Monday of the First Week of Advent
Lectionary: 175
Lectionary: 175
On that day,
The branch of the LORD will be luster and glory,
and the fruit of the earth will be honor and splendor
for the survivors of Israel.
He who remains in Zion
and he who is left in Jerusalem
Will be called holy:
every one marked down for life in Jerusalem.
When the LORD washes away
the filth of the daughters of Zion,
And purges Jerusalem's blood from her midst
with a blast of searing judgment,
Then will the LORD create,
over the whole site of Mount Zion
and over her place of assembly,
A smoking cloud by day
and a light of flaming fire by night.
For over all, the LORD's glory will be shelter and protection:
shade from the parching heat of day,
refuge and cover from storm and rain.
The branch of the LORD will be luster and glory,
and the fruit of the earth will be honor and splendor
for the survivors of Israel.
He who remains in Zion
and he who is left in Jerusalem
Will be called holy:
every one marked down for life in Jerusalem.
When the LORD washes away
the filth of the daughters of Zion,
And purges Jerusalem's blood from her midst
with a blast of searing judgment,
Then will the LORD create,
over the whole site of Mount Zion
and over her place of assembly,
A smoking cloud by day
and a light of flaming fire by night.
For over all, the LORD's glory will be shelter and protection:
shade from the parching heat of day,
refuge and cover from storm and rain.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 122:1-2, 3-4B, 4CD-5,
6-7, 8-9
R. Let us
go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, "Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my relatives and friends
I will say, "Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
AlleluiaSEE PS 80:4
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Come and save us, LORD our God;
let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Come and save us, LORD our God;
let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 8:5-11
When Jesus entered Capernaum,
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
"Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully."
He said to him, "I will come and cure him."
The centurion said in reply,
"Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes;
and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes;
and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it."
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
"Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven."
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
"Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully."
He said to him, "I will come and cure him."
The centurion said in reply,
"Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes;
and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes;
and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it."
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
"Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven."
Meditation:
"Many will sit at table in the kingdom of heaven"
Are you ready to feast
at the Lord's banquet table? God's gracious invitation extends to all - Jew and
Gentile alike - who will turn to him with faith and obedience. Jesus used many
images or pictures to convey what the kingdom of God is like. One such image is
a great banquet feast given at the King's table (Matthew 8:11 and Luke 13:29).
Jesus promised that everyone who believed in him would come and feast at the
heavenly banquet table of his Father. Jesus told this parable in response to
the dramatic request made by a Roman centurion, a person despised by many
because he was an outsider, not one of the "chosen ones" of Israel.
In Jesus' time the Jews hated the Romans because they represented everything
they stood against - including foreign domination and pagan beliefs and
practices.
The
power to command with trust and respect
Why did Jesus not only warmly receive a Roman centurion but praise him as a model of faith and confidence in God? In the Roman world the position of centurion was very important. He was an officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. In a certain sense, he was the backbone of the Roman army, the cement which held the army together. Polybius, an ancient writer, describes what a centurion should be: "They must not be so much venturesome seekers after danger as men who can command, steady in action, and reliable; they ought not to be over-anxious to rush into the fight, but when hard pressed, they must be ready to hold their ground, and die at their posts."
Why did Jesus not only warmly receive a Roman centurion but praise him as a model of faith and confidence in God? In the Roman world the position of centurion was very important. He was an officer in charge of a hundred soldiers. In a certain sense, he was the backbone of the Roman army, the cement which held the army together. Polybius, an ancient writer, describes what a centurion should be: "They must not be so much venturesome seekers after danger as men who can command, steady in action, and reliable; they ought not to be over-anxious to rush into the fight, but when hard pressed, they must be ready to hold their ground, and die at their posts."
Faith
in Jesus' authority and power to heal
The centurion who approached Jesus was not only courageous, but faith-filled as well. He risked the ridicule of his cronies as well as mockery from the Jews by seeking help from a traveling preacher from Galilee. Nonetheless, the centurion approached Jesus with great confidence and humility. He was an extraordinary man because he loved his slave. In the Roman world slaves were treated like animals - something to be used for work and pleasure and for bartering and trade. This centurion was a man of great compassion and extraordinary faith. He wanted Jesus to heal his beloved slave. Jesus commends him for his faith and immediately grants him his request. Are you willing to suffer ridicule in the practice of your faith? And when you need help, do you approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith?
The centurion who approached Jesus was not only courageous, but faith-filled as well. He risked the ridicule of his cronies as well as mockery from the Jews by seeking help from a traveling preacher from Galilee. Nonetheless, the centurion approached Jesus with great confidence and humility. He was an extraordinary man because he loved his slave. In the Roman world slaves were treated like animals - something to be used for work and pleasure and for bartering and trade. This centurion was a man of great compassion and extraordinary faith. He wanted Jesus to heal his beloved slave. Jesus commends him for his faith and immediately grants him his request. Are you willing to suffer ridicule in the practice of your faith? And when you need help, do you approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith?
Christ
comes to establish God's kingdom of peace where all peoples can feast at
his table
The prophet Isaiah foretold a time of restoration for the holy city Jerusalem and for its remnants (see Isaiah 4:2-6) and also a time of universal peace when all nations would come to Jerusalem to "the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob" and "beat their swords into plowshares" (Isaiah 2:2-4). Jesus fulfills this prophecy first by restoring both Jew and Gentile to friendship with God through the victory he won for us on the cross. When he comes again he will fully establish his universal rule of peace and righteousness (moral goodness) and unite all things in himself (Ephesians 1:10). His promise extends to all generations who believe in him that we, too, might feast at the heavenly banquet table with the patriarchs of the Old Covenant (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) who believed but did not yet see the promised Messiah.
The prophet Isaiah foretold a time of restoration for the holy city Jerusalem and for its remnants (see Isaiah 4:2-6) and also a time of universal peace when all nations would come to Jerusalem to "the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob" and "beat their swords into plowshares" (Isaiah 2:2-4). Jesus fulfills this prophecy first by restoring both Jew and Gentile to friendship with God through the victory he won for us on the cross. When he comes again he will fully establish his universal rule of peace and righteousness (moral goodness) and unite all things in himself (Ephesians 1:10). His promise extends to all generations who believe in him that we, too, might feast at the heavenly banquet table with the patriarchs of the Old Covenant (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) who believed but did not yet see the promised Messiah.
Do
you believe in God's promises and do you seek his kingdom first in your life?
The season of Advent reminds us that the Lord Jesus wants us to actively seek
him and the coming of his kingdom in our lives. The Lord will surely reward
those who seek his will for their lives. We can approach the Lord Jesus with
expectant faith, like the centurion in today's Gospel reading (Matthew 8:5-11),
knowing that he will show us his mercy and give us his help.
"Lord
Jesus, you feed us daily with your life-giving word and you sustain us on our
journey to our true homeland with you and the Father in heaven. May I
never lose hope in your promises nor lag in zeal for your kingdom of
righteousness and peace."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: Welcoming the Lord Jesus with
expectant faith and humility, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"When
the Lord promised to go to the centurion's house to heal his servant, the
centurion answered, 'Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but
only say the word, and my servant will be healed.' By viewing himself as
unworthy, he showed himself worthy for Christ to come not merely into his house
but also into his heart. He would not have said this with such great faith and
humility if he had not already welcomed in his heart the One who came into his
house. It would have been no great joy for the Lord Jesus to enter into his house
and not to enter his heart. For the Master of humility both by word and example
sat down also in the house of a certain proud Pharisee, Simon, and though he
sat down in his house, there was no place in his heart. For in his heart the
Son of Man could not lay his head" (Matthew 8:20). (excerpt
from SERMON 62.1)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, MATTHEW 8:5-11
Weekday
(Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 122)
Weekday
(Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 122)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith" (v. 10).
TO KNOW: As Jesus entered Capernaum, a Centurion (a commander of 100 men at a military post), approached and asked Jesus to heal his servant. A slave was of little importance in the Roman Empire, yet the Centurion had compassion for him. Even though Jesus' ministry was to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mt 15:24), he consented to go with this non-Israelite. The Centurion protested that he was unworthy to have Jesus enter his house, since according to Jewish law, a Jew could not enter the Gentile's house since they were considered unclean. As an officer, the Centurion knew the power of a command, and he believed that Jesus only needed to speak a word to heal his servant. Jesus was amazed at the man's faith, and acknowledged that many would come from the "east and the west" (Luke 4:11), and would find a place at the banquet in God's kingdom. The faith of the Centurion anticipated the Church's missionary activity among the Gentiles.
TO LOVE: How will I demonstrate my faith this Advent?
TO SERVE: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.
NOTE: In the Mass, right before receiving Communion we as Catholics say this: "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." It is fitting that we tell Jesus, just as the Centurion did, that we are not worthy of having him abide in our souls. We recognize that Jesus’ mighty word is dwelling within us, and will in fact heal us of all unworthiness.
Monday 2 December 2019
Isaiah 4:2-6. Psalm 121(122):1-2,4-5,6-9. Matthew 8:5-11.
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord – Psalm 121(122):1-2,4-5,6-9.
Jesus declares God’s love for all people.
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord – Psalm 121(122):1-2,4-5,6-9.
Jesus declares God’s love for all people.
In Jesus’ reception of the centurion, a powerful representative
of the hated oppressors of Israel, he declares God’s love for all people with
tremendous force. Not only does Jesus show love toward someone who should by
right be his enemy, but he reveals the very nature of God and his care. Counter
to common understandings of the role of Israel and her Messiah in God’s plan,
Jesus reveals that God’s people have been chosen not only for themselves, but
in order that the whole world will be brought into God’s family. At the same
time Jesus reveals his own divinity, making it clear that faith in him is the
entry to this familial status. May God grant us such faith and enable us to
take up with sincerity the centurions’ words for ourselves ‘I am not worthy to
have you under my roof, but only say the word’.
Blessed Rafal Chylinski
Saint of the Day for December 2
(January 8, 1694 – December 2, 1741)
 |
| Blessed Rafał Chyliński | photo by Mody76 |
Blessed Rafal Chylinski’s Story
Born near Buk in the Poznan region of Poland, Melchior Chylinski
showed early signs of religious devotion; family members nicknamed him “the
little monk.” After completing his studies at the Jesuit college in Poznan,
Melchior joined the cavalry and was promoted to officer rank within
three years.
In 1715, against the urgings of his military comrades, Melchior
joined the Conventual Franciscans in Krakow. Receiving the name Rafal, he
was ordained two years later. After pastoral assignments in nine cities, he
came to Lagiewniki, where he spent the last 13 years of his life, except for 20
months ministering to flood and epidemic victims in Warsaw. In all these
places, Rafal was known for his simple and candid sermons, for his generosity,
as well as for his ministry in the confessional. People of all levels of
society were drawn to the self-sacrificing way he lived out his religious
profession and priestly ministry.
Rafal played the harp, lute, and mandolin to accompany
liturgical hymns. In Lagiewniki he distributed food, supplies, and clothing to
the poor. After his death, the Conventual church in that city became a place of
pilgrimage for people throughout Poland. He was beatified in Warsaw in 1991.
Reflection
The sermons preached by Rafal were powerfully reinforced by the
living sermon of his life. The Sacrament of Reconciliation can help us bring
our daily choices into harmony with our words about Jesus’ influence in our
lives.
Lectio Divina: Matthew 8:5-11
Lectio Divina
Monday, December 2, 2019
1st Week of Advent
1) Opening prayer
Lord God, Father of all,
in Your Son Jesus Christ
you invite everyone and all to know and love You
and to live in Your unending peace.
in Your Son Jesus Christ
you invite everyone and all to know and love You
and to live in Your unending peace.
Keep alive in us the zeal
to bring the light of Your truth
and the riches of Your life and love to all,
without any distinction
of race, language or culture.
May everyone on earth come to know You
as the merciful Father of all
through our brother and Savior,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
to bring the light of Your truth
and the riches of Your life and love to all,
without any distinction
of race, language or culture.
May everyone on earth come to know You
as the merciful Father of all
through our brother and Savior,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 8:5-11
When He went into Capernaum a centurion came up and pleaded with
Him. “Sir,” he said, “my servant is lying at home paralyzed and in great pain.”
Jesus said to him, “I will come myself and cure him.”
The centurion replied, “Sir, I am not worthy to have You under my roof; just give the word and my servant will be cured. For I am under authority myself and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man, ‘Go,’ and he goes; to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this He was astonished and said to those following Him, “In truth I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found faith as great as this. And I tell you that many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of Heaven."
The centurion replied, “Sir, I am not worthy to have You under my roof; just give the word and my servant will be cured. For I am under authority myself and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man, ‘Go,’ and he goes; to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this He was astonished and said to those following Him, “In truth I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found faith as great as this. And I tell you that many will come from east and west and sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of Heaven."
3) Reflection
Today’s Gospel is a mirror. It reminds us of the words we say
during the Mass at the moment of communion: “Lord, I am not worthy that You
should enter my house, only say the word and I will be healed”.
Looking at this text more closely it suggests the following:
• The person who seeks Jesus is a pagan, a gentile, a soldier of the Roman army, which dominated and exploited the people. It is not merely religion or the desire for God, but rather the need and the suffering which impels him first to seek Jesus, followed by a faith that Jesus could heal. Jesus has no prejudices. He does not demand anything first, He accepts and listens to the request of the Roman centurion.
• Jesus’ answer surprises the centurion because it is beyond his expectation. The centurion did not expect that Jesus would go to his house. He feels unworthy: “I am not worthy”. This means that he considered Jesus a highly superior person.
• The centurion expresses his faith in Jesus saying “say the word and my servant will be cured”. He believes that the word of Jesus is capable of healing. From where does he get this great faith? It comes from his professional experience as a centurion! Because when a centurion gives an order, the soldier obeys. He has to obey. Thus, he believes it is enough for Jesus to say one word, and things will happen according to His word. He believes the word of Jesus has authoritative force.
• Jesus praises the faith of the centurion. Faith does not consist in just accepting and repeating doctrine, but in believing and acting on the word of Jesus.
• The person who seeks Jesus is a pagan, a gentile, a soldier of the Roman army, which dominated and exploited the people. It is not merely religion or the desire for God, but rather the need and the suffering which impels him first to seek Jesus, followed by a faith that Jesus could heal. Jesus has no prejudices. He does not demand anything first, He accepts and listens to the request of the Roman centurion.
• Jesus’ answer surprises the centurion because it is beyond his expectation. The centurion did not expect that Jesus would go to his house. He feels unworthy: “I am not worthy”. This means that he considered Jesus a highly superior person.
• The centurion expresses his faith in Jesus saying “say the word and my servant will be cured”. He believes that the word of Jesus is capable of healing. From where does he get this great faith? It comes from his professional experience as a centurion! Because when a centurion gives an order, the soldier obeys. He has to obey. Thus, he believes it is enough for Jesus to say one word, and things will happen according to His word. He believes the word of Jesus has authoritative force.
• Jesus praises the faith of the centurion. Faith does not consist in just accepting and repeating doctrine, but in believing and acting on the word of Jesus.
4) Personal questions
• Placing myself in the place of Jesus: how do I accept and help
people of other religions?
• Placing myself in the place of the centurion: what personal experience leads me to believe in Jesus?
• Placing myself in the place of the centurion: what personal experience leads me to believe in Jesus?
5) Concluding Prayer
Come near to me with Your saving power,
let me share the happiness of Your chosen ones,
let me share the joy of Your people. (Ps 106)
let me share the happiness of Your chosen ones,
let me share the joy of Your people. (Ps 106)
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