Kintsugi 

Greetings on this the Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Readings: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48

Notes

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. In this way what is unusable, damaged or ill-suited for use is now both beautiful and useful. A great way to understand what happened at today’s Vigil Mass and the Saturday readings.

This Saturday reflection comes after having serving the 2nd Sunday of Lent Vigil Mass. Humility is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Here is the video of the Mass. It will explain the situation and the reflection on the Saturday readings. Vigil Mass 2nd Sunday Lent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=VGBW1D9lrDqIFgzv&v=3CNIgu8UCPs&feature=youtu.be

Summary

Jesus continues to upend our understanding of everything.

• Love your enemies.
• Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is Perfect.

Reflection

The people at the Mass responded in a variety of ways to my incapacitation. Some supportive. Some see justice being measured. Some repulsed physically I am told later by others.

Personal Reflection

Dust. I’m allergic to dust. When the Church A/C is shut off for weeks and then turned on, the dust bunnies can cause my bronchial tubes to spasm and constrict. Having just gotten over a chest cold the combination is uncomfortable to experience and to watch. But whatever good there is, it is not in my speech or proclamation skills.

It can only be found in the reflection of the love Jesus has and if/when/how it radiates out of me. My promise is to God. My efforts belong to him. The efficacy belongs to him as well. Mine is only the effort. All else is God’s to perform.

First Reading

You will be a people sacred to the LORD, your God, as he promised.

Responsorial

Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Gospel Acclamation

Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Gospel

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry