Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 477
Lectionary: 477
Brothers and
sisters:
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
Responsorial Psalm PS 24:1-2, 3-4AB, 5-6
R. (see 6) Lord, this is the people that longs to
see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Gospel LK 12:54-59
Jesus said to the
crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny.”
“When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny.”
Meditation: "How to interpret the present
time"
How good are you at reading warning signs? Jesus expects his
disciples to accurately read the signs of the times! Farmers and
seafarers know the importance of spotting weather conditions for safe travel
and planting. A lot of effort is made today, with the help of science and
technology, to discern potential natural dangers, such as tropical storms,
hurricanes, floods, tornados, earth quakes, and erupting volcanoes, so that
people can be warned to take shelter before disaster hits. Our need for
accurately discerning spiritual danger is even more necessary if we want to
avoid a spiritual crisis or a moral disaster. Jesus used a vivid illustration
to point out the urgency of getting right with God before it is too late. If
you got into serious trouble with your neighbor and did something that could
get you severely penalized (like being thrown into jail and loosing everything
you owned), would you not try to settle the case out-of-court to avoid the
worst consequences?
None of us has the power and strength of will for overcoming
sin and evil on our own. We stand in constant need of God's grace, help,
strength, and protection. That is why scripture uses vivid language to describe
God as our rock, refuge, fortress, and mighty defense. We are also vulnerable
to Satan's lies and deceptions as well as our own spiritual blind-spots for
recognizing sin and moral weakness in our own lives. That is why we need God's
help and discernment for distinguishing between truth and error, right and
wrong, good and evil. Fortunately the Lord Jesus, who is a just judge, is also
a merciful advocate who pleads for us at the right hand of the Father in
heaven. The light of Jesus Christ reveals what is in our hearts and his grace
frees us from the tyranny of sinful habits, hurtful desires, and harmful
addictions. God's call is urgent and his grace is available for total freedom
and transformation in Christ. If we want to turn away from sin the Lord is
ready to give us the grace and help we need to choose for his way of love and
holiness. Are you ready for his saving grace and healing action in your life?
"Lord Jesus, flood my heart with your love and free me
for all that would keep me from doing your will. Transform my mind that I may
discern what is right and have the courage to choose what is good and pleasing
to you."
|
Spiritual Weather Reports |
|
October 24, 2014. Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in
Ordinary Time
|
|
Luke 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud
rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain -- and so it
does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say
that it is going to be hot -- and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to
interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to
interpret the present time? Why do you not judge for yourselves what is
right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an
effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you
over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the
constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until
you have paid the last penny."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I believe that you
are here with me. I have come to honor and adore you. Your love sustains me.
I want to love you more in return.
Petition: Lord, allow me to comprehend your
providence more deeply.
1. Seeing Signs: Jesus expresses some
indignation with the spiritual obtuseness of his listeners; in other words,
they don’t get it! When it comes to earthly matters, they can put two and two
together in an almost infallible manner. A dim dullness, however, has the
upper hand when the spiritual realm is broached. Why? Possibly because they
were not bothering to ponder what the sign of Jesus’ presence, miracles and
words really meant. They remained on the superficial level without plumbing
the depths. Superficiality inhibits our own spiritual progress as well.
Seeing signs isn’t so much a matter of being able to pick out the shape of a
tabernacle or cross in a passing cloud, but of deep and prayerful
consideration of the love of God in our lives.
2. God’s Presence: People who live a life of
consistent prayer are much more in tune with God’s presence. Where others see
coincidence, they see providence. This gives them a profound sense of peace.
They know that God is in charge and that they don’t have to figure out
everything for themselves. The world doesn’t rest on their shoulders, but on
God’s. So instead of complaining or worrying, they live in an atmosphere of
trust and acceptance.
3. Paying Attention: God’s providence guides
all things. We know this through faith and sometimes he sends a sign to say,
“Yes, I’m indeed here.” Once a priest was driving down the road and his
thoughts were taken up with a difficulty he was having with a particular
person. “How should I handle this?” he asked himself. A car pulled out in
front of him. The license plate read “CARITAS”, which is Latin for “charity.”
Was it just a coincidence? He couldn’t deny that this was the answer he was
looking for. The signs that invite us to be more Christ-like are the ones to
which we need to pay the most attention.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, the times I
really don’t pick up on the signs you send me are when they challenge my
resistance to your grace. Help me to overcome my spiritual superficiality and
perceive your presence in my life.
Resolution: I will try to be prompt in
following the inspirations of the Holy Spirit.
By Father Steven Reilly, LC
|
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, LUKE 12:54-59
(Ephesians 4:1-6; Psalm 24)
(Ephesians 4:1-6; Psalm 24)
KEY VERSE: "Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?" (v 57).
READING: Jesus warned the people that they were facing God's coming judgment, yet they refused to make a decision for or against him. He chastised them for being able to observe the weather signs that predicted rain or shine, yet they ignored the signs of the coming of God's reign. Jesus told his followers that God's judgment was already taking place. There might be little time left to be reconciled to God and to put one's affairs in order. He said that it would be much easier to settle "out of court" than to face the ominous judgment of Almighty God. At such time they would be required to pay the full price for their misdeeds. Then they would regret that they did not heed Jesus' words.
REFLECTING: What are the signs of the times that I must pay attention to today?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to listen to your words while there is still time to act on them.
Optional Memorial of Anthony Mary Claret,
bishop
Anthony Mary Claret was ordained to the priesthood in 1835. He was assigned as pastor in Catalonia, Spain. His apostolate consisted of rural preaching, conferences for the clergy and publications (he wrote more than 150 books). In 1849 Anthony gathered together five priests who formed the basis of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (popularly known as Claretians). At the suggestion of the Queen of Spain, Isabella II, Anthony was named archbishop of Santiago, Cuba (1850). For the next seven years he made pastoral visitations, preached against the slavery of the Africans, and regularized numerous marriages. As a result of his activity he was frequently threatened with death and on one occasion an attempt was actually made on his life. In 1857 he was recalled to Spain as confessor to the queen. He followed Isabella II into exile and was placed under house arrest in the Cistercian monastery at Fontfroide, France, where he died at the age of 63. His remains were ultimately returned to Spain. He was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
UNITED NATIONS DAY
United Nations Day was established by Presidential Proclamation to commemorate the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. It is generally celebrated in all states and American possessions, and by members of the United Nations for the purpose of informing the people of the world as to the aims, purposes, and achievements of the UN, agencies like UNICEF (International Children's Emergency Fund), UNESCO (U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and WHO (World Health Organization) which aid underprivileged areas. Famine, disease, malnutrition, and subsistence living standards have already been markedly improved by teams of workers from the U.N. They render not only direct assistance, but train teams of locals to teach their own people. The name "United Nations" was devised by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt and officially came into existence on October 24, 1945, when the Charter was ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and by a majority of other signatories. United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24 each year.
Friday 24 October 2014
St Anthony Claret. Day of
penance. Ephesians 4:1-6. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your
face—Ps 23(24):1-6. Luke 12:54-59.
There is
one body and one Spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.
The letter to the Ephesians
is probably best understood as a circular letter written by St Paul for each of
the churches that grew out of his pastoral work. The wording of this particular
passage suggests it may come from a liturgy already in use in those churches.
It specifies the essentials of faith as being the integration of our lives into
the life and eternal purpose of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Today, when our church is
truly universal, those Spirit-filled words, coming from a time when the church
was new, invite commitment to one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and
Father of all.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
Where Love Is, God Is
The greatest tragedy of our world is that men do not know, really
know, that God loves them. Some believe it in a shadowy sort of way. If they
were to really think about it they would soon realize that their belief in
God’s love for them is very remote and abstract. Because of this lack of
realization of God’s love for them, men do not know how to love God back.
—Catherine de Hueck Doherty
October 24
St. Anthony Claret
(1807-1870)
St. Anthony Claret
(1807-1870)
The "spiritual father of Cuba" was a missionary,
religious founder, social reformer, queen’s chaplain, writer and publisher,
archbishop and refugee. He was a Spaniard whose work took him to the Canary
Islands, Cuba, Madrid, Paris and to the First Vatican Council.
In his
spare time as weaver and designer in the textile mills of Barcelona, he learned
Latin and printing: The future priest and publisher was preparing. Ordained at
28, he was prevented by ill health from entering religious life as a Carthusian
or as a Jesuit, but went on to become one of Spain’s most popular preachers.
He spent
10 years giving popular missions and retreats, always placing great emphasis on
the Eucharist and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her rosary, it was
said, was never out of his hand. At 42, beginning with five young priests, he
founded a religious institute of missionaries, known today as the Claretians.
He was
appointed to head the much-neglected archdiocese of Santiago in Cuba. He began
its reform by almost ceaseless preaching and hearing of confessions, and
suffered bitter opposition mainly for opposing concubinage and giving
instruction to black slaves. A hired assassin (whose release from prison
Anthony had obtained) slashed open his face and wrist. Anthony succeeded in
getting the would-be assassin’s death sentence commuted to a prison term. His
solution for the misery of Cubans was family-owned farms producing a variety of
foods for the family’s own needs and for the market. This invited the enmity of
the vested interests who wanted everyone to work on a single cash crop—sugar.
Besides all his religious writings are two books he wrote in Cuba: Reflections
on Agriculture and Country Delights.
He was
recalled to Spain for a job he did not relish—being chaplain for the queen. He
went on three conditions: He would reside away from the palace, he would come
only to hear the queen’s confession and instruct the children and he would be
exempt from court functions. In the revolution of 1868, he fled with the
queen’s party to Paris, where he preached to the Spanish colony.
All his
life Anthony was interested in the Catholic press. He founded the Religious
Publishing House, a major Catholic publishing venture in Spain, and wrote or
published 200 books and pamphlets.
At
Vatican I, where he was a staunch defender of the doctrine of infallibility, he
won the admiration of his fellow bishops. Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore
remarked of him, "There goes a true saint." At the age of 63, he died
in exile near the border of Spain.
Stories:
Queen
Isabella II once said to Anthony, “No one tells me things as clearly and
frankly as you do.” Later she told her chaplain, “Everybody is always asking me
for favors, but you never do. Isn’t there something you would like for yourself?”
He replied, “that you let me resign.” The queen made no more offers.
Comment:
Jesus foretold that those who are truly his representatives would suffer the same persecution as he did. Besides 14 attempts on his life, Anthony had to undergo such a barrage of the ugliest slander that the very name Claret became a byword for humiliation and misfortune. The powers of evil do not easily give up their prey. No one needs to go looking for persecution. All we need to do is be sure we suffer because of our genuine faith in Christ, not for our own whims and imprudences.
Jesus foretold that those who are truly his representatives would suffer the same persecution as he did. Besides 14 attempts on his life, Anthony had to undergo such a barrage of the ugliest slander that the very name Claret became a byword for humiliation and misfortune. The powers of evil do not easily give up their prey. No one needs to go looking for persecution. All we need to do is be sure we suffer because of our genuine faith in Christ, not for our own whims and imprudences.
Quote:
Patron Saint of:
Savings
Weavers
Savings
Weavers
LECTIO DIVINA:
LUKE 12,54-59
Lectio:
Friday, October 24, 2014
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Almighty and everlasting God,
our source of power and inspiration,
give us strength and joy
in serving you as followers of Christ,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Luke 12,54-59
Jesus said again to the crowds, 'When you see
a cloud looming up in the west you say at once that rain is coming, and so it
does. And when the wind is from the south you say it's going to be hot, and it
is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the face of the earth and the sky.
How is it you do not know how to interpret these times? 'Why not judge for
yourselves what is upright?
For example: when you are going to court with
your opponent, make an effort to settle with him on the way, or he may drag you
before the judge and the judge hand you over to the officer and the officer
have you thrown into prison. I tell you, you will not get out till you have
paid the very last penny.'
3) Reflection
• The Gospel today presents the call on the
part of Jesus to learn to read the Signs of the Times. This was the text which
inspired the Pope John XXIII to convoke the Church to be more attentive to the
signs of Time and to perceive better the calls of God in the events of the
history of humanity.
• Luke 12, 54-55: Everybody knows how to
interpret the face of the earth and of the sky... “When you see a cloud looming
up in the west you say at once that rain is coming, and so it does. And when
the wind is from the south you say it’s going to be hot and it is”. Jesus
reports a universal human experience. Every body and each one, in his own
country or region, knows how to read the face of the sky and of the earth. The
body itself understands when there is threat of rain or when the time begins to
change: “It will rain”. Jesus refers to the contemplation of nature since it is
one of the most important sources of knowledge and of experience which he
himself had of God. It was the contemplation of nature that helped to discover
new aspects in faith and in the history of his people. For example, rain which
falls on the good and the bad, and the sun which rises on the upright and on
the unjust, helped him to formulate one of the revolutionary messages: “Love
your enemies!” (Mt 5, 43-45).
• Luke 12, 56-57: ..., but they do not know
how to read the signs of the time. And Jesus draws the conclusion for his
contemporaries and for all of us: “Hypocrites!” You know how to interpret the
face of the earth and the sky. How is it you do not know how to interpret these
times? Why not judge for yourselves what is upright? Saint Augustine said that
nature, creation, is the first book that God wrote. Through nature, God speaks
to us. Sin mixes up the letters of the book of nature and, because of this we
have not succeeded in reading God’s message printed in the things of nature and
in the facts of life. The bible is the second book of God, it was written not
to occupy or substitute Life but to help us to interpret nature and life and to
learn again to discover the calls of God in the facts of life. “Why not judge
for yourselves what is upright?” Sharing among ourselves what we see in nature,
we will be able to discover God’s call in life.
• Luke 12, 58-59: To know how to draw lessons
for life. “When you are going to court with your opponent , make an effort to
settle with him on the way, or he may drag you before the judge and the judge
hand you over to the officer and the officer have you thrown into prison I tell
you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny”. One of the
points on which Jesus insists most is reconciliation. At that time there were
many tensions and conflicts among the radical groups which had different
tendencies, without dialogue: Zelots, Essenes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and
Herodians... No one wanted to give in before others. The words of Jesus on
reconciliation which require acceptance and understanding enlighten this
situation; because the only sin which God does not forgive is our lack of
forgiveness toward others (Mt 6, 14). This is why he advices to seek reconciliation
before it is too late! When the time of judgment comes, it will be too late.
When there is still time try to change life, behaviour and way of thinking and
seek to act justly (cf. Mt 5, 25-26; Col 3,13; Ep 4, 32; Mk 11, 25).
4) Personal questions
• Read the signs of the Times. When I listen
or read the news on TV or in the newspaper am I concerned to perceive the calls
of God in these facts?
• Reconciliation, to be reconciled is the most
insistent request of Jesus. Do I try to collaborate in reconciliation between
persons, the races, the people, the tendencies?
5) Concluding prayer
To Yahweh belong the earth and all it
contains,
the world and all who live there;
it is he who laid its foundations on the seas,
on the flowing waters fixed it firm. (Ps 24,1-2)
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét