JULY 20, 2013 : SATURDAY OF THE FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time 
Lectionary: 394

Reading 1EX 12:37-42

The children of Israel set out from Rameses for Succoth,
about six hundred thousand men on foot,
not counting the little ones.
A crowd of mixed ancestry also went up with them,
besides their livestock, very numerous flocks and herds.
Since the dough they had brought out of Egypt was not leavened,
they baked it into unleavened loaves.
They had rushed out of Egypt and had no opportunity
even to prepare food for the journey.

The time the children of Israel had stayed in Egypt
was four hundred and thirty years.
At the end of four hundred and thirty years,
all the hosts of the LORD left the land of Egypt on this very date.
This was a night of vigil for the LORD,
as he led them out of the land of Egypt;
so on this same night
all the children of Israel must keep a vigil for the LORD
throughout their generations.

Responsorial PsalmPS 136:1 AND 23-24, 10-12, 13-15

R. His mercy endures forever. 
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever;
Who remembered us in our abjection,
for his mercy endures forever;
And freed us from our foes,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who smote the Egyptians in their first-born,
for his mercy endures forever;
And brought out Israel from their midst,
for his mercy endures forever;
With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who split the Red Sea in twain,
for his mercy endures forever;
And led Israel through its midst,
for his mercy endures forever;
But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever. 
or:
R. Alleluia.

GospelMT 12:14-21

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus
to put him to death.

When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.
Many people followed him, and he cured them all,
but he warned them not to make him known.
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

www.usccb.org

Meditation:  "Until Jesus brings justice to victory"

 How do we achieve success and victory in our lives? In everyone's life there are key moments or turning points on which the whole of one's life hinges. The mounting confrontation between the Pharisees and Jesus was such a decisive event and crisis. The religious leaders became intolerant of Jesus because of their prejudice. Nothing that Jesus would do or say from this point on would be right in their eyes. They conspired, not simply to oppose Jesus but to eliminate him. Jesus met this defiance with courage and determination to do his Father's will. He used the crisis to teach his disciples an important lesson for God's way to success and victory. The only way to glory in God's kingdom is through the cross – the cross of suffering and humiliation which Jesus endured for our sake and for our salvation. We, too, are called to take up our cross every day – to die to sin, selfishness, envy, pride, strife, and hatred – and to lay down our lives in humble service and love for one another – just as Jesus did for our sake.
Matthew quotes from the "Suffering Servant" prophecies of Isaiah to explain how Jesus the Messiah would accomplish his mission – not through crushing power – but through love and sacrificial service (Isaiah 42:1-4). In place of a throne Jesus chose to mount the cross and wear a crown of thorns. He was crucified as our Lord and King (John 19:19; Philippians 2:11) There is no greater proof of God's love for us than the sacrificial death of his only begotten Son for our sake and our salvation (John 3:16). Jesus died not only for the Jews but for all the Gentile nations as well. Isaiah had prophesied centuries before, that the Messiah would bring justice to the Gentiles. To the Greek mind, justice involved giving to God and to one's fellow citizen that which is their due (whatever is owed to them). Jesus taught his disciples to give God not only his due, but to love him without measure just as he loves us unconditionally – without limits or reservations.
Jesus brings the justice of God's kingdom tempered with divine love and mercy. He does not bruise the weak or treat them with contempt, but rather shows understanding and compassion. He does not discourage the fainthearted but gives hope, courage, and the strength to persevere through trying circumstances. No trials, failings, and weaknesses can keep us from the mercy and help which Jesus offers to everyone who asks. His grace is sufficient for every moment, every situation, and every challenge we face. When you meet trials and difficulties, do you rely on God's help and grace?
"Lord Jesus, your love and mercy knows no bounds. Give me strength when I am weak, hope when I am discourged, peace when I am troubled, consolation when I am sad, and understanding when I am perplexed. Make me an instrument of your love and peace to those who are troubled and without hope."

www.dailyscripture.net

The Quiet Healer

Saturday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time

Father Shawn Aaron, LC Matthew 12: 14-21 The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope." Introductory Prayer: God our Father, you gave us your Son to make us your children. I believe, and I am hoping to be raised to full maturity in him through the school of the Gospel. Thank you for your unconditional love. I offer you my love in return, knowing you welcome it as a parent does a small child. Petition: Jesus, like you, make my heart attentive to the needs of others. 1. When Jesus Realized This, He Withdrew from That Place: There is a great lesson for us here: It is not yet his "hour," so Jesus does not force the issue. Jesus does not taunt the Pharisees or provoke an unnecessary clash. Whenever Jesus challenges a person it is in order to lead that person to a deeper self-reflection and ultimately to a conversion of heart and of life. He did this on several occasions with the same Scribes and Pharisees. Yet this is not the time to engage them intellectually; their hearts are closed and they are unwilling to listen. When at times we find ourselves in a disagreement (perhaps even with a loved one), once the emotions are roused and it becomes clear that one or both parties are not ready for the truth, the prudent, loving and humble thing to do is withdraw from the situation until the moment our hearts are more open to listening. 2. The Master Physician: Matthew´s comment in this section of the Gospel is quite revealing: "Many people followed him, and he cured them all." We must not imagine that all of the healings were physical. So "meek and humble" is Jesus that every person felt he could approach him. If a bruised reed comes to Jesus – a person battered by life, trials and his own sin – his first and only inclination is to heal that soul. Even to this very day Jesus continually takes what is broken and makes it whole. He is the master physician who binds up wounds so that the person may be healed. In light of this attitude we recognize the contrast between the Pharisees, who seek to kill, and Jesus, who continues to give life to all who come to him. 3. A Ember of Faith: All Jesus needs is the slightest ember of faith and hope to change a person´s life. For instance, we cannot force a person to love us or to trust us. Likewise, God himself respects the very freedom he entrusted to us. Nonetheless, our Lord does give the human person a searching mind and heart. That is why we can say that the human person is religious by nature from the beginning. Atheists are not born; they are made by their choices. Within the human soul God already provides us with the kindling for faith, hope and love. Once we are baptized, that kindling can become an unquenchable fire. Yet it can also be extinguished if we carelessly expose it to the winds and waves of unbridled selfishness, secularism, skepticism and systematic doubt . No matter how far we think we may have drifted, if we will simply turn to Jesus, we will find that he is already looking at us. Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, you see and know what I am to become if I will keep close to you in faith, hope and love. Deepen within me the desire to remain united to you in prayer so as to imitate you in love. Help me become with you what I can never become without you. Mother Most Pure, make my heart only for Jesus. Resolution: Today I will contact someone who needs to be encouraged and listened to.

www.regnumchristi.org

SATURDAY, JULY 20
MATTHEW 12:14-21

(Exodus 12:37-- 42; Psalm 136)
KEY VERSE: "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight" (v 18).
READING: When Jesus cured a man on the Sabbath (Mt 12:9-13), the religious leaders were outraged and they plotted to put Jesus to death. Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah to show that he was the fulfillment of God's suffering servant (Is 42:1-4). The people expected the Messiah to come with power to overcome their enemies. Instead, Jesus came in meekness and humility, offering hope to those who were burdened. Imbued with God's Spirit, Jesus proclaimed justice for all who were crushed under the weight of oppression (Mt 11:28-30). As opposition to Jesus grew, he departed from that area. Many followed him and were healed. The world will come toknow Jesus when Christians imitate his example of compassionate service to those in need.
REFLECTING: Do my actions promote peace or contention?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to follow your example by working for peace and justice.

Optional Memorial of Apollinaris, bishop and martyr

Apollinaris was one of the most illustrious bishops of the second century. Eusebius, St. Jerome, Theodoret, and others spoke of him in the highest terms, and they furnish us with the few facts that are known of him. He addressed an "Apology," (a defense) of the Christian religion to the emperor Marcus Aurelius. It was to protect his flock against persecution that Apollinaris, who was bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia, addressed his apology to the Emperor imploring his protection and reminding him of the favor he had received from God through the prayers of the Christians. Renowned for his powers to heal in the name of Christ, Apollinaris and his flock were exiled from Ravenna by Vespasian, Roman Emperor from AD 69 to AD 79. On his way out of the city Apollinaris was identified, arrested as being the leader, tortured and martyred, run through with a sword. The date of the death is not known, but it probably occurred about the year 175. St. Apollinaris' relics are at Ravenna, Italy.

www.daily-word-of-life.com

His love is everlasting 

That night was to be kept in honour of the Lord for all generations.
The movement of thousands of Israelites out of Egypt is epic in scale and dramatic in story and pace. With no time for bread to rise, the people took with them what they could. The necessity of eating small flat loaves in the desert formed the ritual foundation of the Passover. Even now the Passover is a remembering of the journey, of the time when freedom from slavery was achieved. A memory of being saved and loved.

Memory is held and shared through ritual and tradition. Our celebration of Eucharist echoes the Passover, the memory of how God loved his people so much that he granted them freedom. And the unleavened bread which becomes the Body of Christ reminds us of God's son, champion of justice and giver of hope.
Lord, may the simplicity of bread shared remind us of you, of all you sacrificed because you loved us. 

www.churchresources.info

July 20
St. Apollinaris
(1st century)

According to tradition, St. Peter sent Apollinaris to Ravenna, Italy, as its first bishop. His preaching of the Good News was so successful that the pagans there beat him and drove him from the city. He returned, however, and was exiled a second time. After preaching in the area surrounding Ravenna, he entered the city again. After being cruelly tortured, he was put on a ship heading to Greece. Pagans there caused him to be expelled to Italy, where he went to Ravenna for a fourth time. He died from wounds received during a savage beating at Classis, a suburb of Ravenna. A beautiful basilica honoring him was built there in the sixth century.

Comment:

Following Jesus involves risks—sometimes the supreme risk of life itself. Martyrs are people who would rather accept the risk of death than deny the cornerstone of their whole life: faith in Jesus Christ. Everyone will die eventually—the persecutors and those persecuted. The question is what kind of a conscience people will bring before the Lord for judgment. Remembering the witness of past and present martyrs can help us make the often-small sacrifices that following Jesus today may require.

Quote:

During his remarks prior to the Regina Caeli on May 7, 2000, Blessed John Paul II noted that later that day at Rome's Colosseum he would participate in an ecumenical service honoring 20th-century martyrs. He said, “It is the same paschal light that shines in them. Indeed, it is from Christ's resurrection that the disciples receive the strength to follow the Master in their hour of trial.” What the pope said of those martyrs is true of all martyrs for Christ, including today's saint.

www.americancatholic.org

LECTIO: MATTHEW 12,14-21

Lectio: 

 Saturday, July 20, 2013  

Ordinary Time

1) Opening prayer

God our Father,
your light of truth
guides us to the way of Christ.
May all who follow him
reject what is contrary to the gospel.
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 12,14-21

At this the Pharisees went out and began to plot against Jesus, discussing how to destroy him. Jesus knew this and withdrew from the district. Many followed him and he cured them all but warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: Look! My servant whom I have chosen, my beloved, in whom my soul delights, I will send my Spirit upon him, and he will present judgement to the nations; he will not brawl or cry out, his voice is not heard in the streets, he will not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering wick, until he has made judgement victorious; in him the nations will put their hope.

3) Reflection

• The Gospel today has two parts bound between them: (a) It describes the diverse reactions of the Pharisees and of the people who listen to the preaching of Jesus; (b) it describes what Matthew sees in these diverse reactions: the fulfilment of the prophecy of the Servant of Yahweh, announced by Isaiah.
• Matthew 12,14: The reaction of the Pharisees: they decide to kill Jesus. This verse is the conclusion of the previous episode, in which Jesus challenges the malice of the Pharisees, by curing the man who had a withered hand (Mt 12,9-14). The reaction of the Pharisees was to hold a Council meeting against Jesus. Thus, they arrive to the breaking of the relationship between the religious authority and Jesus. In Mark this episode is much more explicit and provoking (Mk 3,1-6). He says that the decision to kill Jesus was not only that of the Pharisees, but also of the Herodians (Mk 3,6). Altar and Throne joined together against Jesus.
• Matthew 12,15-16: The reaction of the people: to follow Jesus. When Jesus learnt the decision of the Pharisees, he went away from the place where he was. People follow him. Even knowing that the religious authority has decided to kill Jesus, the people do not go away from Jesus, rather they follow him. Many followed him and he cured them all, but warned them not to make him known. People know how to discern. Jesus asks not to diffuse the news, not to say what he is doing. A great contrast! On the one side, the conflict of life and death, between Jesus and the religious authority, and on the other the movement of the people who were desirous to encounter Jesus! They were above all, the marginalized and the excluded who presented themselves to Jesus with their illness and their infirmities. They, who were not accepted in society, and in the religious field, were accepted by Jesus.
• Matthew 12,17: The concern of Matthew: Jesus is our Messiah. This reaction, different from that of the Pharisees and of the people, moved Matthew to see here the realization of the prophecy of the Servant. On the one hand, the Servant was persecuted by the authority which insulted him and spat on his face, but he does not turn back. He presents his face hard as a rock, knowing that he will not be disappointed (Is 50,5-7). On the other hand, the Servant is sought and expected by the people. The crowd coming from far is waiting for his teaching (Is 42,4). This is exactly what is happening to Jesus.
• Matthew 12,18-21: Jesus fulfils the prophecy of the Servant. Matthew presents the entire first Canticle of the Servant. Read the text slowly, thinking of Jesus and the poor who today are excluded:
“Look! My Servant whom I have chosen;
my beloved in whom my soul delights,
I will send my Spirit upon him, and he will present judgment to the nations;
He will not brawl or cry out; his voice is not heard in the streets,
He will not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering wick.
Until he has made judgment victorious; in him the nations will put their hope”.

4) Personal questions

• Do you know some case in which the religious authority, in the name of religion, decided to persecute and kill persons who, like Jesus, did good to people?
• In our community are we servants of God for the people? What do we lack?

5) Concluding Prayer

How precious, God, is your faithful love.
So the children of Adam take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the bounty of your house,
you let them drink from your delicious streams. (Ps 36,7-8)

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