Tag: faith

O Antiphons 2024

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic, Grief

O Antiphones

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! 2024 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.

R/ My Soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord….

Peace be with you!

Deacon Gerry

Understanding Balaam: A Cautionary Tale for the Advent Season

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Balaam and Donkey

Greetings on this the Monday of the Third Week of Advent
Readings: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; PS 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9; Mt 21:23-27

Summary

The utterance of one who hears what God says,
and knows what the Most High knows,
Of one who sees what the Almighty sees,
enraptured, and with eyes unveiled.
I see him, though not now;
I behold him, though not near:
A star shall advance from Jacob,
and a staff shall rise from Israel.

Reflection

Balaam is a mystery. He is both held in a somewhat positive light and then in a very negative light. He has the role of a non-Hebrew diviner, yet an Oracle of the Lord. His story is one of fantastical events with angels and a donkey speaking to him and also receiving instruction from the Lord four times. He obeys the Lord yet it is hard to pinpoint why other than to say he was frightened of the power given him and the power of the one who gives power.

He was no prophet. A prophet has sympathy. A sympathy with God and a sympathy for God (The Prophets, p. 401, Abraham Heschel, Harper Perennial). He had but a moment in time, remembered for all time. He had a divine spark but this spark was lost in the darkness. What followed was superstition or complete oblivion (IBID, p. 605). Abandoning the straight road, they have gone astray, following the road of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved payment for wrongdoing, but he received a rebuke for his own crime: a mute beast spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness (2 Ptr 2:15-16).

His sparks:

  1. One who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows.
  2. I see him, though not now; I behold him, though not near: A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel.

His darkness:

  1. Payment for wrongdoing.
  2. Madness (of a sort).

It is a fascinating subtext to the gospel portion today.

Jesus said to them in reply,
“I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me,
then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.
Where was John’s baptism from?
Was it of heavenly or of human origin?”

Personal Reflection

They discussed this among themselves and said,
“If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us,
‘Then why did you not believe him?’
But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd,
for they all regard John as a prophet.”
So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
He himself said to them,
“Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.

These were SO CLOSE to the Lord but so very far!

The warning of Balaam is a warning to all of us – and given as example for today’s gospel. If we evaluate our relationship with the Lord on the basis of advantage, alliance and acquisition we will lose the spark given us. Or more accurately, we will stomp out the spark given. What follows is superstition or complete oblivion.

When I encounter the Lord I must keep my focus on the sympathy.

  1. Sympathy with the Lord and all humans. Feel and sense and understand the way the Lord does, “a common feeling“.
  2. Sympathy for the Lord and all humans. Feel and sense the sorrow for misfortune, “comfort and console“.

Maranatha! for me and for everyone!

Then everything will be OK.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121624.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Rejoice! Celebrating the Third Sunday of Advent

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Greetings on this the Third Sunday of Advent
Readings: Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18

Resources

Advent cross section:

Summary

Gaudete, i.e. Rejoice! That’s what we should do! The Christ has come and will come again!

Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. (Phil 4:4-5)

The unifying theme of the Third Sunday of Advent (across the three cycles) is to:

  1. Overcome self-doubt.
  2. Humbly accept life as it is.
  3. Seek a righteous way of living (today – your kindness).

Our Joy is we no longer need to doubt the divine interest in our life. We no longer need to doubt our self-worth and how God sees us. We have a pathway of a rule of living that prepares us even more for the intimate love of the divine.

Reflection

The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
he will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals (Zep 3:17-18a).

One initially must be puzzled by the gospel portion for today. Our theme is Rejoice! But the crowd has heavier thoughts than rejoice: penance.

What should we do? A cross section by station and employment.

  1. Plenty of things? Share.
  2. Plenty of food? Share.
  3. Public Official? Stop stealing.
  4. Military? Stop extorting people, stop making false witness and be responsible with your station in life (the authority).
Now the people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.

But John was self-possessed. He knew who he was and who was to come. He wasn’t puffed up. And he made note that this Christ will give a gift beyond all known gifts: He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Holy Spirit and fire. The very nature of the divine as a gift to you.

So… Rejoice!

Personal Reflection

Ten days to Christmas! The wait is almost over.
Maranatha!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121524.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Reflections on Self-Denial and Recognition

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Waiting for Elijah

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13

Saint of the Day

Franciscan Reflection

In his life and writings, John of the Cross has a crucial word for us today. We tend to be rich, soft, comfortable. We shrink even from words like self-denial, mortification, purification, asceticism, discipline. We run from the cross. John’s message—like the gospel—is loud and clear: Don’t—if you really want to live!

Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-john-of-the-cross/

Summary

The memorial of Saint John of the Cross fits well with today’s sacred readings in his self-denial and his openness to hear and see the Lord’s response. Our first reading comes from the section of Sirach which recalls the prophets Elijah and Elisha (who just out of range today). Elijah, his words a flaming furnace, disputed the idolatry of the day. By his actions he affirmed the supremacy of the Lord with fire from heaven, and power over death. And he was promised to return (by the prophet Malachi, represented by Sirach).

You are destined, it is written, in time to come
to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD,
To turn back the hearts of parents toward their children,
and to re-establish the tribes of Israel.

Then come John the Baptist and Jesus.

IMPORTANT: Tomorrow, The Third Sunday of Advent, we get a full scripture reading of the ministry of John which always begin with: what should we do? Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

Reflection

He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things;
but I tell you that Elijah has already come,
and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.

Over two days we have been reflecting on the failure to consider the invitation into the divine life. Flute and Dirge and then Elijah and John. In the time of Jesus, John was the fulfillment of Elijah, a promise the elite and leadership waited for just the same as every ordinary people. It was the powerful who did not recognize John as Elijah. The people, the ordinary people, they got it. Worse still, the attitude toward John and Jesus was deadly, both murdered by the powerful.

Personal Reflection

How many times has the Lord visited me and I did not recognize him? I am no different than any of the others!

Tomorrow we’ll review doctor John the Baptist’s prescriptions. Today, we sit in our silence. Lord, forgive me for not recognizing you in your many visitations. Worse still, please Lord, let me not crucify you again! Amen! Amen! Maranatha, Lord!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121424.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Celebrating Juan Diego and Divine Promises

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Unlocking a blessing – Amen!

Greetings on this the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Readings: ZEC 2:14-17; JUDITH 13:18BCDE, 19; alt Lk 1:39-47

Summary

Amen on the trail of liberation

Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice:
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.
And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

Reflection

A beautiful Franciscan Reflection on Our Lady and Juan Diego is here: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/our-lady-of-guadalupe/

Life is a pilgrimage into an unknown future. But not all things are unknown. We know the love of our families, the friendship of community and the certainty of the divine promises. We are given to act rationally, prudently and with wisdom. And we are to embrace the divine wisdom of unconditional love. Believe, Bless and Rejoice.

Cuauhtlatohuac meets Mary

Elizabeth and Juan Diego share a very important role. They are the Amen to the promise. A blessings (benediction) is sealed (made complete) by the Amen of the hearer (as the final witness to the benediction). Elizabeth unlocks the blessing of Mary by proclaiming in a loud voice. Juan Diego opened his tilma in the bishop’s presence, the roses fell to the ground, and the bishop sank to his knees. On the tilma where the roses had been appeared an image of Mary exactly as she had appeared at the hill of Tepeyac.

  • It is then that Mary proclaims the Magnificat.
  • It is then the bishop reorders the Church for the indigenous and The Virgin of Guadalupe.

Your Amen, all your Amen’s, in every prayer are the sealing effects of believing becomes blessing becomes rejoicing.

Personal Reflection

Never underestimate your importance in sealing – Amen-ing – the blessings of the Lord. Elizabeth, Juan Diego and you all have the capacity to believe, bless and rejoice!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121224.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Understanding the Immaculate Conception of Mary

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

Mary consoles Eve and the rest of us too

Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: Gn 3:9-15, 20; PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

What is it?

In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.” Thus Immaculate Conception.

How developed?

It took a long time for this doctrine to develop. While many Fathers and Doctors of the Church considered Mary the greatest and holiest of the saints, they often had difficulty in seeing Mary as sinless—either at her conception or throughout her life.

Franciscan Reflection

The logic of piety helped God’s people to believe that Mary was full of grace and free of sin from the first moment of her existence. Moreover, this great privilege of Mary is the highlight of all that God has done in Jesus. Rightly understood, the incomparable holiness of Mary shows forth the incomparable goodness of God.

Reference: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/

Further Study

For an easy to read book on Mary. Mary through the centuries, Jaroslav Pelikan, Yale University Press, 1996.

Summary

Mary was chosen from before time itself. In her conception she was preserved from the effects of original sin because she was ‘conceived’ in the Father’s heart before imperfection of sin occurred. Her natural human conception, singularly graced, brought about the perfect temple from which the Lord came forth to live and share his life with us. We look to the the Greek named book of the generation (genesis) of the heavens and earth (Genesis) which is also known as Bereshit – In the Beginning. It is there we learn her offspring, Jesus, will strike the serpent a fatal blow.

This savior, saving also Mary from the effects of sin a priori, gives us all hope in the divine promise.

In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.

Reflection

  1. The angel Gabriel was sent from God.
  2. And coming to [Mary], he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.

Personal Reflection

We celebrate everyone we love. As a general rule we can say, Who doesn’t love their Mom? Love seeks to know. Know where you came from, who your grandparents are, and what was your life’s course before I came to be. In Mary, the questions go so much deeper! Full of Grace before even the Angel approached her. Sharing herself with the Holy Spirit overshadowing her for the birth of Jesus, God and man. And what did she do in this amazing moment? Rush to the side of Elizabeth to help her in her hour of need. Love and service.

Greetings Mary! Full of Grace, help us your children love your Son and serve our human family.

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120924.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The actual split

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Uncategorized
Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
Readings: Ti 2:1-8, 11-14; PS 37:3-4, 18 and 23, 27 and 29; Lk 17:7-10

Summary

In our reading portions today, we have two sets of admonition, one for all Christians and one for the Apostles. The first broken down by age category and the second by the servant role of the clerical state. They are critical for us in our age too.

Christian Behavior

Saint Simeon with Jesus – devout old man

Christian behavior begins with the older men and older women. We should know better given our age and supposed wisdom. We are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance. Even more so, reverent in our behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, and teaching what is good. When we start there as older men and older women, younger men and younger women have the example to find their own virtues and integrity.

Saint Anna – devout old woman

Transformation of Life

For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires.

For Clerics (which includes the admonitions to all Christians)

Beginning with the Apostles, we must have the Attitude of a Servant. The Sacramental system clerics are given to provide and preside must be considered the obedience of the commandment of the Lord, and we ourselves unprofitable servants. Unprofitable is the sense of the worldly things and done in humility and personal integrity. It is dominus supple, the master provides. For it is by the grace of God that all good things come.

Reflection

Today is the memorial of Saint Josaphat. It is wise to consider the Franciscan reflection which includes in part this entry: The seeds of separation were sown in the fourth century when the Roman Empire was divided into East and West. The actual split came over customs such as using unleavened bread, Saturday fasting, and celibacy. No doubt the political involvement of religious leaders on both sides was a large factor, and doctrinal disagreement was present. But no reason was enough to justify the present tragic division in Christendom.

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

Personal Reflection

We are facing a new split in the Church. The split comes over customs such as using (place your petulant items in this list. A list that comes only from personal prayer and reflection). No doubt the political involvement of religious leaders on all sides is a large factor, and doctrinal disagreement results. Partly because we hyper-examine the opinions of others and brush aside the same of our own thoughts.

Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111224.cfm

First Reading

Christian Behavior and Transformation of Life.

Live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ.

Responsorial

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation (see Jn 14:23)

Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him.

Gospel

Attitude of a Servant.

So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Embracing Unity: Lessons from Saint Paul

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop
Readings: Phil 2:1-4; Ps 131:1bcde, 2, 3; Lk 14:12-14

Summary

There are many calls for unity these days. Some by identifying an enemy. Others by lifting up those with less. True unity is described by Saint Paul differently.

In our first reading today, Saint Paul reflects on what brings JOY: UNITY. That is, being of the same mind informed and moved by the same love. If we have the courage of Christ (encouraged by Christ) we should be able to achieve JOY.

Unity

  1. Love brings solace (comfort in distress).
  2. Spirit brings participation (inclusion of everyone).
  3. Compassion and Mercy brings Chesed (loving-kindness).

Paul says, comfort, inclusion and loving-kindness bring unity. Joy is it’s reward.

These are distinctly contrasted to the acts that are selfishly motivated or the products of vainglory. Many would say if we sum up our self-motives and acts of vainglory together, we can have unity. This is a false hope and doomed to failure. Unity is inclusive of the needs of others not an expression of our wants.

In our gospel portion today, Jesus says the same thing. When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.

Our motivation is our reward.

Reflection

Borrowing from the Babylonian Talmud, “The reward for charity depends entirely upon the extent of the kindness in it.” Charity based on a exchange has a very low spiritual value. Charity based upon need and with no expectation of return is to be encouraged. Remember to be encouraged is to be given the strength to have courage to do the right thing.

Personal Reflection

I vow to do a examination of conscience that considers acts of kindness by the measures of unity, joy, selfishness and vainglory. The rewards of the righteous are profoundly better than anything I can make for myself.

Sacred Readings of the day

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110424.cfm

First Reading

Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.

Responsorial

In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

Gospel Acclamation (see Jn 8:31b-32)

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord.

Gospel

Jesus said,

Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Is this worth losing heaven?

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Uncategorized
The weeds in question are about 5 ounces in weight and a sandwich bag in volume.

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Eph 6:1-9; Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14; Lk 13:22-30

Summary

Define Strive – make great efforts to achieve or obtain something.

He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough (LK 13:24).

In all the communities which the LORD, your God, is giving you, you shall appoint judges and officials throughout your tribes to administer true justice for the people. You must not distort justice: you shall not show partiality;l you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes even of the wise and twists the words even of the just. Justice, justice alone shall you pursue, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD, your God, is giving you (Deut 16:18-20).

The city gate is often where the matters of justice are discussed, revealed and decided. The gate: in the city walls. This open space served as the forum for the administration of justice. Cf. 22:15; 25:7; Ru 4:1, 2, 11; Is 29:21; Am 5:10, 12, 15 (NABRE Commentary, https://bible.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/21?19=#05021019).

Reflection

Jesus wants us to strive (make great effort) to achieve justice between peoples.

Our first reading states with justice between family members and it expands to people we work with and are responsible for/to.

  • Children – honor and obey your parents.
  • Fathers – do not provoke your children.
  • Slaves – know your true Master and Consolation.
  • Masters – know your true Master and Judge.

Jesus says strive for justice (right relation) with everyone. Make it your life’s work. Your life’s goal.

Personal Reflection

My neighbor has decided to get petty about nearly everything. I was weeding and left some pulled weeds on the water cutoff. Crisis. Why? Because he didn’t get the roof he wanted approved at the Architectural Board meeting. He is seeking his justice. Or Is he seeking his revenge? Many, I tell you, will attempt to enter (by force) but will not be strong enough. We must recognize that revenge and pettiness will never achieve peace nor is it the gate to heaven.

I ignore the parallel things he does with his trash, etc, consistently for a decade or more.

I’m pretty sure neither of these things are the justice Jesus is referring to in his dialog. After all, he is more worried about our entry into heaven not some petty nonsense.

And that is the point, always ask first before responding:

Is this worth losing heaven? Rather let me strive (resist, in this case) the nonsense.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103024.cfm

First Reading

Stop bullying, knowing that both they and you have a Master in heaven and that with him there is no partiality.

Responsorial

The Lord is faithful in all his words.

Gospel Acclamation (See 2 Thes 2:14)

God has called us through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel

And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Gift of Faith: Choosing Between Two Prisons

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic
Apostles freed by an Angel

Greetings on this the Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Eph 4:1-6; PS 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; LK 12:54-59

Sidebar

A friend of mine told me that I write the best titles for reflections. Not the best reflections, but the best titles for reflections.

Summary

Saint Paul wishes us to be imprisoned like him in the ways of unity.

Imprisoned means:

A. to be confined within/into.
B. to be limited in behavior and liberties.
C. to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge [relation with] of God.

Why Prison?

Why did he speak thus? Because of suspicions about his character. It seems, nobody trusts someone who does not take a portion for themselves. Yet Paul sees things differently. Yet we have not used this right. On the contrary, we endure everything so as not to place an obstacle to the gospel of Christ (1 COR 9:12b).

Seven Unities

Saint Paul urges us to live in the ‘seven unities‘ which are (the basis of the Creeds to follow in time):

  1. Church
  2. Spirit
  3. Hope
  4. Lord
  5. Faith in Christ [Eph 1:13]
  6. Baptism
  7. One God

Reflection

Prison as Gift

Paul describes his way of life a form of imprisonment not as an imposition made but as a gift given by him for us. He limits his rights that there be no obstacle for salvation for others.

Prison as Consequence

Jesus speaks of another type of imprisonment. The imprisonment of hypocrisy and obstinate ignorance. Read these words again and consider: Who is the guilty party?

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.

We are so ready to throw other people in jail for every offense (personal, social, political) but Jesus warns us quite clearly WE are the guilty ones. We do not live the life of unity but of division. Eek!

Personal Reflection

Which prison is better? The prison of faith, hope and love with the Pauline Self-denial of our own rights seems to be what way of life we should follow.

The prison of hate has a very long prison term: I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny. BTW, it is a sum unobtainable to me.

Pick One

It seems we need to pick one. Jesus gave the warning about the one and Paul the freedom of the prison of the other. Which do you pick?

Sacred Readings References

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102524.cfm

First Reading

[I] urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace; one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Responsorial (See Mt 11:25)

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Gospel

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry