Tag: Saint Jerome

Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 9:43b-45)

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Jesus performs miraculous works among the people, causing astonishment among them and the disciples. When he speaks to the disciples, Jesus explains that he will be betrayed. Although the disciples do not comprehend his words—perhaps fearful of hearing unnerving details—they were afraid to ask him to tell them more about the saying “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” Jesus asks that the disciples pay attention to him and hear his words. Yet, what they are afraid to learn more about is the beginning of Christ’s suffering and death, the means of reconciling humanity to God through his death and resurrection. What particular message is there in the Gospel, the word of God, that alarms and causes anxiety? Whatever it is, God’s love is there within it.

God, help me understand that you work in ways I fail to comprehend. In the first reading, you say to Zechariah through an angel: “But I will be for [Jerusalem] an encircling wall of fire, says the LORD, and I will be the glory in her midst. . . . See, I am coming to dwell among you.” You are always present, Lord, encircling me even when I look ahead and believe there is reason to fear. Again, in the responsorial psalm, you turn mourning into joy and gladden the sorrowful. “The Lord will guard us a shepherd guards his flock.” In yesterday’s reading, Jesus said to Nathanael, indicating the glory of your heavenly kingdom: “You will see greater things than this.” Give me a resolute heart, Lord, to pay attention to your word and trust in your love.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Our Savior Christ Jesus destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.” Saint Jerome, 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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaVQ82g2C4

Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

And as for you, Capernaum, “Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus says, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!” He speaks to the people of the region where he called his disciples and preached the Gospel. The people he addresses he would have known and loved as his own. How is it, then, that he says: “Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.” Is this to say in another manner that whoever exalts himself will be humbled? The woes toward the towns close to his heart are perhaps caused by human frustration that, although he worked mighty deeds, the people did not repent and return to God. In the first reading from Job, God expresses the same sentiment when he says, “Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning and shown the dawn its place. . . ? But from the wicked the light is withheld, and the arm of pride is shattered.”

God, help me understand how to take the grand scope of your actions in the world to see how they apply to my life, to this very day. As the people of Capernaum rejected Jesus, they rejected you, God. In turn, whoever listens to your Son, listens to you. As Jesus said elsewhere in the Gospel: “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” Let me give glory to you, Lord, that is due to you as God the Father Almighty, creator of the universe.

You are God, and I am not. Let me remember throughout the day, God, as the psalmist says, that it is you who guide me along the everlasting way. Give me the grace to hear your voice.

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.

Readings