Greetings on this the Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Tb 6:10-11; 7:1bcde, 9-17; 8:4-9a; Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; Mk 12:28-34
Notes: You were meant for love. Always. Ever. And everywhere.
The wicked demon Asmodeus has a many vividly described evil purposes. His existence is shared among many near Eastern cultures. Suffice to say in this context he is about disrupting the natural union of man and woman – preventing the prior unions from living together to a happy old age. It is very difficult to ascribe further meaning without going into demonology and ancient myths. He is thwarted by prayer and sweet oblation.
But pairing this story with the Great Commandment, we can see we are ordered (naturally aligned to and desiring to be in) loving relationships.
- With God.
- With spouse.
- With one another.
BE BRAVE IN LOVE!
First Reading
Be brave, my daughter. May the Lord grant you joy in place of your grief. Courage, my daughter.
My love, get up. Let us pray and beg our Lord to have mercy on us and to grant us deliverance.
Responsorial
Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; Your children like olive plants around your table.
Gospel Acclamation
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Gospel
Which is the first of all the commandments?
Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry