Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 394
Lectionary: 394
Woe to those who
plan iniquity,
and work out evil on their couches;
In the morning light they accomplish it
when it lies within their power.
They covet fields, and seize them;
houses, and they take them;
They cheat an owner of his house,
a man of his inheritance.
Therefore thus says the LORD:
Behold, I am planning against this race an evil
from which you shall not withdraw your necks;
Nor shall you walk with head high,
for it will be a time of evil.
On that day a satire shall be sung over you,
and there shall be a plaintive chant:
“Our ruin is complete,
our fields are portioned out among our captors,
The fields of my people are measured out,
and no one can get them back!”
Thus you shall have no one
to mark out boundaries by lot
in the assembly of the LORD.
and work out evil on their couches;
In the morning light they accomplish it
when it lies within their power.
They covet fields, and seize them;
houses, and they take them;
They cheat an owner of his house,
a man of his inheritance.
Therefore thus says the LORD:
Behold, I am planning against this race an evil
from which you shall not withdraw your necks;
Nor shall you walk with head high,
for it will be a time of evil.
On that day a satire shall be sung over you,
and there shall be a plaintive chant:
“Our ruin is complete,
our fields are portioned out among our captors,
The fields of my people are measured out,
and no one can get them back!”
Thus you shall have no one
to mark out boundaries by lot
in the assembly of the LORD.
R. (12b) Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
Why, O LORD, do you stand aloof?
Why hide in times of distress?
Proudly the wicked harass the afflicted,
who are caught in the devices the wicked have contrived.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
For the wicked man glories in his greed,
and the covetous blasphemes, sets the LORD at nought.
The wicked man boasts, “He will not avenge it”;
“There is no God,” sums up his thoughts.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
His mouth is full of cursing, guile and deceit;
under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
He lurks in ambush near the villages;
in hiding he murders the innocent;
his eyes spy upon the unfortunate.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
You do see, for you behold misery and sorrow,
taking them in your hands.
On you the unfortunate man depends;
of the fatherless you are the helper.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
Why, O LORD, do you stand aloof?
Why hide in times of distress?
Proudly the wicked harass the afflicted,
who are caught in the devices the wicked have contrived.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
For the wicked man glories in his greed,
and the covetous blasphemes, sets the LORD at nought.
The wicked man boasts, “He will not avenge it”;
“There is no God,” sums up his thoughts.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
His mouth is full of cursing, guile and deceit;
under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
He lurks in ambush near the villages;
in hiding he murders the innocent;
his eyes spy upon the unfortunate.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
You do see, for you behold misery and sorrow,
taking them in your hands.
On you the unfortunate man depends;
of the fatherless you are the helper.
R. Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
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.
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.
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.
Courage
and determination to do God's will
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.
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 reservation.
Justice
tempered with love and mercy
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?
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 discouraged, 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."
 The Quiet Healer |
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July
19, 2014. Saturday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time
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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, make my
heart more like yours, attentive to the needs of others.
1. He Withdrew: There is a great lesson for us here: It is not yet his "hour," so Jesus does not force the issue. Jesus was not one to shrink from a challenge. On several occasions he had already stood up to the same Pharisees who now wanted to put him to death. Yet Jesus knows that on this occasion he cannot engage with them; their hearts are closed and they are unwilling to listen. At times we may 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 all are more open to listen.
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 Glimmer of Faith: All Jesus needs is a small slightest spark of faith to
reignite and change a person´s life. He will never force a person to love him
or to trust him, for he respects the 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 is lit and can become a blazing fire. Carelessly
exposed to the winds and waves of unbridled selfishness, secularism,
skepticism and systematic doubt the flame can be extinguished. However, Jesus
waits patiently, looking for the small glimmer of faith which will allow the
fire to blaze up anew.
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.
SATURDAY, JULY 19, MATTHEW 12:14-21
(Micah 2:1-5; Psalm 10)  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 to know 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 THE BLESSED VIRGIN
MARY
 Chapter V of the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, issued by the Holy See in December 2001, describes the Church's traditional dedication of Saturday to the Virgin Mary. "Saturdays stand out among those days dedicated to the Virgin Mary. These are designated as memorials of the Blessed Virgin Mary" (218). The chapter also describes the importance of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in Catholic devotional life, including the Liturgy, and includes reflections on popular devotions to Mary, her feast days, and the Rosary. See the complete document on the Vatican web site Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy. |
MINUTE
MEDITATIONS
The Sacrament of God
Recall the tremendously important fact that Jesus is the Sacrament
of God. In Him we see God in human flesh. We know what God is like by looking
at Jesus, by listening to Him.
Do not forget the poor, O Lord!
The cry of the psalmist, the tirade of Micah, are as relevant now
as they were several thousand years ago.Our news bulletins, our current affairs programs, our newspapers and magazines, are full of the ‘cry of the poor’ and the appalling deeds of their oppressors. It seems nothing has changed, except perhaps that we do not now hear clearly enough the relentless condemnation from the prophet. Both Micah and the psalmist have an unshakeable belief that the justice of the Lord will prevail for everyone. We too share their concerns and their belief. But perhaps we can do more than that. Your compassion, Jesus, is not only a model for us, but also the source of our strength and perseverance in bringing about your reign of justice and peace.
July 19
St. Mary MacKillop
(1842-1909)
St. Mary MacKillop
(1842-1909)
If St.
Mary MacKillop were alive today, she would be a household name. It’s not that
she sought the limelight. On the contrary, she simply wanted to serve the poor
wherever she found them in her native Australia. But along the way, she
managed to arouse the ire of some rather powerful churchmen. One even
excommunicated her for a time.
Born in Melbourne in 1842 to parents who had emigrated from Scotland, Mary grew up in a family that faced constant financial struggles. As a young woman she was drawn to religious life but could not find an existing order of Sisters that met her needs. In 1860 she met Father Julian Woods, who became her spiritual director. Together they founded a new community of women—the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, also known as the Josephite Sisters. Its members were to staff schools especially for poor children, as well as orphanages, and do other works of charity.
Born in Melbourne in 1842 to parents who had emigrated from Scotland, Mary grew up in a family that faced constant financial struggles. As a young woman she was drawn to religious life but could not find an existing order of Sisters that met her needs. In 1860 she met Father Julian Woods, who became her spiritual director. Together they founded a new community of women—the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, also known as the Josephite Sisters. Its members were to staff schools especially for poor children, as well as orphanages, and do other works of charity.
As the
congregation grew, so did Mary MacKillop’s problems. Her priest-friend proved
unreliable in many ways and his responsibilities for direction of the Sisters
were removed. Meanwhile, Mary had the support of some local bishops as she and
her Sisters went about their work. But the bishop in South Australia, aging and
relying on others for advice, briefly excommunicated Mary—charging her with
disobedience—and dispensed 50 of her Sisters from their vows. In truth, the
bishop’s quarrel was about power and who had authority over whom. He ultimately
rescinded his order of excommunication.
Mary insisted that her congregation should be governed by an elected mother general answerable to Rome, not to the local bishop. (There were also disputes about whether or not the congregation could own property.) In the end, Rome proved to be Mary’s best source of support. After a long wait, official approval of the congregation—and how it was to be governed—came from Pope Leo XIII.
Despite her struggles with Church authorities, Mary MacKillop and her Sisters were able to offer social services that few, if any, government agencies in Australia could. They served Protestants and Catholics alike. They worked among the aborigines. They taught in schools and orphanages and served unmarried mothers.
Money, actually the lack of it, was a constant worry. But the Sisters, who begged from door to door, were bolstered by faith and by the conviction that their struggles were opportunities to grow closer to God.
By the time Mary was approaching the end of her life, the congregation was thriving. She died in 1909 at the age of 67. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1995. In 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI canonized her, she became Australia’s first saint.
Mary insisted that her congregation should be governed by an elected mother general answerable to Rome, not to the local bishop. (There were also disputes about whether or not the congregation could own property.) In the end, Rome proved to be Mary’s best source of support. After a long wait, official approval of the congregation—and how it was to be governed—came from Pope Leo XIII.
Despite her struggles with Church authorities, Mary MacKillop and her Sisters were able to offer social services that few, if any, government agencies in Australia could. They served Protestants and Catholics alike. They worked among the aborigines. They taught in schools and orphanages and served unmarried mothers.
Money, actually the lack of it, was a constant worry. But the Sisters, who begged from door to door, were bolstered by faith and by the conviction that their struggles were opportunities to grow closer to God.
By the time Mary was approaching the end of her life, the congregation was thriving. She died in 1909 at the age of 67. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1995. In 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI canonized her, she became Australia’s first saint.
Quote:
“ Have courage no matter what your crosses are.”--Mother Mary of the Cross (St. Mary MacKillop)
“ Have courage no matter what your crosses are.”--Mother Mary of the Cross (St. Mary MacKillop)
LECTIO DIVINA:
MATTHEW 12,14-21
Lectio:
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Ordinary Time
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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.
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”.
• 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?
• 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)
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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