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!
Greetings on this the Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49; Psalm 56:10c-12, 13-14; Luke 8:4-15
Summary
I will walk in the presence of God, in the light of the living (Ps 56:14).
Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. You are the light of the world. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one. (Gal 6:2; Mt 5:14a; 1 Cor 15:48).
Reflection
Said another way, walking in the presence of God is light-living: illuminated from within, and illuminated by the light others share. Living is community.
In the parable today, the examples are about how we individually and communally prepare the soil of our souls to receive the seed of the Word. But our soil is not entirely private. We share it with others. You share the soil with others. How we care for the soil determines how the seed is received.
Personal Reflection
Wouldn’t it be the most marvelous thing to be rich soil for others?
But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.
Greetings on this the Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Psalm 17:1bcd, 6-7, 8b, 15; Luke 8:1-3
Summary
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women. Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources (Lk 8:1, 2b-3).
Reflection
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. (1 Cor 15:20; PS 17:15b).
If Jesus is the firstfruit of the Resurrection then these women are the first witnesses of the firstfruit. Before, during and after the resurrection.
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb (Jn 20:1).
Personal Reflection
I’m not being disrespectful to The Twelve but calling attention to the faithful women of that time and of our time. It is a common error to focus our attention to the powerful (even within the Church, even early on in the Church) and focus on the influential. But these women (disciples, benefactors, companions, and witnesses) are a major portion of the fullness of the treasure.
The visible institution is never the whole system. There are people who sustain it, absorb its pressures, and perceive things the center may not see. Recent Popes have done much to rebalance the feminine influence by listening to the feminine voice.
In a similar way, the blogger I reference below calls attention to the over-taxed citizen (meaning stressed for survival) and their common response and the need to adjust. This blogger is worthy of your time today. There is an important correlation and parallel crisis in the civil society and the Church.
When a population is overtaxed, the collapse of nuance is not a failure. It’s a signal. And the people who can still see the architecture become the ones who help the system find its way back to coherence.
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources... Pray for us!
Greetings on this the Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Psalm 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28; Luke 7:36-50
Summary
The editors of the biblical translation we use use footnotes to clarify, define and extend the sacred script we read each day. Sometimes the notes are brief (a translation or a cross reference) and sometimes the editors give us a paragraph to contemplate. A miniature reflection. Today is such a day.
The Pardon of the Sinful Woman
[7:36–50] In this story of the pardoning of the sinful woman Luke presents two different reactions to the ministry of Jesus. A Pharisee, suspecting Jesus to be a prophet, invites Jesus to a festive banquet in his house, but the Pharisee’s self-righteousness leads to little forgiveness by God and consequently little love shown toward Jesus. The sinful woman, on the other hand, manifests a faith in God (Lk 7:50) that has led her to seek forgiveness for her sins, and because so much was forgiven, she now overwhelms Jesus with her display of love; cf. the similar contrast in attitudes in Lk 18:9–14. The whole episode is a powerful lesson on the relation between forgiveness and love. (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/7?36)
Reflection
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve (1 Cor 15:3-5)
Credal Beliefs
[15:3–7] The language by which Paul expresses the essence of the “gospel” (1 Cor 15:1) is not his own but is drawn from older credal formulas. This credo highlights Jesus’ death for our sins (confirmed by his burial) and Jesus’ resurrection (confirmed by his appearances) and presents both of them as fulfillment of prophecy. In accordance with the scriptures: conformity of Jesus’ passion with the scriptures is asserted in Mt 16:1; Lk 24:25–27, 32, 44–46. Application of some Old Testament texts (Ps 2:7; 16:8–11) to his resurrection is illustrated by Acts 2:27–31; 13:29–39; and Is 52:13–53:12 and Hos 6:2 may also have been envisaged. (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/15?1=#54015001)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever (Ps 118:1b).
Personal Reflection
The sinful woman overwhelmed Jesus with love.
Alabaster is a white stone that is translucent and is hollowed out to be used as a vessel to store expensive perfumes or oils. Sometimes you can see into the jar but not see the fluid in the jar. In other words, you might be able to see the level of fluid and a bit about its basic color but to know what the contents are … you have to pour it out. As she did. The alabaster jar is her heart and the perfumed oil is her love which she generously pours out, with tears of gratitude and visible anointing his feet. She anointed my feet with ointment.
She stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.
What do you think people will say about your love for Jesus? Do they have a sense of your love by looking into your alabaster jar and see the fluid level? When you pour out the oil, where does it go? On whom do you pour it?
Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me (Mt 25:40b).
Pour your loving oil upon all those around you, friend and foe. In pouring it upon them, you pour it upon Christ.
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 12 and 22; Luke 7:31-35
Summary
We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep. But wisdom is vindicated by all her children (Lk 7:33b, 35).
Restorative Hospital The Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, an institution of the Holy See , is the largest pediatric hospital and research center in Europe. Connected to major international centers in the field, it is a point of reference for the health of children and adolescents from throughout Italy and abroad.
Hospice for the Poor and Dying We are misunderstood, we are misrepresented, we are misreported. We are not nurses, we are not doctors, we are not teachers, we are not social workers. We are religious, we are religious, we are religious. — Mother Teresa
Reflection
But I shall show you a still more excellent way. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Cor 12:31; 13:13).
I noted above two different but complementary modes of aid and populations being addressed in their needs. Children and poor in need of medical care. The poor and dying in need of hospice care. A dance and a dirge.
To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? (Lk 7:31).
The general observation here is learning to recognize when we are being called to help—and when we are merely finding reasons to criticize the form that help takes. Actions flowing from faith, hope and love are on the strongest foundations.
Even Reconciliation Needed Adjustment – once reframed by love
Wisdom is vindicated — in the lives and actions that flow from her. How many modes and ways the Lord helps us find a pathway to being generous and helpful!
But if we find ourselves rejecting all of them, the problem is in the one who refuses every mode of hospitality, healing and assistance. “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That’s how prayer works” – Pope Francis.
Instead of criticism, a new framework is needed:
Not: Will I love? But: What does love require here?
Speak not for those a separate doom, Whom Fate made brothers in the tomb.
Greetings on this the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31a; Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5; John 19:25-27
Summary
Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:31).
Our Lady of Sorrows comes immediately after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross as there is no greater sorrow for a mother. There is no greater Son than Jesus. In love, Mary has Sorrow. She is sorrowful for us, too. The misery we propagate through the ages in war and endless wars. Jesus is our Brother who entered the tomb we all share.
Reflection
Sorrow is universal. It is reasonable to say that sorrow should bind together even the greatest of enemies in peace and silence before this great mystery.
Marmion; A Tale of Flodden Field
Nor yet suppress the generous sigh, Because his rival slumbers nigh; Nor be thy requiescat dumb, Lest it be said o’er FOX’S tomb. For talents mourn, untimely lost When best employed, and wanted most; Mourn genius high, and lore profound, And wit that loved to play, not wound; And all the reasoning powers divine, To penetrate, resolve, combine; And feelings keen, and fancy’s glow— They sleep with him who sleeps below: And if thou mourn’st they could not save From error him who owns this grave, Be every harsher thought suppressed, And sacred be the last long rest. . . . The solemn echo seems to cry— “Here let their discord with them die. “Speak not for those a separate doom, “Whom Fate made brothers in the tomb; “But search the land of living men, “Where wilt thou find their like again?”
We cannot lose sight of the horror of war. No battle video, toxic proclamations, lionizing war-making and warrior worship (beyond citizen-soldier) can match the perfect Sorrow of Mary. It is but a mirage and menagerie.
Greetings on this the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Readings: Numbers 21:4b-9; Psalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17
Summary
Whenever the serpent bit someone, the person looked at the bronze serpent and recovered. But he, being merciful, forgave their sin and destroyed them not; Often he turned back his anger and let none of his wrath be roused. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Num 21:9b; PS 78:38; Jn 3:16; Phil 2:9-11).
Reflection
The Cross, once a sign of brutal domination, now a sign of love.
The Cross, once a sign to be feared, now a sign of discipleship.
The Cross, once a sign of defeat and humiliation, now a sign of victory and salvation.
Personal Reflection
There are moments in a person’s life when we doubt love. OK, maybe you never did, but I think most of us have. And it is always refreshing to see new signs or repeated expressions of love from the Beloved that make afresh the reality of ‘so loved‘. Isn’t that why we formalize Birthdays, Anniversaries, Achievements and our Love Stories retold to young and old alike? Isn’t that why we take photos, make videos and hold onto keepsakes – sometimes for a lifetime?
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.
Today we adore Christ because of this Cross. Because you so love us.
Greetings on this the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Sirach 27:30—28:7; Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35
Summary
The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion. None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.(Ps 103:8; Rom 14:7).
Reflection
Each human person is a precious being in the sight of God. Every.one.of.us.
Wrath and anger, these also are abominations, yet a sinner holds on to them. Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times? (Sir 27:30; Mt 18:21).
In Jewish tradition, seven often symbolizes fullness, completion, and covenant.
Peter was thinking he was being very generous. Jesus, I can forgive 7 times. Pretty perfect, huh?
Frankly, he was more advanced than most of us (yes, me too) as he picked a number higher than most of us would have offered. Tell me I’m wrong?
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus prescribes many pathways of forgiveness. There is no one-size-fits-all. Not all people. Not all circumstances.
There remains the imperative to forgive. And for us to choose the most helpful pathway to achieve that forgiveness – which will vary according to circumstance.
There is also the arc of time:
Before the offense
During the offense
After the offense
Which correspond to:
Disposition/Prudence
Fortitude/Justice
Horizon/Temperance
The better prepared I am, the less impact the offense has on me, and the quicker I can restore my horizon—and perhaps ours—to what is truly good.
Personal Reflection
So let’s start with Peter’s example. Have you forgiven your him/her seven times? My guess is you did (sorta) or tried (sorta) to or wanted to (sorta) but could not. Instead we turn to the divine aid to get there. You see, if we ask the Lord to help us be like him (PS 103 today), then we can do 7 and then 77 then everything and everyone. Eventually.
Forgiveness is a seed planted within us. Let it grow. Be patient with yourself. It will blossom. You just start with: Lord, I’d like to forgive…
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