Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 474
Lectionary: 474
Brothers and
sisters:
You were at that time without Christ,
alienated from the community of Israel
and strangers to the covenants of promise,
without hope and without God in the world.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off
have become near by the Blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, he made both one
and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his Flesh,
abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims,
that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two,
thus establishing peace,
and might reconcile both with God,
in one Body, through the cross,
putting that enmity to death by it.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off
and peace to those who were near,
for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
You were at that time without Christ,
alienated from the community of Israel
and strangers to the covenants of promise,
without hope and without God in the world.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off
have become near by the Blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, he made both one
and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his Flesh,
abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims,
that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two,
thus establishing peace,
and might reconcile both with God,
in one Body, through the cross,
putting that enmity to death by it.
He came and preached peace to you who were far off
and peace to those who were near,
for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Responsorial Psalm PS 85:9AB-10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (see 9) The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD–for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD–for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
Gospel LK 12:35-38
Jesus said to his
disciples:
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.”
“Gird your loins and light your lamps
and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,
ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.
Blessed are those servants
whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.
Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,
have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.
And should he come in the second or third watch
and find them prepared in this way,
blessed are those servants.”
Meditation: "Blessed are they who open at once when the Master
knocks"
If the Lord Jesus
knocked on your door today would you be ready and eager to receive him? He
wants us to be prepared for his coming - today, tomorrow, at the hour of our
departure from this life (our death), and when he comes again at the end of
this present world to reward those who have believed in him - the only begotten
Son of the Father in heaven who was sent to deliver us from sin and death. The
Lord Jesus calls to us each and every day. He says, "Listen! I am standing
and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come
in and we will eat together" (Revelations 3:20).
Be watchful and
ready to serve the Lord when he calls
Jesus told his followers a parable from everyday life that illustrated the necessity of being prepared to open the door at once when the Master of the house knocks and calls for his servants to let him in. Doors in the ancient world were often bolted from the inside, especially at night, to keep out thieves and troublemakers. Servants who knew their master's voice were expected to be vigilant and prepared to unbolt the door and let him in without a moment's delay. This required a listening ear and attentive spirit that could block out other noises and distractions. If the servants refused to answer the door or delayed too long, they could expect a rebuke or punishment from the master.
Jesus told his followers a parable from everyday life that illustrated the necessity of being prepared to open the door at once when the Master of the house knocks and calls for his servants to let him in. Doors in the ancient world were often bolted from the inside, especially at night, to keep out thieves and troublemakers. Servants who knew their master's voice were expected to be vigilant and prepared to unbolt the door and let him in without a moment's delay. This required a listening ear and attentive spirit that could block out other noises and distractions. If the servants refused to answer the door or delayed too long, they could expect a rebuke or punishment from the master.
The Lord and
Master serves us
But Jesus' story adds an unexpected reward for those who open at once - even in the middle of the night when everyone is fast asleep. The master who returns from a wedding feast to his home late at night does the unthinkable when his servants greet him at the door. He puts on a servant's uniform and apron and seats his servants at his own table. And then - to their astonishment no doubt - the master himself waits on his servants at table by serving them his choice food and drink. Jesus' parable turns the world's way of thinking upside-down. The master rewards his faithful servants by serving them himself with the best provision, care, and service he can offer.
But Jesus' story adds an unexpected reward for those who open at once - even in the middle of the night when everyone is fast asleep. The master who returns from a wedding feast to his home late at night does the unthinkable when his servants greet him at the door. He puts on a servant's uniform and apron and seats his servants at his own table. And then - to their astonishment no doubt - the master himself waits on his servants at table by serving them his choice food and drink. Jesus' parable turns the world's way of thinking upside-down. The master rewards his faithful servants by serving them himself with the best provision, care, and service he can offer.
The Lord Jesus
became a servant for our sake
This story illustrates the amazing generous spirit, servant-hearted love, and profound humility of God who is the exalted Lord and Master over all he has created. The Father sent his only begotten Son to become a man for our sake who shed his blood for us on the cross to ransom us from slavery to sin, Satan, and death. Paul the Apostle tells us that Jesus who was equal with the Father, nonetheless, humbled himself and became a servant for our sake (Philippians 2:5-8).
This story illustrates the amazing generous spirit, servant-hearted love, and profound humility of God who is the exalted Lord and Master over all he has created. The Father sent his only begotten Son to become a man for our sake who shed his blood for us on the cross to ransom us from slavery to sin, Satan, and death. Paul the Apostle tells us that Jesus who was equal with the Father, nonetheless, humbled himself and became a servant for our sake (Philippians 2:5-8).
Do you listen for the
voice of the Lord calling to you? And are you ready to receive him today so
that you may be nourished with his life-giving word that has power to transform
you into his likeness and way of love, mercy, and truth, and goodness? The Lord
offers us rich food and provision for our daily lives. But we can miss his
daily provision if we allow our hearts, ears, and minds to be distracted with
other things - even good things that crowd out his voice and invitation to let
him enter and feast with us.
The Lord loves
faithfulness
Jesus' parable also has an important lesson for each one of us as well. Just as Jesus was faithful and ready to obey his Father in everything - even to the point of laying down his life for us on the cross, we, too are called to be faithful and ready to do whatever our heavenly Father's commands us. How can we serve as Jesus served and be faithful to the end of our days? Only love - the love which God has poured into our hearts through the Spirit which has been given to us (Romans 5:5) - can transform us and fill us with joy and courage in offering our lives in humble service to God and one another. The Lord Jesus sets us free from fear and selfish pride so we can love and serve as he has loved us (Ephesians 5:2). Ask the Lord to give you a servant heart and a willing spirit that is ready to listen and eager to obey.
Jesus' parable also has an important lesson for each one of us as well. Just as Jesus was faithful and ready to obey his Father in everything - even to the point of laying down his life for us on the cross, we, too are called to be faithful and ready to do whatever our heavenly Father's commands us. How can we serve as Jesus served and be faithful to the end of our days? Only love - the love which God has poured into our hearts through the Spirit which has been given to us (Romans 5:5) - can transform us and fill us with joy and courage in offering our lives in humble service to God and one another. The Lord Jesus sets us free from fear and selfish pride so we can love and serve as he has loved us (Ephesians 5:2). Ask the Lord to give you a servant heart and a willing spirit that is ready to listen and eager to obey.
"Lord Jesus, you
loved me first and you gave your life for me. Fill me with a joyful heart and a
generous spirit that is ready to serve and to do whatever you command."
 Spiritual Readiness |
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October 21, 2014.
Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
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Luke 12:35-38
Jesus said to his
disciples: "Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants
who await their master´s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately
when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds
vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them
recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the
second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those
servants."
Introductory
Prayer: Lord, you watch my every
action, know my every thought, and guide my every path. I love and trust in
your will. Thank you for this time of prayer. From it may I receive the
spiritual energy I need to keep my eyes firmly planted on you today and to
remain confident that you are always at my side.
Petition: Lord, help me always to be alert to the needs of
others.
1. Watch and
Pray: Being blindsided is no fun.
Those unexpected surprises are particularly annoying when we feel someone
should have warned us. “Please make sure you tell me about this next time” is
a familiar refrain. When it comes to the questions about the afterlife, if we
are blindsided we will have no one to blame but ourselves. Christ has given
us more than adequate warning. Neither death nor his coming in glory to judge
humanity should catch us off guard. The key to preparedness lies in his
admonition to his disciples: “Watch and pray” (Matthew26:41).
2. Master or
Servant: Imagine Jesus’ joy in
welcoming one of his “good and faithful servants” into heaven. He said that
he will sit us down and serve us dinner. That beautiful image reminds us that
the hard work of being faithful will not lack its reward. More than anything,
it points to Jesus’ gratitude: the Master becomes the servant for his loyal
disciples. After all that the Lord has done for us, what else would we rather
do than to give Christ the joy of our faithfulness?
3. The Long Haul: Jesus talks about the master of the house
possibly arriving at the “second or third watch of the night.” Being faithful
isn’t a fling or a flash in the pan. We know that there will be “ups and
downs,” moments of two steps forward and one back. Through it all we are
called to persevere. Going the distance is not easy, but how beautiful it is!
Pope Saint John Paul II gave us an indelible example of perseverance. When we
heard that he had passed away, all of us felt sadness until we considered the
joy of imagining the embrace between him and the Lord he loved so much. May
our own example bear witness to our desire to persevere — to stick with the
commitment of fidelity until the Lord calls us home.
Conversation with
Christ: Whether life is long or
short, Lord, I have to be ready for whatever your providence brings. I want
to persevere, but so often my love is undermined by my fears and frailty.
Give me the strength I need.
Resolution: I will review my life choices to make sure that I
am persevering in all that I have promised Christ.
By Father Steven
Reilly, LC
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UESDAY, OCTOBER 21, LUKE 12:35-38
(Ephesians 2:12-22; Psalm 85)
(Ephesians 2:12-22; Psalm 85)
KEY VERSE: "Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival" (v 37).
READING: The apostles and the early Church expected the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Scripture depicted the return of Jesus in various ways: as a master returning from a wedding (Rv 19:7), and even as a thief who came unexpectedly in the night (1 Thes 5:2). Jesus pointed to the uncertain hour of his coming. Although they knew not the time of his arrival, Jesus' disciples must be prepared whenever it should occur. They must be vigilant, ready to open the door when he knocked (Rv 3:20). Jesus prayed to his Father, "I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do" (Jn 17:4). Likewise, Jesus' disciples should never leave a task undone that ought to be finished before Christ's return. His followers would be rewarded for their fidelity. They are faithful servants who watched over the household of God, the Church here on earth.
REFLECTING: Am I a good steward of the time, treasure and talents the Lord has given me?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be your faithful and trustworthy servant.
Tuesday 21 October 2014
Jules Chevalier.
Ephesians 2:12-22. The Lord speaks of peace to his people—Ps
84(85):9-14. Luke 12:35-38.
You are fellow citizens
with the saints.
Peace, love, faithfulness
are surely the inheritance of those who live close to God. But the world is
needy for the light and strength that comes from Jesus to our hearts.
Jesus uses the metaphor of
servants ready for the master’s return, awake and alert. Pope Francis exhorts
us to be aware of our influence as the leaven to the world’s great needs. The
unemployed, refugees, the marginalised and the suffering need to know God’s
mercy. To do this healing we need God’s divine grace to transform us and enable
us to respond to his love in our lives. We can then share it with those less
fortunate so that we all can live in the merciful grace of our loving God.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
Spirit of Peace
Therefore if any thought agitates you, this agitation never comes
from God, who gives you peace, being the Spirit of Peace, but from the devil.
October
21
St. Hilarion
(c. 291-371)
St. Hilarion
(c. 291-371)
Despite his best efforts to live in prayer and solitude, today’s
saint found it difficult to achieve his deepest desire. People were naturally
drawn to Hilarion as a source of spiritual wisdom and peace. He had reached
such fame by the time of his death that his body had to be secretly removed so
that a shrine would not be built in his honor. Instead, he was buried in his
home village.
St.
Hilarion the Great, as he is sometimes called, was born in Palestine. After his
conversion to Christianity he spent some time with St. Anthony of Egypt,
another holy man drawn to solitude. Hilarion lived a life of hardship and
simplicity in the desert, where he also experienced spiritual dryness that
included temptations to despair. At the same time, miracles were attributed to
him.
As his
fame grew, a small group of disciples wanted to follow Hilarion. He began a
series of journeys to find a place where he could live away from the world. He
finally settled on Cyprus, where he died in 371 at about age 80.
Hilarion
is celebrated as the founder of monasticism in Palestine. Much of his fame
flows from the biography of him written by St. Jerome.
LECTIO DIVINA:
LUKE 12,35-38
Lectio:
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Almighty and everlasting God,
our source of power and inspiration,
give us strength and joy
in serving you as followers of Christ,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Luke 12,35-38
Jesus said to his disciples: 'See that you
have your belts done up and your lamps lit. Be like people waiting for their
master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he
comes and knocks.
Blessed those servants whom the master finds
awake when he comes. In truth I tell you, he will do up his belt, sit them down
at table and wait on them.
It may be in the second watch that he comes,
or in the third, but blessed are those servants if he finds them ready.
3) Reflection
• By means of the parable the gospel today
exhorts us to be vigilant.
• Luke 12, 35: Exhortation to be vigilant,
watchful. "Be ready and have your belts done up and your lamps lit”. To
gird oneself meant to take a cloth or a cord and put it around the robe. To be
girded meant to be ready, prepared for immediate action. Before the flight from
Egypt, at the moment of celebrating the Passover, the Israelites had to gird
themselves, that is be prepared, ready to be able to leave immediately (EX
12,11). When someone goes to work, to fight or to execute a task he girds
himself (Ct 3, 8). In the letter of Paul to the Ephesians he describes the
armour of God and he says that your waist must be girded with the waist of
truth (Ep 6, 14). The lamps should be lit, because to watch is the task to be
carried out during the day as well as during the night. Without light one cannot
go in the darkness of the night.
• Luke 12, 36: A parable. In
order to explain what it means to be girded, Jesus tells a brief parable. “Be
like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to
open the door as soon as he comes and knocks”. The task of waiting for the
arrival of the master demands constant and permanent vigilance, especially
during the night, because one does not know at what time the master will
return. The employee has to be always attentive and vigilant.
• Luke 12, 37: Promise of happiness. “Blessed
those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes; In truth I tell you,
he will do up his belt, sit them down at table and wait on them”. Here in this
promise of happiness, things turn up side down; the master becomes the employee
and begins to serve the employee who becomes the master. At the Last Supper
Jesus recalls that even though he is Lord and Master, he becomes the servant of
all (Jn 13, 4-17).The happiness promised has something to do with the future,
with happiness at the end of time, and opposed to what Jesus promised in the
other parable when he said: “Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding
sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, come and have your
meal at once? Would he be not more likely to say, ‘Get my supper ready; fasten
your belt and wait on me while I eat and drink. You yourself can eat and drink
afterwards? Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So
with you, when you have done all you have been told to do, say, ‘we are useless
servants; we have done no more than our duty” (Lk 17, 7-10).
• Luke 12, 38: He repeats the promise of
happ8iness. “And if he comes at midnight, or at dawn, and finds those servants
ready, blessed are they!” He repeats the promise of happiness which requires
total vigilance. The master could return at midnight, at three o’clock in the
morning, or at any other moment. The employee must be girded, ready to be able
to do his work immediately.
4) Personal questions
• We are employees of God. We should be
girded, ready, attentive and vigilant twenty-four hours a day. Do you succeed
to do this? How do you do it?
• The promise of future happiness is the
opposite of the present. What does this reveal to us of the goodness of God for
us, for me?
5) Concluding prayer
I am listening. What is God's message?
Yahweh's message is peace for his people.
His saving help is near for those who fear
him,
his glory will dwell in our land. (Ps 85,8-9)
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