Tag: Prayer

“Blessed are those . . .”| Saturday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 11:27-28)

While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

In today’s Gospel, a woman calls out from the crowd, rejoicing in the holiness of Jesus and blessing the mother who bore and nursed him. Jesus responds in a way that might seem terse and unsympathetic. Yet, the words “the womb that carried you” bring to mind Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant. What Jesus brings to all who hear him—what he fulfills through his life, death, and resurrection—is the old law and commandments brought to perfection in the new covenant. So rather than contradicting what the woman says to him, Jesus, the incarnate Word, takes her words to show us that blessedness is born by hearing his word, bearing it within, and observing it.

God, help me understand the promptings of the woman who called out to Jesus even as he was speaking. Rejoicing in the holiness of your Son, the woman couldn’t help but shout for joy. As the psalmist says, “Be glad in the LORD, you just, and give thanks to his holy name.” How often today will I see before my eyes an opportunity to rejoice in your name? I often struggle throughout the day to be aware of your presence at all, let alone rejoice in you. Let your word dwell in me today, aware and grateful for your presence in prayer, in the Scriptures, and in the sacraments. Give me the grace, Lord, to hear and observe your word and to know genuine delight in that.

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!”

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.

“Whoever is not with me is against me.” | Friday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 11:15-26)

“When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus responds to some among a crowd who believe he drives out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Although aware that he had just driven out a demon, others in the crowd ask him for a sign from heaven to test him. Jesus knows their thoughts and makes clear in challenging their logic that he is the source not of division but of unity. He says to them, “And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? . . . If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out?” By asking that question, Jesus presents us with a fundamental choice and an invitation into his kingdom. He is, as he says, the one stronger than Satan who, by the finger of God, attacks and overcomes the kingdom of darkness and restores us to unity with his Father’s kingdom: “Whoever is not with me is against me,” Jesus says, “and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

Father almighty, thank you for sending your Son to free me from the powers of darkness. Give me the grace today to arm myself in the struggle against evil. Everywhere, the day presents fundamental choices. As the psalmist says, “Make known to me your ways, LORD; teach me your paths. Guide me by your fidelity and teach me, for you are God my savior, for you I wait all the day long.” Dwell in me, Lord; keep me safe from the darkness and division of the evil one. “I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart.”

From the Gospel acclamation: “The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.” Lord, in your mercy, draw me to yourself!

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.

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:1-7)

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

Matthew relates the mission of the twelve disciples as Jesus instructs them. He gives them authority to drive out unclean spirits and to cure every disease and illness, instructing them not to go to pagan territory but to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Among the Twelve, named individually, Matthew names Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. To consider that Matthew had the same authority to heal and the same charge to proclaim the kingdom of heaven is to realize human brokenness and the need to stay close to Jesus, to his word, and to his Church.

Lord, just as you instructed the disciples, teach me today and every day how to be a disciple to do as you say. Give me the grace to know your will, hold it in my heart, and carry it out. I will forget you; help me remember to go where you ask me to go and make my hands yours. Guide me, show me where to go, let me do your work. “The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations,” the psalmist says, “he foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations.” Let my will be yours; keep me from futility.

Stay by my side, God. Let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

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 Benedict, Abbot

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:32-38)

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. . . . Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

In today’s Gospel, Matthew portrays Jesus’ ministry of healing and proclaiming the kingdom, highlighting his power over evil, his compassion for the suffering, and his desire to bring salvation to all. It also emphasizes the need for more laborers in the mission of the Church and the importance of prayer. He says to the disciples: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” As Jesus surveys the crowd, his compassion for them is a model for each of us for how to respond to those in everyday encounters who are troubled and abandoned.

God, help me recognize your Son’s compassion as an invitation to go to him at all times for all things but especially when I feel troubled and abandoned. In response to his heart moved with pity, what greater act of faith is there but in complete trust to receive his mercy? As Saint Paul says of your Son: “So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your lovingkindness and mercy. Give me the grace today to come to you without hesitation when I am troubled about even the smallest thing. Saint Benedict, 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.

Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:18-26)

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him
and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said,
“Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.

In the Gospel for today, Jesus is on his way with the disciples to the house of an official, whose daughter has just died. The official tells this to Jesus, saying, “But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Immediately, Jesus and the disciples rise to follow him to his house. As Jesus makes his way, the woman suffering hemorrhages finds him and in touching the tassel of his cloak is immediately healed. Both the official and the woman place their complete trust in Jesus’ ability to heal. Just as the woman’s faith leads to healing, the official’s faith is tested and is also rewarded. Jesus puts out the ridiculers, and those who remain are witnesses to the miracle of the daughter’s resurrection.

God, help me understand that your Son demonstrated power over sickness and death. In recognizing that astounding authority, the official is an example of great faith in the face death, which Jesus conquers. The woman in the Gospel teaches me that with great faith only a little effort opens up the vast reach of your love and mercy. Give me the grace to approach you with faith and complete trust for whatever I need.

Thank you, God, for your word and for the death and resurrection of your Son. Thank you for the gift of faith, which I ask you to strengthen. 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.”

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.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 11:25-30)

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

In today’s second reading from Saint Paul, he compares the Spirit and the flesh. Living according to the flesh leads to death, while if living by the Spirit, “you put to death the deeds of the body” and you will live. In the Gospel, Jesus exclaims in praise the same message through his relationship to the Father. The little ones Jesus speaks of have a childlike faith that acknowledges what it means to live in the Spirit; namely, “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son.” No one knows the Father as Jesus, meek and humble of heart, knows the Father.

God, as the psalmist says, you lift up all who are falling and raise up all who are bowed down. Help me remember to come to you when I feel burdened and heavy with the cares of this world. In receiving the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, I want to live courageously in the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of the body. “Learn from me,” Jesus says. Help me take on the humility and meekness of Christ, who lived every moment of his life in your gracious will. Taking on that yoke, uniting myself to him, help me learn to find rest in assimilating myself to him.

“I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.” Lord, through your Spirit that dwells in me, reveal to me through your Son what you hide from the wise and the learned.

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.

Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:14-17)

Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

Jesus addresses the disciples of John as they ask him about why they fast but Jesus’ disciples do not. Jesus compares himself to a bridegroom, suggesting that fasting would be inappropriate for his disciples while he, the bridegroom, is present with them. But a time will come, Jesus tells them, when the joy of his physical presence is no longer a reality. Then they will fast. Jesus also uses the analogy of a new patch on an old garment. The newness of Jesus’ message requires a fresh approach, not merely patching the old ways of doing things. Jesus’ comparison of new wine and old wineskins suggests that the newness and vitality of Jesus’ teaching can’t be contained within the rigid framework of fasting and rituals.

God, in your Son’s words there is a message of mercy that I want to fully understand. Jesus, the bridegroom, is no longer visibly present but is truly present in the Eucharist. Yet, among John’s disciples, there was repentance and fasting. In the same way, I recognize the need for that when I sin by placing love of anything or any person above you. The psalmist expresses this about you by saying, “For I know that our LORD is great; our LORD is greater than all gods. All that the LORD wills he does in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all the deeps.” Lord, give me the grace to recognize and receive your mercy through the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Stay with me today, Lord. Help me call you to mind throughout the day, remembering your mercy.

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.

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:9-13)

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “”Follow me.”” And he got up and followed him.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus sees Matthew, a tax collector, sitting at the tax booth, and he says to him, “Follow me.” Matthew immediately gets up and follows Jesus. This event highlights Jesus’ authority to call individuals to be his disciples and the transformative power of his invitation. The meaning of this passage first emphasizes Jesus’ inclusive mission to call all people, regardless of their social status or reputation, to be his followers. It also challenges the religious leaders’ narrow understanding of righteousness and their exclusion of sinners. Jesus quotes from the prophet Hosea, emphasizing that God desires genuine acts of mercy and love rather than mere external sacrifices.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.”

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.

Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

In today’s Gospel, people bring Jesus a paralytic lying on a stretcher. With the words, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven,” Jesus cures him. The scribes believe Jesus is blaspheming by saying that his sins are forgiven. But Jesus, whose word make reality present, says to the scribes: “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk'”? Despite the skepticism and opposition Jesus faced from the religious leaders of the time, this reveals Jesus’ power to both heal and forgive as the Word incarnate.

God, thank you for calling me to you as Jesus called the paralytic to take heart and receive his forgiveness. Whether Jesus says “Rise and walk” or “Your sins are forgiven,” that same reality is made present in his words. Reconciled to you in trust, the paralytic was able to rise and go home. Thank you, Father of mercies, for the sacrament of reconciliation. Through it, the reality of your forgiveness is made present today in repentance and in the absolution of the priest who absolves sins by saying, “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Lord, stay with me today as I recall the Gospel acclamation: “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”

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.

Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

The demons pleaded with Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned.

Jesus and his disciples arrive in the region of the Gadarenes, where they are met by two men possessed by demons. These men are so violent and fierce that no one dares to pass by that way. The demons within them recognize Jesus and cry out, asking if he had come to torment them before the appointed time. A large herd of pigs was feeding nearby, and the demons beg Jesus to send them into the pigs instead of tormenting them. Jesus grants their request, and the demons leave the men and enter the herd of pigs. The pigs, possessed by the demons, rush down a steep bank into the sea and drown. Just as the words of Jesus “Go then!” bring into realization what the demons request, how much more does he hear us when we ask for the Father’s will to be done?

God, help me see the internal division within myself that prevents me from receiving you. The demons, who recognize Jesus as the Son of God, know that their power will end at an appointed time. They reject Jesus, and the torment his presence brings to them. God, help me see your Son present to me in the people and events I encounter today. Give me the grace, Father in heaven, to receive your Son in the truth of his word to give you glory.

From the Gospel acclamation: “The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” Lord, stay with me today so that I remain in your truth.

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.