Stretch toward Jesus

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot
Readings: 1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Ps 144:1b, 2, 9-10; Mk 3:1-6

Notes

TRUMP 2024: “In 2016, I declared ‘I am your voice,’ today I add, ‘I am your warrior, I am your justice… I am your retribution.'” Lord, keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.

Summary

Learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves. Time and again in the gospel, the Goods News of Jesus Christ, we are confronted with the true purpose of religion, government, society, and family is to bring about healing, restoration and divine relation. Even on the sabbath, the readings repeatedly note, is not a higher order of truth than restoration.

Reflection

As the 2024 Presidential race starts to gain momentum the nation s mesmerized by Donald Trump. In the eyes of so many, he is a giant of a man.

A champion named Goliath of Gath came out from the Philistine camp; he was six cubits and a span tall. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a bronze breastplate of scale armor weighing five thousand shekels, bronze greaves, and had a bronze scimitar slung from his shoulders. The shaft of his javelin was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron head weighed six hundred shekels. His shield-bearer went ahead of him (1 Sam 17:4-7).

Contrast him to Jesus.

Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored.

Personal Reflection

Speaking plainly to posers and sycophants, you are following a man who is intent on evil in the name of good. We will rue the day the Church lost its moral bearings to the perceived purpose of law. Stretch toward Jesus, not your sword.

First Reading

“The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.” Learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves. For the battle is the LORD’s and he shall deliver you into our hands.”

Responsorial

Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Gospel Acclamation

Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

Gospel

Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry