Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 104
Lectionary: 104
Amaziah, priest of Bethel, said to Amos,
“Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah!
There earn your bread by prophesying,
but never again prophesy in Bethel;
for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.”
Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet,
nor have I belonged to a company of prophets;
I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,
Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”
“Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah!
There earn your bread by prophesying,
but never again prophesy in Bethel;
for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.”
Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet,
nor have I belonged to a company of prophets;
I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,
Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”
Responsorial
PsalmPS 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (8) Lord,
let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
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. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
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. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
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. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
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. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Reading 2EPH 1:3-14 OR 1:3-10
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
or
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of God’s grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
or
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of God’s grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
AlleluiaCF. EPH 1:17-18
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope that
belongs to our call.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope that
belongs to our call.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMK 6:7-13
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey
but a walking stick—
no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals
but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey
but a walking stick—
no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals
but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Meditation: Jesus gave them authority over
sickness and unclean spirits
What kind of authority and power does the Lord want
you to exercise on his behalf? Jesus gave his apostles both the power and the
authority to speak and to act in his name. He commanded them to do the works
which he did - to heal the sick. to cast out evil spirits, and to speak the
word of God - the good news of the gospel which they received from Jesus. When
Jesus spoke of power and authority he did something unheard of. He wedded power
and authority with self-sacrificing love and humility. The "world"
and the "flesh" seek power for selfish gain. Jesus teaches us to use
it for the good of our neighbor.
Why does Jesus tell the apostles to "travel
light" with little or no provision? "Poverty of spirit" frees us
from greed and preoccupation with our possessions and makes ample room for
God's provision. The Lord wants his disciples to be dependent on him and not on
themselves. He wills to work in and through each of us for his glory. Are you ready
to use the spiritual authority and power which God wishes you to exercise on
his behalf? The Lord entrusts us with his gifts and talents. Are you eager to
place yourself at his service, to do whatever he bids you, and to witness his
truth and saving power to whomever he sends you?
"Lord Jesus, make me a channel of your healing
power and merciful love that others may find abundant life and freedom in you.
Free me from all other attachments that I may joyfully pursue the treasure of
your heavenly kingdom. May I witness the joy of the Gospel both in word and
deed."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Jesus gives them power to heal and cast out evil
spirits, by Cyril of
Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"The grace bestowed upon the holy apostles is
worthy of all admiration. But the bountifulness of the Giver surpasses all
praise and admiration. He gives them, as I said, his own glory. They receive authority
over the evil spirits. They reduce to nothing the pride of the devil that was
so highly exalted and arrogant. They render ineffectual the demon’s wickedness.
By the might and efficacy of the Holy Spirit, burning them as if they were on
fire, they make the devil come forth with groans and weeping from those whom he
had possessed...
"He glorified his disciples, therefore, by giving
them authority and power over the evil spirits and over sicknesses. Did he
honor them without reason and make them famous without any logical cause? How
can this be true? It was necessary, most necessary, that they should be able to
work miracles, having been publicly appointed ministers of sacred
proclamations. By means of their works, they then could convince men that they
were the ministers of God and mediators of all beneath the heaven. The apostles
then could invite them all to reconciliation and justification by faith and
point out the way of salvation and of life that is this
justification." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE,
HOMILY 47)
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle B
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Amos 7:12-15
Amos is the oldest of the books of prophetic literature, dating around the time 760 to 750 B.C. He appears to have been a layman with no special training for the religious ministry. Amos wrote during the reign of Jeroboam II of the Northern Kingdom (Israel). It was a time of peace and prosperity but also a period of social and religious corruption. Amos was a Judahite (Southern Kingdom) from the town of Tekoa which is about five miles south of Bethlehem.
Of all the books of prophecy, Amos is the least hopeful. Although he never makes a direct reference to the covenant at Mount Sinai, it underlies all his messages. In 3:1-2 for instance he reminds the people that God has acknowledged Israel as His covenant people but they abused the privilege. Since they have ignored the covenant, the curses associated with it shall befall them. Although Amos directs his words primarily at the leadership (the king in 7:10-11, the priests in 7:16-17, and the upper classes in 4:1-3 & 6:1) the coming judgment will affect the entire people because the nation of Israel has a common destiny. In the verses immediately preceding today’s reading, the priest of Bethel has sent a message to Jeroboam II reporting what Amos has said “Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.”
12 Amaziah,
The name means “Yahweh is mighty.”
[priest of Bethel,]
Bethel means “house of El (God)” It is located about 14 miles north of Jerusalem. It was a place of assembly where Jeroboam I had set up a golden calf (he set up another at Dan) and installed priests who were not Levites (1 Kings 12:28-31). Amaziah was not a priest of Yahweh.
said to Amos, “Off with you, visionary,
Visionary is a contemptuous name for “prophet”.
flee to the land of Judah!
Go home - you are a foreigner here. Amos is a Judahite (Southern Kingdom) and Bethel is on the border but in the Northern Kingdom. Amos is interfering in Israel’s religious and political affairs.
There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.”
Bethel was the official sanctuary of Jeroboam II. It is a place of immunity and a holy place under the king’s protection.
14 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
Amos is listing his credentials. He is not a professional prophet or connected with them. He is a shepherd (a lonely occupation) and a dresser of sycamores. The sycamore is a fruit related to the fig but smaller. It is the food of the poor. At a certain point in its development, the dresser had to puncture the fruit so it would grow large enough to become edible. This was seasonal work.
15 The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.
Amos is a prophet not by his choice or inheritance or training, but because of the personal intervention of God.
2nd Reading - Ephesians 1:3-14
In the time of Paul Ephesus was the leading city in Asia Minor. It contained the temple of the Roman goddess Diana, the goddess of fertility, which was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city’s jewelers did a very profitable business through the manufacture of statuettes of the goddess – which explains why the people rioted, at the instigation of Demetrius the silversmith (Acts 19:24ff) against Paul and his companions, who naturally, preached against superstition and the worship of idols. Paul had to leave in a hurry because of the riot and left Timothy as the head of the church (1 Timothy 1:3). Tradition has it that Timothy died there confessing the Name of Christ.
It is not known if the Ephesians were the first recipients of this letter. The words “who are at Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1) do not appear in the earliest Greek manuscripts leading some scholars to believe this may have been a circular letter to all the churches in the region. It has a strong parallel, in both form and content to Colossians and may have been written to develop the teaching contained in Colossians. Scholars have dated this letter during Paul’s captivity in Rome (A.D. 61-63).
Today’s reading is a hymn of praise to God for the plan of salvation He has devised
and brought to fulfillment for the benefit of men and all creation. In the Greek it is one long complex sentence full of relative pronouns and clauses which give it a designated unity.
3 Blessed be
The blessing begins with a formula known from the Old Testament and commonly used in Jewish and early Christian prayers (Tobit 13:1, 1 Peter 1:3). The formula recognizes God’s greatness and rejoices of the divine gifts which have been received.
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing
References to God the Father, Jesus the Christ, and spiritual blessings have been seen as a reference to the Holy Trinity because it is the Holy Spirit who distributes the gifts of God.
in the heavens,
Indicates unity of the heavenly and earthly worlds
4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
The choice is not accidental, but part of God’s plan from the very beginning.
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In the Old Testament, the victim offered to God had to be unblemished, blameless (Genesis 17:1). All the baptized are called to live a holy life (be saints); being a “believer” commits us to do so. Holiness is, therefore, a gift of God which implies an obligation to further its development. Complete holiness will be attained only in heaven.
“It is asked how anyone can be saintly and unblemished in God’s sight. ... We must reply (that) Paul does not say He chose us before the foundation of the world on account of our being saintly and unblemished. He chose us that we might become saintly and unblemished, that is, that we who were not formerly saintly and unblemished should subsequently be so.” [Saint Jerome (A.D. 386), Commentaries On The Epistle To The Ephesians, 1,1,4]
“‘You have been chosen,’ he says, ‘in order to be holy and unblemished before His face.’ ... He Himself has made us saints, but we are called to remain saints. A saint is one who lives in faith, is unblemished and leads a blameless life.” [Saint John Chrysostom (A.D. 392-397), Homilies On The Epistle To The Ephesians, 1,1,4]
In love 5 he destined us
Not individual predestination, but God’s choice for all mankind to share in His covenant life (Romans 8:15).
for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace
This introduces a recurrent theme in Ephesians: that man, understanding God’s plan, should praise Him and give thanks.
“So that our love for Him may become more fervent, He desires nothing from us except our salvation. He does not need our service or anything else but does everything for this end. One who openly expresses praise and wonder at God’s grace will be more eager and zealous.” [Saint John Chrysostom (A.D. 392-397), Homilies On The Epistle To The Ephesians, 1,1,6].
that he granted us in the beloved.
A baptismal reference to Jesus (Mark 1:11)
7 In him we have redemption by his blood,
Redemption implies setting free. Since the golden calf mankind was not free, could not approach God directly, could not approach without a sacrificial animal. Jesus’ death on the cross provided the once for all sacrifice which consecrated the altar and all mankind (Galatians 4:5).
the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished upon us.
“Forgiveness of sins follows redemption, for there would be no forgiveness of sin for anyone before redemption occurs. First then we need to be redeemed, to be no longer subject to our captor and oppressor, so that having been freed and taken out of his hands we may be able to receive the benefit of remission of sins. Once our wounds have been healed we are called to live in accord with piety and the other virtues.” [Origen (post A.D. 244), Commentaries On Ephesians].
In all wisdom and insight, 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
We have had detailed for us the blessings contained in God’s plan:
1) It is His choice
2) We have divine sonship (covenant family)
3) We have been redeemed (not so much bought, as a slave changes owners, but as
having been rescued from a controlling power) and we can understand this plan.
Mankind’s firstborn were redeemed at the first Passover and all the people of Israel were set free at Mount Sinai when they were sprinkled with the blood of the sacrifice. But they immediately fell into sin (the golden calf) and became God’s slaves/servants rather than His children; they were not free to approach God without a sacrifice. Jesus’ death on the cross provided the final bloody sacrifice and made it possible for all to approach and receive forgiveness for sins. Mankind was redeemed from the slavery of sin, from the power of Satan, from death. Old Testament (covenant) sacrifice was messy, public, expensive, and ineffective. Now, mankind has been given back their dignity.
11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also,
The “you” is a reference to the Gentile converts of Ephesus to whom Saint Paul is talking.
who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,
In the old covenant, the male child was sealed to God through circumcision. In the new covenant we are all sealed through baptism (Colossians 2:11-12).
14 which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
“He shows how great are our expectations. This grace is already being given, through which miracles were worked: the dead were raised, lepers cleansed and demons driven out. All of these and similar things have the status of a pledge, so it will become obvious that the faithful will enjoy in the future a much greater grace.” [Theodoret of Cyr (ca. A.D. 425), Epistle To The Ephesians, 1.14]
Gospel - Mark 6:7-13
This gospel reading immediately follows last week’s reading where Jesus was rejected by His own people. As you will recall, that reading ended “He was amazed at their lack of faith.”
7 He [Jesus] summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
This isn’t just safety in numbers, two witnesses are required in any life and death situation (Deuteronomy 19:6). Preaching the gospel of Jesus the Christ is preaching about spiritual life and death.
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
The sending out of the Apostles is an extension of Jesus’ ministry of teaching, healing, and exorcizing. Recall that several weeks ago we heard of His healing the sick and the miracle we skipped between calming the sea and healing was exorcizing demons. They are to go and do everything that He has been doing.
8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey
Jesus requires them to be free of any form of attachment if they are to preach the Gospel. A disciple, who has the mission of bringing the Kingdom of God to souls through preaching, should not rely on human resources but on God’s providence. This also sets the stage for the feeding of the five thousand which we will study in 2 more weeks.
but a walking stick –
The parallel gospels (Matthew 10:10 and Luke 9:3) prohibit the disciples from taking a staff. This could be a misreading of the Aramaic “ ‘l’ ” (except) for “ l’ ” (not).
no food, no sack, no money in their belts. 9 They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Traveling missionaries depended on local hospitality. This command prevents social climbing and searching for better quarters.
“But should the teacher himself be a turncoat and teach a different doctrine so as to undermine (this teaching), do not listen to him. But if he promotes holiness and knowledge of the Lord, welcome him as the Lord. Now, as regards the apostles and prophets, act strictly according to the precept of the Gospel. Upon his arrival every apostle must be welcomed as the Lord; but he must not stay except one day. In case of necessity, however, he may stay the next day also; but if he stays three days, he is a false prophet. At his departure the apostle must receive nothing except food to last until the next night’s lodging; but if he asks for money, he is a false prophet” [The Didache (ca. A.D. 60), 11.2-6].
11 Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”
The washing of the traveler’s feet upon arrival was a sign of welcome. When local hospitality is not offered, leave quietly. No recriminations or reprisals.
12 So they went off and preached repentance.
Jesus preached repentance (like John the Baptist) even before He selected the 12 (Mark 1:14-15). They are now to do the same – remember there has been no resurrection yet, we are still early in Jesus’ public life.
13 They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Again, two of the miracles which Jesus had previously worked (driving out demons and curing the sick). Mark is the only evangelist who speaks of anointing with oil. Oil was often used for treating wounds (Isaiah 1:6, Luke 10:34). The Apostles also use it for the miraculous cure of physical illnesses by virtue of the power (authority) given them by Jesus. In this verse there is a “hint” of the sacrament of the sick – where anointing cures wounds of the soul and, if appropriate in God’s plan, bodily diseases as well.
“It is necessary for him that has been baptized also to be anointed, so that by his having received chrism, that is, the anointing, he can be the anointed of God and have in himself the grace of Christ. But in turn, it is by the Eucharist that the oil with which the baptized are anointed is sanctified on the altar. He that has neither altar nor church, however, is not able to sanctify that creature, oil. Thus there can be no spiritual anointing among the heretics, since it is evident that oil cannot be sanctified nor can the Eucharist be celebrated among them at all.” [Saint Cyprian of Carthage (A.D. 254), Letter To Januarius And Seventeen Other Bishops Of Numidia, 70,2]
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Amos 7:12-15
Amos is the oldest of the books of prophetic literature, dating around the time 760 to 750 B.C. He appears to have been a layman with no special training for the religious ministry. Amos wrote during the reign of Jeroboam II of the Northern Kingdom (Israel). It was a time of peace and prosperity but also a period of social and religious corruption. Amos was a Judahite (Southern Kingdom) from the town of Tekoa which is about five miles south of Bethlehem.
Of all the books of prophecy, Amos is the least hopeful. Although he never makes a direct reference to the covenant at Mount Sinai, it underlies all his messages. In 3:1-2 for instance he reminds the people that God has acknowledged Israel as His covenant people but they abused the privilege. Since they have ignored the covenant, the curses associated with it shall befall them. Although Amos directs his words primarily at the leadership (the king in 7:10-11, the priests in 7:16-17, and the upper classes in 4:1-3 & 6:1) the coming judgment will affect the entire people because the nation of Israel has a common destiny. In the verses immediately preceding today’s reading, the priest of Bethel has sent a message to Jeroboam II reporting what Amos has said “Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.”
