BIBLE STUDY # 70
The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
READING 1
NUMBERS 6:22-27
The LORD said to Moses:
"Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:
This is how you shall bless the Israelites.
Say to them:
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!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,
and I will bless them."
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
GALATIANS 4:4-7
Brothers and sisters:
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,
born of a woman, born under the law,
to ransom those under the law,
so that we might receive adoption as sons.
As proof that you are sons,
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
crying out, "Abba, Father!"
So you are no longer a slave but a son,
and if a son then also an heir, through God.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
LUKE 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.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Today’s Gospel is the continuation of the Gospel for the Mass at Midnight and also its finale. This whole section concerning Jesus birth is broken into three parts: Luke 2:1-7, the setting and birth of Jesus; Luke 2:8-14, the angels giving us the meaning of Jesus; and today’s gospel, Luke 2:16-21, responses to the angelic announcement.
The gospel passage starts with the same shepherds we saw in last week’s gospel, those shepherds who are marginalized in society and are ritually unclean and therefore prohibited from the synagogue and temple. They are the lowly of the lowly, but still heed the call of the angels and find Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, just as the angels said.
After they saw Jesus they, “they made known the message that had been told them about this child.” They are the first evangelizers, spreading the good news that, “today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” It reminds me of the empty tomb in John 20:6-8: “When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went unto the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths, but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.” The shepherds spread the good news that Jesus is born, while the disciples spread the good news that Jesus s risen; but they both spread the news that Jesus is Savior, Christ and Lord. The shadow of the cross descends on the crib and it will follow him all the way to Calvary.
Here is an aside I thought you might like:
Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?
This is one I can honestly say I have never seen circulating in the emails so; if it touches you, you may want to forward it.
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes..
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed separate from the grave clothes.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
Was that important? Absolutely!
Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.
Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because.....
The folded napkin meant -
''I'm coming back!''
He is Coming Back!
It also seems to me that the shepherds had some success in their evangelizing: “All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.” Amazed and maybe gratified: those who live in darkness now have the light of the world, accepting them in their lowliness and raising them up. Good news to the underprivileged, the marginalized, and the outcasts. Good news to all those looking for meaning and peace. Good news to all who accept Jesus.
In pondering all these things, it seems to me that Mary didn’t understand what was happening to her. I think that’s why she went to see Elizabeth when both were pregnant. Elizabeth was an older women, full of grace and wisdom, and Mary went to her to talk about was happening to her. She won’t really understand until after the fact, but isn’t that the way with all of us in our own spiritual journeys? We follow God as best we can, and our path becomes clearer and clearer as we go along.
The shepherds returned from spreading the Good News, “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” This indicates to me how much the shepherds were on fire with the love that God shows in sending his Son as our Savior, Christ, and Lord (see last week’s bible study for the definition of these 3 terms). I hope this Christmas makes the love of God real in our lives and we become on fire with faith with a desire to spread the Good News ourselves.
Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be circumcised (as John was in 1:57-66) indicating that he was now a member of the Jewish people. Just as Gabriel told them in 1:31, they gave the baby the name Jesus, a name that means “God saves,” indicating Jesus mission in the world (see John 3:16).
The first reading comes from the Book of Numbers, a book that’s one of the first five books in the bible, collectively called the Torah (Pentateuch in Greek), the most solemn and important part of the bible for Jews. We as Christians would look on the 4 Gospels in the same way.
Today’s first reading in called “The Priestly Blessing” and is a blessing for those maintaining the purity of the community and for Nazirites, who are people set apart as sacred, dedicated, and vowed. This vow could be for a limited time period or for life. They abstained from products of the grapevine, cutting or shaving their hair, and fro contact with a corpse.
This blessing is reserved for Moses and the sons of Aaron (the priests of ancient Israel). In those days, when someone received a blessing, it was more than wishing them well; they believed the blessing would be realized and that blessing became a possession that could not be taken away. A blessing was something very tangible and important.
When God ‘shines his face’ or ‘looks upon you’ points to the intimate relationship between God and the people. When God’s face is hidden, it is a sign of misfortune, he has forgotten, he doesn’t see you: out of sight, out of mind. When 2 humans love each other, they look longingly upon each other. When they are displeased, they often say, “I can’t stand the sight of you.” Same idea here between God and the people.
The kind of peace offered here is more than well-being or wholeness; it is much broader and richer and can only be given by God.
In the second reading, Paul is arguing against certain people who insisted that non-Jews who convert to Christianity must be circumcised, observe Jewish feasts, dietary laws and purity rituals. Paul insists that “in the fullness of time,” that is when God decreed it to happen, God sent his Son to ransom us from the Law so we can be adopted sons and daughters of god (be a part of God’s community, the church). God sent us his spirit, so that we are no longer slaves to the Law, but sons and daughters of the Father (see the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-35). We are heirs to eternal life.
Fr. Phil
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #69
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Mass at Midnight
READING 1
Isaiah 9:1-6
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as people make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle,
every cloak rolled in blood,
will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David's throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
Titus 2:11-14
Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
Luke 2:1-14
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
There are 4 different Masses for Christmas, each with its’ own set of readings: the Vigil Mass, the Mass at Midnight, the Mass at Dawn, and the Mass during the day. I am using the Mass at Midnight, whose Gospel is the birth of Jesus according to Luke, the one we are all familiar with and want to hear at a Christmas Mass.
Today’s gospel is broken into two sections: 2:1-7, the setting and birth of Jesus, and 2:8-14, the angels giving us the meaning of Jesus.
Caesar Augustus reigned over the Roman Empire from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D. He is regarded in his time as a savior and a god. He established peace in the Empire, a Pax Augustus. It is no accident the Like has Jesus born in this time period. Ironically, it is Jesus who really is God and Savior. Augustus brought peace through conquering people. Jesus brings peace by conquering sin and death. Augustus brings peace by killing other people. Jesus brings peace by offering his life on the cross. Augustus is God’s agent in his plan of salvation (see Isaiah 44:28-45:1 and the story of King Cyrus).
There are some historical problems. Quirinius was Governor of Syria from 6-7 AD which puts him beyond the reign of King Herod (37 B.C. to 4 A.D.) and therefore beyond the story of the Nativity. There is no other evidence that Caesar Augustus ordered a world wide census or that people had to go to their ancestral towns to register. These things are not meant to be historical, but belong to the order of promise and fulfillment. The census gives Mary and Joseph a reason to be in Bethlehem for Jesus birth. The Messiah is to come from Bethlehem, the city of David, who is his long awaited heir and Messiah. Joseph is “of the house and family of David” highlighting Jesus connection to David (one of Jesus titles is Son of David – see Mark 10:46).
Mary is described as “betrothed to Joseph.” You have probably heard many a Christmas homily in which the preacher described Mary as an unwed, teenager giving birth to a Son, or something to that effect. This is not true. Mary is not single, she is married. When we think of a betrothal, we think of a modern engagement, when two people publicly state their intention to get married, solemnized by the man giving the woman a ring, at which time they are engaged to be married, but are not married until they exchange vows with each other. This was not true in Jesus day. According to the footnote to Matthew 1:18 in the Revised New American Bible, “betrothal was the first part of the marriage, constituting a man and a woman as husband and wife. Subsequent infidelity was considered adultery. The betrothal was followed some months later by the husband’s taking his wife into his home, at which time married life began.” Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly after he found out she was pregnant. You have to be married first before you can be divorced. Therefore, Mary was a married woman when she gave birth to Jesus.
The birth of Jesus seems almost anticlimactic, doesn’t it? After this big buildup, the birth is plainly stated: “the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.” No embellishments, no descriptions, no fanfare, just the simple facts (sounds like Sgt. Joe Friday on Dragnet: “Just the facts, Ma’am”).
Jesus is described as the first born son. This does not mean that there were others and he was the first. It is a legal description saying that Jesus has all the rights and privileges of the first born son.
Mary dressed Jesus in “swaddling clothes.” In Wisdom 7:4, the great King Solomon was dressed in the swaddling clothes, just like any other infant. Jesus is like us in all things but sin. From his humble beginnings, he will go on to do great things, much greater than the great King Solomon.
A manger was a feeding trough for animals. One of the great themes in Luke’s gospel is food and feeding. For example, in the temptation of Jesus in chapter 4:3, Jesus is tempted by Satan to turn stones into bread; the question of fasting in 5:33; the Sermon on the Plain in 8:1 (Blessed are you who are hungry, you will be satisfied); and the feeding of the 5,000 in 9:10. The manger makes us think of Jesus as sustenance for the world, the Bread of Life. The last night of his life, Jesus hosts a meal at an inn (now there is room at the inn) in which he institutes the Eucharist.
Shepherds are a reminder of the humble origin of King David as a shepherd. Shepherds are keeping in line with Luke’s theme of poverty: they are the lowliest of the lowly and ritually unclean. They are the first to hear of Jesus’ birth, a sign of the inclusiveness of salvation.
The shepherds hear the message of Jesus birth from an angel. The job of angels is to be messengers from God. They have a message of great joy: a savior has been born who is Christ and Lord. Joy is also a recurrent theme in Luke’s Gospel, here it is joy in the Son of God’s salvific inbreaking into the human race. God became human so we can become divine.
Luke’s Gospel is the only one that describes Jesus as Savior. As Savior, Jesus is the one who offers his life for our sins, conquers death, and delivers humanity from alienation with God. The term “Christ” is a Greek word that means Messiah or Anointed One. This title was applied to the person, a royal leader, who would restore Israel to its greatness. The political overtones are toned down in Like’s Gospel, and instead the term “Messiah” is the one who brings salvation to all, Jew and Gentile alike. Lord is a title used very frequently in Luke and Acts for Jesus. In both the old and New Testament it refers to Yahweh. When applied to Jesus, it refers to his divinity and authority over humanity. Here, then, is the meaning of this passage.
Peace – we hear a lot about that this time of year. Our gospel states, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." This says that when God’s favor rests on us, we will feel his peace. How do we receive God’s favor? By doing the will of the Son. That’s what much of the rest of the Gospel is about. Saying yes to God like Mary and letting the Lord be our guide and inspiration. He will then bless us abundantly, and we, in turn, can share God’s love with others so they can also feel His peace.
As we approach the great celebration of the birth of our Savior, we remember all the ways that God has blessed us. For some, 2011 may have been a good year; for many here in Lincoln Park, there have been many struggles and problems but also happiness and good times mixed in all together. In any event, we are always people of hope and gratitude because of what God has done for us by sending his Son as our Savior. Christmas is always a sign of hope because this holiday shows us the impossible becoming possible. As the angel Gabriel said to Mary in the Annunciation: “Nothing is impossible for God.” We know that no matter how many struggles we have, God’s grace and strength will see us through. We can be peaceful at all times because of God’s presence in our lives. I invite everybody to take a minute and invite the Lord into your heart. Let his presence surround you, inspire you, and guide you to a joyful life. May you always feel his peace and love. May you and all your family have a blessed and joyful Christmas.
Fr. Phil
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Mass at Midnight
READING 1
Isaiah 9:1-6
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as people make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle,
every cloak rolled in blood,
will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David's throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
Titus 2:11-14
Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
Luke 2:1-14
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
There are 4 different Masses for Christmas, each with its’ own set of readings: the Vigil Mass, the Mass at Midnight, the Mass at Dawn, and the Mass during the day. I am using the Mass at Midnight, whose Gospel is the birth of Jesus according to Luke, the one we are all familiar with and want to hear at a Christmas Mass.
Today’s gospel is broken into two sections: 2:1-7, the setting and birth of Jesus, and 2:8-14, the angels giving us the meaning of Jesus.
Caesar Augustus reigned over the Roman Empire from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D. He is regarded in his time as a savior and a god. He established peace in the Empire, a Pax Augustus. It is no accident the Like has Jesus born in this time period. Ironically, it is Jesus who really is God and Savior. Augustus brought peace through conquering people. Jesus brings peace by conquering sin and death. Augustus brings peace by killing other people. Jesus brings peace by offering his life on the cross. Augustus is God’s agent in his plan of salvation (see Isaiah 44:28-45:1 and the story of King Cyrus).
There are some historical problems. Quirinius was Governor of Syria from 6-7 AD which puts him beyond the reign of King Herod (37 B.C. to 4 A.D.) and therefore beyond the story of the Nativity. There is no other evidence that Caesar Augustus ordered a world wide census or that people had to go to their ancestral towns to register. These things are not meant to be historical, but belong to the order of promise and fulfillment. The census gives Mary and Joseph a reason to be in Bethlehem for Jesus birth. The Messiah is to come from Bethlehem, the city of David, who is his long awaited heir and Messiah. Joseph is “of the house and family of David” highlighting Jesus connection to David (one of Jesus titles is Son of David – see Mark 10:46).
Mary is described as “betrothed to Joseph.” You have probably heard many a Christmas homily in which the preacher described Mary as an unwed, teenager giving birth to a Son, or something to that effect. This is not true. Mary is not single, she is married. When we think of a betrothal, we think of a modern engagement, when two people publicly state their intention to get married, solemnized by the man giving the woman a ring, at which time they are engaged to be married, but are not married until they exchange vows with each other. This was not true in Jesus day. According to the footnote to Matthew 1:18 in the Revised New American Bible, “betrothal was the first part of the marriage, constituting a man and a woman as husband and wife. Subsequent infidelity was considered adultery. The betrothal was followed some months later by the husband’s taking his wife into his home, at which time married life began.” Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly after he found out she was pregnant. You have to be married first before you can be divorced. Therefore, Mary was a married woman when she gave birth to Jesus.
The birth of Jesus seems almost anticlimactic, doesn’t it? After this big buildup, the birth is plainly stated: “the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.” No embellishments, no descriptions, no fanfare, just the simple facts (sounds like Sgt. Joe Friday on Dragnet: “Just the facts, Ma’am”).
Jesus is described as the first born son. This does not mean that there were others and he was the first. It is a legal description saying that Jesus has all the rights and privileges of the first born son.
Mary dressed Jesus in “swaddling clothes.” In Wisdom 7:4, the great King Solomon was dressed in the swaddling clothes, just like any other infant. Jesus is like us in all things but sin. From his humble beginnings, he will go on to do great things, much greater than the great King Solomon.
A manger was a feeding trough for animals. One of the great themes in Luke’s gospel is food and feeding. For example, in the temptation of Jesus in chapter 4:3, Jesus is tempted by Satan to turn stones into bread; the question of fasting in 5:33; the Sermon on the Plain in 8:1 (Blessed are you who are hungry, you will be satisfied); and the feeding of the 5,000 in 9:10. The manger makes us think of Jesus as sustenance for the world, the Bread of Life. The last night of his life, Jesus hosts a meal at an inn (now there is room at the inn) in which he institutes the Eucharist.
Shepherds are a reminder of the humble origin of King David as a shepherd. Shepherds are keeping in line with Luke’s theme of poverty: they are the lowliest of the lowly and ritually unclean. They are the first to hear of Jesus’ birth, a sign of the inclusiveness of salvation.
The shepherds hear the message of Jesus birth from an angel. The job of angels is to be messengers from God. They have a message of great joy: a savior has been born who is Christ and Lord. Joy is also a recurrent theme in Luke’s Gospel, here it is joy in the Son of God’s salvific inbreaking into the human race. God became human so we can become divine.
Luke’s Gospel is the only one that describes Jesus as Savior. As Savior, Jesus is the one who offers his life for our sins, conquers death, and delivers humanity from alienation with God. The term “Christ” is a Greek word that means Messiah or Anointed One. This title was applied to the person, a royal leader, who would restore Israel to its greatness. The political overtones are toned down in Like’s Gospel, and instead the term “Messiah” is the one who brings salvation to all, Jew and Gentile alike. Lord is a title used very frequently in Luke and Acts for Jesus. In both the old and New Testament it refers to Yahweh. When applied to Jesus, it refers to his divinity and authority over humanity. Here, then, is the meaning of this passage.
Peace – we hear a lot about that this time of year. Our gospel states, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." This says that when God’s favor rests on us, we will feel his peace. How do we receive God’s favor? By doing the will of the Son. That’s what much of the rest of the Gospel is about. Saying yes to God like Mary and letting the Lord be our guide and inspiration. He will then bless us abundantly, and we, in turn, can share God’s love with others so they can also feel His peace.
As we approach the great celebration of the birth of our Savior, we remember all the ways that God has blessed us. For some, 2011 may have been a good year; for many here in Lincoln Park, there have been many struggles and problems but also happiness and good times mixed in all together. In any event, we are always people of hope and gratitude because of what God has done for us by sending his Son as our Savior. Christmas is always a sign of hope because this holiday shows us the impossible becoming possible. As the angel Gabriel said to Mary in the Annunciation: “Nothing is impossible for God.” We know that no matter how many struggles we have, God’s grace and strength will see us through. We can be peaceful at all times because of God’s presence in our lives. I invite everybody to take a minute and invite the Lord into your heart. Let his presence surround you, inspire you, and guide you to a joyful life. May you always feel his peace and love. May you and all your family have a blessed and joyful Christmas.
Fr. Phil
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #68
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 18, 2011
READING 1
2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16
When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
"Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!"
Nathan answered the king,
"Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you."
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
"Go, tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?'
"'It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever."
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
ROM 16:25-27
Brothers and sisters:
To him who can strengthen you,
according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages
but now manifested through the prophetic writings and,
according to the command of the eternal God,
made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith,
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ
be glory forever and ever. Amen
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
LK 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
"Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end."
But Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?"
And the angel said to her in reply,
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God."
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Our Gospel today is the Annunciation, the announcement of the birth of Jesus given to Mary by the angel Gabriel, an angel who appears four times in Scripture and each time brings a momentous message from God, which is the mission of angels: 1) he interpreted to Daniel the vision of the ram and the goat (Daniel 8:16-17); 2) he explained the vision of the 70 weeks in Daniel 9:21-22; 3) he announced to Zechariah the birth of John, forerunner of the Messiah, and 4) he announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.
Mary is a “virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.” This is important, because the Messiah is to come from the house of David. We see in the first reading that God says to David, “I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.” This is thought to be a prophecy concerning that the messiah is to come from David’s lineage and is referring to Jesus.
Gabriel addresses Mary with the words: "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." Mary is troubled by these words out of her sense of humility, not thinking that this description is appropriate for her.
Gabriel then tells Mary that she will bear a son, name him Jesus, “he will be called Son of the Most High, he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." In other words, she will be the mother of the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God.
That’s kind of a lot to take in all at once. I think most of us would be a bit overwhelmed by this kind of message. Would we believe the angel’s message? Would we even believe in the angel at all? Mary questions the angel for clarification: "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" Notice that she doesn’t question that it is really Gabriel, nor does she question if it is possible at all. She just wants clarification of how it will happen.
Gabriel explains and even tells her about Elizabeth, her cousin beyond childbearing years, who will give birth to John the Baptist, almost as if he is trying to convince her to say yes, since nothing is impossible for God. Implicit in the dialogue is that Mary can say yes to God, or can turn him down. God respects our free will and would never force us to do anything against our will.
More importantly, I think, is that when one says yes to something or someone, they are more committed. When one makes a conscious decision to follow a certain path no matter what, they will be much more likely to follow through to the end. A good example is marriage. When 2 people fall in love and marry, I would hope that they would be committed enough to do what is necessary to make that marriage work. I certainly see plenty of that around here.
When Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word," it didn’t guarantee her an easy life without any pain or hardship, nor did it guarantee that she would understand everything, nor did it guarantee that she would always get her way. Following God’s call brought her faith and a closeness to God that can’t be broken by anyone or anything. It brought a peace and a happiness that can only come from God. Sounds a lot like a good marriage, doesn’t it?
In the first reading, God has given David victory over his enemies and now gives David time to rest. David wants to build a temple for God because "Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!" He also wanted to build a temple so it would be a unifying factor for the country (David had recently brought Judah and Israel together to form the country of Israel), and to have a permanent and central place of worship. Nathan the Prophet tells him to go ahead, but God has other ideas. God doesn’t want to be limited to a temple or to be confined in any one spot. The temple was not to be in David’s time. God then builds a house for David; not of brick or stone, but of people. The house of David will last forever bring about a Messiah.
God is different than the pagan gods of shrines and high places. God was intimately involved in David’s life: all of David’s fame and success is due to God’s presence in his life. God wants to guide and inspire us also. Do we let that happen, or are we too self sufficient?
Mary did not clearly understand what she was undertaking but she trusted God and said yes anyway. God guided and directed her in her life. When we give ourselves to God, we don’t know where that will lead. We may not understand until after the fact, if at all, but we follow anyway because God works in mysterious and even sacramental ways through us. We all have a place in God’s plan of salvation. Like Mary, let’s say yes and help bring about the kingdom.
The second reading from Romans is Paul’s farewell address to the church in Rome. Even though he didn’t write a gospel per se, he considers his preaching good news, hence the term gospel in today’s reading. He preaches that justification and salvation are God’s gracious gifts given to us through Jesus Christ. These gifts are not limited to any one group of people, but are available to all people.
Fr. Phil
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 18, 2011
READING 1
2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16
When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
"Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!"
Nathan answered the king,
"Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you."
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
"Go, tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?'
"'It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever."
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
ROM 16:25-27
Brothers and sisters:
To him who can strengthen you,
according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages
but now manifested through the prophetic writings and,
according to the command of the eternal God,
made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith,
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ
be glory forever and ever. Amen
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
LK 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
"Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end."
But Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?"
And the angel said to her in reply,
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God."
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Our Gospel today is the Annunciation, the announcement of the birth of Jesus given to Mary by the angel Gabriel, an angel who appears four times in Scripture and each time brings a momentous message from God, which is the mission of angels: 1) he interpreted to Daniel the vision of the ram and the goat (Daniel 8:16-17); 2) he explained the vision of the 70 weeks in Daniel 9:21-22; 3) he announced to Zechariah the birth of John, forerunner of the Messiah, and 4) he announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.
Mary is a “virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.” This is important, because the Messiah is to come from the house of David. We see in the first reading that God says to David, “I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.” This is thought to be a prophecy concerning that the messiah is to come from David’s lineage and is referring to Jesus.
Gabriel addresses Mary with the words: "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." Mary is troubled by these words out of her sense of humility, not thinking that this description is appropriate for her.
Gabriel then tells Mary that she will bear a son, name him Jesus, “he will be called Son of the Most High, he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." In other words, she will be the mother of the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God.
That’s kind of a lot to take in all at once. I think most of us would be a bit overwhelmed by this kind of message. Would we believe the angel’s message? Would we even believe in the angel at all? Mary questions the angel for clarification: "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" Notice that she doesn’t question that it is really Gabriel, nor does she question if it is possible at all. She just wants clarification of how it will happen.
Gabriel explains and even tells her about Elizabeth, her cousin beyond childbearing years, who will give birth to John the Baptist, almost as if he is trying to convince her to say yes, since nothing is impossible for God. Implicit in the dialogue is that Mary can say yes to God, or can turn him down. God respects our free will and would never force us to do anything against our will.
More importantly, I think, is that when one says yes to something or someone, they are more committed. When one makes a conscious decision to follow a certain path no matter what, they will be much more likely to follow through to the end. A good example is marriage. When 2 people fall in love and marry, I would hope that they would be committed enough to do what is necessary to make that marriage work. I certainly see plenty of that around here.
When Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word," it didn’t guarantee her an easy life without any pain or hardship, nor did it guarantee that she would understand everything, nor did it guarantee that she would always get her way. Following God’s call brought her faith and a closeness to God that can’t be broken by anyone or anything. It brought a peace and a happiness that can only come from God. Sounds a lot like a good marriage, doesn’t it?
In the first reading, God has given David victory over his enemies and now gives David time to rest. David wants to build a temple for God because "Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!" He also wanted to build a temple so it would be a unifying factor for the country (David had recently brought Judah and Israel together to form the country of Israel), and to have a permanent and central place of worship. Nathan the Prophet tells him to go ahead, but God has other ideas. God doesn’t want to be limited to a temple or to be confined in any one spot. The temple was not to be in David’s time. God then builds a house for David; not of brick or stone, but of people. The house of David will last forever bring about a Messiah.
God is different than the pagan gods of shrines and high places. God was intimately involved in David’s life: all of David’s fame and success is due to God’s presence in his life. God wants to guide and inspire us also. Do we let that happen, or are we too self sufficient?
Mary did not clearly understand what she was undertaking but she trusted God and said yes anyway. God guided and directed her in her life. When we give ourselves to God, we don’t know where that will lead. We may not understand until after the fact, if at all, but we follow anyway because God works in mysterious and even sacramental ways through us. We all have a place in God’s plan of salvation. Like Mary, let’s say yes and help bring about the kingdom.
The second reading from Romans is Paul’s farewell address to the church in Rome. Even though he didn’t write a gospel per se, he considers his preaching good news, hence the term gospel in today’s reading. He preaches that justification and salvation are God’s gracious gifts given to us through Jesus Christ. These gifts are not limited to any one group of people, but are available to all people.
Fr. Phil
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
BIBLE STUDY # 67
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 11, 2011
READING 1
ISAIAH 61:1-2A, 10-11
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,
to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and release to the prisoners,
to announce a year of favor from the LORD
and a day of vindication by our God.
I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul;
for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation
and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,
like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,
like a bride bedecked with her jewels.
As the earth brings forth its plants,
and a garden makes its growth spring up,
so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise
spring up before all the nations.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24
Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophetic utterances.
Test everything; retain what is good.
Refrain from every kind of evil.
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will also accomplish it.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
And 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?"
He said:
"I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
'make straight the way of the Lord,'"
as Isaiah the prophet said."
Some Pharisees were also sent.
They asked him,
"Why then do you baptize
if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?"
John answered them,
"I baptize with water;
but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me,
whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
We have John the Baptist again this week, from John’s Gospel, specifically from the prologue to John’s Gospel (1: 6-8), and the beginning 9 verses from the Book of Signs (1:19-28) about John’s testimony to himself.
The first thing we learn about John is that he was sent by God (verse 6). This is a divine mission. John was chosen by God for a specific vocation, just as Jesus was also sent to fulfill his own vocation. God chooses all of us; we all have a divine vocation. We are all sent to bring the light of Christ to the world. One thing to ponder this Advent: am I light or am I darkness?
John came to “testify to the light so that all might believe through him (vs. 7).” Testimony (to testify) is what we would say in a court of law. In US courts we would be sworn in with our hand on a bible while promising “to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Everybody in the gospel testifies to the truth about Jesus: John the Baptist the Samaritan woman, scripture, his works, the crowd the Spirit, and his disciples. How often have we testified to the truth of Jesus?
“He was not the light, but came to testify to the light” Like last week, John the Baptist denies being the light and gives precedence to Jesus. John came to testify that Jesus is the light, he is just a witness.
Many people were expecting the Messiah to come soon, and many thought that John the Baptist was the Messiah. John the Baptist deliberately and specifically said, "I am not the Christ” (the messiah, the anointed one of Yahweh) in response to inquiries from “the Jews” in verse 19. The term “the Jews” does not refer to the Jews as a whole, but to the leadership, such as the Sadducees and Pharisees, who do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah. We have to be careful not to be anti-Semitic and condemn all the Jews for not believing in Jesus; first of all, Jesus is a Jew and many of his early followers were also Jews; and secondly, there are many so called Christians who profess that they believe in Jesus, but don’t act like it.
We have a difference in John’s Gospel as compared to Matthew and Mark’s Gospels. In Johns’ Gospel, John the Baptist claims that he isn’t Elijah, but it seems to be important to Matthew and Mark to have John the Baptist fulfilling prophecy and have John the Baptist represent the return of Elijah. I would think that this would be especially true to the Jews in Mark’ and Matthews communities, especially to Matthew’s community, which was made up mainly of Jews.
John the Baptist says he is not the Messiah, not Elijah, and not a prophet. Who is he? One with a specific and unique mission form God: "I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, 'make straight the way of the Lord'" (vs. 23) which is reminiscent of Isaiah 40:3: “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God.”
Isaiah 40:3 was written at a time when the Israelites were held in bondage in Babylon. When they are freed, God will lead them directly to the Promised Land, and any obstacle in their way will be smoothed; for example, “every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain will be made low” (vs. 4).
John the Baptist is proclaiming that when Jesus the Messiah arrives, he will lead us directly to the Promised Land of the Kingdom of God on earth and in heaven, and all obstacles will be removed from our path. That is, Jesus will die and rise for our sins so we can live in his grace and peace. He will smooth the way for us because he has taken on our sins so we can be saved.
In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist baptized with water for purification and preparation for a better baptism from Jesus. Last week we heard in Mark’s Gospel that the baptism of John the Baptists was for repentance and forgiveness of sins, while Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Matthew and Luke’s Gospel states that while John the Baptist baptizes with water, Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, a reference to Pentecost and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-4).
John the Baptists’ has a final claim of subservience to Jesus: “but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie (vs. 27)." In fact, John puts himself in the position of a slave, whose job it was to untie the sandals from the dirty and grimy feet of a master.
Today is Gaudete Sunday, a day in which we are to rejoice and to be joyful. In the first reading, Isaiah rejoices because “God is the joy of my soul;” he is “clothed with a robe of salvation” and wrapped in “a mantle of justice.” Isaiah is also a good steward. God has anointed hum (sent on a mission) to “bring glad tidings to the poor” of healing, liberty, and freedom. God is the joy of his soul, and he is sharing his joy with others.
In the second reading, St. Paul tells us to “Rejoice always.” If anyone had a reason not to be joyful, it was St. Paul. He had a difficult life after his conversion. He suffered tremendously, was rejected and misunderstood. But there is reason to rejoice because Christ has paid the price for our sins and opened up the way to eternal life for us. St. Paul took his guidance and strength from the grace and power of Christ. He was always grateful and glad of what the Lord was doing in his life.
We should be people of joy. Many of you might think there is not much to be joyful about in your lives. But joy is not having things go perfectly or go our way every time; joy is not a happiness that comes from possessions, nor is it comedy; it is not feeling good about yourself nor being on top of the world. Joy comes from deep within ourselves; it is a byproduct of accepting Christ as Lord and Savior; it comes from knowing that God is there to protect, guide and inspire us; it comes from knowing that God is in charge and can do a better job then we can; it comes from knowing that sin and death no longer have control of our lives because Jesus paid the price for our sins; it comes from knowing that God loves us, blesses us, and grants us peace and joy.
I heard a story of a woman who was in hospice. She was dying but her mind was alert: she knew she was dying, and didn’t have long to live. Her family asked her if she had any last requests. She asked to be buried with a fork in her right hand. They all thought that was strange until she said, “At the nursing home, when dinner was over, and they told us to keep our forks, we knew that something better was coming.”
For people of faith, there is something better coming. Not just after our life is over, but during our life here on earth. We are joyful, not because of anything we have done, or anything we deserve, but because of what God has done for us. That should be cause for great rejoicing.
Fr. Phil
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 11, 2011
READING 1
ISAIAH 61:1-2A, 10-11
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,
to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and release to the prisoners,
to announce a year of favor from the LORD
and a day of vindication by our God.
I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul;
for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation
and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,
like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,
like a bride bedecked with her jewels.
As the earth brings forth its plants,
and a garden makes its growth spring up,
so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise
spring up before all the nations.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24
Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophetic utterances.
Test everything; retain what is good.
Refrain from every kind of evil.
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will also accomplish it.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
And 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?"
He said:
"I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
'make straight the way of the Lord,'"
as Isaiah the prophet said."
Some Pharisees were also sent.
They asked him,
"Why then do you baptize
if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?"
John answered them,
"I baptize with water;
but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me,
whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
We have John the Baptist again this week, from John’s Gospel, specifically from the prologue to John’s Gospel (1: 6-8), and the beginning 9 verses from the Book of Signs (1:19-28) about John’s testimony to himself.
The first thing we learn about John is that he was sent by God (verse 6). This is a divine mission. John was chosen by God for a specific vocation, just as Jesus was also sent to fulfill his own vocation. God chooses all of us; we all have a divine vocation. We are all sent to bring the light of Christ to the world. One thing to ponder this Advent: am I light or am I darkness?
John came to “testify to the light so that all might believe through him (vs. 7).” Testimony (to testify) is what we would say in a court of law. In US courts we would be sworn in with our hand on a bible while promising “to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Everybody in the gospel testifies to the truth about Jesus: John the Baptist the Samaritan woman, scripture, his works, the crowd the Spirit, and his disciples. How often have we testified to the truth of Jesus?
“He was not the light, but came to testify to the light” Like last week, John the Baptist denies being the light and gives precedence to Jesus. John came to testify that Jesus is the light, he is just a witness.
Many people were expecting the Messiah to come soon, and many thought that John the Baptist was the Messiah. John the Baptist deliberately and specifically said, "I am not the Christ” (the messiah, the anointed one of Yahweh) in response to inquiries from “the Jews” in verse 19. The term “the Jews” does not refer to the Jews as a whole, but to the leadership, such as the Sadducees and Pharisees, who do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah. We have to be careful not to be anti-Semitic and condemn all the Jews for not believing in Jesus; first of all, Jesus is a Jew and many of his early followers were also Jews; and secondly, there are many so called Christians who profess that they believe in Jesus, but don’t act like it.
We have a difference in John’s Gospel as compared to Matthew and Mark’s Gospels. In Johns’ Gospel, John the Baptist claims that he isn’t Elijah, but it seems to be important to Matthew and Mark to have John the Baptist fulfilling prophecy and have John the Baptist represent the return of Elijah. I would think that this would be especially true to the Jews in Mark’ and Matthews communities, especially to Matthew’s community, which was made up mainly of Jews.
John the Baptist says he is not the Messiah, not Elijah, and not a prophet. Who is he? One with a specific and unique mission form God: "I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, 'make straight the way of the Lord'" (vs. 23) which is reminiscent of Isaiah 40:3: “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God.”
Isaiah 40:3 was written at a time when the Israelites were held in bondage in Babylon. When they are freed, God will lead them directly to the Promised Land, and any obstacle in their way will be smoothed; for example, “every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain will be made low” (vs. 4).
John the Baptist is proclaiming that when Jesus the Messiah arrives, he will lead us directly to the Promised Land of the Kingdom of God on earth and in heaven, and all obstacles will be removed from our path. That is, Jesus will die and rise for our sins so we can live in his grace and peace. He will smooth the way for us because he has taken on our sins so we can be saved.
In John’s Gospel, John the Baptist baptized with water for purification and preparation for a better baptism from Jesus. Last week we heard in Mark’s Gospel that the baptism of John the Baptists was for repentance and forgiveness of sins, while Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Matthew and Luke’s Gospel states that while John the Baptist baptizes with water, Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, a reference to Pentecost and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-4).
John the Baptists’ has a final claim of subservience to Jesus: “but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie (vs. 27)." In fact, John puts himself in the position of a slave, whose job it was to untie the sandals from the dirty and grimy feet of a master.
Today is Gaudete Sunday, a day in which we are to rejoice and to be joyful. In the first reading, Isaiah rejoices because “God is the joy of my soul;” he is “clothed with a robe of salvation” and wrapped in “a mantle of justice.” Isaiah is also a good steward. God has anointed hum (sent on a mission) to “bring glad tidings to the poor” of healing, liberty, and freedom. God is the joy of his soul, and he is sharing his joy with others.
In the second reading, St. Paul tells us to “Rejoice always.” If anyone had a reason not to be joyful, it was St. Paul. He had a difficult life after his conversion. He suffered tremendously, was rejected and misunderstood. But there is reason to rejoice because Christ has paid the price for our sins and opened up the way to eternal life for us. St. Paul took his guidance and strength from the grace and power of Christ. He was always grateful and glad of what the Lord was doing in his life.
We should be people of joy. Many of you might think there is not much to be joyful about in your lives. But joy is not having things go perfectly or go our way every time; joy is not a happiness that comes from possessions, nor is it comedy; it is not feeling good about yourself nor being on top of the world. Joy comes from deep within ourselves; it is a byproduct of accepting Christ as Lord and Savior; it comes from knowing that God is there to protect, guide and inspire us; it comes from knowing that God is in charge and can do a better job then we can; it comes from knowing that sin and death no longer have control of our lives because Jesus paid the price for our sins; it comes from knowing that God loves us, blesses us, and grants us peace and joy.
I heard a story of a woman who was in hospice. She was dying but her mind was alert: she knew she was dying, and didn’t have long to live. Her family asked her if she had any last requests. She asked to be buried with a fork in her right hand. They all thought that was strange until she said, “At the nursing home, when dinner was over, and they told us to keep our forks, we knew that something better was coming.”
For people of faith, there is something better coming. Not just after our life is over, but during our life here on earth. We are joyful, not because of anything we have done, or anything we deserve, but because of what God has done for us. That should be cause for great rejoicing.
Fr. Phil
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #66
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 4, 2011
READING 1
IS 40:1-5, 9-11
Comfort, give comfort to my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her service is at an end,
her guilt is expiated;
indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD
double for all her sins.
A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill shall be made low;
the rugged land shall be made a plain,
the rough country, a broad valley.
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Go up on to a high mountain,
Zion, herald of glad tidings;
cry out at the top of your voice,
Jerusalem, herald of good news!
Fear not to cry out
and say to the cities of Judah:
Here is your God!
Here comes with power
the Lord GOD,
who rules by his strong arm;
here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;
in his arms he gathers the lambs,
carrying them in his bosom,
and leading the ewes with care.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
2 PT 3:8-14
Do not ignore this one fact, beloved,
that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years
and a thousand years like one day.
The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard "delay,"
but he is patient with you,
not wishing that any should perish
but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief,
and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar
and the elements will be dissolved by fire,
and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.
Since everything is to be dissolved in this way,
what sort of persons ought you to be,
conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion,
waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames
and the elements melted by fire.
But according to his promise
we await new heavens and a new earth
in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, since you await these things,
be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
MARK 1:1-8
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way.
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
"Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths."
John the Baptist appeared in the desert
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
People of the whole Judean countryside
and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.
John was clothed in camel's hair,
with a leather belt around his waist.
He fed on locusts and wild honey.
And this is what he proclaimed:
"One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Our Gospel today is the beginning of Mark’s Gospel that proclaims the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ, the one crucified and risen, acknowledged by the community as Messiah (8:29) and Son of God (1:11, 9:7, 15:39).
The prologue of today’s gospel (1:1-13) has three events necessary before Jesus begins his public ministry: 1) John the Baptist appears as the precursor of Jesus who preaches repentance; 2) the baptism of Jesus at which the Spirit descends on him and he is called the Son of God, and 3) the temptation of Jesus by Satan. Our gospel reading today encompasses the first of these 3 events.
Mark attributes the prophecy in today’s gospel to Isaiah, but it is really a combination taken from Malachi 3:1, Isaiah 40:3, and Exodus 23:20. John’s ministry is seen as a prelude to Jesus. "Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his path" is a reference to the end of the Babylonian exile and is applied to the future arrival of Jesus.
John being clothed in camel’s hair and a leather belt is reminiscent of the prophet Elijah. Jesus refers to John as Elijah who was to appear prior to the arrival of the Messiah (Mark 9:11-13, Matthew 17:10-12).
John’s food was locusts and honey. The locusts represent bitter punishment and destruction for the unbelievers, and honey represents the peace and plenty with which God blesses the faithful. These foods attest to the dual nature of the good news: the gospel brings judgment (locusts) or peace and comfort (honey) depending on how we receive the good news.
John preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Many people were going to him to be baptized while they confessed their sins. They were preparing for the Messiah, who was expected to come at any time. He knows that to be ready for the Messiah, to be able to open our hearts to his work and word, we need to recognize our sinfulness and ask God for forgiveness. Nothing is more powerful in blocking the avenues of God’s grace than unforgiven sin. Jesus begins his public ministry by saying, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel (1:14-15).” Jesus picks up on John’s theme of forgiveness, and dies and rises to pay the price for our sins so we can inherit eternal life. Through Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit a new people of God is formed
John recognizes that he is the precursor of Jesus. He never makes the claim of messiahship, but says that "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.” He recognizes that his baptism isn’t as powerful as Jesus’ : “I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Jesus puts us in touch with God to bring us to holiness. The renewal that Jesus brings is more profound that John’s baptism.
The first reading from the book of Isaiah is from a time in Israelite history when they are displaced from their homeland in Babylon and are deprived of their right to worship God as freely as they did in their homeland. Today’s reading is taken from a section of the book of Isaiah called the Book of Comfort (chapters 40-55). They are told that God is with them, is present to them, even in the midst of their suffering and struggles. Isaiah was giving them hope that God would not abandon them, but eventually they would be freed and allowed to go home. Isaiah says that the Lord will lead them and the way will be easy: “Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley.” God will lead them like a shepherd leads his flock, caring and guiding for those in his care.
The second reading is from 2 Peter, which is probably the last New Testament book written (probably in the early second century). The purpose of this book is to strengthen the faith of the believers while they wait for the second coming of Christ. Many false teachers point to the fact that Jesus hasn’t returned yet as proof that he never will. The book argues that human calendars are irrelevant when it comes to God: “One day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day.” The world will be dissolved by fire (the only instance in the New Testament of the end times described in this way) which is also part of Greco Roman literature and Jewish apocalyptic literature. The author is trying to tell us that the Lord will appear in glory at the end of time and all of creation will be transformed. We are to prepare for this transformation by committing ourselves to living Gospel values in our lives.
Fr. Phil
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 4, 2011
READING 1
IS 40:1-5, 9-11
Comfort, give comfort to my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her service is at an end,
her guilt is expiated;
indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD
double for all her sins.
A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill shall be made low;
the rugged land shall be made a plain,
the rough country, a broad valley.
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Go up on to a high mountain,
Zion, herald of glad tidings;
cry out at the top of your voice,
Jerusalem, herald of good news!
Fear not to cry out
and say to the cities of Judah:
Here is your God!
Here comes with power
the Lord GOD,
who rules by his strong arm;
here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;
in his arms he gathers the lambs,
carrying them in his bosom,
and leading the ewes with care.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
2 PT 3:8-14
Do not ignore this one fact, beloved,
that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years
and a thousand years like one day.
The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard "delay,"
but he is patient with you,
not wishing that any should perish
but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief,
and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar
and the elements will be dissolved by fire,
and the earth and everything done on it will be found out.
Since everything is to be dissolved in this way,
what sort of persons ought you to be,
conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion,
waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames
and the elements melted by fire.
But according to his promise
we await new heavens and a new earth
in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, since you await these things,
be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
MARK 1:1-8
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way.
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
"Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths."
John the Baptist appeared in the desert
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
People of the whole Judean countryside
and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.
John was clothed in camel's hair,
with a leather belt around his waist.
He fed on locusts and wild honey.
And this is what he proclaimed:
"One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Our Gospel today is the beginning of Mark’s Gospel that proclaims the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ, the one crucified and risen, acknowledged by the community as Messiah (8:29) and Son of God (1:11, 9:7, 15:39).
The prologue of today’s gospel (1:1-13) has three events necessary before Jesus begins his public ministry: 1) John the Baptist appears as the precursor of Jesus who preaches repentance; 2) the baptism of Jesus at which the Spirit descends on him and he is called the Son of God, and 3) the temptation of Jesus by Satan. Our gospel reading today encompasses the first of these 3 events.
Mark attributes the prophecy in today’s gospel to Isaiah, but it is really a combination taken from Malachi 3:1, Isaiah 40:3, and Exodus 23:20. John’s ministry is seen as a prelude to Jesus. "Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his path" is a reference to the end of the Babylonian exile and is applied to the future arrival of Jesus.
John being clothed in camel’s hair and a leather belt is reminiscent of the prophet Elijah. Jesus refers to John as Elijah who was to appear prior to the arrival of the Messiah (Mark 9:11-13, Matthew 17:10-12).
John’s food was locusts and honey. The locusts represent bitter punishment and destruction for the unbelievers, and honey represents the peace and plenty with which God blesses the faithful. These foods attest to the dual nature of the good news: the gospel brings judgment (locusts) or peace and comfort (honey) depending on how we receive the good news.
John preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Many people were going to him to be baptized while they confessed their sins. They were preparing for the Messiah, who was expected to come at any time. He knows that to be ready for the Messiah, to be able to open our hearts to his work and word, we need to recognize our sinfulness and ask God for forgiveness. Nothing is more powerful in blocking the avenues of God’s grace than unforgiven sin. Jesus begins his public ministry by saying, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel (1:14-15).” Jesus picks up on John’s theme of forgiveness, and dies and rises to pay the price for our sins so we can inherit eternal life. Through Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit a new people of God is formed
John recognizes that he is the precursor of Jesus. He never makes the claim of messiahship, but says that "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.” He recognizes that his baptism isn’t as powerful as Jesus’ : “I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Jesus puts us in touch with God to bring us to holiness. The renewal that Jesus brings is more profound that John’s baptism.
The first reading from the book of Isaiah is from a time in Israelite history when they are displaced from their homeland in Babylon and are deprived of their right to worship God as freely as they did in their homeland. Today’s reading is taken from a section of the book of Isaiah called the Book of Comfort (chapters 40-55). They are told that God is with them, is present to them, even in the midst of their suffering and struggles. Isaiah was giving them hope that God would not abandon them, but eventually they would be freed and allowed to go home. Isaiah says that the Lord will lead them and the way will be easy: “Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley.” God will lead them like a shepherd leads his flock, caring and guiding for those in his care.
The second reading is from 2 Peter, which is probably the last New Testament book written (probably in the early second century). The purpose of this book is to strengthen the faith of the believers while they wait for the second coming of Christ. Many false teachers point to the fact that Jesus hasn’t returned yet as proof that he never will. The book argues that human calendars are irrelevant when it comes to God: “One day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day.” The world will be dissolved by fire (the only instance in the New Testament of the end times described in this way) which is also part of Greco Roman literature and Jewish apocalyptic literature. The author is trying to tell us that the Lord will appear in glory at the end of time and all of creation will be transformed. We are to prepare for this transformation by committing ourselves to living Gospel values in our lives.
Fr. Phil
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #65
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 27, 2011
READING 1
IS 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7
You, LORD, are our father,
our redeemer you are named forever.
Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways,
and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?
Return for the sake of your servants,
the tribes of your heritage.
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,
with the mountains quaking before you,
while you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for,
such as they had not heard of from of old.
No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you
doing such deeds for those who wait for him.
Would that you might meet us doing right,
that we were mindful of you in our ways!
Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful;
all of us have become like unclean people,
all our good deeds are like polluted rags;
we have all withered like leaves,
and our guilt carries us away like the wind.
There is none who calls upon your name,
who rouses himself to cling to you;
for you have hidden your face from us
and have delivered us up to our guilt.
Yet, O LORD, you are our father;
we are the clay and you the potter:
we are all the work of your hands.
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 COR 1:3-9
Brothers and sisters:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always on your account
for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL MK 13:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'"
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
We begin the season of Advent this weekend and I would like to share the following with you.
ADVENT
Human beings cannot live without hope. Unlike the animals, we are blessed - or cursed - with the ability to think about the future and to fear our actions to shaping it. So essential is this to human life that human beings cannot live without hope, without something to live for, without something to look forward to. To be without hope, to have nothing to live for, is to surrender to death in despair. But we can find all sorts of things to live for and we can hope for almost anything: for some measure of success or security or for the realization of some more or less modest ambition; for our children, that they might be saved from our mistakes and sufferings and find a better life than we have known; for a better world, throwing ourselves into politics or medicine or technology so that future generations might be better off. Not all these forms of hope are selfish; indeed, they have given dignity and purpose to the lives of countless generations.
But one of the reasons why we read the Old Testament during Advent is to learn what to hope for. The people of the Old Testament had the courage to hope for big things: that the desert would be turned into fertile land; that their scattered and divided people would eventually be gathered again; that the blind would see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, that not only their own people, but all the peoples of the earth, would be united in the blessings of everlasting peace. Clearly, their hopes were no different from ours or from any human being’s lasting peace, tranquil lives, sufficiency of food, and an end to suffering, pain and misery.
Thus we hope for the same things as the Old Testament people, for their hopes are not yet realized. But we differ from them in two ways. First, the coming of Jesus in history, as a partial fulfillment of God’s promises, immeasurably confirms and strengthens our hope. Secondly, we differ from the Old Testament people because Jesus has revealed to us that God is not afar off, but is already in our midst. Hence the importance in the Advent liturgy of John the Baptist and of Mary: because they recognized the new situation, they serve as models for the Church in discerning the presence of our Savior in the world.
(Taken from “The Spirit of Advent,” Mark Searle, in Assembly, Volume 7:1, Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, Notre Dame Indiana, as reprinted in The Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and Celebration of the Eucharist 2012 for the Archdiocese of Newark and the Dioceses of Camden, Metuchen, Paterson, and Trenton).
We also begin a new gospel this week. We will be using the Gospel of Mark for the coming liturgical year, with the Gospel of John used occasionally, such as the Passion on Good Friday.
Today’s gospel comes from a longer section (Mark 13:1-37) called the “Little Apocalypse.” The “Great Apocalypse” is the Book of Revelation. It is also called the “Synoptic Apocalypse” because versions of this gospel appear in Matthew 24-25 and Luke 21.
These 37 verses talk about apocalyptic events, which are mysteries of the future and of the heavenly realm. Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple, and the disciples ask Jesus when this will happen and what signs will there be when these things happen. Jesus takes the discourse to an eschatological level; he begins talking about the end times. He warns them not to believe the false prophets who come in his name (we’ve seen many of those, and some recently).
He talks about the persecution of the faithful, that the faithful will be hated by all because of Jesus. Then there will be a desolating abomination (a dramatic sacrilege) of some kind of religious site. Then there will be such tribulation as never seen before, and before all is lost, the son of Man will appear again.
Jesus exhorts them (and us) to be faithful through all kinds of trial and trouble; if we do, we will gain the crown of eternal life. We are to keep watch because only the Father knows when all this will happen.
We can look at the coming of the Son of Man in 3 different ways. The first, and most obvious, is the Second Coming, otherwise known as the parousia or the eschaton (from which the word eschatology is derived). Shortly after Jesus death and resurrection (the time of the Apostles) most people thought that Jesus would return shortly, at least in their lifetimes. Encouraging people to be aware for this event would make a large impact and be influential in their lives. It’s been 2,000 years since that time. And it is the eschaton is not much of a motivating factor nowadays.
The second way we can look at it is meeting Jesus at our death. That’s not much of a motivating factor unless you have a serous illness or are elderly. It will happen to all of us, but we tend not to think about our death or dwell on its’ consequences.
The third way we can look at it is that Jesus wants to be a part of our lives; he wants to come into our heart everyday. He wants us to be prepared to receive him in the myriad of ways he comes to us: through prayer, sacraments, scripture, good works, to name a few. If we prepare ourselves in this way, then the first two don’t matter.
Fr. Phil
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
November 27, 2011
READING 1
IS 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7
You, LORD, are our father,
our redeemer you are named forever.
Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways,
and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?
Return for the sake of your servants,
the tribes of your heritage.
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,
with the mountains quaking before you,
while you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for,
such as they had not heard of from of old.
No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you
doing such deeds for those who wait for him.
Would that you might meet us doing right,
that we were mindful of you in our ways!
Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful;
all of us have become like unclean people,
all our good deeds are like polluted rags;
we have all withered like leaves,
and our guilt carries us away like the wind.
There is none who calls upon your name,
who rouses himself to cling to you;
for you have hidden your face from us
and have delivered us up to our guilt.
Yet, O LORD, you are our father;
we are the clay and you the potter:
we are all the work of your hands.
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 COR 1:3-9
Brothers and sisters:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always on your account
for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL MK 13:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'"
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
We begin the season of Advent this weekend and I would like to share the following with you.
ADVENT
Human beings cannot live without hope. Unlike the animals, we are blessed - or cursed - with the ability to think about the future and to fear our actions to shaping it. So essential is this to human life that human beings cannot live without hope, without something to live for, without something to look forward to. To be without hope, to have nothing to live for, is to surrender to death in despair. But we can find all sorts of things to live for and we can hope for almost anything: for some measure of success or security or for the realization of some more or less modest ambition; for our children, that they might be saved from our mistakes and sufferings and find a better life than we have known; for a better world, throwing ourselves into politics or medicine or technology so that future generations might be better off. Not all these forms of hope are selfish; indeed, they have given dignity and purpose to the lives of countless generations.
But one of the reasons why we read the Old Testament during Advent is to learn what to hope for. The people of the Old Testament had the courage to hope for big things: that the desert would be turned into fertile land; that their scattered and divided people would eventually be gathered again; that the blind would see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, that not only their own people, but all the peoples of the earth, would be united in the blessings of everlasting peace. Clearly, their hopes were no different from ours or from any human being’s lasting peace, tranquil lives, sufficiency of food, and an end to suffering, pain and misery.
Thus we hope for the same things as the Old Testament people, for their hopes are not yet realized. But we differ from them in two ways. First, the coming of Jesus in history, as a partial fulfillment of God’s promises, immeasurably confirms and strengthens our hope. Secondly, we differ from the Old Testament people because Jesus has revealed to us that God is not afar off, but is already in our midst. Hence the importance in the Advent liturgy of John the Baptist and of Mary: because they recognized the new situation, they serve as models for the Church in discerning the presence of our Savior in the world.
(Taken from “The Spirit of Advent,” Mark Searle, in Assembly, Volume 7:1, Notre Dame Center for Liturgy, Notre Dame Indiana, as reprinted in The Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and Celebration of the Eucharist 2012 for the Archdiocese of Newark and the Dioceses of Camden, Metuchen, Paterson, and Trenton).
We also begin a new gospel this week. We will be using the Gospel of Mark for the coming liturgical year, with the Gospel of John used occasionally, such as the Passion on Good Friday.
Today’s gospel comes from a longer section (Mark 13:1-37) called the “Little Apocalypse.” The “Great Apocalypse” is the Book of Revelation. It is also called the “Synoptic Apocalypse” because versions of this gospel appear in Matthew 24-25 and Luke 21.
These 37 verses talk about apocalyptic events, which are mysteries of the future and of the heavenly realm. Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple, and the disciples ask Jesus when this will happen and what signs will there be when these things happen. Jesus takes the discourse to an eschatological level; he begins talking about the end times. He warns them not to believe the false prophets who come in his name (we’ve seen many of those, and some recently).
He talks about the persecution of the faithful, that the faithful will be hated by all because of Jesus. Then there will be a desolating abomination (a dramatic sacrilege) of some kind of religious site. Then there will be such tribulation as never seen before, and before all is lost, the son of Man will appear again.
Jesus exhorts them (and us) to be faithful through all kinds of trial and trouble; if we do, we will gain the crown of eternal life. We are to keep watch because only the Father knows when all this will happen.
We can look at the coming of the Son of Man in 3 different ways. The first, and most obvious, is the Second Coming, otherwise known as the parousia or the eschaton (from which the word eschatology is derived). Shortly after Jesus death and resurrection (the time of the Apostles) most people thought that Jesus would return shortly, at least in their lifetimes. Encouraging people to be aware for this event would make a large impact and be influential in their lives. It’s been 2,000 years since that time. And it is the eschaton is not much of a motivating factor nowadays.
The second way we can look at it is meeting Jesus at our death. That’s not much of a motivating factor unless you have a serous illness or are elderly. It will happen to all of us, but we tend not to think about our death or dwell on its’ consequences.
The third way we can look at it is that Jesus wants to be a part of our lives; he wants to come into our heart everyday. He wants us to be prepared to receive him in the myriad of ways he comes to us: through prayer, sacraments, scripture, good works, to name a few. If we prepare ourselves in this way, then the first two don’t matter.
Fr. Phil
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #64
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ The King
November 20, 2011
READING 1
EZ 34:11-12, 15-17
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I myself will look after and tend my sheep.
As a shepherd tends his flock
when he finds himself among his scattered sheep,
so will I tend my sheep.
I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered
when it was cloudy and dark.
I myself will pasture my sheep;
I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD.
The lost I will seek out,
the strayed I will bring back,
the injured I will bind up,
the sick I will heal,
but the sleek and the strong I will destroy,
shepherding them rightly.
As for you, my sheep, says the Lord GOD,
I will judge between one sheep and another,
between rams and goats.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 COR 15:20-26, 28
Brothers and sisters:
Christ has been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since death came through man,
the resurrection of the dead came also through man.
For just as in Adam all die,
so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,
but each one in proper order:
Christ the firstfruits;
then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;
then comes the end,
when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father,
when he has destroyed every sovereignty
and every authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
When everything is subjected to him,
then the Son himself will also be subjected
to the one who subjected everything to him,
so that God may be all in all.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
MT 25:31-46
Jesus said to his disciples:
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory,
and all the angels with him,
he will sit upon his glorious throne,
and all the nations will be assembled before him.
And he will separate them one from another,
as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right,
'Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me,
ill and you cared for me,
in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteous will answer him and say,
'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you,
or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply,
'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did
for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left,
'Depart from me, you accursed,
into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me no food,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
a stranger and you gave me no welcome,
naked and you gave me no clothing,
ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.'
Then they will answer and say,
'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty
or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison,
and not minister to your needs?'
He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you,
what you did not do for one of these least ones,
you did not do for me.'
And these will go off to eternal punishment,
but the righteous to eternal life."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
We have one of the most famous judgment scenes in scripture this week. This passage comes after three parables telling us that we need to prepare ourselves
for the coming of the Son of Man. The first parable is called the “Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant” in which a servant is admonished to be about his masters business while the master is away or pay the consequences.
The second parable, which we heard two weeks ago, is called the “Parable of the Ten Virgins” in which 5 were prepared for the masters’ return and 5 were not. The ones prepared enter the wedding feast (eternal life) while the others are left outside.
The third parable, which we heard last week, is called the “Parable of the Talents”, a more specific parable telling us to use our God given abilities for the building up of the kingdom, or be thrown “into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
This weeks gospel, while not strictly a parable, is called ‘The Judgment of the Nations” and is more specific than the previous 3 parables concerning our actions while we await the second coming of Christ.
No matter what else we do in our attempt to follow Jesus, we are required to help those in need. While not an exhaustive list, we are required to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome to the stranger, clothe the naked, care for those who are ill, and visit those in prison. In other words, we are to offer to our help to anyone who is in need.
In the face of the overwhelming needs in our society and our world, it is easy to throw up our hands and give up, wondering what difference our little contribution can make.
We are not called to solve the world’s ills; that is Jesus’ job at the Second Coming. We are required to do what we can in the concrete, every day world to help those in need. Some examples: monetary donations to a charity, giving clothes to a shelter; giving food to a food bank; visiting those ill in the hospital or at home; listening to those who need to talk about their problems, struggles, dreams, or aspirations.
When we do this, we are acknowledging peoples needs, which gives them the dignity and respect they deserve. Using our time, talent and treasure to assist those in need won’t solve all their problems, but it says to them that they are important and deserving of our help. I think that giving someone dignity and respect is one of the best things we can do for them.
Jesus gives us a dire warning in this gospel. While helping those in need is a requirement for eternal life, it is not the only requirement for eternal life: prayer and sacraments, for example, would be 2 others. But, as Jesus says, not helping those in need can certainly eliminate us from eternal life.
In the first reading from Ezekiel, we are at a time when Israel is in the Babylonian captivity, some time after 587 B.C. Some of Israel’s kings have been good kings, but many have not. Most people have lost faith in the monarchy; most of the kings did not serve the people, but themselves. The kings did not “strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind the injured” (Ez 34:4). Much of Israel’s problems can be attributed to poor leadership: “So they were scattered for lack of a shepherd” (Ez 34:5). But our loving God will not abandon his people but “I myself will look after and tend my sheep. As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep” (Ez 34:11). This is a great message of hope in time of great difficulty.
In the second reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the issue of resurrection and eternal life. In 15:12, some say that there is no afterlife. Paul says that if Christ has not been raised from the dead, then our faith is in vain (15:14). Paul is very adamant that Jesus was raised from the dead, and that there is life after death.
On this Solemnity of Christ the King, we are called to become good shepherds in imitation of the Good Shepherd by being a king like Jesus: one who serves others. We are called to witness to what we believe by what we say and do. We are called to be people of prayer and sacraments so that we build up our relationship to the Lord and have the strength and grace to live like disciples. We are called to serve the needs of others humbly and without any fanfare. If we try our best to be the best disciples we can every day, then when it is our time to leave this life and enter the next, we will hear Jesus say to us, “'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. “
Fr. Phil
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ The King
November 20, 2011
READING 1
EZ 34:11-12, 15-17
Thus says the Lord GOD:
I myself will look after and tend my sheep.
As a shepherd tends his flock
when he finds himself among his scattered sheep,
so will I tend my sheep.
I will rescue them from every place where they were scattered
when it was cloudy and dark.
I myself will pasture my sheep;
I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD.
The lost I will seek out,
the strayed I will bring back,
the injured I will bind up,
the sick I will heal,
but the sleek and the strong I will destroy,
shepherding them rightly.
As for you, my sheep, says the Lord GOD,
I will judge between one sheep and another,
between rams and goats.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 COR 15:20-26, 28
Brothers and sisters:
Christ has been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since death came through man,
the resurrection of the dead came also through man.
For just as in Adam all die,
so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,
but each one in proper order:
Christ the firstfruits;
then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;
then comes the end,
when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father,
when he has destroyed every sovereignty
and every authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
When everything is subjected to him,
then the Son himself will also be subjected
to the one who subjected everything to him,
so that God may be all in all.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
MT 25:31-46
Jesus said to his disciples:
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory,
and all the angels with him,
he will sit upon his glorious throne,
and all the nations will be assembled before him.
And he will separate them one from another,
as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
Then the king will say to those on his right,
'Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me,
ill and you cared for me,
in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteous will answer him and say,
'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you,
or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply,
'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did
for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Then he will say to those on his left,
'Depart from me, you accursed,
into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
For I was hungry and you gave me no food,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
a stranger and you gave me no welcome,
naked and you gave me no clothing,
ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.'
Then they will answer and say,
'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty
or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison,
and not minister to your needs?'
He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you,
what you did not do for one of these least ones,
you did not do for me.'
And these will go off to eternal punishment,
but the righteous to eternal life."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
We have one of the most famous judgment scenes in scripture this week. This passage comes after three parables telling us that we need to prepare ourselves
for the coming of the Son of Man. The first parable is called the “Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant” in which a servant is admonished to be about his masters business while the master is away or pay the consequences.
The second parable, which we heard two weeks ago, is called the “Parable of the Ten Virgins” in which 5 were prepared for the masters’ return and 5 were not. The ones prepared enter the wedding feast (eternal life) while the others are left outside.
The third parable, which we heard last week, is called the “Parable of the Talents”, a more specific parable telling us to use our God given abilities for the building up of the kingdom, or be thrown “into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
This weeks gospel, while not strictly a parable, is called ‘The Judgment of the Nations” and is more specific than the previous 3 parables concerning our actions while we await the second coming of Christ.
No matter what else we do in our attempt to follow Jesus, we are required to help those in need. While not an exhaustive list, we are required to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome to the stranger, clothe the naked, care for those who are ill, and visit those in prison. In other words, we are to offer to our help to anyone who is in need.
In the face of the overwhelming needs in our society and our world, it is easy to throw up our hands and give up, wondering what difference our little contribution can make.
We are not called to solve the world’s ills; that is Jesus’ job at the Second Coming. We are required to do what we can in the concrete, every day world to help those in need. Some examples: monetary donations to a charity, giving clothes to a shelter; giving food to a food bank; visiting those ill in the hospital or at home; listening to those who need to talk about their problems, struggles, dreams, or aspirations.
When we do this, we are acknowledging peoples needs, which gives them the dignity and respect they deserve. Using our time, talent and treasure to assist those in need won’t solve all their problems, but it says to them that they are important and deserving of our help. I think that giving someone dignity and respect is one of the best things we can do for them.
Jesus gives us a dire warning in this gospel. While helping those in need is a requirement for eternal life, it is not the only requirement for eternal life: prayer and sacraments, for example, would be 2 others. But, as Jesus says, not helping those in need can certainly eliminate us from eternal life.
In the first reading from Ezekiel, we are at a time when Israel is in the Babylonian captivity, some time after 587 B.C. Some of Israel’s kings have been good kings, but many have not. Most people have lost faith in the monarchy; most of the kings did not serve the people, but themselves. The kings did not “strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind the injured” (Ez 34:4). Much of Israel’s problems can be attributed to poor leadership: “So they were scattered for lack of a shepherd” (Ez 34:5). But our loving God will not abandon his people but “I myself will look after and tend my sheep. As a shepherd tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep” (Ez 34:11). This is a great message of hope in time of great difficulty.
In the second reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the issue of resurrection and eternal life. In 15:12, some say that there is no afterlife. Paul says that if Christ has not been raised from the dead, then our faith is in vain (15:14). Paul is very adamant that Jesus was raised from the dead, and that there is life after death.
On this Solemnity of Christ the King, we are called to become good shepherds in imitation of the Good Shepherd by being a king like Jesus: one who serves others. We are called to witness to what we believe by what we say and do. We are called to be people of prayer and sacraments so that we build up our relationship to the Lord and have the strength and grace to live like disciples. We are called to serve the needs of others humbly and without any fanfare. If we try our best to be the best disciples we can every day, then when it is our time to leave this life and enter the next, we will hear Jesus say to us, “'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. “
Fr. Phil
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #63
THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
November 13, 2011
Reading 1
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
When one finds a worthy wife,
her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,
has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil,
all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax
and works with loving hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor,
and extends her arms to the needy.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward for her labors,
and let her works praise her at the city gates.
The Word of the Lord
Reading 2
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters,
you have no need for anything to be written to you.
For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come
like a thief at night.
When people are saying, "Peace and security, "
then sudden disaster comes upon them,
like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,
and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness,
for that day to overtake you like a thief.
For all of you are children of the light
and children of the day.
We are not of the night or of darkness.
Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do,
but let us stay alert and sober.
The Word of the Lord
Gospel
Matthew 25:14-30
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,
and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground
and buried his master's money.
After a long time
the master of those servants came back
and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward
bringing the additional five.
He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,
'Master, you gave me two talents.
See, I have made two more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,
'Master, I knew you were a demanding person,
harvesting where you did not plant
and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.
Here it is back.'
His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant!
So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant
and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank
so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has,
more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'"
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
This is the third week in a row that we have heard a parable about the proper attitude and behavior we need to have while awaiting the second coming of Jesus Christ. We are told that we need to act responsibly; the emphasis is on positive action as opposed to being fearful, lazy, and inactive.
A man is leaving on a journey and he gives away ‘talents’; this was a very large sum of money. The first man got 5 talents, the second 2, and the third received one talent. It is hard to calculate the exact amount of a talent, but one commentator said it was equivalent to 15 years of wages. The point is not to have an exact sum, but to know that it was a very large sum. Each got according to his own ability, which is where talents became known as the gifts and abilities given to each one of us.
One thing to note is that our abilities and talents are gifts from God, something for which we should give thanks to God. We didn’t acquire these gifts ourselves; they were given to us when God created us.
Two of the men used their talents responsibly - the one with 5 talents invested it and earned 5 more talents, and the second man took his 2 talents and made 2 more. The third man, however, just buried his talent in the ground.
The master goes on a journey and has great trust in these three men. He is not there to supervise, correct, or lead. He leaves them on their own to use their talents as they see fit.
When the master returns, the first 2 men are rewarded: they are called good and faithful servants for using their talents to the best of their abilities. There are 2 things to note here: 1) the more talent you have, the more is expected of you. Therefore, do not be jealous of talented people – the bar is set higher for them; 2) the Lord doesn’t expect you to return more than you are capable of; he didn’t expect the man with 2 talents to return an additional 5, but he did expect him to return 2 talents. Conversely, the man with 5 talents was expected to return 5 – 2 would not be good enough.
The third man is called ‘wicked and lazy’ because he buried his talent. He didn’t use his talent according to the masters’ wishes. He was fearful of not being successful, which the master considers wicked and lazy. This man reminds me of the person who is a taker and not a giver. He is the one who doesn’t contribute to the build up of the community but desires all the benefits of the community. He is the one who doesn’t do anything bad, but he doesn’t do much good either.
The first 2 share their master’s joy. Using your talents for the betterment of the community is joyful. The master blesses us with his grace and peace. This is the basis for the statement “Virtue is its’ own reward.” The more we use our talents the more we are blessed by God. These people never have to wonder where God is, because they always feel his presence. Those who bury their talents are the ones (at least in my experience) who usually complain about the lack of God’s presence in their lives.
There is also an eschatological (end time) dimension in this passage. The return of the man on the journey reminds of Jesus return at the end of time. We will be judged on how we used the gifts and talents given to us by God, and will be rewarded or punished accordingly. We will see this theme next week when the gospel is Matthew 25:31-46.
The first reading from Proverbs is an example of someone using her gifts and talents. By her very nature she blesses those around her and reaches out to the poor and needy because she is a faithful person who has God in her life. Her value is far beyond pearls and those who know her fall in love with her. Have you known anyone like that? Don’t you like to be with them? Don’t they inspire you?
The second reading has a similar theme to the gospel: be prepared for the coming of the Lord, which will come like a thief in the night. We don’t know when, but we need to be prepared by living the Christian life, using our gifts and talents for the building up of the kingdom.
The following story is from one of my homily sources and is called “Fulfilling Your Calling”
An anonymous writer has said, "My small son and I were taking a walk. In the far corner of the field we found a small patch of beautiful and fragrant flowers. They were in the middle of weeds, almost completely hidden and unnoticed, yet these flowers were blooming in full beauty and we sensed their fresh fragrance. All of us have met persons unnoticed by many, but who in the middle of struggle and unlikely surroundings far from the center of attention live lives of beauty and fragrance. And living lives which seemed obscure they faithfully fulfilled God's calling for them. God's question on the last day will not be, 'How much were you noticed?' or even 'How much did you do?' Rather, his question will be, 'Were you faithful in fulfilling your calling where I placed you?' "
Peter J. Blackburn, Using What We Have
Here is another story from another homily source called ‘Connections’ that I like and want to share with you:
“Life in the garden
They had a lived a good life together, these 39 years. But it would soon send. The doctors said his esophageal cancer was inoperable - nine months, maybe a year. So what would he like to do with the time that's left?
"I'd like to have a garden."
"That would be nice," she said vaguely, surprised, since he had never shown the slightest interest in growing anything. Maybe a few tomato plants in a bucket on the deck, she assumed.
But she came home a few days later to find their yard filled with workers, boards, dirt and a Bobcat - and a 20-by-30-foot raised garden. He was sitting in a chair, watching, talking, laughing. He had told some friends what he wanted to do and they happily signed on to make it happen. He tried paying for the materials, but the guys wouldn't hear of it. She kept thanking them and telling them they were amazing. When they left, she turned to him and said, "Have we met? You don't garden. I don't garden. This thing is gigantic - what are we going to do with it?"
"I think it will bring people together," he said.
Soon he was too weak to sit by his garden - nine months was now optimistic, doctors said. Their friends, who didn't want to tire him or ask how he was doing, came and worked in the garden instead. They planted and hoed and watered and weeded.
He died a few weeks later, but his garden had already yielded strawberries and lettuce. The first fruits of his garden were shared at the luncheon after his funeral.
All summer the garden became the focus of everyone who knew and loved him. It produced more vegetables than anyone knew what to do with. People came to remember him, share stories and memories, cry together - and weed. The garden couldn't cure anything or heal the loss or loneliness, but it gave everyone something to do. His wish for his garden was realized: it brought people together.
He had said to his wife just before she died, "I don't want this to become a memorial garden after I'm gone. Just enjoy it. Have an eggplant on me."
[Adapted from "Life in the garden" by Joan Wickersham, The Boston Globe, September 23, 2011.]
In his ability to marshal friends and loved ones to plant a garden, a dying man creates a place of consolation and peace for those he will leave behind. A talent for bringing folks together enables another talent for planting to be realized; a desire to bring comfort to the dying results in a harvest that gives hope to the soul and sustenance to the body. In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us to commit whatever talents, strengths and resources we have, to use whatever wealth we possess, to bring the hope and peace of the kingdom of God into our hurting and desperate world. Jesus teaches that our place in the reign of God will depend on our stewardship of those talents God has given us: whether we "bury" them in fear or selfishness or use them readily to reveal God in our midst.”
I know that many of you live these gospel values in your life already; I’ve seen countless examples in the time since the hurricane and flooding occurred. Keep up the good work, all you good and faithful servants.
Fr. Phil
THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
November 13, 2011
Reading 1
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
When one finds a worthy wife,
her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,
has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil,
all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax
and works with loving hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor,
and extends her arms to the needy.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;
the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her a reward for her labors,
and let her works praise her at the city gates.
The Word of the Lord
Reading 2
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters,
you have no need for anything to be written to you.
For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come
like a thief at night.
When people are saying, "Peace and security, "
then sudden disaster comes upon them,
like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,
and they will not escape.
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness,
for that day to overtake you like a thief.
For all of you are children of the light
and children of the day.
We are not of the night or of darkness.
Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do,
but let us stay alert and sober.
The Word of the Lord
Gospel
Matthew 25:14-30
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"A man going on a journey
called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.
To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one--
to each according to his ability.
Then he went away.
Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,
and made another five.
Likewise, the one who received two made another two.
But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground
and buried his master's money.
After a long time
the master of those servants came back
and settled accounts with them.
The one who had received five talents came forward
bringing the additional five.
He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents.
See, I have made five more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,
'Master, you gave me two talents.
See, I have made two more.'
His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities.
Come, share your master's joy.'
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,
'Master, I knew you were a demanding person,
harvesting where you did not plant
and gathering where you did not scatter;
so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.
Here it is back.'
His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant!
So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant
and gather where I did not scatter?
Should you not then have put my money in the bank
so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?
Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.
For to everyone who has,
more will be given and he will grow rich;
but from the one who has not,
even what he has will be taken away.
And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'"
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
This is the third week in a row that we have heard a parable about the proper attitude and behavior we need to have while awaiting the second coming of Jesus Christ. We are told that we need to act responsibly; the emphasis is on positive action as opposed to being fearful, lazy, and inactive.
A man is leaving on a journey and he gives away ‘talents’; this was a very large sum of money. The first man got 5 talents, the second 2, and the third received one talent. It is hard to calculate the exact amount of a talent, but one commentator said it was equivalent to 15 years of wages. The point is not to have an exact sum, but to know that it was a very large sum. Each got according to his own ability, which is where talents became known as the gifts and abilities given to each one of us.
One thing to note is that our abilities and talents are gifts from God, something for which we should give thanks to God. We didn’t acquire these gifts ourselves; they were given to us when God created us.
Two of the men used their talents responsibly - the one with 5 talents invested it and earned 5 more talents, and the second man took his 2 talents and made 2 more. The third man, however, just buried his talent in the ground.
The master goes on a journey and has great trust in these three men. He is not there to supervise, correct, or lead. He leaves them on their own to use their talents as they see fit.
When the master returns, the first 2 men are rewarded: they are called good and faithful servants for using their talents to the best of their abilities. There are 2 things to note here: 1) the more talent you have, the more is expected of you. Therefore, do not be jealous of talented people – the bar is set higher for them; 2) the Lord doesn’t expect you to return more than you are capable of; he didn’t expect the man with 2 talents to return an additional 5, but he did expect him to return 2 talents. Conversely, the man with 5 talents was expected to return 5 – 2 would not be good enough.
The third man is called ‘wicked and lazy’ because he buried his talent. He didn’t use his talent according to the masters’ wishes. He was fearful of not being successful, which the master considers wicked and lazy. This man reminds me of the person who is a taker and not a giver. He is the one who doesn’t contribute to the build up of the community but desires all the benefits of the community. He is the one who doesn’t do anything bad, but he doesn’t do much good either.
The first 2 share their master’s joy. Using your talents for the betterment of the community is joyful. The master blesses us with his grace and peace. This is the basis for the statement “Virtue is its’ own reward.” The more we use our talents the more we are blessed by God. These people never have to wonder where God is, because they always feel his presence. Those who bury their talents are the ones (at least in my experience) who usually complain about the lack of God’s presence in their lives.
There is also an eschatological (end time) dimension in this passage. The return of the man on the journey reminds of Jesus return at the end of time. We will be judged on how we used the gifts and talents given to us by God, and will be rewarded or punished accordingly. We will see this theme next week when the gospel is Matthew 25:31-46.
The first reading from Proverbs is an example of someone using her gifts and talents. By her very nature she blesses those around her and reaches out to the poor and needy because she is a faithful person who has God in her life. Her value is far beyond pearls and those who know her fall in love with her. Have you known anyone like that? Don’t you like to be with them? Don’t they inspire you?
The second reading has a similar theme to the gospel: be prepared for the coming of the Lord, which will come like a thief in the night. We don’t know when, but we need to be prepared by living the Christian life, using our gifts and talents for the building up of the kingdom.
The following story is from one of my homily sources and is called “Fulfilling Your Calling”
An anonymous writer has said, "My small son and I were taking a walk. In the far corner of the field we found a small patch of beautiful and fragrant flowers. They were in the middle of weeds, almost completely hidden and unnoticed, yet these flowers were blooming in full beauty and we sensed their fresh fragrance. All of us have met persons unnoticed by many, but who in the middle of struggle and unlikely surroundings far from the center of attention live lives of beauty and fragrance. And living lives which seemed obscure they faithfully fulfilled God's calling for them. God's question on the last day will not be, 'How much were you noticed?' or even 'How much did you do?' Rather, his question will be, 'Were you faithful in fulfilling your calling where I placed you?' "
Peter J. Blackburn, Using What We Have
Here is another story from another homily source called ‘Connections’ that I like and want to share with you:
“Life in the garden
They had a lived a good life together, these 39 years. But it would soon send. The doctors said his esophageal cancer was inoperable - nine months, maybe a year. So what would he like to do with the time that's left?
"I'd like to have a garden."
"That would be nice," she said vaguely, surprised, since he had never shown the slightest interest in growing anything. Maybe a few tomato plants in a bucket on the deck, she assumed.
But she came home a few days later to find their yard filled with workers, boards, dirt and a Bobcat - and a 20-by-30-foot raised garden. He was sitting in a chair, watching, talking, laughing. He had told some friends what he wanted to do and they happily signed on to make it happen. He tried paying for the materials, but the guys wouldn't hear of it. She kept thanking them and telling them they were amazing. When they left, she turned to him and said, "Have we met? You don't garden. I don't garden. This thing is gigantic - what are we going to do with it?"
"I think it will bring people together," he said.
Soon he was too weak to sit by his garden - nine months was now optimistic, doctors said. Their friends, who didn't want to tire him or ask how he was doing, came and worked in the garden instead. They planted and hoed and watered and weeded.
He died a few weeks later, but his garden had already yielded strawberries and lettuce. The first fruits of his garden were shared at the luncheon after his funeral.
All summer the garden became the focus of everyone who knew and loved him. It produced more vegetables than anyone knew what to do with. People came to remember him, share stories and memories, cry together - and weed. The garden couldn't cure anything or heal the loss or loneliness, but it gave everyone something to do. His wish for his garden was realized: it brought people together.
He had said to his wife just before she died, "I don't want this to become a memorial garden after I'm gone. Just enjoy it. Have an eggplant on me."
[Adapted from "Life in the garden" by Joan Wickersham, The Boston Globe, September 23, 2011.]
In his ability to marshal friends and loved ones to plant a garden, a dying man creates a place of consolation and peace for those he will leave behind. A talent for bringing folks together enables another talent for planting to be realized; a desire to bring comfort to the dying results in a harvest that gives hope to the soul and sustenance to the body. In today's Gospel, Jesus challenges us to commit whatever talents, strengths and resources we have, to use whatever wealth we possess, to bring the hope and peace of the kingdom of God into our hurting and desperate world. Jesus teaches that our place in the reign of God will depend on our stewardship of those talents God has given us: whether we "bury" them in fear or selfishness or use them readily to reveal God in our midst.”
I know that many of you live these gospel values in your life already; I’ve seen countless examples in the time since the hurricane and flooding occurred. Keep up the good work, all you good and faithful servants.
Fr. Phil
Thursday, October 27, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #61
THIRTY FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
October 30, 2011
READING 1
MAL 1:14B-2:2B, 8-10
A great King am I, says the LORD of hosts,
and my name will be feared among the nations.
And now, O priests, this commandment is for you:
If you do not listen,
if you do not lay it to heart,
to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts,
I will send a curse upon you
and of your blessing I will make a curse.
You have turned aside from the way,
and have caused many to falter by your instruction;
you have made void the covenant of Levi,
says the LORD of hosts.
I, therefore, have made you contemptible
and base before all the people,
since you do not keep my ways,
but show partiality in your decisions.
Have we not all the one father?
Has not the one God created us?
Why then do we break faith with one another,
violating the covenant of our fathers?
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 THES 2:7B-9, 13
Brothers and sisters:
We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children.
With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you
not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well,
so dearly beloved had you become to us.
You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery.
Working night and day in order not to burden any of you,
we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly,
that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us,
you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God,
which is now at work in you who believe.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
MT 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
"The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people's shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'
As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master';
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Jesus is again embroiled in controversy with his religious opponents, namely the scribes and Pharisees, who are involved in the day to day governance of the Jewish community. In the passion narratives, Jesus religious opposition are the chief priests and elders. Authority in the community was passed from this second group to the first after the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, another reason why this gospel was written after this date.
The chair of Moses refers to the teaching and ruling authority of the scribes and Pharisees. Every bishop in our church has his own chair (called a cathedra, located in the diocesan cathedral) that functions the same way: it is a symbol of his authority to teach, govern, and sanctify. The Pope has his own chair, and when he issues a statement ‘ex cathedra’ (from the chair), it has binding power – it is something we must believe.
Jesus then recognizes the authority of the scribes and Pharisees. He is not trying to usurp their power but to influence their thoughts and actions. Their teachings are to be followed, but not their example. The people would be illiterate and unable to read, and therefore dependent on the scribes and Pharisees for the reading and interpretation of scripture.
Jesus’ main criticism and the main theme of today’s gospel is “For they preach but they do not practice.” In other words, Jesus is accusing the scribes and Pharisees of being hypocrites.
Some examples of this hypocrisy are:
1. “They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.” There were 613 laws to memorize and follow, quite a burden for illiterate people who were just trying to survive. People were living in the edge, they were mostly poor, and worked long hours. Following these laws could be quite a burden, especially the purity laws, tithing, and sabbath observance.
2. “All their works are performed to be seen.” Instead of doing things because they needed to be done, they want others to see them and be given credit for their good works. This is common in all ages. People will donate money to help the church, but they want to be acknowledged so everyone knows about their generosity.
3. Phylacteries and tassels are identifying symbols scribes and Pharisees use to impress other people with their piety.
4. “Places of honor at banquets” – expecting this type of treatment is an excessive interest in status and show. Invited by your host to sit in a place of honor is one thing; it is another to expect or demand a place of honor.
5. When we have a title, like Rabbi (teacher), Father (used for elders), Masters (guide and teacher) can be a source of “I” strain. Having a title that is earned is one thing; using your title to impress other pe0ople and build your ego is another.
The problem here is not only hypocrisy, but attitude. Why do we do the things we do? For example, many people nowadays wear symbols identifying them as catholics, but it doesn’t mean that they are hypocrites, just that they are witnessing to their faith; although it is possible that some are trying to impress others with their piety. What is your reason for wearing christian symbols?
The church is apostolic times was coming from a Jewish background of heirarchically structured roles and the new christian community was trying something new. Everything was shared in common, there was no hierarchy, no titles, with all members participating fully and equally in the new community with one master, that is, Christ.
It didn’t take too long, however, for hierarchy, structure, and titles to emerge in the church, as early as apostolic times. For example, the qualifications for bishops and deacons are listed in 1 Timothy 3: 1-13.
I don’t have any problem with hierarchy, structure and titles. These things are necessary for the orderly operation of any organization, including the church. I don’t relish the idea of making decisions by consensus because then we end up with the something everyone agrees on, usually the lowest common denominator but not always the correct decision. I think someone needs to be in charge. Structure is formed by leadership and we believe that Christ guides the Church. Titles are used to identify roles and responsibilities.
The problem is not hierarchy, structure, or titles. The problem is lack of humility and an attitude of privilege. The gospel says, “The greatest among you must be your servant.” Jesus was a servant who did not look, and actually shunned, power and privilege. While there are leaders who fit this ideal, we all know there are those who don’t.
Jesus warns us, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This is a warning all those in authority (and everyone, for that matter) should paste on their bathroom mirror so they can see it everyday. When we look for earthly rewards, we shouldn’t expect heavenly ones.
The first reading from Malachi is one that all in authority should read. Malachi places the blame for the collapse of the community on the shoulders of the priests and God is not happy: “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you:
If you do not listen, if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse.” The priests are supposed to set an example for the faithful by their lives and teachings. If they fail in this way, they will suffer the consequences.
In the second reading, Paul is distinguishing himself from other prophets and false teachers who wanted payment for their work because he supported himself. He also stresses the importance of preaching the gospel with our actions as well as our words. His preaching rang true to his mode of living. Paul was well aware that it was by God’s grace that the Good News was spread, not by his own actions. We should all be so humble.
Fr. Phil
THIRTY FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
October 30, 2011
READING 1
MAL 1:14B-2:2B, 8-10
A great King am I, says the LORD of hosts,
and my name will be feared among the nations.
And now, O priests, this commandment is for you:
If you do not listen,
if you do not lay it to heart,
to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts,
I will send a curse upon you
and of your blessing I will make a curse.
You have turned aside from the way,
and have caused many to falter by your instruction;
you have made void the covenant of Levi,
says the LORD of hosts.
I, therefore, have made you contemptible
and base before all the people,
since you do not keep my ways,
but show partiality in your decisions.
Have we not all the one father?
Has not the one God created us?
Why then do we break faith with one another,
violating the covenant of our fathers?
The Word of the Lord
READING 2
1 THES 2:7B-9, 13
Brothers and sisters:
We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children.
With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you
not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well,
so dearly beloved had you become to us.
You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery.
Working night and day in order not to burden any of you,
we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly,
that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us,
you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God,
which is now at work in you who believe.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL
MT 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
"The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people's shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'
As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master';
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Jesus is again embroiled in controversy with his religious opponents, namely the scribes and Pharisees, who are involved in the day to day governance of the Jewish community. In the passion narratives, Jesus religious opposition are the chief priests and elders. Authority in the community was passed from this second group to the first after the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, another reason why this gospel was written after this date.
The chair of Moses refers to the teaching and ruling authority of the scribes and Pharisees. Every bishop in our church has his own chair (called a cathedra, located in the diocesan cathedral) that functions the same way: it is a symbol of his authority to teach, govern, and sanctify. The Pope has his own chair, and when he issues a statement ‘ex cathedra’ (from the chair), it has binding power – it is something we must believe.
Jesus then recognizes the authority of the scribes and Pharisees. He is not trying to usurp their power but to influence their thoughts and actions. Their teachings are to be followed, but not their example. The people would be illiterate and unable to read, and therefore dependent on the scribes and Pharisees for the reading and interpretation of scripture.
Jesus’ main criticism and the main theme of today’s gospel is “For they preach but they do not practice.” In other words, Jesus is accusing the scribes and Pharisees of being hypocrites.
Some examples of this hypocrisy are:
1. “They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.” There were 613 laws to memorize and follow, quite a burden for illiterate people who were just trying to survive. People were living in the edge, they were mostly poor, and worked long hours. Following these laws could be quite a burden, especially the purity laws, tithing, and sabbath observance.
2. “All their works are performed to be seen.” Instead of doing things because they needed to be done, they want others to see them and be given credit for their good works. This is common in all ages. People will donate money to help the church, but they want to be acknowledged so everyone knows about their generosity.
3. Phylacteries and tassels are identifying symbols scribes and Pharisees use to impress other people with their piety.
4. “Places of honor at banquets” – expecting this type of treatment is an excessive interest in status and show. Invited by your host to sit in a place of honor is one thing; it is another to expect or demand a place of honor.
5. When we have a title, like Rabbi (teacher), Father (used for elders), Masters (guide and teacher) can be a source of “I” strain. Having a title that is earned is one thing; using your title to impress other pe0ople and build your ego is another.
The problem here is not only hypocrisy, but attitude. Why do we do the things we do? For example, many people nowadays wear symbols identifying them as catholics, but it doesn’t mean that they are hypocrites, just that they are witnessing to their faith; although it is possible that some are trying to impress others with their piety. What is your reason for wearing christian symbols?
The church is apostolic times was coming from a Jewish background of heirarchically structured roles and the new christian community was trying something new. Everything was shared in common, there was no hierarchy, no titles, with all members participating fully and equally in the new community with one master, that is, Christ.
It didn’t take too long, however, for hierarchy, structure, and titles to emerge in the church, as early as apostolic times. For example, the qualifications for bishops and deacons are listed in 1 Timothy 3: 1-13.
I don’t have any problem with hierarchy, structure and titles. These things are necessary for the orderly operation of any organization, including the church. I don’t relish the idea of making decisions by consensus because then we end up with the something everyone agrees on, usually the lowest common denominator but not always the correct decision. I think someone needs to be in charge. Structure is formed by leadership and we believe that Christ guides the Church. Titles are used to identify roles and responsibilities.
The problem is not hierarchy, structure, or titles. The problem is lack of humility and an attitude of privilege. The gospel says, “The greatest among you must be your servant.” Jesus was a servant who did not look, and actually shunned, power and privilege. While there are leaders who fit this ideal, we all know there are those who don’t.
Jesus warns us, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This is a warning all those in authority (and everyone, for that matter) should paste on their bathroom mirror so they can see it everyday. When we look for earthly rewards, we shouldn’t expect heavenly ones.
The first reading from Malachi is one that all in authority should read. Malachi places the blame for the collapse of the community on the shoulders of the priests and God is not happy: “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you:
If you do not listen, if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse.” The priests are supposed to set an example for the faithful by their lives and teachings. If they fail in this way, they will suffer the consequences.
In the second reading, Paul is distinguishing himself from other prophets and false teachers who wanted payment for their work because he supported himself. He also stresses the importance of preaching the gospel with our actions as well as our words. His preaching rang true to his mode of living. Paul was well aware that it was by God’s grace that the Good News was spread, not by his own actions. We should all be so humble.
Fr. Phil
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #60
THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
October 23, 2011
READING 1: EX 22:20-26
Thus says the LORD:
"You shall not molest or oppress an alien,
for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.
You shall not wrong any widow or orphan.
If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me,
I will surely hear their cry.
My wrath will flare up, and I will kill you with the sword;
then your own wives will be widows, and your children orphans.
"If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people,
you shall not act like an extortioner toward him
by demanding interest from him.
If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge,
you shall return it to him before sunset;
for this cloak of his is the only covering he has for his body.
What else has he to sleep in?
If he cries out to me, I will hear him; for I am compassionate."
The Word of the Lord
READING 2: 1 THES 1:5C-10
Brothers and sisters:
You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake.
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord,
receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit,
so that you became a model for all the believers
in Macedonia and in Achaia.
For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth
not only in Macedonia and in Achaia,
but in every place your faith in God has gone forth,
so that we have no need to say anything.
For they themselves openly declare about us
what sort of reception we had among you,
and how you turned to God from idols
to serve the living and true God
and to await his Son from heaven,
whom he raised from the dead,
Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL: MT 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees,
they gathered together, and one of them,
a scholar of the law tested him by asking,
"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?"
He said to him,
"You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Today’s Gospel is known as “The Great Commandment”. The first part about loving God comes from Deuteronomy 6:5 (Jews would say this as part of their great prayer known as the Shema) and the second part about loving others is from Leviticus 19:18. So we see that these are not new commandments. Jesus puts them together and puts loving others on the same level as loving God. And we will see in the parable of the Good Samaritan that the definition of neighbor is expanded from fellow Israelites to everybody.
Having the great commandment does not negate any other laws, but puts them into perspective. Laws are something that define us, give us direction, and help us to gain an end. Law is not an end in itself. Law should direct us and support us in our quest to imitate God by loving God and each other. In other words, it’s not enough to follow the Law: we must be loving people. To paraphrase St. Paul in 1Corinthians, regardless of what we do, if we don’t love, then we are missing the point.
It is also a good way to remember what we are about – God is love, as it says in 1 John, and we should be about love also. If anyone asks what our faith is all about, tell them it is to love God and each other. It’s hard to remember all the different laws, anyway. At one point, some rabbis counted 613 commandments in the Torah (the first 5 books of the bible) – 248 positive (“you shall”) and 365 negative (“you shall not”). To put that into perspective, the Code of Canon Law in the Catholic Church has 1,752 canons (laws) and many of them are broken down into 2 or more sections. The Catechism of the Catholic Church published in 1994 has 2,865 paragraphs in 688 pages trying to define who we are as Catholics (that’s not even counting the 115 pages of appendices). How are we supposed to remember all that?
It seems to me that the Code of Canon Law and the Catechism are both specific descriptions of how we are to love. If we concentrate on building our relationship with God through prayer and sacraments, and serving each other like Jesus did, we will be following God as best we can. We can always refer to the Code and to the Catechism when we have specific questions on how we are to love.
To me, loving God means to spend time with God in prayer and sacraments. How else are we to build a relationship with God? When we want to develop a relationship with another human being, we spend time together, talk, and do things together. After awhile we have a bond with that other person that no one or nothing can break. That’s exactly how we build our relationship with God. We will develop that bond with God that will never be broken.
I think it is interesting that this commandment says not just to love others, but to love them as you love yourself. We all want to be forgiven, we all want others to treat us with love, respect and dignity, and we all want to be helped in time of need. If we want these things for ourselves, we must offer them to others; that is how this commandment defines loving each other.
Both the first and second reading tell us a little about loving each other. The first reading is picked to have a similar theme to the Gospel, but it is only a coincidence when the second readings’ theme matches the Gospel. Normally, a New Testament book is selected and we hear passages from that book for some weeks. We started with 1 Thessalonians on the 29th Sunday in Ordinary time and will continue this book until the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Aliens, widows, and orphans coming to a foreign land were very susceptible to mistreatment. Many people came to escape war and famine, or some other hardship, and many times had no one to protect them. The book of Exodus tells the people that if they wrong one of these vulnerable people, they will be in trouble with God and will be punished. They are reminded of God’s love, compassion, and mercy to them when he freed them from the land of Egypt, and were required to treat others the same way.
It was against the law to exact interest from a fellow Israelite, so lenders expected to receive a pledge from the borrower; if it was a cloak, they had to return it before sunset because the borrower would need it. We are told to be compassionate as God is compassionate.
In the second reading, we see that the people of Thessalonika had taken to heart the message of the gospel as preached by Paul and his companions, and they began to enthusiastically spread the Good News to surrounding towns with some success. They were great examples in word and deed to others. Are we great examples? Do we do anything to spread our faith?
Fr. Phil
THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
October 23, 2011
READING 1: EX 22:20-26
Thus says the LORD:
"You shall not molest or oppress an alien,
for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.
You shall not wrong any widow or orphan.
If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me,
I will surely hear their cry.
My wrath will flare up, and I will kill you with the sword;
then your own wives will be widows, and your children orphans.
"If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people,
you shall not act like an extortioner toward him
by demanding interest from him.
If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge,
you shall return it to him before sunset;
for this cloak of his is the only covering he has for his body.
What else has he to sleep in?
If he cries out to me, I will hear him; for I am compassionate."
The Word of the Lord
READING 2: 1 THES 1:5C-10
Brothers and sisters:
You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake.
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord,
receiving the word in great affliction, with joy from the Holy Spirit,
so that you became a model for all the believers
in Macedonia and in Achaia.
For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth
not only in Macedonia and in Achaia,
but in every place your faith in God has gone forth,
so that we have no need to say anything.
For they themselves openly declare about us
what sort of reception we had among you,
and how you turned to God from idols
to serve the living and true God
and to await his Son from heaven,
whom he raised from the dead,
Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL: MT 22:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees,
they gathered together, and one of them,
a scholar of the law tested him by asking,
"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?"
He said to him,
"You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
Today’s Gospel is known as “The Great Commandment”. The first part about loving God comes from Deuteronomy 6:5 (Jews would say this as part of their great prayer known as the Shema) and the second part about loving others is from Leviticus 19:18. So we see that these are not new commandments. Jesus puts them together and puts loving others on the same level as loving God. And we will see in the parable of the Good Samaritan that the definition of neighbor is expanded from fellow Israelites to everybody.
Having the great commandment does not negate any other laws, but puts them into perspective. Laws are something that define us, give us direction, and help us to gain an end. Law is not an end in itself. Law should direct us and support us in our quest to imitate God by loving God and each other. In other words, it’s not enough to follow the Law: we must be loving people. To paraphrase St. Paul in 1Corinthians, regardless of what we do, if we don’t love, then we are missing the point.
It is also a good way to remember what we are about – God is love, as it says in 1 John, and we should be about love also. If anyone asks what our faith is all about, tell them it is to love God and each other. It’s hard to remember all the different laws, anyway. At one point, some rabbis counted 613 commandments in the Torah (the first 5 books of the bible) – 248 positive (“you shall”) and 365 negative (“you shall not”). To put that into perspective, the Code of Canon Law in the Catholic Church has 1,752 canons (laws) and many of them are broken down into 2 or more sections. The Catechism of the Catholic Church published in 1994 has 2,865 paragraphs in 688 pages trying to define who we are as Catholics (that’s not even counting the 115 pages of appendices). How are we supposed to remember all that?
It seems to me that the Code of Canon Law and the Catechism are both specific descriptions of how we are to love. If we concentrate on building our relationship with God through prayer and sacraments, and serving each other like Jesus did, we will be following God as best we can. We can always refer to the Code and to the Catechism when we have specific questions on how we are to love.
To me, loving God means to spend time with God in prayer and sacraments. How else are we to build a relationship with God? When we want to develop a relationship with another human being, we spend time together, talk, and do things together. After awhile we have a bond with that other person that no one or nothing can break. That’s exactly how we build our relationship with God. We will develop that bond with God that will never be broken.
I think it is interesting that this commandment says not just to love others, but to love them as you love yourself. We all want to be forgiven, we all want others to treat us with love, respect and dignity, and we all want to be helped in time of need. If we want these things for ourselves, we must offer them to others; that is how this commandment defines loving each other.
Both the first and second reading tell us a little about loving each other. The first reading is picked to have a similar theme to the Gospel, but it is only a coincidence when the second readings’ theme matches the Gospel. Normally, a New Testament book is selected and we hear passages from that book for some weeks. We started with 1 Thessalonians on the 29th Sunday in Ordinary time and will continue this book until the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Aliens, widows, and orphans coming to a foreign land were very susceptible to mistreatment. Many people came to escape war and famine, or some other hardship, and many times had no one to protect them. The book of Exodus tells the people that if they wrong one of these vulnerable people, they will be in trouble with God and will be punished. They are reminded of God’s love, compassion, and mercy to them when he freed them from the land of Egypt, and were required to treat others the same way.
It was against the law to exact interest from a fellow Israelite, so lenders expected to receive a pledge from the borrower; if it was a cloak, they had to return it before sunset because the borrower would need it. We are told to be compassionate as God is compassionate.
In the second reading, we see that the people of Thessalonika had taken to heart the message of the gospel as preached by Paul and his companions, and they began to enthusiastically spread the Good News to surrounding towns with some success. They were great examples in word and deed to others. Are we great examples? Do we do anything to spread our faith?
Fr. Phil
Saturday, October 15, 2011
BIBLE STUDY #59
TWENTYNINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
OCTOBER 16, 2011
READING 1: IS 45:1, 4-6
Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus,
whose right hand I grasp,
subduing nations before him,
and making kings run in his service,
opening doors before him
and leaving the gates unbarred:
For the sake of Jacob, my servant,
of Israel, my chosen one,
I have called you by your name,
giving you a title, though you knew me not.
I am the LORD and there is no other,
there is no God besides me.
It is I who arm you, though you know me not,
so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun
people may know that there is none besides me.
I am the LORD, there is no other.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2: 1 THES 1:1-5B
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians
in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
grace to you and peace.
We give thanks to God always for all of you,
remembering you in our prayers,
unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love
and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ,
before our God and Father,
knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God,
how you were chosen.
For our gospel did not come to you in word alone,
but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL MT 22:15-21
The Pharisees went off
and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.
They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying,
"Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man
and that you teach the.
And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion,
for you do not regard a person's status.
Tell us, then, what is your opinion:
Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"
Knowing their malice, Jesus said,
"Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?
Show me the coin that pays the census tax."
Then they handed him the Roman coin.
He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?"
They replied, "Caesar's."
At that he said to them,
"Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
and to God what belongs to God."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
The Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus. Why? Is it because he is getting more popular than them? Do people believe more in what Jesus teaches than what they teach? Are afraid that the Romans would back Jesus and they would lose their power, never mind their job? In any case, I’d bet that they think that Jesus is pulling the people away from God.
Their intention is to discredit Jesus. They are not seeking guidance in a difficult moral situation. If he says to pay taxes, he will lose face with his own people. If he says not to pay taxes, he will be in trouble with the Romans. When they approach Jesus, there are insincere but true: He does teach the ‘way of God in accordance with the truth’ and is not concerned with the opinion of others. As we would say, Jesus is being ‘buttered up’ or schmoozed.
Jesus recognizes that for what it is and calls them hypocrites; people who say one thing but believe another; play actors.
The tax mentioned is a poll tax, imposed in A.D. 6, and levied upon men, women, and slaves from about age 12 to sixty-five. The amount was a denarius, a full day’s pay for a laborer and payable in Roman currency.
Jesus recommends that the tax be paid since the coins are the emperor’s anyway: ‘then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar’. He then redirects their thought to something that is more important ‘(repay) to God what belongs to God.’
Not only does Jesus defuse the situation, he uses it to make an invitation to become closer to God. What belongs to God? Everything! He is inviting us to give all of ourselves to God. Jesus advocates a limited position of cooperation with the emperor, but a position of full cooperation with God.
Giving to Caesar can be defined, but how about giving to God? That’s a little harder. God is love. What does it mean to love? Giving to Caesar is something that we do; giving to God is something that we are. It is a philosophy of life that guides and directs every thought and action. Are we good stewards, ready to give back to God for all that God has done for us?
In the first reading from Isaiah, we see King Cyrus described as an instrument of God’s graciousness to his people. While the Israelites were enslaved in the past by other kings and this was seen as God working in their lives, so receiving freedom through Cyrus is seen as God’s initiative. “Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp” signifies that Cyrus is doing God’s work. Instances like these make the Israelites see that there is only one God; not that God is more powerful than pagan gods, but that pagan gods don’t exist: “I am the LORD, there is no other”.
In the second reading, St. Paul is reminding us that God and Jesus are the primary agents in the Thessalonian church, as well as in our church. While Paul planted the seed of faith, and the people accepted it, it is really God who needs to be thanked for the gift of faith. Just as St. Paul prays for this church, so we must pray for one another.
Fr. Phil
TWENTYNINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
OCTOBER 16, 2011
READING 1: IS 45:1, 4-6
Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus,
whose right hand I grasp,
subduing nations before him,
and making kings run in his service,
opening doors before him
and leaving the gates unbarred:
For the sake of Jacob, my servant,
of Israel, my chosen one,
I have called you by your name,
giving you a title, though you knew me not.
I am the LORD and there is no other,
there is no God besides me.
It is I who arm you, though you know me not,
so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun
people may know that there is none besides me.
I am the LORD, there is no other.
The Word of the Lord
READING 2: 1 THES 1:1-5B
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians
in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
grace to you and peace.
We give thanks to God always for all of you,
remembering you in our prayers,
unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love
and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ,
before our God and Father,
knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God,
how you were chosen.
For our gospel did not come to you in word alone,
but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.
The Word of the Lord
GOSPEL MT 22:15-21
The Pharisees went off
and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.
They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying,
"Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man
and that you teach the.
And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion,
for you do not regard a person's status.
Tell us, then, what is your opinion:
Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"
Knowing their malice, Jesus said,
"Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?
Show me the coin that pays the census tax."
Then they handed him the Roman coin.
He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?"
They replied, "Caesar's."
At that he said to them,
"Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
and to God what belongs to God."
The Gospel of the Lord
Reflection
The Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus. Why? Is it because he is getting more popular than them? Do people believe more in what Jesus teaches than what they teach? Are afraid that the Romans would back Jesus and they would lose their power, never mind their job? In any case, I’d bet that they think that Jesus is pulling the people away from God.
Their intention is to discredit Jesus. They are not seeking guidance in a difficult moral situation. If he says to pay taxes, he will lose face with his own people. If he says not to pay taxes, he will be in trouble with the Romans. When they approach Jesus, there are insincere but true: He does teach the ‘way of God in accordance with the truth’ and is not concerned with the opinion of others. As we would say, Jesus is being ‘buttered up’ or schmoozed.
Jesus recognizes that for what it is and calls them hypocrites; people who say one thing but believe another; play actors.
The tax mentioned is a poll tax, imposed in A.D. 6, and levied upon men, women, and slaves from about age 12 to sixty-five. The amount was a denarius, a full day’s pay for a laborer and payable in Roman currency.
Jesus recommends that the tax be paid since the coins are the emperor’s anyway: ‘then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar’. He then redirects their thought to something that is more important ‘(repay) to God what belongs to God.’
Not only does Jesus defuse the situation, he uses it to make an invitation to become closer to God. What belongs to God? Everything! He is inviting us to give all of ourselves to God. Jesus advocates a limited position of cooperation with the emperor, but a position of full cooperation with God.
Giving to Caesar can be defined, but how about giving to God? That’s a little harder. God is love. What does it mean to love? Giving to Caesar is something that we do; giving to God is something that we are. It is a philosophy of life that guides and directs every thought and action. Are we good stewards, ready to give back to God for all that God has done for us?
In the first reading from Isaiah, we see King Cyrus described as an instrument of God’s graciousness to his people. While the Israelites were enslaved in the past by other kings and this was seen as God working in their lives, so receiving freedom through Cyrus is seen as God’s initiative. “Thus says the LORD to his anointed, Cyrus, whose right hand I grasp” signifies that Cyrus is doing God’s work. Instances like these make the Israelites see that there is only one God; not that God is more powerful than pagan gods, but that pagan gods don’t exist: “I am the LORD, there is no other”.
In the second reading, St. Paul is reminding us that God and Jesus are the primary agents in the Thessalonian church, as well as in our church. While Paul planted the seed of faith, and the people accepted it, it is really God who needs to be thanked for the gift of faith. Just as St. Paul prays for this church, so we must pray for one another.
Fr. Phil
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