Monday of the Seventeenth Week in
Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 401
Lectionary: 401
The LORD said to me: Go buy
yourself a linen loincloth;
wear it on your loins, but do not put it in water.
I bought the loincloth, as the LORD commanded, and put it on.
A second time the word of the LORD came to me thus:
Take the loincloth which you bought and are wearing,
and go now to the Parath;
there hide it in a cleft of the rock.
Obedient to the LORD’s command, I went to the Parath
and buried the loincloth.
After a long interval, the LORD said to me:
Go now to the Parath and fetch the loincloth
which I told you to hide there.
Again I went to the Parath, sought out and took the loincloth
from the place where I had hid it.
But it was rotted, good for nothing!
Then the message came to me from the LORD:
Thus says the LORD:
So also I will allow the pride of Judah to rot,
the great pride of Jerusalem.
This wicked people who refuse to obey my words,
who walk in the stubbornness of their hearts,
and follow strange gods to serve and adore them,
shall be like this loincloth which is good for nothing.
For, as close as the loincloth clings to a man’s loins,
so had I made the whole house of Israel
and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the LORD;
to be my people, my renown, my praise, my beauty.
But they did not listen.
wear it on your loins, but do not put it in water.
I bought the loincloth, as the LORD commanded, and put it on.
A second time the word of the LORD came to me thus:
Take the loincloth which you bought and are wearing,
and go now to the Parath;
there hide it in a cleft of the rock.
Obedient to the LORD’s command, I went to the Parath
and buried the loincloth.
After a long interval, the LORD said to me:
Go now to the Parath and fetch the loincloth
which I told you to hide there.
Again I went to the Parath, sought out and took the loincloth
from the place where I had hid it.
But it was rotted, good for nothing!
Then the message came to me from the LORD:
Thus says the LORD:
So also I will allow the pride of Judah to rot,
the great pride of Jerusalem.
This wicked people who refuse to obey my words,
who walk in the stubbornness of their hearts,
and follow strange gods to serve and adore them,
shall be like this loincloth which is good for nothing.
For, as close as the loincloth clings to a man’s loins,
so had I made the whole house of Israel
and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the LORD;
to be my people, my renown, my praise, my beauty.
But they did not listen.
Responsorial
PsalmDEUTERONOMY 32:18-19, 20, 21
R. (see
18a) You
have forgotten God who gave you birth.
You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you,
You forgot the God who gave you birth.
When the LORD saw this, he was filled with loathing
and anger toward his sons and daughters.
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
“I will hide my face from them,” he said,
“and see what will then become of them.
What a fickle race they are,
sons with no loyalty in them!”
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’
and angered me with their vain idols,
I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’;
with a foolish nation I will anger them.”
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you,
You forgot the God who gave you birth.
When the LORD saw this, he was filled with loathing
and anger toward his sons and daughters.
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
“I will hide my face from them,” he said,
“and see what will then become of them.
What a fickle race they are,
sons with no loyalty in them!”
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’
and angered me with their vain idols,
I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’;
with a foolish nation I will anger them.”
R. You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
AlleluiaJAS 1:18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 13:31-35
Jesus proposed a parable to the
crowds.
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed
that a person took and sowed in a field.
It is the smallest of all the seeds,
yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.
It becomes a large bush,
and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”
“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed
that a person took and sowed in a field.
It is the smallest of all the seeds,
yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.
It becomes a large bush,
and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”
He spoke to them another
parable.
“The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast
that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch was leavened.”
“The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast
that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch was leavened.”
All these things Jesus spoke to
the crowds in parables.
He spoke to them only in parables,
to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:
He spoke to them only in parables,
to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:
I will open my mouth in parables,
I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation
of the world.
I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation
of the world.
Meditation: What
the Kingdom of Heaven Is Like
What
can mustard seeds and leaven teach us about the kingdom of God? The tiny
mustard seed literally grew to be a tree which attracted numerous birds because
they loved the little black mustard seed it produced. God's kingdom works in a
similar fashion. It starts from the smallest beginnings in the hearts of men
and women who are receptive to God's word. And it works unseen and causes a
transformation from within.
Hidden power of transforming seeds and leaven
Leaven is another powerful agent of change. A lump of dough left to itself remains just what it is, a lump of dough. But when the leaven is added to it a transformation takes place which produces rich and wholesome bread when heated - the staple of life for humans.
God's word has power to transforms us
The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield our lives to Jesus Christ and allow his word to take root in our heart, we are transformed and made holy by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?
Hidden power of transforming seeds and leaven
Leaven is another powerful agent of change. A lump of dough left to itself remains just what it is, a lump of dough. But when the leaven is added to it a transformation takes place which produces rich and wholesome bread when heated - the staple of life for humans.
God's word has power to transforms us
The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield our lives to Jesus Christ and allow his word to take root in our heart, we are transformed and made holy by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?
Heavenly
Father, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like
holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy
desire to live for your greater glory.
Daily
Quote from the Early Church Fathers: A small seed produces a great tree,
by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD)
"Therefore
he brought forward the similitude of this herb, which has a very strong
resemblance to the kingdom of heaven. It indeed is 'the least of all seeds, but
when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs and becomes a tree, so that
the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.'
Thus he meant to set forth the most decisive sign of its greatness. 'Even so then shall it also be with respect to the gospel,' he says. For his disciples were weakest of all and least of all. Nevertheless, because of the great power that was in them, it has grown and been unfolded in every part of the world." (excerpt from the THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 46.2)
Thus he meant to set forth the most decisive sign of its greatness. 'Even so then shall it also be with respect to the gospel,' he says. For his disciples were weakest of all and least of all. Nevertheless, because of the great power that was in them, it has grown and been unfolded in every part of the world." (excerpt from the THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 46.2)
MONDAY, JULY 27, MATTHEW 13:31-35
Weekday
(Jeremiah 13:1-11; Psalm: Deuteronomy:32)
Weekday
(Jeremiah 13:1-11; Psalm: Deuteronomy:32)
KEY VERSE: "It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants" (v. 32).
TO KNOW: Through his parables, Jesus revealed the full mysteries of the reign of God that had "lain hidden from the foundation of the world" (Ps 78:2). The parables of the mustard seed and yeast taught his followers about the paradoxical nature of God's reign, which Jesus described as having amazing growth from insignificant beginnings. Though very tiny, the mustard seed grew into a luxuriant plant where birds could find a home in its branches. In like manner, a tiny bit of leaven hidden in an enormous amount of flour (50 lbs.) expanded the dough to produce enough bread to feed a hundred people. God's kingdom is a process. Although a Christian's work may seem unimportant, even a small effort moves the kingdom toward its fulfillment.
TO LOVE: Do I encourage the modest efforts of other Christians?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to be untiring in my labor for your kingdom.
Monday 27 July 2020
Jeremiah 13:1-11. You have forgotten God who gave you birth –
Deuteronomy 32:18-21. Matthew 13:31-35.
‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed’
The trouble with parables is that frequently you have to change
your way of thinking to make sense of them. And, sometimes, making sense of
them is hard work. And then, one day, unexpectedly, the light dawns. Is there
only one way to interpret a parable?
Faith, as with the mustard shrub, begins with the smallest of
seeds. If it is nurtured, the seed of faith grows into something large enough
to shelter others. The birds shelter in the tree, and eat, one supposes, from
the tree, and therefore spread the seeds. The seeds are then sown to grow more
trees. Jesus sowed the seed of faith. Who are we? Are we seeds? Trees? Birds?
Are we seed sowers, like Jesus? Do we know the seeds we sow? Do we know if our
faith shelters others?
Blessed Antonio Lucci
Saint of the Day for July 27
(August 2, 1682 – July 25, 1752)
Blessed Antonio Lucci’s Story
Antonio studied with and was a friend of Saint Francesco
Antonio Fasani, who after Antonio Lucci’s death, testified at the diocesan
hearings regarding the holiness of Lucci.
Born in Agnone in southern Italy, a city famous for
manufacturing bells and copper crafts, he was given the name Angelo at baptism.
He attended the local school run by the Conventual Franciscans and joined them
at the age of 16. Antonio completed his studies for the priesthood in Assisi,
where he was ordained in 1705. Further studies led to a doctorate in theology
and appointments as a teacher in Agnone, Ravello, and Naples. He also served as
guardian in Naples.
Elected minister provincial in 1718, the following year he was
appointed professor at St. Bonaventure College in Rome, a position he held
until Pope Benedict XIII chose Antonio as bishop of Bovino in 1729. The pope
explained, “I have chosen as bishop of Bovino an eminent theologian and a great
saint.”
His 23 years as bishop were marked by visits to local parishes
and a renewal of gospel living among the people of his diocese. He dedicated
his episcopal income to works of education and charity. At the urging of the
Conventual minister general, Bishop Lucci wrote a major book about the saints
and blesseds in the first 200 years of the Conventual Franciscans.
Antonio Lucci was beatified in 1989, three years after his
friend Francesco Antonio Fasani was canonized. His Liturgical Feast Day is
July 25.
Reflection
As Pope Paul VI wrote in 1975, people today “are more impressed
by witnesses than by teachers, and if they listen to these it is because they
also bear witness” (Evangelization in the Modern World, #41).
Lectio Divina: Matthew 13:31-35
Lectio Divina
Monday, July 27, 2020
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
God our Father and protector,
without You nothing is holy,
nothing has value.
Guide us to everlasting life
by helping us to use wisely
the blessings You have given to the world.
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.
without You nothing is holy,
nothing has value.
Guide us to everlasting life
by helping us to use wisely
the blessings You have given to the world.
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 - Matthew 13:31-35
Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. "The Kingdom of
heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is
the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.
It becomes a large bush, and the 'birds of the sky come and dwell in its
branches.'" He spoke to them another parable. "The Kingdom of heaven
is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch was leavened." All these things Jesus spoke to the
crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been
said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce
what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.
3) Reflection
• We are meditating on the discourse on the Parables, which
reveals, by means of comparisons, the mystery of the Kingdom of God present in
the life of the people. Today’s Gospel presents to us two brief parables: the
mustard seed and the yeast. In these, Jesus tells two stories taken from daily
life which will serve as terms of comparison to help the people discover the
mystery of the Kingdom. When meditating on these two stories it is not
necessary to try to discover what each element of the stories try to tell us
about the Kingdom. First of all, one must look at the story itself as a whole
and try to discover the central point around which the story was constructed.
This central point will serve as a means of comparison for revealing the
Kingdom of God. Let us try to discover the central point of the two
parables.
• Matthew 13:31-32: The parable of the mustard seed. Jesus says,
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed” and then He immediately tells
the story: a mustard seed which is very small is cast into the ground. Despite
being very small, it grows and becomes larger than other plants and attracts
the birds which come and build their nests in it. Jesus does not explain the
story. Here applies what He said on another occasion: “Anyone who has ears to
hear, let him hear!” That is, “It is this. You have heard, so now try to
understand!” It is up to us to discover what the story reveals to us about the
Kingdom of God present in our life. Thus, by means of this story of the mustard
seed, Jesus urges us to think because each one of us understands something
about the seed. Jesus expects that people, all of us, begin to share what each
one has discovered. Now, I share three points that I have discovered on the
Kingdom, beginning with this parable: (a) Jesus says, "The Kingdom of
Heaven is like a mustard seed.” The Kingdom is not something abstract, it is
not an idea. It is a presence in our midst (Lk 17:21). What is this presence
like? It is like the mustard seed: a very small presence, humble, which can
hardly be seen. It is about Jesus, a poor carpenter, who goes through Galilee,
speaking about the Kingdom to the people of the towns. The Kingdom of God does
not follow the opinions of the great of the world. It has a different way of
thinking and proceeding. (b) The prophecy evokes a prophecy of Ezekiel, in
which it is said that God will take a small twig of the cedar and will plant it
on the mountain of Israel. This small twig of cedar “will bring forth branches
and will bear fruit and will become a magnificent cedar. Under it all the birds
will live, every kind of birds will rest under it. All the trees of the forest
will know that I am the Lord, who humiliated the tall tree and exalted the low
one; I dry the green tree and make the dry tree come to life. I the Lord have
spoken and I will do it” (Ezek 17:22-23). (c) The mustard seed, even if very
small, grows and gives hope. Like the mustard seed, the Kingdom has an interior
force and it grows. How does it grow? It grows through the preaching of Jesus
and of the disciples in the towns of Galilee. It grows even today, through the
witness of the community and becomes good news of God which radiates light and
attracts people. The person who gets close to the community feels welcomed,
accepted, at home, and builds in it her nest, her dwelling. Finally, the
parable leaves a question in the air: who are the birds? The question will
receive an answer later in the Gospel. The text suggests that it is a question
of the pagans who will be able to enter the Kingdom (Mt 15:21-28).
• Matthew 13:33: The parable of the yeast. The story of the
second parable is the following: A woman took a bit of yeast and mixed it with
three measures of flour, until it is leavened all through. Once again, Jesus
does not explain. He only says, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast...” As
in the first parable, it is up to us to discover the significance which this
has for us today. The following are some points which I have discovered and
which have made me think: (a) What grows is not the yeast, but the dough. (b)
It is a matter of something in a house, well known to a woman in her house. (c)
The yeast is mixed up with the pure dough of flour and contains something living.
(d) The objective is to have all the dough rise and grow through the beneficial
action of the yeast, and not only one part. (e) The yeast is not an end in
itself but serves to make the dough grow.
• Matthew 13:34-35: Why Jesus speaks in parables. Here, at the
end of the discourse on the Parables, Matthew clarifies the reason which
prompted Jesus to teach the people using the form of parables. He says that it
was in order that the prophecy would be fulfilled which said, "I will open
the mouth to use parables; I will proclaim things hidden since the
creation of the world.” In reality, the text that has been quoted is not of a
prophet, but rather it is a Psalm (Ps 78:2). For the first Christians the whole
of the Old Testament was a great prophecy which announced in a veiled way the
coming of the Messiah and the fulfillment of the promises of God. In Mark
4:33-34, the reason which prompted Jesus to teach the people by means of
parables was to adapt the message to the capacity of the people. With these examples
taken from the life of the people, Jesus helped the people to discover the
things of God in everyday life. Life then became transparent. He made
them perceive that what was extraordinary in God is hidden in the ordinary and
common things of daily life. People understood the things of life. In the
parables they received the key to open them and to find in them the signs of
God. At the end of the discourse on the Parables, in Matthew 13:52, as we shall
see later, another reason will be explained why Jesus chose to teach with
parables.
4) Personal questions
• Which point of these two parables did you like best or which
struck you more? Why?
• What is the seed that without your awareness has grown in you and in your community?
• What other symbolisms can you find for the seed, the bush, the birds, the bush’s relationship with other plants, and the meanings for “dwell”? What insights does this lead you too?
• What other symbolisms can you find for yeast and flour? Is there significance to using “3 measures of flour” in the parable? What insights does this lead you too?
• What is the seed that without your awareness has grown in you and in your community?
• What other symbolisms can you find for the seed, the bush, the birds, the bush’s relationship with other plants, and the meanings for “dwell”? What insights does this lead you too?
• What other symbolisms can you find for yeast and flour? Is there significance to using “3 measures of flour” in the parable? What insights does this lead you too?
5) Concluding Prayer
I will sing of Your strength,
in the morning acclaim Your faithful love;
You have been a stronghold for me,
a refuge when I was in trouble. (Ps 59:16)
in the morning acclaim Your faithful love;
You have been a stronghold for me,
a refuge when I was in trouble. (Ps 59:16)
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