12 Amaziah,
The name means “Yahweh is mighty.”
[priest of Bethel,]
Bethel means “house of El (God)” It is located about 14 miles north of Jerusalem. It was a place of assembly where Jeroboam I had set up a golden calf (he set up another at Dan) and installed priests who were not Levites (1 Kings 12:28-31). Amaziah was not a priest of Yahweh.
said to Amos, “Off with you, visionary,
Visionary is a contemptuous name for “prophet”.
flee to the land of Judah!
Go home - you are a foreigner here. Amos is a Judahite (Southern Kingdom) and Bethel is on the border but in the Northern Kingdom. Amos is interfering in Israel’s religious and political affairs.
There earn your bread by prophesying, 13 but never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.”
Bethel was the official sanctuary of Jeroboam II. It is a place of immunity and a holy place under the king’s protection.
14 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
Amos is listing his credentials. He is not a professional prophet or connected with them. He is a shepherd (a lonely occupation) and a dresser of sycamores. The sycamore is a fruit related to the fig but smaller. It is the food of the poor. At a certain point in its development, the dresser had to puncture the fruit so it would grow large enough to become edible. This was seasonal work.
15 The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel.
Amos is a prophet not by his choice or inheritance or training, but because of the personal intervention of God.
2nd Reading - Ephesians 1:3-14
In the time of Paul Ephesus was the leading city in Asia Minor. It contained the temple of the Roman goddess Diana, the goddess of fertility, which was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city’s jewelers did a very profitable business through the manufacture of statuettes of the goddess – which explains why the people rioted, at the instigation of Demetrius the silversmith (Acts 19:24ff) against Paul and his companions, who naturally, preached against superstition and the worship of idols. Paul had to leave in a hurry because of the riot and left Timothy as the head of the church (1 Timothy 1:3). Tradition has it that Timothy died there confessing the Name of Christ.
It is not known if the Ephesians were the first recipients of this letter. The words “who are at Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1) do not appear in the earliest Greek manuscripts leading some scholars to believe this may have been a circular letter to all the churches in the region. It has a strong parallel, in both form and content to Colossians and may have been written to develop the teaching contained in Colossians. Scholars have dated this letter during Paul’s captivity in Rome (A.D. 61-63).
Today’s reading is a hymn of praise to God for the plan of salvation He has devised
and brought to fulfillment for the benefit of men and all creation. In the Greek it is one long complex sentence full of relative pronouns and clauses which give it a designated unity.
3 Blessed be
The blessing begins with a formula known from the Old Testament and commonly used in Jewish and early Christian prayers (Tobit 13:1, 1 Peter 1:3). The formula recognizes God’s greatness and rejoices of the divine gifts which have been received.
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing
References to God the Father, Jesus the Christ, and spiritual blessings have been seen as a reference to the Holy Trinity because it is the Holy Spirit who distributes the gifts of God.
in the heavens,
Indicates unity of the heavenly and earthly worlds
4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
The choice is not accidental, but part of God’s plan from the very beginning.
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In the Old Testament, the victim offered to God had to be unblemished, blameless (Genesis 17:1). All the baptized are called to live a holy life (be saints); being a “believer” commits us to do so. Holiness is, therefore, a gift of God which implies an obligation to further its development. Complete holiness will be attained only in heaven.
“It is asked how anyone can be saintly and unblemished in God’s sight. ... We must reply (that) Paul does not say He chose us before the foundation of the world on account of our being saintly and unblemished. He chose us that we might become saintly and unblemished, that is, that we who were not formerly saintly and unblemished should subsequently be so.” [Saint Jerome (A.D. 386), Commentaries On The Epistle To The Ephesians, 1,1,4]
“‘You have been chosen,’ he says, ‘in order to be holy and unblemished before His face.’ ... He Himself has made us saints, but we are called to remain saints. A saint is one who lives in faith, is unblemished and leads a blameless life.” [Saint John Chrysostom (A.D. 392-397), Homilies On The Epistle To The Ephesians, 1,1,4]
In love 5 he destined us
Not individual predestination, but God’s choice for all mankind to share in His covenant life (Romans 8:15).
for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace
This introduces a recurrent theme in Ephesians: that man, understanding God’s plan, should praise Him and give thanks.
“So that our love for Him may become more fervent, He desires nothing from us except our salvation. He does not need our service or anything else but does everything for this end. One who openly expresses praise and wonder at God’s grace will be more eager and zealous.” [Saint John Chrysostom (A.D. 392-397), Homilies On The Epistle To The Ephesians, 1,1,6].
that he granted us in the beloved.
A baptismal reference to Jesus (Mark 1:11)
7 In him we have redemption by his blood,
Redemption implies setting free. Since the golden calf mankind was not free, could not approach God directly, could not approach without a sacrificial animal. Jesus’ death on the cross provided the once for all sacrifice which consecrated the altar and all mankind (Galatians 4:5).
the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace 8 that he lavished upon us.
“Forgiveness of sins follows redemption, for there would be no forgiveness of sin for anyone before redemption occurs. First then we need to be redeemed, to be no longer subject to our captor and oppressor, so that having been freed and taken out of his hands we may be able to receive the benefit of remission of sins. Once our wounds have been healed we are called to live in accord with piety and the other virtues.” [Origen (post A.D. 244), Commentaries On Ephesians].
In all wisdom and insight, 9 he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
We have had detailed for us the blessings contained in God’s plan:
1) It is His choice
2) We have divine sonship (covenant family)
3) We have been redeemed (not so much bought, as a slave changes owners, but as
having been rescued from a controlling power) and we can understand this plan.
Mankind’s firstborn were redeemed at the first Passover and all the people of Israel were set free at Mount Sinai when they were sprinkled with the blood of the sacrifice. But they immediately fell into sin (the golden calf) and became God’s slaves/servants rather than His children; they were not free to approach God without a sacrifice. Jesus’ death on the cross provided the final bloody sacrifice and made it possible for all to approach and receive forgiveness for sins. Mankind was redeemed from the slavery of sin, from the power of Satan, from death. Old Testament (covenant) sacrifice was messy, public, expensive, and ineffective. Now, mankind has been given back their dignity.
11 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also,
The “you” is a reference to the Gentile converts of Ephesus to whom Saint Paul is talking.
who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,
In the old covenant, the male child was sealed to God through circumcision. In the new covenant we are all sealed through baptism (Colossians 2:11-12).
14 which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
“He shows how great are our expectations. This grace is already being given, through which miracles were worked: the dead were raised, lepers cleansed and demons driven out. All of these and similar things have the status of a pledge, so it will become obvious that the faithful will enjoy in the future a much greater grace.” [Theodoret of Cyr (ca. A.D. 425), Epistle To The Ephesians, 1.14]
Gospel - Mark 6:7-13
This gospel reading immediately follows last week’s reading where Jesus was rejected by His own people. As you will recall, that reading ended “He was amazed at their lack of faith.”
7 He [Jesus] summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
This isn’t just safety in numbers, two witnesses are required in any life and death situation (Deuteronomy 19:6). Preaching the gospel of Jesus the Christ is preaching about spiritual life and death.
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
The sending out of the Apostles is an extension of Jesus’ ministry of teaching, healing, and exorcizing. Recall that several weeks ago we heard of His healing the sick and the miracle we skipped between calming the sea and healing was exorcizing demons. They are to go and do everything that He has been doing.
8 He instructed them to take nothing for the journey
Jesus requires them to be free of any form of attachment if they are to preach the Gospel. A disciple, who has the mission of bringing the Kingdom of God to souls through preaching, should not rely on human resources but on God’s providence. This also sets the stage for the feeding of the five thousand which we will study in 2 more weeks.
but a walking stick –
The parallel gospels (Matthew 10:10 and Luke 9:3) prohibit the disciples from taking a staff. This could be a misreading of the Aramaic “ ‘l’ ” (except) for “ l’ ” (not).
no food, no sack, no money in their belts. 9 They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. 10 He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Traveling missionaries depended on local hospitality. This command prevents social climbing and searching for better quarters.
“But should the teacher himself be a turncoat and teach a different doctrine so as to undermine (this teaching), do not listen to him. But if he promotes holiness and knowledge of the Lord, welcome him as the Lord. Now, as regards the apostles and prophets, act strictly according to the precept of the Gospel. Upon his arrival every apostle must be welcomed as the Lord; but he must not stay except one day. In case of necessity, however, he may stay the next day also; but if he stays three days, he is a false prophet. At his departure the apostle must receive nothing except food to last until the next night’s lodging; but if he asks for money, he is a false prophet” [The Didache (ca. A.D. 60), 11.2-6].
11 Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”
The washing of the traveler’s feet upon arrival was a sign of welcome. When local hospitality is not offered, leave quietly. No recriminations or reprisals.
12 So they went off and preached repentance.
Jesus preached repentance (like John the Baptist) even before He selected the 12 (Mark 1:14-15). They are now to do the same – remember there has been no resurrection yet, we are still early in Jesus’ public life.
13 They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
Again, two of the miracles which Jesus had previously worked (driving out demons and curing the sick). Mark is the only evangelist who speaks of anointing with oil. Oil was often used for treating wounds (Isaiah 1:6, Luke 10:34). The Apostles also use it for the miraculous cure of physical illnesses by virtue of the power (authority) given them by Jesus. In this verse there is a “hint” of the sacrament of the sick – where anointing cures wounds of the soul and, if appropriate in God’s plan, bodily diseases as well.
“It is necessary for him that has been baptized also to be anointed, so that by his having received chrism, that is, the anointing, he can be the anointed of God and have in himself the grace of Christ. But in turn, it is by the Eucharist that the oil with which the baptized are anointed is sanctified on the altar. He that has neither altar nor church, however, is not able to sanctify that creature, oil. Thus there can be no spiritual anointing among the heretics, since it is evident that oil cannot be sanctified nor can the Eucharist be celebrated among them at all.” [Saint Cyprian of Carthage (A.D. 254), Letter To Januarius And Seventeen Other Bishops Of Numidia, 70,2]
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church,
Picayune, MS http://www.scborromeo.org
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY, JULY 15, MARK 6:7-13
(Amos 7:12-15; Psalm 85; Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10)
SUNDAY, JULY 15, MARK 6:7-13
(Amos 7:12-15; Psalm 85; Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10)
KEY VERSE: "He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits" (v 7).
TO KNOW: Jesus had been rejected by his neighbors, yet he continued to teach in the area around Nazareth. He summoned his apostles, and sent them out "two by two" (v 7, the Greek word apostollo means “one who is sent with a message”). The apostles did not go on their own volition, but under the power and authority of Jesus. Strengthened by one another, they must imitate Jesus by trusting in God's providence. If they were shown hospitality when they brought the good news, they should remain in that place. But if doors and ears were closed to their message, they must shake the dust from their feet when they left that place. (The Rabbinic law said that the dust of a Gentile country was defiled, and when people entered the Holy Land from another country they should shake off every particle of dust of the unclean land.) Empowered by the Lord, the new missionaries went forth to announce God's reign, expel demons and heal the sick by anointing them with oil (early evidence of the Sacrament of the Sick. See James 5:14).
TO LOVE: Holy Apostles, help me to hear and act on Jesus' words in the Gospel.
TO SERVE: Does my life-style bear witness to the Gospel?
Sunday 15 July
2018
Week III Psalter. 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Amos 7:12–15. Psalm 84(85):9–14. Ephesians 1:3–14. Mark 6:7–13.
Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your
salvation—Psalm 84(85):9–14.
‘Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.’
Jesus sent his twelve disciples on a mission and in particular
to preach repentance. The lesson of repentance is obviously an important one
for us to learn. On Ash Wednesday, as a cross is placed on our foreheads, we
are urged to ‘turn away from sin and remain faithful to the Gospel’. These
words, in essence, summarise repentance. It is not just a change of mind but
also a change of action.
What are we holding on to today that keeps our hands tied and
prevents us from embracing God fully? With genuine sorrow, we need to let go of
it now and turn to our God. If not, we still haven’t taken the first step in
living out our Christian faith, which is one of repentance.
Saint Bonaventure
Saint of the Day for July 15
(1221 – July 15, 1274)
 |
| The Prayer of St. Bonaventura about the Selection of the New Pope | Francisco de Zurbarán |
Saint Bonaventure’s Story
Perhaps not a household name for most people, Saint Bonaventure,
nevertheless, played an important role in both the medieval Church and the
history of the Franciscan Order. A senior faculty member at the University of
Paris, Saint Bonaventure certainly captured the hearts of his students through
his academic skills and insights. But more importantly, he captured their
hearts through his Franciscan love for Jesus and the Church. Like his model,
Saint Francis, Jesus was the center of everything—his teaching, his
administration, his writing, and his life. So much so, that he was given the
title “Seraphic Doctor.”
Born in Bagnorea in 1221, Saint Bonaventure was baptized John,
but received the name Bonaventure when he became a Franciscan at the age of 22.
Little is known about his childhood, but we do know that his parents were
Giovanni di Fidanza and Maria Ritell. It seems that his father was a physician
and a man of means. While Saint Francis died about five years after the saint’s
birth, he is credited with healing Bonaventure as a boy of a serious illness.
Saint Bonaventure’s teaching career came to a halt when the
Friars elected him to serve as their General Minister. His 17 years of service
were not easy as the Order was embroiled in conflicts over the interpretation
of poverty. Some friars even ended up in heresy saying that Saint Francis and
his community were inaugurating the era of the Holy Spirit which was to replace
Jesus, the Church, and Scripture. But because he was a man of prayer and a good
administrator, Saint Bonaventure managed to structure the Order through
effective legislation. But more importantly, he offered the Friars an organized
spirituality based on the vision and insights of Saint Francis. Always a
Franciscan at heart and a mystical writer, Bonaventure managed to unite the
pastoral, practical aspects of life with the doctrines of the Church. Thus,
there is a noticeable warmth to his teachings and writings that make him very
appealing.
Shortly before he ended his service as General Minister, Pope
Gregory X created him a Cardinal and appointed him bishop of Albano. But a
little over a year later, while participating in the Second Council of Lyon,
Saint Bonaventure suddenly died on July 15, 1274. There is a theory that he was
poisoned.
Saint Bonaventure left behind a structured and renewed
Franciscan Order and a body of work all of which glorifies his major
love—Jesus.
Reflection
Bonaventure so united holiness and theological knowledge that he
rose to the heights of mysticism while remaining a very active preacher and
teacher, one beloved by all who met him. To know him was to love him; to read
him is still for us today to meet a true Franciscan and a gentleman.
LECTIO: 15TH SUNDAY OF
ORDINARY TIME (B)
Lectio Divina:
Sunday, July 15, 2018
The mission of the twelve
Mark 6:7-13
Mark 6:7-13
1. Opening prayer
Father, grant that we may see in your Son the face of your love, the Word of salvation and mercy, so that we may follow him with generous heart and proclaim him in word and deed to our brothers and sisters who look for the Kingdom and his justice. Pour out your Spirit upon us that we may listen attentively and that our witness may be authentic and free, even in difficult times and in times when we do not understand. Who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Father, grant that we may see in your Son the face of your love, the Word of salvation and mercy, so that we may follow him with generous heart and proclaim him in word and deed to our brothers and sisters who look for the Kingdom and his justice. Pour out your Spirit upon us that we may listen attentively and that our witness may be authentic and free, even in difficult times and in times when we do not understand. Who lives and reigns forever and ever.
2. Reading
a) The context:
After the calling (in the text
"institution") of the twelve (Mk 3: 13-19), Jesus teaches and heals
as part of their schooling. Now the time has come for their first public
practice: as a first experience, they have to go and proclaim. Two by two, they
go among the people with tasks, which in Mark seem to be rather simple: a
generic proclamation to conversion and various types of prodigies against evil.
Jesus does not let the violent refusal of himself in Nazareth frighten him, a
fact first recalled by Mark: Mk 6:1-6. He does not suspend his mission because
our closed minds cannot block him.
The other two Synoptic Gospels (Mt 10: 1-42; Lk 9: 1-10) recount with greater precision the tasks and challenges the twelve will meet. However, in all the Gospels it is important to note that the mission comes from Jesus and only after they have learnt from him the manner and the content. The number "twelve" - so often repeated in connection with the foundation of the new community, even to the glories of the Apocalypse - signify continuity, but also the surpassing of the preceding saving economy. The sending "two by two" must be understood according to the Jewish mentality that accepts any witness only if it is brought by a "community" (at least minimal) and not by one person.
The other two Synoptic Gospels (Mt 10: 1-42; Lk 9: 1-10) recount with greater precision the tasks and challenges the twelve will meet. However, in all the Gospels it is important to note that the mission comes from Jesus and only after they have learnt from him the manner and the content. The number "twelve" - so often repeated in connection with the foundation of the new community, even to the glories of the Apocalypse - signify continuity, but also the surpassing of the preceding saving economy. The sending "two by two" must be understood according to the Jewish mentality that accepts any witness only if it is brought by a "community" (at least minimal) and not by one person.
b) The text:
And he went about among the villages teaching. 7 And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
And he went about among the villages teaching. 7 And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
3. A moment of silent prayer
to re-read the text with our heart and
to recognise in the words and structure, the presence of the mystery of the
living God.
4. Some questions
to see the important points in the text
and begin to assimilate them.
a) In Mark, why is the driving out of
the unclean spirits so important?
b) What is the sense of this insistence on poverty of means?
c) What is the content of this first proclamation?
d) Why does Jesus place together poverty and courage and freedom?
e) Why does the proclamation have to be itinerant and not stable?
f) What do the other Synoptic Gospels explain better?
b) What is the sense of this insistence on poverty of means?
c) What is the content of this first proclamation?
d) Why does Jesus place together poverty and courage and freedom?
e) Why does the proclamation have to be itinerant and not stable?
f) What do the other Synoptic Gospels explain better?
5. A deepening of the reading
"He began to send them out two by
two"
The mission of the disciples does not
come from personal enthusiasm or from a desire for greatness. It begins when
Jesus thinks that they are ready to speak, based on what they have heard and
assimilated. According to Mark, until then they had seen many miracles, heard
some teachings, important among the teachings being the theme of the seed that
grows in several ways; they have also assisted at some arguments between Jesus
and the leaders.
They were to refer themselves to Jesus' practice as healer, his call to conversion, his availability to move among the people, his itinerant preaching. They are certainly not mature yet. Under Jesus' supervision they will learn and better themselves: they will come up with the right words and the proper gestures. They will experience the enthusiasm that comes from great success, but in the end, they will have to go beyond even their focus on miracles in order to announce the death and resurrection of the Saviour.
They were to refer themselves to Jesus' practice as healer, his call to conversion, his availability to move among the people, his itinerant preaching. They are certainly not mature yet. Under Jesus' supervision they will learn and better themselves: they will come up with the right words and the proper gestures. They will experience the enthusiasm that comes from great success, but in the end, they will have to go beyond even their focus on miracles in order to announce the death and resurrection of the Saviour.
"He gave them authority over the
unclean spirits"
This concerns "exousia" which
Jesus practised too: they are therefore empowered and authorised to use the
same power. For Mark, it almost seems that this is the main
exercise at this time; in fact, he concentrates on this aspect of Jesus as
"thaumaturge" and one who drives out evil spirits.
We need to understand that "unclean spirits" meant many things: psychic diseases, forms of epilepsy, destructive spiritual forces, the enslaving power of the law, every form of psychic disability, physical malfunctions, etc.
Power is exercised in walking among these sufferings, accepting the challenge to faith in God provided by these challenges, accepting to live in solidarity, accepting the dignity of each human being. We must not identify "unclean" with sexual or legal impurity. It is a matter of "purity" as God sees it, that is, love, solidarity, justice, mercy, collaboration, welcoming, etc. That is why the twelve will have to call "to conversion" from these prejudices, perverse and "unclean" forms to live as children of God.
"Nothing for their journey, except a staff…"
We need to understand that "unclean spirits" meant many things: psychic diseases, forms of epilepsy, destructive spiritual forces, the enslaving power of the law, every form of psychic disability, physical malfunctions, etc.
Power is exercised in walking among these sufferings, accepting the challenge to faith in God provided by these challenges, accepting to live in solidarity, accepting the dignity of each human being. We must not identify "unclean" with sexual or legal impurity. It is a matter of "purity" as God sees it, that is, love, solidarity, justice, mercy, collaboration, welcoming, etc. That is why the twelve will have to call "to conversion" from these prejudices, perverse and "unclean" forms to live as children of God.
"Nothing for their journey, except a staff…"
Their mission must be an itinerant one,
not sedentary; that is, the mission must constantly stimulate the going, new
encounters, detachment from results, interior and exterior freedom. Hence the
recommendation, found in all the Synoptic Gospels, to practise material poverty
in dress and food, in security and guarantees. It was probably also a matter of
the shortness of the experience: as a first exercise, it was not supposed to
last long, and so, they had to travel light, free, focussed more on the
importance of the proclamation than on the consolidation of results.
But when this text was written, the situation of the community of disciples was a lot more developed and consolidated. Thus, the memory of these recommendations not only served to recall this first joyful and adventurous experience, but also to confront the present style of life and customs with those of the time of Jesus, now so long ago. Thus the text aims at remembering and at a new missionary impetus, less fearful of the demands of comfort and security.
But when this text was written, the situation of the community of disciples was a lot more developed and consolidated. Thus, the memory of these recommendations not only served to recall this first joyful and adventurous experience, but also to confront the present style of life and customs with those of the time of Jesus, now so long ago. Thus the text aims at remembering and at a new missionary impetus, less fearful of the demands of comfort and security.
"When you leave, shake off the
dust…"
The Lord's recommendations bring
together two aspects, which only appear to be in contradiction. On the one
hand, the disciples must be completely available to meet the people, without
thinking of gain or survival. They must seek out sick people - that is, those
sick for personal or social reasons, from the oppression of the law or from of
human evil - and free them, pour the oil of consolation on them, heal their
wounds and interior hurts. But, on the other hand, they must also avoid
accepting any form of hypocrisy and irresponsible do-gooders.
Besides charity and care for the suffering, they must also have the courage to unmask hypocrisy, react to closed minds and accept personal failure. Where they are not received, they must leave without regrets or weakness. Rejection or hypocrisy render proclamation and witness sterile. He asks for a clear and unequivocal break, a thing that Jesus himself, perhaps, had not experienced much. He always tried to go back and dialogue, suffered from the closed minds of the Pharisees and the Scribes. He challenged their tenacious and insidious teachings. Yet now he imposes on his disciples the direction not to waste time on those who will not receive them. Probably, in this recommendation there is also an adaptation to the situation of the community: they must not regret the break with the Israelite community. There had been a closed attitude and a ferocious and aggressive refusal: well, Jesus had foreseen this too. There was no need to grieve. They must go to other people and they must not waste time trying to win back that which could not be won back.
Besides charity and care for the suffering, they must also have the courage to unmask hypocrisy, react to closed minds and accept personal failure. Where they are not received, they must leave without regrets or weakness. Rejection or hypocrisy render proclamation and witness sterile. He asks for a clear and unequivocal break, a thing that Jesus himself, perhaps, had not experienced much. He always tried to go back and dialogue, suffered from the closed minds of the Pharisees and the Scribes. He challenged their tenacious and insidious teachings. Yet now he imposes on his disciples the direction not to waste time on those who will not receive them. Probably, in this recommendation there is also an adaptation to the situation of the community: they must not regret the break with the Israelite community. There had been a closed attitude and a ferocious and aggressive refusal: well, Jesus had foreseen this too. There was no need to grieve. They must go to other people and they must not waste time trying to win back that which could not be won back.
6. Psalm 85
Prayer for justice and peace
Show us thy steadfast love,
O Lord, and grant us thy salvation.
O Lord, and grant us thy salvation.
Let me hear what God the Lord will
speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints,
to those who turn to him in their hearts.
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints,
to those who turn to him in their hearts.
Surely his salvation is at hand for
those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.
that glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.
Yea, the Lord will give what is
good,
and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
and make his footsteps a way.
and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him,
and make his footsteps a way.
7. Closing prayer
Lord our God, keep your Son’s disciples
from the easy ways of popularity, of cheap glory, and lead them to the ways of
the poor and scourged of the earth, so that they may recognise in their faces
the face of the Master and Redeemer. Give them eyes to see possible ways of
peace and solidarity; ears to hear the requests of sense and salvation of so
many people who seek as by feeling; enrich their hearts with generous fidelity
and a sensitiveness and understanding so that they may walk along the way and
be true and sincere witnesses to the glory that shines in the crucified
resurrected and victorious one. Who lives and reigns gloriously with you,
Father, forever and ever. Amen.
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