Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in
Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 482
Lectionary: 482
Brothers and sisters:
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He did not spare his own Son
but handed him over for us all,
how will he not also give us everything else along with him?
Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones?
It is God who acquits us.
Who will condemn?
It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised,
who also is at the right hand of God,
who indeed intercedes for us.
What will separate us from the love of Christ?
Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
As it is written:
For your sake we are being slain all the day;
we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly
through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor present things, nor future things,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He did not spare his own Son
but handed him over for us all,
how will he not also give us everything else along with him?
Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones?
It is God who acquits us.
Who will condemn?
It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised,
who also is at the right hand of God,
who indeed intercedes for us.
What will separate us from the love of Christ?
Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
As it is written:
For your sake we are being slain all the day;
we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly
through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor present things, nor future things,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature will be able to separate us
from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 109:21-22, 26-27,
30-31
R. (26b) Save
me, O Lord, in your mercy.
Do you, O GOD, my Lord, deal kindly with me for your name's sake;
in your generous mercy rescue me;
For I am wretched and poor,
and my heart is pierced within me.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
Help me, O LORD, my God;
save me, in your mercy,
And let them know that this is your hand;
that you, O LORD, have done this.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
I will speak my thanks earnestly to the LORD,
and in the midst of the throng I will praise him,
For he stood at the right hand of the poor man,
to save him from those who would condemn his soul.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.
Do you, O GOD, my Lord, deal kindly with me for your name's sake;
in your generous mercy rescue me;
For I am wretched and poor,
and my heart is pierced within me.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
Help me, O LORD, my God;
save me, in your mercy,
And let them know that this is your hand;
that you, O LORD, have done this.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.
I will speak my thanks earnestly to the LORD,
and in the midst of the throng I will praise him,
For he stood at the right hand of the poor man,
to save him from those who would condemn his soul.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.
AlleluiaSEE LK 19:38; 2:14
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 13:31-35
Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
"Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you."
He replied, "Go and tell that fox,
'Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow,
and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.
Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day,
for it is impossible that a prophet should die
outside of Jerusalem.'
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,
how many times I yearned to gather your children together
as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
but you were unwilling!
Behold, your house will be abandoned.
But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say,
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
"Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you."
He replied, "Go and tell that fox,
'Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow,
and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.
Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day,
for it is impossible that a prophet should die
outside of Jerusalem.'
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you,
how many times I yearned to gather your children together
as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
but you were unwilling!
Behold, your house will be abandoned.
But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say,
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
Meditation:
"Blessed
is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
: When your security is
threatened and danger strikes do you flee or stand your ground? When King
Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard that thousands of people were coming to
Jesus, he decided it was time to eliminate this threat to his influence and
power. That is why some of the Pharisees warned Jesus to flee from the wrath of
Herod. Jesus, in turn, warned them that they were in greater spiritual danger
of losing both soul and body to hell (Matthew 10:28) if they refused to listen
to God and to his messengers the prophets (Luke 13:34). Like John the Baptist
and all the prophets who preceded him, Jesus posed a threat to the ruling authorities
of his day.
Do
not fear those who oppose God
Jesus went so far as to call Herod a fox. What did he mean by such an expression? The fox was regarded as the slyest of all animals and one of the most destructive as well. Any farmer will tell you how difficult it is to get rid of foxes who under the cover of night steal and destroy. The fox became a symbol of what was worthless, insignificant, and destructive. It takes great courage to stand up and openly oppose a tyrant. Jesus knew that he would suffer the same fate as the prophets who came before him. He not only willingly exposed himself to such danger, but he prayed for his persecutors and for those who rejected the prophets who spoke in God's name. Do you pray for your enemies and for those who oppose the Gospel message today?
Jesus went so far as to call Herod a fox. What did he mean by such an expression? The fox was regarded as the slyest of all animals and one of the most destructive as well. Any farmer will tell you how difficult it is to get rid of foxes who under the cover of night steal and destroy. The fox became a symbol of what was worthless, insignificant, and destructive. It takes great courage to stand up and openly oppose a tyrant. Jesus knew that he would suffer the same fate as the prophets who came before him. He not only willingly exposed himself to such danger, but he prayed for his persecutors and for those who rejected the prophets who spoke in God's name. Do you pray for your enemies and for those who oppose the Gospel message today?
Jesus
came to set people free from sin and to give them new life
Jesus contrasts his desire for Jerusalem - the holy city and temple of God - with Jerusalem's lack of desire for him as their long-expected Messiah. Jesus compares his longing for Jerusalem with a mother hen gathering her chicks under her protective wings. Psalm 91 speaks of God's protection in such terms: He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge (Psalm 91:4). Jesus willingly set his face toward Jerusalem, knowing that he would meet certain betrayal, rejection, and death on a cross. His death on the cross, however, brought about victory and salvation, not only for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but for all - both Jew and Gentile - who would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Jesus contrasts his desire for Jerusalem - the holy city and temple of God - with Jerusalem's lack of desire for him as their long-expected Messiah. Jesus compares his longing for Jerusalem with a mother hen gathering her chicks under her protective wings. Psalm 91 speaks of God's protection in such terms: He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge (Psalm 91:4). Jesus willingly set his face toward Jerusalem, knowing that he would meet certain betrayal, rejection, and death on a cross. His death on the cross, however, brought about victory and salvation, not only for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but for all - both Jew and Gentile - who would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Open
the door of your heart to the Lord Jesus
Jesus' prophecy is a two-edged sword, pointing to his victory over sin and death and foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem and the dire consequences for all who would reject him and his saving message. While the destruction of Jerusalem's temple was determined - it was razed by the Romans in 70 A.D. - there remained for its inhabitants a narrow open door leading to deliverance. Jesus says: I am the door; whoever enters by me will be saved (John 10:9).
Jesus' prophecy is a two-edged sword, pointing to his victory over sin and death and foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem and the dire consequences for all who would reject him and his saving message. While the destruction of Jerusalem's temple was determined - it was razed by the Romans in 70 A.D. - there remained for its inhabitants a narrow open door leading to deliverance. Jesus says: I am the door; whoever enters by me will be saved (John 10:9).
The
Lord Jesus opens the way for each of us to have direct access to God who adopts
us as his children and who makes his home with us. Do you make room for the
Lord in your life? The Lord is knocking at the door of your heart (Revelations
3:20) and he wishes to enter into a close personal relationship with you.
Receive him who is the giver of expectant faith, unwavering hope, and undying
love. And long for the true home which God has prepared for you in his heavenly
city, Jerusalem (Revelations 21:2-4).
"Lord
Jesus, I place all my trust and hope in you. Come make your home with me and
take possession of my heart and will that I may wholly desire what is pleasing
to you. Fill my heart with love and mercy for others that I may boldly witness
to the truth and joy of the gospel through word and example, both to those who
accept it and to those who oppose it."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: Jesus foreshadows his triumphant
entrance into Jerusalem, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"'And
I tell you,' he says, 'you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he that
comes in the name of the Lord.' What does this mean? The Lord withdrew from
Jerusalem and left as unworthy of his presence those who said, 'Get away from
here.' And after he had walked about Judea and saved many and performed
miracles which no words can adequately describe, he returned again to
Jerusalem. It was then that he sat upon a colt of a donkey, while vast
multitudes and young children, holding up branches of palm trees, went before
him, praising him and saying, 'Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who
comes in the name of the Lord' (Matthew 21:9). Having left them, therefore, as
being unworthy, he says that when the time of his passion has arrived, he will
then barely be seen by them. Then again he went up to Jerusalem and entered
amidst praises, and at that very time endured his saving passion in our behalf,
that by suffering he might save and renew to in-corruption the inhabitants of
the earth. God the Father has saved us by Christ." (excerpt
from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 100)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, LUKE 13:31-35
Weekday
(Romans 8:31b-39; Psalm 109)
Weekday
(Romans 8:31b-39; Psalm 109)
KEY VERSE: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!" (v. 34).
TO KNOW: As Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, some Pharisees warned him that Herod Antipas was trying to hill him. Jesus dismissed Herod as nothing but a "fox," a sneaky, crafty beast and not a man to be feared. Jesus' destiny awaited him in Jerusalem and he would not be thwarted by Herod. Jesus mourned the great city where so many of God's messengers had lost their lives. He used a tender feminine image of God as a mother hen gathering her chicks under her wings (Ps 17:8). Jesus longed to shelter Israel from its impending destruction (70 CE, by the Romans). The great festival song of Jerusalem that blessed the one who comes in God's name (Ps 118:26) would not be sung again until Jesus' work was fully accomplished. Jesus’ crucifixion was the opening of the divine heart so that we could see that no sin of ours could finally separate us from the love of God.
TO LOVE: Do I pray for all who suffer for the faith?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to faithfully witness the Gospel as your saints have done throughout the ages.
Halloween --"All Hallows"
The word "Halloween" comes from the words "All Hallow's Eve," literally, the evening before the "Feast of All Saints.” According to many scholars, All Hallows' Eve is a Christianized feast initially influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, with possible pagan roots. Typical festive Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, and visiting haunted attractions.
Thursday 31 October 2019
St Alphonsus Rodriguez SJ
Romans 8:31-39. Psalm 108(109):21-22, 26-27, 30-31. Luke
13:31-35.
Save me, O Lord, in your kindness – Psalm 108(109):21-22, 26-27,
30-31
‘With God on our side, who can be against us?’
Reading the letter to the Romans can offer us real consolation.
God is for us. Anything else is insignificant in comparison with this
knowledge. Nothing can separate us from the love of God made visible in Christ
Jesus. This is the source of our hope.
St Alphonsus Rodriguez lived a life of hope in the presence of
God. As a doorman at a Jesuit College in Majorca, he met all sorts of people
from all walks of life. He would hear a knock at the door and say to himself
‘I’m coming, Lord’. His life overflowed with the spiritual and human graces he
received in his prayer and ministry. His life brought consolation and peace to
many people to whom he offered counsel. A way of simple, generous service, he
shows us the way to ordinary holiness in everyday commitments and
responsibilities as simple and important as opening the door.
Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg
Saint of the Day for October 31
(c. 924 – August 31, 994)
 |
| Statue of Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg | main altar, Parish church in Metnitz | Raul de Chissota |
Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg’s Story
Wolfgang was born in Swabia, Germany, and was educated at a
school located at the abbey of Reichenau. There he encountered Henry, a young
noble who went on to become Archbishop of Trier. Meanwhile, Wolfgang remained
in close contact with the archbishop, teaching in his cathedral school and
supporting his efforts to reform the clergy.
At the death of the archbishop, Wolfgang chose to become a
Benedictine monk and moved to an abbey in Einsiedeln, now part of Switzerland.
Ordained a priest, he was appointed director of the monastery school there.
Later he was sent to Hungary as a missionary, though his zeal and good will
yielded limited results.
Emperor Otto II appointed him Bishop of Regensburg, near Munich.
Wolfgang immediately initiated reform of the clergy and of religious life,
preaching with vigor and effectiveness and always demonstrating special concern
for the poor. He wore the habit of a monk and lived an austere life.
The draw to monastic life never left him, including the desire
for a life of solitude. At one point he left his diocese so that he could
devote himself to prayer, but his responsibilities as bishop called him
back. In 994, Wolfgang became ill while on a journey; he died in Puppingen
near Linz, Austria. He was canonized in 1052. His feast day is celebrated
widely in much of central Europe.
Reflection
Wolfgang could be depicted as a man with rolled-up sleeves. He
even tried retiring to solitary prayer, but taking his responsibilities
seriously led him back into the service of his diocese. Doing what had to be
done was his path to holiness—and ours.
Lectio Divina: Luke 13:31-35
Lectio Divina
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Ordinary Time
1) Opening prayer
Almighty and ever-living God,
strengthen our faith, hope and love.
May we do with loving hearts
what you ask of us
and come to share the life you promise.
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.
strengthen our faith, hope and love.
May we do with loving hearts
what you ask of us
and come to share the life you promise.
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 - Luke 13: 31-35
Some Pharisees came up to Jesus and, 'Go away,' they said.
'Leave this place, because Herod means to kill you.' He replied, 'You may go
and give that fox this message: Look! Today and tomorrow I drive out devils and
heal, and on the third day I attain my end. But for today and tomorrow and the
next day I must go on, since it would not be right for a prophet to die outside
Jerusalem.
'Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets and stone
those who are sent to you! How often have I longed to gather your children
together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you refused! Look!
Your house will be left to you. Yes, I promise you, you shall not see me till
the time comes when you are saying: Blessed is he who is coming in the name of
the Lord!'
3) Reflection
● The Gospel today makes us feel the threatening and dangerous
context in which Jesus lived and worked. Herod, as he had killed John the
Baptist, wanted to kill Jesus.
● Luke 13: 31: The warning of the Pharisees to
Jesus. “Just at that time some Pharisees came up. Go away, they said, Leave
this place because Herod means to kill you” It is important to notice
that Jesus receives the warning of the Pharisees. Sometimes, the Pharisees are
together with the group of Herod wanting to kill Jesus (Mk 3: 6;
12: 13). But here they are in solidarity with Jesus and want to avoid his
death. At that time the power of the king was absolute. He did not render an
account to anyone of his way of governing. Herod had already killed John the
Baptist and now he wanted to finish also with Jesus.
● Luke 13: 32-33: the response of Jesus. “He
replied: You may go and give that fox this message, ‘Look! Today and tomorrow I
drive out evils and heal, and on the third day I attain my end”. Jesus’
response is very clear and courageous. He calls Herod: fox. To announce the
Kingdom Jesus does not depend on the permission of the political authority. He
sends a message informing that he continues his work today and
tomorrow and that he will have finished only day after tomorrow, that
is on the third day. In this response is discovered all the liberty to the
power which wanted to prevent him from carrying out the mission received from
the Father. Therefore, the one who determines the time and the hour is God and
not Herod. At the same time, in the response there arises also a certain
symbolism connected to the death and resurrection on the third day in
Jerusalem. This is to indicate that he will not die in Galilee, but in
Jerusalem, capital of his people, and that he will resurrect on the third day.
● Luke 13: 34-35: Admonishment of Jesus to
Jerusalem. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who
are sent to you! How often have I longed to gather your children together as a
hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you refused!” This
admonishment of Jesus on the capital of his people recalls the long and sad
story of the resistance of the authority to God’s calls which reached through
so many prophets and wise men. At another moment Jesus speaks of the prophets
persecuted and killed from Abel to Zechariah (Lk 11: 51). Reaching
Jerusalem a short time before his death, looking toward the city from the top
of the Mountain of Olives, Jesus weeps on it, because it does not recognize the
time in which God comes to visit it” (Lk 19: 44).
4) Personal questions
● Jesus qualifies the public power with the name of fox. Can
your political power deserve to be qualified like this?
● Jesus tried many times to convert the people of Jerusalem, but the religious authority resisted. And you, how many times do you resist?
● Jesus tried many times to convert the people of Jerusalem, but the religious authority resisted. And you, how many times do you resist?
5) Concluding prayer
Yahweh and his strength,
tirelessly seek his presence!
Remember the marvels he has done, his wonders,
the judgements he has spoken. (Ps 105: 4-5)
tirelessly seek his presence!
Remember the marvels he has done, his wonders,
the judgements he has spoken. (Ps 105: 4-5)
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