Tag: jesus

Exploring a New Way of Life After Encountering Jesus (Redux)

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, christmas, Epiphany
A green road sign with two arrows pointing in different directions, labeled 'MY WAY' and 'HIGHWAY,' against a blue sky with clouds.
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.

  1. 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.
  2. Tuesday – The Feeding of the Five Thousand. He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.”
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.”
  6. 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?

  1. Monday – Proclaim the gospel by our actions. Aiding the sick in some fashion.
  2. Tuesday – Feed the hungry.
  3. Wednesday – Have courage. encourage others to face life with hope.
  4. Thursday – In our own way declare the Spirit is upon us and we are anointed to likewise.
  5. Friday – Make the outcast clean. The ostracized welcomed.
  6. 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!

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010625.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

O Antiphons 2025

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Advent, Catholic

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! 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.

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

Peace be with you!

Deacon Gerry

Reflection on Judas: A Lesson in Spiritual Awe

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Holy Week

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).

See these references: Ex 15:16; Jdt 2:28; Ps 2:11; Is 19:16.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ex/15?16#02015016
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jdt/2?28#18002028
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ps/2?11#23002011
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/is/19?16#29019016

Personal Reflection

Of all the antagonist exposed to the ministry of Jesus Christ, Judas is a singular example. He saw, he knew he participated.

  • He simply had no awe for what he saw.
  • He had no respect for the works of God he helped to complete.
  • He did not tremble at the reality of our sinfulness in the presence of innocence.

These then are the warnings to me. Is that not the purpose of the story? Do we take no personal reflection on this tragic life?

  • Lord, may I always be in awe of your works and your love.
  • Lord, may I respect the fact you deigned to come Incarnate.
  • Lord, may I reject my own sinfulness to prepare (and repairing) my soul to receive you now and forever.

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041625.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Understanding Judas’ Betrayal During Holy Week

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Holy Week
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.

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041525.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Reflections for Holy Week: Love and Justice

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Holy Week
Weird Image, I know. Keep Holy Week Holy.

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.

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  1. Remind God I love him.
  2. Remind humaity I love them,too.
  3. 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).

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041425.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Understanding Our Divine Right to Judge Wisely

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
You are gods (you have been given the power to judge)

Greetings on this the Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7; John 10:31-42

Introduction

In our sacred readings today we deal with the problem of unbelief. For the Prophet it can be very painful. For the one who rejects, it reveals two important observations:

  1. We reject what challenges our desires.
  2. We are called to account as gods – the authority to judge wisely.

Jeremiah’s Interior Crisis

In our first reading today, Jeremiah is crushed. He has been selected by the Lord to proclaim the good, admonish for the wrong and to bring unity to the people under the circumstance of great distress. 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 (Jer 1:5).

It didn’t feel too exclusive and inclusive. “Denounce! let us denounce him!” All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. “Perhaps he can be tricked; then we will prevail and take our revenge on him (Jer 20:10). [Jeremiah laments] Cursed be the day on which I was born! May the day my mother gave me birth never be blessed! Cursed be the one who brought the news to my father, “A child, a son, has been born to you!” filling him with great joy (Jer 20:14-15).

Jeremiah’s Influence after Death

In actual fact, Jeremiah was more appreciated after his death than while alive. Arrest, imprisonment, and public disgrace were his lot. [Later] the exiled community read and meditated on the lessons of the prophet; his influence is evident in Ezekiel, some of the psalms, Is 40–66, and Daniel (NABRE Commentary https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/0).

In a similar way, our gospel account

The [leadership] picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The [leadership] answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God. (Jn 10:31-33)”

The leadership struggled to see Jesus for who he is and what he does as evidence of who he is. Those who did see had a different conclusion.

[Jesus] went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” And many there began to believe in him (Jn 10:40-42).

Reflection

Jeremiah praised the Lord for his love of the people and was at the same time completely aware of the opposition and the lengths people will go to self-justify their actions. Jesus for his part makes similar observations and with a solution.

If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father (Jn 10:37-38).

Personal Reflection

Evidence based reasoning is well established before the modern age. You have the right and the obligation to test all spirits, if you will. But it is certain that the leadership could not even find their way with a series of steps.

  1. We claim God as Father.
  2. We claim Abraham as Father of Nations.
  3. We claim Moses as Father of Socho (“Father of Prophets”) x-ref https://bible.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/18

If Father, then Son. They correctly surmised that Jesus is alluding to his divine sonship. But since Jesus is a prophet that follows after Moses, his testimony is true.

Jesus fulfills the Moses authenticity test.

So the objection is not really who and what Jesus is and does. The objections is that Jesus is in contradiction to what we are and what we do. Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? (Jn 10:34). This means we are given the divine right to judge but judge wisely.

Jeremiah had an interior crisis because of the difficulty in dealing with people who judge poorly and attack what they do not like. Jeremiah was right, Jesus was right.

If another moves you to slanderous and murderous thoughts (or milder versions of anger), judge carefully. Do you reject what is holy in them too? If like Jeremiah you are simply overwhelmed by the vindictiveness of people in the face of truth, well, have confidence that even after your death the good you do and say will be remembered somehow.

Suck it Up

As an old priest friend used to say when we have Jeremiah moments: “Suck it up, Buttercup”. Have comfort in knowing the Lord will make his will through you fruitful, even if it is after your death. Same-same, Jesus.

Judge

  • How do you judge those around you?
  • Do you reject the good in them because of their errors?

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041125.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

The Hidden Nature of Sin in the Children of Abraham

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
How is murder a feature of being a Child of Abraham?

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Readings: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56; John 8:31-42

Summary

Slavery to sin hides its identity in the cloak of false righteousness. Even historically slavery was a constant problem including the vassal state status of Jerusalem at the time. Before Jesus (ancient Babylon), during the life of Jesus (Romans) and even today, we cloak our evils in the mantel of entitlement.

They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free (Jn 8:33-36).

Reflection

In our first reading today, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are under the brutal power of King Nebuchadnezzar even to the point of being put in a fiery furnace to be burned to death. Yet even in these dire circumstances the Lord rescues them and even brings a momentary enlightenment to the King wherein he is quoted as saying:

Nebuchadnezzar rose in haste and asked his nobles, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” “Assuredly, O king,” they answered. “But,” he replied, “I see four men unfettered and unhurt, walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God.” Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel to deliver the servants who trusted in him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. (Dn 3:91-92, 95)”

Then Nebuchadnezzar came to the opening of the white-hot furnace and called: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out.” Thereupon Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire (Dn 3:93).

Personal Reflection

Some know they are enslaved. Some deny they are enslaved. And a few, knowing the Lord is the Master of Salvation, knowing they are safe in the arms of the Divine. How can we know if we are enslaved?

The classic example, by far not the only example, is the words of Jesus spoken twice to those who are challenging him.

But you are trying to kill me (Jn 8:37, 40).

The first sin after the fall from grace was the murder of Abel by Cain – brothers. It seems murder, and variants of that impulse, seem to be a pretty sticky part of the human experience. Claiming rights by way of heredity (descendants of Abraham) and (Our father is Abraham) and dogma is counter to the reality. You are trying to kill me.

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here (Jn 8:42).

As Holy Week approaches we must examine our motives and our entitlements. We are entitled by grace to love not death. We are entitled to free not imprison. We are entitled to seek the Face of God not blur his image with ulterior agendas.

Who are you trying to kill? Whatever religious tradition you are from, if killing is your ‘go-to’ option you are far from being a child of Abraham.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040925.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Lent Reflections: Justice and Light in the Story of Susanna

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
Recommended Reading.

Greetings on this the Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Readings: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; John 8:12-20

Summary

I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live (Ezekiel 33:11).

It is remarkable and therefore my remarks! Isn’t it impactful and critical to recall that for two days running our sacred readings deal with the maltreatment of women.

  • One the Fifth Sunday of Lent – A Woman Caught in Adultery.
  • One the Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent – The Story of Susanna.

Worthy we are to learn and be corrected by the Lord! Light scatters the darkness of our souls!

In our reading from the Prophet Daniel is the story of Susanna. It ends well but it is a chilling narrative.

The themes are so similar it is amazing the warning we are receiving.

  1. In both stories these are Men of Authority.
  2. In both stories they wished to ‘use’ the woman (singular) for personal benefit (as they see it, not as reality).
  3. In both stories they use the LAW as a way to justify their sin.
  4. In both stories they use sexual ethics as a weapon.

Yesterday’s homily is here: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2025/04/06/law-vs-mercy-lessons-from-the-gospel/

Susanna – picked out some key sentences

That year, two elders of the people were appointed judges, of whom the Lord said, “Wickedness has come out of Babylon: from the elders who were to govern the people as judges. (Dn 13:5)”. When the old men saw her enter every day for her walk, they began to lust for her. They suppressed their consciences; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments (Dn 13:8-9). “Look,” they said, “the garden doors are shut, and no one can see us; give in to our desire, and lie with us. If you refuse, we will testify against you that you dismissed your maids because a young man was here with you. (Dn 13:20-21)”. [Confrontation and Escape, now a trial] In the midst of the people the two elders rose up and laid their hands on her head. Through tears she looked up to heaven, for she trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly (Dn 13:34-35). [They lie] “We testify to this.” The assembly believed them, since they were elders and judges of the people, and they condemned her to death (Dn 13:41).

It gets better! What a wonderfully written story and how it invokes in me the desire to say – Enough!

(See link below for the readings).

There are differences between the stories of course. Yesterday, they dropped their stones and walked away knowing they are sinners. In today’s reading they doubled-down (in our current idioms). This insistence in being evil brought them a horrible end.

In both stories, the Lord saved the women from the men. Period. End. Too important to miss especially in the season of Lent, a period of self-reflection.

Reflection

For the women reading: Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side (PS 32:4ab).

Pray and Insist – the Lord will come to your aid

Pray and insist with the Lord your safety and dignity given you in your very creation. The Lord knows your worries and will always come to your aid. I cannot speak to every instance and circumstances (we are all under the pain of death), but the divine will is most favorable to you, femininity of God, half of all the human population in the world!

But Susanna cried aloud: “O eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be: you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things with which these wicked men have charged me. (Dn 13:42-43)”

Personal Reflection

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (Jn 8:12).”

To know Jesus is to know light and truth. Light and truth bring a brilliant awareness of the distance between holiness and the human condition as my own. May we be inspired like Daniel, (God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel), to know and want true justice and restoration. Now and forever! Have the Light of Life!

Affirmation Prayer for Women

See link: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/05/28/thirty-three-days-of-affirmation-for-women-journey-of-spirituality-and-empowerment/

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040725.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Law vs. Mercy: Lessons from the Gospel

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
Law v Mercy

Greetings on this the Fifth Sunday of Lent
Readings: Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6.; Philippians 3:8-14; John 8:1-11

A Woman Caught in Adultery

Law is a guide, Mercy is a cure.


The gospel reading today is difficult to traverse in heart and mind. The woman caught in adultery invokes in everyone a different response and instinctual reaction. It is a story that can keep the wonder of grace and mercy ever before our eyes. And to avoid the worst choice – to condemn is to be condemned.

Just prior to the encounter with the mob and the woman, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. It is on the Mount of Olive that some sacrifices were made. It is this mount Jesus Ascended into Heaven and to the same Mount the Messiah will return. In a very real way, this coming down from the Mount and the encounter of these men and the one woman is a recapitulation of the central theme of Jesus’ ministry, salvation. And immediately to the story, the weight of law in comparison to mercy. Which we can conclude, Law is a guide, Mercy is a cure.

Writing (to enroll) in the ground by Jesus is an invocation of the prophet Jeremiah: The rebels shall be enrolled in the netherworld; they have forsaken the LORD, source of living waters (Jer 17:13).

Judgement

  1. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?.
  2. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger.
  3. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
  4. Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.
  5. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders.

Mercy

  1. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
  2. She replied, “No one, sir.”
  3. Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you.
  4. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.

Reflection

Jesus comes down from the mount to encounter the human weakness where we declare ‘This one is worse than me’. Jesus responds, then which of you is righteous (in right relation)?

They all walked away. It cannot be over emphasized that the men, if they stoned her, would be enrolled in the netherworld – Hades, Hell. Jesus was trying to SAVE EVERYONE in this story, in the first instance from personal error and the second instance the misapplication of law.

Here then is the problem. How do we read the law and what is the law good for? The Good News of Jesus Christ is that forgiveness and forbearance are higher order principles. The law is perfectly fine to describe what shouldn’t be. But the prescription of resolution has been moved to mercy. The work of knowing the difference is that of the Holy Spirit enlightening us as Jesus did that day.

Personal Reflection

Being merciful is work. Hard work sometimes depending on the degree of offense. But it is Holy work. We will always struggle with the injustices visited upon us. We must learn the way of Jesus guided by the Holy Spirit.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040625-YearC.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Encountering Jesus: The Challenge of Preformed Opinions

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, Lent
This guy could help us think better!

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 7:2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12; John 7:40-53

Summary

Could even Jesus be believed by you in your current state of mind?

Jn 7:53 – Then each went to his own house. Perhaps we can understand this as Then each RETREATED to his own preformed OPINION.

In today’s gospel portion we can see clearly the same problem as of today. Failure to dialog honestly and encounter things as they are and as they might be. So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” (Jn 7:45-46).

The leadership was intent on making sure all viewed Jesus as a fake and they sent guards to arrest him.

  1. Have you also been deceived? [logical fallacy: Appeal to Ignorance] How can you even know the truth because you are but a guard.
  2. Have any of the authorities believed in him? [logical fallacy: Appeal to Authority] How can you believe anyone other than the leadership.
  3. This crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed. [logical fallacy: Ad Hominem] People are not accursed.
  4. They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee. [logical fallacy: Strawman Argument] Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Given the current public discourse here in the USA it is hard to imagine Jesus can be viewed as anyone except through a political lens.

Reflection

Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance (LK 8:15). Do me justice, O LORD, because I am just, and because of the innocence that is mine. Let the malice of the wicked come to an end, but sustain the just, O searcher of heart and soul, O just God (PS 7: 9-10).

Personal Reflection

Encountering Jesus requires a certain type of innocence (absence of any sly or cunning intelligence) in the encounter itself. A true and real expression of who we are and how we are – warts and all! Only then can we begin to see the magnificence of his dwelling among us and the salvation he brings! Otherwise, Then each will go to his own house.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040525.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry