Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in
Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 477
Lectionary: 477
Brothers and sisters:
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 24:1-2, 3-4AB, 5-6
R. (see 6) Lord,
this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
AlleluiaSEE MT 11:25
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 12:54-59
Jesus said to the crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny.”
“When you see a cloud rising in the west
you say immediately that it is going to rain–and so it does;
and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south
you say that it is going to be hot–and so it is.
You hypocrites!
You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky;
why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?
If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate,
make an effort to settle the matter on the way;
otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge,
and the judge hand you over to the constable,
and the constable throw you into prison.
I say to you, you will not be released
until you have paid the last penny.”
Meditation: Heed the warning signs before it
is too late to act
How good are you at
reading warning signs? Jesus expects his disciples to accurately read the signs
of the times! Seafarers and farmers know the importance of spotting weather
conditions for safe travel and planting. A lot of effort is made today, with
the help of science and technology, to discern potential natural dangers, such
as tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earth quakes, and erupting
volcanoes, so that people can be warned to take shelter before disaster hits.
Don't miss God's kingdom
and power to transform your life
Our need for accurately discerning the spiritual condition and moral climate around us is vital if we want to avert spiritual crisis and moral disaster. The Lord is ready to transform our lives by offering us his kingdom of righteousness (moral goodness), peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). - But we can miss it if we allow a permissive attitude that takes sin lightly or puts off repairing wrongdoing before it is too late to get reconciled with God.
Our need for accurately discerning the spiritual condition and moral climate around us is vital if we want to avert spiritual crisis and moral disaster. The Lord is ready to transform our lives by offering us his kingdom of righteousness (moral goodness), peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). - But we can miss it if we allow a permissive attitude that takes sin lightly or puts off repairing wrongdoing before it is too late to get reconciled with God.
Jesus used a very vivid
illustration of a threatening lawsuit to show the urgency of settling a bad
case outside of court before a worse sentence could passed against us. Why did
the neighbor in Jesus' story make an effort to come to an agreement with his
adversary before the matter was sent to court for judgment? The accused knew
that he had a bad case which would likely go against him in court. He quickly
tried to come to an agreement with his adversary to avoid receiving a worse
sentence of being thrown into prison and given a costly fine as well.
Jesus will set us free and fill us with the Holy
Spirit
We all stand in need of God's mercy, grace, and protection. The Lord Jesus is our physician and healer and he is ready to set us free from any sinful patterns of thinking, acting, and speaking. If we give our lives over to him he will fill us with his Holy Spirit and give us a new heart and a transformed mind that is filled with his truth, love, and goodness. If you want lasting peace and joy with God, then allow the Lord Jesus to transform every area of your life, your home, your work, your relationships, and possessions so that he may truly be the Lord and Giver of abundant life. Are you ready to surrender all to him - and to receive all from him?
We all stand in need of God's mercy, grace, and protection. The Lord Jesus is our physician and healer and he is ready to set us free from any sinful patterns of thinking, acting, and speaking. If we give our lives over to him he will fill us with his Holy Spirit and give us a new heart and a transformed mind that is filled with his truth, love, and goodness. If you want lasting peace and joy with God, then allow the Lord Jesus to transform every area of your life, your home, your work, your relationships, and possessions so that he may truly be the Lord and Giver of abundant life. Are you ready to surrender all to him - and to receive all from him?
"Lord Jesus, flood
my heart with your love and free me from all that would keep me from doing your
will. Transform my mind that I may discern what is right and choose what is
good and pleasing to you."
Daily Quote from the
early church fathers: Signs from the Law point to the dawn of the
Mystery of Christ, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"People focus their
attention on things of this kind. From long observation and practice they tell
beforehand when rain will fall or violent winds will blow. One especially sees
that sailors are very skillful in this matter. He says that it would be
suitable for those who can calculate things of this sort and may foretell
storms that are about to happen to focus the penetrating eyes of the mind also
on important matters. What are these? The law showed beforehand the mystery of
Christ, that he would shine out in the last ages of the world on the
inhabitants of the earth and submit to be a sacrifice for the salvation of all.
