Tag: apostles

Tuesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 6:12-19)

And [Jesus] came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured.

After spending the night in prayer, Jesus chooses the Twelve Apostles, including Judas Iscariot, who would betray him. After choosing them, Luke tells us that the apostles come down the mountain with Jesus, where he stands on a stretch of level ground. There he meets a great crowd of his disciples and a large number of people. From the mountaintop where Jesus prays, he carries with him and transmits to the people on level ground the divine love between the Father and the Son. They came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases and unclean spirits. The miracles Jesus performs come from communication with his Father and is immediately passed on to the people, as Luke says, “because power came forth from him and healed them all.”

Father in heaven, please help me understand the trust that Jesus placed in you as he prayed to you on the mountain. The choosing of the Twelve came through your Son’s discernment through communication with you in the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the same Holy Spirit, help me share in the love between you and the Son, placing my trust in his divinity. As Saint Paul says of Jesus in the first reading: “For in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily, and you share in this fullness in him, who is the head of every principality and power.” Give me the grace to listen out for your Word with the same ardor with which the crowds sought out Jesus to hear him, be healed by him, and follow him.

From the responsorial psalm: “I will extol you, O my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever. Every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever and ever.” Through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God, Lord hear my prayer.

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 Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 6:6-11)

On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.

The scene Luke sets in today’s Gospel presents the trickery of the Pharisees in their attempt to catch Jesus transgressing Mosaic law. Without their approaching Jesus directly, the Pharisees have playing out before them what they believe is a perfect dilemma: Will Jesus cure on the sabbath? Luke goes on to tell us that Jesus understood their intentions, and asking the man to stand before them, he said to the Pharisees: “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Jesus asks the man to stretch out his hand, and he cures him. But the Pharisees become furious, and they discuss together, as Luke says, “what they might do to Jesus.”

Father in heaven, I turn to you in today’s readings to know you better, to come nearer to the source and end of love itself. “Only in God be at rest, my soul, for from him comes my hope,” I read in today’s psalms. You, Lord, are the sabbath rest that my soul seeks. Just as the man with the withered hand put his trust in Jesus, I also stretch out my hand to receive your mercy and healing. Taking refuge in you, enveloped in your love, give me the opportunity today and the grace to be a refuge to others and to be a witness to the mercy and self-sacrificial love of Christ.

From the first reading: “It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in 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.

Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 11:20-24)

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reproaches the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their lack of repentance. Despite witnessing his mighty works, they fail to believe in him. His response highlights the seriousness of rejecting his message and is a reminder of the consequences of unbelief. Today’s reading also makes clear the responsibility of people and communities to respond to the message of Jesus and to embrace the gift of salvation he offers. As the Cathechism of the Catholic Church says, “Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation.” 

God, the words from today’s Gospel were spoken long ago to people in a specific time and place in history. Yet, I want to resist the conclusion that the importance of Jesus’ judgment is relegated to the past. How clearly Jesus calls for repentance, not for the sake of punishment but to draw me to him. The mighty deeds Jesus had done were enough to wake them up and see his divinity. Even more is the burden on me to return to you with my whole heart, believing in his death and resurrection and partaking of his body and blood in the Eucharist. Help me take seriously the words of your Son.

From the Gospel acclamation: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Lord, give me the grace today to hear your voice, repentant and desiring to return to you with my whole heart.

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.

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Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:34—11:1)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Jesus talks to his disciples about the conditions of discipleship and its rewards. Unless we accept what Jesus says as the Son of God, the Word incarnate, his words sound like those of an insane person. “Whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me,” Jesus says. What greater love can a person experience than that of love for a child or love for a mother or father? Jesus goes on to name the conditions of being worthy of him. What Jesus says as the Son of the Father is something only the creator of the universe can say. It is reality spoken into existence. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” In losing life, God grants life; in taking up his cross, we love all the more as mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. God transforms all loss into all gain.

God, help me trust in the words of your Son. In the mystery and invitation of the Word incarnate, you give me your unconditional love and mercy. You grasp me by the hand. In the psalmists words, I see your majesty and the depth of your mercy through your Son: “We were rescued like a bird  from the fowlers’ snare; Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Lord, give me the grace to recognize my cross and the strength to follow after you.

Jesus, you said to your Apostles: “And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” Bring to me today the means to give to one of your little ones a cup of cold water to drink—the one true living presence they thirst for.

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.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY
EWTN Polska | Adoracja z Niepokalanowa

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:1-9)

Jesus said to the disciples: “But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus shares with the crowds surrounding him the Parable of the Sower. The seed the sower sowed fell on different soil and failed to grow; some seeds fall on the path and are eaten by birds, some fall on rocky ground and wither away, and some fall among thorns and are choked. “But some seed fell on rich soil,” Jesus says, “and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” The seeds represent the word of God, which is sown in the hearts of people. Jesus later explains to the disciples what the parable means. The response to the word varies among its hearers. Some may not understand or accept the word, while others may initially respond but later give way to certain challenges. But some receive the word with understanding and allow it to take root in their hearts. The result is a fruitful and abundant life in Christ.

