Greetings on this the Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Readings: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29; Psalm 132:1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14; Mark 4:21-25
Summary
The Parable of the Lamp
“Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. (Mk 4:23-24a).
Reflection
You should hear but take care what you hear.
“Filters” is the word we use today to describe the gap between what is spoken and what is actually received—between meaning and mere sound.
This is the center of the parable (take care).
A lamp is used to illuminate – so that nothing is hidden.
But the decision to illuminate – The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you (Mk 4:24b).
The effects are about what is illuminated – from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away (Mk 4:25).
Personal Reflection
It is so tempting to shed light on another’s mistakes. But Jesus warns that light is intended for the curative and restorative purpose. Take care of what you shine your light on – and for that matter – what you lamp is fueled by. Till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob (PS 132:5) – to dwell within me to fuel my lamp.
Light is meant for healing, not humiliation. Take care what you shine your light on—and take care what fuels your lamp.
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church Readings: 2 Samuel 7:4-17; Psalm 89:4-5, 27-28, 29-30; Mark 4:1-20
Summary
Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” (Mk 4:13, 9).
Reflection
In the Parable of the Sower Jesus uses the then current-day farming method of “broadcasting seed” as a way to describe the difficulty of ministry under the various circumstances of people’s faith condition. The seed which contains its own instructions on germination can only be successful if it is received well by the soil. When not well received by the soil, its end is bleak and dismal.
A great deal is made of the difference in the plain meaning of the parable to the people and the detailed explanation to the Twelve.
To the Twelve
He answered them, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that ‘they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.’” (Mk 4:11-12, x-ref Isa 6:9-10).
Jesus is basically begging us/them to read Isaiah 6 and enter into the story of the Sending of Isaiah. In that historical encounter we have the answer to both groups.
Jesus does what Isaiah was sent to begin, but now in his own person. The Twelve share his mission. The mission is how to reach those who are unable to accept the word with a fruitful outcome. The mystery is given to them so they can enter the struggle of ministry, not avoid it. How do we break through?
They hear – but lost instantly.
They hear – but cannot sustain.
They hear – but choke on worldly anxiety.
These are the problem points that ministry must address.
To the People
I’m not saying try harder! I’m saying relax deeply in the presence of the Lord.
Forever I will maintain my love for him; my covenant with him stands firm (PS 89:29)
For the people Jesus is begging them: Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear. Do you have ears? He wants them to go deeper. Isaiah describes a period of desolation. The leadership in particular have dull ears and closed eyes. In many ways the people are in the desolation as in the past: empty houses (My House), diaspora and faithless leadership.
Personal Reflection
Whew! That is a lot. The take-away is that Jesus is reaching everyone exactly as to their situation. Ministers without a good problem domain. People without clarity of leadership. Hearts living out a form of desolation without even knowing it.
Life does not have to remain that way. The soil can change. Ears can open. Fruit can grow.
Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Readings: 2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19; Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Mark 3:31-35
Summary
Lift up your heads, O gates; be lifted, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may enter. (PS 24:7)
Commentary on this psalm verse from the NABRE: Lift up your heads, O gates … you ancient portals: the literal meaning would involve disassembly of the gates, since the portcullis (a gate that moves up and down) was unknown in the ancient world.
Reflection
Jesus is doing something new. So new that the gates of the heart must be taken apart and rebuilt to be higher and greater to allow the King of Glory to enter!
In our sacred readings today, Jesus proposes the simplest and most profoundly loving answer imaginable.
“Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mk 3:32-35)
Personal Reflection
Today, let us all think about redesigning the gates to our hearts. Is it too small, too narrow, too closed?
Jesus offers us a new way. A desire to do a home remodel project!!
Lift higher your hearts and make room for the family God is forming.
Become brother, sister and mother of the Lord Jesus!
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops Readings: 2 Timothy 1:1-8; Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10; Mark 3:22-30
Summary
Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them (Mk 3:28). But..
Reflection
In our gospel portion today, the scribes came and made a specific, malicious accusation designed to discredit Jesus’s miracles by attributing his power to Satan (Beelzebul) rather than God (Gemini deep dive). It is blasphemy—and dangerously close to the sin against the Holy Spirit—but not yet beyond repentance.” The reason is simple.
Warning the scribes directly of the sin against the Holy Spirit is of no use if the sin is already committed.
Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? (Mk 3:23).
Instead Jesus explains to the them the logic and rational of holiness and the nature of resisting holiness. He wants them to be saved too!
Jesus is pointing out their pious platitude – a religious-sounding phrase used to end a conversation or avoid facing an uncomfortable truth. The uncomfortable truth is Jesus is dispensing, in his person, the healing power of God – even if Jesus challenges them in their self-righteousness.
