Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 360
Lectionary: 360
The brook near where Elijah was hiding ran dry,
because no rain had fallen in the land.
So the LORD said to Elijah:
“Move on to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there.
I have designated a widow there to provide for you.”
He left and went to Zarephath.
As he arrived at the entrance of the city,
a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her,
“Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.”
She left to get it, and he called out after her,
“Please bring along a bit of bread.”
She answered, “As the LORD, your God, lives,
I have nothing baked;
there is only a handful of flour in my jar
and a little oil in my jug.
Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks,
to go in and prepare something for myself and my son;
when we have eaten it, we shall die.”
Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid.
Go and do as you propose.
But first make me a little cake and bring it to me.
Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son.
For the LORD, the God of Israel, says,
‘The jar of flour shall not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’”
She left and did as Elijah had said.
She was able to eat for a year, and Elijah and her son as well;
the jar of flour did not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.
because no rain had fallen in the land.
So the LORD said to Elijah:
“Move on to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there.
I have designated a widow there to provide for you.”
He left and went to Zarephath.
As he arrived at the entrance of the city,
a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her,
“Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.”
She left to get it, and he called out after her,
“Please bring along a bit of bread.”
She answered, “As the LORD, your God, lives,
I have nothing baked;
there is only a handful of flour in my jar
and a little oil in my jug.
Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks,
to go in and prepare something for myself and my son;
when we have eaten it, we shall die.”
Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid.
Go and do as you propose.
But first make me a little cake and bring it to me.
Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son.
For the LORD, the God of Israel, says,
‘The jar of flour shall not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’”
She left and did as Elijah had said.
She was able to eat for a year, and Elijah and her son as well;
the jar of flour did not go empty,
nor the jug of oil run dry,
as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.
Responsorial Psalm PS 4:2-3, 4-5, 7B-8
R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.
When I call, answer me, O my just God,
you who relieve me when I am in distress;
Have pity on me, and hear my prayer!
Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart?
Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood?
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
Tremble, and sin not;
reflect, upon your beds, in silence.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!
You put gladness into my heart,
more than when grain and wine abound.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
When I call, answer me, O my just God,
you who relieve me when I am in distress;
Have pity on me, and hear my prayer!
Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart?
Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood?
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
Tremble, and sin not;
reflect, upon your beds, in silence.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!
You put gladness into my heart,
more than when grain and wine abound.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Gospel MT
5:13-16
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”
“You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father.”
Meditation: "The salt of the earth and light
of the world"
Jesus used ordinary images, such as salt and light, to convey
extraordinary truths that transform our minds, hearts, and lives. What does
salt and light have to teach us about God and the transforming power of his
kingdom? Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. People traded with
it, like we trade with valuable goods, such as gold and stock. Salt also served
a very useful purpose, especially in warmer climates before the invention of
electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave rich flavor to food, it also
preserved food from going bad and being spoiled.
Jesus used the image of salt to describe the transforming effect
of God's work in our lives - and how the Holy Spirit wants to work through us
to bring the power and blessing of God's kingdom to others. As salt purifies,
preserves, and produces rich flavor for our daily food, we, too, as disciples
of Jesus, are "salt" for the world of human society. The Lord wants
to work in and through us to purify, preserve, and spread the rich flavor of
God's kingdom everywhere - his "kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy
in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).
Don't lose your saltiness
What did Jesus mean by the expression "if salt has lost its taste... it is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot" (Matthew 5:13)? Salt in the ancient world was often put into ovens to intensify the heat. When the salt was burned off and no longer useful it was thrown out on the ground where it would easily get stepped on and swept away (Matthew 5:13). How can we lose our "saltiness"? When we allow the world, sin, and Satan to corrupt us. The Lord wants us to preserve our "saltiness" - through virtuous living and rejection of sin - not only for our own sake but also for the sake of others. Paul the Apostle reminds us that we are called to be "the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16 ). Do you allow the fragrance of Christ's love, truth, and holiness to permeate every area of your life, your thoughts, words, actions, and relationships?
What did Jesus mean by the expression "if salt has lost its taste... it is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot" (Matthew 5:13)? Salt in the ancient world was often put into ovens to intensify the heat. When the salt was burned off and no longer useful it was thrown out on the ground where it would easily get stepped on and swept away (Matthew 5:13). How can we lose our "saltiness"? When we allow the world, sin, and Satan to corrupt us. The Lord wants us to preserve our "saltiness" - through virtuous living and rejection of sin - not only for our own sake but also for the sake of others. Paul the Apostle reminds us that we are called to be "the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16 ). Do you allow the fragrance of Christ's love, truth, and holiness to permeate every area of your life, your thoughts, words, actions, and relationships?
Light that shines for all to see
Jesus used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration of God's transforming work in and through us. Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as symbol or expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God’s grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace.
Jesus used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration of God's transforming work in and through us. Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as symbol or expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God’s grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace.
Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are
to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the
darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the
hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God’s
kingdom. Our mission is to be light-bearers of Jesus Christ so
that others may see the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of
sin and deception.
There is great freedom and joy for those who live in the light
of God's truth and goodness. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God's
light?
"Lord Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving
truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the
blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand
your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and
deed".
 True Leadership 2014-06-10 |
|
Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the
earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It
is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. You
are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one
after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand,
and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine
before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your
Father in heaven."
Introductory Prayer: Father
of love, source of all blessings, you have led me throughout my life, and you
lead me still. Thank you for your paternal care. Jesus, Son of God, you died
for me on the cross to pay for my sins and manifest your unconditional love
for me. Thank you for showing me the way home to the Father. Holy Spirit,
sweet guest of the soul, you heal me and strengthen me and set me on fire
from the most intimate depths of my soul. Thank you for your loving presence
within me.
Petition: Lord,
show me where I can make a difference.
1. The New Flavor of the Gospel: By
calling us “the salt of the earth” Jesus meant that all his disciples, all
those who would be called ‘Christians’ down through the centuries, would have
the responsibility to work to give the new ‘taste’ of the Gospel to the earth
and enlighten the whole world with Jesus’ teaching. Salt enhances the food we
eat by accenting the natural flavor already present in the food. In like
manner, we are called by God to enhance the world around us with the
“saltiness” of our Christian lives. God created the world good, but sin has
marred it. Through baptism God gives us the “salt” of his divine life – grace
– so that, in turn, this grace of baptism will develop into a life of virtue
and Christian charity by which we are called to “season” our environment. Do
I have this awareness and desire which springs from my baptism?
2. Enlightening Minds and Hearts: Without
light we are blind. The human eye is rendered useless where light is unable
to penetrate. Analogously, all people have the power to know God who is
truth, goodness and love. But without the particular light that is Jesus
Christ, those faculties are clouded at best. Jesus wants you and me to be his
light in contemporary society. By the way we live our life other people must
see: They must see Christ. They must see the dignity of the human person and
the noble calling each one of us has to live forever with God. They must see
that love and mercy triumph over evil, suffering and death. The world needs
our light because the world needs Christ.
3. The Shining Example of the Saints: What
about humility? What about not letting your right hand know what your left
hand is doing? Jesus reminds us that our lives and actions are meant to
direct people’s gaze to God and not towards ourselves: “So that they may see
your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” The world has
needed to see Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta in action. It has needed to
see the youthful vigor and the aged frailty of the late Pope John Paul II.
Their light has illumined our path towards God. This side of heaven, we will
always need the example of the saints, and that is precisely what you and I
are called to be.
Conversation with Christ: Lord,
you have given me everything I need to be faithful. Grant me also the courage
and the zeal to live what I believe and to testify to your faithful love in
my thoughts, words and actions. Mother Most Pure, make my heart only for
Jesus.
Resolution: Today I
will speak to someone about Jesus, backing up my words with the sincerity
with which I live my Christian commitments.
|
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, MATTHEW 5:13-16
(1 Kings 17:7-16; Psalm 4)
(1 Kings 17:7-16; Psalm 4)
KEY VERSE: "Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father" (v 16).
READING: Throughout human history there have been shifts from an exaggerated dependence on God to an excessive dependence on oneself (Pelagianism). Jesus taught his disciples that a spiritually healthy person was one who had a balance between self-reliance and reliance on God. When the two came together, then the Kingdom of God was truly present on earth. Jesus' disciples must be living signs of God's reign. They must be "salt" to those who had lost their taste for the things of God. Jesus' disciples could offer an important ingredient that added zest to peoples’ lives and help to preserve them from evil. Jesus also commanded his followers to do what he did, to give light to the world (Jn 8:12). The houses in Palestine were very dark, so a lamp was placed on a lampstand to provide illumination for the whole household. Jesus’ disciples should be beacons of light to those who lost their way. Christians can be an influence for good by illuminating the pathway to God.
REFLECTING: How can I be "salt" and "light" to my community?
PRAYING: Holy Spirit, help me to live in such a way that others will want to follow Jesus.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
Stay Focused on God
Have nothing to do with anyone who would stand in your way and
would seek to turn you aside from fulfilling the vows which you have made to
the Most High and from living in that perfection to which the Spirit of the
Lord has called you. -St. Clare of Assisi
Lord, let your face shine on us
Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.The light of God’s face shines on us whenever we see signs of God’s goodness and love in the world around us, and in the lives of those who are his friends. God’s love, kindness and mercy are made incarnate in the lives of others: only then do we know their reality. Whatever faith and goodness we have received is not given for ourselves alone. They are also for others. That is why Jesus tells us, and all Christians, that we are the light of the world. What is good in us is not to remain hidden but rather meant to shine out on others like a lamp on a lampstand and be visible like a city built on a hill. Our lives will make God visible and lovable.
June
10
Blessed Joachima
(1783-1854)
Blessed Joachima
(1783-1854)
Born into an aristocratic family in Barcelona, Spain, Joachima was
12 when she expressed a desire to become a Carmelite nun. But her life took an
altogether different turn at 16 with her marriage to a young lawyer, Theodore
de Mas. Both deeply devout, they became secular Franciscans. During their 17
years of married life they raised eight children.
The
normalcy of their family life was interrupted when Napoleon invaded Spain.
Joachima had to flee with the children; Theodore, remaining behind, died.
Though Joachima reexperienced a desire to enter a religious community, she
attended to her duties as a mother. At the same time, the young widow led a
life of austerity and chose to wear the habit of the Third Order of St. Francis
as her ordinary dress. She spent much time in prayer and visiting the sick.
Four
years later, with some of her children now married and younger ones under their
care, Joachima confessed her desire to a priest to join a religious order. With
his encouragement she established the Carmelite Sisters of Charity. In the
midst of the fratricidal wars occurring at the time, Joachima was briefly
imprisoned and, later, exiled to France for several years.
Sickness
ultimately compelled her to resign as superior of her order. Over the next four
years she slowly succumbed to paralysis, which caused her to die by inches. At
her death in 1854 at the age of 71, Joachima was known and admired for her high
degree of prayer, deep trust in God and selfless charity.
Comment:
Joachima understands loss. She lost the home where her children grew up, her husband and, finally, her health. As the power to move and care for her own needs slowly ebbed away, this woman who had all her life cared for others became wholly dependent; she required help with life’s simplest tasks. When our own lives go spinning out of control, when illness and bereavement and financial hardship strike, all we can do is cling to the belief that sustained Joachima: God watches over us always.
Joachima understands loss. She lost the home where her children grew up, her husband and, finally, her health. As the power to move and care for her own needs slowly ebbed away, this woman who had all her life cared for others became wholly dependent; she required help with life’s simplest tasks. When our own lives go spinning out of control, when illness and bereavement and financial hardship strike, all we can do is cling to the belief that sustained Joachima: God watches over us always.
LECTIO DIVINA:
MATTHEW 5,13-16
Lectio:
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
1)
OPENING PRAYER
God of wisdom and love,
source of all good,
send your Spirit to teach us your truth
and guide our actions
in your way of peace.
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.
source of all good,
send your Spirit to teach us your truth
and guide our actions
in your way of peace.
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 5,13-16
Jesus said to his disciples: 'You are salt for the earth. But if
salt loses its taste, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and
can only be thrown out to be trampled under people's feet.
'You are light for the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot
be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the
lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your
light must shine in people's sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may
give praise to your Father in heaven.
3)
REFLECTION
• Yesterday, in meditating on the Beatitudes, we passed through
the door of entry of the Sermon on the Mountain (Mt 5, 1-12). Today in the
Gospel we receive an important instruction on the mission of the Community. It
should be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Mt 5, 13-16). Salt
does not exist for itself, but to give flavour to the food. Light does not
exist for itself, but for the service of people. At the time when Matthew wrote
his Gospel, this mission was very difficult for the communities of the
converted Jews. In spite that they were living in faithful observance of the
Law of Moses, they were expelled from the Synagogues, cut away from their
Jewish past. Regarding this, among the converted pagans, some said: “After the
coming of Jesus, the Law of Moses has become obsolete”. All this caused tension
and uncertainty. The openness of some seemed to be criticism of the observance
of others, and vice versa. This conflict brought about a crisis which led many
to close up in their own position. Some wanted to advance, to go ahead, others
wanted to place the light under the table. Many asked themselves: “In last
instance, which is our mission?” Recalling and updating the words of Jesus,
Matthew tries to help them.
• Matthew 5, 13-16: Salt of the earth. By using images of daily
life, with simple and direct words, Jesus makes known which is the mission and
the reason for being a Christian community: to be salt. At that time when it
was very hot, people and animals needed to consume much salt. The salt, which
was delivered by merchants in great blocks in the public square, was consumed
by the people. What remained fell to the ground and lost its savour. “It no
longer serves for anything, but it is thrown out and trampled under people’s
feet”. Jesus recalls this use in order to clarify for the disciples the mission
which they have to carry out.
• Matthew 5, 14-16: Light of the world. The comparison is
obvious. Nobody lights a candle and places it under the tub. A city built on
the hill top, cannot be hidden. The community should be light, it should
enlighten. It should not be afraid to show the good that it does. It does not
do it to make itself seen, but what it does can be seen. The salt does not
exist for itself. The light does not exist for itself! This is how the
community should be. It cannot remain enclosed in itself. “Your light must shine
in people’s sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to
your Father in Heaven.”
• Matthew 5, 17-19: Not one dot, not one little stroke will
disappear from the Law. Among the converted Jews there were two tendencies.
Some thought that it was not necessary to observe the laws of the Old Testament
because we are saved by the faith in Jesus and not by the observance of the Law
(Rm 3, 21-26). Others thought that they should continue to observe the laws of
the Old Testament (Ac 15, 1-2). In each one of the two tendencies there were
some more radical groups. Before this conflict, Matthew tries to find a
balance, the equilibrium, over and beyond the two extremes. The community
should be the space, where this equilibrium can be attained and lived. The
response given by Jesus continued to be very actual: “I have not come to
abolish the law, but to complete it!” The communities cannot be against the
Law, nor can they close themselves up in the observance of the law. Like Jesus
did, they must advance forward, and show in a practical way that the objective
which the law wants to attain in life is the perfect practice of love.
•The different tendencies in the first Christian communities.
The plan of salvation has three stages united among themselves from the earth
to life: a) the Old Testament: the path of the Hebrew People, orientated,
guided by the Law of God. b) The life of Jesus of Nazareth: it renews the Law
of Moses starting from his experience of God, Father and Mother. c) The life of
the communities: through the spirit of Jesus, they tried to live as Jesus lived
it. The union of these three stages generates the certainty of faith that God
is in our midst. The intention to break or weaken the unity of this plan of
salvation gave rise to various groups and tendencies in the communities:
i) The Pharisees did not recognize Jesus as Messiah and accepted
only the Old Testament. In the communities there were some people who
sympathized with the thought of the Pharisees (Ac 15, 5).
ii) Some converted Jews accepted Jesus as Messiah, but they did
not accept the liberty of spirit with which the communities lived the presence
of the Risen Jesus. (Ac 15,1).
iii) Others, both converted Jews and pagans, thought that with
Jesus had come the end of the Old Testament. From now on, Jesus alone and the
life in the Spirit.
iv) There were also Christians who lived so fully the life in
the liberty of the Spirit, that they no longer looked at the life of Jesus of
Nazareth, nor the Old Testament (1Co 12,3).
v) Now the great concern of the Gospel of Matthew is that of
showing that the Old Testament, Jesus of Nazareth and the life in the Spirit
cannot be separated. The three form part of the same and only project of God
and give us the central certainty of faith: The God of Abraham and of Sarah is
present in the midst of the communities by the faith in Jesus of Nazareth.
4)
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
• For you, in your life experience, for what does salt serve? Is
your community salt? For you, what does light signify in your life? How is your
community light?
• How do the people of the neighbourhood see your community?
Does your community have some attraction for others? Is it a sign? Of what? For
whom?
5)
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Yahweh judiciously guides the humble,
instructing the poor in his way.
Kindness unfailing and constancy mark all his paths,
for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. (Ps 25,9-10)
instructing the poor in his way.
Kindness unfailing and constancy mark all his paths,
for those who keep his covenant and his decrees. (Ps 25,9-10)
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét