Monday of the First Week of Advent
Lectionary: 175
Lectionary: 175
On that day,
The branch of the LORD will be luster and glory,
and the fruit of the earth will be honor and splendor
for the survivors of Israel.
He who remains in Zion
and he who is left in Jerusalem
Will be called holy:
every one marked down for life in Jerusalem.
When the LORD washes away
the filth of the daughters of Zion,
And purges Jerusalem’s blood from her midst
with a blast of searing judgment,
Then will the LORD create,
over the whole site of Mount Zion
and over her place of assembly,
A smoking cloud by day
and a light of flaming fire by night.
For over all, the LORD’s glory will be shelter and protection:
shade from the parching heat of day,
refuge and cover from storm and rain.
The branch of the LORD will be luster and glory,
and the fruit of the earth will be honor and splendor
for the survivors of Israel.
He who remains in Zion
and he who is left in Jerusalem
Will be called holy:
every one marked down for life in Jerusalem.
When the LORD washes away
the filth of the daughters of Zion,
And purges Jerusalem’s blood from her midst
with a blast of searing judgment,
Then will the LORD create,
over the whole site of Mount Zion
and over her place of assembly,
A smoking cloud by day
and a light of flaming fire by night.
For over all, the LORD’s glory will be shelter and protection:
shade from the parching heat of day,
refuge and cover from storm and rain.
Responsorial PsalmPS 122:1-2, 3-4B,
4CD-5, 6-7, 8-9
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of
the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
“We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
GospelMT 8:5-11
When Jesus entered Capernaum,
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”
He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
The centurion said in reply,
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;
and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes;
and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”
He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
The centurion said in reply,
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;
and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes;
and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”
Meditation: "Many
will sit at table in the kingdom of God"
Are you ready to feast at the Lord's banquet
table? God’s gracious invitation extends to all – Jew and Gentile alike – who
will turn to him with faith and obedience. Jesus used many images or pictures
to convey what the kingdom of God is like. One such image is a great banquest
feast given at the King's table. Jesus promised that everyone who believed in
him would come and feast at the heavenly banquet table of his Father. Jesus
told this parable in response to the dramatic request made by a Roman
centurion, a person despised by many because he was an outsider, not one of the
"chosen ones" of Israel. In Jesus' time the Jews hated the Romans
because they represented everything they stood against – including foreign
domination and pagan beliefs and practices.
Why did Jesus not only warmly receive a Roman
centurion but praise him as a model of faith and confidence in God? In the
Roman world the position of centurion was very important. He was an officer in
charge of a hundred soldiers. In a certain sense, he was the backbone of the
Roman army, the cement which held the army together. Polybius, an ancient
write, describes what a centurion should be: "They must not be so much
venturesome seekers after danger as men who can command, steady in action, and
reliable; they ought not to be over-anxious to rush into the fight, but when
hard pressed, they must be ready to hold their ground, and die at their
posts." The centurion who approached Jesus was not only courageous, but
faith-filled as well. He risked the ridicule of his cronies as well as mockery
from the Jews by seeking help from an itinerant preacher from Galilee.
Nonetheless, the centurion approached Jesus with great confidence and humility.
He was an extraordinary man because he loved his slave. In the Roman world
slaves were treated like animals – something to be used for work and pleasure
and for bartering and trade. This centurion was a man of great compassion and
extraordinary faith. He wanted Jesus to heal his beloved slave. Jesus commends
him for his faith and immediately grants him his request. Are you willing to
suffer ridicule in the practice of your faith? And when you need help, do you
approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith?
The prophet Isaiah foretold a time of
restoration for the holy city Jerusalem and for its remnants (see Isaiah 4:2-6)
and also a time of universal peace when all nations would come to Jerusalem to
"the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob" and
"beat their swords into plowshares" (Isaiah 2:2-4). Jesus fulfills
this prophecy first by restoring both Jew and Gentile to fellowship with God
through the victory he won for us on the cross. When he comes again he will
fully establish his universal rule of peace and righteousness and unite all
things in himself (Ephesians 1:10). His promise extends to all generations who
believe in him that we, too, might feast at the heavenly banquet table with the
patriarchs of the Old Covenant who believed but did not see the promised
Messiah. Do you believe in God's promises and do you seek his kingdom first in
your life? The season of Advent reminds us that the Lord wants us to actively
seek him and the coming of his kingdom in our lives. The Lord will surely
reward those who seek his will for their lives. We can approach the Lord Jesus
with expectant faith, like the centurion in today's gospel reading, knowing
that he will show us his mercy and give us his help.
"Lord Jesus, you feed us daily with your
life-giving word and you sustain us on our journey to our true homeland with
you and the Father in heaven. May I never lose hope in your promises nor
lag in zeal for your kingdom of righteousness and peace."
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Faith that Moves Rain Clouds |
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Monday of the First
Week of Advent
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Father John Doyle,
LC
Matthew 8:5-11
When Jesus entered
Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my
servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I
will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy
to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be
healed. For I also am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to
me. And I say to one, ´Go,´ and he goes; to another, ´Come here,´ and he
comes; and to my slave, ´Do this,´ and the slave does it." When Jesus
heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Amen I say
to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will
come from east and west and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at
the banquet in the kingdom of heaven.”
Introductory
Prayer: Lord Jesus I place
myself before you with great confidence, sure of your desire to spend this
time with me and accompany me throughout the day. I am grateful for your
unconditional and unfailing love. I humbly offer you my desire to love you
more and serve you more faithfully.
Petition: Lord help me to have a profound and yet
childlike faith in you.
1. I Will Come and
Cure Him: Jesus has a heart
that is prompt in serving those in need. Doubtless Christ had other plans
when he arrived to Capernaum, plans that didn’t include making another trip
to cure the slave of a foreigner. Often we can find ourselves in similar
situations in our daily life. We are just about to relax after a grueling day
when the phone rings or a little voice asks for help with his or her
homework. It is in those moments that Jesus is inviting us to imitate his
example of service. Turn the tables around for just a moment. How many times
have I been the one on the other side asking for a little of someone else’s
time? Ask Jesus for the grace to be flexible and always available to the
needs of others.
2. I Am Not
Worthy: The centurion has a
profound awareness of his own unworthiness and this is key to his finding
favor with Jesus. At times we pray as if we deserved God’s favor, but here
the centurion recognizes that he is unworthy that Jesus should come to him.
So great was this man’s faith and humility that we use his words to express our
own sentiments before receiving Jesus in Holy Communion: “Lord I am not
worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul
shall be healed.” As we continue to prepare for Christ’s coming during the
Advent season, let’s make these words of the centurion our own.
3. Faith Moves Rain
Clouds: If it can be said
that Jesus had a weakness for something, it would seem that Christ’s
“weakness” showed itself when he perceived faith in others. He never worked a
miracle without first demanding faith from the one to receive it, and he
never refused anyone who asked anything from him with faith. Jesus says that
if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains. Although
I personally have never seen anyone move mountains, I surely have seen prayer
move smaller things, like rain clouds for instance. If you need mountains,
rain clouds or anything else to be moved, ask for it with faith, and you will
really touch Jesus’ weak spot. Direct your prayer of petition to Our Lord
with confident faith and love for his will. He really listens and he can move
whatever needs to be moved.
Conversation with
Christ:Christ Jesus let me
ask you for the faith that you demand from me. I’m going to remember now to
turn to you with my concerns, no matter how small, knowing you’re
accompanying me, and wish to help and guide me. In return, help me to
recognize you in those who seek my aid and give me the generosity to answer
promptly and graciously in imitation of you.
Resolution: Just before lunch, I will make a simple act
of faith in Christ, that he is guiding and protecting me.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, MATTHEW 8:5-11
(Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 122)
(Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 122)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith" (v 10).
READING: As Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion (a commander of 100 men at a military post), approached and asked him to heal his servant. Although this slave was of little importance in the Roman Empire, the centurion had compassion on this man. Despite the fact that Jesus' ministry was to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mt 15:24), he consented to go with this non-Israelite. The Centurion protested that he was unworthy to have Jesus enter his house. According to Jewish law, a Jew could not enter the Gentile's house since they considered them to be unclean. As an officer, the Centurion knew the power of a command, and he believed that Jesus only needed to speak a word to heal his servant. Jesus was amazed at the man's faith, and acknowledged that many would come from the "east and the west" (v 11), and would find a place at the banquet in God's kingdom. The faith of the Centurion anticipated the Church's missionary activity among the Gentiles.
REFLECTING: Do I have the courage to bring others to Jesus for healing?
PRAYING: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed. (Prayer before communion from the New Roman Missal)
Let us go rejoicing to the house of
the Lord
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When Jesus heard this, says Matthew, he marvelled. What a joy to meet someone whose heart was so open! This professional soldier was not Jewish and probably knew little of the promises God had made to Israel. Nevertheless, when he met Jesus he was able to put his trust in him. And notice that Jesus called this attitude ‘faith’. Jesus spoke about the true heirs to the kingdom: many will come from the east and the west and find a place at the banquet in God’s kingdom because they put their trust in him. This Advent Lord, increase my faith that I may trust in your healing love and mercy in all areas of my life.
December
2
Blessed Rafal Chylinski
(1694-1741)
Blessed Rafal Chylinski
(1694-1741)
Born near Buk in the Poznan region of Poland, Melchior showed
early signs of religious devotion; family members nicknamed him "the little
monk." After completing his studies at the Jesuit college in Poznan,
Melchior joined the cavalry and was promoted to the rank of officer within
three years.
Against the urgings of his military comrades, in 1715 Melchior
joined the Conventual Franciscans in Kraków, receiving the name Rafal, and was
ordained two years later. After pastoral assignments in nine cities, he came to
Lagiewniki (central Poland), where he spent the last 13 years of his life,
except for 20 months ministering to flood and epidemic victims in Warsaw. In
all these places, Rafal was known for his simple and candid sermons, for his
generosity as well as his ministry in the confessional. People of all levels of
society were drawn to the self-sacrificing way he lived out his religious profession
and priestly ministry.
Rafal played the harp, lute and mandolin to accompany liturgical
hymns. In Lagiewniki he distributed food, supplies and clothing to the poor.
After his death, the Conventual church in that city became a place of
pilgrimage for people throughout Poland. He was beatified in Warsaw in 1991.
Comment:
The sermons preached by Rafal were powerfully reinforced by the living sermon of his life. The Sacrament of Reconciliation can help us bring our daily choices into harmony with our words about Jesus’ influence in our life.
The sermons preached by Rafal were powerfully reinforced by the living sermon of his life. The Sacrament of Reconciliation can help us bring our daily choices into harmony with our words about Jesus’ influence in our life.
Quote:
During the beatification homily, Pope John Paul II said, "May Blessed Rafal remind us that every one of us, even though we are sinners, has been called to love and to holiness" (L'Osservatore Romano, 1991, vol. 25, number 19).
During the beatification homily, Pope John Paul II said, "May Blessed Rafal remind us that every one of us, even though we are sinners, has been called to love and to holiness" (L'Osservatore Romano, 1991, vol. 25, number 19).
LECTIO DIVINA: MATTHEW 8,5-11
Lectio:
Monday, December
2, 2013
1st Week of Advent
1) Opening prayer
Lord God, Father of
all,
in your Son Jesus Christ
you invite everyone and all to know and love you
and to live in your unending peace.
Keep alive in us the zeal
to bring the light of your truth
and the riches of your life and love to all,
without any distinction
of race, language or culture.
May everyone on earth come to know you
as the merciful Father of all
through our brother and Saviour,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
in your Son Jesus Christ
you invite everyone and all to know and love you
and to live in your unending peace.
Keep alive in us the zeal
to bring the light of your truth
and the riches of your life and love to all,
without any distinction
of race, language or culture.
May everyone on earth come to know you
as the merciful Father of all
through our brother and Saviour,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
2) Gospel Reading -
Matthew 8, 5-11
When he went into
Capernaum a centurion came up and pleaded with him. 'Sir,' he said, 'my servant
is lying at home paralysed and in great pain.' Jesus said to him, 'I will come
myself and cure him.'
The centurion replied, 'Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; just give the word and my servant will be cured. For I am under authority myself and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man, "Go," and he goes; to another, "Come here," and he comes; to my servant, "Do this," and he does it.'
When Jesus heard this he was astonished and said to those following him, 'In truth I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found faith as great as this. And I tell you that many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of Heaven."
The centurion replied, 'Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; just give the word and my servant will be cured. For I am under authority myself and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man, "Go," and he goes; to another, "Come here," and he comes; to my servant, "Do this," and he does it.'
When Jesus heard this he was astonished and said to those following him, 'In truth I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found faith as great as this. And I tell you that many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of Heaven."
3) Reflection
Today’s Gospel is a
mirror. It reminds us of the words we say during the Mass at the moment of
communion: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter my house, say but the
word and I will be healed”. Look at this text in the mirror, it suggests
the following:
• The person who seeks Jesus is a pagan, a gentile, a soldier of the Roman army, which dominated and exploited the people. It is not religion nor the desire for God, but rather the need and the suffering which impels him to seek Jesus. Jesus has no prejudices. He does not demand anything first, he accepts and listens to the request of the Roman official.
• Jesus’ answer surprises the centurion, because it is beyond his expectation. The centurion did not expect that Jesus would go to his house. He feels unworthy: “I am not worthy”. This means that he considered Jesus a highly superior person.
• The centurion expresses his faith in Jesus saying: “Say only one word and my servant will be cured”. He believes that the word of Jesus is capable of healing. From where does he get this great faith? From his profession experience as a centurion! Because when a centurion gives an order, the soldier obeys. He has to obey! Thus he imagines Jesus: it is enough for Jesus to say one word, and things will happen according to his word. He believes the word of Jesus encloses a creative force.
• Jesus was surprised, astonished, and praises the faith of the centurion. Faith does not consist in accepting, repeating and decorating a doctrine, but in believing and trusting in the word of Jesus.
• The person who seeks Jesus is a pagan, a gentile, a soldier of the Roman army, which dominated and exploited the people. It is not religion nor the desire for God, but rather the need and the suffering which impels him to seek Jesus. Jesus has no prejudices. He does not demand anything first, he accepts and listens to the request of the Roman official.
• Jesus’ answer surprises the centurion, because it is beyond his expectation. The centurion did not expect that Jesus would go to his house. He feels unworthy: “I am not worthy”. This means that he considered Jesus a highly superior person.
• The centurion expresses his faith in Jesus saying: “Say only one word and my servant will be cured”. He believes that the word of Jesus is capable of healing. From where does he get this great faith? From his profession experience as a centurion! Because when a centurion gives an order, the soldier obeys. He has to obey! Thus he imagines Jesus: it is enough for Jesus to say one word, and things will happen according to his word. He believes the word of Jesus encloses a creative force.
• Jesus was surprised, astonished, and praises the faith of the centurion. Faith does not consist in accepting, repeating and decorating a doctrine, but in believing and trusting in the word of Jesus.
4) Personal questions
• Placing myself in
the place of Jesus: how do I accept and listen to the persons of other
religions?
• Placing myself in the place of the centurion: which is the personal experience that leads me to believe in Jesus?
• Placing myself in the place of the centurion: which is the personal experience that leads me to believe in Jesus?
5) Concluding Prayer
Come near to me with
your saving power,
let me share the happiness of your chosen ones,
let me share the joy of your people. (Ps 106)
let me share the happiness of your chosen ones,
let me share the joy of your people. (Ps 106)
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