Wednesday of the First Week of Advent
Lectionary: 177
Lectionary: 177
On this mountain the LORD of hosts
will provide for all peoples
A feast of rich food and choice wines,
juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the veil that veils all peoples,
The web that is woven over all nations;
he will destroy death forever.
The Lord GOD will wipe away
the tears from all faces;
The reproach of his people he will remove
from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.
On that day it will be said:
"Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the LORD for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!"
For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.
will provide for all peoples
A feast of rich food and choice wines,
juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.
On this mountain he will destroy
the veil that veils all peoples,
The web that is woven over all nations;
he will destroy death forever.
The Lord GOD will wipe away
the tears from all faces;
The reproach of his people he will remove
from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.
On that day it will be said:
"Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the LORD for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!"
For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.
ResponsorialPSALM PS 23:1-3A, 3B-4,
5, 6
R. (6cd) I shall
live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Alleluia
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Behold, the Lord comes to save his people;
blessed are those prepared to meet him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Behold, the Lord comes to save his people;
blessed are those prepared to meet him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 15:29-37
At that time:
Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee,
went up on the mountain, and sat down there.
Great crowds came to him,
having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute,
and many others.
They placed them at his feet, and he cured them.
The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking,
the deformed made whole,
the lame walking,
and the blind able to see,
and they glorified the God of Israel.
Jesus summoned his disciples and said,
"My heart is moved with pity for the crowd,
for they have been with me now for three days
and have nothing to eat.
I do not want to send them away hungry,
for fear they may collapse on the way."
The disciples said to him,
"Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place
to satisfy such a crowd?"
Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?"
"Seven," they replied, "and a few fish."
He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish,
gave thanks, broke the loaves,
and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.
They all ate and were satisfied.
They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee,
went up on the mountain, and sat down there.
Great crowds came to him,
having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute,
and many others.
They placed them at his feet, and he cured them.
The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking,
the deformed made whole,
the lame walking,
and the blind able to see,
and they glorified the God of Israel.
Jesus summoned his disciples and said,
"My heart is moved with pity for the crowd,
for they have been with me now for three days
and have nothing to eat.
I do not want to send them away hungry,
for fear they may collapse on the way."
The disciples said to him,
"Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place
to satisfy such a crowd?"
Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?"
"Seven," they replied, "and a few fish."
He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish,
gave thanks, broke the loaves,
and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.
They all ate and were satisfied.
They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
For the readings of the Optional Memorial of Saint John Damascene, please
go here.
Meditation: "This
is the LORD - we have waited for him"
What
sign does God give his people that the promised Messiah, God's Anointed Son,
will come to bring his heavenly peace and blessing and kingdom power to
overcome the power of sin and oppression? In Jesus's time the people were in
eager expectation that the Messiah would come soon. The prophets foretold that
he would come in the power of Elijah and would perform mighty signs like Moses
did when he delivered his people from slavery in Egypt. Some 700 years before
Jesus came, Isaiah had prophesied that God would provide a heavenly banquet for
all peoples and would destroy death once and for all (Isaiah 25:6-8). Jesus,
God's Anointed Son, came to fulfill that promise.
Signs
of the coming of God's kingdom of grace and power
Jesus' miracles are both a sign of the coming of God's kingdom and a demonstration of God's power to deliver his people from slavery to sin and Satan's oppressive rule. Jesus' miracles also showed the magnitude of God's mercy.
Jesus' miracles are both a sign of the coming of God's kingdom and a demonstration of God's power to deliver his people from slavery to sin and Satan's oppressive rule. Jesus' miracles also showed the magnitude of God's mercy.
When
the disciples were confronted by Jesus with the task of feeding four thousand
people many miles away from any source of food, they exclaimed: Where
in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them (Matthew
15:33)? The Israelites were confronted with the same dilemma when
they fled Egypt and found themselves in a barren wilderness. Like the
miraculous provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4, 15; Psalm
78:24-25), Jesus, himself provides bread in abundance for the hungry crowd who
came out into the desert to seek him. The Gospel records that all were
satisfied and they took up what was leftover.
Jesus
nourishes us with the true bread of heaven
In the multiplication of the loaves and fishes we see a sign and a symbol of what God always does. God knows our needs and he cares. When God gives, he gives in abundance. The Gospel account records that the leftovers from the miraculous meal was more than seven times the amount they began with. Seven is a symbol of completion and wholeness. When God gives, he gives until we are satisfied. When God works for his people he gives abundantly - more than we could deserve and more than we need. He nourishes us with his life-giving word and with the bread of heaven. In the kingdom of heaven God will feast us at his banquet table. Are you satisfied with God's provision for you? And do you long with expectant hope for the coming of his kingdom in all its fullness?
In the multiplication of the loaves and fishes we see a sign and a symbol of what God always does. God knows our needs and he cares. When God gives, he gives in abundance. The Gospel account records that the leftovers from the miraculous meal was more than seven times the amount they began with. Seven is a symbol of completion and wholeness. When God gives, he gives until we are satisfied. When God works for his people he gives abundantly - more than we could deserve and more than we need. He nourishes us with his life-giving word and with the bread of heaven. In the kingdom of heaven God will feast us at his banquet table. Are you satisfied with God's provision for you? And do you long with expectant hope for the coming of his kingdom in all its fullness?
Lord
Jesus, you alone can satisfy the longing and hunger in our hearts. May I thirst
for your kingdom and find joy in your presence. Give me the true bread of
heaven and nourish me with your life-giving word."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: The joy of the hope rooted in Christ,
by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"Having
said that the Lord will reign in Zion and Jerusalem, Isaiah leads us to the
mystical meaning of the passage (Isaiah 25:6-10). Thus Zion is interpreted as a
high place that is good for surveillance, and Jerusalem is the vision of the
world. In fact, the church of Christ combines both: it is high and visible from
everywhere, and is, so to speak, located on the mountain. The church may be
understood as high also in another way: there is nothing low in it, it is far
removed from all the mundane things, as it is written, 'I will be exalted among
the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!' (Psalm 47:7-8). Equally elevated
are its orthodox and divine doctrines; thus the doctrine about God or about the
holy and consubstantial Trinity is true, pure and without guile.
"'The Lord of hosts will make for all people,' not just for the Israelites elected for the sake of their patriarchs but for all the people of the world. What will he make? 'A feast of wines on the lees; they will drink joy, they will drink wine. They will be anointed with myrrh on the mountain.' This joy, of course, means the joy of hope, of the hope rooted in Christ, because we will reign with him, and with him we will enjoy every spiritual joy and pleasure that surpasses mind and understanding. By 'wine' he points to the mystical sacrament, that of the bloodless sacrifice, which we celebrate in the holy churches." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 25:6-7)
"'The Lord of hosts will make for all people,' not just for the Israelites elected for the sake of their patriarchs but for all the people of the world. What will he make? 'A feast of wines on the lees; they will drink joy, they will drink wine. They will be anointed with myrrh on the mountain.' This joy, of course, means the joy of hope, of the hope rooted in Christ, because we will reign with him, and with him we will enjoy every spiritual joy and pleasure that surpasses mind and understanding. By 'wine' he points to the mystical sacrament, that of the bloodless sacrifice, which we celebrate in the holy churches." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH 25:6-7)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, MATTHEW 15:29-37
Weekday
(Isaiah 25:6-10a; Psalm 23)
Weekday
(Isaiah 25:6-10a; Psalm 23)
KEY VERSE: "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd" (v. 32).
TO KNOW: Like Moses, Jesus went up on a mountain to teach the people. Jesus was a compassionate teacher who had concern for the needs of his people, both spiritual and physical. He took pity on the crowd, which had been following him for three days and were without food. The disciples were at a loss as to how they could feed so many hungry people. Jesus took what the disciples had, seven loaves of bread and some fish, gave thanks, broke the bread, and distributed it to the disciples who in turn satisfied the hungry people. This “Gentile feeding” corresponds to the “Jewish feeding” (Mt 14:13–21). The seven remaining baskets signified the fullness of God's care for all people, gentile and Jew. These same acts: taking, thanking, breaking and offering are what priests continue to do in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass. The "Breaking of the Bread" was an early name for the Eucharist (Greek, eucharistia, "the giving of thanks," Acts.2:42). The followers of Jesus believed in his miracles of, and they didn’t see them as mere symbols. They saw them for what they truly are: the real presence of Christ in our hungry world.
TO LOVE: In what ways will I feed God's people this Advent?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, I give you thanks for satisfying my hunger in your Eucharistic presence.
Optional Memorial of Saint John of Damascene, priest and doctor
of the Church
John Damascene also known as John of Damascus, was highly educated in the classical fields. He wrote "The Fountain of Wisdom," the first real compendium of Christian theology, along with other works defending the orthodox faith. He also wrote commentaries on Saint Paul, poetry, hymns, and adapted choral music for use in the liturgy. Through a series of letters opposing the anti-icon decrees of Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople, John defended the use of icons and images in churches. His eloquent defense of images has deservedly procured him the title of "The Doctor of Christian Art." John of Damascus was the last of the Greek Fathers of the Church. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1890 by Pope Leo XIII.
NOTE: What is an icon?
Icons have been called "windows to Heaven." Icons bring us into the presence of the divine through a material image. The iconographer fasts and prays before working, then 'writes' down a text using images rather than words. Every image and color means something in an icon. For instance, blue is the color of divinity. Red the color of blood and flesh. Wings mean the willingness to quickly obey God's word. The icon draws us toward the reality of heaven and teaches us to pray that we may become more like Christ, and more like the saint whom the icon portrays. We are human beings are icons, made in the image and likeness of God and have the greatest dignity and are to be highly respected, loved, and made more like Christ. [https://www.beliefnet.com]
Wednesday 4 December 2019
St John Damascene
Isaiah 25:6-10. Psalm 22(23). Matthew 15:29-37.
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life – Psalm 22(23)
‘The crowds praised the God of Israel.’
Isaiah 25:6-10. Psalm 22(23). Matthew 15:29-37.
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life – Psalm 22(23)
‘The crowds praised the God of Israel.’
How does the psalmist have the deep knowing that there will be a
Lord who will lead to places of stillness and peace? Someone has extended to him
goodness and mercy, and these qualities make him realise the true meaning of
life for himself and for others. In his compassion Jesus looks to ordinary
human hungers and provides more than enough for the crowd. They are astounded
at the goodness offered to them.
Many confusing realities are presented as culture. It is easy to
fall in with the pervasive notions which are devoid of goodness and mercy.
Chronic pain and well-intentioned treatments can disorient and dishearten. Put
Jesus beside you in these tough situations of weakness and he will gently guide
you back.
Saint John Damascene
Saint of the Day for December 4
(c. 676 -749)
 |
| Saint John Damaskinos | unknown |
Saint John Damascene’s Story
John spent most of his life in the Monastery of Saint Sabas near
Jerusalem, and all of his life under Muslim rule, indeed protected by it.
He was born in Damascus, received a classical and theological
education, and followed his father in a government position under the Arabs.
After a few years, he resigned and went to the Monastery of Saint Sabas.
He is famous in three areas:
First, he is known for his writings against the iconoclasts, who
opposed the veneration of images. Paradoxically, it was the Eastern Christian
emperor Leo who forbade the practice, and it was because John lived in Muslim
territory that his enemies could not silence him.
Second, he is famous for his treatise, Exposition of the
Orthodox Faith, a summary of the Greek Fathers, of which he became the
last. It is said that this book is for Eastern schools what the Summa of
Aquinas became for the West.
Third, he is known as a poet, one of the two greatest of the Eastern
Church, the other being Romanus the Melodist. His devotion to the Blessed
Mother and his sermons on her feasts are well known.
Reflection
John defended the Church’s understanding of the veneration of
images and explained the faith of the Church in several other controversies.
For over 30 years, he combined a life of prayer with these defenses and his
other writings. His holiness expressed itself in putting his literary and
preaching talents at the service of the Lord.
Lectio Divina: Matthew 15:29-37
Lectio Divina
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
1st Week of Advent
1) Opening prayer
God of all people,
You know how people hunger and thirst
for truth, love and acceptance.
If we accept You and believe in You
we see our deepest trust and aspirations
being fulfilled by You
as we work for the coming of Your kingdom.
Help us to let the cup that You pour for us
overflow on all Your people,
that all may praise You
now and for ever.
You know how people hunger and thirst
for truth, love and acceptance.
If we accept You and believe in You
we see our deepest trust and aspirations
being fulfilled by You
as we work for the coming of Your kingdom.
Help us to let the cup that You pour for us
overflow on all Your people,
that all may praise You
now and for ever.
2) Gospel Reading - Matthew 15:29-37
Jesus went on from there and reached the shores of the Lake of
Galilee, and He went up onto the mountain. He took His seat, and large crowds
came to Him bringing the lame, the crippled, the blind, the dumb and many
others; these they put down at His feet and He cured them. The crowds were
astonished to see the dumb speaking, the cripples whole again, the lame walking
and the blind with their sight, and they praised the God of Israel. But Jesus
called His disciples to Him and said, “I feel sorry for all these people; they
have been with Me for three days now and have nothing to eat. I do not want to
send them off hungry, or they might collapse on the way.” The disciples said to
Him, “Where in a deserted place could we get sufficient bread for such a large
crowd to have enough to eat?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves have you?”
They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” Then He instructed the crowd to sit
down on the ground, and He took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving
thanks He broke them and began handing them to the disciples, who gave them to
the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected what was
left of the scraps, seven baskets full.
3) Reflection
Today’s Gospel is like the rising sun. It is always the same sun
every day which renews life and renders plants fertile. The greatest danger is
routine. Routine kills the Gospel and extinguishes the sun of life.
• The elements which form the picture of the Gospel are always the same: Jesus, the mountain, the sea, the crowds, the sick, the needy, the problems of life. However, despite their familiarity they, like the sun, bring a life giving message.
• Like Moses, Jesus goes up to the mountain and the people gather around Him. They bring their problems with them: sickness, blindness, deafness, etc. They are the new People of God who gather around the new Moses. Jesus cures all of them.
• Jesus calls the disciples. He has compassion for the people who have nothing to eat . According to the disciples, the solution must come from outside: “Where to find bread to feed so many people?” According to Jesus, the solution must come from the people through His help: “How many loaves have you?” They answer “seven and a few small fish”. With these few loaves of bread and fish, Jesus satisfies the hunger of all, and there are even some left over. If today people would share what they have, there would be no hunger in the world. Many things would be left over! Truly, another world is possible!
• The account of the multiplication of the loaves foretells the Eucharist : “Jesus, took the bread in His hands, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to His disciples”.
• The elements which form the picture of the Gospel are always the same: Jesus, the mountain, the sea, the crowds, the sick, the needy, the problems of life. However, despite their familiarity they, like the sun, bring a life giving message.
• Like Moses, Jesus goes up to the mountain and the people gather around Him. They bring their problems with them: sickness, blindness, deafness, etc. They are the new People of God who gather around the new Moses. Jesus cures all of them.
• Jesus calls the disciples. He has compassion for the people who have nothing to eat . According to the disciples, the solution must come from outside: “Where to find bread to feed so many people?” According to Jesus, the solution must come from the people through His help: “How many loaves have you?” They answer “seven and a few small fish”. With these few loaves of bread and fish, Jesus satisfies the hunger of all, and there are even some left over. If today people would share what they have, there would be no hunger in the world. Many things would be left over! Truly, another world is possible!
• The account of the multiplication of the loaves foretells the Eucharist : “Jesus, took the bread in His hands, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to His disciples”.
4) Personal questions
• Jesus feels compassion. Is there compassion in me when
facing the problems of humanity? Do I do something about it?
• The disciples expect the solution to come from outside. Jesus shows differently. Where do I look for solutions?
• Is every day routine for me, or do I thank God for another day and creatively seek to do His will?
• The disciples expect the solution to come from outside. Jesus shows differently. Where do I look for solutions?
• Is every day routine for me, or do I thank God for another day and creatively seek to do His will?
5) Concluding Prayer
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures He gives me repose. (Ps 23)
In verdant pastures He gives me repose. (Ps 23)
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét