Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 394
Lectionary: 394
The children
of Israel set out from Rameses for Succoth,
about six hundred thousand men on foot,
not counting the little ones.
A crowd of mixed ancestry also went up with them,
besides their livestock, very numerous flocks and herds.
Since the dough they had brought out of Egypt was not leavened,
they baked it into unleavened loaves.
They had rushed out of Egypt and had no opportunity
even to prepare food for the journey.
The time the children of Israel had stayed in Egypt
was four hundred and thirty years.
At the end of four hundred and thirty years,
all the hosts of the LORD left the land of Egypt on this very date.
This was a night of vigil for the LORD,
as he led them out of the land of Egypt;
so on this same night
all the children of Israel must keep a vigil for the LORD
throughout their generations.
about six hundred thousand men on foot,
not counting the little ones.
A crowd of mixed ancestry also went up with them,
besides their livestock, very numerous flocks and herds.
Since the dough they had brought out of Egypt was not leavened,
they baked it into unleavened loaves.
They had rushed out of Egypt and had no opportunity
even to prepare food for the journey.
The time the children of Israel had stayed in Egypt
was four hundred and thirty years.
At the end of four hundred and thirty years,
all the hosts of the LORD left the land of Egypt on this very date.
This was a night of vigil for the LORD,
as he led them out of the land of Egypt;
so on this same night
all the children of Israel must keep a vigil for the LORD
throughout their generations.
Responsorial PsalmPS 136:1 AND 23-24,
10-12, 13-15
R. His mercy endures
forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever;
Who remembered us in our abjection,
for his mercy endures forever;
And freed us from our foes,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who smote the Egyptians in their first-born,
for his mercy endures forever;
And brought out Israel from their midst,
for his mercy endures forever;
With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who split the Red Sea in twain,
for his mercy endures forever;
And led Israel through its midst,
for his mercy endures forever;
But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever;
Who remembered us in our abjection,
for his mercy endures forever;
And freed us from our foes,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who smote the Egyptians in their first-born,
for his mercy endures forever;
And brought out Israel from their midst,
for his mercy endures forever;
With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who split the Red Sea in twain,
for his mercy endures forever;
And led Israel through its midst,
for his mercy endures forever;
But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea,
for his mercy endures forever.
R. His mercy endures forever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia2 COR 5:19
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,
and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 12:14-21
The Pharisees
went out and took counsel against Jesus
to put him to death.
When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.
Many people followed him, and he cured them all,
but he warned them not to make him known.
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
to put him to death.
When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.
Many people followed him, and he cured them all,
but he warned them not to make him known.
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
Meditation:
Until Jesus brings justice to victory
How
do we achieve success and victory in our lives? In everyone's life there are
key moments or turning points on which the whole of one's life hinges. The
mounting confrontation between the Pharisees and Jesus was such a decisive
event and crisis. The religious leaders became intolerant of Jesus because of
their prejudice. Nothing that Jesus would do or say from this point on would be
right in their eyes. They conspired, not simply to oppose Jesus but to
eliminate him.
Courage
and determination to do God's will
Jesus met this defiance with courage and determination to do his Father's will. He used the crisis to teach his disciples an important lesson for God's way to success and victory. The only way to glory in God's kingdom is through the cross - the cross of suffering and humiliation - which Jesus endured for our sake and for our salvation. We, too, are called to take up our cross every day - to die to sin, selfishness, envy, pride, strife, and hatred - and to lay down our lives in humble service and love for one another, just as Jesus did for our sake.
Jesus met this defiance with courage and determination to do his Father's will. He used the crisis to teach his disciples an important lesson for God's way to success and victory. The only way to glory in God's kingdom is through the cross - the cross of suffering and humiliation - which Jesus endured for our sake and for our salvation. We, too, are called to take up our cross every day - to die to sin, selfishness, envy, pride, strife, and hatred - and to lay down our lives in humble service and love for one another, just as Jesus did for our sake.
Matthew
quotes from the "Suffering Servant" prophecies of Isaiah to explain
how Jesus the Messiah would accomplish his mission - not through crushing power
- but through love and sacrificial service (Isaiah 42:1-4). In place of a
throne Jesus chose to mount the cross and wear a crown of thorns. He was
crucified as our Lord and King (John 19:19; Philippians 2:11) There is no
greater proof of God's love for us than the sacrificial death of his only
begotten Son for our sake and our salvation (John 3:16).
Jesus
died not only for the Jews but for all the Gentile nations as well. Isaiah had
prophesied centuries before, that the Messiah would bring justice to the
Gentiles. To the Greek mind, justice involved giving to God and to one's fellow
citizen that which is their due (whatever is owed to them). Jesus taught his
disciples to give God not only his due, but to love him without measure just as
he loves us unconditionally - without limits or reservation.
Justice
tempered with love and mercy
Jesus brings the justice of God's kingdom tempered with divine love and mercy. He does not bruise the weak or treat them with contempt, but rather shows understanding and compassion. He does not discourage the fainthearted but gives hope, courage, and the strength to persevere through trying circumstances. No trials, failings, and weaknesses can keep us from the mercy and help which Jesus offers to everyone who asks. His grace is sufficient for every moment, every situation, and every challenge we face. When you meet trials and difficulties, do you rely on God's help and grace?
Jesus brings the justice of God's kingdom tempered with divine love and mercy. He does not bruise the weak or treat them with contempt, but rather shows understanding and compassion. He does not discourage the fainthearted but gives hope, courage, and the strength to persevere through trying circumstances. No trials, failings, and weaknesses can keep us from the mercy and help which Jesus offers to everyone who asks. His grace is sufficient for every moment, every situation, and every challenge we face. When you meet trials and difficulties, do you rely on God's help and grace?
"Lord
Jesus, your love and mercy knows no bounds. Give me strength when I am weak,
hope when I am discouraged, peace when I am troubled, consolation when I am
sad, and understanding when I am perplexed. Make me an instrument of your love
and peace to those who are troubled and without hope."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: The Savior's meekness, by John
Chrysostom (347-407 AD)
"The
prophet celebrated in advance both the Savior's meekness right alongside his
unspeakable power. Thereby he opened to the Gentiles a great and effective
door. Isaiah also foretold the ills that were to overtake the Jews. He foreknew
the Son's oneness with the Father: 'Israel is my chosen, my soul has accepted
him; I have put my Spirit upon him' (Isaiah 42:1). For it is not as an
adversary that Christ transcends the law, as if he were an enemy of the
Lawgiver, but as though he were of one mind with the Lawgiver and held to the
very same purposes. Then, proclaiming the Lord's meekness, Isaiah said, 'He
shall not cry nor lift up his voice' (Isaiah 42:20). For his desire indeed was
to enable healing in their presence. But since they pushed him away, he did not
contend any further against their opposition." (excerpt from THE
GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 40.2.1)
SATURDAY, JULY 20, MATTHEW 12:14-21
Weekday
(Exodus 12:37-42; Psalm 136)
Weekday
(Exodus 12:37-42; Psalm 136)
KEY VERSE: "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste." (v.25)
TO KNOW: When the religious leaders heard the crowds' acclamation of Jesus, they ascribed his work to "Beelzebul, the prince of demons" ('lord of the lofty dwelling,' the pagan god Baal of Syria, a title appropriate only to Yahweh). Jesus pointed out the absurdity of this by making three comparisons. First, if Satan was working against himself, then his kingdom would surely fall. Second, if exorcists cast out demons, then by whose power did they do so? Lastly, Jesus said that he was the strongman who overpowered evil and pillaged Satan's household. Jesus said that every blasphemy would be forgiven save that of attributing the good works of the Spirit to the Evil One. Such persons could not be forgiven, because they placed themselves outside of the mercy of God.
TO LOVE: Do I work to overcome evil in my household?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have doubted your saving work in my life.
Optional Memorial of Saint Apollinaris, bishop and martyr
Apollinaris, bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia, was one of the most illustrious bishops of the second century. He was renowned for his powers to heal in the name of Christ. Apollinaris addressed an "Apology" (a defense) of the Christian religion to the emperor Marcus Aurelius. It was to protect his flock against persecution that Apollinaris reminded the Emperor of the favor he had received from God through the prayers of the Christians. Apollinaris and his flock were exiled from Ravenna by the emperor Vespasian. On his way out of the city, Apollinaris was arrested, tortured and martyred, run through with a sword. The date of the death is not known, but it probably occurred about the year 175. Saint Apollinaris' relics are at Ravenna, Italy.
Saturday 20 July 2019
Exodus 12:37-42. Psalm 135(136):1, 10-15, 23-24. Matthew
12:14-21.
His love is everlasting – Psalm 135(136):1, 10-15, 23-24
‘That night was to be kept in honour of the Lord for all generations.’
His love is everlasting – Psalm 135(136):1, 10-15, 23-24
‘That night was to be kept in honour of the Lord for all generations.’
The movement of thousands of Israelites out of Egypt is epic in
scale and dramatic in story and pace. With no time for bread to rise, the
people took with them what they could. The necessity of eating small flat
loaves in the desert formed the ritual foundation of the Passover. Even now the
Passover is a remembering of the journey, of the time when freedom from slavery
was achieved. A memory of being saved and loved.
Memory is held and shared through ritual and tradition. Our
celebration of Eucharist echoes the Passover, the memory of how God loved his
people so much that he granted them freedom. And the unleavened bread which
becomes the Body of Christ reminds us of God’s son, champion of justice and
giver of hope. Lord, may the simplicity of bread shared remind us of you and your
love for us.
Saint Apollinaris
Saint of the Day for July 20
(d. c. 79)
 |
| Statue of Saint Apollinaris in Santa Maria del Suffragio, Ravenna | José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro |
Saint Apollinaris’ Story
According to tradition, Saint Peter sent Apollinaris to
Ravenna, Italy, as its first bishop. His preaching of the Good News was so
successful that the pagans there beat him and drove him from the city. He
returned, however, and was exiled a second time. After preaching in the area
surrounding Ravenna, he entered the city again. After being cruelly tortured,
he was put on a ship heading to Greece. Pagans there caused him to be expelled
to Italy, where he went to Ravenna for a fourth time. He died from wounds
received during a savage beating at Classis, a suburb of Ravenna. A beautiful
basilica honoring him was built there in the sixth century.
Reflection
Following Jesus involves risks—sometimes the supreme risk of
life itself. Martyrs are people who would rather accept the risk of death than
deny the cornerstone of their whole life: faith in Jesus Christ. Everyone will
die eventually—the persecutors and those persecuted. The question is what kind
of a conscience people will bring before the Lord for judgment. Remembering the
witness of past and present martyrs can help us make the often small sacrifices
that following Jesus today may require.
Lectio Divina: Matthew 12:14-21
Lectio Divina
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
God our Father,
Your light of truth
guides us to the way of Christ.
May all who follow Him
reject what is contrary to the Gospel.
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.
Your light of truth
guides us to the way of Christ.
May all who follow Him
reject what is contrary to the Gospel.
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 12:14-21
The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him
to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people
followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known.
This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: Behold, my
servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my
Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not
contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised
reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice
to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
3) Reflection
• The Gospel today has two parts: (a) describes the various
reactions of the Pharisees and of the people who listen to the preaching of
Jesus; and (b) describes what Matthew sees in these reactions: the fulfillment
of the prophecy of the Servant of Yahweh, announced by Isaiah.
• Matthew 12:14: The reaction of the Pharisees: they decide to
kill Jesus. This verse is the conclusion of the previous episode, in which
Jesus challenges the malice of the Pharisees, by curing the man who had a
withered hand (Mt 12:9-14). The reaction of the Pharisees was to hold a Council
meeting against Jesus. Thus, they come to the breaking of the relationship
between the religious authority and Jesus. In Mark, this episode is much more
explicit and provocative (Mk 3:1-6). He says that the decision to kill Jesus
was not only that of the Pharisees, but also of the Herodians (Mk 3:6). Altar
and throne joined together against Jesus.
• Matthew 12:15-16: The reaction of the people: to follow Jesus.
When Jesus learned the decision of the Pharisees, He went away from the place
where He was. People follow Him. Even knowing that the religious authority has
decided to kill Jesus, the people do not go away from Jesus, but rather they
follow Him. Many followed Him and He cured them all, but warned them not to
make Him known. People know how to discern. Jesus asks them not to spread
the news, not to say what He is doing. A great contrast! On the one side, the
conflict of life and death, between Jesus and the religious authority, and on
the other the movement of the people who were desirous of encountering Jesus!
They were, above all, the marginalized and the excluded who presented
themselves to Jesus with their illness and their infirmities. They, who were
not accepted in society or in the religious field, were accepted by Jesus.
• Matthew 12:17: The concern of Matthew: Jesus is our Messiah.
This reaction, different from that of the Pharisees and of the people, moved
Matthew to see here the realization of the prophecy of the Suffering Servant.
On the one hand, the Servant was persecuted by the authority which insulted Him
and spat on His face, but He does not turn back. He presents His face hard as a
rock, knowing that He will not be disappointed (Is 50:5-7). On the other hand,
the Servant is sought and expected by the people. The crowd coming from far is
waiting for His teaching (Is 42:4). This is exactly what is happening to Jesus.
• Matthew 12:18-21: Jesus fulfills the prophecy of the Servant.
Matthew presents the entire first Canticle of the Servant. Read the text
slowly, thinking of Jesus and the poor who today are excluded:
“Look! My Servant whom I have chosen;
My beloved in whom My soul delights,
I will send My Spirit upon Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations;
He will not brawl or cry out; His voice is not heard in the streets,
He will not break a bruised reed, or snuff the faltering wick.
Until he has made justice victorious; in him the nations will put their hope.”
My beloved in whom My soul delights,
I will send My Spirit upon Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations;
He will not brawl or cry out; His voice is not heard in the streets,
He will not break a bruised reed, or snuff the faltering wick.
Until he has made justice victorious; in him the nations will put their hope.”
4) Personal questions
• Do you know of any case in which the religious authority, in
the name of religion, decided to persecute and kill people who, like Jesus, did
good to people?
• In our community are we servants of God for the people? What do we lack?
• In our community are we servants of God for the people? What do we lack?
5) Concluding Prayer
How precious, God, is Your faithful love.
So the children of Adam take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
They feast on the bounty of Your house,
You let them drink from Your delicious streams. (Ps 36:7-8)
So the children of Adam take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
They feast on the bounty of Your house,
You let them drink from Your delicious streams. (Ps 36:7-8)
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