Tag: mercy

“All the people were hanging on his words.” | Memorial of Saint Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 19:45-48)

The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.

When he comes to drive out those who are selling things in the temple area, Jesus says to them: “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ time see him coming every day to teach in the temple area. To their frustration, they can’t find a way to put him to death. In seeking to put Jesus to death, they find instead that he speaks the words of eternal life to those who hang on his words. How could they kill the one who is hope to the hopeless, the shepherd to lost sheep who guides and guards them? Jesus, the living word of God, is in spiritual battle at his Father’s house.

Father in heaven, help me shut out the distractions of a world clamoring with buying and selling, the voices from the marketplace coming from every device. Drive out every darkness that is not of you, as Jesus drove the merchants from the temple area, and help me find you in quiet moments set aside for the day. As the psalmist says: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.” Strengthen me, Lord, for spiritual battle in this life by my listening for the voice of your Son and following him.

From the responsorial psalm: “You have dominion over all, In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.” Lord, help me today to hang on your words. Saint Andrew and martyrs, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Thanksgiving Day | November 23, 2023

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 17:11-19)

And one of [the lepers], realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus travels through Samaria and Galilee on the way to Jerusalem. The ten lepers he encounters cry out to him from a distance, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” Jesus tells them what to do to cleanse themselves. “Go show yourselves to the priests,” he says. But they are not healed immediately. Instead, as they go on their way they are cleansed, and only one returns to thank Jesus. Although the other nine lepers would have known almost immediately that the words of Jesus healed them, in ordinary experiences God works all things for good over greater spans of time. Consider the past weeks and months of this year. In what ways does a spirit of gratitude call to mind all of our blessings as individuals and as a nation?

God, you are present always amid everyday challenges, and you hear me when I cry out to you in prayer. Today, as you do every day, you give among all good things the gift of time and the encounter of your Son in the faces of others. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, help me be mindful of all you have done to make yourself known as the living God who walks with us day after day. And through the resurrection of your Son, who destroyed death and restored life, you invite us to the great feast in heaven, made present even now in the Eucharistic celebration. Free my heart from anything that would prevent me from falling at your feet in adoration and gratitude.

From the Gospel acclamation: “In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Father in heaven, help me have a thankful heart for all of your gifts.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“To everyone who has, more will be given.” | Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 19:11-28)

“And to those standing by he said, ‘Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.’ But they said to him, ‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’ He replied, ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.'”

In today’s Gospel, as he approaches Jerusalem, Jesus tells those listening to him a parable about faithful servants and a rejected king. In telling the parable, he teaches about the importance of stewardship of God’s gifts, the use of one’s talents, and the reward that awaits the good servant. Those who are faithful in small matters, Jesus tells us, are faithful in large matters, responsible not only for individual growth of faith but for that of others. “Take charge of ten cities,” Jesus says in the parable in the words of the king, to the one who multiplied ten gold coins. Similarly, to the one who multiplied five coins, he said, “Take charge of five cities.” But to the one who hid his coin, unused, the king says, “But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” What are the unique gifts God gives each of us that we can use to draw others to him?

God, help me understand today’s Gospel and what the symbolism in the parable illustrates about you and your kingdom. The words of Jesus at the end of the parable, as the king addresses the ones who reject him, seem harsh and brutal: “bring them here and slay them before me.” Yet, your Son is just and always ready to extend mercy to those who seek him. The condemnation of the king, then, is not Jesus condoning violence and murder but is the result of the confirmed choice of the ones who reject him. Those who reject your Son’s authority and refuse to acknowledge him as their king make a momentous choice that has serious consequences. Lord, show me today the way to use joyfully the gifts you give as a means to tell of the glory of your kingdom.

From the responsorial psalm: “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking, I shall be content in your presence. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.” Saint Cecilia, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Today salvation has come to this house.” | Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 19:1-10)

But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

While passing through Jericho, Jesus meets Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector. Because of his short stature, Zacchaeus was unable to see Jesus, so he climbed a sycamore to be able to see him pass by. Stopping at the tree, Jesus looks up and says to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” While some people grumbled when they saw that Jesus meant to stay at the house of a sinner, Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus and determined to share half of his possessions with the poor. In response, Jesus proclaims the age-old love God has for his chosen people, that he has come to seek and to save what was lost. Nothing escapes God’s notice; to those who seek God, they find the eyes of the Lord upon them. In God’s mercy, nothing is lost.

God, you sent your Son to save what was lost. In his own words, Jesus fulfills perfectly your will for him to redeem and save all that was lost through original sin. “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus says. Although the house of the soul, the body, is a temporary dwelling, Jesus came to save both for the resurrection to eternal life. Zacchaeus confesses his sins before Jesus and shows contrition in repaying four times over what he has extorted. Lord, as Zacchaeus sought to see Jesus despite obstacles, help me see beyond mine the poor around me in whatever form you present them to me. Help me see your Son in giving witness to his saving love. In that devotion, nothing is lost.

From the Gospel acclamation: “God loved us, and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.” Sustain me, Lord, and uphold me in your mercy. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Lord, please let me see.” | Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 18:35-43)

Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God.

As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind man sits by the side of the road begging and asks what all of the commotion is about. “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they tell him. Suddenly, he shouts, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people try to silence the man, but he cries out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” When Jesus hears the man, he stops immediately and asks that the man be brought to him. After Jesus restores the man’s sight at the request “Lord, please let me see,” the man follows Jesus and the people who witness all they have seen give praise to God. Jesus gives the gift of faith not only to the man he cured but to the crowd who witnessed his miracle.

God, help me understand your superabundant grace. You have more than enough for one soul, and through the one on whom you pour out your grace, others come to see you and deepen their faith. Like the blind man, I see Jesus passing by through his preaching and healing in the Gospel and in the sacraments of the Church. Let nothing stop me from going to him to cry out, “Lord, please let me see.” Today’s Gospel is a happy ending; nobody accuses Jesus or plots a way to trap him. Help me see in the Gospel an example of the way your grace should work in the lives of others, leaving them free to witness your works and give you praise. Thanks be to God!

From the Gospel acclamation: “I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.” Lord, be the light in my life so that I can see your ways.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.” | Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 25:14-30)

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one-to each according to his ability. Then he went away. “After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.'”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples a parable about fidelity to God’s gifts. The parable is familiar: one servant receives five talents; another, two talents; and a third, one talent. The first two double their master’s money, but the third buries the talent in the ground and is cast out. The one who is entrusted with God’s gifts, or talents, multiplies them by using them. When emptied of the anxiety of material possession but in the blessedness of fear of the Lord, the hands are unhindered to use God’s gifts for the needs of others. Consider the worthy wife in the first reading: “She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. . . . She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy.” Jesus concludes the parable by telling his disciples, “For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Every good gift comes from God. How do we use them to the fullest, wisely and faithfully?

God, help me to be a good steward of the gifts you have given me. Let me not ask, which of the gifts you have given me can bring the greatest material or financial gain but which of them shines the brightest for the sake of your glory. Greed leads to greater greed; stewardship leads to just distribution. Make clear to me where your gifts accomplish your will. The master in the parable goes away but returns. Teach me to be vigilant for Christ’s return but not fearful of it like the servant. Supply the grace and courage necessary to be a good steward in the responsible use of my talents—the gifts you have given me so that I can one day share in your joy.

From the responsorial psalm: “Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.” Lord, remain in me; keep me alert to your coming.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Will he be slow to answer them?” | Saturday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 18:1-8)

The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples about the necessity of persistent prayer. He illustrates this by telling them a parable about a widow who asked for a just decision against her adversary. The judge, Jesus says, “neither feared God nor respected any human being.” Deciding to address the widow so that she stops bothering him, the judge renders a decision for her. If the dishonest judge brings justice to the widow, how much more, Jesus tells the disciples, will God be quick to answer justly and mercifully those who call out to him day and night.

