Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori,
Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 404
Lectionary: 404
Moses did exactly as the LORD had commanded him.
On the first day of the first month of the second year
the Dwelling was erected.
It was Moses who erected the Dwelling.
He placed its pedestals, set up its boards, put in its bars,
and set up its columns.
He spread the tent over the Dwelling
and put the covering on top of the tent,
as the LORD had commanded him.
He took the commandments and put them in the ark;
he placed poles alongside the ark and set the propitiatory upon it.
He brought the ark into the Dwelling and hung the curtain veil,
thus screening off the ark of the commandments,
as the LORD had commanded him.
Then the cloud covered the meeting tent,
and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling.
Moses could not enter the meeting tent,
because the cloud settled down upon it
and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling.
Whenever the cloud rose from the Dwelling,
the children of Israel would set out on their journey.
But if the cloud did not lift, they would not go forward;
only when it lifted did they go forward.
In the daytime the cloud of the LORD was seen over the Dwelling;
whereas at night, fire was seen in the cloud
by the whole house of Israel
in all the stages of their journey.
On the first day of the first month of the second year
the Dwelling was erected.
It was Moses who erected the Dwelling.
He placed its pedestals, set up its boards, put in its bars,
and set up its columns.
He spread the tent over the Dwelling
and put the covering on top of the tent,
as the LORD had commanded him.
He took the commandments and put them in the ark;
he placed poles alongside the ark and set the propitiatory upon it.
He brought the ark into the Dwelling and hung the curtain veil,
thus screening off the ark of the commandments,
as the LORD had commanded him.
Then the cloud covered the meeting tent,
and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling.
Moses could not enter the meeting tent,
because the cloud settled down upon it
and the glory of the LORD filled the Dwelling.
Whenever the cloud rose from the Dwelling,
the children of Israel would set out on their journey.
But if the cloud did not lift, they would not go forward;
only when it lifted did they go forward.
In the daytime the cloud of the LORD was seen over the Dwelling;
whereas at night, fire was seen in the cloud
by the whole house of Israel
in all the stages of their journey.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 84:3, 4, 5-6A AND 8A,
11
R. (2) How
lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
My soul yearns and pines
for the courts of the LORD.
My heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest
in which she puts her young–
Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my king and my God!
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
Blessed they who dwell in your house!
continually they praise you.
Blessed the men whose strength you are!
They go from strength to strength.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
I had rather one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
My soul yearns and pines
for the courts of the LORD.
My heart and my flesh
cry out for the living God.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest
in which she puts her young–
Your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my king and my God!
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
Blessed they who dwell in your house!
continually they praise you.
Blessed the men whose strength you are!
They go from strength to strength.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
I had rather one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
R. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!
AlleluiaSEE ACTS 16:14B
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Open our hearts, O Lord,
to listen to the words of your Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Open our hearts, O Lord,
to listen to the words of your Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 13:47-53
Jesus said to the disciples:
"The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea,
which collects fish of every kind.
When it is full they haul it ashore
and sit down to put what is good into buckets.
What is bad they throw away.
Thus it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous
and throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."
"Do you understand all these things?"
They answered, "Yes."
And he replied,
"Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven
is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom
both the new and the old."
When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.
"The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea,
which collects fish of every kind.
When it is full they haul it ashore
and sit down to put what is good into buckets.
What is bad they throw away.
Thus it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous
and throw them into the fiery furnace,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth."
"Do you understand all these things?"
They answered, "Yes."
And he replied,
"Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven
is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom
both the new and the old."
When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.
For the readings of the Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, please
go here.
Meditation:
Trained for the kingdom of heaven
What
can a story of a dragnet and a great catch of fish tell us about God's kingdom?
The two most common ways of fishing in Jesus' time was with a casting-net (or
hand-net) which was thrown from the shore and the drag-net or trawl which was
let down or cast into the waters from a boat. As the boat moved through the
waters the dragnet was drawn into the shape of a great cone which
indiscriminately took in all kinds of fish and flotsam and jetsam swept in its
path. It usually took several men to haul such a net to shore.
Reward
and judgment at the end of the age
What is Jesus' point here? Just as a drag-net catches every kind of fish in the sea, so the church acts as God's instrument for gathering in all who will come. Just as the drag-net does not or cannot discriminate, so the church does not discriminate between the good and the bad, the useless and the useful. God's kingdom is open to all who will accept and believe. But there will come a time of separation, at the close of the age when the Lord Jesus returns again and sends out his angels who will separate the good and the bad and then send them to their respective destinations. Our duty in this present age is to gather in all who want to become citizens of God's kingdom here on earth as well as in heaven above.
What is Jesus' point here? Just as a drag-net catches every kind of fish in the sea, so the church acts as God's instrument for gathering in all who will come. Just as the drag-net does not or cannot discriminate, so the church does not discriminate between the good and the bad, the useless and the useful. God's kingdom is open to all who will accept and believe. But there will come a time of separation, at the close of the age when the Lord Jesus returns again and sends out his angels who will separate the good and the bad and then send them to their respective destinations. Our duty in this present age is to gather in all who want to become citizens of God's kingdom here on earth as well as in heaven above.
The
Lord Jesus, when he comes again at the end of this age, will give to those who
believed in him and his way of truth and righteousness a glorified resurrected
body and a home in his everlasting kingdom. But for those who refused to follow
the Lord Jesus and his merciful word of truth and righteousness, their destiny
will be total separation and loss of joy and happiness with God and his
community of redeemed men and women. The Lord Jesus freely offers the treasure
of abundant life and everlasting joy to all who believe in him and accept him
as their Lord and Savior. Do you yearn for total peace, joy, and union with God
in his everlasting kingdom?
Trained
for the kingdom of heaven
What is the point of Jesus' parable about a "scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 13:52)? Jewish scribes were specially devoted to the study and practice of the Word of God entrusted to Moses (the first five books of the Bible) and in instructing others in how to live according to God's commandments and way of holiness. In the Old Testament Ezra was called "the ready scribe of the law of the God of heaven" (Book of Ezra 7:6,21). He received this title because he "had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10). Ezra's heart was set on the kingdom of heaven because he revered God's word and he taught others through example and instruction to love and obey God's word.
What is the point of Jesus' parable about a "scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 13:52)? Jewish scribes were specially devoted to the study and practice of the Word of God entrusted to Moses (the first five books of the Bible) and in instructing others in how to live according to God's commandments and way of holiness. In the Old Testament Ezra was called "the ready scribe of the law of the God of heaven" (Book of Ezra 7:6,21). He received this title because he "had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10). Ezra's heart was set on the kingdom of heaven because he revered God's word and he taught others through example and instruction to love and obey God's word.
The
old and new treasure of God's word
Why does Jesus compare a "trained scribe" with a "householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old" (Matthew 13:52)? Some people love to store up old prized possessions along with their newly acquired prizes. Others are eager to get rid of the old to make room for the new. So why does Jesus seem to emphasize keeping the old along with the new? Why not replace the old, especially if the new seems to be better or more useful? Wouldn't a person want to throw away an old pair of shoes and replace them with a new pair - especially if the old pair became well-worn or torn beyond repair? But, who in his right mind would throw away an old precious jewel or some old gold coins simply because they were ancient and maybe tarnished a bit? Precious gems and gold do not lose their value with age! Like choice vintage wine they increase in value.
Why does Jesus compare a "trained scribe" with a "householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old" (Matthew 13:52)? Some people love to store up old prized possessions along with their newly acquired prizes. Others are eager to get rid of the old to make room for the new. So why does Jesus seem to emphasize keeping the old along with the new? Why not replace the old, especially if the new seems to be better or more useful? Wouldn't a person want to throw away an old pair of shoes and replace them with a new pair - especially if the old pair became well-worn or torn beyond repair? But, who in his right mind would throw away an old precious jewel or some old gold coins simply because they were ancient and maybe tarnished a bit? Precious gems and gold do not lose their value with age! Like choice vintage wine they increase in value.
Jesus'
parable of the "old" and the "new" certainly points to the
"older covenants" which God made with his covenanted people of the
Old Testament, beginning with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and with Moses on
Mount Sinai, and with King David - the precursor of the Messiah (Psalm 89:3 and
Psalm 110:1). Jesus' parable also points to the "new covenant" which
he came to establish through the shedding of his blood on the cross and the
anointing of his Holy Spirit who seals the new covenant on the day of
Pentecost. Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Covenant but to fulfill it.
The Lord calls us to treasure all of his word - all of his commandments,
promises, precepts, and teaching (Psalm 119:14,72,127,162). Do you promise to
keep all of God's commands? The Lord gives strength, blessing, and joy to those
who treasure all of his word.
We
would be impoverished today if we only possessed the treasures of the word of
God in the "Old Testament" Scriptures or if we only knew the
treasures of the "New Testament" Scriptures. Both the Old and New
Testament Scriptures are given by the same eternal Father, inspired by the same
eternal Holy Spirit, and fulfilled by the same eternal Word, the Lord Jesus
Christ, who was with the Father from the beginning and who was sent from heaven
to take on human flesh for our salvation (John 1:1-3,14).
Unity
of the Old and New Testaments
There is a profound unity between the Old and New Testaments. Both are divinely inspired by one and the same Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). The Old Testament prepares for the New and the New Testament fulfills the Old - the two shed light on each other. The Old Testament prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ as the redeemer of all who would be saved through his sacrifice on the cross. The New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New. That is why Jesus interpreted the Old Testament Scriptures for his disciples and explained how he came to fulfill what was promised and foreshadowed in the Old (Luke 24:27). That is why we read the Old Testament in the light of Christ’s saving death and resurrection. Do you revere the word of God in the Scriptures - both old and new - and see their fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ?
There is a profound unity between the Old and New Testaments. Both are divinely inspired by one and the same Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). The Old Testament prepares for the New and the New Testament fulfills the Old - the two shed light on each other. The Old Testament prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ as the redeemer of all who would be saved through his sacrifice on the cross. The New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old Testament is unveiled in the New. That is why Jesus interpreted the Old Testament Scriptures for his disciples and explained how he came to fulfill what was promised and foreshadowed in the Old (Luke 24:27). That is why we read the Old Testament in the light of Christ’s saving death and resurrection. Do you revere the word of God in the Scriptures - both old and new - and see their fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ?
"Lord
Jesus, may your word take deep root in my heart and transform my way of
thinking, discerning, and acting. May your Spirit open my ears to hear and
understand the word of God in the Scriptures that I may revere and treasure
both the Old and the New Testaments which God has prepared for all who desire
to enter his kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. Help me to be a diligent
student and faithful disciple of your word."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: A scribe who is trained for the
kingdom of heaven, by Cyril of Alexandria (375-444 AD)
"A
scribe is one who, through continual reading of the Old and New Testaments, has
laid up for himself a storehouse of knowledge. Thus Christ blesses those who
have gathered in themselves the education both of the law and of the gospel, so
as to 'bring forth from their treasure things both new and old.' And Christ
compares such people with a scribe, just as in another place he says, 'I will
send you wise men and scribes' (Matthew 23:34) (excerpt from Fragment 172)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, MATTHEW 13:47-53
(Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38; Psalm 84)
(Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38; Psalm 84)
KEY VERSE: "Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old" (v. 52).
TO KNOW: In Jesus' day, one method of fishing was with a dragnet, a large square net that was weighted and hung from the side of a boat. The net was drawn into the shape of a cone and the fish were swept into it. The net was then pulled to land, and the worthwhile fish were separated from the useless. Like the story of the weeds among the wheat (Mt. 13:24-30), it was not the responsibility of Jesus' disciples to judge the actions of others. God would ultimately reveal what was good and what was evil in the world. Jesus' disciples must be like wise scribes who were able to understand things both "new and old." (Some scholars see this as Matthew's personal signature, v 52). As future leaders of the Church, Jesus' disciples must be able to interpret the ancient truths in the light of the gospel. When Jesus was assured that they understood his message, he was ready to move on in his journey.
TO LOVE: Do I submit myself to the teachings of Jesus and the Church?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to discern your truth in everything I hear.
Memorial of Alphonsus Liguori, bishop and doctor of the Church
Alphonsus Liguori was ordained at age 29. He was noted for his simple, clear style of preaching, and his understanding manner in the confessional. He was often opposed by Church officials for a perceived laxity toward sinners. He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Liguorians or Redemptorists). Alphonsus was appointed bishop in 1762, and worked to reform the clergy and revitalize the faithful in the diocese. In 1775 he resigned his office due to his health, and went into what he thought was a prayerful retirement. In 1777 the royal government threatened to disband his Redemptorists. Calling on his knowledge of theology, and his skills as a lawyer, Alphonsus defended the Redemptorists so well that they obtained the king's approval. Alphonsus was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871.
Thursday 1 August 2019
St Alphonsus Liguori
Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38. Psalm 83(84):3-6, 8, 11. Matthew
13:47-53.
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God! – Psalm
83(84):3-6, 8, 11
‘The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the
sea and caught fish of every kind.’
The image of the fishing net appears several times in the
gospels – recall Peter and the other disciples who were fisherman. We find them
mending empty nets and with nets full to breaking point because of an abundant
catch.
In today’s gospel the net is a metaphor for the kingdom of God
and deals with the day of judgement. While the image of the bad being thrown
into the fire is somewhat unsettling, the image of the net is consoling. It
reminds us that we are all in this together, that God’s kingdom does not
exclude anyone but rather draws all creation back to the Creator. The net
reminds us of God’s all-embracing care for us, as God desires to draw us deeper
into his merciful love.
Lord, make me aware of your presence this day. Guide me as a
companion walking with me on the way.
Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Saint of the Day for August 1
(September 27, 1696 – August 1, 1787)
 |
| Stained glass window of Saint Alphonse Liguori | Carlow Cathedral | Franz Mayer & Co. (Mayer & Co. of Munich) |
Saint Alphonsus Liguori’s Story
Moral theology, Vatican II said, should be more thoroughly nourished
by Scripture, and show the nobility of the Christian vocation of the faithful
and their obligation to bring forth fruit in charity for the life of the world.
Alphonsus, declared patron of moral theologians by Pius XII in 1950, would
rejoice in that statement.
In his day, Alphonsus fought for the liberation of moral
theology from the rigidity of Jansenism. His moral theology, which went through
60 editions in the century following him, concentrated on the practical and
concrete problems of pastors and confessors. If a certain legalism and
minimalism crept into moral theology, it should not be attributed to this model
of moderation and gentleness.
At the University of Naples, Alphonsus received a doctorate in
both canon and civil law by acclamation, at the age of 16, but he soon gave up
the practice of law for apostolic activity. He was ordained a priest, and
concentrated his pastoral efforts on popular parish missions, hearing
confessions, and forming Christian groups.
He founded the Redemptorist congregation in 1732. It was an
association of priests and brothers living a common life, dedicated to the
imitation of Christ, and working mainly in popular missions for peasants in
rural areas. Almost as an omen of what was to come later, he found himself deserted
after a while by all his original companions except one lay brother. But the
congregation managed to survive and was formally approved 17 years later,
though its troubles were not over.
Alphonsus’ great pastoral reforms were in the pulpit and
confessional—replacing the pompous oratory of the time with simplicity, and the
rigorism of Jansenism with kindness. His great fame as a writer has somewhat
eclipsed the fact that for 26 years he traveled up and down the Kingdom of
Naples preaching popular missions.
He was made bishop at age 66 after trying to reject the honor,
and at once instituted a thorough reform of his diocese.
His greatest sorrow came toward the end of his life. The
Redemptorists, precariously continuing after the suppression of the Jesuits in
1773, had difficulty in getting their Rule approved by the Kingdom of Naples.
Alphonsus acceded to the condition that they possess no property in common, but
with the connivance of a high Redemptorist official, a royal official changed
the Rule substantially. Alphonsus, old, crippled and with very bad sight,
signed the document, unaware that he had been betrayed. The Redemptorists in
the Papal States then put themselves under the pope, who withdrew those in
Naples from the jurisdiction of Alphonsus. It was only after his death that the
branches were united.
At 71, Alphonsus was afflicted with rheumatic pains which left
incurable bending of his neck. Until it was straightened a little, the pressure
of his chin caused a raw wound on his chest. He suffered a final 18 months of
“dark night” scruples, fears, temptations against every article of faith and
every virtue, interspersed with intervals of light and relief, when ecstasies
were frequent.
Alphonsus is best known for his moral theology, but he also
wrote well in the field of spiritual and dogmatic theology. His Glories
of Mary is one of the great works on that subject, and his book Visits
to the Blessed Sacrament went through 40 editions in his lifetime,
greatly influencing the practice of this devotion in the Church.
Reflection
Saint Alphonsus was known above all as a practical man who
dealt in the concrete rather than the abstract. His life is indeed a practical
model for the everyday Christian who has difficulty recognizing the dignity of
Christian life amid the swirl of problems, pain, misunderstanding and failure.
Alphonsus suffered all these things. He is a saint because he was able to
maintain an intimate sense of the presence of the suffering Christ through it
all.
Saint Alphonsus Liguori is the Patron Saint of:
Theologians
Vocations
Vocations
Lectio Divina: Matthew 13:47-53
Lectio Divina
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
God our Father and protector,
without You nothing is holy,
nothing has value.
Guide us to everlasting life
by helping us to use wisely
the blessings You have given to the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
without You nothing is holy,
nothing has value.
Guide us to everlasting life
by helping us to use wisely
the blessings You have given to the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 13:47-53
Jesus said to the disciples: "The Kingdom of heaven is like
a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full
they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad
they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out
and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery
furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." "Do you
understand all these things?" They answered, "Yes." And he
replied, "Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of
heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the
new and the old." When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from
there.
3) Reflection
• Today’s Gospel presents the last parable of the discourse on
the parables, the story of the net thrown into the sea. This parable is found
only in the Gospel of Matthew without any parallel in the other three Gospels.
• Matthew 13:47-48: The parable of the dragnet cast into
the sea. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that is cast into the sea and
brings in all kinds of fish. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore;
then sitting down; they collect the good ones in baskets and throw away those
that are of no use.” This story is well known by the people of Galilee who
live around the lake. This is their work. The story clearly shows the end of a
day of work. The fishermen go fishing with only one purpose: to cast the net
and to catch a great number of fish, to haul the net ashore and to choose the
good fish to take home and to throw away those that are no good. Describe the
satisfaction of the fishermen, at the end of a day, being very tired after
having worked hard. This story must have brought a smile of satisfaction to the
faces of the fishermen who listened to Jesus. The worst thing is to arrive at
the shore at the end of the day without having caught anything (Jn 21:3).
• Matthew 13:49-50: The application of the parable. Jesus
applies the parable, or better still, gives a suggestion in order that people
can discuss and apply the parable to their life: “This is how it will be
at the end of time, the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the
righteous, to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping
and grinding of teeth.” How are we to understand this blazing furnace?
These are very strong images to describe the destiny of those who separate
themselves from God or who do not want to know anything about God. In every
city there is a place to throw away the garbage every day. There is a permanent
furnace nourished every day by the daily garbage. The garbage place in
Jerusalem was located in a valley called Gehenna, where, at the time of
the kings, there was a furnace even to sacrifice to the false gods of Molok.
For this reason, the furnace of Gehenna becomes the symbol of
exclusion and of condemnation. God is not the one who excludes. God does not
want the exclusion and the condemnation of anyone; He wants that all may have
life and life in abundance. Each one of us excludes himself/herself.
• Matthew 13:51-53: The end of the discourse on the
Parables. At the end of the discourse on the parables, Jesus concludes with the
following question: "Have you understood these things?” They
answered: “Yes.”. And Jesus finishes the explanation with another
comparison which describes the result He wants to achieve through the parables:
“Well, then every Scribe who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom of Heaven is
like a householder who brings out from his storeroom new things as well as
old.”
Two points to clarify:
Two points to clarify:
(a) Jesus compares the doctor of the law to the father in the
family. What does the father of the family do? “He brings out from his treasure
new things and old things.” Education at home takes place through the
transmission to the sons and daughters of what the parents have received and
learned over time. It is the treasure of the family wisdom where the richness
of faith is enclosed, the customs of life, and many other things that the
children learn with time. Now Jesus wants that in the community, that the
people who are responsible for the transmission of faith be as a father within
the family. Just like the parents are responsible for the life of the family,
in the same way, these people who are responsible for the teaching should
understand the things of the Kingdom and transmit it to the brothers and
sisters in the community.
(b) Here there is the question of a doctor of the law who
becomes a disciple of the Kingdom. Therefore, there were doctors of the
law who accepted Jesus, and saw in Him the one who revealed the Kingdom. Is
this what happened to a doctor when he discovers the Messiah in Jesus, the Son
of God? Everything he has studied to be able to be a doctor of the law
continues to be valid, but it receives a deeper dimension and a broader
purpose. A comparison can clarify what has just been said. In a group of
friends one shows a photo, where one sees a man with a angry face, with his
finger up, almost attacking the public. Everybody thinks that it is a question
of an inflexible person, demanding, who does not allow for any intimacy. At
that moment a young boy arrives, he sees the photo and exclaims, “He is my
father!” The others look at him and comment, “A severe father, right?” He
answers, “No! He is very affectionate. My father is a lawyer. That photo was
taken in the tribunal, while he was denouncing the crime of a great landowner
who wanted a poor family to abandon their home where they had lived for many years!
My father won the case, and the poor family remained in the house!” All looked
at him again and said, “What a pleasant person!” Almost like a miracle the
photo lit up from within and assumed a different aspect. That very severe face
acquired the features of great tenderness! The words of the son, the result of
his experience of being the son, changed everything, without changing anything!
The words and the gestures of Jesus, result of His experience as a Son, without
changing a letter or a comma, illuminated from within the wisdom accumulated by
the doctor of the law. And thus, God, who seemed to be so far away and so
severe, acquired the features of a good Father and of enormous tenderness!
4) Personal questions
• Has the experience of Son entered in you and changed your
perspective, making you discover the things of God in a different way?
• What has the discourse on the parables revealed to you about the Kingdom?
• What has the discourse on the parables revealed to you about the Kingdom?
5) Concluding Prayer
Praise Yahweh, my soul!
I will praise Yahweh all my life,
I will make music to my God as long as I live. (Ps 146:1-2)
I will praise Yahweh all my life,
I will make music to my God as long as I live. (Ps 146:1-2)
