Greetings on this the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Readings: Eph 2:19-22; Ps 19:2-3, 4-5; Lk 6:12-16
Appalachian Trail Update (AT SOBO)
As some of you know, I had to leave the trail due to the extensive damage and danger as I entered the most southern parts of Virginia. I feel amazingly blessed to have hiked March-April from Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia to Damascus, Virginia and then again September-October from Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia back to Damascus, Virginia (completing the southern half of the trail, abbreviated as noted). Here is an article detailing more specifically the hurricane damages. https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/on-a-hurricane-ravaged-appalachian-trail-vast-damage-and-uncertainty/ar-AA1t3tFk?ocid=socialshare&pc=U531&cvid=b2abeb710b9f46e8af2831546b290bc4&ei=393
In the day ahead I will offer some reflections from while on the trail.
Summary
The good news (“Gospel”) of Jesus Christ is the person of the salvation of God. In this we are confident. Through the ages the message of the Apostles resonates in the hearts of men. I have added the newest encyclical of Pope Francis to the blog. Comments on another post. In the ENCYCLICAL LETTER DILEXIT NOS (“He Loved Us“) OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON THE HUMAN AND DIVINE LOVE OF THE HEART OF JESUS CHRIST, he goes on to explain the meaning of ‘heart’. Link: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/wp-1730077484169.pdf
In the Liturgy of the Hours the antiphon for the readings echo the Pope’s encyclical teaching.
- My commandment is this: love one another as I have loved you.
- There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.
- You are my friends, says the Lord, if you do what I command you.
Reflection
Heart (our center), love (our action) and friendship (our disposition toward others).
For these gifts the company of the Apostles praise you, O Lord.
These things are not foreign to us nor are we strangers to one another. We are the interrelated human family, united in Jesus, to pray and give (reflect) the love of the Father.
Personal Reflection
It is my hope (my prayer), the smallness of my gifts will reveal the greatness of the all-embracing love of God.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102824.cfm
First Reading
Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Responsorial
Their message goes out through all the earth.
Gospel Acclamation (Te Deum)
We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.
Gospel
Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry