Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary
Time
Lectionary: 306
Lectionary: 306
It was not to angels that God subjected the world to come,
of which we are speaking.
Instead, someone has testified somewhere:
What is man that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man that you care for him?
You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you crowned him with glory and honor,
subjecting all things under his feet.
In "subjecting" all things to him,
he left nothing not "subject to him."
Yet at present we do not see "all things subject to him,"
but we do see Jesus "crowned with glory and honor"
because he suffered death,
he who "for a little while" was made "lower than the angels,"
that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
For it was fitting that he,
for whom and through whom all things exist,
in bringing many children to glory,
should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering.
He who consecrates
and those who are being consecrated all have one origin.
Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them "brothers" saying:
I will proclaim your name to my brethren,
in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.
of which we are speaking.
Instead, someone has testified somewhere:
What is man that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man that you care for him?
You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you crowned him with glory and honor,
subjecting all things under his feet.
In "subjecting" all things to him,
he left nothing not "subject to him."
Yet at present we do not see "all things subject to him,"
but we do see Jesus "crowned with glory and honor"
because he suffered death,
he who "for a little while" was made "lower than the angels,"
that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
For it was fitting that he,
for whom and through whom all things exist,
in bringing many children to glory,
should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering.
He who consecrates
and those who are being consecrated all have one origin.
Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them "brothers" saying:
I will proclaim your name to my brethren,
in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 8:2AB AND 5, 6-7, 8-9
R. (see 7) You
have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
O LORD, our Lord,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
All sheep and oxen,
yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
O LORD, our Lord,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
All sheep and oxen,
yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
AlleluiaSEE 1 THES 2:13
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Receive the word of God, not as the word of men,
but as it truly is, the word of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Receive the word of God, not as the word of men,
but as it truly is, the word of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMK 1:21-28
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers,
and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are–the Holy One of God!"
Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!"
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.
All were amazed and asked one another,
"What is this?
A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him."
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are–the Holy One of God!"
Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!"
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.
All were amazed and asked one another,
"What is this?
A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him."
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Meditation:
Jesus taught with authority
Do
you believe that God's word has power to set you free and to transform your
life? When Jesus taught he spoke with authority. He spoke the word of God as no
one had spoken it before. When the Rabbis taught they supported their
statements with quotes from other authorities. The prophets spoke with
delegated authority - "Thus says the Lord." When Jesus spoke
he needed no authorities to back his statements. He was authority incarnate -
the Word of God made flesh. When he spoke, God spoke. When he commanded even
the demons obeyed.
Faith
works through love and abounds in hope
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) remarked that "faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What have we to do with you' (Mark 1:24)? They confessed a sort of faith, but without love. Hence they were devils."
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) remarked that "faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What have we to do with you' (Mark 1:24)? They confessed a sort of faith, but without love. Hence they were devils."
Faith
is powerful, but without love it profits nothing (1 Corinthians 13). Scripture
tells us that true faith works through love (Galatians 5:6) and abounds in hope
(Romans 15:13). Our faith is made perfect in love because love orients us to
the supreme good which is God himself as well as the good of our neighbor who
is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26,27).
Hope
anchors our faith in the promises of God and purifies our desires for the
things which will last for eternity. That is why the word of Christ has power to
set us free from all that would keep us bound up in sin, deception, and
despair. Bede the venerable abbot of an English monastery (672-735) contrasted
the power and authority of Jesus' word with the word of the devil:
"The devil, because he had deceived Eve with his tongue, is punished by
the tongue, that he might not speak" [Homilies on the Gospels 1.8].
Faith
must be nourished with the Word of God
Faith is both a free gift of God and the free assent of our will to the whole truth that God has revealed. To live, grow, and persevere in the faith to the end, we must nourish it with the word of God. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds that we may grow in his truth and in the knowledge of his great love for each of us. If we approach God's word with trust and submission, and with an eagerness to do what the Lord desires for us, then we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through his word. Are you eager to be taught by the Lord and to conform your mind, heart, attitude, and intentions according to his word of truth, goodness, and love?
Faith is both a free gift of God and the free assent of our will to the whole truth that God has revealed. To live, grow, and persevere in the faith to the end, we must nourish it with the word of God. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds that we may grow in his truth and in the knowledge of his great love for each of us. If we approach God's word with trust and submission, and with an eagerness to do what the Lord desires for us, then we are in a much better position to learn what God wants to teach us through his word. Are you eager to be taught by the Lord and to conform your mind, heart, attitude, and intentions according to his word of truth, goodness, and love?
"Lord
Jesus, your word is power and life. May I never doubt your love and mercy, and
the power of your word that sets us free, and brings healing and restoration to
body, mind, heart, and spirit."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: Knowing without loving, by
Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Those
words show clearly that the demons had much knowledge, but entirely lacked
love. They dreaded receiving their punishment from him. They did not love the
righteousness that was in him. He made himself known to them to the extent he
willed; and he willed to be made known to the extent that was fitting. But he
was not made known to them as he is known to the holy angels, who enjoy
participation in his eternity, in that he is the Word of God. To the demons he
is known as he had to be made known, by striking terror into them, for his
purpose was to free from their tyrannical power all who were predestined for
his kingdom and glory, which is eternally true and truly eternal. Therefore, he
did not make himself known to the demons as the life eternal, and the
unchangeable light which illuminates his true worshipers, whose hearts are
purified by faith in him so that they see that light. He was known to the
demons through certain temporal effects of his power, the signs of his hidden
presence, which could be more evident to their senses, even those of malignant
spirits, than to the weak perception of human beings. (excerpt from CITY
OF GOD 9.21)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, MARK 1:21-28
Weekday
(Hebrews 2:5-12; Psalm 8)
KEY VERSE: "He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him" (v 27).
TO KNOW: The people were enthralled by the power of Jesus' words. When he was invited to teach in a synagogue in Capernaum, they marveled that he taught with the authority of the ancient prophets, not as the learned scribes whose message had no effect. Jesus not only spoke with authority — he acted with power! During the synagogue service a man, who was possessed by an "unclean spirit," shouted defiantly at Jesus. The demons acknowledged Jesus' power over the forces of evil, and they attempted to gain control of him by invoking the divine name -- the "Holy One of God." Just as Jesus would calm the raging waters (Mk 4:39), he rebuked the demons and ordered them to be silent. The people were astonished by Jesus' works, but they still did not understand his true identity. Nonetheless, Jesus' fame spread throughout the region of Galilee.
TO LOVE: Do I use the Holy Name of Jesus to speak against the powers of evil?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, you are my teacher and my healer.
Weekday
(Hebrews 2:5-12; Psalm 8)
KEY VERSE: "He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him" (v 27).
TO KNOW: The people were enthralled by the power of Jesus' words. When he was invited to teach in a synagogue in Capernaum, they marveled that he taught with the authority of the ancient prophets, not as the learned scribes whose message had no effect. Jesus not only spoke with authority — he acted with power! During the synagogue service a man, who was possessed by an "unclean spirit," shouted defiantly at Jesus. The demons acknowledged Jesus' power over the forces of evil, and they attempted to gain control of him by invoking the divine name -- the "Holy One of God." Just as Jesus would calm the raging waters (Mk 4:39), he rebuked the demons and ordered them to be silent. The people were astonished by Jesus' works, but they still did not understand his true identity. Nonetheless, Jesus' fame spread throughout the region of Galilee.
TO LOVE: Do I use the Holy Name of Jesus to speak against the powers of evil?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, you are my teacher and my healer.
Tuesday 15 January 2019
Hebrews 2:5-12. Psalm 8:2-5, 9. Mark 1:21-28.
You gave your Son authority over all your
creation – Psalm 8:2-5, 9.
‘I know who you are, the Holy One of God!’
A healer by word and deed, Jesus’ command to ‘be silent’ is one
which invites us to encounter our deepest self. This is the place of those
primal wounds which Jesus comes to heal. It is where we are made whole, for it
is the home of the Holy Spirit.
Transformed by the blessing of Jesus, the man was made new and
the crowd were amazed. How different was the authority of Jesus. It seemed to
come from a deep inner strength.
Jesus’ decisions to heal and to bless reveal the true nature of
his mission. He seeks to bring about a restoration such that people might live
in full stature the hope to which they are called.
Saint Paul the Hermit
Saint of the Day for January 15
(c. 233 – c. 345)
 |
| Saint Paul the Hermit | Jusepe de Ribera |
Saint Paul the Hermit’s Story
It is unclear what we really know of Paul’s life, how much is
fable, how much is fact.
Paul was reportedly born in Egypt, where he was orphaned by age
15. He was also a learned and devout young man. During the persecution of
Decius in Egypt in the year 250, Paul was forced to hide in the home of a
friend. Fearing a brother-in-law would betray him, he fled in a cave in the
desert. His plan was to return once the persecution ended, but the sweetness of
solitude and heavenly contemplation convinced him to stay.
He went on to live in that cave for the next 90 years. A nearby
spring gave him drink, a palm tree furnished him clothing and nourishment.
After 21 years of solitude, a bird began bringing him half of a loaf of bread
each day. Without knowing what was happening in the world, Paul prayed that the
world would become a better place.
Saint Anthony of Egypt attests to his holy life and death.
Tempted by the thought that no one had served God in the wilderness longer than
he, Anthony was led by God to find Paul and acknowledge him as a man more
perfect than himself. The raven that day brought a whole loaf of bread instead
of the usual half. As Paul predicted, Anthony would return to bury his new
friend.
Thought to have been about 112 when he died, Paul is known as
the “First Hermit.” His feast day is celebrated in the East; he is also
commemorated in the Coptic and Armenian rites of the Mass.
Reflection
The will and direction of God are seen in the circumstances of
our lives. Led by the grace of God, we are free to respond with choices that
bring us closer to and make us more dependent upon the God who created us.
Those choices might at times seem to lead us away from our neighbor. But
ultimately they lead us back both in prayer and in fellowship to one another.
LECTIO DIVINA: MARK 1:21-28
Lectio Divina:
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Father of love, hear our prayers.
Help us to know Your will
and to do it with courage and faith.
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 - Mark 1:21-28
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath
he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his
teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In
their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "What have
you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who
you are–the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet!
Come out of him!" The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry
came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, "What is this? A
new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey
him." His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
3) Reflection
• Sequence of the Gospels of the days of this week. Yesterday’s
Gospel informed us about the first activity of Jesus. He called four people to
form a community with them (Mk 1:16-10). Today’s Gospel describes admiration
for the teaching of Jesus (Mt 1:21-22) and the first miracle when He expels the
devil (Mk 1:23-28). The Gospel of tomorrow narrates the cure of Peter’s
mother-in-law (Mk 1:29-31), the healing of many sick people (Mk 1:32-34) and
the prayer of Jesus in an isolated place (Mk 1:35-39). Mark gathers all of
these episodes which had been transmitted orally in the communities, joining
them together like bricks of a wall. In the years 70’s, the year in which he
writes, the communities needed orientation. By describing how Jesus began His
activity, Mark tells of what they should do to announce the Good News. Mark
gives them a catechesis by telling the communities about the events in the life
of Jesus.
• Jesus teaches with authority, differently from the way the
scribes do it. The first thing that the people perceive is the diverse way in
which Jesus teaches. It is not so much the content, but rather the way in which
He teaches that impresses the people. For this reason, by His different way,
Jesus creates a critical conscience in people concerning the religious
authority of that time. The people compare and say: He teaches with authority,
in a way different from the way the scribes do. The scribes of that time taught
quoting the authority. Jesus does not quote any authority. He speaks with
His experience of God and of His life. His word is rooted in the heart.
• You have come to destroy us! In Mark, the first miracle is the
expulsion of the devil. Jesus struggles and expels the power of evil that takes
possession of people and alienates them from themselves. The man possessed by
the devil shouts: “I know who You are: You are the Holy One of God!” The man
repeated the official teaching which presented the Messiah as the “Holy One of
God”, as a High Priest, or like a King, Judge, Doctor or General. Even today,
many people live alienated from themselves, deceived by the power of mass
media, mass communication, and the advertising of business. They repeat what
they hear others say. They live as slaves of consumerism, oppressed by the
power of money, and threatened by debtors. Many think that their life is not as
it should be if they cannot buy what the advertising recommends.
• Jesus rebuked the evil spirit: “Be quiet! Come out of him!”
The spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him.
Jesus restores the person to himself. He gives him back his conscience and his
liberty. He makes the person recover his complete judgment (cf. Mk 5:15). It
was not easy then, it was not easy yesterday, and it is not easy today to do
this in such a way that a person begins to think and act in a way which
diverges from the official ideology.
• A new teaching! He commands even the evil spirits. The first
two signs of the Good News are these: His different way of teaching the things
of God, and His power over evil spirits. Jesus opens a new road in order for
people to attain purity. At that time, a person who was declared impure could
not present himself/herself before God to pray and to receive the blessing
promised by God to Abraham. He/she should first purify himself/herself. These
and many other laws and norms made the life of people very difficult and
marginalized many people who were considered impure and far from God. Now,
purified by the contact with Jesus, people could present themselves before God.
This was a great Good News!
4) Personal questions
• Can I really say: “I am fully free, master of myself? If I
cannot say it of myself, then something in me is possessed by other powers.
What do I do to expel this strange power?
• Today many people do not live, do not think, but rather are
driven by mass media. They do not have a critical mind or way of thinking. They
allow other masters into their lives. How can this “devil” be expelled?
5) Concluding prayer
Yahweh our Lord,
how majestic is Your name throughout the world!
What are human beings that You spare a thought for them,
or the child of Adam that You care for him? (Ps 8,1.4)
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