Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mk 6:30-34 Notes: Today we finish the continuous reading of the Letter to the Hebrews. Next week we do a continusous reading of the Book of Genesis. We’ll start Monday with “In the beginning”.
The Letter to the Hebrews is to strengthen us in times of trial and temptation to be right and do right. The portion today reminds us to confess Jesus, do good, share what we have and know God is pleased with that kind of life.
Our gospel portion today, Jesus models the height of the doing right. Even as they are very tired, exhausted even, Jesus makes time for those who followed him to the deserted place. His heart was moved with pity for them [for us], for they were like sheep without a shepherd. We need and want good shepherds in our lives.
The deserted place highlights a simple fact. There is no one else to rely upon but Jesus.
First reading Brothers and sisters: Through Jesus, let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.
May he carry out in you what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Alleluia Verse My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel Portion When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.
Greetings on this the Optional Memorial of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr Readings: Rom 5:1-5; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Mk 16:15-20 Notes: The Lord is always at work for salvation of souls and tranquility of life for all of humanity. Physical and spiritual healing (sometimes tightly integrated realities) are evidence of His Holy Love.
What has the Lord healed you from? For me, Smoking!
A reasonable count would be having NOT smoked a quarter of a million cigarettes (250,000)! The smell, the expense, the addiction, the health effects and the shame for lack of self-control.
When I receive the blessing prayer of Saint Blaise, I know already the Lord has healed me and I ask him to continue his healing to prevent backsliding and further progression of illness caused by my prior poor use of free will.
For me (opinion), I see the Anointing of the Sick for the immediate need and the blessing of Saint Blaise for the habitual and chronic needs. And always the Lord attending to our needs now, then and ever. That’s love.
A story on Saint Blaise
One day a group of hunters seeking wild animals for the amphitheater stumbled upon Blaise’s cave. They were first surprised and then frightened. The bishop was kneeling in prayer surrounded by patiently waiting wolves, lions and bears.
The legend has it that as the hunters hauled Blaise off to prison, a mother came with her young son who had a fish bone lodged in his throat. At Blaise’s command the child was able to cough up the bone.
Reflection
Four centuries give ample opportunity for fiction to creep in with fact. Who can be sure how accurate Blaise’s biographer was? But biographical details are not essential. Blaise is seen as one more example of the power those have who give themselves entirely to Jesus. As Jesus told his apostles at the Last Supper, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). With faith we can follow the lead of the Church in asking for Blaise’s protection.
Most often as part of the Mass, all parishioners desiring a blessing of their throats typically proceed to the front of the church where the priest with the two blessed candles, tied with a red ribbon, holds them in the form of an X. He touches the candles to each side of the person’s neck and says: “Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you free from every disease of the throat, and from every other disease. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The red ribbon represents the blood of martyrs, and the candles held in the shape of an “X” represent the martyrdom of another saint, St. Andrew, who according to tradition was crucified on an X-shaped cross. Not only are we freed from disease but from everything keeping us from God.
First reading Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body.
Responsorial Psalm Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Alleluia Verse Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world.
Gospel Portion Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
Greetings on this the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Readings: Mal 3:1-4; PS 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 Notes: We complete the celebration of the Nativity with the 40 day purification of Mary and the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple.
We call it Candlemas because we are celebrating the Light has come into the world: What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness (Jn 1:4-5).
How many different ways has the Lord presented himself previously?
Through Angels and Prophets.
Through Donkeys and Nature.
Through a burning bush and silent sound.
Prophets The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29).
Burning Bush There the angel of the LORD appeared to him as fire flaming out of a bush.a When he looked, although the bush was on fire, it was not being consumed. When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to look, God called out to him from the bush: Moses! Moses! He answered, “Here I am.” (Ex 3:2, 4).
Talking Donkey Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that you beat me these three times?” But the angel of the LORD said to him: “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come as an adversary because this rash journey of yours is against my will.(Num 22:28, 32).
Creation All the earth falls in worship before you; they sing of you, sing of your name!” (PS 66:4).
Light, Silent Sound Then the LORD said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, Why are you here, Elijah? (1 Kg 19:11-13).
Shepherds too! Then at 40 days after the nativity and completing the purification, two regular people.
Simeon and Anna. The whole of the expectation of the Jewish people. And Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the Temple.
Reflection
In Luke’s account, Jesus was welcomed in the temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna. They embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Early references to the Roman feast dub it the feast of Saint Simeon, the old man who burst into a song of joy which the Church still sings at day’s end.
First reading And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek.
Responsorial Psalm Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Second reading Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life.
Alleluia Verse A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.
Gospel Portion Simeon: It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
Simeon took him [Jesus] into his arms and blessed God.
My eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.
Simeon blessed them [Joseph and Mary].
Prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (Face of God, Face of the People): She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; PS 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a; Mk 6:1-6 Notes: So excited! It’s February!!
In January we bid farewell to Fr Quesnel and in February a warm greeting to Fr Jean (pronounced John). We were blessed to have Fr Quesnel and will be blessed with Fr John, too.
While there was a problem in Nazareth, preventing Jesus from doing mighty deeds, may that not be so this February!
Not at Sacred Heart! Not in our hearts!
Come Jesus and Bless us!
This week alone:
Presentation of the Lord on Wednesday – Mass begins with a Candle Service in the back of the Church.
Saint Blaise on Thursday (Optional Memorial of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr) – Blessing of the Throat.
This month:
Ash Wednesday February 22nd!
Start of Lent!
In our gospel portion today, Jesus is unable to perform many mighty deeds there in Nazareth due to their lack of faith. Yikes! The Creator of the Universe is constrained by our free will and, in the immediate sense, to our detriment but also to honor our dignity even as we mess up. Free will is holy and powerful indeed!
But to tie his hands? Is that what we really want or is that what we make happen (or nothing happen)?
Paul points out we don’t like divine correction. So, we avoid him. Instead of seeing divine discipline as a bad thing, think of the gains!
So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.
First reading Brothers and sisters: In your struggle against sin.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled.
Responsorial Psalm The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him, For he knows how we are formed; he remembers that we are dust.
Alleluia Verse My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel Portion The Rejection at Nazareth.
The version of the rejection at Nazareth in Matthew and Mark is rather tame I assume to not focus on it except its summary statement which is chilling enough: So, he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
The more dramatic ending is in the Gospel of Luke if you care to read it. It gives deeper understanding to our resistance (i.e., jealousy). But, it is sufficient enough to note we limit God and we really shouldn’t.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest Readings: Heb 12:1-4; Ps 22:26b-27, 28 and 30, 31-32; Mk 5:21-43 Notes: Do women fully realize their importance to the Lord and in society in general in this day and age?
Sometimes I think, yes. But I say maybe they don’t know as certainly as they should.
Young or old. Married or single. Sick or healthy.
For the Lord you are always beloved daughter. For the Lord you are always beloved child.
Jesus loves you. Jesus will take away your infirmities and bare your diseases. In every possible way, Jesus helps.
Yet it was our pain that he bore, our sufferings he endured (Isa 53:4).
The word means: to make one’s way steadily especially against resistance. This has multiple applications:
Substitute/Removal – is the one we most often think of in today’s gospel portion.
Compassion/Strength – to co-journey in our difficulties. To help through and to deal with problems.
Dimensions
Spiritual – sin committed against women, and by women.
John Bosco educated the whole person—body and soul united. He believed that Christ’s love and our faith in that love should pervade everything we do—work, study, play. For John Bosco, being a Christian was a full-time effort, not a once-a-week, Mass-on-Sunday experience. It is searching and finding God and Jesus in everything we do, letting their love lead us. Yet, because John realized the importance of job-training and the self-worth and pride that come with talent and ability, he trained his students in the trade crafts, too.
First reading let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.
Responsorial Psalm They will praise you, Lord, who long for you.
Alleluia Verse Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.
Gospel Portion Jairus’s Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage.
Greetings on this the Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Heb 11:32-40; Ps 31:20, 21, 22, 23, 24; Mk 5:1-20 Notes: In our first reading today Paul reminds us the faith of the ancients is the story of our ancestors in faith.
Each story, presented as fragments but meant to invoke a fuller recalling, are for our reassurance that faith is real, the problems of life are real, our ancestors and families had real challenges but, in the end, they had faith and things overall came out well (we are here, after all).
Yet all these, though approved because of their faith, did not receive what had been promised. God had foreseen something better for us, so that without us they should not be made perfect. In an analogous way, our family tree as well.
Faith, always, faith. Family, always, family.
Jesus asserts this with the demonic of the Gerasenes. “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Yes, travel the world if you are so called, to preach Jesus. But, never forget, the family you were given who by faith still stand among us.
Proclaim in [your city] what Jesus had done for [you]; and all [will be] amazed.
May I cross-reference today’s gospel to a few other writings?
First reading Brothers and sisters: What more shall I say? [about our common family in faith, about the need to remember and to tell the stories to one another!]
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel.
Previously in the letter: (we read this in the continuous readings Year I).
Abel Enoch Noah Abraham Isaac Jacob Sarah Joseph Moses
Responsorial Psalm Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
Alleluia Verse A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.
Gospel Portion But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.
Greetings on this the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Zep 2:3; 3:12-13; Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10; 1 Cor 1:26-31; Mt 5:1-12a Notes: In the Gospel of Matthew the Beatitudes are the first teaching of Jesus. Up until that point there are references to repentance, healing the multitude and the announcement of the kingdom.
Up until Matthew chapter 5, Jesus’ teaching was inferred not explicit.
The Beatitudes are the first and highest of all the teachings of Jesus. A summary of all that is to come.
Like a concert piece it is the Overture or a Summary Statement. But much more than that. It is the basis by which we understand all teachings and disciplines and our mode of operation within a sinful world.
If the Ten Commandments are what we are to Do-Not Do, the Beatitudes are how we are to Be-Not Be.
2023
The Epiphany of the Lord – Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem (Where is the newborn king of the Jews?).
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – John the Baptist’s Testimony to Jesus (Behold the Lamb of God!).
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry (Selecting the Apostles).
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time – The Beatitudes (Overture).
First reading Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth, who have observed his law; seek justice, seek humility.
Responsorial Psalm Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Second reading Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters.
Alleluia Verse Rejoice and be glad; your reward will be great in heaven.
Gospel Portion When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them.
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are they who mourn. Blessed are the meek. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the clean of heart. Blessed are the peacemakers. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Deacon Gerry Palermo 