Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 KGS 19:9B-11, 14-21, 31-35A, 36; PS 48:2-3AB, 3CD-4, 10-11; MT 7:6, 12-14
Pearls, Holy, Dogs and Swine
Do not:
- Give holy to dogs.
- Throw your pearls before swine.
Lest they trample them underfoot (holy, pearls), and turn and tear you to pieces.
Summary
Pearls are something of great value. Holy are sacred things or persons dedicated to God. Do not give that which is valuable to those who consider them valueless.
Reflection
There is a 2016 critically acclaimed movie called Silence which is the story of three Jesuit priests in 17th century Japan.
A summary here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silence_(2016_film)
A trailer here:
When I have the occasion of working with Seminarians they provide a lively opinion on the three Jesuits. The opinions rarely vary and usually condemn the priests who apostatized publically and suppressed Christian image smuggling. The seminarians unable to grasp the crisis for what it is – the direct causal relation between the suffering of others and the Jesuits belief. A crisis of faith to be sure!
Personal Reflection
The discernment of when and where to preach the gospel is a critical component of evangelization. Sometimes we get it right, sometimes not.
Yet we are always able to pray with a purpose.
Sacred Scripture
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062524.cfm
First Reading
I will shield and save this city for my own sake, and for the sake of my servant David.’”That night the angel of the LORD went forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. So Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, broke camp, and went back home to Nineveh.
Responsorial
God upholds his city for ever.
Gospel Acclamation
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.“
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry