Christ, and to build up the Christian life within us. Since we are prone to error, especially in reference to the deep questions concerning life and existence, we should also be willing to correct and check our natural thinking in light of religious truth. Thus we will be able to say with the learned saints of the Church: I believe in order to understand, and I understand in order to believe.
First Reading
The universe lives and abides forever; to meet each need, each creature is preserved. All of them differ, one from another, yet none of them has he made in vain, For each in turn, as it comes, is good; can one ever see enough of their splendor?
Responsorial
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.
Gospel Acclamation
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
Gospel
“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry