Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
Lectionary: 492
Lectionary: 492
Beloved:
You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine,
namely, that older men should be temperate, dignified,
self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance.
Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior,
not slanderers, not addicted to drink,
teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women
to love their husbands and children,
to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers,
under the control of their husbands,
so that the word of God may not be discredited.
Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves,
showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect,
with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech
that cannot be criticized,
so that the opponent will be put to shame
without anything bad to say about us.
For 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 the great God
and of our 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.
You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine,
namely, that older men should be temperate, dignified,
self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance.
Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior,
not slanderers, not addicted to drink,
teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women
to love their husbands and children,
to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers,
under the control of their husbands,
so that the word of God may not be discredited.
Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves,
showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect,
with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech
that cannot be criticized,
so that the opponent will be put to shame
without anything bad to say about us.
For 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 the great God
and of our 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.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 37:3-4, 18 And 23, 27 And 29
R.
(39a) The salvation of the just comes from
the Lord.
Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will grant you your heart’s requests.
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
The LORD watches over the lives of the wholehearted;
their inheritance lasts forever.
By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm,
and he approves his way.
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Turn from evil and do good,
that you may abide forever;
The just shall possess the land
and dwell in it forever.
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will grant you your heart’s requests.
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
The LORD watches over the lives of the wholehearted;
their inheritance lasts forever.
By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm,
and he approves his way.
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Turn from evil and do good,
that you may abide forever;
The just shall possess the land
and dwell in it forever.
R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Gospel Lk 17:7-10
Jesus said to the Apostles:
“Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
“Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
www.usccb.org
Meditation: "We are unworthy servants; we have
only done what was our duty"
How can we love others selflessly and unconditionally? Scripture tells us that God himself is love (1 John 4:16) – he is the author of life and the source of all true relationships of love and friendship. He created us in love for love and he fills our hearts with the boundless love that gives whatever is good for the sake of another (Romans 5:5). If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12). God honors the faithful servant who loves and serves others generously. He is ever ready to work in and through us for his glory. We must remember, however, that God can never be indebted to us. We have no claim on him. His love compels us to give him our best! And when we have done our best, we have simply done our duty. We can never outmatch God in doing good and showing love. God loves us without measure. Does the love of God compel you to give your best?
"Lord Jesus, fill my heart with love, gratitude and generosity. Make me a faithful and zealous servant for you. May I generously pour out my life in loving service for you and for others, just as you have so generously poured yourself out in love for me."
www.dailyscripture.net
The “Right” of Gratitude |
Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini,
virgin
|
Luke 17:7-10
Jesus said to the
apostles: "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in
from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ´Come here at once and take your
place at the table´? Would you not rather say to him, ´Prepare supper for me,
put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and
drink´? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also,
when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, ´We are worthless
slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!´"
Introductory Prayer: Jesus, I believe in
you, my Lord and my Creator! You have given me everything, and you owe me
nothing. You have forgiven me everything when I owed you more than I could
ever pay. I trust in your forgiveness and love, Lord.
Petition: Jesus, help me to be grateful to you.
1. Proud Attitudes: How often are we offended by how
others treat us, by a lack of gratitude, respect or appreciation? However
justified the reactions of our sensitivity, what lies at the root of our
complaints is pride. Looking out from my own broken creaturely condition, I
can’t help but see myself for more than I am and expect more respect from
everyone – including God. Yet, before God I am but a poor, tiny and dependent
creature. From him I receive all that I am and need. How can I demand
anything from him? Even worse, how can I complain when I recognize that I am
an ungrateful sinner who has denied the rights and love of my Creator?
2. The Fundamental Relationship: Our culture has
become one of “entitlement.” We view ourselves as having rights – “just”
expectations –, and we expect that much is owed to us. Thus we see children
demanding what they want, spouses expecting their preferences to be
respected, and the belief that government must provide us with everything.
God gets thrown into the fray as well, so that he, too, must deliver
according to our attitude of spoiled children. What we forget is that we have
received everything from God and we owe him everything. Jesus’ image of the
slave and master is not just a metaphor. Although his free and generous gift
of redemption raises us up to the level of children and friends, he owes us
nothing. Our fundamental relationship with God must be that of a grateful
creature with a loving creator. We must start there.
3. Humble Attitudes: Far from asking us to act as
“worthless slaves,” Jesus wants to free us from the pride that enslaves. The
virtues of service, gratitude, honor and obedience may not be popular today,
but they forever reflect the heart of a child of God. Jesus embraced all
these virtues and the attitudes of humility that they require. My first duty
in life is to serve and obey God. My duty of gratitude can never be
exhausted, for he gives me so many gifts – life, faith, family, etc. –, and
he leads me to a love that is self-giving rather than demanding my rights
before God and others.
Conversation with Christ: Dear Lord Jesus, help
me to embrace my condition as creature with humble simplicity. Open my mind
and heart to the many endless expressions of your generous love. Teach me a
gratitude that thinks more of you than of me.
Resolution: I will pray for the grace to show gratitude
to God in my daily activities, striving to make these acts of gratitude
occur.
|
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
LUKE 17:7-10
(Titus 2:1-8, 11-14; Psalm 37)
KEY VERSE: "We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do" (v 10).
READING: The demands of discipleship weighed heavily on Jesus' followers and they begged for an increase of faith. Jesus told them that they only needed a small amount of faith, the size of a tiny mustard seed, to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks. Jesus told them that the road ahead would be difficult, but they must be faithful servants and follow him in obedience. A servant must not take advantage of his master's benevolence, expecting special favors or rewards. In discharging one's duties, a servant must do what was expected of them. At the Last Supper, Jesus gave his disciples a model to follow. Although he was their teacher and master, he was among them "as the one who serves" (Lk 22:27).
REFLECTING: Am I a servant of the gospel, or do I expect others to serve me?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to "labor without reward save that of knowing I do your will" (St. Ignatius Loyola)
Memorial of Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin
Frances was one of thirteen children raised on a farm. She received a convent education and training as a teacher. A priest asked her to teach at a girl's school, the House of Providence Orphanage in Cadagono, Italy, which she did for six years. She took religious vows in 1877, and when the orphanage closed in 1880, her bishop asked her to found the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to care for poor children in schools and hospitals. Pope Leo XIII then sent her to the United States to carry on this mission. She and six Sisters arrived in New York in 1889. They worked among immigrants, especially Italians. Mother Cabrini founded 67 institutions, including schools, hospitals, and orphanages in the United States, Europe and South America. Like many of the people she worked with, MotherCabrini became a United States citizen during her life. After her death she was the first US citizen to be canonized. She is the patroness of immigrants and migrants.
The salvation of the just comes from the Lord
You yourself set an example of good works.
Today’s readings give us clear guidelines for leading a good life. Paul tells Titus how to instruct the men and women in his communities, both young and old, and for Titus himself to lead by example. In the psalm, we are told that if we put our trust in God, and make God our joy, God will give us our heart’s desire. In the gospel, Jesus teaches us about humble service.
Our world is very different from the world Luke describes, although there are many people who even today don’t know the luxury of freedom. Jesus showed an unreserved love for all, slave and free alike. We are called to share in this work, to challenge and change the oppressive structures that cause poverty.
www.churchresources.info
November 13
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
(1850-1917)
Frances Xavier Cabrini was the first
United States citizen to be canonized; she became a U.S. citizen in 1909. Her
deep trust in the loving care of her God gave her the strength to be a valiant
woman doing the work of Christ.
Refused
admission to the religious order which had educated her to be a teacher, she
began charitable work at the House of Providence Orphanage in Cadogno, Italy.
In September 1877 she made her vows there and took the religious habit.
When the bishop
closed the orphanage in 1880, he named Frances prioress of the Missionary
Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Seven young women from the orphanage
joined her.
Since her early
childhood in Italy, Frances had wanted to be a missionary in China but, at the
urging of Pope Leo XIII, Frances went west instead of east. She traveled with
six sisters to New York City to work with the thousands of Italian immigrants
living there.
She found
disappointment and difficulties with every step. When she arrived in New York
City, the house intended to be her first orphanage in the United States was not
available. The archbishop advised her to return to Italy. But Frances, truly a
valiant woman, departed from the archbishop’s residence all the more determined
to establish that orphanage. And she did.
In 35 years
Frances Xavier Cabrini founded 67 institutions dedicated to caring for the
poor, the abandoned, the uneducated and the sick. Seeing great need among
Italian immigrants who were losing their faith, she organized schools and adult
education classes.
As a child, she
was always frightened of water, unable to overcome her fear of drowning. Yet,
despite this fear, she traveled across the Atlantic Ocean more than 30 times.
She died of malaria in her own Columbus Hospital in Chicago.
Comment:
The compassion and dedication of Mother Cabrini is still seen in hundreds of thousands of her fellow citizens, not yet canonized, who care for the sick in hospitals, nursing homes and state institutions. We complain of increased medical costs in an affluent society, but the daily news shows us millions who have little or no medical care, and who are calling for new Mother Cabrinis to become citizen-servants of their land.
The compassion and dedication of Mother Cabrini is still seen in hundreds of thousands of her fellow citizens, not yet canonized, who care for the sick in hospitals, nursing homes and state institutions. We complain of increased medical costs in an affluent society, but the daily news shows us millions who have little or no medical care, and who are calling for new Mother Cabrinis to become citizen-servants of their land.
Quote:
At her canonization on July 7, 1946, Pius XII said, "Although her constitution was very frail, her spirit was endowed with such singular strength that, knowing the will of God in her regard, she permitted nothing to impede her from accomplishing what seemed beyond the strength of a woman."
At her canonization on July 7, 1946, Pius XII said, "Although her constitution was very frail, her spirit was endowed with such singular strength that, knowing the will of God in her regard, she permitted nothing to impede her from accomplishing what seemed beyond the strength of a woman."
The shrine to Mother Cabrini at 701 Fort Washington Avenue (Manhattan) |
Patron
Saint of:
Hospital administrators
Immigrants
Impossible causes
www.americancatholic.orgHospital administrators
Immigrants
Impossible causes
BL. MARIA TERESA
SCRILLI, VIRGIN (M)
Liturgy: Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Blessed Maria Teresa Scrilli,Virgin |
Maria Teresa Scrilli
(1825-1889) founded the Congregation at Montevarchi (Arezzo) on October 15,
1854, with the approval of the Bishop of Fiesole, Bishop Francesco Bronzuoli,
the superiors of the Order, and with the agreement of the Grand Duke Leopold
II. In 1860, with the fall of the Duchy of Tuscany and the unity of Italy, the
Congregation was suppressed. The foundress, secure she was doing the will of
God, moved to Florence and, in 1875, refounded the community. Since then, the
Institute has developed so that its branches now extend beyond Italy. Currently
the sisters are present in the United States, Canada, Poland, India, Brazil and
the Czech Republic. The Congregation was affiliated to the Carmelite Order on
March 31, 1929.
Mother Maria Teresa was profoundly connected to Carmelite spirituality which she knew, since childhood, from her reading of St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi. The spirit of contemplation, total abandonment to the will of God, and deep union with the Lord were the characteristics of her spiritual life. Her prayer added the aspect of reparation for offences inflicted on God, of praise, of joy in Him, of profound union, of faith. The "pure love" for God pushes one to the generous offering of oneself to others, "to leave God for God," even to the point of making a fourth vow: "to give oneself over to neighbour by means of both Christian and civil moral instruction."
She was beatified in Fiesole (Florence) on October 8, 2006.
LECTIO: LUKE 17,7-10
Lectio:
Tuesday,
November 13, 2012
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
God of power and mercy,
protect us from all harm.
Give us freedom of spirit
and health in mind and body
to do your work on earth.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
protect us from all harm.
Give us freedom of spirit
and health in mind and body
to do your work on earth.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel reading -
Luke 17,7-10
Jesus said: 'Which of you, with a servant
ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields,
"Come and have your meal at once"? Would he not be more likely to
say, "Get my supper ready; fasten your belt and wait on me while I eat and
drink. You yourself can eat and drink afterwards"? Must he be grateful to
the servant for doing what he was told? So with you: when you have done all you
have been told to do, say, "We are useless servants: we have done no more
than our duty." '
3) Reflection
• The Gospel today narrates the parable which
is found only in Luke’s Gospel, and has no parallel in the other Gospels. The
parable wants to teach that our life has to be characterized by an attitude of
service. It begins with three questions and at the end Jesus himself gives the
answer.
• Luke 17, 7-9: The three questions of Jesus. It treats of three questions taken from daily life, and therefore, the auditors have to think each one on his own experience to give a response according to that experience. The first question:“Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep would say to him when he returned from the fields, ’Come and have your meal at once?” All will answer:“No!” Second question: “Would he not be more likely to say, ‘Get my supper ready; fasten your belt and wait on me while I eat and drink. You yourself can eat and drink afterwards?” All will answer: “Yes! Certainly!” Third question: “Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told?” All will answer “No!” The way in which Jesus asks the questions, people become aware in which way he wants to orientate our thought. He wants us to be servants to one another.
• Luke 17, 10: The response of Jesus. At the end Jesus himself draws a conclusion which was already implicit in the questions: “So with you, when you have done all you have been told to do, say ‘We are useless servants, we have done no more than our duty”. Jesus himself has given us example when he said:“The Son of Man has not come to be served, but to serve” (Mk 10, 45). Service is a theme which Luke likes. Service represents the form in which the poor in the time of Jesus, the anawim, were waiting for the Messiah: not like a king and glorious Messiah, high priest or judge, but rather as the Servant of Yahweh, announced by Isaiah (Is 42, 1-9). Mary, the Mother of Jesus, says to the Angel:“Behold the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word!”(Lk 1, 38). In Nazareth, Jesus presents himself as the Servant described by Isaiah (Lk 4, 18-19 and Is 61, 1-2). In Baptism and in the Transfiguration, he was confirmed by the Father who quotes the words addressed by God to the Servant (Lk 3, 22; 9, 35 e Is 42, 1). Jesus asks his followers: “Anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave” (Mt 20, 27). Useless servants! This is the definition of the Christian. Paul speaks about this to the members of the community of Corinth when he writes: “I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but God gave growth. In this neither the planter nor the waterer counts for anything, only God who gave growth” (1Co 3, 6-7). Paul and Apollos are nothing; only simple instruments, “Servants”. The only one who counts is God, He alone! (1Co 3, 7).
• Luke 17, 7-9: The three questions of Jesus. It treats of three questions taken from daily life, and therefore, the auditors have to think each one on his own experience to give a response according to that experience. The first question:“Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep would say to him when he returned from the fields, ’Come and have your meal at once?” All will answer:“No!” Second question: “Would he not be more likely to say, ‘Get my supper ready; fasten your belt and wait on me while I eat and drink. You yourself can eat and drink afterwards?” All will answer: “Yes! Certainly!” Third question: “Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told?” All will answer “No!” The way in which Jesus asks the questions, people become aware in which way he wants to orientate our thought. He wants us to be servants to one another.
• Luke 17, 10: The response of Jesus. At the end Jesus himself draws a conclusion which was already implicit in the questions: “So with you, when you have done all you have been told to do, say ‘We are useless servants, we have done no more than our duty”. Jesus himself has given us example when he said:“The Son of Man has not come to be served, but to serve” (Mk 10, 45). Service is a theme which Luke likes. Service represents the form in which the poor in the time of Jesus, the anawim, were waiting for the Messiah: not like a king and glorious Messiah, high priest or judge, but rather as the Servant of Yahweh, announced by Isaiah (Is 42, 1-9). Mary, the Mother of Jesus, says to the Angel:“Behold the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word!”(Lk 1, 38). In Nazareth, Jesus presents himself as the Servant described by Isaiah (Lk 4, 18-19 and Is 61, 1-2). In Baptism and in the Transfiguration, he was confirmed by the Father who quotes the words addressed by God to the Servant (Lk 3, 22; 9, 35 e Is 42, 1). Jesus asks his followers: “Anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave” (Mt 20, 27). Useless servants! This is the definition of the Christian. Paul speaks about this to the members of the community of Corinth when he writes: “I did the planting, Apollos did the watering, but God gave growth. In this neither the planter nor the waterer counts for anything, only God who gave growth” (1Co 3, 6-7). Paul and Apollos are nothing; only simple instruments, “Servants”. The only one who counts is God, He alone! (1Co 3, 7).
• To serve and to be served. Here in this text, the servant serves the master and not the master the servant. But in the other text of Jesus the contrary is said:“Blessed those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. In truth, I tell you, he will do up his belt, sit them down at table and wait on them” (Lk 12, 37). In this text, the master serves the servant and not the servant the master. In the first text, Jesus spoke in the present. In the second text, Jesus is speaking in the future. This contrast is another way of saying: the one who is ready to lose his life out of love for Jesus and the Gospel will find it (Mt 10, 39; 16, 25). Anyone who serves God in this present life will be served by God in the future life!
4) Personal
questions
• How do I define my life?
• Do I ask myself the three questions of Jesus? Do I live, perhaps, like a useless servant?
• Do I ask myself the three questions of Jesus? Do I live, perhaps, like a useless servant?
5) Concluding prayer
The lives of the just are in Yahweh's care,
their birthright will endure for ever.
Yahweh guides a strong man's steps and keeps them firm;
and takes pleasure in him. (Ps 37,18.23)
www.ocarm.orgtheir birthright will endure for ever.
Yahweh guides a strong man's steps and keeps them firm;
and takes pleasure in him. (Ps 37,18.23)
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