Tag: Christmas

“I have come in search of fruit.” | Third Sunday of Lent

From the responsorial psalm: “Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. The Lord is kind and merciful.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 13:1-9, today’s readings)

“‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down.'”

Jesus responds to people who tell him that Pontius Pilate had killed Galileans while they were offering sacrifices, mingling their blood with the sacrifices. Jesus challenges their belief that they died because of their sins, and he compares this incident to the people who died in Jerusalem when a tower fell on them. They were no more guilty than others, and Jesus says: “But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” In the parable, the owner orders that the fig tree finally be cut down. But the gardener pleads for one more year, promising to cultivate and fertilize the soil in hopes of future fruit. If it still yields nothing, then it will be cut down. Representing the gardener, Jesus calls for repentance and conversion, urging people to use the time they have to to turn away from sin and return to the Lord with their whole heart.

God, help me hear and take to heart the explicit commandment of Jesus: “But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did.!” If I look at my life in relation to every good gift you have given me, like the tree in the parable, I have exhausted the soil and have little to show for it. Yet, the psalmist sings of your mercy (“so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him”), and the gardener asks for another year. For what purpose? “I shall cultivate the ground around it,” he says, “and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.” Help me, Lord, live in your truth as your adopted son: in no other way do I stand secure but on the sacred ground of you whose name is I AM through the mercy of Jesus Christ your 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.

“My son, you are here with me always.” | Saturday of the Second Week of Lent

From the responsorial psalm: “He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion. The Lord is kind and merciful.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 15:1-3, 11-32, today’s readings)

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable.

The familiar parable Jesus addresses to them is the Prodigal Son. In demanding his inheritance, the son takes from the father what the father would generously give him. But as he squanders his inheritance and faces hunger and hardship, he decides to return home and work as a servant. His father sees him from a distance, is filled with compassion, and joyfully welcomes him back, celebrating his return with a feast. The older son is angry at what he perceives is the father’s injustice, but the father reassures him of his constant love for him and the need to celebrate his brother’s return. Jesus describes the same love of the father that we hear in Micah, one who delights in clemency and compassion, “treading underfoot our guilt.”

God, your mercy is constant. Contrition is a means of entering into reconciliation with you, of blessing you with all my being. Just as the psalmist praises you for the height and depth of your mercy, he names you as the one who heals ills and redeems life from destruction. Give me the grace to recognize that you alone are just, you alone see me from a long way off to reconcile me to yourself through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ your Son. Never let me forget the inherent dignity of free will you give to each of us in the choice to return to your love—your very being—and stay with you always. “Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name.”

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.

“This is the heir. Come, let us kill him.” | Friday of the Second Week of Lent

From the responsorial psalm: “The king sent and released him, the ruler of the peoples set him free. He made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions. Remember the marvels the Lord has done.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 21:33-43, 45-46, today’s readings)

“Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?”

Jesus tells the chief priests and elders a parable about a landowner who plants a vineyard, establishes it and then leases it to tenants. During the harvest, he sends his servants to collect the produce, but the tenants mistreat and kill them. When he sends his son, thinking they will respect him, they instead plot to kill him so they can seize his inheritance. Jesus then asks what the landowner will do to those tenants, and he reveals that they will face severe consequences for their actions: the vineyard will be given to others who will produce its fruits. The religious leaders realize Jesus is speaking about them and become angry, but they fear the crowd, who see Jesus as a prophet, so they do nothing to him. Jesus speaks to all of us in this parable, inviting us to respond to God’s call to be responsible stewards of his gifts.

God, help me see in the parable of the vineyard the prefiguring of the passion and death of Jesus. When the Pharisees are able to grasp what Jesus is saying to them, their hearts remain set on arresting him and by this obstructing your will toward the salvation of all people. The responsorial refrain is “Remember the marvels the Lord has done.” Give me the grace today to become aware of the way my words and actions nurture the fruit of the vineyard or prevent its growth and to recognize that I can choose to be its heir. Strengthen me with the Eucharist, Lord, to bring forth your kingdom and make me know the particular way you made me to produce its fruit.

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.

“And lying at his door was a poor man.” | Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 16:19-31, today’s readings)

Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.”

Jesus tells the familiar parable of a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. The rich man lives in luxury while Lazarus suffers at his doorstep, longing for scraps of food. When they both die, Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham’s side, and the rich man finds himself in a place of torment. He begs for mercy and asks Abraham to send Lazarus to cool his tongue with water, but Abraham reminds him of the great chasm between them because of how they lived their lives. Again he pleads for Lazarus to be sent to warn his five brothers, but Abraham tells him that they have Moses and the Prophets to guide them, and if they do not listen to them, they will not listen to Lazarus. This parable illustrates the themes of justice, the reversal of fortunes after death, and the importance of heeding God’s word. Jeremiah tells us where to find our source of delight: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.”

God, help me take to heart the words you spoke through Jeremiah: “I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart, to reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.” The torturous human heart as the rich man experiences it in the Gospel is the natural consequence of turning away from you, of trusting in the strength of worldly gifts and material wealth. Give me the grace to respond in mercy when I see the destitute at my doorstep—especially those who are spiritually impoverished—and trust in all the good gifts you give me, through Jesus Christ your Son, that are necessary for my salvation.

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.

“He will save his people from their sins.” | Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

From the responsorial psalm: “The promises of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness, For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. The son of David will live for ever.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (1:16, 18-21, 24a, today’s readings)

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew follows his genealogy of Jesus with the story of the birth of Jesus. As he learns that Mary is pregnant, Joseph, a righteous man, decides to divorce Mary quietly. But an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream to reassure him that the child conceived in Mary is from the Holy Spirit. Just as Elizabeth and Zechariah learn from an angel that their son will be named John, an angel of the Lord tells Joseph that the child is to be named Jesus. In his righteousness and obedience, Joseph is able to respond to God in a way that is similar to Mary’s fiat. Putting aside his own plan, Joseph says yes to God’s plan for him and for the salvation of humanity. Joseph’s example invites us to reflect on how we can say yes to God in our daily lives, trusting his will with faith and courage.

God, thank you for the opportunity a new day brings to say yes to you. I have in Joseph a faultless example of one who hears your will and obeys, opening up a great expanse of possibilities I can’t perceive here and now in the midst of uncertainty. Help the little faith and foresight I have, given to you in trust, and let it be a means of giving all glory to you for sending us a savior, the Messiah, to enter into the world to destroy death. You are, as Saint Paul says, the one “who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist.” Give me the grace, Lord, to be attentive to your will and carry it through.

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.

“His heart was moved with pity for them.” | Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 6:30-34, today’s readings)

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

After the apostles return to Jesus and report all that they accomplished and taught, Jesus recognizes their need for rest and retreat after a round of strenuous ministry. He invites them to come away to “a deserted place and rest a while.” But as they try to find a secluded place, a large crowd follows them. The compassion Jesus reveals his boundless empathy and care for his people, and he provides for their needs with the comfort of his presence and teachings. As his followers, it is no stretch to say that the disciples see and follow Jesus as he once again does the work of God among the crowds.

God, in the midst of the day’s events, help me remember that you are always at my side. Just as Jesus invited the disciples to retreat from their busy ministry to restore their spirit, help me recognize when I need to step back and consciously choose to rest. Through your grace, teach me to respond to the needs of other as an instrument of your peace. Help me think about the words of Saint Paul from the first reading: “Through Jesus, let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.”

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 Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “For he will hide me in his abode in the day of trouble; He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent, he will set me high upon a rock. The Lord is my light and my salvation.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (today’s readings)

The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head.

Because John the Baptist addresses the wrong done by King Herod in marrying Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias holds a grudge that results in John’s gruesome beheading through the manipulation of her daughter. Regardless of the consequences and mortal costs of speaking up, John remains faithful to carrying out God’s commandments and teaching moral truths as a prophet. The consequences of Herodias’s grudge quickly disintegrates into the worst outcome. Saint Paul reminds us instead to follow Jesus who is the same today, yesterday, and forever: “Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body. Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled.” In our own lives, what is the cost of steadfast commitment to God’s truth, especially in the face of adversity?

God, help me keep in mind the words of Saint Paul as I move throughout the day. He says, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” He urges his us to remain free of love of money and to be content with what we have. Herodias made her daughter an accomplice in the murder of John the Baptist. Keep me on guard against sin but especially in causing others to sin. Give me the grace to recognize that nothing separates me from your love as I hold to my commitment to your truth and justice, fully aware of the cost of discipleship. “Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; Though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust.” Be with me, 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.

Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

From the responsorial psalm: “O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple. As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Of justice your right hand is full. O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (today’s readings)

So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Mark describes in detail how Jesus sends out the Twelve to preach, heal the sick, and exorcise demons. He sends them out in pairs with specific instructions for what they are to take with them, which is practically nothing. This turns their reliance entirely to God and to the hospitality of the people they stay with. He says, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.” This line alone contains profound teaching not only for the apostles but for every one of us. To enter into a house and stay means to be at peace in the place you are and not to seek a constant upgrade or rely on another, greater source of security and shelter. To “stay until you leave from there” also means to glorify God in the authority he gives us by being present in mind, body, and spirit in order to carry out his work as disciples.

God, I can only imagine what Jesus would say to people of today as he sends them out to proclaim the Gospel. So much of what I have goes far beyond basic needs. Yet although material things have good, legitimate uses, they are useless if they prevent me from entering in and staying with you. Saint Paul says in the first reading that Moses, on hearing you—”a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them”—was terrified and trembling. How much good there is in putting things down that make noise but don’t speak. Give me the grace, Lord, to stay where I am today and be grateful for the hospitality I receive from others as I witness to your goodness and mercy. Saint Paul Miki 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.

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

From the responsorial psalm: “But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear him, And his justice toward children’s children among those who keep his covenant. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (today’s readings)

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

As Jesus return to his hometown of Nazareth, he receives mixed reactions from people who have known him and seen him grow up in the home of Mary and Joseph. Some of those people who knew him well regarded him with disbelief. What this suggests about faith is that that a lack of it can limit the recognition of and response to divine power at work in our lives. The rejection Jesus experiences in Nazareth is a reminder of our own understanding and discernment of the complexities of faith in light of what is familiar to us.

God, help me understand how thin the veil is that separates the reality of your presence from what I see with my eyes. Often, I go through the day attentive to what I perceive through my senses, yet you are no less real or no less present than the outdoors just beyond my dining room window. Give me the grace to grow in my faith that the same Jesus who lived among his neighbors, friends, and family is the risen Christ alive today at your right hand and truly present in the sacraments. Saint Agatha, 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.

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

From the Gospel acclamation: “Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (today’s readings)

She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?” And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth.

Mark tells us about two intertwined miracles performed by Jesus: the healing of a woman with a hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus’s daughter from the dead. Jairus, a synagogue leader, falls at Jesus’ feet and begs him to go to his young, dying daughter. As Jesus makes his way, a woman who has been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years approaches him with a condition that has worsened over time. Believing that if she can just touch Jesus’ clothes, she will be healed of her affliction, she touches his garment and is immediately healed and tells Jesus “the whole truth.” Jesus then goes to Jairus’s daughter and hears that she has already died. He continues anyway, and despite facing ridicule for saying she is only sleeping, Jesus takes the girl by the hand, tells her to arise, and she immediately rises to new life. Jesus heals in two ways: by responding to Jairus’s desperate plea and by restoring the woman through her quiet faith. In both miracles, faith is the key.

Father in heaven, let me remember to come to you today whether for long-held afflictions or for acute, urgent needs. The quiet faith of the woman and the distressed prayer of Jairus both reveal ways to call out to you for your grace and healing. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and let me trust that when I bring myself before you, you already know what I need and will provide.

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.