Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church Readings: Job 9:1-12, 14-16; Psalm 88:10bc-11, 12-13, 14-15; Luke 9:57-62
Summary
Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him (Lk 9:62; Phil 3:8-9).
Reflection
We could unpack so much from this short dialog but I will keep it brief.
Looking back at the natural good is ignoring the spiritual wonder of your life in The Way.
Even this, for Paul, is rubbish – by way of comparison.
Also, looking back on our mistakes with fondness is a tragedy.
Gaudium de ipso malo peracto peccatum est! Memento te mortalem esse!
Jesus warns us not to look back: Remember the wife of Lot (Lk 17:32).
Personal Reflection
Keep your horizon the Kingdom, here, now, forever.
Prayer
Daily I call upon you, O LORD; to you I stretch out my hands. But I, O LORD, cry out to you; with my morning prayer I wait upon you. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
Greetings on this the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels Readings: Revelation 12:7-12ab; Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5; John 1:47-51
Summary
Then he brought him to Jesus (Andrew-to-Simon). Philip said to him, “Come and see.” (Philip-to-Nathanael) (Jn 1:42, 46c).
Revelation to John
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show his servants what must happen soon. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who gives witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ by reporting what he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near (Rev 1:1-3).
Work of the Archangel
Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven (Rev 12:7-8).
Reflection
Servants of the divine mission, angels and men. They work together to defend us from wickedness and snares (traps set to have us fall into ruin). Men are to tell the Good News and minister to people. The Angels participate in the divine mission. Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides.
Personal Reflection
The Mass has ended, go forth, let us love and serve the Lord. Pray for the hungry then you feed them. This is how prayer works.
Prayer
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
Have you tied cords to the Pleiades, or loosened the bonds of Orion?
Greetings on this the Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Job 1:6-22; Psalm 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7; Luke 9:46-50
Summary
In our sacred reading today, we encounter the mystery of God’s love, our responses to love and the deepening of the divine answer to Job by way of Jesus’ ministry.
The Interview Between the Lord and the Satan.
The First Trial (4 calamities).
Job’s Reaction.
The Greatest in the Kingdom – deep and personal mercy.
Another Exorcist – the weightier matters.
He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, and said,
“Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!” By hearsay I had heard of you, but now my eye has seen you (Jb 1:21,42:5).
Reflection
Job starts with the reality that all good things come from God. Then comes his second trial (skin boils). And then the third (people’s instincts) – that is – the unhelpful friends.
After having dialoged with the Lord, Job’s encounter with the Lord shifts the question from explanation to vision. But critically the text is ultimately accompanied with: now my eye has seen you. Jesus completes the revelation of seeing.
Every person is received by the Lord (as one loves a child) and we should do likewise.
We humans do not understand every good and every person — nor the divine mechanisms of the good.
The noise of calamity does not have the final word in the sight of this truth.
Personal Reflection
For Job and for all of us, we need my eye to see you. I don’t think the text brought about the seeing. The trust brought about the seeing.
We can see the divine answer to all our difficulties by way of:
Creation.
Jesus’ embrace.
Work of strangers, even.
Prayer
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. Show your wondrous mercies, O savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand.
Greetings on this the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 21:28-32
Summary
What is your opinion? Is it my way that is unfair? Are not your ways unfair? (Mt 21:28a; Ez 18:25cd).
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others. Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus (Phil 2:3-5).
Reflection
Afterwards changed his mind and went (Mt 21:29b).
What do you suppose went through his mind?
Personal Reflection
Sometimes Jesus doesn’t make sense to us. Then he does. Treat this psalm as a prayer.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.
Remember that your compassion, O LORD, and your love are from of old. The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not; in your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD; thus he shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice, and teaches the humble his way. (Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9)
Greetings on this the Saturday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Ecclesiastes 11:9—12:8; Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17; Luke 9:43b-45
Summary
While they were all amazed at his every deed, he said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” (Lk 9:43b-44)
Reflection
Astonished and amazed.
The Second Prediction of the Passion is given in the middle of the disciples expressing surprise and amazement. Jesus reminds us the divine effort of salvation is work, sacrifice and love. He invites them to enter the effort.
Personal Reflection
Our reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is fleeting, much of what we purse is fleeting. But the work of salvation is worthy of our time and attention. Teach us to number our days aright (Ps 90:12a).
In solitude and prayer we discover our inner self.
Greetings on this the Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11; Psalm 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4; Luke 9:18-22
Summary
Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” (Lk 9:18).
NABRE * [3:21] Was praying: Luke regularly presents Jesus at prayer at important points in his ministry: here at his baptism; at the choice of the Twelve (Lk 6:12); before Peter’s confession (Lk 9:18); at the transfiguration (Lk 9:28); when he teaches his disciples to pray (Lk 11:1); at the Last Supper (Lk 22:32); on the Mount of Olives (Lk 22:41); on the cross (Lk 23:46). (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/3?21=#50003021)
The psalmist helps us today. Which of these resonates with you?
Mercy
Fortress
Stronghold
Delivered
Shield
Trusted One
Feeling noticed? Appreciated and seen?
Even if I am but a breath, you account me as eternal (because you, Lord, are eternal)!
Blessed be the LORD, my rock, my mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust.
LORD, what is man, that you notice him; the son of man, that you take thought of him? Man is like a breath; his days, like a passing shadow. (Psalm 144:1b and 2abc, 3-4)
Reflection
But who do you say that I am? (Lk 9:20a). Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” (Lk 9:20b)
Personal Reflection
In our solitude we discover:
What we think of others.
What we think of ourselves.
What we wonder how others think about us – but only in ways that remain healthy, truthful, and charitable.
Solitude brings clarity and freedom.
Prayer brings clarity and charity in the thinking.
My update today is to be working on my presentation at the Interfaith gathering Sunday evening. I should be cleared to drive by then (one handed, but still safely). The 72 hour rule expires at Noon Sunday.
Pray I aid in the effort to bring greater harmony and understanding between the faiths present at the gathering. May we enjoy the divine benevolence of presence, community and acceptance. Now more than ever.
If you wish to comment, please do! I accept any and all comments to help!
My Notes as I prepare Interreligious connections to feasts and fasting (max 3-5 minutes). I will verbally trim for the event:
(1) Feast and fast both teach us that life is a gift. Feast teaches us to receive with gratitude; fast teaches us that we do not possess the gift as if it were ours alone.
(2) The booth Feast is both memory and invitation: (a) memory that God sustained a people in fragile dwellings, and; (b) our invitation to the Holy One to dwell among us still. First it is the offer – I, the Lord, wish to dwell with you, And second our invitational response: Stay with us Lord. Such, the necessity of the reliance of Divine Care.
(3) Fasting is a Call to Service. Traditionally, the merit of a particular fast of a particular individual is in direct proportion to the Charity Dispensed. To fast and yet neglect the poor perverts religion (The New Jerome Biblical Commentary, 21:54 x-ref Matt 25:31-46).
(4) Fasting is preparation for Mystical Knowledge (Daniel/Jesus). As a preparation for divine gifts. Gifts are gifts, freely given. Our disposition of fully receiving the gift is in our preparation. Open my eyes to see clearly (Ps 119:18a; Mt 4:2).
(5) Fasting is a Communal Repentance. When we fast we acknowledge the most foundation truth of all:
There is a God. It isn’t me.
(6) Fasting is Obedience. An act of self-control and interdependence. Is my body obedient to a simple command? Or has my mind lost control of my personhood? If I cannot command my appetite, how can I command myself to love?
(7) Fasts and Feasts are really the same thingat different points in time. Perhaps the most challenging truth. In the first instance we are grateful for the benevolent aid provided during difficult times. In the second instance we are repairing our part of the foundation of the festive divine relationship. My feast must have a fast – a realignment, a repair, a chiropractic adjustment such that our divine feasts may be all the more joyful. We joyfully fast that we might joyfully feast.
(8) Feasts and Fasting are shelter manifested in us! Divine shelter becoming human shelter. This is our common goal. Shelter one another!
Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13; Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44; Luke 8:19-21
Summary
Regarding the Book of Proverbs: The instructions and the aphorisms of the book can free the mind to see new things. Christians will see in personified Wisdom aspects of Jesus Christ, who they believe is divine wisdom sent to give human beings true and full life. Yet there is a universal dimension to Proverbs, for in its attention to human experience it creates a link to all people of good will (see https://bible.usccb.org/bible/proverbs/0).
Our Proverbs in today’s readings are from the The First Proverbs of Solomon, placed side-by-side with the Jesus encounter
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” (Pv 21:6; Lk 8:21).
Together they mean:
Doing right is better than performing ritual sacrifice.
Doing right is more than being related by family.
Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight (Ps 119:35).
We experience being members of the family of Jesus by our actions. It brings joy to our souls and a sense of belonging that would be missing otherwise.
Reflection
The story of Jesus’ family-in-wait has three different titles in the synoptic gospels.
Luke: Jesus and His Family
Matthew: The True Family of Jesus
Mark: Jesus and His Family
In the gospel of John, the generally accepted correlation is a subsection of the The Vine and the Branches discourse but Jesus uses the title for us as “Friends”, Jn 15:9-17, of which I give you a smaller part.
As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you (Jn 15:9-14).
Personal Reflection
The best, the more acceptable, is to be Family and Friend of Jesus.
Or did you forget when you fell in love? You became friend and family.
Or did you forget your marriage vows? You maintain friend and family.
My grandmother used to say, “You marry a stranger”, to which I would always add, thank God you first fell in love.
Fall in love with Jesus, and like a marriage, you become family and friend—and discover the deeper joy of belonging.
Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home. Matthew’s calling is a parallel event.
Greetings on this the Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist Readings: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5; Matthew 9:9-13
Summary
And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners (Eph 4:11:13; Mt 9:9b,13).
Reflection
Each of us is called to follow Jesus in a capacity first known to the Lord and, at the appropriate time, we become aware of our individual calling. This calling starts with the foundational truth: I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
Go and learn isn’t a classroom activity. It means to act and contemplate, in parallel, the call within the call – bringing Sinners to Christ. Which, last I checked, is that everyone is in the category.
Mercy is both an act and a disposition. Calling is to follow the one with the calling mission, mercifully, and intentionally.
Personal Reflection
Matthew heard these words: Follow me.And he got up and followed him. Let’s treat today just the same way.
Greetings on this the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18; Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a; Matthew 20:1-16a
Summary
Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. The Lord is near to all who call upon him. Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ. Why do you stand here idle all day? (Isa 55:6; PS 145:18a; Phil 1:27a; Mt 20:6b)
Reflection
Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son (Acts 16:14b).
In our Gospel portion today, we are given the contrast between doing nothing (“standing idle”) – living emptiness – and engaging with the Lord and doing something marvelous! Enter the Lord’s vineyard—accepting the work he gives us.
The Lord is near and He has a beautiful purpose for your life. Don’t let anything stop you from calling upon the Lord. He’s right here. Conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ, it’s a process that begins with the asking!
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