God, give me strength and perseverance to hear and understand your word, especially when I reject what is contrary to your name and tend toward sin. Give me the grace to strive after all that gives honor and glory to your name. Help me recall the words of Saint Paul from today’s second reading: “For creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.”

Lord, let me call you to mind throughout the day. As Saint Gregory the Great said: “Take care that the seed does not fall beside the way, lest the evil spirit come and take away the word from your memory.” Christ the sower, let the seed you sow take root and bring me to eternal life.

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.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY
EWTN Polska | Adoracja z Niepokalanowa

Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:24-33)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

As he prepares the Apostles for their mission, he offers them encouragement even in the face of persecutors. He tells them: “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” Just as he begins by telling them not to be afraid, he completes his thought by repeating what he first says: the Father’s eye is upon them and on every part of his precious creation. “So do not be afraid,” Jesus says.

God, help me understand that what Jesus says to the disciples, he says to me. Through the gift of faith you first gave me, I trust that nothing happens to me that you fail to notice. Give me the grace to strengthen my faith in that trust. Help me to be faithful to you in my words and actions. Jesus told the disciples: “What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” Let me be unafraid to make your name known. Saint Bonaventure, pray for us!

From the Gospel acclamation: “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you.” Spirit of God, rest upon me today.

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 Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:16-23)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Jesus continues to instruct the Apostles as he prepares to send them out “like sheep in the midst of wolves.” He tells them that they will be handed over to courts and scourged in synagogues, led as witnesses before governors, kings, and pagans for his sake. When they are to be handed over, Jesus reassures them, they are not to worry about what to say but that it will be the Spirit of the Father speaking through them. In the first reading, Jacob responds to God who calls his name. “Here I am,” Jacob says. God says to him: “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you a great nation.” Just as God made of Jacob a great nation, through his Son he prepares the apostles and every believer for challenges and opposition in carrying out his mission.

God, help me realize that in interacting with others as I proclaim your kingdom—even in speaking your name—that I may face contempt and rejection. I am often hesitant when the opportunity comes and fail to find words. Give me the grace to be, as Jesus says, shrewd as a serpent and as simple as a dove. Teach me to put aside any worry and trust that it is you speaking through me when the moment comes. Help me call to mind the words of Jesus when I am hated because of your name: “whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Lord, help me be unafraid to know and do your will today. From the Gospel acclamation: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you to all truth and remind you of all I told you.” Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, 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.

Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:7-15)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.”

Today’s Gospel continues from yesterday’s. Jesus sends the apostles out to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. Instructing them to trust God, he tells the apostles what not to take: no money or possessions; no extra clothing; no sandals or walking stick. Again, teaching them that God can provide for their needs through the generosity and hospitality of others, he tells them to wish peace on every house they enter. “If the house is worthy,” Jesus says, “let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.” He also tells them to shake off the dust from their feet if they are rejected. Just as the apostles would enter many houses, every new day is an opportunity to enter the lives of many people to wish them peace and to proclaim the kingdom of God.

God, how willing am I to take your Son’s invitation to detach from material possessions and abandon myself completely to your providence? When I leave provision to myself, I fall face down and never get enough, never gain enough, and by doing that close off all channels to receive your grace. To the extent that I proclaim your kingdom, I rely on others’ hospitality and openheartedness and swallow my pride—not a comfortable place to be. Yet, it is peace that enters into that place, and peace that returns to me if I am rejected because of you. God, give me the grace to trust that you will provide all that I need; let my trust in you be a means of your peace to others.

Lord, thank you for all your gifts. Help me see how you provide for me as I proclaim your kingdom to the people I encounter today.

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.

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus said to his apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

With these challenging words, Jesus invites not only the apostles but anybody who hears him to take up his cross and follow after him. It’s hard to imagine a love greater than that of love for parents or children. Yet, in speaking to the apostles, that is the standard he calls us to strive for. The demand of discipleship to set aside the quest of self-fulfillment has a paradoxical result. In Jesus’ own words, what is that result? “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Whoever finds himself worthy of the Lord is the one who loves him more than father or mother or son or daughter. In that worthy state of grace, love of father and mother and son and daughter becomes ever greater.

God, help me remember this way of life that Jesus calls me to and that you, the author of life, give me your Son as the way, the truth, and the life. Calling this to mind, give me the courage to find my life by losing it for your sake. Jesus says, “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Give me the grace to recognize that I am an instrument of your love for your people, your “little ones.” In showing them mercy and kindness, I do your will by giving them a cup of cold water to drink.

Lord, be with me today as I put self-interest aside. Stay with me as I receive others, knowing that I love them all the more as I strive to be worthy of 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.