Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest
Lectionary: 178
Lectionary: 178
On that day they
will sing this song in the land of Judah:
“A strong city have we;
he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.
Open up the gates
to let in a nation that is just,
one that keeps faith.
A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace;
in peace, for its trust in you.”
Trust in the LORD forever!
For the LORD is an eternal Rock.
He humbles those in high places,
and the lofty city he brings down;
He tumbles it to the ground,
levels it with the dust.
It is trampled underfoot by the needy,
by the footsteps of the poor.
“A strong city have we;
he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.
Open up the gates
to let in a nation that is just,
one that keeps faith.
A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace;
in peace, for its trust in you.”
Trust in the LORD forever!
For the LORD is an eternal Rock.
He humbles those in high places,
and the lofty city he brings down;
He tumbles it to the ground,
levels it with the dust.
It is trampled underfoot by the needy,
by the footsteps of the poor.
Responsorial PsalmPS 118:1 AND 8-9, 19-21, 25-27A
R. (26a) Blessed is he who comes in the name of the
Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Open to me the gates of justice;
I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD.
This gate is the LORD’s;
the just shall enter it.
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me
and have been my savior.
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
O LORD, grant salvation!
O LORD, grant prosperity!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD;
we bless you from the house of the LORD.
The LORD is God, and he has given us light.
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Open to me the gates of justice;
I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD.
This gate is the LORD’s;
the just shall enter it.
I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me
and have been my savior.
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
O LORD, grant salvation!
O LORD, grant prosperity!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD;
we bless you from the house of the LORD.
The LORD is God, and he has given us light.
R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia IS 55:6
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call him while he is near.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call him while he is near.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 7:21, 24-27
Jesus said to his
disciples:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
Meditation: "Who shall enter the kingdom of
heaven?"
What's the best security against disaster and destruction? In
the ancient world a strong city, an impregnable fortress, and a secure house
were built on solid rock because they could withstand the forces of nature and
foe alike. Isaiah speaks of God as an "everlasting rock" (Isaiah
26:4). He is the rock of refuge and deliverance (Psalm 18:2) and the rock in
whom there is no wrong (Psalm 92:15). Scripture warns that destruction will
surely come to those who place their security in something other than God and
his kingdom. Jesus' parables invite us to stake our lives on the coming of his
kingdom or face the consequences of being unprepared when the day of testing
and destruction will surely come.
When Jesus told the story of the builders he likely had the
following proverb in mind: "When the storm has swept by, the wicked are
gone, but the righteous stand firm for ever" (Proverbs 10:25).
What's the significance of the story for us? The kind of foundation we build
our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the storms that are sure
to come. Builders usually lay their foundations when the weather and soil
conditions are at their best. It takes foresight to know how a foundation will
stand up against adverse conditions. Building a house on a flood plain, such as
a dry river-bed, is a sure bet for disaster! Jesus prefaced his story with a
warning: We may fool humans with our speech, but God cannot be deceived. He
sees the heart as it truly is - with its motives, intentions, desires, and choices
(Psalm 139:2).
There is only one way in which a person's sincerity can be
proved, and that is by one's practice. Fine words can never replace good deeds.
Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we are
tested. Do you cheat on an exam or on your income taxes, especially when it
will cost you? Do you lie, or cover-up, when disclosing the truth will
cause you injury or embarrassment? A true person is honest and reliable
before God, one's neighbor and oneself. His or her word can be counted
on. If you heed God's word and live according to it then you need not fear when
storms assail you. God will be your rock and your refuge. Is your life built
upon the sure "rock" of Jesus Christ and do you listen to his word as
if your life depended on it?
"Lord Jesus, you are my Rock and my Refuge. Help me to
conform my life according to your word that I may stand firm in times of
trouble and find hope in your promises."
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3,
MATTHEW 7:21, 24-27
(Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118)
(Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118)
KEY VERSE: "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock" (v 24).
TO KNOW: Jesus concluded his Sermon on the Mount by saying that it was not enough to perform works of healing and miracles yet live contrary to his teachings. The true disciple was one who imitated Jesus' dedication to God's will. Jesus illustrated his teaching with the Palestinian practice of building houses on a rock foundation. The house built on sand of a ravine was in danger of being swept away by the floods that followed the winter rains. Those who ignored Jesus' words were building upon a superficial footing. Their faith would collapse when trials beset them. Christians who obeyed Christ's teachings were building on a stable foundation that would withstand the storms of life.
TO LOVE: What are the weak places in my spiritual house that I can strengthen this Advent?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me obey your word in your Church.
Memorial of Francis
Xavier, priest
Francis Xavier was a friend of St. Ignatius of Loyola who convinced him to use his talents to spread the Gospel. Francis then made the spiritual exercises under the direction of Ignatius, and in 1534 joined his community, the Society of Jesus. Together at Montmartre they vowed poverty, chastity and apostolic service according to the directions of the pope. Francis was tremendously successful in missionary work for ten years in India, baptizing 10,000 in a single month. He tolerated the most appalling conditions on long sea voyages, enduring extremes of heat and cold. Wherever he went he would seek out and help the poor and forgotten. He traveled thousands of miles, most on his bare feet, and very often he had no time to sleep or even to say his breviary but, as we know from his letters, he was always filled with joy. Francis had dreams of going to China, but this plan was never realized. Before reaching the mainland he died. His remains are enshrined in the Church of Good Jesus in Goa. He and St. Therése of Lisieux were declared co-patrons of the missions in 1925.
Thursday 3 December 2015
Isaiah
26:1-6. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord—Ps 117(118):1, 8-9,
19-21, 25-27. Matthew 7:21, 24-27.
In what
or who do we place our trust; from what do we derive our security?
This
question, and the best answer, pervades today’s readings. Between them, these
readings set up a clear and pressing choice.
On one
hand is trust in ourselves, other people, wealth and status or material
strength. On the other hand there is trust in God. The Sacred writers make it
very clear that we must choose one or the other.
The
former is shown to lead to ruin. The latter though offers true safety. Walls
and towers can be toppled, the safety we find in riches leaves us in poverty.
While the material things that we trust in will pass, God’s love endures
forever.
So in
which what, or who, do we trust? Are there areas of our lives that reflect a
lack of trust in Jesus? How can we learn to trust more in Him?
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
|
Doing God’s Will
|
I applied myself especially to loving God, and it is in loving him
that I understood my love was not to be expressed only in words, for: “It is
not those who say: ‘Lord, Lord!’ who will enter the kingdom of heaven, but
those who do the will of my Father in heaven.”
December
3
St. Francis Xavier
(1506-1552)
St. Francis Xavier
(1506-1552)
Jesus asked, “What profit would there be for one to gain the
whole world and forfeit his life?” (Matthew 16:26a). The words were repeated to
a young teacher of philosophy who had a highly promising career in academics,
with success and a life of prestige and honor before him.
Francis Xavier, 24 at the time, and living and teaching in
Paris, did not heed these words at once. They came from a good friend, Ignatius
of Loyola, whose tireless persuasion finally won the young man to Christ.
Francis then made the spiritual exercises under the direction of Ignatius, and
in 1534 joined his little community, the infant Society of Jesus. Together at
Montmartre they vowed poverty, chastity and apostolic service according to the
directions of the pope.
From Venice, where he was ordained a priest in 1537, Francis
Xavier went on to Lisbon and from there sailed to the East Indies, landing at
Goa, on the west coast of India. For the next 10 years he labored to bring the
faith to such widely scattered peoples as the Hindus, the Malayans and the
Japanese. He spent much of that time in India, and served as provincial of the
newly established Jesuit province of India.
Wherever he went, he lived with the poorest people, sharing
their food and rough accommodations. He spent countless hours ministering to
the sick and the poor, particularly to lepers. Very often he had no time to
sleep or even to say his breviary but, as we know from his letters, he was
filled always with joy.
Francis went through the islands of Malaysia, then up to Japan.
He learned enough Japanese to preach to simple folk, to instruct and to
baptize, and to establish missions for those who were to follow him. From Japan
he had dreams of going to China, but this plan was never realized. Before
reaching the mainland he died. His remains are enshrined in the Church of Good
Jesus in Goa. He and St. Therese of Lisieux were declared co-patrons of the
missions in 1925.
Story:
Francis died on the island of Sancian, a hundred miles southwest
of Hong Kong. In his final sickness he had to be removed from the ship because
the Portuguese sailors feared that kindness to him would offend their master.
They were forced to leave him on the sands of the shore, exposed to a bitter
wind, but a Portuguese merchant led him into a ramshackle hut. He prayed
continually, between spasms of delirium and the doubtful therapy of bleeding.
He grew weaker and weaker. “I [Anthony, his friend] could see that he was
dying, and put a lighted candle in his hand. Then, with the name of Jesus on
his lips, he gave his spirit to his Creator and Lord with great peace and
repose.”
Comment:
All of us are called to “go and preach to all nations” (see Matthew 28:19). Our preaching is not necessarily on distant shores but to our families, our children, our husband or wife, our coworkers. And we are called to preach not with words, but by our everyday lives. Only by sacrifice, the giving up of all selfish gain, could Francis Xavier be free to bear the Good News to the world. Sacrifice is leaving yourself behind at times for a greater good, the good of prayer, the good of helping someone in need, the good of just listening to another. The greatest gift we have is our time. Francis gave his to others.
All of us are called to “go and preach to all nations” (see Matthew 28:19). Our preaching is not necessarily on distant shores but to our families, our children, our husband or wife, our coworkers. And we are called to preach not with words, but by our everyday lives. Only by sacrifice, the giving up of all selfish gain, could Francis Xavier be free to bear the Good News to the world. Sacrifice is leaving yourself behind at times for a greater good, the good of prayer, the good of helping someone in need, the good of just listening to another. The greatest gift we have is our time. Francis gave his to others.
Patron Saint of:
Japan
Missionaries
Japan
Missionaries
LECTIO DIVINA:
MATTHEW 7,21.24-27
Lectio:
Thursday,
December 3, 2015
1)
Opening prayer
Lord our God,
to those who trust in you
and live the gospel of your Son,
you are a dependable rock.
In the storms and tensions of our times,
may our faith never waver,
but give us the courage
to live as we believe,
consistently, radically,
that with your Son we may do your will
and live in your love now and for ever.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 7, 21.24-27
'It is not anyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.
'Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock.
But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!'
3) Reflection
Today’s Gospel narrates the end of the Discourse on the Mountain. The discourse on the Mountain is a new reading of the Law of God. It begins with the Beatitudes (Mt 5, 1-12) and ends with the house built on the rock.
• It is a question of acquiring the true wisdom. A source of wisdom is the Word of God expressed in the Law of God. True Wisdom consists in listening to and practicing the Word of God (Lk 11, 28). It is not sufficient to say: “Lord, Lord!” The important thing is not to say beautiful words about God, but rather to do the Will of the Father and, therefore, to be a revelation of his love and his presence in the world.
• The one who listens to and practices the Word, constructs the house on the rock. The solidity of the house does not come from the house in itself, but rather from the land, from the rock. What does the rock signify? It is the experience of God’s love revealed in Jesus (Rm 8, 31-39). There are some persons who practice the Word in order to merit God’s love. But love is not bought, purchased, neither do we merit it. (sg 8, 7). The love of God is received gratuitously. Let us put into practice the Word not to merit love, but to say thank you for the love we have received. This is the good earth, the rock, which gives security to the house. The true security comes from the certainty of God’s love! It is the rock which sustains us in the moments of difficulty and in storms.
• The Evangelist ends the discourse of the Mountain (Mt 7, 27-28) saying that the crowds remained admired by the teaching of Jesus, because “he taught with authority, and not like the Scribes”. The result of the teaching of Jesus is the critical awareness of the people concerning religious authority of the time. Admired and grateful, the people approved the beautiful and diverse teaching of Jesus.
4) Personal questions
• Am I among those who say “Lord, Lord”, or among those who put the Word into practice?
• Do I observe the Law in order to merit love and salvation or in order to thank God for his love and his salvation?
5) Concluding Prayer
O Lord, grant salvation!
O Lord, grant prosperity!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (Ps 118)
Lord our God,
to those who trust in you
and live the gospel of your Son,
you are a dependable rock.
In the storms and tensions of our times,
may our faith never waver,
but give us the courage
to live as we believe,
consistently, radically,
that with your Son we may do your will
and live in your love now and for ever.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 7, 21.24-27
'It is not anyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.
'Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock.
But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand. Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!'
3) Reflection
Today’s Gospel narrates the end of the Discourse on the Mountain. The discourse on the Mountain is a new reading of the Law of God. It begins with the Beatitudes (Mt 5, 1-12) and ends with the house built on the rock.
• It is a question of acquiring the true wisdom. A source of wisdom is the Word of God expressed in the Law of God. True Wisdom consists in listening to and practicing the Word of God (Lk 11, 28). It is not sufficient to say: “Lord, Lord!” The important thing is not to say beautiful words about God, but rather to do the Will of the Father and, therefore, to be a revelation of his love and his presence in the world.
• The one who listens to and practices the Word, constructs the house on the rock. The solidity of the house does not come from the house in itself, but rather from the land, from the rock. What does the rock signify? It is the experience of God’s love revealed in Jesus (Rm 8, 31-39). There are some persons who practice the Word in order to merit God’s love. But love is not bought, purchased, neither do we merit it. (sg 8, 7). The love of God is received gratuitously. Let us put into practice the Word not to merit love, but to say thank you for the love we have received. This is the good earth, the rock, which gives security to the house. The true security comes from the certainty of God’s love! It is the rock which sustains us in the moments of difficulty and in storms.
• The Evangelist ends the discourse of the Mountain (Mt 7, 27-28) saying that the crowds remained admired by the teaching of Jesus, because “he taught with authority, and not like the Scribes”. The result of the teaching of Jesus is the critical awareness of the people concerning religious authority of the time. Admired and grateful, the people approved the beautiful and diverse teaching of Jesus.
4) Personal questions
• Am I among those who say “Lord, Lord”, or among those who put the Word into practice?
• Do I observe the Law in order to merit love and salvation or in order to thank God for his love and his salvation?
5) Concluding Prayer
O Lord, grant salvation!
O Lord, grant prosperity!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord (Ps 118)
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét