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Greetings on this the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6; Psalm 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b; Matthew 22:15-21

Summary

For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction (1 Thes 1:5ab).

Reflection

In our first reading today we see King Cyrus of Persia, whose conquering actions are to be understood within the context of the power of God. Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp, Subduing nations before him, stripping kings of their strength, Opening doors before him, leaving the gates unbarred (Isa 45:1).

King Cyrus liberated the Jewish people from Babylonian domination. Israel remained a vassal state but with religious freedoms and reasonable governance (certainly in contrast to previous nations). Previous to the Persian conquest (Assyrian, Babylon), the relationships were described as Suzerain-Vassal Covenants. Persia, introduced a radical innovation of governance by imperial Edict rather than subjective treaty, that is, institutionalized tolerance, cultural pluralism, and local autonomy. Later Greek and Roman conquerors frequently reverted to more heavy-handed methods of regional control.

So Cyrus stands out as unique and therefore he is accredited with the divine aid in his approach. Whether Cyrus knew or not does not change the fact his perspective was guided by the Lord. The Lord works through the godly and ungodly, the informed and uninformed. Nevertheless, be subject to the new overlords BUT Go out from Babylon (Isa 48:20). Meaning your first love is the Lord and His City, Jerusalem.

In our gospel portion today, Jesus is confronted with the situation about the Roman overlords.

Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Mt 22:17-21).

In a similar way, Jesus recognizes the Roman overlord status, allowing for some civil influence but in the end obey the Lord not man. Earthly rulers may claim their tax, but only God claims ownership over the human soul. In the end, we give civil due to the State, but we obey and worship the Lord alone.

Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth (Gen 1:26).

Image and Likeness

In a condensed form, one ancient theological tradition distinguishes them this way:

• Image is the static nature, what we are in essence, and what we possess in characteristic (intellect, reason and spirit).
• Likeness is the way we act and grow dynamically with virtue and holiness.

So we are constituted to think and be true to our essence in the Lord and we are called to be Like him in an every changing and deepening ways. It’s not about the image ON the coin rather the image IN the person.

Personal Reflection

With the eight lights of the Menorah glowing brightly in her window, Rabbi Posner’s wife, Rachel, snapped a photo of the Menorah and captured the Nazi building and flag in the background. She wrote a few lines in German on the back of the photo. “Chanukah 5692, (1932), “Death to Judah”, So the flag says, “Judah will live forever”, So the light answers.

Be light. Know the difference.

Reference: https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/menorah-defies-nazi-flag/

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101826.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
Readings: Ephesians 1:15-23; Psalm 8:2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7; Luke 12:8-12

The Eye, the Heart, engirded, alive.
The Faith, the Hope, tis Charity, escapes.
The Freedom, The Knowing, is Spirit, abide.

In memory of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr (Eph 1:18ab; Lk 12:12).

In honor of my sister Margaret who encouraged me to write prose from time to time. But if she reads this her lettered mastery of language would recoil in pain. Ssssh! Don’t tell her.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101726.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Friday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ephesians 1:11-14; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13; Luke 12:1-7

Summary

So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. May your kindness, LORD, be upon us; who have put our hope in you. In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit (Lk 12:1a; Ps 33:22; Eph 1:13).

Reflection

People are starved for truth and relief.
So much so as to trample one another underfoot to get to the person that represents the truth and hope.

But Jesus offers a warning.

Wanting the truth and recognizing the truth are two distinct steps.

He began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven—that is, the hypocrisy (Lk 12:1b).

Rather, what you whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops (Lk 12:3).

You can tell the difference of spoiled food from fresh food, yes? Not everything that feeds a hungry crowd is good bread.

Rather, proclaim the Gospel, the salvation message is not to be hidden!

There are risks.

But I’d rather be trampled by those who seek the truth than by those who would put their foot on my neck in subjection.

Personal Reflection

Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows (Lk 12:6-7). When the sound of birds fill the air and their wings-at-flight fill the sky, remember Jesus’ promise: You are worth more than the sum of them. Do not be afraid.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101626.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Ephesians 1:1-10; Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6; Luke 11:47-54

Summary Quotation on Synodal Renewal

4.1 For a synodal renewal of the life and mission of the Church

104. “Every renewal of the Church is essentially grounded in increase of fidelity to her own calling”[130]. So, in carrying out her mission, the Church is called to constant conversion, which is a “pastoral and missionary conversion”, too; this involves renewing mentalities, attitudes, practices and structures, in order to be ever more faithful to her vocation[131]. An ecclesial mentality shaped by synodal thinking joyfully welcomes and promotes the grace in virtue of which all the baptised are qualified and called to be missionary disciples. The great challenge for pastoral conversion that follows from this for the life of the Church is to intensify the mutual collaboration of all in evangelising witness based on everyone’s gifts and roles, without clericalising lay people and without turning the clergy into lay people, and in any case avoiding the temptation of “an excessive clericalism which keeps them [lay people] away from decision-making”[132].
105. Pastoral conversion for the implementation of synodality means that some paradigms often still present in ecclesiastical culture need to be quashed, because they express an understanding of the Church that has not been renewed by the ecclesiology of communion. These include: the concentration of responsibility for mission in the ministry of Pastors; insufficient appreciation of the consecrated life and charismatic gifts; rarely making use of the specific and qualified contribution of the lay faithful, including women, in their areas of expertise.

Reference: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_cti_20180302_sinodalita_en.html

Reflection by Franciscan Media

Ours is a time of turmoil, a time of reform, and a time of liberation. Modern women have in Teresa a challenging example. Promoters of renewal, promoters of prayer, all have in Teresa a woman to reckon with, one whom they can admire and imitate.

Reference: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-teresa-of-avila/

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101526.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Galatians 5:18-25; Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6; Luke 11:42-46

Reset Summary

You pay no attention to judgment and to love for God (Lk 11:42c; x-ref Mt 23:23d – judgment and mercy and fidelity).

Reset Reflection

Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life (Jn 8:12).
Those who follow you, Lord, will have right judgment, mercy at the center of every action and faithfulness to the love of God and Man.

Our Psalm selection today is from the first Psalm of the Psalter.

It stands at the head of the Psalms. A beginning point.
In the current liturgical year, it is cited three (3) times.

• Thursday after Ash Wednesday.
• Thursday of the Second Week of Lent.
• Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time (today).

It is reasonable to see why. Ash Wednesday starts Lent which is a reset of sorts. Lent calls us to refactor our thinking and actions in light of the gifts of forgiveness and Life. Today, it is a good reminder as we approach the end of the liturgical year – about 46 days from now.

It is fair to say, we need to reset a few times per year to the basic level of Psalm One.

Be like

Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.

He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.

Regrets

Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.

(Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6)

The works of the flesh are obvious: (you know, the way of the wicked).
The fruit of the Spirit is: (you know these too, the way of the just).

If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit (Gal 5:25).

Personal Reflection

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me (Jn 10:27).

You don’t have to make anything up from scratch! The Lord himself will provide the guidance you need for right judgment and mercy and fidelity – first as gift then as action. Let us listen to the voice of the Lord, anew. A reset.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101426.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Galatians 5:1-6; Psalm 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48; Luke 11:37-41

Summary

The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you (Hebrews 4:12; Lk 11:41).

Reflection

Stand firm! Stand firm against what? The lack of love and charity.

In the first reading today, we have St. Paul warning against the exterior purpose of circumcision. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love (Gal 5:6).

For freedom Christ set us free!

In our gospel portion today, Jesus warns of the same trap of superficiality and exteriority of traditions. “Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” (Lk 11:39b-41).

Personal Reflection

The Lord gives mercy and love in abundance. We are called to do likewise. First, received, then imparted.

For in Christ Jesus, … only faith working through love. Let your mercy come to me, LORD, salvation in accord with your promise (Gal 5:6; Ps 119:41).

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101326.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31–5:1; Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5a, 6-7; Luke 11:29-32

Summary

God’s Free Children in Christ combined with an An Allegory on Christian Freedom

So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God. Therefore, brothers, we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman. (Gal 4:7, 31). In our sacred scripture today, Paul uses Hagar and Jerusalem (not naming Sarah specifically, though he knows her name), as an allegory of the binary decision of one’s path in life: slavery or freedom.

Who is like the LORD, our God,
who looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor (Ps 113:5-7).

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the freeborn woman. For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery (Gal 4:22, 5:1).

Reflection

The Demand for a Sign

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah (Lk 11:29).

To this day the problem remains.

There are those who are born into a faith tradition believe they are safe as Sons of (fill in the blank). What is the Sign of Jonah? In Christology we would say prefigures the death and resurrection of Jesus.

But that is not the point here in this selection.
Jonah is the example of being forced to sit with our own evil and anger with our opponents. Taking an allegory and making it a fact, not a learning lesson, is the wrong path. Decoding Paul’s allegory, he meant to provoke conversion, not to become a literal ranking of peoples.

• The Ninevites had to sit with their mistakes and understand.
• The Queen of the South (Sheba) had to sit with her ignorance of the divine plan and understand.

Personal Reflection

In the final analysis, we cannot make our birth (lowly or regal; chosen or slave) define our destiny. Instead the humility of this simple statement: He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor.

• I need to be raised up from the dust.
• I need to be lifted up from the dung.

Powerful people (Ninevites) and wealthy people (Queen Sheba) came to understand that too.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101226.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Galatians 3:22-29; Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Luke 11:27-28

Summary

While Jesus was speaking,
a woman from the crowd called out and said to him,
“Blessed is the womb that carried you
and the breasts at which you nursed.”
He replied, “Rather, blessed are those
who hear the word of God and observe it.”
(Lk 11:27-28)

Reflection

The Lord remembers his covenant for ever (Ps 105:8a).
Blessed are those who carry you, Lord.

Jesus recapitulated what it means to carry him: blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

Personal Reflection

I carry photos of the ones I love in my wallet so they are always with me. And I remember the best about them and for them. Friends and family alike.

While Renaissance literature speaks of a rhetorical womb, I find a simpler truth in my own heart: in my inner cavern, I made a place for Jesus and from that strength, service. I like it when I carry Jesus, hear his voice and observe the diaconia of faith.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101026.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Friday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Galatians 3:7-14; Psalm 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6; Luke 11:15-26

Summary

When Jesus had driven out a demon, the human soul was swept clean and put in order, he warned the person about the potential future risk of harm, the last condition of that man is worse than the first.

The prince of this world will now be cast out,
and when I am lifted up from the earth
I will draw all to myself, says the Lord (John 12:31b-32).

Don’t invite the prince of this world back into your life.

Reflection

The Return of the Unclean Spirit

When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.”

This warning can apply to nations, families and individuals.

Personal Reflection

Isn’t it weird that when the doctor gives you post-operative instructions in order to preserve the work done in you, it all seems reasonable and easy to do. But then you get home and you’re like, No, I don’t need to do that.

So you don’t do it and then, as sure as sunset follows sunrise, you are in a situation worse than before?

But this time, I actually followed the instructions. Why? Because I didn’t want to undo the healing. The same is true for our souls.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights (Ps 111:1b-2).

Keep your eye on the goals.
Wanna see my scar?

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100926.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry