Friday of the First Week of Advent
Lectionary: 179
Lectionary: 179
Thus
says the Lord GOD:
But a very little while,
and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard,
and the orchard be regarded as a forest!
On that day the deaf shall hear
the words of a book;
And out of gloom and darkness,
the eyes of the blind shall see.
The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD,
and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
For the tyrant will be no more
and the arrogant will have gone;
All who are alert to do evil will be cut off,
those whose mere word condemns a man,
Who ensnare his defender at the gate,
and leave the just man with an empty claim.
Therefore thus says the LORD,
the God of the house of Jacob,
who redeemed Abraham:
Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of,
nor shall his face grow pale.
When his children see
the work of my hands in his midst,
They shall keep my name holy;
they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob,
and be in awe of the God of Israel.
Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding,
and those who find fault shall receive instruction.
But a very little while,
and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard,
and the orchard be regarded as a forest!
On that day the deaf shall hear
the words of a book;
And out of gloom and darkness,
the eyes of the blind shall see.
The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD,
and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
For the tyrant will be no more
and the arrogant will have gone;
All who are alert to do evil will be cut off,
those whose mere word condemns a man,
Who ensnare his defender at the gate,
and leave the just man with an empty claim.
Therefore thus says the LORD,
the God of the house of Jacob,
who redeemed Abraham:
Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of,
nor shall his face grow pale.
When his children see
the work of my hands in his midst,
They shall keep my name holy;
they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob,
and be in awe of the God of Israel.
Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding,
and those who find fault shall receive instruction.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 27:1,
4, 13-14
R.
(1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
One thing I ask of the LORD;
this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
GospelMT 9:27-31
As
Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out,
“Son of David, have pity on us!”
When he entered the house,
the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,
“Do you believe that I can do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they said to him.
Then he touched their eyes and said,
“Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
And their eyes were opened.
Jesus warned them sternly,
“See that no one knows about this.”
But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
“Son of David, have pity on us!”
When he entered the house,
the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,
“Do you believe that I can do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they said to him.
Then he touched their eyes and said,
“Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
And their eyes were opened.
Jesus warned them sternly,
“See that no one knows about this.”
But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
Meditation: "Do you
believe?"
Are
there any blind-spots in your life that keep you from recognizing God's power
and mercy? When two blind men heard that Jesus was passing their way, they
followed him and begged for his mercy. The word mercy literally
means "sorrowful at heart". But mercy is something more than
compassion, or heartfelt sorrow at another's misfortune. Compassion empathizes
with the sufferer. But mercy goes further; it removes suffering. A merciful
person shares in another's misfortune and suffering as if it were their own.
When two blind men approached Jesus, he questioned their earnestness. "Do
you believe that I am able to do this?" Jesus put them to the test, not to
rebuff them, but to strengthen their faith and trust in God's mercy. He touched
their eyes, both to identify with their affliction and to awaken faith in them.
Their faith grew as they responded to his word with confident hope. Jesus
restored their sight – both physically and spiritually to the reality of God's
kingdom. Faith opens the way for us to see the power of God’s kingdom and to
experience his healing presence in our lives.
In
Jesus we see the fulness of God's mercy and the power of his kingdom – power to
save from death and destruction, to forgive sins and lift the burden of guilt,
and to heal infirmities and release the oppressed. Jesus never refused to bring
God's mercy to those who earnestly sought it. How can we seek and obtain God's
mercy? God gives mercy to the lowly in heart – to those who recognize their
need for God and for his forgiveness and healing power.
God
wants to change and transform our lives to set us free to live as his sons and
daughters and citizens of his kingdom. Faith is key to this transformation. How
can we grow in faith? Faith is a gift freely given by God to help us know God
personally, to understand his truth, and to live in the power of his love. For
faith to be effective it must be linked with trust and obedience – an active
submission to God and a willingness to do whatever he commands. The Lord Jesus
wants us to live in the confident expectation that he will fulfill his promises
to us and bring us into the fulness of his kingdom – a kingdom of
righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Do you know
the peace and joy of God's kingdom?
"Lord
Jesus, help me to draw near to you with faith and trust in your saving power
and mercy. Free me from doubt and unbelief that I may approach you confidently
and pray boldly with expectant faith. Let your kingdom come and may your will
be done in me."
 When We Show Humility and Faith, You Act, O Lord |
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Friday of the First
Week of Advent
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Matthew 9:27-31
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed
him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house,
the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,
“Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to begin this prayer with
the same attitude that these two blind men demonstrated. I approach you with
humility and full knowledge of my sins. I do not try to hide them—you already
know them through and through. Instead, I repent of them and offer you a
contrite heart that longs for your healing touch of mercy.
Petition: Lord Jesus, help me to see as you see.
1. Son of David, Have Pity on Us! Lord Jesus, these blind men sought you with
attitudes of humility and contrition. They approached you fully aware of
their limitations and weaknesses. In fact, it was because of these
limitations that they drew near to you. Perhaps if they had been healthy they
might never have moved toward you. They didn’t feel any self-pity or approach
you complaining about their situation. They didn’t ask, “Why did you allow me
to be born blind? It’s not fair that I cannot see. Why did this have to
happen to me?” They asked none of these questions in the face of
suffering—the type of questions I am so prone to ask. Lord, please help me to
be profoundly aware of my weaknesses and to draw near to you in the midst of
trials. Those men who had once been blind were able to soar high with their
wings of faith. What gifts of grace does Our Lord wish to grant me through my
current ills and woes?
2. Do You Believe That I Can Do This? Lord Jesus, all things were created through
you. I truly believe that you can heal; I truly believe that you can cure; I
truly believe that you have total power over all created realities. Please
increase my faith in you and in your power over all the events and activities
of my life. I believe that you permit all that happens to me for a reason. If
it is something that is difficult, you permit it so that you can bring good
from it. Please strengthen me so that I can collaborate with you in bringing
good out of evil.
3. They Went Out and Spread Word of Him
throughout the Land: When
we approach you with humility and faith, you act in our lives in truly
remarkable ways. Your actions in our lives cause us to love you more and to
experience within ourselves a profound gratitude. Despite your stern warning,
the blind men couldn’t keep silent about your curing them. How else can we
show our gratitude than by telling those around us about the great things you
have done for us? Your actions in our lives inspire us to spread your word.
How can we put that light under a bushel basket? How can a city set on a hill
be hidden? How can we not tell those around us of all the great things you
have done for us?
Conversation with Christ:Lord, your ways are not our ways. You see
good where we may only see evil. I need a vision of faith so I can interpret
actions and events with an attitude of confidence and gratitude. You are in
charge. I trust in you and want to convince many others to confide in you as
well.
Resolution: I will offer a word or gesture of
encouragement to somebody in need.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, MATTHEW 9:27-31
(Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27)
(Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27)
KEY VERSE: "Let it be done for you according to your faith" (v 29).
READING: The prophet Isaiah reviled Jerusalem for their blindness to God's revelation (29:9-11). In the gospels, the faith of those who were physically blind is contrasted with those who were spiritually blind to God's revelation in Jesus. In this incident, two blind men cried out to Jesus for a healing, calling him by the Messianic title "Son of David." Jesus asked, "Do you believe that I can do this?" (v 28). The blind men responded with belief in his healing power. After Jesus cured them, he warned them not to tell others since they might misunderstand his mission as mere "wonder-working." In their enthusiasm, the men could not restrain themselves from speaking to others of this astounding miracle.
REFLECTING: In what ways am I blind to Jesus' presence in my life?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, give me the faith to call to you when I am in need.
December 6, Optional Memorial of Nicholas,
bishop
Nicholas was Bishop of Myra, Lycia (modern
Turkey). He was generous to the poor, and a special protector of the innocent
and wronged. Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of
St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his
extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered. One story tells
of three young women who wished to marry, but their father was poor and they
had no dowry. Hearing of their plight, Nicholas went to their house by night
and threw three bags of gold in through the window, possibly saving the girls
from a life of destitution. The bags of gold are said to have landed in
stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of
children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from
Saint Nicholas. These stories also led to his patronage of children in general.
December 6th is still the main day for gift giving in much of Europe. Nicholas,
who is about more than gift giving, is the same person who has become known as
Santa Claus.
The Lord is my light and my salvation
‘Take pity on us.’The problems we have can be a good starting point for prayer, because our needs are what we feel most. There is a truthfulness and intensity about such prayers. Petition, which arises out of a deeply felt need, opens us to the loving care of another. From this come a thankfulness and a joy that are the fruits of a grateful heart. There is a response of love to the one who has shown us such loving care. The blind man recognised his blindness and cried out at the approach of Jesus. May our petitions in this Advent time be the beginning of a deeper love.
December 6
St. Nicholas
(d. 350?)
St. Nicholas
(d. 350?)
The absence of the “hard facts” of history is not necessarily an
obstacle to the popularity of saints, as the devotion to St. Nicholas shows.
Both the Eastern and Western Churches honor him, and it is claimed that, after
the Blessed Virgin, he is the saint most pictured by Christian artists. And
yet, historically, we can pinpoint only the fact that Nicholas was the
fourth-century bishop of Myra, a city in Lycia, a province of Asia Minor.
As with
many of the saints, however, we are able to capture the relationship which
Nicholas had with God through the admiration which Christians have had for
him—an admiration expressed in the colorful stories which have been told and
retold through the centuries.
Perhaps
the best-known story about Nicholas concerns his charity toward a poor man who
was unable to provide dowries for his three daughters of marriageable age.
Rather than see them forced into prostitution, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag
of gold through the poor man’s window on three separate occasions, thus
enabling the daughters to be married. Over the centuries, this particular
legend evolved into the custom of gift-giving on the saint’s feast. In the
English-speaking countries, St. Nicholas became, by a twist of the tongue,
Santa Claus—further expanding the example of generosity portrayed by this holy
bishop.
Comment:
The critical eye of modern history makes us take a deeper look at the legends surrounding St. Nicholas. But perhaps we can utilize the lesson taught by his legendary charity, look deeper at our approach to material goods in the Christmas season and seek ways to extend our sharing to those in real need.
The critical eye of modern history makes us take a deeper look at the legends surrounding St. Nicholas. But perhaps we can utilize the lesson taught by his legendary charity, look deeper at our approach to material goods in the Christmas season and seek ways to extend our sharing to those in real need.
Quote:
“In order to be able to consult more suitably the welfare of the faithful according to the condition of each one, a bishop should strive to become duly acquainted with their needs in the social circumstances in which they live.... He should manifest his concern for all, no matter what their age, condition, or nationality, be they natives, strangers, or foreigners” (Vatican II, Decree on the Bishops' Pastoral Office, 16).
“In order to be able to consult more suitably the welfare of the faithful according to the condition of each one, a bishop should strive to become duly acquainted with their needs in the social circumstances in which they live.... He should manifest his concern for all, no matter what their age, condition, or nationality, be they natives, strangers, or foreigners” (Vatican II, Decree on the Bishops' Pastoral Office, 16).
Patron Saint of:
Bakers
Brewers
Brides
Children
Greece
Grooms
Merchants
Pawnbrokers
Russia
Travelers
Bakers
Brewers
Brides
Children
Greece
Grooms
Merchants
Pawnbrokers
Russia
Travelers
LECTIO DIVINA:
MATTHEW 9,27-31
Lectio:
Friday, December 6, 2013
1st Week of Advent
1) Opening prayer
Lord God, Father of all,
in your Son Jesus Christ
you invite everyone and all to know and love you
and to live in your unending peace.
Keep alive in us the zeal
to bring the light of your truth
and the riches of your life and love to all,
without any distinction
of race, language or culture.
May everyone on earth come to know you
as the merciful Father of all
through our brother and Saviour,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 9, 27-31
As Jesus went on his way two blind men followed him shouting, 'Take pity on us, son of David.' And when Jesus reached the house the blind men came up to him and he said to them, 'Do you believe I can do this?' They said, 'Lord, we do.' Then he touched their eyes saying, 'According to your faith, let it be done to you.' And their sight returned. Then Jesus sternly warned them, 'Take care that no one learns about this.' But when they had gone away, they talked about him all over the countryside.
3) Reflection
Once again, today’s Gospel places before us the encounter of Jesus with human misery. Jesus does not withdraw, he does not hide. He accepts the persons and in accepting them, full of tenderness, he reveals God’s love.
• Two blind men follow Jesus and cry out to him: “Son of David, have pity on us!”. Jesus did not like very much the title of Son of David. He criticizes the teaching of the Scribes who said that the Messiah should be the Son of David: “David himself calls him Lord: How then can he be his son?” (Ml 12, 37).
• Reaching home, Jesus asks the blind men: “Do you believe that I can do this?” And they answer: “Yes, Lord!” It is one thing to have the true doctrine in the head, and a very different thing to have the correct faith in the heart. The doctrine of the two blind men was not too right, because they called Jesus Son of David. But Jesus does not care to be called like this, what is important to him is to have a correct faith.
• He touches the eyes and says: “May it be done to you according to your faith!” Immediately the eyes were opened. In spite of the fact that they did not possess a correct doctrine, the two blind men had a correct faith. Today many persons are more concerned about a correct doctrine than of a correct faith.
• It is good not to forget a small detail of hospitality. Jesus reaches the house and the two blind men also enter into the house, as if this was the most natural thing in the world. They feel at ease in Jesus’ house And today? A Religious Sister said: “Today the situation of the world is such that I feel mistrustful even toward the poor!” The situation has changed very much from then until now!
• Jesus asks not to diffuse the miracle. But the prohibition was not respected very much. Both of them went out and spread the Good News. To proclaim the Gospel, that is, the Good News, means to share with others the good which God does in our life.
4) Personal questions
• Do I have in my life some Good News from God to share with others?
• On which point do I insist more: on a correct doctrine or on a correct faith?
5) Concluding Prayer
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?
The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (Ps 27)
Lord God, Father of all,
in your Son Jesus Christ
you invite everyone and all to know and love you
and to live in your unending peace.
Keep alive in us the zeal
to bring the light of your truth
and the riches of your life and love to all,
without any distinction
of race, language or culture.
May everyone on earth come to know you
as the merciful Father of all
through our brother and Saviour,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 9, 27-31
As Jesus went on his way two blind men followed him shouting, 'Take pity on us, son of David.' And when Jesus reached the house the blind men came up to him and he said to them, 'Do you believe I can do this?' They said, 'Lord, we do.' Then he touched their eyes saying, 'According to your faith, let it be done to you.' And their sight returned. Then Jesus sternly warned them, 'Take care that no one learns about this.' But when they had gone away, they talked about him all over the countryside.
3) Reflection
Once again, today’s Gospel places before us the encounter of Jesus with human misery. Jesus does not withdraw, he does not hide. He accepts the persons and in accepting them, full of tenderness, he reveals God’s love.
• Two blind men follow Jesus and cry out to him: “Son of David, have pity on us!”. Jesus did not like very much the title of Son of David. He criticizes the teaching of the Scribes who said that the Messiah should be the Son of David: “David himself calls him Lord: How then can he be his son?” (Ml 12, 37).
• Reaching home, Jesus asks the blind men: “Do you believe that I can do this?” And they answer: “Yes, Lord!” It is one thing to have the true doctrine in the head, and a very different thing to have the correct faith in the heart. The doctrine of the two blind men was not too right, because they called Jesus Son of David. But Jesus does not care to be called like this, what is important to him is to have a correct faith.
• He touches the eyes and says: “May it be done to you according to your faith!” Immediately the eyes were opened. In spite of the fact that they did not possess a correct doctrine, the two blind men had a correct faith. Today many persons are more concerned about a correct doctrine than of a correct faith.
• It is good not to forget a small detail of hospitality. Jesus reaches the house and the two blind men also enter into the house, as if this was the most natural thing in the world. They feel at ease in Jesus’ house And today? A Religious Sister said: “Today the situation of the world is such that I feel mistrustful even toward the poor!” The situation has changed very much from then until now!
• Jesus asks not to diffuse the miracle. But the prohibition was not respected very much. Both of them went out and spread the Good News. To proclaim the Gospel, that is, the Good News, means to share with others the good which God does in our life.
4) Personal questions
• Do I have in my life some Good News from God to share with others?
• On which point do I insist more: on a correct doctrine or on a correct faith?
5) Concluding Prayer
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?
The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (Ps 27)
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