God, help me understand that in the words of Jesus you invite me to pray without ceasing for what I need. I often fail to recognize that what I believe I need is far from your will, and my hope in what I pray for begins to wane. Instead, let me trust that you know what I need even before I ask and that you are the only just judge, the one God alone who renders a just decision. Let me be unafraid of persisting in prayer and bothering you with the things I believe I need the most. Give me the grace to recognize that you provide for my needs over and above what I see as the best possible outcome. This is a matter of trust in your mercy; teach me to trust in your will for me.

From the responsorial psalm: “Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! Remember the marvels the Lord has done!” Lord, teach me to pray without becoming weary!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 11:47-54)

The Lord said: “Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood!”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus condemns those who memorialize the prophets their ancestors killed. It is a sweeping, difficult message that takes into account generations of human history, in which, as Saint Paul writes “all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.” While a criticism of religious leaders of the time, Jesus also condemns the hypocrisies of the present age, wherever putting on appearances and false displays of piety supersede genuine acts of mercy and love. The building up of what is false can only lead to separation from God since God is truth itself. As Jesus says: “Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” From every person, Jesus calls for transformation of heart and a genuine commitment to hearing and keeping God’s word.

Father in heaven, help me recognize that Jesus your Son condemns only to set people again on a path to integrity and truth. “I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.” Give me the grace today to trust that you are attentive to my prayers and that in your mercy you alone satisfy every need. Help me know the strength of your guidance throughout the day, keep me from the harm of accepting what is false as true, and bring me into the knowledge of your will and the light of your glory.

From the responsorial psalm: “I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word. My soul waits for the LORD more than sentinels wait for the dawn. With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.” | Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist | 10.18.23

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 10:1-9)

Jesus said to the disciples: Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus commissions seventy-two disciples, sending them out ahead of him to do urgently what he himself will do: proclaim the Kingdom of God. His words are not meant only for those disciples at that time in history but also for every Christian who hears and responds to the Lord. In a world full of brokenness and division, Jesus commands those who follow him to be a means of peace and healing while proclaiming God’s kingdom. To take on such a task, the disciples are to depend on God for a roof over their head and a meal placed before them. Like lambs among wolves, the disciples are to rely on God’s guidance and provision, and the power to bring God’s work to fruition. Then, as today, the Kingdom of God is at hand!

Father in heaven, give me the grace I need to be steadfast every day in proclaiming your kingdom. Saint Paul describes the resistance he met in preaching and his isolation and exposure to mortal danger. Whatever I do in your name today, Lord, help me remember his complete reliance on you. As he writes in his letter to Timothy, “But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.” Stand by me today, Lord, as you give me every opportunity to love and serve others according to your will.

From the Gospel acclamation: “I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.” Saint Luke, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Everything will be clean for you.” | Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 11:37-41)

The Lord said to the Pharisee, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

The words of Jesus from today’s Gospel are directed to a Pharisee who invited him to dine at his home. As a guest, Jesus pours insult on the head of his host, and it is understandable that the Pharisee would have been offended. As the Son of God, Jesus directs the Pharisee to true freedom in worship of the creator. By noting that Jesus did not observe the prescribed washing before a meal, the Pharisee follows the Jewish tradition of ritual purification. Yet, here is Jesus, the invisible God made visible in his presence, who is inviolably holy, the source of holiness. Jesus redirects the gaze of the Pharisee toward what is pure and free of every form of evil. What Saint Paul says in the first reading encapsulates not only Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisee but also all of us who forget the glory of our immortal God: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever.”

Father in heaven, Lord of all, call me to you so that I can live in the freedom of the creator. I get caught up daily in the tangible things of this world, good in themselves, but often forgetting the source from which they are made manifest. “But as to what is within,” Jesus says, “give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” Help me find you today in every good gift you give me that I can sense but also through the unseen work of the Holy Spirit, who makes manifest your presence in my inmost being every minute of the day. Give me the grace to distinguish between the creature and the creator, to recognize that you alone are freedom at its source.

From the Gospel acclamation: “The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” Lord, teach me your ways!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.