Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 455
Lectionary: 455
This word of the
LORD of hosts came:
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
I am intensely jealous for Zion,
stirred to jealous wrath for her.
Thus says the LORD:
I will return to Zion,
and I will dwell within Jerusalem;
Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city,
and the mountain of the LORD of hosts,
the holy mountain.
Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women,
each with staff in hand because of old age,
shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem.
The city shall be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
Even if this should seem impossible
in the eyes of the remnant of this people,
shall it in those days be impossible in my eyes also,
says the LORD of hosts?
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
Lo, I will rescue my people from the land of the rising sun,
and from the land of the setting sun.
I will bring them back to dwell within Jerusalem.
They shall be my people, and I will be their God,
with faithfulness and justice.
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
I am intensely jealous for Zion,
stirred to jealous wrath for her.
Thus says the LORD:
I will return to Zion,
and I will dwell within Jerusalem;
Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city,
and the mountain of the LORD of hosts,
the holy mountain.
Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women,
each with staff in hand because of old age,
shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem.
The city shall be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
Even if this should seem impossible
in the eyes of the remnant of this people,
shall it in those days be impossible in my eyes also,
says the LORD of hosts?
Thus says the LORD of hosts:
Lo, I will rescue my people from the land of the rising sun,
and from the land of the setting sun.
I will bring them back to dwell within Jerusalem.
They shall be my people, and I will be their God,
with faithfulness and justice.
Responsorial PsalmPS 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 AND 22-23
R. (17) The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear
in all his glory.
The nations shall revere your name, O LORD,
and all the kings of the earth your glory,
When the LORD has rebuilt Zion
and appeared in his glory;
When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute,
and not despised their prayer.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
Let this be written for the generation to come,
and let his future creatures praise the LORD:
“The LORD looked down from his holy height,
from heaven he beheld the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoners,
to release those doomed to die.”
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
The children of your servants shall abide,
and their posterity shall continue in your presence.
That the name of the LORD may be declared in Zion;
and his praise, in Jerusalem,
When the peoples gather together,
and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
The nations shall revere your name, O LORD,
and all the kings of the earth your glory,
When the LORD has rebuilt Zion
and appeared in his glory;
When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute,
and not despised their prayer.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
Let this be written for the generation to come,
and let his future creatures praise the LORD:
“The LORD looked down from his holy height,
from heaven he beheld the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoners,
to release those doomed to die.”
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
The children of your servants shall abide,
and their posterity shall continue in your presence.
That the name of the LORD may be declared in Zion;
and his praise, in Jerusalem,
When the peoples gather together,
and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
AlleluiaMK 10:45
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 9:46-50
An argument arose
among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest.
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child
and placed it by his side and said to them,
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you
is the one who is the greatest.”
Then John said in reply,
“Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name
and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company.”
Jesus said to him,
“Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
about which of them was the greatest.
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child
and placed it by his side and said to them,
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you
is the one who is the greatest.”
Then John said in reply,
“Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name
and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company.”
Jesus said to him,
“Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
Meditation: "Jesus
perceived the thought of their hearts"
Are you surprised to see the disciples of Jesus arguing about
who is the greatest among them? Don't we do the same thing? The appetite for
glory and greatness seems to be inbred in us. Who doesn't cherish the ambition
to be "somebody" whom others admire rather than a
"nobody"? Even the psalms speak about the glory God has
destined for us. "You have made them a little lower than God, and
crowned them with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:5). Jesus made a
dramatic gesture by placing a child next to himself to show his disciples who
really is the greatest in the kingdom of God.
What can a little child possibly teach us about greatness?
Children in the ancient world had no rights, position, or privileges of their
own. They were socially at the "bottom of the rung" and at the
service of their parents, much like the household staff and domestic servants.
What is the significance of Jesus' gesture? Jesus elevated a little child in the
presence of his disciples by placing the child in a privileged position of
honor at his right side. It is customary, even today, to seat the guest of
honor at the right side of the host. Who is the greatest in God's kingdom? The
one who is humble and lowly of heart - who instead of asserting their rights
willingly empty themselves of pride and self-seeking glory by taking the lowly
position of a servant or child.
Jesus, himself, is our model. He came not to be served,
but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Paul the Apostles states that Jesus
"emptied himself and took the form of a servant" (Philippians
2:7). Jesus lowered himself (he whose place is at the right hand of God
the Father) and took on our lowly nature that he might raise us up and clothe
us in his divine nature. "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the
humble" (James 4:6). If we want to be filled with God's life and
power, then we need to empty ourselves of everything which stands in the way -
pride, envy, self-seeking glory, vanity, and possessiveness. God wants empty
vessels so he can fill them with his own glory, power, and love (2 Corinthians
4:7). Are you ready to humble yourself and to serve as Jesus did?
"Lord Jesus, your grace knows no bounds. You give
freely to the humble of heart and you grant us freedom to love and serve others
selflessly. May my love for you express itself in an eagerness to do good for
others."
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, LUKE 9:46-50
Weekday
(Zechariah 8:1-8; Psalm 102)
Weekday
(Zechariah 8:1-8; Psalm 102)
KEY VERSE: "For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest" (v 48).
TO READ: Jesus had been teaching his disciples about his role as the suffering servant of God, yet they failed to comprehend his words (vv 43-45). A discussion arose among the disciples about which one of them was the greatest. Appraising their grandiose ambitions, Jesus placed a little child by his side as an example of what discipleship meant. The disciple must be as innocent and trusting as a child, and be willing to serve the poor and lowly of the community. Seemingly without hearing Jesus' words, John became indignant when he heard that an outsider had been casting out demons in Jesus' name. Jesus said that such closed-mindedness was in opposition to the Gospel that he taught them. He told them: "Whoever is not against you is for you" (v 50).
TO REFLECT: Are my ambitions to serve the Lord or to serve my own ego?
TO RESPOND: Lord Jesus, help me to recognize you in the poor and suffering that I meet.
Optional memorial of Wenceslaus, martyr
At the death of Vratislaus, who was killed during a pagan backlash against Christianity, the people of Bohemia made his son Wenceslaus their king. He was a man of utmost faith, charitable to the poor, and offered hospitality to travelers. He would not allow widows to be treated unjustly. He loved all his people, both rich and poor, and he adorned many churches. Boleslaus, his brother, no longer successor to the throne, joined a group of Czech dissenters. They invited Wenceslaus to a religious festival, trapped and killed him on the way to Mass. He is the patron saint of Bohemia. Although he was killed for political reasons, he is normally listed as a martyr since the politics arose from his faith. Miracles have been reported at his tomb.
Lawrence Ruiz and his companions, martyrs
Lorenzo Ruiz was a married layman, and the father of two sons and a daughter. For unknown reasons, he was accused of murder. He sought asylum on board ship with three Dominican priests, St. Antonio Gonzalez, St. Guillermo Courtet, and St. Miguel de Aozaraza, a Japanese priest, St. Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, and a layman named St. Lazaro of Kyoto who was a leper. Only when they were at sea did Lorenzo learn that they were going to Japan during a time of intense Christian persecution. Lorenzo could have gone to Formosa (modern Taiwan), but feared the Spaniards there would hang him, and so stayed with the missionaries as they landed at Okinawa. The group was soon exposed as Christian, arrested, and taken to Nagasaki. They were tortured in several ways for days. Lawrence and the Japanese priest broke at one point, and were ready to renounce their faith in exchange for release, but after their moment of crisis, they reclaimed their faith and defied their tormentors. Lorenzo Ruiz is the first canonized Filipino martyr.
Monday 28 September 2015
MON 28TH. St Wenceslas. Ss
Lawrence Ruiz and Cc. Zechariah 8:1-8. The Lord will build up Zion again,
and appear in all his glory—Ps 101(102):16-21, 29, 22-23. Luke 9:46-50.
He will regard the prayer
of the destitute …
In Zechariah, God’s saving
hand is reaching out to his people to restore them to the peaceful times when
old people sit in the streets while boys and girls play. How the refugees
living in camps dream of this peace today! The psalm echoes God’s desire to
have pity on the suffering and give them freedom.
While Jesus was preparing
his apostles for his coming sacrifice, they were arguing about which of them
was the greatest. He put a child before them as an example of the trust and
dependence God is seeking from us. ‘Who is least among you all is the one who
is great.’ It will be through our humble prayers and praise that his kingdom
will be restored among the nations.
Lord, grant us a childlike
trust by opening our hearts to you in humility and letting your love reach out
through us to all especially those most in need today.
MINUTE MEDITATIONS
|
Let Jesus In
|
Let the risen Jesus enter your life. Welcome him as a friend, with
trust: he is life! If up untill now you have kept him at a distance, step
forward. He will receive you with open arms. If you have been indifferent, take
a risk: you won’t be disappointed.
September
28
St. Wenceslaus
(907?-929)
St. Wenceslaus
(907?-929)
If saints have been falsely characterized as "other
worldly," the life of Wenceslaus stands as an example to the contrary: He
stood for Christian values in the midst of the political intrigues which
characterized 10th-century Bohemia.
He was
born in 907 near Prague, son of the Duke of Bohemia. His saintly grandmother,
Ludmilla, raised him and sought to promote him as ruler of Bohemia in place of
his mother, who favored the anti-Christian factions. Ludmilla was eventually
murdered, but rival Christian forces enabled Wenceslaus to assume leadership of
the government.
His rule
was marked by efforts toward unification within Bohemia, support of the Church
and peace-making negotiations with Germany, a policy which caused him trouble
with the anti-Christian opposition. His brother Boleslav joined in the
plotting, and in September of 929 invited Wenceslaus to Alt Bunglou for the
celebration of the feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian (September 26). On the way
to Mass, Boleslav attacked his brother, and in the struggle, Wenceslaus was
killed by supporters of Boleslav.
Although
his death resulted primarily from political upheaval, Wenceslaus was hailed as
a martyr for the faith, and his tomb became a pilgrimage shrine. He is hailed
as the patron of the Bohemian people and of former Czechoslovakia.
Comment:
"Good King Wenceslaus" was able to incarnate his Christianity in a world filled with political unrest. While we are often victims of violence of a different sort, we can easily identify with his struggle to bring harmony to society. The call to become involved in social change and in political activity is addressed to Christians; the values of the gospel are sorely needed today.
"Good King Wenceslaus" was able to incarnate his Christianity in a world filled with political unrest. While we are often victims of violence of a different sort, we can easily identify with his struggle to bring harmony to society. The call to become involved in social change and in political activity is addressed to Christians; the values of the gospel are sorely needed today.
Quote:
"While recognizing the autonomy of the reality of politics, Christians who are invited to take up political activity should try to make their choices consistent with the gospel and, in the framework of a legitimate plurality, to give both personal and collective witness to the seriousness of their faith by effective and disinterested service of men" (Pope Paul VI, A Call to Action, 46).
"While recognizing the autonomy of the reality of politics, Christians who are invited to take up political activity should try to make their choices consistent with the gospel and, in the framework of a legitimate plurality, to give both personal and collective witness to the seriousness of their faith by effective and disinterested service of men" (Pope Paul VI, A Call to Action, 46).
Patron Saint of:
Bohemia
Bohemia
LECTIO: LUKE
9,46-50
Lectio:
Monday, September 28, 2015
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Father,
you show your almighty power
in your mercy and forgiveness.
Continue to fill us with your gifts of love.
Help us to hurry towards the eternal life your promise
and come to share in the joys of your kingdom.
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 - Luke 9,46-50
An argument started between the disciples about which of them
was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and
he took a little child whom he set by his side and then he said to them, 'Anyone
who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes
me, welcomes the one who sent me. The least among you all is the one who is the
greatest.'
John spoke up. 'Master,' he said, 'we saw someone driving out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.' But Jesus said to him, 'You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for you.'
John spoke up. 'Master,' he said, 'we saw someone driving out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.' But Jesus said to him, 'You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for you.'
3) Reflection
• The text enlightens us. If previously Luke had presented the convergence of the men around Jesus to recognize him in faith, to attend to listen to him and to be present to his cures, now, a new stage is opened in his public itinerary. The person of Jesus does not monopolize the attention of the crowds any more but he is presented as the one who slowly is being drawn away from his own to go toward the Father. Such an itinerary foresees his journey to Jerusalem. And while he is about to undertake that journey, Jesus reveals to them the destiny that is awaiting him (9, 22). Then he is transfigured before them to indicate the starting point of his “Exodus” toward Jerusalem. But immediately after the light that he experiences in the transfiguration, Jesus once again announces his Passion leaving the disciples uncertain and disturbed. The words of Jesus on the event of his Passion, “The Son of man is going to be delivered into the power of men”, but they did not understand (9, 45) and they were afraid to ask him (9, 45).
• Jesus takes a child. The enigma of Jesus being delivered broke out a great dispute among the disciples to decide to whom the first place would belong. Without being asked his opinion, Jesus, who being God knew how to read hearts, intervenes with a symbolical gesture. To begin he takes a child and places him at his side. Such a gesture is an indication of election, of privilege that is extended at the moment that one becomes a Christian (10, 21-22). So that this gesture will be understood, not uncertain, Jesus gives a word of explanation: the “greatness” of the child is not stressed but his inclination to “acceptance”. The Lord considers “great” anyone who like a child knows how to accept God and his messengers. Salvation presents two aspects: the election on the part of God which is symbolized by the gesture of Jesus who accepts the child: and the acceptance of the one who has sent him, the Father of Jesus (the Son) and of every man. The child embodies Jesus, and both together in their smallness and suffering, realize God’s presence (Bovon). But the two aspects of salvation are indicative also of faith: in the gift of election the passive element emerges; in service, the active one; two pillars of the Christian existence. To accept God or Christ in faith has the consequence of total acceptance of the little ones on the part of the believer or of the community. “To be great” about which the disciples were discussing is not a reality of something beyond, but it refers to the present moment and is expressed in the ‘diaconia’ of service. Lived love and faith carry out two functions: we are accepted by Christ (takes the child); but also we have the particular gift of receiving him (“anyone who accepts the child, accepts him, the Father”, v. 48). A brief dialogue follows between Jesus and John (vv. 49-50). This last disciple is considered among the intimate ones of Jesus. The exorcist who does not belong to those who are intimate with Jesus is entrusted the same role that is given to the disciples. He is an exorcist who, on the one side is external to the group, but on the other, he is inside the group because he has understood the Christological origin of divine force that guides him (“in your name”). The teaching of Jesus is clear: a Christian group should not place obstacles to the missionary activity of other groups. There are no Christians who are “greater” than others, but one is “great” in being and in becoming Christians. And then missionary activity has to be in the service of God and not to increase one’s own fame or renown. That clause on the power of the name of Jesus is of crucial importance: it is a reference to the liberty of the Holy Spirit, whose presence is certainly within the Church, but it can extend beyond the instituted or official ministries.
• The text enlightens us. If previously Luke had presented the convergence of the men around Jesus to recognize him in faith, to attend to listen to him and to be present to his cures, now, a new stage is opened in his public itinerary. The person of Jesus does not monopolize the attention of the crowds any more but he is presented as the one who slowly is being drawn away from his own to go toward the Father. Such an itinerary foresees his journey to Jerusalem. And while he is about to undertake that journey, Jesus reveals to them the destiny that is awaiting him (9, 22). Then he is transfigured before them to indicate the starting point of his “Exodus” toward Jerusalem. But immediately after the light that he experiences in the transfiguration, Jesus once again announces his Passion leaving the disciples uncertain and disturbed. The words of Jesus on the event of his Passion, “The Son of man is going to be delivered into the power of men”, but they did not understand (9, 45) and they were afraid to ask him (9, 45).
• Jesus takes a child. The enigma of Jesus being delivered broke out a great dispute among the disciples to decide to whom the first place would belong. Without being asked his opinion, Jesus, who being God knew how to read hearts, intervenes with a symbolical gesture. To begin he takes a child and places him at his side. Such a gesture is an indication of election, of privilege that is extended at the moment that one becomes a Christian (10, 21-22). So that this gesture will be understood, not uncertain, Jesus gives a word of explanation: the “greatness” of the child is not stressed but his inclination to “acceptance”. The Lord considers “great” anyone who like a child knows how to accept God and his messengers. Salvation presents two aspects: the election on the part of God which is symbolized by the gesture of Jesus who accepts the child: and the acceptance of the one who has sent him, the Father of Jesus (the Son) and of every man. The child embodies Jesus, and both together in their smallness and suffering, realize God’s presence (Bovon). But the two aspects of salvation are indicative also of faith: in the gift of election the passive element emerges; in service, the active one; two pillars of the Christian existence. To accept God or Christ in faith has the consequence of total acceptance of the little ones on the part of the believer or of the community. “To be great” about which the disciples were discussing is not a reality of something beyond, but it refers to the present moment and is expressed in the ‘diaconia’ of service. Lived love and faith carry out two functions: we are accepted by Christ (takes the child); but also we have the particular gift of receiving him (“anyone who accepts the child, accepts him, the Father”, v. 48). A brief dialogue follows between Jesus and John (vv. 49-50). This last disciple is considered among the intimate ones of Jesus. The exorcist who does not belong to those who are intimate with Jesus is entrusted the same role that is given to the disciples. He is an exorcist who, on the one side is external to the group, but on the other, he is inside the group because he has understood the Christological origin of divine force that guides him (“in your name”). The teaching of Jesus is clear: a Christian group should not place obstacles to the missionary activity of other groups. There are no Christians who are “greater” than others, but one is “great” in being and in becoming Christians. And then missionary activity has to be in the service of God and not to increase one’s own fame or renown. That clause on the power of the name of Jesus is of crucial importance: it is a reference to the liberty of the Holy Spirit, whose presence is certainly within the Church, but it can extend beyond the instituted or official ministries.
4) Personal questions
• You, as a believer, baptized, how do you live success and suffering?
• What type of “greatness” do you live in your service to life, to persons? Are you capable of transforming competition into cooperation?
• You, as a believer, baptized, how do you live success and suffering?
• What type of “greatness” do you live in your service to life, to persons? Are you capable of transforming competition into cooperation?
5) Concluding Prayer
I praise your name Lord for your faithful love and your constancy;
your promises surpass even your fame.
You heard me on the day when I called,
and you gave new strength to my heart. (Ps 138,2-3)
I praise your name Lord for your faithful love and your constancy;
your promises surpass even your fame.
You heard me on the day when I called,
and you gave new strength to my heart. (Ps 138,2-3)
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