Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 282
Lectionary: 282
From Paphos, Paul
and his companions
set sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia.
But John left them and returned to Jerusalem.
They continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia.
On the sabbath they entered into the synagogue and took their seats.
After the reading of the law and the prophets,
the synagogue officials sent word to them,
“My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation
for the people, please speak.”
So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said,
“Fellow children of Israel and you others who are God-fearing, listen.
The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors
and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt.
With uplifted arm he led them out,
and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert.
When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan,
he gave them their land as an inheritance
at the end of about four hundred and fifty years.
After these things he provided judges up to Samuel the prophet.
Then they asked for a king.
God gave them Saul, son of Kish,
a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
Then he removed him and raised up David as their king;
of him he testified,
I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;
he will carry out my every wish.
From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise,
has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.
John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel;
and as John was completing his course, he would say,
‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.
Behold, one is coming after me;
I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’“
set sail and arrived at Perga in Pamphylia.
But John left them and returned to Jerusalem.
They continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia.
On the sabbath they entered into the synagogue and took their seats.
After the reading of the law and the prophets,
the synagogue officials sent word to them,
“My brothers, if one of you has a word of exhortation
for the people, please speak.”
So Paul got up, motioned with his hand, and said,
“Fellow children of Israel and you others who are God-fearing, listen.
The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors
and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt.
With uplifted arm he led them out,
and for about forty years he put up with them in the desert.
When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan,
he gave them their land as an inheritance
at the end of about four hundred and fifty years.
After these things he provided judges up to Samuel the prophet.
Then they asked for a king.
God gave them Saul, son of Kish,
a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
Then he removed him and raised up David as their king;
of him he testified,
I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;
he will carry out my every wish.
From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise,
has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.
John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel;
and as John was completing his course, he would say,
‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.
Behold, one is coming after me;
I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’“
Responsorial Psalm PS 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 AND 27
R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“I have found David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him,
That my hand may be always with him,
and that my arm may make him strong.”
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,
and through my name shall his horn be exalted.
He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.’”
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“I have found David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him,
That my hand may be always with him,
and that my arm may make him strong.”
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
“My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,
and through my name shall his horn be exalted.
He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior.’”
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Gospel JN 13:16-20
When Jesus had
washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master
nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
I am not speaking of all of you.
I know those whom I have chosen.
But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled,
The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.
From now on I am telling you before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send
receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
“Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master
nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.
If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.
I am not speaking of all of you.
I know those whom I have chosen.
But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled,
The one who ate my food has raised his heel against me.
From now on I am telling you before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe that I AM.
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send
receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
Meditation: "The one who receives
me"
How do you treat those who cause you grief or
harm, especially those who are close to you in some way? In his last supper
discourse, Jesus addressed the issue of fidelity and disloyalty in
relationships. Jesus knew beforehand that one of his own disciples would betray
him. Such knowledge could have easily led Jesus to distance himself from such a
person and to protect himself from harm's way. Instead, Jesus expresses his
love, affection, and loyalty to those who were his own, even to the one he knew
would "stab him in the back" when he got the opportunity. Jesus used
a quotation from Psalm 4:9 which describes an act of treachery by one's closest
friend. In the culture of Jesus' day, to eat bread with
someone was a gesture of friendship and trust. Jesus extends such friendship to
Judas right at the moment when Judas is conspiring to betray his master. The
expression lift his heel against me reinforces the brute
nature of this act of violent rejection.
Jesus loved his disciples to the end and
proved his faithfulness to them even to death on the cross. Through his death
and resurrection Jesus opened a new way of relationship and friendship with
God. Jesus tells his disciples that if they accept him they also accept the
Father who sent him. This principle extends to all who belong to Christ and who
speak in his name. To accept the Lord's messenger is to accept Jesus himself.
The great honor and the great responsibility a Christian has is to stand in the
world for Jesus Christ. As his disciples and ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20),
we are called to speak for him and to act on his behalf. Are you ready to
stand for Jesus at the cross of humiliation, rejection, opposition, and
suffering?
"Eternal God, who are the light of the
minds that know you, the joy of the hearts that love you, and the strength of
the wills that serve you; grant us so to know you, that we may truly love you,
and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect
freedom, in Jesus our Lord." (Prayer of Saint Augustine)
 A Life of Service |
|
Thursday of the
Fourth Week of Easter
|
|
John 13:16-20
When Jesus had washed the disciples´ feet,
he said to them: "Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his
master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand
this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know
those whom I have chosen. But so that the scripture might be fulfilled, The
one who ate my food has raised his heel against me. From now on I am
telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I
AM. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe that you are God. I believe
that you became man, suffered, died, rose from the dead and ascended in
heaven. I believe that you sent us the Holy Spirit to guide us along our
earthly journey towards your heavenly Kingdom. Thank you for your infinite,
unconditional love. Thank you for showing me the way. I place all my trust in
you and yearn to love you more each day.
Petition:Lord Jesus, make me prefer to serve rather than be served.
1. The Teacher: The disciples called Jesus “Master” during
his lifetime. Many others did too –– and rightfully so –– because Jesus is
the Master. The third time St. Peter saw the Lord after the Resurrection, he
confessed: “Lord, you know everything” (John 21:17). And even if it meant
accepting difficult growth lessons in life, St. Peter was able to accept
humbly that Christ truly was Master, that he does know all. In contemplating
Christ, we must try to remember who it is who is speaking, acting, working
miracles, suffering, working and instructing. It is God, the Master of all: a
man like us, yes, but also God, holding the keys to all things.
2. The Disciple: The master became a slave. God served men.
We can only bow in humble adoration knowing that our all-powerful God came to
earth to serve us. Time and time again Christ gives his disciples an example
of their own mission: to serve others. Love God by serving others; live like
Jesus by humbly submitting to God’s will. This is the essence of
Christianity: to live a life of humble service with all people, especially
with those we find it most difficult to serve. One word captures it: charity.
3. The Blessing: Christ invites us to serve. Being a servant
to others is not easy, because it means we have to be humble. It was not easy
for Christ either, but he had a motivation: to love and save us. Serving is a
blessing –– even in those situations when our passions flare up and we would
like to justify ourselves –– because we can love. Love transforms our world;
it transforms hearts and allows the grace of God to touch the depths of the
soul. If we have love for souls as our motivation to serve, every opportunity
we have to live as servants becomes a blessing, a blessing to live like the
Master who came to serve and not be served and to give his life as a ransom
for many.
Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, help me this day to imitate you
as a humble servant of all. Inflame my heart with a great zeal for souls so
that in every moment I may desire to bring your love to others.
Resolution: I will do a concrete act of charity today
for someone in need.
|
EASTER WEEKDAY, THURSDAY, MAY 15, JOHN
13:15-20
(Acts 13:13-25; Psalm 89)
(Acts 13:13-25; Psalm 89)
KEY VERSE: "No slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him" (v 16).
READING: Chapter one through twelve of John's gospel is called the "Book of Signs." Chapter thirteen begins the "Book of Glory" (13:1--20:31). On the threshold of Jesus' passion, resurrection and glorious ascension, he took the role of a lowly slave, washing the feet of his disciples (v 1-15). He told his followers that as servants and messengers of the gospel (Greek, apostolos), they must imitate his humility and love: "You also should do as I have done to you" (13:15). A disciple was one who learned from the master, and acted on his words. If his followers truly understood this, they would be blessed, and all who received Jesus' representatives would be blessed in turn. Jesus' words were not received by all. In the midst of this outpouring of love at the table of Jesus Last Supper, Judas prepared to betray his master.
REFLECTING: How have I served the Lord and his people today?
PRAYING: Risen Lord, help me to understand that the way to glory is through humble service.
Optional Memorial of
Isidore the Farmer
Isidore was a pious farmer, married to Mary de la Cabeza. When their son young died, they were convinced it was the will of God that they not have children, and they lived together celibately, doing good works the rest of their lives. Accused by fellow workers of shirking his duties by attending Mass each day and taking time out for prayers, Isidore claimed he had no choice but to follow the highest Master, the Lord. One tale said that when his master came to chastise him for skipping work for church, he found angels plowing the fields in place of Isidore. Miracles and cures were reported at his grave, in which his body remains incorrupt.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
Believe in Miracles
Let others call my faith a lie, or try to stir up doubt in me:
Look at me now! None can deny I once was blind and now I see! —Fred Pratt Green
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord
A word of encouragement.The first reading is a poignant reminder of the basis of our faith and traditions. When Paul was asked to speak with the people, he chose to reflect on the past goodness of God. Such reflections are often very important in moving forward in our faith. There are times we are stuck in a rut, believing God hasn’t answered our prayers, when Paul’s example is invaluable. Let us take the time to write down the occasions when God’s presence has been palpable, when we have recognised his hand in our lives. This could have been during a time of success, the birth of a child or recovery from an illness. During a particularly difficult period, God may have provided the necessary strength for us to keep going. Let us remember such times and be encouraged. Our God is ever present.
May
15
St. Isidore the Farmer
(1070-1130)
St. Isidore the Farmer
(1070-1130)
Isidore has become the patron of farmers and rural communities. In
particular he is the patron of Madrid, Spain, and of the United States National
Rural Life Conference.
When he was
barely old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore entered the service of John de
Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and worked faithfully on his estate
outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple
and upright as himself who also became a saint—Maria de la Cabeza. They had one
son, who died as a child.
Isidore
had deep religious instincts. He rose early in the morning to go to church and
spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding
areas. All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. His
devotion, one might say, became a problem, for his fellow workers sometimes
complained that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too
long.
He was
known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore’s supplying
them miraculously with food. He had a great concern for the proper treatment of
animals.
He died
May 15, 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622 with Ignatius of Loyola, Francis
Xavier, Teresa of Avila and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain
as “the five saints.”
Comment:
Many implications can be found in a simple laborer achieving sainthood: Physical labor has dignity; sainthood does not stem from status; contemplation does not depend on learning; the simple life is conducive to holiness and happiness. Legends about angel helpers and mysterious oxen indicate that his work was not neglected and his duties did not go unfulfilled. Perhaps the truth which emerges is this: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will fall into order also. “[S]eek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” said the carpenter from Nazareth, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).
Many implications can be found in a simple laborer achieving sainthood: Physical labor has dignity; sainthood does not stem from status; contemplation does not depend on learning; the simple life is conducive to holiness and happiness. Legends about angel helpers and mysterious oxen indicate that his work was not neglected and his duties did not go unfulfilled. Perhaps the truth which emerges is this: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will fall into order also. “[S]eek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” said the carpenter from Nazareth, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).
Quote:
“God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.... See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; and to all the animals of the land, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, I give all the green plants for food’” (Genesis 1:28a, 29–30a).
“God blessed them, saying: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.... See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; and to all the animals of the land, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, I give all the green plants for food’” (Genesis 1:28a, 29–30a).
Patron Saint of:
Farmers
Laborers
Farmers
Laborers
LECTIO DIVINA:
JOHN 13,16-20
Lectio:
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Easter Time
1)
OPENING PRAYER
All-powerful God,
your Son Jesus reminds us today
that we are no greater than your and our servant,
Jesus, our Lord and master.
Give us the love and endurance
to serve you and people
without waiting for awards or gratitude
and to accept the difficulties and contradictions
which are part of the Christian life
and which are normal for followers
of him who bore the cross for us,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
your Son Jesus reminds us today
that we are no greater than your and our servant,
Jesus, our Lord and master.
Give us the love and endurance
to serve you and people
without waiting for awards or gratitude
and to accept the difficulties and contradictions
which are part of the Christian life
and which are normal for followers
of him who bore the cross for us,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
2)
GOSPEL READING - JOHN 13,16-20
Jesus said to his disciples: 'In all truth I tell you, no
servant is greater than his master, no messenger is greater than the one who
sent him. 'Now that you know this, blessed are you if you behave accordingly. I
am not speaking about all of you: I know the ones I have chosen; but what
scripture says must be fulfilled: 'He who shares my table takes advantage of
me. I tell you this now, before it happens, so that when it does happen you may
believe that I am He. In all truth I tell you, whoever welcomes the one I send,
welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me, welcomes the one who sent me.'
3)
REFLECTION
• Beginning today, April 17th until the 8th of May, every day,
except on feast days, the Gospel of each day is taken from the long
conversation of Jesus with the disciples during the Last Supper (Jn 13 to 17).
In these five chapters which describe the farewell of Jesus, the presence of
those three threads of which we had spoken before, is perceived, those threads
which knit and compose the Gospel of John: the word of Jesus, the word of the
community and the word of the Evangelist who writes the last redaction of the
Fourth Gospel. In these chapters, the three threads are intertwined in such a
way that the whole is presented as a unique fabric or cloth of a rare beauty
and inspiration, where it is difficult to distinguish what is from one and what
is from the other, but where everything is the Word of God for us.
• These five chapters present the conversation which Jesus had
with his friends, the evening when he was arrested and was put to death. It was
a friendly conversation, which remained in the memory of the Beloved Disciple.
Jesus seems to want to prolong to the maximum this last encounter, this moment
of great intimacy. The same thing happens today. There is conversation and
conversation. There is the superficial conversation which uses words and words
and reveals the emptiness of the person. And there is the conversation which
goes to the depth of the heart and remains in the memory. All of us, once in a
while, have these moments of friendly living together, which expand the heart
and constitute the force in moments of difficulty. They help to trust and to
overcome fear.
• The five verses of today’s Gospel draw two conclusions from
the washing of the feet (Jn 13, 1-15). They speak (a) of service as the
principal characteristic of the followers of Jesus, and (b) of the identity of
Jesus, the revelation of the Father.
• John 13, 16-17: The servant is not greater than his master.
Jesus has just finished washing the feet of the disciples. Peter becomes afraid
and does not want Jesus to wash his feet. “If I do not wash you, you can have no
share with me” (Jn 13, 8). And it is enough to wash the feet; there is no need
to wash the rest (Jn 13, 10). The symbolical value of the gesture of the
washing of the feet consists in accepting Jesus as Messiah, Servant, who gives
himself for others, and to reject a Messiah, glorious king. This gift of self,
servant of all is the key to understand the gesture of the washing of the feet.
To understand this is the root of the happiness of a person: “Knowing these
things, you will be blessed if you put them into practice”. But there were some
persons, even among the disciples, who did not accept Jesus, Messiah, Servant.
They did not want to be the servants of others. Probably, they wanted a
glorious Messiah, King and Judge, according to the official ideology. Jesus
says: “I am not speaking about all of you; I know the ones I have chosen; but
what Scripture says must be fulfilled: He who shares my table takes advantage
of me!” John refers to Judas, whose betrayal will be announced immediately
after (Jn 13, 21-30).
• John 13, 18-20: I tell you this now, before it happens, so
that you may believe that I AM HE. It was on the occasion of the liberation
from Egypt at the foot of Mount Sinai that God revealed his name to Moses: “I
am with you!” (Ex 3, 12), “I am who I am” (Ex 3, 14). “I Am” or “I AM” has sent
me to you!” (Ex 3, 14). The name Yahweh (Ex 3, 15) expresses the absolute
certainty of the liberating presence of God at the side of his people. In many
ways and on may occasions this same expression I Am is used by Jesus (Jn 8, 24;
8, 28; 8, 58; Jn 6, 20; 18, 5.8; Mk 14, 62; Lk 22, 70). Jesus is the presence
of the liberating face of God in our midst.
4)
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
• The servant is not greater than his master. How do I make of
my life a permanent service of others?
• Jesus knew how to live together with persons who did not
accept him. And I?
5)
CONCLUDING PRAYER
I shall sing the faithful love of Yahweh for ever,
from age to age my lips shall declare your constancy,
for you have said: love is built to last for ever,
you have fixed your constancy firm in the heavens. (Sal 89,1-2)
from age to age my lips shall declare your constancy,
for you have said: love is built to last for ever,
you have fixed your constancy firm in the heavens. (Sal 89,1-2)
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét