Greetings on this the Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: James 1:1-11; Psalm 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76; Mark 8:11-13
Summary
In our first reading and gospel portion today, a singular message: Ask in faith and receive. It doesn’t have to be perfect faith (nobody is perfect). But basic faith, faith in the one who created us will see us through the good and the bad of life. The Lord already had healed many on different occasions and multiplied the bread for the 4,000. Isn’t that sign enough?
But the sign they were seeking is the sign that Jesus is authorized to teach and heal by anointing from the Lord. The Pharisees were certain of their source of power – the religious hierarchy – they weren’t certain of Jesus’.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways. The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” (Jm 1:5-8; Mk 8:11-12).
These men did not keep faith and so wanted a sign of faith they themselves do not recognize. They asked for proof they did not need, and missed what truly mattered.
Having answered them, Jesus left. The leaving is an invitation. Follow me and learn more, without a word spoken. They remained in the faithlessness of their appointments. They missed the faithfulness of a person.
Reflection
Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore (Mk 8:13).
Personal Reflection
Lord, may I approach you in faith. Trusting your actions are reflections of divine love. And, may I get in the boat with you and come to the other side. Where he goes, so go I.
The ways of life change with an encounter with the Lord
Greetings on this the Monday after Epiphany Readings: 1 John 3:22–4:6; Psalm 2:7bc-8, 10-12a; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25
Summary
Re-reading this reflection years later, I am struck by how little the call has changed—and how much the world around us has. The invitation to “go another way” remains perennial, because it is not first a change of direction, but of desire.
Yesterday in the gospel portion the Magi having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
Another way. A different way. A changed way. These days between the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord, we too having encountered Jesus, are challenged to go a new way. The gospel portions this week speak to this new way. Ways we can imitate Christ in accordance with our time, talent and resource.
Monday (today) – The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry. [Jesus] He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
Tuesday – The Feeding of the Five Thousand. He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.”
Wednesday – The Walking on the Water. “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down.
Thursday – The Rejection at Nazareth (begins with his mission statement). The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
Friday – The Cleansing of a Leper. “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.”
Saturday – Final Witness of the Baptist. [John speaks in regards to Jesus] So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.
Reflection
The mini summary of the gospel portions this week (from Epiphany to Baptism) can be thought of as a road map. A new way.
How can we imitate Jesus this week?
Monday – Proclaim the gospel by our actions. Aiding the sick in some fashion.
Tuesday – Feed the hungry.
Wednesday – Have courage. encourage others to face life with hope.
Thursday – In our own way declare the Spirit is upon us and we are anointed to likewise.
Friday – Make the outcast clean. The ostracized welcomed.
Saturday – Realize (in the end) it is Jesus who empowers and provides. Our egos cloak the Lord from being seen by others.
Personal Reflection
This very week is our journey home again. A renewal because of a renewed encounter. And wonderfully on Sunday next, a heartfelt renewal of the Baptismal promise. For those in Christian formation, the promise ahead made present!
Evening prayer for the 7 days leading up to Christmas Eve contains a special focus. The Antiphon for the evening Canticle of Mary starts with the mystery of Salvation History. It starts with creation and completes with Emmanuel – God is with us! 2025 Refresh.
The Canticle of Mary is given especially heightened emphasis as her great “Yes” to the Lord comes to fruition in the birth of the Son of God, Son of Man. This Magnificat prayer is directly from scripture Gospel of Luke (1:46-55). Stylized version below:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly farmer’s foot.
He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.
Below each O Antiphon and a mini reflection on each. Perhaps this can be your evening prayer leading up to Christmas Eve?
December 17 O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!
Reflection: From the dawn of creation the Lord God had but one purpose, to share his infinite love. When we contemplate creation and even contemplate love itself, it is the Wisdom of God that informs us and makes intelligible his plan.
We desire to know. We desire to know him. Know him as like a Mother holds a baby. Mary held Emmanuel in her loving arms. Simeon did as well. So shall you, my friends.
R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….
December 18 O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!
Reflection: The Lord God rescues us from our folly. We have this tendency to enslave others. The entire nation of Israel needed to be freed. Through His mighty power He freed them and gave Moses the Law on Mount Sinai.
The Law serves two purposes: to alert us to our negative tendencies (shall not) and to bring us to our highest perfection, to wit, Keep Holy this Day of the Lord. Mary’s keep (her womb and gift) and the fruit is her Son.
R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….
December 19 O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! Reflection: The Lord God has never forgotten. Wait on the Lord, He shall not delay. The Root of Jesse, long thought dead (400 years of no prophets speaking!). Yet now, through the earth or root of Mary comes Emmanuel.
R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….
December 20 O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
Reflection: The darkness of man is over. We are prisoners no longer to ignorance. Knowing God incarnate shall make us like Moses. We shall walk with God as one walks with a friend (Ex 33:11). Mary is the first to speak to Jesus. What did she say?
R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….
December 21 O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Reflection: We live under the shadow of death. Each of us facing that final justice. May this Perpetual Light shine on us in this life and the life to come! May justice, the Justice Mary proclaims in her song, be ours in this Emmanuel!
R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….
December 22 O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
Reflection: We are dust and to dust we shall return. But not just dust. Breath. Rûaħ. You, O God, have made this dust alive with your own breath. Save your breath so closely knitted and integrated within us as Emmanuel is knitted within Mary.
R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….
December 23 O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
Reflection: Divine Love. Save us as only love can save. May the Law of Love guide us in all things. Let us learn to love as the way Mary beheld her son.
Greetings on this the The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Readings: Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40
This homily is given at the 10:30 AM Mass.
Facebook vid of Mass
Summary
The liturgy of All Saints (a Solemnity) and the liturgy of All Souls Days (a Commemoration) are in perfect harmony of the Order of Christian Funerals. All Saints, just a day ago, and Hallow Eve (the Vigil of All Saints) are the trifecta of memories!
After I was ordained, a priest friend counselled me on the most important things I can do to help the faithful in the course of their lives. He said, “For deacons, there are three times where you have the unique ability to aid people in their spiritual lives as a minister and they are:
Hatch
Match
and Dispatch
translating the Sacraments and Service of:
Baptism
Matirmony
Funeral Liturgy
I always listen closely to a holy priest.
All Saints and All Souls encompasses everyone.
In these special holy days of the Church at prayer, we keep a special place in our hearts for the Church Triumphant and the Church Suffering. Loosely translated again:
Those we ‘know‘ are in heaven either through declared Sainthood known or Saints unknown or in our hearts certainty.
Those who have died recently and/or can be presumed to be in Purgatory – the final preparation to see God face-to-face.
But the relationships are the same, only the prayer focus is different.
But most important our memory. I invite you now to take a moment to listen to your own heart. Remembering those who have gone before you. Mothers, Fathers, Aunt, Uncles, Friends, Kind Strangers, our beloved Saint Mark’s priests who have passed, teachers/mentors/neighbors, Difficult people who always caused us grief, that is to say, everyone that comes to mind right now during this Holy Mass. For the rest of this Mass, direct your prayers and thoughts about and to those who have gone before.
I will pause here for a moment. Remember is the Anamnesis is the technical Greek term meaning “to make present again” through remembrance. This is central rational to our faith.
(pause)
We pray for those in purgation – as like any life improvement we have already experienced is what we can call a good pain. Losing weight is a good pain, kicking an addiction is a good pain, mastering a skill is a good pain, and learning to love again, is a good pain. Seeing God face-to-face in stages is as like the lifting of a thick fog in the early morning, both painful and joyful, but always, finally, successful. We pray for their journey. We pray for their Exodus. IN a way, we are souls in Purgatory too (for some in this life, difficultly is constant), so we pray and ask them to pray for us, even as they continue their own prayer and sanctification.
We pray with the Saints, who have entered the Exodus of Jesus, that is, who have entered the passion of Jesus, and are moved and in constant motion of prayer for us. We thank them, we ask them to help in particular ways. Patron Saints are honored and moved by are particular concerns.
This Church and her doors should be likened to the Gates of Heaven. When you enter here, all the living and dead are here too! We call them dead because they are radically separated body and soul. Our interaction with them is spiritually bases. But they are very much alive as Jesus has conquered death!
Let us remember too, the center of a Funeral is the Holy Eucharist as the communion of the entirety of the Church, just like we are gather here today.
This is why we recommend very powerfully that a Funeral Mass be said for those who have died. In the Mass and in the funeral rite, the Christian community keeps watch with one another in prayer to the God of Mercy and to find strength in Christ’s presence. We celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death, commend our brother/sister to God’s tender mercy and compassion, seeking strength in the paschal mystery (the Passion of Jesus). As one body in Christ in signs and symbols, word and gesture that each believer, through baptism, shares in Christ’s death and resurrection. And one day all the elect will be raised up and be united in the kingdom of light and peace.
