Tag: christianity

Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs

From the responsorial psalm: “Because he clings to me, I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he acknowledges my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in distress. In you, my God, I place my trust.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 12:1-12)

Jesus began to speak to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders in parables. . . . “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and left on a journey. At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants to obtain from them some of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. He had one other to send, a beloved son. He sent him to them last of all, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they seized him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.”

Mark’s Gospel continues from last week’s, where the Jewish leaders questioned Jesus’ authority to preach the word of God, perform miracles, and cleanse the temple area. Jesus goes on to explain the kingdom of God to them in the parable of the vineyard. The parable speaks to various facets of God’s intervention in our lives, such as his covenant with Israel, the rejection of the prophets, the sending of his son, and of his rejection and crucifixion. All of this has consequences to those who encounter Jesus and hear his word. The parable tells about the landowner, who will come and destroy the corrupt tenants and give the vineyard to others. In this, Jesus speaks of the second coming and the final judgment and the fulfillment of God’s promises in bringing all into his kingdom. In the vineyard Jesus describes, what is the fruit of the vine that is meant to be shared with all?

God, I think at first that surely I am not one of the wicked tenant farmers caring for the vineyard. Yet, I daily take a role in that vineyard and choose freely whether to do your will. Jesus says at the end of the parable: “What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come, put the tenants to death, and give the vineyard to others.” With this in mind, how do I receive the gifts you give me in being one of your tenants? Do I take a selfish stance to the gifts you give me, or do I trust that in your boundless love, that in the new and everlasting covenant there is always plenty of the same love you entrust to me to receive and give away? In you, my God, I place my trust. Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions, 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.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ | Corpus Christi

From the responsorial psalm: “How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the LORD. I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 14:12-16, 22-26)

While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.”

Jesus instructs the disciples to go into the city to prepare a place for them to join during the Passover meal. He tells them in a specific way how to find a guest room, the upper room that had been furnished and made ready for them. Once gathered at the Passover table, Jesus breaks the bread, shares it with the disciples, and then takes a cup of wine and shares that with them. The words he speaks as he shares the bread and wine are spoken every day during the consecration of the Mass. Just as God spoke creation into existence—”Let there be light.”—Jesus, the Son of God, says, “This is my body” and “This is my blood of the covenant,” and the bread and wine became the body and blood of Christ.

God, help me dwell on what the Church celebrates today, Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Help me remember the meaning of the words of consecration: “This is my body, which will be given up for you.” The Gospel acclamation alludes to God’s unbroken covenant, as revealed to the Israelites and fulfilled in the body and blood of your Son. “This is my blood of the covenant,” Jesus says. And for what purpose did he institute the Eucharist? “I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Body and blood of Christ, save me!

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 Saint Justin, Martyr

From the responsorial psalm: “O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 11:27-33)

Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him and said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.”

Approaching Jesus with a question that stems from hostility, the Jewish leaders find the tables turned on them when Jesus asks them to answer a question first. In the same chapter of Mark, Jesus has just cleansed the temple area, overturning the tables of the money changers, driving out people who had turned his Father’s house into a marketplace. Their question focuses on Jesus’ authority to do this, to teach the word of God, and to perform miracles. Yet, in discussing what answer to give, they find themselves caught between accepting the truth of John’s heavenly authority and fear of the crowd, who believed that John was a prophet. Thus, they refuse to answer Jesus’ question, more concerned about self-protection and their own authority than seeking the truth through honest dialogue with Jesus. What does this say about how we live our lives today?

undefined

God, how far am I willing to go to seek out Jesus’ authority and respond to that honest realization? Help me see in the teachings of Jesus and in his redemptive work his divine identity and mission. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” the Gospel acclamation says, “giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Give me the grace to come to a genuine understanding that your Son is who he says he is and by that has authority.

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 Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 1:19-28)

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?”

In the eyes of the priests and Levites, John is unlike any other. He is not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor one of the great prophets risen from the dead. Just as people of today on becoming acquainted with each other often ask, “What do you do for a living?” the religious leaders—all of whom had named affiliations or titles—ask John who he is, and find no satisfactory answer. John tells them that he baptizes with water and quotes Isaiah, saying “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” John is a voice, a messenger; in complete humility, he is the one who points to one among them whom they do not recognize—the one, he says, “whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” Asked to identify himself, John responds not vaguely but in full recognition of his role: he makes straight the way of the Lord.

God, as I move throughout the day, let me see with the eyes of faith what my role is. John knew himself in the truth of Christ. His identity was not tied to his occupation or material possessions or power. In detachment from this, he called himself a voice, as if detached completely from physical needs; and he baptized, he said, with water until one who would come after him, baptizing with the the fire of the Holy Spirit. Give me the grace, Lord, to recognize my role apart from titles and prestige, apart from esteem as the world measures it. Help me remain in you so that I am confident of my identity, my role in this life. Let me remember the words of Saint Basil the Great: “Be attentive to yourself, lest you turn aside from the road, lest you turn away to the right or left; go on the royal road . . . which is Christ Jesus.”

From the Gospel acclamation: “In times, past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets: in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son.” Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory, 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.

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 2:16-21)

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

In reflecting on events in her life and on the message brought to her by the shepherds, Mary listens as they relate the revelation to them from the angel of the Lord: “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” Keeping all these things in her heart, Mary is an image of stillness and peace as the shepherds return, “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” God has blessed her beyond human understanding, the same LORD in the first reading who teaches Moses how he is to bless the Israelites. This is how you shall bless the Israelites, the LORD tells him: “The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!” Mary’s entire life is a response to God’s blessing, in obedience to him with humility, trust, and perseverance. “For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness,” she says in her Magnificat, “behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.”

Bless me, Lord. Bless me as you blessed the Israelites. Bless me and keep me; let your face shine upon me; be gracious to me; look kindly upon me and give me your peace. That same spirit you send to me, Lord, to reflect on and keep in my heart, as Mary did. As Saint Paul says, “God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’ Mary was the first to feel within her the stirrings of the Word made flesh, the Savior of the world. Help me recognize that I experience firsthand in the great gift of the Eucharist the same body and blood, soul and divinity, of the Savior.

From the responsorial psalm: “May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation.” Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, 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.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (LK 2:22-40)

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

According to Jewish customs, Joseph and Mary take Jesus to the Jerusalem temple to present him to the Lord. As they present him, Simeon, a righteous and devout man, recognizes Jesus as the promised Messiah. He proclaims that Jesus will bring light to Gentiles and stir up Israel and that Jesus is “destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel.” Simeon also reveals to Mary the suffering she will experience as a result of Jesus’ role. Another prophetess, Anna, joins in praise and spreads word of the child Jesus, the long-awaited Savior. Joseph and Mary return to Nazareth, where Jesus matures, as Luke says, “filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”

God, in recognizing Christ, Simeon and Anna experienced peace and joy in the incarnation of the word, the presence of Emmanuel. How is it that they recognized the Savior? Luke says that Anna never left the temple, awaiting the redemption of Israel. Of Simeon, he says he was “righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel.” Both waited for you, Lord; they looked out for you, prayed and fasted as devoted servants, and found not only peace in the world but recognized the word made flesh at first sight. Help me today learn from Simeon and Anna. As a way to put into practice their example, let me call to mind the words of Saint Paul from the second reading: “And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.”

From the Gospel acclamation: “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.”

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.

“She gave thanks to God.” | The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 2:36-40)

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

In these few words, Luke shares a kind of epilogue of the birth narrative of Jesus. It shows that Mary and Joseph were faithful, that they returned to live in their hometown of Nazareth, and that Jesus grew in body and spirit and wisdom under God’s favor. But of the prophetess Anna Luke is careful to describe how she lived her life, as she “worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer,” and how she responded at seeing the Holy Family: “And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” She came forward at that very time. The present is all she had, and in that moment she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child Jesus, the coming of the Savior.

God, help me understand that in fasting, prayer, and worship, Anna made herself attentive to recognize the redemption of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah. Luke says that she never left the temple. Give me the grace, Lord, to be attentive to you, to watch for your coming. In recognizing you in the gift of the present moment, how can I do anything but give you thanks, as Anna did, at that very time. Half the battle, the spiritual battle, is remaining vigilant. Saint John says in the first reading that the world and its enticement are passing away. Help me today be steadfast in hearing and doing your will.

From the responsorial psalm: “Give to the LORD, you families of nations, give to the LORD glory and praise; give to the LORD the glory due his name! Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!”

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.

“Your word has been fulfilled.” | The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 2:22-35)

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Mary and Joseph faithfully observe Jewish law by presenting Jesus in the temple to consecrate him to the Lord. They are not a wealthy couple, as evidenced by their gift of two young turtledoves offered for sacrifice. Luke relates their encounter with Simeon (and later the prophetess Anna) as he prophesies God’s fulfillment of promises in Jesus, who will be a sign of contradiction and that Mary will experience great sorrow in this unfolding: Simeon says, “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” Simeon proclaims that Jesus came not only for Jewish people but to bring salvation to all.

God, help me today see that you have spoken through the prophets and ultimately through Jesus, inviting all to redemption and salvation through faith in your Son. Luke says that Simeon took Jesus into his arms and blessed God. Open my eyes, Lord, to see the opportunity today to take Jesus into my arms and give you glory. I am struck by the poverty of Joseph and Mary, that out of that poverty they hold in their arms your inexhaustible treasure of love and mercy, Emmanuel—”God is with us.”

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty go before him; praise and grandeur are in his sanctuary. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!” Glory to you, Lord, your word has been fulfilled!

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.

“Out of Egypt I called my son.” | Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 2:13-18)

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.

Joseph obeys the angel’s instructions and takes his family to Egypt, where they stay until Herod’s death. Matthew goes on to give an account of the innocent children who were slaughtered. The Massacre of the Holy Innocents also reveals the suffering and persecution Jesus will endure after he begins his public ministry. In contrast to the evil actions of Herod, we see the purity and innocence of the child Jesus and the Holy Innocents.

God, help me understand today’s Gospel as a way to comprehend how evil is perpetrated. I have come to learn that while you don’t cause evil–the human misuse of freedom does–and in its mystery, you permit it to bring about a greater good. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “God is in no way, directly or indirectly, the cause of moral evil. He permits it, however, because he respects the freedom of his creatures and, mysteriously, knows how to derive good from it.” This is beyond my understanding. Teach me to trust in your mercy and the redemptive work of Jesus your Son as a way to overcome evil through love, justice, and mercy. Holy Innocents, 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.