Friday of
the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 447
Reading 1
Brothers and sisters:
If Christ is preached as raised from the dead,
how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?
If there is no resurrection of the dead,
then neither has Christ been raised.
And if Christ has not been raised, then empty too is our preaching;
empty, too, your faith.
Then we are also false witnesses to God,
because we testified against God that he raised Christ,
whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised.
For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised,
and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain;
you are still in your sins.
Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
If for this life only we have hoped in Christ,
we are the most pitiable people of all.
But now Christ has been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Responsorial Psalm
R. (15b) Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be
full.
Hear, O LORD, a just suit;
attend to my outcry;
hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my word.
Show your wondrous mercies,
O savior of those who flee
from their foes to refuge at your right hand.
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings,
But I in justice shall behold your face;
on waking, I shall be content in your presence.
R. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another,
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza,
Susanna, and many others
who provided for them out of their resources.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091820.cfm
Meditation: The
Women Provided for Jesus
Are you ready to serve the Lord Jesus and to support the work of
the Gospel with your personal resources? During his three years of public ministry
Jesus traveled widely. The Gospel records that a band of women accompanied
Jesus and the twelve apostles. This was a diverse group of women; some came
from rich and prominent families; some had been prostitutes, and others had
been afflicted with mental and physical infirmities.
The women who served Jesus out of their own resources
We know that Mary Magdalene had lived a very troubled life before Jesus freed
her from seven demons. She was privileged to be the first to see Jesus as the
risen Lord. Joanna, who was the wife of King Herod's chief financial officer,
was a wealthy lady of the court. It's unlikely that these two would have ever
met under other circumstances. What brought them together and united them in a
bond of friendship, service, and loyalty to Jesus? It was Jesus and his message
of the kingdom of God that had transformed these women. Unlike the apostles,
who took great pride in being the chosen twelve, these women did not seek
position or demand special privileges. Jesus had touched them so deeply that
they were grateful to do anything for him, even menial service. They brought
their gifts and resources to Jesus to use as he saw fit.
Whose concerns do you put first - yours or others?
Are you more like the status-conscious apostles who were concerned for their
position, or like the women who were content to serve Jesus quietly and
generously with their personal resources? In our fallen state, our natural
tendency is to want to be served and placed first and to avoid giving too much
of ourselves to the service of others. And besides, who really prefers to take
the lowly place of a servant who puts the needs of others before their own
needs? Jesus is our best example who "came not to be served but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom" for us (Matthew 20:28). The Gospel
honors these women who imitated Jesus in his selfless sacrificial love and
humble service.
Our privilege and joy is to serve the Lord Jesus
Our privilege as children of God and disciples of Jesus is to serve as Jesus
served with humility, selfless love, generosity, joy, and a willingness to do
whatever God asks of us. God, in his turn, gives us every good gift and grace
we need to carry out our task and mission. God in his infinite power needs no
one, but in his wisdom and love, he chooses to entrust his work through each
one of us. His Holy Spirit equips us with all that we need to love and serve
others. No one is unimportant or unnecessary in God's economy. The least in his
kingdom find a home and a mission at Jesus' side. Do you know the joy of
serving Jesus in company with others who love and serve him willingly?
Lord Jesus, set my heart on fire for you that I may give freely
of the gifts, talents, and resources you give me, for your sake and for the
work of the Gospel.
Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: Everyone
has something to give, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Frankly, even the poor have something they can share with
others. Let one lend feet to the lame, another become the eyes of the blind,
another visit the sick, and another bury the dead. These are the things that
everyone can do. Lastly, bear one another's burdens, and so you shall fulfill
the law of Christ." (excerpt from Sermon 41,9)
https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2020&date=sep18
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, LUKE 8:1-3
Weekday
(1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Psalm 17)
KEY VERSE: "Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women" (vs 1, 2).
TO KNOW: Jesus journeyed from one village to another proclaiming the good news. He was accompanied by his Twelve Apostles and several women who "provided for them out of their own resources" (v. 3). This was very radical as these were the most basic social divisions of the ancient world: free men were a better off than slaves; Jews had an advantage over Greeks; and males were seen as superior to females. But not in the Kingdom of God that Jesus announced. These women disciples had experienced the healing love of Jesus' mercy, and they expressed their gratitude through generous service. Jewish tradition forbade a rabbi to associate with women in public, but Jesus went beyond the cultural customs of his day. He declared that the Gospel was for all people regardless of gender. These faithful women stood by Jesus at the cross (Lk 23:49), were present at his burial (23:55), were privileged witnesses of his resurrection (24:1-10), and among those waiting with the Twelve for the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1:14).
TO LOVE: Is my attitude toward women in ministry like that of Jesus?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to show my love for you through serving others.
Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year -- L'Shana Tova -- Happy New Year
Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri (September/October). In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means "head of the year," and is commonly known as the Jewish New Year, although there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah and the New Year's festivities, many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions." Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to look back at the mistakes of the past year and plan the changes to make in the New Year. The holiday was instituted in Lev. 23:24-25 and referred to as Yom Ha-Zikkaron, the day of remembrance or Yom Teruah, the day of the sounding of the shofar, a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice. The shofar is not blown if the holiday falls on Shabbat. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. A popular observance during this holiday is eating apples or bread dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year.
http://www.togetherwithgodsword.com/commentaries-on-the-daily-gospel-of-the-mass.html
Friday 18 September 2020
Day of penance
1 Corinthians 15:12-20. Lord, when your glory appears, my joy
will be full – Psalm 16(17):1, 6-8, 15. Luke 8:1-3.
The women who accompanied Jesus
As Jesus spread the Good News he cured people and forgave their
sins. Many of his disciples were women. In our world sadly the definition of a
person’s gender still limits their abilities and opportunities.
Inspired by today’s short Gospel spend time contemplating our
Lord’s love for people. He loved their uniqueness and their differences. He saw
through the labels and limitations placed on them by social structures.
Do you allow difference of any kind cloud your view? How can you
enter into each day more aware of the perfection of each person? How can you
forgive and heal like Jesus? Who do you journey with as you seek to spread good
news?
http://www.pray.com.au/gospel_reflection/friday-18-september-2020/
Saint Joseph of Cupertino
Saint of the Day for September 18
(June 17, 1603 – September 18, 1663)
Saint Joseph of Cupertino. Engraving after F.A. Lorenzini | Wellcome Images
Saint Joseph of Cupertino’s Story
Joseph of Cupertino is most famous for levitating at
prayer. Already as a child, Joseph showed a fondness for prayer. After a
short career with the Capuchins, he joined the Conventual Franciscans.
Following a brief assignment caring for the friary mule, Joseph began his
studies for the priesthood. Though studies were very difficult for him, Joseph
gained a great deal of knowledge from prayer. He was ordained in 1628.
Joseph’s tendency to levitate during prayer was sometimes a
cross; some people came to see this much as they might have gone to a circus
sideshow. Joseph’s gift led him to be humble, patient, and obedient, even
though at times he was greatly tempted and felt forsaken by God. He fasted and
wore iron chains for much of his life.
The friars transferred Joseph several times for his own good and
for the good of the rest of the community. He was reported to and investigated
by the Inquisition; the examiners exonerated him.
Joseph was canonized in 1767. In the investigation preceding the
canonization, 70 incidents of levitation are recorded.
Reflection
While levitation is an extraordinary sign of holiness, Joseph is
also remembered for the ordinary signs he showed. He prayed even in times of
inner darkness, and he lived out the Sermon on the Mount. He used his “unique
possession”–his free will–to praise God and to serve God’s creation.
Saint Joseph of Cupertino is the Patron Saint of:
Air Travelers
Astronauts
Pilots
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-joseph-of-cupertino/
Lectio Divina: Luke 8:1-3
Lectio Divina
Friday, September 18, 2020
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Almighty God,
our creator and guide,
may we serve You with all our hearts
and know Your forgiveness in our lives.
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 - Luke 8:1-3
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching
and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the
Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary,
called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of
Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of
their resources.
3) Reflection
• In today’s Gospel we have the continuation of yesterday’s
episode which spoke of the surprising attitude of Jesus with regard to women,
when He defends the woman who was known in the town as a sinner, against the
criticism of the Pharisee. Now at the beginning of chapter 8, Luke describes
Jesus who goes through the villages and towns of Galilee, and the novelty is
that He was not only accompanied by the disciples, but also by the women
disciples.
• Luke 8:1: The Twelve who follow Jesus. In one phrase alone, Luke describes
the situation: Jesus goes through towns and villages preaching and proclaiming
the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the Twelve are with Him. The expression
“to follow Jesus” (cf. Mk 1:18; 15:41) indicates the condition of the disciple who
follows the Master, twenty-four hours a day, trying to imitate His example and
to participate in His destiny.
• Luke 8:2-3: The women follow Jesus. What surprises is that along with the men
there are also women “together with Jesus”. Luke places both the men and the
women disciples at the same level because all of them follow Jesus. Luke has
also kept some of the names of some of these women disciples: Mary Magdalene,
born in the town of Magdala. She had been cured and delivered from seven
demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, steward of Herod Antipas, who was Governor
of Galilee; Suzanne and several others. It is said that they “served Jesus with
their own goods” Jesus allows a group of women “to follow” Him (Lk 8:2-3;
23:49; Mk 15:41). The Gospel of Mark when speaking about the women at the
moment of Jesus’ death says, “There were some women who were observing at a
distance and among them Mary of Magdala, Mary, the mother of James the younger
and Joses, and Salome, who followed Him and served Him when he was still in
Galilee, and many others who had gone up with Him to Jerusalem (Mk 15:40-41).
Mark defines their attitude with three words: to follow, to serve, to go up to
Jerusalem. The first Christians did not draw up a list of these women disciples
who followed Jesus as they had done with the twelve disciples. But, in the
pages of the Gospel of Luke the name of seven of these women disciples are
mentioned: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, wife of Chuza, Suzanne (Lk 8:3), Martha and
Mary (Lk 10:38), Mary, the mother of James (Lk 24:10) and Anna, the prophetess
(Lk 2:36), who was eighty-four years old. Number eighty-four is seven times
twelve: the perfect age! The later Ecclesiastical tradition does not value this
fact about the discipleship of women with the same importance with which it
values the following of Jesus on the part of men. It is also important to
remember that women held a particular discipleship apart from the men chosen by
Jesus for the Twelve.
The Gospel of Luke has always been considered as the Gospel of women. In fact,
Luke is the Evangelist who presents the largest number of episodes in which he
underlines the relationship of Jesus with the women, and the novelty is not
only in the presence of the women around Jesus, but also and, above all, in the
attitude of Jesus in relation to them. Jesus touches them and allows them to
touch Him without fear of being contaminated (Lk 7:39; 8:44-45,54). This was
different from the teachers of that time, Jesus accepts women who follow Him
and who are His disciples (Lk 8:2-3; 10: 39). The liberating force of God,
which acts in Jesus, allows women to rise and to assume their dignity (Lk
13:13). Jesus is sensitive to the suffering of the widow and is in solidarity
with her sorrow (Lk 7:13). The work of the woman who prepares the meal is
considered by Jesus like a sign of the Kingdom (Lk 13:20-21). The insistent
widow who struggles for her rights is considered the model of prayer (Lk
18:1-8), and the poor widow who shares the little that she has with others is
the model of dedication and donation (Lk 21:1-4). At a time when the witness of
women is not accepted as something valid, Jesus accepts women and considers
them witnesses of His death (Lk 23:49), of His burial (Lk 22:55-56) and of His
resurrection (Lk 24:1-11, 22-24).
4) Personal questions
• How are women considered in your community, in your country,
in your Church?
• Does this consider the unique gifts each gender is given, or does it treat
each as just a "plug-in-replacement" for the other?
• Compare the attitude of our Church with the attitude of Jesus, but not in a
superficial or politically motivated way.
5) Concluding Prayer
God, examine me and know my heart,
test me and know my concerns.
Make sure that I am not on my way to ruin,
and guide me on the road of eternity. (Ps 139:23-24)
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