Tag: bible

Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr

From the responsorial psalm: “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 3:31-36)

Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

What is clear from today’s Gospel is the love of the Father for the Son and the complete abandonment of the Son to the will of the Father. The love of the Father abides fully in the Son. To obey the Son is to trust in God and participate in the fullness of his redemption through the resurrection. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” “The wrath of God remains upon,” John tells us, whoever disobeys the Son. Not an active divine punishment, wrath is the natural result of suffering through active rejection of belief in Christ. The wrath of God is a continual invitation to return to him wholeheartedly, to trust in his will and be obedient to it.

God, help me trust in you at all times and accept the testimony of your Son, who “testifies to what he has seen and heard” from above all. When I consider the trials and distress of the day that is certain to come, I want to hold fast to my faith. “Many are the troubles of the just man,” the psalmist says, “but out of them all the LORD delivers him.” And “When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them.” Guide me in your ways today, Lord; teach me to persevere in faith in this life so that in the world to come I may one day give you unceasing praise and bless you at all times. Saint Stanislaus, 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.

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

From the responsorial psalm: “In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!” Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 3:16-21)

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.

Today’s Gospel reading picks up where yesterday’s left off. In John’s words, the passage summarizes the conversation Jesus has with Nicodemus. So that everyone might have eternal life and because he loves the world he created, God sent his only-begotten Son “so that everyone who believes in him might not perish.” But because God made us to be free and respects free will, the choice to believe in the Son of God—the choice between light and darkness—is left to each person. “Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,” John says, “but whoever does not believe has already been condemned.” In choosing Christ, we come willingly into the light of truth, seeking to do God’s will.

God, you fashioned the world out of love, and you love the world you created. Help me choose freely today to come toward the light of Christ your Son. Inclined toward sin, it’s not a given that I will choose to live in the truth of that light. Let me remember to call out to you for your help, and aid me today in choosing to do right and rejecting evil. In the words of the psalmist, grant me the grace to call on you in every distress and look to you so that I may be radiant with joy.

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.

Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter

From the Gospel acclamation: “The Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 3:7b-15)

Jesus answered [Nicodemus] and said to him, “If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus explains to Nicodemus the purpose of being “born from above” in order to enter the kingdom of God. He emphasizes that spiritual rebirth is not something that should be surprising to Nicodemus. And he goes on, saying, “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Just as the Israelites looked at the bronze serpent, so people look to Jesus lifted up on the cross to receive eternal life.

God, help me understand what Jesus conveys to Nicodemus in teaching him about spiritual rebirth. In the risen Christ, the lifted cross becomes the means not of death but of the way made ready for us to eternal life. Give me the grace to trust in your mercy, that what Jesus says to Nicodemus about heavenly things I can trust with complete assurance. Help me live out today as Jesus instructed Nicodemus: “You must be born from above.”

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.