It even commanded a lamb to be sacrificed as a type of him who died towards
evening and at lighting of lamps (Exodus 12:6).
"We might now understand that when, like the day, this world was declining to its close, the great, precious and truly saving passion would be fulfilled. The door of salvation would be thrown wide open to those who believe in him, and abundant happiness be their share. In the Song of Songs, we also find Christ calling to the bride described there. The bride personally represents the church, in these words, 'Arise, come, my neighbor, my beautiful dove. Look, the winter is past, and the rain is gone. It has passed away. The flowers appear on the ground. The time of the pruning has come' (Song 2:10-12). As I said, a certain springlike calm was about to arise for those who believe in him." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 95)
"We might now understand that when, like the day, this world was declining to its close, the great, precious and truly saving passion would be fulfilled. The door of salvation would be thrown wide open to those who believe in him, and abundant happiness be their share. In the Song of Songs, we also find Christ calling to the bride described there. The bride personally represents the church, in these words, 'Arise, come, my neighbor, my beautiful dove. Look, the winter is past, and the rain is gone. It has passed away. The flowers appear on the ground. The time of the pruning has come' (Song 2:10-12). As I said, a certain springlike calm was about to arise for those who believe in him." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 95)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, LUKE
12:54-59
(Ephesians 4:1-6; Psalm 24)
(Ephesians 4:1-6; Psalm 24)
KEY VERSE: "Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?" (v 57).
TO KNOW: Jesus warned the people that they were facing God's coming judgment, yet they refused to make a decision for or against him. He chastised them for being able to observe the weather signs that predicted rain or shine, yet they ignored the signs of the coming of God's reign. Jesus told his followers that God's judgment was already taking place. There might be little time left to be reconciled to God and to put one's affairs in order. He said that it would be much easier to settle "out of court" than to face the ominous judgment of Almighty God. At such time they would be required to pay the full price for their misdeeds. Then they would regret that they did not heed Jesus' words.
TO LOVE: What are the signs of the times that I must pay attention to today?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to listen to your words while there is still time to act on them.
Friday 21 October 2016
Fri 21st. Day of penance. Ephesians 4:1-6.
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face—Ps 23(24):1-6. Luke
12:54-59.
'Why not judge for yourselves what is
right?'
Jesus asks his listeners why it is that
they cannot see the hand of God in his works, and invites them to conversion,
to change direction and to make an effort to settle their affairs now before
facing death and judgment. How good are we at discerning signs and cues? Can we
see God's presence in our daily lives? Can we hear God's invitation to
continual conversion? What are our expectations of God? Do we want to see great
signs and wonders, or is the daily breaking of bread with others sufficient for
us? May God alone be enough for us as we journey through life in community with
others, breaking bread, grieving and rejoicing together.
BLESSED
CHARLES OF AUSTRIA
|
Charles was born in 1887 in Lower
Austria to Archduke Otto and Princess Maria Josephine of Saxony. He grew up
in a Catholic family, received a solid Catholic education, and developed a
strong devotion to both the Eucharist and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
As a young man he took for his
personal motto: “I strive always in all things to understand as clearly
as possible and follow the will of God, and this in the most perfect way.” In
1911, at age 24, he married Princess Zita of Bourbon and Parma, and together they
had eight children.
The assassination of Archduke Francis
Ferdinand on June 28, 1914 triggered World War I. At this point, Charles
became the presumptive heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Two
years later, upon the death of his great-uncle, Emperor Francis
Joseph, Charles became emperor and king of Hungary. He saw his office as
a mandate from God and as a way to implement Christian charity and social
reform.
He worked to end the war and
was the only leader to support Pope Benedict XV's efforts for peace. In March
1919, he was exiled to Switzerland. From there, he tried to prevent the rise
of Communism in Central Europe. He also tried to return to power twice in
1921, but gave up at the risk of a civil war. He never gave up his crown, even
when exiled to the island of Madeira, Portugal, where he lived in prayerful
poverty until his death from pneumonia one year later.
Charles was beatified by Pope John Paul
II in 2004.
|
LECTIO DIVINA: LUKE 12,54-59
Lectio
Divina:
Friday,
October 21, 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 12,54-59
Jesus
said again to the crowds, 'When you see a cloud looming up in the west you say
at once that rain is coming, and so it does. And when the wind is from the
south you say it's going to be hot, and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to
interpret the face of the earth and the sky. How is it you do not know how to
interpret these times? 'Why not judge for yourselves what is upright?
For
example: when you are going to court with your opponent, make an effort to
settle with him on the way, or he may drag you before the judge and the judge
hand you over to the officer and the officer have you thrown into prison. I
tell you, you will not get out till you have paid the very last penny.'
3)
Reflection
• The
Gospel today presents the call on the part of Jesus to learn to read the Signs
of the Times. This was the text which inspired the Pope John XXIII to convoke
the Church to be more attentive to the signs of Time and to perceive better the
calls of God in the events of the history of humanity.
•
Luke 12, 54-55: Everybody knows how to interpret the face of the earth and of
the sky... “When you see a cloud looming up in the west you say at once that
rain is coming, and so it does. And when the wind is from the south you say
it’s going to be hot and it is”. Jesus reports a universal human experience.
Every body and each one, in his own country or region, knows how to read the
face of the sky and of the earth. The body itself understands when there is
threat of rain or when the time begins to change: “It will rain”. Jesus refers
to the contemplation of nature since it is one of the most important sources of
knowledge and of experience which he himself had of God. It was the
contemplation of nature that helped to discover new aspects in faith and in the
history of his people. For example, rain which falls on the good and the bad,
and the sun which rises on the upright and on the unjust, helped him to
formulate one of the revolutionary messages: “Love your enemies!” (Mt 5,
43-45).
•
Luke 12, 56-57: ..., but they do not know how to read the signs of the time.
And Jesus draws the conclusion for his contemporaries and for all of us:
“Hypocrites!” You know how to interpret the face of the earth and the sky. How
is it you do not know how to interpret these times? Why not judge for
yourselves what is upright? Saint Augustine said that nature, creation, is the
first book that God wrote. Through nature, God speaks to us. Sin mixes up the
letters of the book of nature and, because of this we have not succeeded in
reading God’s message printed in the things of nature and in the facts of life.
The bible is the second book of God, it was written not to occupy or substitute
Life but to help us to interpret nature and life and to learn again to discover
the calls of God in the facts of life. “Why not judge for yourselves what is
upright?” Sharing among ourselves what we see in nature, we will be able to
discover God’s call in life.
•
Luke 12, 58-59: To know how to draw lessons for life. “When you are going to
court with your opponent , make an effort to settle with him on the way, or he
may drag you before the judge and the judge hand you over to the officer and
the officer have you thrown into prison I tell you, you will not get out until
you have paid the very last penny”. One of the points on which Jesus insists
most is reconciliation. At that time there were many tensions and conflicts
among the radical groups which had different tendencies, without dialogue:
Zelots, Essenes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians... No one wanted to give
in before others. The words of Jesus on reconciliation which require acceptance
and understanding enlighten this situation; because the only sin which God does
not forgive is our lack of forgiveness toward others (Mt 6, 14). This is why he
advices to seek reconciliation before it is too late! When the time of judgment
comes, it will be too late. When there is still time try to change life,
behaviour and way of thinking and seek to act justly (cf. Mt 5, 25-26; Col
3,13; Ep 4, 32; Mk 11, 25).
4)
Personal questions
•
Read the signs of the Times. When I listen or read the news on TV or in the
newspaper am I concerned to perceive the calls of God in these facts?
•
Reconciliation, to be reconciled is the most insistent request of Jesus. Do I
try to collaborate in reconciliation between persons, the races, the people,
the tendencies?
5)
Concluding prayer
To
Yahweh belong the earth and all it contains,
the
world and all who live there;
it is
he who laid its foundations on the seas,
on
the flowing waters fixed it firm. (Ps 24,1-2)
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