Paul expands Jesus’ explanation
For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control (2 Tim 1:6-7).
Personal Reflection
While the stories today of the Blasphemy of the Scribes and Jesus and Beelzebul has a terrifying possibility, Jesus uses the encounter to provide for conversion. He seems to say, you have not yet … but are in danger of … and you need to correct yourself to prevent …
Pious platitudes and habitual rejection of God’s love and actions is a pathway of self-destruction. What is our attitude toward God? On a sliding scale we can evaluate our own misunderstandings and trajectory. Remember, airplane pilots: In aviation, attitude determines everything—whether one soars or descends. So it is with the soul.
Greetings on this the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Isaiah 8:23—9:3; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17; Matthew 4:12-23
Summary
The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen (Mt 4:16).
Reflection
Isaiah promises for everyone:
Gloom to Joy
Freedom from the yoke (burden), the pole (punishment) and the rod (power).
Galilee of the Gentiles is both a place and a position in life.
A place
Galilee is a cross roads location. Trade and war making routes cross through Galilee. It is a thin connecting part of the Fertile Crescent (geographical region). It is a place where many cultures interact and trade.
A position
Assyrian domination covered many nations, peoples and tribes. Galilee of the Gentiles is also a general reference to the non-jewish nations.
Jesus comes to the place of meeting between nations. The light does not wait for perfect conditions. It begins in Galilee.
He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali … the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt 4:13, 16-17).
He calls to his side the Apostles, Peter, Andrew, James and John to help him bring the good news.
A People without Fear
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (PS 27:1)
A People Made One
I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose (1 Cor 1:10).
Whenever cultures collide, power concentrates, and voices are lost, The Galilee of darkness appears again.
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Readings: 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Psalm 80:2-3, 5-7; Mark 3:20-21
Summary
Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” (Mk 3:20-21)
Reflection on Saint Francis de Sales
Saint Francis de Sales took seriously the words of Christ, “Learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart.” As he said himself, it took him 20 years to conquer his quick temper, but no one ever suspected he had such a problem, so overflowing with good nature and kindness was his usual manner of acting. His perennial meekness and sunny disposition won for him the title of “Gentleman Saint.” – https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-de-sales/
Reflection
Why did Jesus’ family think him out of his mind?
The danger he was in and the protective hearts of his family.
The throng of people following Jesus and their needing him could have easily overwhelmed him and his disciples. Taking a break to eat is a time honored tradition (even to this day, ‘Closed between 12:00 – 12:30 many shop signs say’). Being unable to even eat is the ‘crazy choice’ and on top of that this sacred portion reveals a particular and deeper unbelief that include accusation of being in league with Beelzebul (this pint is just out of range of the gospel selection today).
Were they right in wanting to seize him?
So here is the word play so beautifully made in today’s gospel portion.
There are two definitions of ‘to seize‘:
to take hold of suddenly and by force.
to take the opportunity eargerly and decisively.
I propose that the crowds were using the second definition (although a bit unsafely executed) and the family was using the first definition.
Personal Reflection
The take-away for me is simply put: while Jesus is near take the opportunity to be with him not as to seize him but to be in his presence and receive the graces that exude, emit and flow from his very being, joyfully and purposefully, for he loves you.
And, in the first case, stop trying to seize and control Jesus. So many prescribe the perfect liturgy and theology so as to overwhelm the gentle Jesus and his Church. Saint Francis de Sales understood that the Calvinists seize grace —present in every age— over-thinking and owning Jesus. He gently guided them back to grace and ‘taking the opportunity’.
Greetings on this the Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Readings: 1 Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11; Mark 3:13-19
Summary
He went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. (Mk 3:13, 2 Cor 5:19).
Reflection
He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons (Mk 3:14-15)
In our first reading today, David is given the task (and he did it very well) of constraining his desire for revenge. If we try and place ourselves into his place and the situation he found himself in, I wonder if we would have the same restraint?
[I] did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion. I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life. The LORD will judge between me and you, and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case. I shall not touch you. (1 Sam 24:12bc-13)
David specifically calls out what he will not be enticed to do: As the old proverb says, ‘From the wicked comes wickedness.’ Thus I will not lay a hand on you. (1 Sam 24:14).
While David mastered what Cain could not, the greater anointing is to come.
In our gospel portion today, a far greater calling, anointing, a summons – into the salvific plans of the Lord.
That they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons (Mk 3:14-15).
Personal Reflection
Let us be with him, be sent forth by him to reconcile, preach with word and deed and drive out, in our own analogous way, the demons of fear, revenge, and domination that distort human life.
Greetings on this the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Readings: 1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Psalm 56:2-3, 9-10a, 10b-11, 12-13; Mark 3:7-12
Summary
A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.
Pope Saint John Paul II Evangelium vitae
In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.
In our sacred readings today, David and Saul have to deal with the problem of jealousy and the problem of misplaced adoration and praise.
The women played and sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” (1 Sam 18:7)
In ancient times singing and dancing to show adoration and thanks was a common practice. Miriam, Aaron’s sister, danced and sang – Sing to the LORD, for he is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot he has cast into the sea. (Ex 15:21).
But the praise of David (at the expense of Saul) had dire consequences for them and the people of Israel. It was a terrible miscalculation. When protection of life is spoken without tenderness for women in crisis, we repeat Saul’s error—confusing victory with faithfulness.
It is far better for us to model our behavior after Our Lord Jesus.
Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.c A large number of people [followed] from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God” – He warned them sternly not to make him known. (Mk 3:7-8a, 10-12).
Personal Reflection
Today we wear purple vestments. It is the only day outside of Lent that we wear purple as a strong visual reminder that today’s Mass has a universal and special intention. The legal protection of the unborn — and I offer an extension… and their Mothers.
The triumphalism (so tempting for so many, understandably) is a terrible miscalculation. It is very good that 49 years later (symbolically of religious significance 7 x 7) the country is finally coming to terms with the meaning of life and the protection of life and how this needs to be of carefully, pastorally, and medically appropriate construction.
The issue is multi-facetted and has many types of manifestations. Simplistic is hardly adequate. But still, we rejoice that we are moving forward!
It would have been easy to sit and take accolades for his work. Instead Jesus continued his work lovingly and privately (say nothing) curing and reassuring those in need… including the Mothers. The single omission (in scale/comparison) of the current practice is meaningful support for the mothers.
Nature itself, from being “mater” (mother), is now reduced to being “matter”, and is subjected to every kind of manipulation… [instead we must] offer moral and material support to mothers who are in difficulty and are tempted to have recourse to abortion. (EV 22, 26)
He warned them sternly not to make him known.
(that is: humility, discretion, care over spectacle)
Dynamo uses physical strength to create electrical power
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr Readings: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10; Mark 3:1-6
Summary
David continued: “The same LORD who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” [Jesus] said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us. He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored.” The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death. (1 Sam 17:37a; Mk 3:3, 5bc, 6).
In our sacred readings today we have the trifecta of the Lord’s loving care for us!
David testifies that the Lord protecting him from lion and bear while being a shepherd in the fields (nature).
David (v Goliath) slew the mighty warrior with a stone and sling (powerful adversaries).
The Man with a withered man was restored by Jesus on the Sabbath – as a sabbath act (Sabbath healing)!
It makes my soul sing psalm 98:2 !! (Personally I think this is the better psalm for today – but that is an opinion 🙂
The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph in the sight of the nations (PS 98:2)
Or, liturgically sung: The Lord has made known his saving power!
And for today our Responsorial:
R/ Blessed be the Lord, my Rock! My refuge and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust (Ps 144:11, 2abc).
Reflection
In every way the Lord saves – from nature, from adversaries and from loss of Sabbath love. In David, God saves through courage; in Jesus, God saves through presence.
The one sour note should be addressed carefully.
The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death. (Mk 3:6).
Specifically, their negative actions should not be a source of modern day anti-Semitism (these are a small elite group of people in the gospel portion today). God forbid! It is more a reflection on how we all respond so instinctively when our power is challenged. There are two types of instinctive responses, made types by role, not by individual. These reactions are not about individuals but about roles—how power behaves when it feels threatened.
Pharisees (not most of them) – cultural power – the ability to dominate people using religious and cultural norms.
Herodians (not all of them) – civil power – the ability to dominate people using government.
Personal Reflection
We really need to as Christians to shift our attention away from civil and cultural power to proximity and nurturing power. Jesus does not dominate the man with the withered hand; he restores him by drawing him closer.
Help those endangered by nature.
Help those endangered by powerful adversaries.
Help those endangered with the lack of Sabbath love.
Let’s stop feeding the domination dynamo. Within ourselves. Within our culture. Within our religions.
Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot Readings: 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1; Psalm 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; Mark 2:13-17
Summary
LORD, the king finds joy in your power; in your victory how greatly he rejoices! You have granted him his heart’s desire; you did not refuse the request of his lips. Many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (PS 21:2-3; Mk 2:15b, 17bc) .
What is it that Jesus wants?
What is his heart’s desire?
Reflection
The psalmist is referring to the reigning king at the time of the writing, King David. It is not too much for us to understand the psalm as referring to the Christ, Jesus, Messiah and King.
What is Jesus’ ask of the Father? To be with us.
What is our state of being, well it depends, either righteous or sick.
Pretty much since Jesus sat with all, we are all in need of the Physician’s care.
