Monday of the Second Week in Lent
Lectionary: 230
Lectionary: 230
"Lord, great and awesome God,
you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you
and observe your commandments!
We have sinned, been wicked and done evil;
we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.
We have not obeyed your servants the prophets,
who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes,
our fathers, and all the people of the land.
Justice, O Lord, is on your side;
we are shamefaced even to this day:
we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem,
and all Israel, near and far,
in all the countries to which you have scattered them
because of their treachery toward you.
O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers,
for having sinned against you.
But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness!
Yet we rebelled against you
and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God,
to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets."
you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you
and observe your commandments!
We have sinned, been wicked and done evil;
we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws.
We have not obeyed your servants the prophets,
who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes,
our fathers, and all the people of the land.
Justice, O Lord, is on your side;
we are shamefaced even to this day:
we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem,
and all Israel, near and far,
in all the countries to which you have scattered them
because of their treachery toward you.
O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers,
for having sinned against you.
But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness!
Yet we rebelled against you
and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God,
to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets."
Responsorial
PsalmPS 79:8, 9, 11 AND 13
R. (see 103:10a) Lord, do not deal with us according to our
sins.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name’s sake.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you;
with your great power free those doomed to death.
Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
through all generations we will declare your praise.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name’s sake.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Let the prisoners’ sighing come before you;
with your great power free those doomed to death.
Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
through all generations we will declare your praise.
R. Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Verse Before
The Gospel SeeJN 6:63C, 68C
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life;
you have the words of everlasting life.
you have the words of everlasting life.
GospelLK 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
"Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you."
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
"Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you."
For the readings of the Optional Memorial of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem,
please go here.
Meditation: Be
merciful as your Father is merciful
Do
you know and experience the mercy God has for you through the blood of Jesus
Christ that was shed for you and for your sins upon the cross? The Lord Jesus
took our sins upon himself and nailed them to the cross so that we could
receive pardon rather than condemnation, freedom rather than slavery to sin,
and healing for the wounds caused by sin, injustice, and evil.
God's
mercy knows no limits
God the Father never tires of showing his steadfast love and mercy to those who seek him. Scripture tells us that his mercies never cease. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (The Lamentations of Jeremiah 3:22-23). What can hold us back from receiving God's mercy and pardon? Anger, resentment, an unwillingness to forgive or to ask for pardon can hold us back from the healing power and merciful love that has power to wash away guilt and condemnation, fear and anger, pride and resentment. The Lord Jesus offers us freedom to walk in his way of love and forgiveness, mercy and goodness.
God the Father never tires of showing his steadfast love and mercy to those who seek him. Scripture tells us that his mercies never cease. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (The Lamentations of Jeremiah 3:22-23). What can hold us back from receiving God's mercy and pardon? Anger, resentment, an unwillingness to forgive or to ask for pardon can hold us back from the healing power and merciful love that has power to wash away guilt and condemnation, fear and anger, pride and resentment. The Lord Jesus offers us freedom to walk in his way of love and forgiveness, mercy and goodness.
Imitate
God the Father's mercy
We are called to be merciful towards one another just as our heavenly Father has been merciful towards each one of us. Do you quickly forgive those who wrong you or cause you grief or pain, or do you allow ill-will and resentment to grow in your heart? Do you pray for those who have lost sight of God's mercy, pardon, truth, and justice?
We are called to be merciful towards one another just as our heavenly Father has been merciful towards each one of us. Do you quickly forgive those who wrong you or cause you grief or pain, or do you allow ill-will and resentment to grow in your heart? Do you pray for those who have lost sight of God's mercy, pardon, truth, and justice?
In
the Old Testament we see the example of Daniel, a man of great faith in God's
mercy and just ways, who prayed daily, not only for himself, but for his own
people, and for his persecutors as well. Daniel was 'shamefaced' before
God because he recognized that his own people who had been called and chosen by
God as the people of Israel, were now suffering in exile due to their sins and
unfaithfulness to the covenant God had made with them (see Daniel 9:4-10).
Daniel did not sit in judgment over the failings and sins of his own people,
instead he pleaded with God for compassion, pardon, and restoration. Our shame
will turn to joy and hope if we confess our sins and ask for God's healing love
and mercy..
Do
not judge
Why does Jesus tell his followers to "not judge lest they be judged"? Jesus knew the human heart all too well. We judge too quickly or unfairly with mixed motives, impure hearts, and prejudiced minds. The heart must be cleansed first in order to discern right judgment with grace and mercy rather than with ill will and vengeance.
Why does Jesus tell his followers to "not judge lest they be judged"? Jesus knew the human heart all too well. We judge too quickly or unfairly with mixed motives, impure hearts, and prejudiced minds. The heart must be cleansed first in order to discern right judgment with grace and mercy rather than with ill will and vengeance.
Ephrem
the Syrian (306-373 AD), a wise early Christian teacher and writer, comments on
Jesus' exhortation to not condemn:
Do
not judge, that is, unjustly, so that you may not be judged, with regard to injustice.
With the judgment that you judge shall you be judged. This is like the phrase
"Forgive, and it will be forgiven you." For once someone has judged
in accordance with justice, he should forgive in accordance with grace, so that
when he himself is judged in accordance with justice, he may be worthy of
forgiveness through grace. Alternatively, it was on account of the judges,
those who seek vengeance for themselves, that he said, "Do not
condemn." That is, do not seek vengeance for yourselves. Or, do not judge
from appearances and opinion and then condemn, but admonish and advise. (COMMENTARY
ON TATIAN'S DIATESSARON 6.18B.)
Grace
and mercy
What makes true disciples of Jesus Christ different from those who do not know the Lord Jesus and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace - treating others not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated - with forbearance, mercy, and loving-kindness. God shows his goodness to the unjust as well as to the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God always seeks what is best for each one of us and he teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and unkind towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing in return. Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil.
What makes true disciples of Jesus Christ different from those who do not know the Lord Jesus and what makes Christianity distinct from any other religion? It is grace - treating others not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated - with forbearance, mercy, and loving-kindness. God shows his goodness to the unjust as well as to the just. His love embraces saint and sinner alike. God always seeks what is best for each one of us and he teaches us to seek the greatest good of others, even those who hate and abuse us. Our love for others, even those who are ungrateful and unkind towards us, must be marked by the same kindness and mercy which God has shown to us. It is easier to show kindness and mercy when we can expect to benefit from doing so. How much harder when we can expect nothing in return. Our prayer for those who do us ill both breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love to do good in the face of evil.
Overcome
evil with mercy and goodness
How can we possibly love those who cause us grief, harm, or ill-will? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who trust in his love and who seek his wisdom and help. The Lord is ready to work in and through us by his Holy Spirit, both to purify our minds and hearts and to help us do what is right, good, and loving in all circumstances. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5) God's love conquers all, even our hurts, injuries, fears, and prejudices. Only the cross of Jesus Christ and his victory over sin can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment, and give us the courage to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Such love and grace has power to heal, restore, and transform us into the image of Christ. Do you know the power of Christ's redeeming love and mercy?
How can we possibly love those who cause us grief, harm, or ill-will? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace to those who trust in his love and who seek his wisdom and help. The Lord is ready to work in and through us by his Holy Spirit, both to purify our minds and hearts and to help us do what is right, good, and loving in all circumstances. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us" (Romans 5:5) God's love conquers all, even our hurts, injuries, fears, and prejudices. Only the cross of Jesus Christ and his victory over sin can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred, revenge, and resentment, and give us the courage to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Such love and grace has power to heal, restore, and transform us into the image of Christ. Do you know the power of Christ's redeeming love and mercy?
"Lord
Jesus, your love brings freedom, pardon, and joy. Transform my heart with your
love that nothing may make me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my
joy, or make me bitter towards anyone."
A
Daily Quote for Lent: The
Practice of Mercy, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"The
practice of mercy is twofold: when vengeance is sacrificed and when compassion
is shown. The Lord included both of these in his brief sentence: 'Forgive, and
you shall be forgiven; give, and it shall be given to you.' This work has the
effect of purifying the heart, so that, even under the limitations of this
life, we are enabled with pure mind to see the immutable reality of God. There
is something holding us back, which has to be loosed so that our sight may
break through to the light. In connection with this the Lord said, 'Give alms,
and behold, all things are clean to you.' Therefore the next and sixth step is
that cleansing of the heart." (excerpt from Letter 171A.2)
MONDAY,
MARCH 18, LUKE 6:36-38
Lenten Weekday
(Daniel 9:4b-10; Psalm 79)
Lenten Weekday
(Daniel 9:4b-10; Psalm 79)
KEY VERSE: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (v. 36).
TO KNOW: In Matthew's gospel, Jesus told his followers that they must be "perfect" in imitation of God who is perfect (Mt 5:48). This might be intimidating for all of us imperfect human beings. In Luke's gospel, instead of perfection, God's "mercy" is stressed (Hebrew, 'rachamim,' common to the word 'rechem,' womb, the love of a mother toward her unborn child). The word 'mercy' appears over 250 times in the Old Testament and is usually translated as "loving kindness" (Hebrew, hesed). God's steadfast love is demonstrated by his covenant faithfulness with his chosen people. God’s provisions are limitless; God’s grace is endless; God’s love is boundless. God cannot be outdone in generosity. God will shower down immeasurable blessings upon those who are generous to others. As long as we share the things that God has given to us, we will never lack what we need for ourselves. Jesus said that his loving Father will absolve our sins at the last judgment if we pardon the wrongdoings of others.
TO LOVE: Loving Father, thank you for showing mercy and compassion to me, a sinner.
TO SERVE: Is there someone I need to forgive this Lent?
Optional
Memorial of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church
Saint Cyril was raised a Christian in Jerusalem. He was well educated, especially in religion. He was ordained a priest and became the Bishop of Jerusalem in 348. Cyril's famous twenty-three catechetical lectures (Gk. Katecheseis), which he delivered while still a presbyter, contain instructions on the principal topics of Christian faith and practice. They are full of a warm pastoral love and care for the catechumens to whom they were directed. These documents are of great importance for they throw light on the method of instruction used in that day, as well as upon the liturgical practices of the period.
THE
JERUSALEM CROSS
The symbolism of the Jerusalem Cross, also known as the Crusaders Cross, has been explained in a variety of ways: The five crosses represent the five wounds Jesus received on the cross. The large center cross stands for the wound in Jesus' side while the four smaller crosses (one in each corner) represent the wounds he received in his hands and feet. The large center cross also represents Jesus and the four smaller crosses signify the four Gospel writers. It also symbolizes the four corners of the earth to which the gospel is preached. In addition, the five crosses represent the five nations who were active in the Crusades: Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, and also the five principalities of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Monday 18 March 2019
ST
PATRICK.
Jeremiah
1:4-9. Psalm 116(117). Acts 13:46-49. Luke 10:1-12, 17-20.
Go
out to all the world, and tell the Good News – Psalm 116(117).
‘Go
to those I send you to.’
Today’s
readings focus on the theme of being called and sent. ‘Call’ suggests a freedom
to choose, to say yes or no. Jeremiah’s tentative reply that he is only a boy
suggests a sense of self-doubt about his capacity for the task of prophet.
While such doubt is natural when faced with vocational choices, a choice based
on self-doubt runs counter to the fullness of life in God.
To
be sent or commissioned reminds us that proclaiming the Gospel is not our
project but God’s. As in the story of the labourers in the vineyard, God is the
manager who determines what needs to be done. In commissioning us God places
his trust in us and invites us to do the same. The command of Jesus to travel
lightly is indicative of our need to trust in the providence of God to carry
out his mission.
Saint
Cyril of Jerusalem
Saint
of the Day for March 18
(c.
315 – March 18, 386)
 |
| Detail | Stained glass of Saints Cyril of Jerusalem & Bernard of Clairvaux | Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Dayton, Ohio | photo by Nheyob |
Saint
Cyril of Jerusalem’s Story
The
crises that the Church faces today may seem minor when compared with the threat
posed by the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ and almost
overcame Christianity in the fourth century. Cyril was to be caught up in the
controversy, accused of Arianism by Saint Jerome, and ultimately vindicated
both by the men of his own time and by being declared a Doctor of the Church in
1822.
Raised
in Jerusalem and well-educated, especially in the Scriptures, he was ordained a
priest by the bishop of Jerusalem and given the task during Lent of catechizing
those preparing for Baptism and catechizing the newly baptized during the
Easter season. His Catecheses remain valuable as examples of
the ritual and theology of the Church in the mid-fourth century.
There
are conflicting reports about the circumstances of his becoming bishop of
Jerusalem. It is certain that he was validly consecrated by bishops of the
province. Since one of them was an Arian, Acacius, it may have been expected
that his “cooperation” would follow. Conflict soon rose between Cyril and
Acacius, bishop of the rival nearby see of Caesarea. Cyril was summoned to a
council, accused of insubordination and of selling Church property to relieve
the poor. Probably, however, a theological difference was also involved. He was
condemned, driven from Jerusalem, and later vindicated, not without some
association with and help from Semi-Arians. Half his episcopate was spent in
exile; his first experience was repeated twice. He finally returned to find
Jerusalem torn with heresy, schism and strife, and wracked with crime. Even
Saint Gregory of Nyssa, who was sent to help, left in despair.
They
both went to the Council of Constantinople, where the amended form of the
Nicene Creed was promulgated in 381. Cyril accepted the word consubstantial—that
is, Christ is of the same substance or nature as the Father. Some said it was
an act of repentance, but the bishops of the Council praised him as a champion
of orthodoxy against the Arians. Though not friendly with the greatest defender
of orthodoxy against the Arians, Cyril may be counted among those whom
Athanasius called “brothers, who mean what we mean, and differ only about the
word consubstantial.”
Reflection
Those
who imagine that the lives of saints are simple and placid, untouched by the
vulgar breath of controversy, are rudely shocked by history. Yet, it should be
no surprise that saints, indeed all Christians, will experience the same
difficulties as their Master. The definition of truth is an endless, complex
pursuit, and good men and women have suffered the pain of both controversy and
error. Intellectual, emotional, and political roadblocks may slow up people
like Cyril for a time. But their lives taken as a whole are monuments to
honesty and courage.
Lectio
Divina: Luke 6:36-38
Lectio
Divina
Monday,
March 18, 2019
Season
of Lent
1)
OPENING PRAYER
Just
and holy God,
our loving Father,
you offered us Your hand in friendship
and You sent us Your Son Jesus
to go with us on the road
of obedience and loyalty.
God, we often hurt this friendship,
we act as if we were not Your sons and daughters.
See the look of shame on our faces.
Forgive us, for we count on You.
Accept our thanks
for continuing to take us as we are
and loving us notwithstanding our sins.
We ask You this through Christ our Lord.
our loving Father,
you offered us Your hand in friendship
and You sent us Your Son Jesus
to go with us on the road
of obedience and loyalty.
God, we often hurt this friendship,
we act as if we were not Your sons and daughters.
See the look of shame on our faces.
Forgive us, for we count on You.
Accept our thanks
for continuing to take us as we are
and loving us notwithstanding our sins.
We ask You this through Christ our Lord.
2)
GOSPEL READING - LUKE 6:36-38
Jesus
said to his disciples: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
"Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not
be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to
you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be
poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be
measured out to you."
3)
REFLECTION
These
three brief verses of today’s Gospel (Lk 6:36-38) are the final part of a brief
discourse of Jesus (Lk 6:20-38). In the first part of His discourse, He
addresses Himself to the disciples (Lk 6:20) and to the rich (Lk 6:24)
proclaiming four beatitudes for the disciples (Lk 6:20-23), and four curses for
the rich (Lk 6:20-26). In the second part, He addresses Himself to all those
who are listening (Lk 6:27), that is, the immense crowd of poor and sick, who
had come from all parts (Lk 6:17-19). The words which He addresses to this
people and to all of us are demanding and difficult: to love the enemy (Lk
6,27), not curse them (Lk 6:28), offer the other cheek to the one who slaps you
on one, and do not complain if someone takes what is ours (Lk 6:29). How can
this difficult advice be understood? The explanation is given in the three
verses of today’s Gospel from which we draw the center of the Good News brought
by Jesus.
Luke
6:36: Be merciful as your Heavenly Father is merciful. The Beatitudes for the
disciples (Lk 6:20-23) and the curses against the rich (Lk 6:24-26) cannot be
interpreted as an occasion for the poor to take revenge against the rich. Jesus
orders us to have the contrary attitude. He says: Love your enemies! (Lk 6:27).
The change which Jesus wants to bring about in us does not consist in merely
changing something to invert the system, because in this way nothing would
change. He wants to change the system. The idea which Jesus wants to portray
comes from the new experience that He has of God the Father, full of
tenderness, who accepts all, good and bad, who makes the sun shine on both the
good and on the bad and makes the rain fall on both good and bad (Mt 5:5,45).
True love does not depend, nor can it depend, on what I receive from others.
Love must want the good of the other independently of what he does for me.
Because this is how God’s love is for us. He is merciful not only toward those
who are good, but with all, even with the ungrateful and the evil (Lk 6:35).
The disciples of Jesus should radiate this merciful love.
Luke
6:37-38: Do not judge and you will not be judged. These last words repeat in a
clearer way what Jesus had said before: Treat others as you would like them to
treat you (Lk 6:31; cf. Mt 7:12). If you do not want to be judged, do not
judge! If you do not want to be condemned, do not condemn. If you want to be
forgiven, then forgive! If you want to receive a good measure, give this good
measure to others! Do not wait for the other one to take the initiative. You
take it and begin now! You will see that it is like this.
4)
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Lent
is a time of conversion. Which is the conversion which today s Gospel is asking
of me?
Have you already been merciful as the Heavenly Father is?
What are my limits in being merciful and forgiving?
Have you already been merciful as the Heavenly Father is?
What are my limits in being merciful and forgiving?
5)
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Help
us, God our Savior,
for the glory of Your name;
Yahweh, wipe away our sins,
rescue us for the sake of Your name. (Ps 79,9)
for the glory of Your name;
Yahweh, wipe away our sins,
rescue us for the sake of Your name. (Ps 79,9)
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