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:
One who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows.
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:
Payment for wrongdoing.
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.
Sympathy with the Lord and all humans. Feel and sense and understand the way the Lord does, “a common feeling“.
Sympathy for the Lord and all humans. Feel and sense the sorrow for misfortune, “comfort and console“.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.’”
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.
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.
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):
Church
Spirit
Hope
Lord
Faith in Christ [Eph 1:13]
Baptism
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?
[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.
In our readings today we are given the divine goal in a distinct word: Peace. In the entire liturgical reading for the day, 10 instances. Peace is the imperative of the divine love. Man constantly divides the human family into clans, families, tribes, dominions, and countries. The division among us is deep, real and from time immemorial, that is, as early as the fall from grace.
Jesus came to (1) break down the dividing wall of enmity; and (2) abolish the law with its commandments and legal claims by way of the sacrifice of his Flesh. Uniting us as one flesh, not two, much as the gift of marriage offers but this time for all and at once. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” Genesis 2:24.
We have become fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God.
Reflection
Peace is work. A particular work of vulnerability and acceptance. We struggle so mightily with these quotes: Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.
Jesus, Prince of Peace.
Why? Because kindness and truth are very difficult for us to co-express in our behavior side-by-side. We often consider them to be opposites. Yet, in the divine logic, Truth without kindness is cruelty. Kindness without truth is patronizing.
Peace for those who know nothing but pain.
Why? Justice and peace are very difficult for us to co-exist in our behavior side-by-side. We often consider them to be opposites. Yet, in the divine logic, Justice without peace is revenge. Peace without justice is slavery.
Divine Justice is subordinate to Mercy
To which Jesus says: hey, “Gird your loins and light your lamps”. To gird means to encircle yourself with a belt and to prepare is to do something difficult.
The belt is to surround yourself with the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together. The preparation is to grow into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Jesus promises that those who work together for peace: Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. You become the peace you work for. OR. You can continue to be a source of division.
Personal Reflection
The work I do for the kingdom can only be truly fruitful if it is built on/in/with the belt of the Church and impelled in the gift of the person of the Holy Spirit. Only then, with divine inspiration, can I imagine kindness and truth coexisting in me and justice and peace living in harmony in my proximity. It’s work. In the heart. It’s work. In the body. But it’s the work of the Father. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work (Jn 5:17).
Call to Action
Light your lamp! Let’s go! Consider ways to bring truth in kindness. Imagine ways you can be peace with justice.
For he is our peace, he made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his Flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one Body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it.
So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Responsorial
The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Gospel Acclamation
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
Picture is not broadcast sowing but AI is not smart enough to give me a good image
Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Jer 1:1, 4-10; Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15 and 17; Mt 13:1-9
Sow what
A little word play there. Here is the NABRE commentary on the Parable of the Sower.
Since in Palestine sowing often preceded plowing, much of the seed is scattered on ground that is unsuitable. Yet while much is wasted, the seed that falls on good ground bears fruit in extraordinarily large measure. The point of the parable is that, in spite of some failure because of opposition and indifference, the message of Jesus about the coming of the kingdom will have enormous success.
Sowing is to broadcast seed in a sweeping motion across the field to be later harvested. The sowing action is the first step. After sowing the farmer will then plow the earth to break up the soil and provide two benefits: (1) cover the seeds to protect them from birds; and (2) to make the soil ready to receive and hold the rain water.
Astro Science
If you want to take a cosmic view then this video on the James Webb Telescope Summary of Amazing Discoveries is a great place to start.
Astroscience reveals the scattering of all the elements of Earthly life, from the very beginning
Summary
The seeds of God’s love is sown in a broadcast form. Meaning that the Lord does not scatter seed in little increments or for a select few but generously and completely across the entirety of living things, past, present and future. In particular for men a broadcast of the needed forgiveness and mercy we so desperately need.
In this natural state people respond, well, naturally. Sometimes responsive and sometimes not so well. Yet the Lord is not done. There is the plowing to come. In this second phase the Lord helps us to integrate these blessings into a fruitful life and a happy life.
The gift of the Son and the Holy Spirit is the covering over and aiding in the protection and growth of the seed within our hearts. Ya gotta dig a little dirt to get the best out of the blessings.
Reflection
Scattering blessings is a starting point. It is the evidence of the generosity of the Lord. He does not stop there. He sends gifts of himself (the Son and the Holy Spirit) to make the scattered seed grow.
Personal Reflection
It is always a cooperative effort between the divine and the human to bring about fruitfulness. You are not alone. You’re covered.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
Responsorial
I will sing of your salvation.
Gospel Acclamation
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.
Gospel
The Parable of the Sower.
On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables.
“A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
Greetings on this the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Ez 17:22-24; Ps 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mk 4:26-34
Parables are seeds of hope
Parables are like the seeds in the gospel portion today. Once you hear or read a parable it works in ways we do not completely understand.
It is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”
Kingdom is as a good tree
The kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”
Reflection
Our first reading today is the promise of restoration and return having suffered the conquest of Israel by Nebuchadnezzar and losing both Jehoiachin and Zedekiah, the last Kings of Judah. The Lord will overcome these setback of men and restore a kingdom of peace. Ezekiel is a retrospective prophet. He considers the Mosaic and Davidic covenants, their meaning and purposes, as a way to encounter the then current times and the then current future. His optimism is based on a considered retrospective of the history of Israel.
Reaching out to all of us, Jesus offers parables to achieve the same end in us the ordinary folks. To develop a retrospective view of our lives. How has the Lord helped us in days gone by? Have things turned out better or worse than my greatest fears? Parables are puzzles, yes, but with a teaching purpose. To allow deeper thoughts and longer reflection of the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord.
Personal Reflection
Writing you with the discomfort of the flu does not make it more difficult to praise God. Rather it allows for retrospective deepening of the ancient and sacred promises. We get sick, sure. We usually recover, yes! And ultimately return to the Lord at the end of our days. Whatever the outcome there is love. In this life I choose to sit under the Olive tree of friendship. In this life I choose the the mustard tree for my safety.
I’m going to let the seeds of faith, hope and love grow within me. How it works I do not know. But work it does. Jesus reveals to us in private the same as he did the disciples. Only for us the “in private” is the interior of our hearts.
I, too, will take from the crest of the cedar, from its topmost branches tear off a tender shoot, and plant it on a high and lofty mountain; on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it. It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs.
Responsorial
Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.
Second Reading
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.
Gospel Acclamation
The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower. All who come to him will live forever.
Gospel
Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.
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These 33 affirmations are specifically for women. Your spiritual journey is of the feminine genius of God. I sit in silent wonder and amazement of the love of God that comes from women. However, I fall short of recognizing your person, your dignity and your autonomy.
These reflections are a sort of list. A catalog, if you will, of the qualities that set you as glorious expressions of the Lord. Read them, in sequence, one each day for 33 days.
The reality is ordinary life and life events may be weighing you down. There is a need to be reminded of your amazing personhood. You know these things. I want to affirm them about you. It helps us both. For you realizing all joy and potential. For me proper awe of you.
Take this 33 day journey of affirmation. I am but a man but not without senses and appreciation. Allow this male voice to affirm your true interior voice about the wonder of your person.
Day 1
Our help is in the name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth (PS 128:8).
Affirmation: I affirm you are not alone. You are most precious to the Lord. Your help has come, is coming, and will always come from the Lord. I affirm you are worthy of all gifts from God because you are made of the image and likeness of God and he desires it so.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 2
You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know (PS 139:13-14).
Affirmation: I affirm you are known. At times you may feel invisible or tangential or unimportant. But that is not the case. The Lord is delighted in you and in your person.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 3
You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing (PS 145:16).
Affirmation: I affirm that you have the open hand of the Lord presented to you. He knows your deepest desires. He offers all for you. All is for you.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 4
My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of the cliff, Let me see your face, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.” (Song of Songs 2:14).
Affirmation: I affirm you deserve a love coo from all of us. No harshness, no demands, no threats, and no judgement. Only encouragement to trust and allow yourself to be seen and heard. No more oppressive secrets!
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 5
Yet your desire and longing will be for your husband, And he will rule [with authority] over you and be responsible for you (Amplified version). Eve gave birth to a son whom she called Seth. “God has granted me another offspring in place of Abel,” she said, “because Cain killed him.” (Gen 3:16, 4:25b).
Affirmation: I affirm the deep attribute of the genius of woman is peace, harmony and family. We may poo poo these things but it is a gift directly from the hand of God. Remember the last words of Adam was to accuse his wife. The last words of Eve was gratitude for Seth. Adam betrayed. Cain slayed. Seth, through Eve, was the hope of the future.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 6
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to go back and abandon you! Wherever you go I will go, wherever you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your God, my God (Ruth 1:16).
Affirmation: I affirm you are loved by many and they want to help. We walk with you. We will not abandon you. Accept this love.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 7
May the favor of the Lord our God be ours. Prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands! (PS 90:17).
Affirmation: I affirm your efforts to be good and make good things happen for your family. Know, with certainty, the Lord desires to prosper the work of your hands!
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 8
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear (1 Jn 4:18).
Affirmation: When traumatized by others, fear is a natural result. Fear can invade every part of your psyche and even sink into your bones. But fear is powerless by the effects of love. I affirm, the Love of God, given for you, drives out – literally pushes fear away and out of every crevice and crevasse where it hides within you. Let perfect love remove this trauma.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 9
May your mercy, LORD, be upon us; as we put our hope in you (PS 33:22).
Affirmation: The world would like nothing more than to weigh you down with doubt and self-loathing. It is in the mercy of God that this is not our future. Our hope is in the Lord and his mercy soothes our hearts. I affirm this loving balm is yours, mercy and hope. Let your dreams flow!
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 10
Blessed be the LORD, who has heard the sound of my pleading. The LORD is my strength and my shield, in whom my heart trusts. I am helped, so my heart rejoices; with my song I praise him (PS 28:6-7).
Affirmation: I affirm, when you look closely, the Lord has heard your prayers, the Lord has strengthened you and shields you from all manner of harm. Courage, daughter, courage!
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 11
Like a merchant fleet, she secures her provisions from afar (Pv 31:14).
Affirmation: I affirm you work so hard to provide for your family. You seek, high and low, far and wide, for the soothing remedies and joyful moments.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 12
She picks out a field and acquires it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard (pv 31:16).
Affirmation: I affirm your choices. We must make choices all the time. You picked, you acquired and you make fruitful from that which you have. You are self-directed, as you should be.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 13
She girds herself with strength; she exerts her arms with vigor (Pv 31:17).
Affirmation: I affirm as you self-direct, you strengthen yourself, build confidence in yourself and work with renewed vigor and strength. You are girt, surrounded, secure and prepared to master your life.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 14
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come (Pv 31:25).
Affirmation: I affirm your dignity comes from God and in that strength you build strength. Soon, if not already, difficulties recede as the joy and laughter of life becomes your constant companion.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 15
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband, too, praises her (Pv 31:28).
Affirmation: Children often delay their thanksgiving until later in life. I’m sorry that happens. But you rest assured, in the final analysis, you will be praised for your love and hard work. I affirm your children, spouse and all who know you will express awe in your personhood and praise you.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 16
She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue (Pv 31:26).
Affirmation: How often you bite your lip! So many things could have been said, even ‘should’ have been said but you chose wisdom, kindness. Your speaking-tongue is not a lash of punishment but a source of renewal.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 17
When I say, “My foot is slipping,” your mercy, LORD, holds me up. When cares increase within me, your comfort gives me joy (PS 94:18-19).
Affirmation: I affirm the Lord is present for you, helps you when you slip, and His comfort seems more real when the times are more difficult. His mercy is always present but we are more aware under duress.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 18
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you (Jn 16:21-22).
Affirmation: My favorite. I reflect on this so much in awe. Pain becomes an echo without sound in the presence of new life. I affirm your joy of Motherhood shall never pass from you and always be present for you.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 19
Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (Gen 1:26a-27).
Affirmation: This Old Testament passage expressed the worth of human beings who have value in themselves (NABRE commentary). There is no separation of you from God. Life may feel that way but there is no distance between you and God.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 20
Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual love, love one another intensely from a pure heart (1 PTR 1:22).
Affirmation: I affirm love is strong in you. The obedience of truth and love is mocked by the world. You go right on loving! Intensely. Purely. Allow the gravitas of love to overcome the world.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 21
To the LORD who spoke to her she gave a name, saying, “You are God who sees me”; she meant, “Have I really seen God and remained alive after he saw me?” (Gen 16:13).
Affirmation: I affirm in you the twin message of this sacred Scripture. God sees me as God is my protection – he understands all my needs. It also means I live in the presence of God. Hagar was the first to name God: El-ro’i at the place of Beer-lahai-roi (the well of the living sight).
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 22
So she put the child down under one of the bushes, and then went and sat down opposite him, about a bowshot away; for she said to herself, “I cannot watch the child die.” As she sat opposite him, she wept aloud. God heard the boy’s voice, and God’s angel called to Hagar from heaven: “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not fear; God has heard the boy’s voice in this plight of his. Get up, lift up the boy and hold him by the hand; for I will make of him a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went and filled the skin with water, and then let the boy drink (Gen 21:15-19).
Affirmation: I affirm you are like Hagar, wise to hand over your child to the Lord. However the difficulty comes, the solution is surrender. Let the boy drink of life. Be at peace.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 23
Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home (Jn 19:27).
Affirmation: I affirm, Mother, your person has the attention of the entire Church. Jesus himself will not leave his Mother, any Mother, alone and without aid. Yet, even more deeply, done so in the unity of family. Do not fear for your children. You will always have a beautify place in the home of the heart of your children. Behold, your Son. Behold, you are Mother.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 24
With all vigilance guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life (Pv 4:23).
Affirmation: Even as you progress in these affirmations the temptation to return to Stinkin’ Thinkin’ is very strong. It takes effort to reject the negative echoes bouncing around in the mind and bruising the heart. No to all that. I affirm your efforts to guard your heart. Flee from the devil and this enticement. Instead restore the natural creation of your hormones from healthy sources of thought and actions. Pray and stay.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 25
Instead you should say, “If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that.” (Jas 4:15).
Affirmation: Plan, consider options and make decisions. This is your right. In all this planning and consideration, conditio Jacobaea, ‘If the Lord wills it’, is not a statement of resignation and futility but of fruitfulness and abundance. I affirm you plan, consider and make the best decisions you can. Now rest in these decisions. Especially in regards to children. Allow the will of the Lord to bless your fruitfulness and abundance.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 26
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Saint Francis of Assisi.
Affirmation: Saint Francis of Assisi took the commandment of love to degrees I can only imagine. But I affirm in you that you are on a path similar to his. The Salting of Fire, which Jesus promised, is working in you. Francis gives you today this simple advice. “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 27
Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered (Jas 5:10-11a).After he had prayed for his friends… Thus the LORD blessed the later days of Job more than his earlier ones. After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; and he saw his children, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchildren. Then Job died, old and full of years. (Job 42:10b, 12a, 16-17).
Affirmation: I affirm you have experienced many hardships and need to be very patient with so many in your life. Pray for them. The Lord knows and will restore to you all that is good.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 28
Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Ptr 4:8).
Affirmation: I affirm your loving heart for all those in your life. It is clear you have allowed your love to be intense even as others bruise and harm. Your love is not wasted! Forgiveness comes and reconciliation is an eventuality. Don’t seek bruises but if they come, love through them.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 29
Sisters: For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Rom 8:14-16)
Affirmation: Be freed from all fear. I affirm you are favored by the Lord.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 30
Jesus, looking at him, loved him. For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God. (MK 10:21, 27).
Affirmation: I affirm you attempt the impossible every day. Managing a household and children day in and day out is not easy. From the gospel message remember, Jesus looks at you, loves you, and calls you into the divine-human friendship. In that friendship all things are possible.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 31
Live your life in mutual charity … for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.Aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your own hands.(1 Thes 4:9-11)
Affirmation: Being triggered is an instinctive response. I affirm you try to live your life in mutual charity even when some attempt to trigger you as if for amusement.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 32
Behold, you desire true sincerity; and secretly you teach me wisdom (PS 51:8)
Affirmation: I affirm your sincerity. Sincerity is the beginning of wisdom. Continue to ask your questions and wisdom will blossom within you.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Day 33
But the LORD said to Samuel: Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The LORD looks into the heart (1 Sam 16:7).
Affirmation: Empowered by grace and healed with mercy, I affirm your future and your right to look in the heart of all you have business with or personal relationships. Choose wisely.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Concluding Reflection and Prayer
Artwork: Lemasle, Louis-Nicolas “Relevailles De La Duchesse De Berry Dans L’église De Vernouillet “, 1788-1876.
These thirty-three days are similar to the thirty-three years of Jesus incarnate. Each day brings a new awareness and trust that you matter, your efforts are remembered and your personhood is restored in the life of Christ.
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy (LK 1:44). Like the Blessed Mother, when the sound of your greetings reach my ears, the ‘infant’ in me leaps for Joy. Have confidence in your feminine genius, a whole gift of God.
Let us pray.
Almighty everlasting God, who by means of the blessed Virgin Mary’s childbearing has given every Christian mother joy, even in her pains of bringing forth her child; look kindly on this servant of yours who has come in gladness to your holy dwelling to offer her thanks. And grant that after this life, through the merits and prayers of that same blessed Mary, she and her child may be deemed worthy of attaining the happiness of everlasting life; through Christ our Lord.
Greetings on this the Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter Readings: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; Jn 17:20-26
Notes
Jesus prayed saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” Jesus made a prayer to last through the Ages. I’m not sure if we fully appreciate what he is saying and how deep and expansive his prayer is intended to include! We may be tempted to take his word to include only his air breathing life span. But Jesus Ascended alive in full view with this very prayer in his heart. So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.
Summary
Every time a bishop is ordained and consecrated – Jesus pray[s] saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”
Every time a baby is baptized – Jesus pray[s] saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”
Every time.
Clerics Pray!Children pray!
Look again
Look what Jesus gave Paul to do – “Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome.”
Look what the psalmist says about the faithfulness of Jesus sharing the delights at your right hand forever:
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.
Reflection
“Love conquers all things; let us too surrender to Love.” – Roman poet Virgil, 19 BC (d).
In some way every baptized brings witness to the Lord Jesus. The baptism itself is a witness of the child, the parents and the godparents. And throughout the life Jesus prays that this Child of God will have a good life and godly life thus spreading the Good News.
Personal Reflection
I rely on Jesus’ prayer. For this life. For the life to come. For all our lives to be ingathered by love unto the Father.
We all pray!
First Reading
The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome.”
Responsorial
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
Gospel Acclamation
May they all be one as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that the world may believe that you sent me, says the Lord.
Gospel
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us.