Each of these will be remembered during this Mass several times through your remembering and through the liturgy, throughout the Church and through the month of November.
Right now in your participation in this homily. You aren’t just listening, you are directing prayer.
In the Prayers of the Faithful.
Our presider will read the names of the deceased perishoners of 2025 and remembered throughout the month of November.
In the Eucharistic prayer.
This is our one time per year, that no matter the reason someone was missed (or we missed their funeral) it cannot be we end the Liturgical year without remembering them. ALL.OF.THEM.
Reflection
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. [Because] I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days. [By the divine action] God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him [on] the last day. (Wis 3:1, P 23:6, Rom 5:8, Jn 6:40).
Personal Reflection
Before I conclude, again a pause, silently recall and move your lips remembering the names of those you lost.
(pause)
From the opening prayer for All the Dead
O God, who willed that your only Begotten Son, having conquered death, should pass over into the realm of heaven, grant we pray, to your departed servants, that with the mortality of this life overcome, they may gaze eternally on you their Creator and Redeemer. And let the people say: Amen!
Greetings on this the The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) Readings: Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40
This homily is given at the 4:00 PM Vigil Mass.
Summary
The liturgy of All Saints (a Solemnity) and the liturgy of All Souls Days (a Commemoration) are in perfect harmony of the Order of Christian Funerals. Since we still have the aroma of this morning’s Solemnity Mass, we can hardly fail to mention it at the Vigil of the Commemoration.
All Saints and All Souls encompasses everyone.
The dividing line can be thought of in two ways.
Those we ‘know‘ are in heaven either through declared Sainthood known or Saints unknown or in our hearts certainty.
Those who have died recently and/or can be presumed to be in Purgatory – the final preparation to see God face-to-face.
But the relationships are the same, only the prayer focus is different.
But most important our memory. I invite you now to take a moment to listen to your own heart. Remembering those who have gone before you. Mothers, Fathers, Aunt, Uncles, Friends, Kind Strangers, our beloved Saint Mark’s priests who have passed, teachers/mentors/neighbors, Difficult people who always caused us grief, that is to say, everyone that comes to mind right now during this Holy Mass. For the rest of this Mass, direct your prayers and thoughts about and to those who have gone before.
I will pause here for a moment. Remember is the Anamnesis is the technical Greek term meaning “to make present again” through remembrance. This is central rational to our faith.
(pause)
We pray for those in purgation – as like any life improvement we have already experienced is what we can call a good pain. Losing weight is a good pain, kicking an addiction is a good pain, mastering a skill is a good pain, and learning to love again, is a good pain. Seeing God face-to-face in stages is as like the lifting of a thick fog in the early morning, both painful and joyful, but always, finally, successful. We pray for their journey. We pray for their Exodus. We are souls in Purgatory too (for some in this life, difficult), so we pray and ask them to pray for us, even as they continue their own prayer.
We pray with the Saints, who have entered the Exodus of Jesus, that is, who have entered the passion of Jesus, and are moved and in constant motion of prayer for us. We thank them, we ask them to help in particular ways.
This Church and her doors should be likened to the Gates of Heaven. When you enter here, all the living and dead are here too! We call them dead because they are radically separated body and soul. OU rinteraction is spiritually alone. But they are very much alive as Jesus conquered death!
Let us remember too, the center of a Funeral is the Holy Eucharist as the communion of the entirety of the Church, just like we are gather here today.
This is why we recommend very powerfully that a Funeral Mass be said for those who have died. In the Mass and in the funeral rite, the Christian community keeps watch with one another in prayer to the God of Mercy and to find strength in Christ’s presence. We celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death, commend our brother/sister to God’s tender mercy and compassion, seeking strength in the paschal mystery (the Passion of Jesus). As one body in Christ in signs and symbols, word and gesture that each believer, through baptism, shares in Christ’s death and resurrection. And one day all the elect will be raised up and be united in the kingdom of light and peace.
Each of these will be remembered during this Mass several times through your remembering and through the liturgy, throughout the Church and through the month of November.
Right now in your participation in this homily. You aren’t just listening, you are directing prayer.
In the Prayers of the Faithful.
Our poster board of the deceased perishoners of 2025 displayed in the back of the Church (throughout the month of November).
In the Eucharistic prayer.
This is our one time per year, that no matter the reason someone was missed (or we missed their funeral) it cannot be we end the Liturgical year without remembering them. ALL.OF.THEM.
Reflection
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. [Because] I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days. [By the divine action] God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him [on] the last day. (Wis 3:1, P 23:6, Rom 5:8, Jn 6:40).
Personal Reflection
Before I conclude, again a pause, silently recall and move your lips remembering the names of those you lost.
(pause)
From the opening prayer for All the Dead
O God, who willed that your only Begotten Son, having conquered death, should pass over into the realm of heaven, grant we pray, to your departed servants, that with the mortality of this life overcome, they may gaze eternally on you their Creator and Redeemer. And let the people say: Amen!
Greetings on this the Solemnity of All Saints Readings: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a
Summary
The liturgy of All Saints (Solemnity) and the liturgy of All Souls Days (Commemoration) are in perfect harmony of the Order of Christian Funerals. With the exception of one psalm, which I will describe shortly, all the same sacred readings as available in the Funeral Liturgy. The funeral liturgy has many options for Old Testament, New Testament and Gospel readings but these stand out as central to our prayers:
The Prayer with the Dead alive in Heaven. Dedicated to all who have entered heaven, including the saints recognized by the Church and those not but who pray with and for us and work with the Lord to help us in our militant struggles.
The Prayer for the Dead alive but suffering. Dedicate to those who have recently died and need our prayerful aid to reach Heaven. They too are learning to pray for others and pray for us as we pray for them.
The Prayer by the Dead for the Militant Earthbound. Both those in Heaven and those in Purgatory pray for us. In the first case, it is their passion in the Lord and in the second case their purification.
When we are able to have a Christian burial these readings are used. If for whatever reason you are not able to make a funeral of a loved one, these Holy Days allows us to pray for them together in the same way we would or did in a Funeral with Mass or a Funeral without Mass liturgy we had for them or wished we had for them. Today is a perfect day to remember them.
So Saturday and Sunday are particularly helpful to us in our grief, in our hopes and in the expression of trust in the divine. He has overcome death for us and for our eternal joy.
All of this bound to the liturgy described by the 24th Psalm. Which, in summary, expresses the Liturgy of the Holy Mass.
Old Testament Readings
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Wisdom 3:1-9, Wisdom 4:7-15, Isa 25:6-9
Psalmology
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 – the stand out.
New Testament Readings
1 John 3:1-3
Romans 5:5-11 or Romans 6:3-9 (options) or 1 Cor 15:51-57, Phil 3:20-21, 2 COR 4:14-5:1
Gospel Readings
Matthew 5:1-12a
John 6:37-40, Jn 14:1-6, Jn 14:2:13-22
Psalm 24
Psalm 24 is considered a Liturgical Psalm. It parallels perfectly the purpose and flow of the Holy Mass. It has a specific flow:
It commemorates the entry of God and the people into the Temple (The Mountain – Entrance procession and song of praise in the Church).
The praise of creation – the works of the Lord – natural and salvific (Pentitential Rite, Gloria).
The people affirm their belief in God (Apostle’s Creed).
We bow low in supplication and awe (Prayers of the Faithful).
Lift High your gates – the elimination of barriers to salvation and the New Jerusalem (Liturgy of the Eucharistic Sacrifice).
The earth is the LORD’s and all it holds, the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it on the seas, established it over the rivers. Who may go up the mountain of the LORD? Who can stand in his holy place? “The clean of hand and pure of heart, who has not given his soul to useless things, what is vain. He will receive blessings from the LORD, and justice from his saving God. Such is the generation that seeks him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.” Lift up your heads, O gates; be lifted, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may enter. Who is this king of glory? the LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in war. Lift up your heads, O gates; rise up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may enter. Who is this king of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the king of glory (PS 24).
Mass, in particularly Funeral Mass
This is why we recommend very powerfully that a Funeral Mass be said for those who have died. In the Mass and in the funeral rite, the Christian community keeps watch with one another in prayer to the God of Mercy and to find strength in Christ’s presence. We celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death, commend our brother/sister to God’s tender mercy and compassion, seeking strength in the paschal mystery (the Passion of Jesus). As one body in Christ in signs and symbols, word and gesture that each believer, through baptism, shares in Christ’s death and resurrection. And one day all the elect will be raised up and united in the kingdom of light and peace.
Reflection
“Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.” Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. (Rev 7:10b, Jn 3:2, Matt 5:12a).
Personal Reflection
On this occasion remember your beloved dead. Come to Mass today and tomorrow. Pray for them, and pray with them. Pray with heaven and earth for the good of all creation.
Greetings on this the Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Psalm 96:1 and 3, 4-5, 11-12, 13; Luke 4:16-30
Summary
The Christian vision of life and death transforms grief into hope, because faith anchors love in divine permanence.
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep (1 Thes 4:13-14).
Thomas Hobbes Dour View
Life without faith is a grueling experience. In the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes’s 1651 work Leviathan, he described the “state of nature” as nasty, brutish, and short. It is a very pessimistic view of life in its origin, experience and the final end. Without faith, it colors everything we see, feel, and experience. The faithless life builds a pericopes of scripture as to make them moot (or so it would seem).
This is the core point of today’s gospel portion. In summary here is the outline.
The Rejection at Nazareth
The Anointed Bearer of Glad Tidings
Jesus returns to Nazareth.
Jesus attends synagogue.
He was asked to read.
He reads ISA 61:1-2a. The Spirit of the Lord is Upon me…
He sits down and He said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing (LK 4:21).”
Response amazement and Disbelief
And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth (LK 4:22a).
[but] They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph (LK 4:22b)?”
Jesus Reveals their Deep Lack of Faith
Their point? Only miracles for me and mine are miracles and only by prophets otherwise they are mere fables these stories we hear about you in Capernaum.
He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” (LK 4:23)
And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place (Lk 4:24).
Foreigners and Widows
Jesus replies, in essence, isn’t it true the Lord heals foreigners and widows? Do you think this a fable, too?
It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon (LK 4:26).
Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” (LK 4:27).
Enraged
When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away (Lk 4:28-30).
One could sum things up this way: If God doesn’t do it for me, it isn’t happening. Now, most theologians will talk about Jesus as a prophet (anointed, miracle feeding, miracle healing x-ref Elijah and Elisha) and how this confrontation is used to establish the Messianic role. All this is true. But our first reading today asks us to look from another angle, that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
Lack of Faith is being without hope
Lack of faith says: he isn’t anointed therefore he cannot bring good news.
Lack of faith says: if he cannot bring good news, he cannot do good things.
Lack of faith says: if he can’t do good things, throw him off the cliff as a useless pretender.
Faith and Hope
For Hobbes: Life ends in the abyss of nothingness. For Paul: Life ends in union with Christ—“Thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Songs of Zion
The responsorial psalm is a praise of Zion, the city in which God dwells among the people. Have faith that Jesus dwelt among us (and dwells even now).
Hope for the Christian Dead
Thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one another with these words (1 Thes 4:17b-18).
Have faith ==> He is Risen! He is Ascended! He sits at the Right Hand of the Father.
Reflection
Our grief is in the separation and a need for expression but not the obliteration of those we love. Love is not a mere disembodied energy that lives of itself or dies when one dies!
Symbolic representation
A Loves B. Notation as A<===>B.
<===> does not exist of itself. Relation does not exist without relation.
It exists in A and B, both, forever. <===> is the evidence of the perpetual nature of love.
It can also be rendered as symbolic – AB.
Note: Love as Potential or Love as a State of Being (divine) is not in conflict with this view of Love as Relation (for the purist philosophers among us please relax). Saint Augustine would describe it as Bonds of Love.
Grief with Hope
Trust your grief to the hope of reunion. God does not disappoint. He does it for everyone. Love is not wasted. Love is not lost. Love is with its infinite power of the divine imprint. Because you are A. And He is B. Together, AB. Including foreigners and widows.
To grieve with faith is not to deny sorrow, but to anchor it in the promise that love endures, because God Himself is love.
Greetings on this the Wednesday of Holy Week Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31 and 33-34; Matthew 26:14-25
Summary
How can Judas betray Jesus? One might say it was because he never appreciated with fear and trembling the works of the Lord.
When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” (MT 26:20-21, 24).
Reflection
Sobering thought on so many levels. An enormity of a deed is such that it would be better not to exist than to do it (USCCB Commentary).
We can heap a lot of scorn on Judas’ head. He was there to see miracles, he received supernatural blessings, he partook in the Sign miracles and more. Nonetheless he betrayed.
Instead, work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12b).
The dividing line – betrayal – thirty pieces of silver
Greetings on this the Tuesday of Holy Week
Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5ab-6ab, 15 and 17; John 13:21-33, 36-38
Summary
During Holy Week, in the gospel of John, we have entered the Book of Glory.
“The Book of Glory”: 13:1—20:31 (Last Supper: Washing the Disciples’ Feet, Foretelling Judas’ Betrayal & Peter’s Denial, Farewell Discourses; Jesus’ Great Prayer; Passion Narrative: Arrest, Hearings & Trials, Crucifixion, Death & Burial; Resurrection Appearances, esp. to Mary Magdalene and Thomas) x-ref https://catholic-resources.org/John/Outlines-Gospel.htm
In our gospel portion today and tomorrow the Betrayal by Judas is given in two parts (two gospel accounts, John and Matthew). In the gospel of John, the Washing of the Disciples’ Feet precedes the handing of the morsel and just after the giving of The New Commandment. In the gospel of Matthew, the scene begins with The Betrayal by Judas with the authorities and immediately followed by The Lord’s Supper.
Both the prediction of the denial of Jesus by Peter and the betrayal by Judas are given today. For Judas a determination of will and for Peter the weakness of the heart.
The Dividing Line
The Book of Signs is completed and now the great dividing line. Either we accept Jesus or we reject him. The last disagreements between the disciples has finished. Judas has left. What are left are believers. Weak hearted believers but believers. Some scattered, Peter denied, a few at a distance, and another wanted to use the sword to defend.
How then Glory?
Jesus, the humble and suffering Servant – And I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth (Isa 49:6).
Jesus, Allowing the betrayal – When [Judas] had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the [authorities], ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.” (Jn 13:31-33)
Jesus, Allowing the denial – Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.” (Jn 13: 36-38).
Just beyond the reading scope today, the New Commandment (Jesus, the Lord who commands). In our scope today the Glory begins with the permissive and humble heart of God. Jesus was deeply troubled and testified (Jn 13:21), but he kept his heart firmly for our redemption.
Reflection
So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night (Jn 13:30). Do we acknowledge the Signs of Jesus? Or do we take a simple morsel of betrayal and conduct our lives as before with money and greed and advantage? There are inflection points in our lives. We decide A or B, good or bad, help or harm.
Even in the darkness of today’s gospel portion, we can proclaim: Thus says the LORD: In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you (Isa 49:8). And again, Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2b).
Personal Reflection
It hits hard today’s gospel portion. Jesus shares everything and even washed my feet. It is a reflexive action to wonder how I might or might not reflect this love back to him and to the children he loves, that is, all of us.
But even now, even in the darkest movements. But the sun is not yet high in the sky. There is time, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Greetings on this the Monday of Holy Week Readings: Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14; John 12:1-11
Summary
The land will never lack for needy persons; that is why I command you: “Open your hand freely to your poor and to your needy kin in your land.” (Deut 15:11). So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me. (Jn 12:7-8)”
This Holy Week we must think like Mary and act like Mary in our gospel portion. Render love when we love. Learn to love where we do not have any.
Entering the Passion
Today is Monday of Holy Week. We have entered the climax of the conflict between humble love and extreme power. Beginning with Palm Sunday which is a sort of preamble of the Holy Week summarizing the events leading up to the tomb. Through the week, we step into each movement. The Easter Vigil speaks to victory over death and the final sign of Moses.
Gentle Lord
Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, Upon whom I have put my Spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, Until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching (ISa 42:1-4).
The large crowd of the [people] found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the [leadership] plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the [people] were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him (modified Jn 12:9-11).
Personal Reflection
Today has three specific meanings to me.
Render to God that which is God’s. Mary returns love to the Lord because she loves him, accepts him and accepts the fate that is his alone. Yes, there are other uses for our resources and many of those uses are good in the ordinary sense. But we are given to also show our love for the Lord. It wasn’t at the expense of the poor but for the ultimate good for the poor she loved on Jesus!
Render to the human family that which belongs to them. This too is love. Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street like a carnival barker. When we see and interact with a bruised reed, we shall not break, and a broken heart needing care as a smoldering wick we shall not quench, Until we/he/us establishes justice on the earth.
The raising of Lazarus was the sign of Jesus’ power and later his Resurrection a sign of his Authority, authenticity, reliability as to his teachings.
My To-Dos Today
Remind God I love him.
Remind humaity I love them,too.
Remember the divine hope given us in Jesus.
Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street like a carnival barker. Rather, quietly, personally as Mary did, give the Lord my perfumed oil. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil (Jn 12:3).
