Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary
Time
Lectionary: 346
Lectionary: 346
God from the earth created man,
and in his own image he made him.
He makes man return to earth again,
and endows him with a strength of his own.
Limited days of life he gives him,
with power over all things else on earth.
He puts the fear of him in all flesh,
and gives him rule over beasts and birds.
He created for them counsel, and a tongue and eyes and ears,
and an inventive heart,
and filled them with the discipline of understanding.
He created in them knowledge of the spirit;
With wisdom he fills their heart;
good and evil he shows them.
He put the fear of himself upon their hearts,
and showed them his mighty works,
That they might glory in the wonder of his deeds
and praise his holy name.
He has set before them knowledge,
a law of life as their inheritance;
An everlasting covenant he has made with them,
his justice and his judgments he has revealed to them.
His majestic glory their eyes beheld,
his glorious voice their ears heard.
He says to them, "Avoid all evil";
each of them he gives precepts about his fellow men.
Their ways are ever known to him,
they cannot be hidden from his eyes.
Over every nation he places a ruler,
but God's own portion is Israel.
All their actions are clear as the sun to him,
his eyes are ever upon their ways.
and in his own image he made him.
He makes man return to earth again,
and endows him with a strength of his own.
Limited days of life he gives him,
with power over all things else on earth.
He puts the fear of him in all flesh,
and gives him rule over beasts and birds.
He created for them counsel, and a tongue and eyes and ears,
and an inventive heart,
and filled them with the discipline of understanding.
He created in them knowledge of the spirit;
With wisdom he fills their heart;
good and evil he shows them.
He put the fear of himself upon their hearts,
and showed them his mighty works,
That they might glory in the wonder of his deeds
and praise his holy name.
He has set before them knowledge,
a law of life as their inheritance;
An everlasting covenant he has made with them,
his justice and his judgments he has revealed to them.
His majestic glory their eyes beheld,
his glorious voice their ears heard.
He says to them, "Avoid all evil";
each of them he gives precepts about his fellow men.
Their ways are ever known to him,
they cannot be hidden from his eyes.
Over every nation he places a ruler,
but God's own portion is Israel.
All their actions are clear as the sun to him,
his eyes are ever upon their ways.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 103:13-14, 15-16,
17-18
R. (see 17) The
Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
he remembers that we are dust.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
Man's days are like those of grass;
like a flower of the field he blooms;
The wind sweeps over him and he is gone,
and his place knows him no more.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward children's children
among those who keep his covenant.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
he remembers that we are dust.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
Man's days are like those of grass;
like a flower of the field he blooms;
The wind sweeps over him and he is gone,
and his place knows him no more.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward children's children
among those who keep his covenant.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
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.
GospelMK 10:13-16
People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them,
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,
"Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amen, I say to you,
whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it."
Then he embraced the children and blessed them,
placing his hands on them.
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,
"Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amen, I say to you,
whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it."
Then he embraced the children and blessed them,
placing his hands on them.
Meditation: "Receive the kingdom of God like
a child"
Do you seek to help others draw near to the Lord
Jesus? The parents who brought their children to Jesus wanted Jesus to lay his
hands upon them. They knew of the healing power, both physical and spiritual,
which came from Jesus' touch. Jesus, in turn, rebuked his disciples for
hindering the children from coming. No doubt the disciples wanted to shield
Jesus from the nuisance of noisy children. But Jesus delighted in the children
and demonstrated that God's love has ample room for everyone.
Pray for the young to grow strong in faith
No one is unimportant to God. He comes to each person individually that he might touch them with his healing love and power. Do you show kindness, interest, and care for the youth you encounter in your neighborhood, home, and church? And do you pray for young people that they may come to know the love of Jesus Christ and grow in wisdom and maturity as his disciples?
Why does Jesus say that we must receive the kingdom of God like a child (Mark 10:15)? In the ancient world children were at the bottom of the social ladder. They had no rights or privileges of their own and they had no means or resources to care for themselves. They were totally dependent on their parents for everything they needed. Scripture teaches us that we are totally dependent on God as our eternal Father and Provider. We owe our very existence to him because he is the Creator, Author, and Sustainer of life. We could not find our way to God if he did not first seek us out and draw us to himself. That is why the Father in heaven sent his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus, to show us the way to the Father.
No one is unimportant to God. He comes to each person individually that he might touch them with his healing love and power. Do you show kindness, interest, and care for the youth you encounter in your neighborhood, home, and church? And do you pray for young people that they may come to know the love of Jesus Christ and grow in wisdom and maturity as his disciples?
Why does Jesus say that we must receive the kingdom of God like a child (Mark 10:15)? In the ancient world children were at the bottom of the social ladder. They had no rights or privileges of their own and they had no means or resources to care for themselves. They were totally dependent on their parents for everything they needed. Scripture teaches us that we are totally dependent on God as our eternal Father and Provider. We owe our very existence to him because he is the Creator, Author, and Sustainer of life. We could not find our way to God if he did not first seek us out and draw us to himself. That is why the Father in heaven sent his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus, to show us the way to the Father.
The Lord Jesus came to set us free from slavery to
sin, Satan, and death, and to adopt us as children of God - his beloved sons
and daughters. Jesus taught his disciples to not only honor and respect God as
our eternal Father, but to trust in him with great confidence for everything we
need - just as children naturally trust in their parents for all that they
need. God gives generously to those who put their trust in him, who approach
him with child-like simplicity and humility, and with expectant faith that he
will treat them as a loving and merciful Father rather than a cold and stern
judge or tyrant. Do you trust your heavenly Father to give you what you need to
live as his son or daughter?
Do you seek to help others draw near to the Lord?
Our great privilege and responsibility is to live as true and faithful sons and daughters of God and as loyal citizens and ambassadors of his heavenly kingdom. And our chief responsibility is to pass on the faith, wisdom, and gifts which we have received from God to our young people and to those who do not yet know God that they may find true joy and everlasting life in the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you ready and eager to pass on your faith and experience of God's action in your life to others, especially to the young who need guidance, encouragement, and the godly example and witness of those who have discovered the true source of happiness in knowing, loving, and serving God?
Our great privilege and responsibility is to live as true and faithful sons and daughters of God and as loyal citizens and ambassadors of his heavenly kingdom. And our chief responsibility is to pass on the faith, wisdom, and gifts which we have received from God to our young people and to those who do not yet know God that they may find true joy and everlasting life in the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you ready and eager to pass on your faith and experience of God's action in your life to others, especially to the young who need guidance, encouragement, and the godly example and witness of those who have discovered the true source of happiness in knowing, loving, and serving God?
"Lord Jesus, may we never hinder our
youth from coming to you to receive your blessing, help, and abundant life.
Make our youth strong in faith, hope, and love that they may find true joy and
fulfillment in following you as their Lord and Savior. And as we grow with age,
may we never lose that child-like simplicity and humility which draws us ever
deeper into your loving presence."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: When the reception of grace begins, by
Basil the Great, 329-379 A.D.
"The apostle praised one [Timothy] who had known
the holy Scripture from infancy (2 Timothy 3:15). He also instructed that
children be reared 'in the discipline and correction of the Lord' (Ephesians
6:4). So we consider every time of life, even the very earliest, suitable for
receiving persons into the community of faith." (excerpt from THE LONG RULES 15)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, MARK
10:13-16
Weekday
(Sirach 17:1-15; Psalm 103)
Weekday
(Sirach 17:1-15; Psalm 103)
KEY VERSE: "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (v 14).
TO KNOW: Jesus told his disciples that they must serve the simple and lowly ones of the Christian community (Mk 9:36-37). He warned them that grave punishment awaited those who gave scandal to these "little ones" (v 41-50). When some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them, his disciples rebuked the parents for being a nuisance. Jesus was indignant at their insensitive behavior. He told his followers that it was only the childlike who were worthy to enter God's reign. Children knew that they were powerless and must depend on their parents to provide for their needs. Well-trained children were humble, obedient, loving and trusting. Those who humbly obeyed God's Laws and depended upon God with trust and love possessed the attributes necessary for God's reign.
TO LOVE: Who are the hurting children in my life that need my loving embrace?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, hold me in your arms as your little child.
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, in the Liturgy, and reflections on popular devotions to Mary, her feast days, and the Rosary.
Saturday 25 February 2017
Sat 25th. Ecclesiasticus 17:1-15. The
Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him—Ps 102(103):13-18. Mark
10:13-16.
Watching young
children explore their world can be a marvellous sight. Through the eyes of
children, the adult once again finds the wonders of creation brought into stark
relief. At play with a child, self-consciousness, ambition and the cares of the
world can and must be left at the door. The adult is greeted with the purest
form of openness and trust.
These are just some of the qualities that
God asks of us in growing in our relationship with him. They are the very stuff
of which conversion of heart is made of.
The foundress of the Focolare movement,
Chiara Lubich recognised this and offered this advice, ‘the child is open to
any adventure. So it should be with you. Don’t put any obstacles in the way of
your progressive union with Christ, a progress which should continue throughout
your whole life’.
BLESSED MARIA ADEODATA PISANI
Blessed
Maria Adeodata Pisani was born into a noble family in Naples, Italy in 1806.
Her father was an alcoholic and was exiled after being involved in a revolt.
Maria's grandmother raised her. When her grandmother died, the 10 year-old was
sent to a boarding school until she was 17.
During
these years, Maria declined several marriage proposals because she preferred to
lead a quiet life of prayer.
When
she turned 21, she entered the Benedictine Community in St. Peter's Monastery
and took the name Maria Adeodata. She made her solemn profession two years
later.
In
the cloister, Maria was a seamstress, sacristan, porter, teacher and novice
mistress. Her fellow nuns and many people outside the cloister benefited from
her charity.
Maria
Adeodata wrote various works, the most well-known of these is a collection of
her personal reflections between the years 1835 and 1843 titled “The mystical
garden of the soul that loves Jesus and Mary”.
She
was an abbess from 1851 to 1853 but had to retire from her duties because she
suffered from heart problems.
On
Feb. 25, 1855, at the age of 48 and in poor health, she dragged herself to the
chapel for Mass, against her nurse’s advice. After receiving Communion, she had
to be carried back to bed where she died soon afterward.
She
had a simple funeral and was buried in the monastery’s crypt the following day.
Maria
was remembered for her sanctity, love of the poor, self-imposed sacrifices, and
ecstasies so complete that she was seen levitating.
She
was beatified by Blessed John Paul II in 2001.
LECTIO DIVINA: MARK
10,13-16
Lectio Divina:
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Ordinary Time
1) OPENING PRAYER
Father,
keep before us the wisdom and love
you have revealed in your Son.
Help us to be like him
in word and deed,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
keep before us the wisdom and love
you have revealed in your Son.
Help us to be like him
in word and deed,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) GOSPEL READING - MARK
10,13-16
People were bringing little children to
Jesus, for him to touch them. The disciples scolded them, but when Jesus saw
this he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to me; do
not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. In
truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little
child will never enter it.' Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them and
gave them his blessing.
3) REFLECTION
• The Gospel of two days ago indicated
the advice of Jesus concerning the relationship of the adults with little ones
and with the excluded (Mk 9, 41-50). Yesterday’s Gospel indicated the advice on
the relationship between man and woman, husband and wife (Mk 10, 1-12). Today’s
Gospel indicates the advice on the relationship between parents and sons. Jesus
asked for the greatest acceptance for the little ones and the excluded. In the
relationship man-woman, he asked for the greatest equality. Now, with the sons
and their mother, he asks for the greatest tenderness.
• Mark 10, 13-16: Receive the
Kingdom like a child. People brought little children to him, for him to
touch them. The disciples wanted to prevent this. Why? The text does not say
it. Perhaps because according to the ritual norms of the time, the small
children with their mothers lived almost constantly the legal impurity. To touch
them meant to become impure! If they touched Jesus, he would become impure! But
Jesus does not feel uncomfortable with this ritual norm of legal purity. He
corrects the disciples and welcomes the mothers with the children. He
touches them, embraces them saying: “Let the little children come to me, do not
stop them: for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs”. And
he comments: “In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the
Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it”. And then
Jesus embraces the children and blesses them, and laid his hands on them. What
does this phrase mean? (a) The children receive everything from their parents.
They cannot merit what they receive, but live from gratuitous love. (b) The
parents receive the children as a gift from God and take care of them with the
greatest possible love. The concern of the parents is not to dominate the
children, but to love them, educate them in a way in which they can grow and be
fulfilled!
• A sign of the Kingdom: To
welcome the little ones and the excluded. There are many signs of the
acting presence of the Kingdom in the life and the activity of Jesus. One of
these is the way of welcoming, of accepting the little ones and the children:
a) To welcome them and not scandalize
them. One of the hardest words of Jesus was
against those who cause scandal to the little ones, that is, who are the reason
so that the little ones no longer believe in God. For them it is better to have
a millstone hung round their neck and be thrown into the sea (Mk 9, 42; Lk 17,
2; Mt 18, 6).
b) To identify oneself with the little
ones. Jesus embraces the little ones and identifies himself with them. Anyone
who receives a child, “receives me” (Mk 9, 37). “And as long as you did this to
one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me”. (Mt 25, 40).
c) To become like children. Jesus asks the disciples to become like children and
to accept the Kingdom as they do. Otherwise it is not possible to enter into
the Kingdom (Mk 10, 15; Mt 18, 3; Lk 9, 46-48). He makes the children teachers
of adults! And that is not normal. Generally, we do the contrary.
d) To defend the right that children
have to shout and yell. When
Jesus, entering into the Temple, turned over the tables of the money changers,
the children were those who shouted the most: “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
(Mt 21, 15). Criticized by the high priests and by the Scribes, Jesus defends
them and in defending them he recalls the Scriptures (Mt 21, 16).
e) To be pleasing for the Kingdom
present in little children. Jesus’ joy is
great, when he perceives that the children, the little ones, understand the
things of the Kingdom which he announced to the people“. “I bless you,
Father!” (Mt 11, 25-26). Jesus recognizes that the little ones
understand the things of the Kingdom better than the doctors!
f) To welcome, accept and take care. Many are the little children and the young whom
Jesus accepts, takes care of and raises from the death: the daughter of Jairus,
she was 12 years old (Mk 5, 41-42), the daughter of the Canaanite woman (Mk 7,
29-30), the son of the widow of Nain (Lk 7, 14-15), the epileptic boy (Mk 9,
25-26), the son of the Centurion (Lk 7, 9-10), the son of the public officer
(Jn 4, 50), the boy with the five loaves of bread and two fish (Jn 6, 9).
4) PERSONAL QUESTIONS
• In our society and in our community,
who are the little ones and the excluded? How do we welcome and accept them?
• In my life, what have I learnt from
children concerning the Kingdom of God?
5) CONCLUDING PRAYER
Yahweh, I am calling, hurry to me,
listen to my voice when I call to you.
May my prayer be like incense in your presence,
my uplifted hands like the evening sacrifice. (Ps 141,1-2)
listen to my voice when I call to you.
May my prayer be like incense in your presence,
my uplifted hands like the evening sacrifice. (Ps 141,1-2)
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