Be opened!

Greetings on this the Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 kgs 11:29-32; 12:19; PS 81:10-11ab, 12-13, 14-15; Mk 7:31-37

Notes

He looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) from Mark 7:34.

The disintegration of Israel while Solomon was still alive must have been a shattering event. From the heights of glory and power to be torn apart like Ahijah [who] took off his new cloak, tore it into twelve pieces and said, “Take ten pieces for yourself; the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will tear away the kingdom from Solomon’s grasp and will give you ten of the tribes. One tribe shall remain to him for the sake of David my servant, and of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel.’”

When a person loves their country it is very difficult to see it torn apart. How many have suffered these things? In modern times, plenty. Ukraine comes to mind. There are others.

So much has been written about the demise of great nations and empires. So many different causes and reasons given in explanation. Our gospel reading today gives us the most foundational reason: the need to be opened.

Summary

A Church that does not feel the passion for spiritual growth, that does not seek to speak comprehensibly to the men and women of her time, that does not grieve for the division among Christians, that does not tremble with the eagerness to proclaim Christ to the nations, is a sick Church, and these are the symptoms. Source: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2024/02/08/pope-francis-liturgical-formation-247207

We must look to heaven.
We must groan with the effort and purpose of our hope.
We must act and make our greatest prayer come to be: Be Opened to the Lord!

Reflection

The scope of liturgical reform – in the broadest context of the renewal of the Church – is precisely to “bring to life the kind of formation of the faithful and ministry of pastors that will have their summit and source in the liturgy” (Instruction Inter oecumenici, 26 September 1964, 5).

Personal Reflection

I am so excited. My Appalachian Trail will be during the season of Lent, into Holy Week, and ends with the Octave of Easter.

Pope Francis inspires me to bring the liturgy to the trail. How exactly is still in formation. But some of the most intense and broadly experienced actuosa participation is found in this season of faith. How then can I bring this to the trail where many, perhaps hundreds can know the reach of the healing power of God?

Pope Francis continually inspires and renews the baptismal life in me. May my work on the trail bring the same to others. A sort of “formation in the liturgy and from the liturgy.”

Very exciting. Primitive Christianity. A new beginning with an eye to reform within the order of the baptized. Any suggestions?

Practices to bring on the trail: (March 8th forward)

Lent

• Stations
• Rosary
• Retreat – scripture reading and prayer

Holy Week

• Palm Sunday – readings
• Divine Mercy Chaplet
• Washing of the Feet
• Veneration of the Cross
• Easter Vigil – remote and in the wilderness

First Reading

Israel went into rebellion against David’s house to this day.

Responsorial

I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.

Gospel Acclamation

Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.

Gospel

“Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry