Greetings on this the Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ru 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17; Ps 128:1b-2, 3, 4, 5; Mt 23:1-12
Notes: Read these notes and contemplate the practice of singing in procession with a purpose.
They are also variously called Gradual Psalms, Fifteen Psalms, Songs of Degrees, Songs of Steps, songs for going up to worship or Pilgrim Songs. Many scholars believe the title indicates that these psalms were sung by worshippers as they ascended the road to Jerusalem to attend the three pilgrim festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). Others think they were sung by the Levite singers as they ascended the fifteen steps to minister at the Temple in Jerusalem.
Source: https://handwiki.org/wiki/Religion:Song_of_Ascents
Gradual Psalms, Fifteen Psalms, Songs of Degrees, Songs of Steps
Step by Step is our pilgrimage
Our journey with the LORD is filled with mystery and wonder. Storms and dark clouds gather and sometimes we are drenched. But the LORD is always there. On a cloudy and rainy day, look up, see the clouds, then look beyond and see the Sun shining so is the LORD.
Naomi
Ruth
Boaz
Obed
Jesse
David
Who could have known?
For I know well the plans I have in mind for you— [follower] of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope (Jer 29:11).
The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Naomi and Ruth were humble and they changed the world.
First Reading
They called him Obed.
He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Responsorial
Songs of Ascents
See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Blessed are all who fear the LORD, and who walk in his ways.
What your hands provide you will enjoy; you will be blessed and prosper:
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your home, Your children like young olive plants around your table.
Just so will the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see Jerusalem’s prosperity all the days of your life,
and live to see your children’s children.
Peace upon Israel!
Gospel Acclamation
You have but one Father in heaven; you have but one master, the Christ.
Gospel
The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry