Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in
Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 476
Lectionary: 476
Brothers and sisters:
I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine,
by the power at work within us,
to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus
to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine,
by the power at work within us,
to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus
to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
R. (5b) The
earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
For upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
For upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
GospelPHIL 3:8-9
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 12:49-53
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
“I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Meditation: "I came to cast fire upon the
earth"
Do you want to be on
fire for God? Jesus shocked his disciples when he declared that he would cast
fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did
Jesus have in mind here?
The fire of God's
purifying love and cleansing word
The image of fire in biblical times was often associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as God's revelation to Moses through the burning bush in the wilderness which was not consumed by the flames (Exodus 3:2). God assured the Hebrew people of his continual presence, guidance, and protection for them through the wilderness for forty years with the pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 13:21-22). The prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven to reveal God's presence and power and to purify the people of false idols (1 Kings 18:36-39). The image of fire was also used as a sign of God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13) and holiness (Deuteronomy 4:24), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), and his righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9) and holy wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16).
The image of fire in biblical times was often associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as God's revelation to Moses through the burning bush in the wilderness which was not consumed by the flames (Exodus 3:2). God assured the Hebrew people of his continual presence, guidance, and protection for them through the wilderness for forty years with the pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 13:21-22). The prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven to reveal God's presence and power and to purify the people of false idols (1 Kings 18:36-39). The image of fire was also used as a sign of God's glory (Ezekiel 1:4, 13) and holiness (Deuteronomy 4:24), his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17), and his righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9) and holy wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16).
Fire is also a sign and
symbol of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist said that
Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11-12 and
Luke 3:16-17). When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples at
Pentecost "tongues of fire" appeared above their heads (Acts 2:3). We
can see from both the Old and New Testament Scriptures that God's fire purifies
and cleanses to make us clean (sins washed away) and holy (fit to offer him
acceptable praise and worship), and it inspires a reverent fear (awe in God's
presence) and respect (obeying and giving God his due) for God and for his holy
word.
Loyalty unites -
division separates
Why did Jesus link fire from heaven with costly division on the earth? Did he expect his followers to take his statement of "father against son and son against father" and "mother against daughter and daughter against mother" literally? Or was he intentionally using a figure of speech to emphasize the choice and cost of following him above all else? Jesus used a typical Hebrew hyperbole (a figure of speech which uses strong language and exaggeration for emphasis) to drive home an important lesson. We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly. Jesus' hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the Gospel message does have serious consequences for our lives.
Why did Jesus link fire from heaven with costly division on the earth? Did he expect his followers to take his statement of "father against son and son against father" and "mother against daughter and daughter against mother" literally? Or was he intentionally using a figure of speech to emphasize the choice and cost of following him above all else? Jesus used a typical Hebrew hyperbole (a figure of speech which uses strong language and exaggeration for emphasis) to drive home an important lesson. We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly. Jesus' hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the Gospel message does have serious consequences for our lives.
When Jesus spoke about
division within families he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a
man's enemies are the men of his own household (Micah 7:6). The
essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ - the Son of God and Savior
of the world - a loyalty that takes precedence over every other relationship.
The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place
any relationship (or anything else) above God is a form of idolatry.
Who do you love first
and foremost?
Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?
Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do (2 Corinthians 5:14)?
The Gospel message is
good news for those who seek pardon, peace, and the abundant life which God
offers us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus offers true freedom to those who
believe in him - freedom from slavery to sin, Satan, and the oppressive forces
of hatred and evil that can destroy body, mind, and spirit. Do you listen to
the voice of your Savior and trust in his word? Commit your ways to him, obey
his word, and you will find true peace, joy, and happiness in the Lord your
God.
"Lord Jesus, may the
fire of your love consume me and transform my life that I may truly desire
nothing more than life with you. Fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit
that I may always seek to please you and do your will."
Daily Quote from the
early church fathers: The fire of the Gospel and being baptized in
the Holy Spirit, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"We affirm that the
fire that Christ sent out is for humanity's salvation and profit. May God grant
that all our hearts be full of this. The fire is the saving message of the
Gospel and the power of its commandments. We were cold and dead because of sin
and in ignorance of him who by nature is truly God. The gospel ignites all of
us on earth to a life of piety and makes us fervent in spirit, according to the
expression of blessed Paul (Romans 12:11). Besides this, we are also made
partakers of the Holy Spirit, who is like fire within us. We have been baptized
with fire and the Holy Spirit. We have learned the way from what Christ says to
us. Listen to his words: 'Truly I say to you, that except a man be born of
water and spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:5). It is the
divinely inspired Scripture's custom to give the name of fire sometimes to the
divine and sacred words and to the efficacy and power which is by the Holy
Spirit by which we are made fervent in spirit." (excerpt from COMMENTARY
ON LUKE, HOMILY 94)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20,
LUKE 12:49-53
Weekday
(Ephesians 3:14-21; Psalm 33)
Weekday
(Ephesians 3:14-21; Psalm 33)
KEY VERSE: "There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!" (v 49).
TO KNOW: John the Baptist told his followers that the Messiah would baptize with the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit (Lk 3:16). The fire that consumed Jesus was a passion to redeem humanity from their sins ̶ a fire that would be ignited on the cross on Calvary. St. Paul knew that baptism was no mere symbolic ritual. In baptism, the Christian died to the old life and was raised to a new life in Christ (Ro 6:4). The rite of the early Church demonstrated this truth. Proselytes entered the baptismal pool stripped of their old clothing and were totally immersed in water. When the new Christian came out of the water, he or she was clothed in a white garment, a symbol of having risen with Christ (Rev 19:8). Jesus demanded radical conversion and total commitment from his disciples. Their attachment to him might even require a separation from family members who did not share their Christian faith. This dissension was described by the prophet Micah who said that a person's enemies might be those of their own household (Micah 7:6).
TO LOVE: Do I share my faith with my family even though I might face rejection?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to live my baptismal call in everything I do.
Optional Memorial of
Saint Saint Paul of the Cross, priest
Saint Paul of the Cross (Paul Francis Danei, 1694-1775) is the founder of the order commonly known as the Passionists because of their dedication to the preaching of the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Inspired by a vision, Paul established his religious order, which takes not only the three traditional vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, but a fourth vow to promote devotion to the passion of Jesus. He wrote, "In naked faith and without images, clothe yourself always in the sufferings of Jesus. It is love which unites and which makes our own the sufferings of the one we love. It is through love that you will make the sufferings of Jesus your own.” (In the Heart of God: The Spiritual Teaching of Saint Paul of the Cross)
Thursday October 20 2016
Thu 20th. Ephesians 3:14-21. The earth is
full of the goodness of the Lord—Ps 32(33):1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19. Luke
12:49-53.
'Jesus creates division'
There are fighting words in this Gospel.
Jesus wants people to burn with love for God, and he issues a pretty forceful
statement: Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I
tell you, but rather division! He is not, however, saying that he wants war and
fighting. What I think he is saying is that he wants us to truly claim our
identity in him, and recognise that at times it may cause conflict. Have we
ever chosen the way of the Gospel over people in our lives? Have we ever taken
the decision to choose Jesus?
ST.
BERTILLA BOSCARDIN
Anna
Francesca Boscardin was born October 6, 1888 in Brendola, Italy. She lived a
very difficult childhood in a poor peasant family with a violently abusive
alcoholic father. She had very little education, and worked as a house servant
as a girl and was considered not to be very intelligent. Her family nicknamed
her “the goose” due to her lack of intelligence.
However,
things changed somewhat when she entered the Sisters of Saint Dorothy,
Daughters of the Sacred Heart in 1904, taking the name Bertilla. After working
in the convent’s kitchen and laundry for three years, she trained as a nurse.
She
worked in the children’s ward of the sisters’ hospital in Treviso, and quickly
became the children’s favorite due to her simple and gentle way. She cared
for wounded Italian soldiers during World War I, even staying with patients
while the area was being bombed.
An
envious supervisor reassigned Bertilla, now popular among the patients, to the
hospital laundry. When her mother-general heard of this, she made Bertilla head
of the children’s ward in 1919. Bertilla died three years later of cancer.
She
was canonized in 1961 by Pope John XXIII before a crowd that included many of
her former patients, and many miracles have been reported at her tomb.
LECTIO DIVINA: LUKE 12,49-53
Lectio Divina:
Thursday, October 20, 2016
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 12,49-53
Jesus said to his disciples: 'I have
come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already!
There is a baptism I must still receive,
and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 'Do you suppose that I am
here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now
on, a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against
three; father opposed to son, son to father, mother to daughter, daughter to
mother, mother-in-law to daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law to mother-in-law.'
3) Reflection
• The Gospel today gives us some phrases
of Jesus. The first one on the fire on earth is only in Luke’s Gospel. The
others have more or less parallel phrases in Matthew. This leads us to the
problem of the origin of the composition of these two Gospels for which much
ink has already been used throughout these two past centuries and this problem
will only be solved fully when we will be able to speak with Matthew and Luke,
after our resurrection.
• Luke 12, 49-50: Jesus has come to
bring fire on earth. “I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it
were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and what
constraint I am under until it is completed!” The image of fire frequently is
mentioned in the Bible and does not have only one meaning. It could be the
image of devastation and of punishment, and it can also be the image of
purification and illumination (Is 1, 25; Zc 13, 9). It can also express
protection as it appears in Isaiah: “Should you pass through fire, you will not
suffer” (Is 43, 2). John the Baptist baptized with water, but after him Jesus
baptized with fire (Lk 3, 16). Here the image of fire is associated to the
action of the Holy Spirit who descends every Pentecost on the image of the
tongues of fire (Ac 2, 2-4). Images and symbols never have an obligatory sense,
totally defined, which does not allow any divergence. In this case it would
neither be image nor symbol. It is proper to the symbol to arouse the
imagination of the auditors and spectators. Leaving freedom to the auditors,
the image of fire combined with the image of baptism indicates the direction
toward which Jesus wants people to turn their imagination. Baptism is
associated with the water and it is always the expression of a commitment. In
another point, Baptism appears like the symbol of the commitment of Jesus with
his Passion: “Can you be baptized with the baptism with which I will be
baptized?” (Mc 10, 38-39).
• Luke 12, 51-53: Jesus has come to
bring division. Jesus always speaks of peace (Mt 5, 9; Mk 9, 50; Lk 1, 79; 10,
5; 19, 38; 24, 36; Jn 14, 27; 16, 33; 20, 21.26). And so how can we understand
the phrase in today’s Gospel which seems to say the contrary: “Do you think
that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you , but rather division”.
This affirmation does not mean that Jesus himself is in favour of division. No!
Jesus did not want division. But the announcement of truth that Jesus of
Nazareth was the Messiah becomes a reason for much division among the Jews. In
the same family or community, some were in favour and others were radically
contrary. In this sense, the Good News of Jesus was really a source of division
, a “sign of contradiction” (Lk 2, 34) or as Jesus said: “for from now on a
household will be divided, father opposed to son, son to father, mother to
daughter, daughter to mother, mother-in-law to daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law
to mother-in-law”. That is what was happening, in fact in the families and in
the communities: much division, much discussion, as a consequence of the Good
News among the Jews of that time, some accepting, others denying. The same
thing could be applied to the announcement of fraternity as a supreme value of
human living together. Not all agreed with this announcement, because they
preferred to maintain their privileges. And for this reason, they were not
afraid to persecute those who announced sharing and fraternity. This was the
division which arose and which and which was at the origin of the Passion and
death of Jesus. This is what was happening. Jesus wants the union of all in
truth (cf. Jn 17, 17-23). Even now it is like this. Many times there where the
Church is renewed, the call of the Good News becomes a “sign of contradiction”
and of division. Persons who during years had lived very comfortably in the
routine of their Christian life, they do not want to be disturbed or bothered
by the “innovations” of Vatican Council II. Disturbed by changes, they use all
their intelligence to find arguments to defend their own opinions and to
condemn the changes considering them contrary to what they think is their true
faith.
4) Personal questions
• Seeking union Jesus was the cause of
division. Does this happen with you today?
• How do I react before the changes in
the Church?
5) Concluding prayer
Shout for joy, you upright;
praise comes well from the honest.
Give thanks to Yahweh on the lyre,
play for him on the ten-stringed lyre.
(Ps 33,1-2)
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