Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Saint Teresa of Avila : "Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?"
Reading
Rm 1,16-25.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek. For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, "The one who is righteous by faith will live." The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. While claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes. Therefore, God handed them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Ps 19(18),2-3.4-5.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder's craft. One day to the next conveys that message; one night to the next imparts that knowledge. There is no word or sound; no voice is heard; Yet their report goes forth through all the earth, their message, to the ends of the world. God has pitched there a tent for the sun;
Lk 11,37-41.
After he had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, "Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Carmelite, Doctor of the Church
Way of Perfection, ch.28 (© Institute of Carmelite Studies)
"Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?"
In my opinion, if I had understood as I do now that in this little palace of my soul dwelt so great a King, I would not have left Him alone so often. I would have remained with Him at times and striven more so as not to be so unclean. But what a marvelous thing, that He who would fill a thousand worlds and many more with His grandeur would enclose Himself in something so small! In fact, since He is Lord He is free to do what He wants, and since He loves us He adapts Himself to our size. So that the soul won't be disturbed in the beginning by seeing that it is too small to have something so great within itself, the Lord doesn't give it this knowledge until He enlarges it little by little and it has the capacity to receive what He will place within it. For this reason I say He is free to do what He wants since He has the power to make this palace a large one. The whole point is that we should give ourselves to Him with complete determination, and we should empty the soul in such a way that He can store things there or take them away as though it were His own property. And since His Majesty has the rights of ownership, let us not oppose Him. And since He doesn't force our will, He takes what we give Him; but He doesn't give Himself completely until we give ourselves completely. This fact is certain; and because it is so important, I bring it to your minds so often. He never works in the soul as He does when it is totally His without any obstacle, nor do I see how He could. He is the friend of all good order. Now, then, if we fill the palace with lowly people and trifles, how will there be room for the Lord with His court? He does enough by remaining just a little while in the midst of so much confusion.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
St. Teresa of Avila
Monday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Saint Aphrahat : "Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites: so will the Son of Man be to this generation."
Reading
Rm 1,1-7.
Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ps 98,1.2-3.3-4.
Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done marvelous deeds, Whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory. The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph for the nations to see, Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.
Lk 11,29-32.
While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them, "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Aphrahat (? - c.345), monk and Bishop at Nineveh, near Mosul in present day Iraq
Demonstration 3, Concerning fasting (SC 349)
"Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites: so will the Son of Man be to this generation."
The sons of Nineveh fasted with a pure fast when Jonah preached repentance to them. For thus it is written: “When they heard the preaching of Jonah they proclaimed a solemn fast and constant supplication, sitting on sackcloth and ashes. They took off their fine clothing and put on sackcloth instead. Infants were denied their mothers’ breasts; pasture, to beasts both small and great,” (cf Jon 3)… And now here is what is written: “God saw their actions, how they turned from their evil way. Then he turned from them his anger and did not destroy them.” It does not say: “He saw their abstinence from bread and water, with sackcloth and ashes,” but: “how they turned from their evil way and from the wickedness of their works”… This indeed was a pure fast and it was accepted: the fast that the Ninevites fasted when they turned away from their evil ways and the greediness of their hands… Because, my friend, when you fast, the best fast is always to abstain from wickedness. It is better than abstaining from bread and water, better than… “bowing the head like a reed and lying in sackcloth and ashes,” as Isaiah says (58,5). When, indeed, a man abstains from bread, water or whatever food it may be, if he covers himself with sackcloth and ashes and afflicts himself, he is loved, he is fine and acceptable. But that which is most acceptable is that he humbles himself, that he “releases the chains” of impiety and unties the bonds of deception. Then “his light breaks forth like the dawn and his vindication goes before him. He is like a watered garden; like a spring whose water never fails,” (Is 58, 8ff).
Commentary of the day
Saint Aphrahat : "Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites: so will the Son of Man be to this generation."
Reading
Rm 1,1-7.
Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ps 98,1.2-3.3-4.
Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done marvelous deeds, Whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory. The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph for the nations to see, Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.
Lk 11,29-32.
While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them, "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Aphrahat (? - c.345), monk and Bishop at Nineveh, near Mosul in present day Iraq
Demonstration 3, Concerning fasting (SC 349)
"Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites: so will the Son of Man be to this generation."
The sons of Nineveh fasted with a pure fast when Jonah preached repentance to them. For thus it is written: “When they heard the preaching of Jonah they proclaimed a solemn fast and constant supplication, sitting on sackcloth and ashes. They took off their fine clothing and put on sackcloth instead. Infants were denied their mothers’ breasts; pasture, to beasts both small and great,” (cf Jon 3)… And now here is what is written: “God saw their actions, how they turned from their evil way. Then he turned from them his anger and did not destroy them.” It does not say: “He saw their abstinence from bread and water, with sackcloth and ashes,” but: “how they turned from their evil way and from the wickedness of their works”… This indeed was a pure fast and it was accepted: the fast that the Ninevites fasted when they turned away from their evil ways and the greediness of their hands… Because, my friend, when you fast, the best fast is always to abstain from wickedness. It is better than abstaining from bread and water, better than… “bowing the head like a reed and lying in sackcloth and ashes,” as Isaiah says (58,5). When, indeed, a man abstains from bread, water or whatever food it may be, if he covers himself with sackcloth and ashes and afflicts himself, he is loved, he is fine and acceptable. But that which is most acceptable is that he humbles himself, that he “releases the chains” of impiety and unties the bonds of deception. Then “his light breaks forth like the dawn and his vindication goes before him. He is like a watered garden; like a spring whose water never fails,” (Is 58, 8ff).
Sunday, October 14, 2007
St. Callistus I
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Saint Claude la Colombière : "He fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him."
Reading
2 Kings 5,14-17.
So Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. He returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival he stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant." "As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it," Elisha replied; and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused. Naaman said: "If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD.
Ps 98,1.2-3.3-4.
Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done marvelous deeds, Whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory. The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph for the nations to see, Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.
2 Tim 2,8-13.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
Lk 17,11-19.
As he continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met (him). They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Claude la Colombière (1641-1682), Jesuit
Retreat of 1674, fourth week
"He fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him."
For my meditation on the love of God I was struck by the sight of the benefits I have received from God from the first moments of my life until now. What goodness! What providence for both body and soul! What patience! What sweetness!… It seems to me that God made me understand and clearly see this truth: first, that he is within all creatures; secondly, that he is everything that is good in them; thirdly, that it is he who makes all the good we receive from them. And I seemed to see this king of glory and majesty taking pains to warm us in our clothing, refresh us with air, nourish us with food, take pleasure in pleasant sounds and objects, cause in me all the motions I need to live and act. What a wonder! Who am I, O my God, thus to be served by you at all times with such attentiveness and in all things with such care and love! He acts in the same way within all his other creatures; but all this is for me, like a zealous and watchful steward who causes work to be done for his king in every corner of the kingdom. What is even more wonderful is that God does this for all men, although almost nobody thinks about it except perhaps some chosen, some holy soul. I, at least, should think about it and be grateful for it. I reflect how, since God has his own glory as the final end of all his actions, he does all these things chiefly for love of those who think about them and admire his goodness in them, who are grateful to him for them, who derive an occasion for loving him from them. Others receive the same benefits as if by chance and good fortune… God constantly returns to us being, life and the actions of every created thing in the universe. This is his employment in nature; ours should be to receive unceasingly what he sends us from all sides and return it to him with thanksgiving, praising him and acknowledging that he is the author of all things. I have made a promise to God to do this as far as I can.
Commentary of the day
Saint Claude la Colombière : "He fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him."
Reading
2 Kings 5,14-17.
So Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. He returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival he stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant." "As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it," Elisha replied; and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused. Naaman said: "If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD.
Ps 98,1.2-3.3-4.
Sing a new song to the LORD, who has done marvelous deeds, Whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory. The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph for the nations to see, Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.
2 Tim 2,8-13.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
Lk 17,11-19.
As he continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met (him). They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Claude la Colombière (1641-1682), Jesuit
Retreat of 1674, fourth week
"He fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him."
For my meditation on the love of God I was struck by the sight of the benefits I have received from God from the first moments of my life until now. What goodness! What providence for both body and soul! What patience! What sweetness!… It seems to me that God made me understand and clearly see this truth: first, that he is within all creatures; secondly, that he is everything that is good in them; thirdly, that it is he who makes all the good we receive from them. And I seemed to see this king of glory and majesty taking pains to warm us in our clothing, refresh us with air, nourish us with food, take pleasure in pleasant sounds and objects, cause in me all the motions I need to live and act. What a wonder! Who am I, O my God, thus to be served by you at all times with such attentiveness and in all things with such care and love! He acts in the same way within all his other creatures; but all this is for me, like a zealous and watchful steward who causes work to be done for his king in every corner of the kingdom. What is even more wonderful is that God does this for all men, although almost nobody thinks about it except perhaps some chosen, some holy soul. I, at least, should think about it and be grateful for it. I reflect how, since God has his own glory as the final end of all his actions, he does all these things chiefly for love of those who think about them and admire his goodness in them, who are grateful to him for them, who derive an occasion for loving him from them. Others receive the same benefits as if by chance and good fortune… God constantly returns to us being, life and the actions of every created thing in the universe. This is his employment in nature; ours should be to receive unceasingly what he sends us from all sides and return it to him with thanksgiving, praising him and acknowledging that he is the author of all things. I have made a promise to God to do this as far as I can.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
St. Edward the Confessor
Saturday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Saint Bernard : “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
Reading
Joel 4,12-21.
Let the nations bestir themselves and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit in judgment upon all the neighboring nations. Apply the sickle, for the harvest is ripe; Come and tread, for the wine press is full; The vats overflow, for great is their malice. Crowd upon crowd in the valley of decision; For near is the day of the LORD in the valley of decision. Sun and moon are darkened, and the stars withhold their brightness. The LORD roars from Zion, and from Jerusalem raises his voice; The heavens and the earth quake, but the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the men of Israel. Then shall you know that I, the LORD, am your God, dwelling on Zion, my holy mountain; Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall pass through her no more. And then, on that day, the mountains shall drip new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk; And the channels of Judah shall flow with water: A fountain shall issue from the house of the LORD, to water the Valley of Shittim. Egypt shall be a waste, and Edom a desert waste, Because of violence done to the people of Judah, because they shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah shall abide forever, and Jerusalem for all generations. I will avenge their blood, and not leave it unpunished. The LORD dwells in Zion.
Ps 97(96),1-2.5-6.11-12.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad. Cloud and darkness surround the Lord; justice and right are the foundation of his throne. The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim God's justice; all peoples see his glory. Light dawns for the just; gladness, for the honest of heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you just, and praise his holy name.
Lk 11,27-28.
While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed." He replied, "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Bernard (1091-1153), Cistercian monk and Doctor of the Church
“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
Mary was very discreet; we have proof of this in the gospel. Where do you see her having been talkative or full of presumption? Once she stood at the door wishing to speak to her son, but she did not use her maternal authority either to interrupt his preaching or to enter the house where he preached (Mk 3,31). If I remember correctly, the evangelists only allow Mary’s words to be heard four times. First, when she addressed the angel – and this was only in answer to him. Secondly, during her visit to Elizabeth when, having been praised by her cousin, Mary wanted to praise the Lord even more. Third, when she complained to her son, then aged twelve, that his father and she herself had searched for him anxiously. Fourth, at the wedding of Cana when she intervened with her son and the servants. On all other occasions Mary showed herself slow to speak, quick to listen, for she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart,” (Lk 2,19.51). No, nowhere will you find that she spoke out, not even about the mystery of the Incarnation. Woe to those of us who are full of air! Woe to those of us who pour out our souls like leaky containers! How many times Mary heard her son, not only speaking in parables to the crowd, but in private, revealing to the disciples the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven. She saw him working miracles, then hanging on the cross, dying, risen and ascending to heaven. How many times could we say that on any of those occasions the Virgin’s voice was heard?… The greater Mary is, the more she humbles herself, not just in all things but more than all.
Commentary of the day
Saint Bernard : “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
Reading
Joel 4,12-21.
Let the nations bestir themselves and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit in judgment upon all the neighboring nations. Apply the sickle, for the harvest is ripe; Come and tread, for the wine press is full; The vats overflow, for great is their malice. Crowd upon crowd in the valley of decision; For near is the day of the LORD in the valley of decision. Sun and moon are darkened, and the stars withhold their brightness. The LORD roars from Zion, and from Jerusalem raises his voice; The heavens and the earth quake, but the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the men of Israel. Then shall you know that I, the LORD, am your God, dwelling on Zion, my holy mountain; Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall pass through her no more. And then, on that day, the mountains shall drip new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk; And the channels of Judah shall flow with water: A fountain shall issue from the house of the LORD, to water the Valley of Shittim. Egypt shall be a waste, and Edom a desert waste, Because of violence done to the people of Judah, because they shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah shall abide forever, and Jerusalem for all generations. I will avenge their blood, and not leave it unpunished. The LORD dwells in Zion.
Ps 97(96),1-2.5-6.11-12.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad. Cloud and darkness surround the Lord; justice and right are the foundation of his throne. The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim God's justice; all peoples see his glory. Light dawns for the just; gladness, for the honest of heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you just, and praise his holy name.
Lk 11,27-28.
While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed." He replied, "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Bernard (1091-1153), Cistercian monk and Doctor of the Church
“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
Mary was very discreet; we have proof of this in the gospel. Where do you see her having been talkative or full of presumption? Once she stood at the door wishing to speak to her son, but she did not use her maternal authority either to interrupt his preaching or to enter the house where he preached (Mk 3,31). If I remember correctly, the evangelists only allow Mary’s words to be heard four times. First, when she addressed the angel – and this was only in answer to him. Secondly, during her visit to Elizabeth when, having been praised by her cousin, Mary wanted to praise the Lord even more. Third, when she complained to her son, then aged twelve, that his father and she herself had searched for him anxiously. Fourth, at the wedding of Cana when she intervened with her son and the servants. On all other occasions Mary showed herself slow to speak, quick to listen, for she “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart,” (Lk 2,19.51). No, nowhere will you find that she spoke out, not even about the mystery of the Incarnation. Woe to those of us who are full of air! Woe to those of us who pour out our souls like leaky containers! How many times Mary heard her son, not only speaking in parables to the crowd, but in private, revealing to the disciples the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven. She saw him working miracles, then hanging on the cross, dying, risen and ascending to heaven. How many times could we say that on any of those occasions the Virgin’s voice was heard?… The greater Mary is, the more she humbles herself, not just in all things but more than all.
Friday, October 12, 2007
St. Wilfrid, Our Lady of Pillar
Friday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Irenaeus of Lyons : "But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you"
Reading
Joel 1,13-15.2,1-2.
Gird yourselves and weep, O priests! wail, O ministers of the altar! Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God! The house of your God is deprived of offering and libation. Proclaim a fast, call an assembly; Gather the elders, all who dwell in the land, Into the house of the LORD, your God, and cry to the LORD! Alas, the day! for near is the day of the LORD, and it comes as ruin from the Almighty. Blow the trumpet in Zion, sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming; Yes, it is near, a day of darkness and of gloom, a day of clouds and somberness! Like dawn spreading over the mountains, a people numerous and mighty! Their like has not been from of old, nor will it be after them, even to the years of distant generations.
Ps 9(9A),2-3.6.16.8-9.
I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous deeds. I will delight and rejoice in you; I will sing hymns to your name, Most High. You rebuked the nations, you destroyed the wicked; their name you blotted out for all time The nations fall into the pit they dig; in the snare they hide, their own foot is caught. The LORD rules forever, has set up a throne for judgment. It is God who governs the world with justice, who judges the peoples with fairness.
Lk 11,15-26.
Some of them said, "By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons." Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that (I) drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, 'I shall return to my home from which I came.' But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that person is worse than the first."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Irenaeus of Lyons (c.130-208), Bishop, theologian and martyr
Against the heresies, V,5,2 (SC 153, p.63f.)
"But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you"
Because Enoch was pleasing to God he was translated bodily into heaven, thus prefiguring the translation of the just. Elijah, too, was taken up just as he was, in the substance of his bodily shape (2Kgs 2,11), foreshadowing by this the taking up of the spiritual man. Their bodies did not in any way prevent this translation or taking up for it was by means of the same hands by which they were formed in the beginning (Gn 2,7) that they were translated and taken up. Because, in the case of Adam, God’s hands were accustomed to guide, hold and carry the work they had formed, to take it up and set it down wherever they wanted. And where was this first man placed? In Paradise, undoubtedly, as Scripture says: “And God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and he placed there the man whom he had formed,” (v.8). And it was from there that he was expelled in this world for having disobeyed… Does anyone believe that it is impossible men should remain alive for as long as the first of the patriarchs? Does he think that Elijah was not taken up in his body but that his body was consumed on the chariot of fire? Let him consider that Jonah, having been cast to the bottom of the sea and swallowed up in the belly of the fish, was cast up on the shore safe and sound at God’s orders. Ananias, Azarias and Mizael, thrown into a fiery furnace heated up seven times, experienced no harm and not even a smell of fire was about them (Dan 3,94). If the hand of God helped them and accomplished extraordinary things in them, impossible to human nature, what is astonishing if this same hand likewise accomplished an extraordinary thing by carrying out the will of the Father in those who were translated? Now this Hand is the Son of God, (cf Dan 3,92).
Commentary of the day
Irenaeus of Lyons : "But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you"
Reading
Joel 1,13-15.2,1-2.
Gird yourselves and weep, O priests! wail, O ministers of the altar! Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God! The house of your God is deprived of offering and libation. Proclaim a fast, call an assembly; Gather the elders, all who dwell in the land, Into the house of the LORD, your God, and cry to the LORD! Alas, the day! for near is the day of the LORD, and it comes as ruin from the Almighty. Blow the trumpet in Zion, sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming; Yes, it is near, a day of darkness and of gloom, a day of clouds and somberness! Like dawn spreading over the mountains, a people numerous and mighty! Their like has not been from of old, nor will it be after them, even to the years of distant generations.
Ps 9(9A),2-3.6.16.8-9.
I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will declare all your wondrous deeds. I will delight and rejoice in you; I will sing hymns to your name, Most High. You rebuked the nations, you destroyed the wicked; their name you blotted out for all time The nations fall into the pit they dig; in the snare they hide, their own foot is caught. The LORD rules forever, has set up a throne for judgment. It is God who governs the world with justice, who judges the peoples with fairness.
Lk 11,15-26.
Some of them said, "By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons." Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that (I) drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, 'I shall return to my home from which I came.' But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that person is worse than the first."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Irenaeus of Lyons (c.130-208), Bishop, theologian and martyr
Against the heresies, V,5,2 (SC 153, p.63f.)
"But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you"
Because Enoch was pleasing to God he was translated bodily into heaven, thus prefiguring the translation of the just. Elijah, too, was taken up just as he was, in the substance of his bodily shape (2Kgs 2,11), foreshadowing by this the taking up of the spiritual man. Their bodies did not in any way prevent this translation or taking up for it was by means of the same hands by which they were formed in the beginning (Gn 2,7) that they were translated and taken up. Because, in the case of Adam, God’s hands were accustomed to guide, hold and carry the work they had formed, to take it up and set it down wherever they wanted. And where was this first man placed? In Paradise, undoubtedly, as Scripture says: “And God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and he placed there the man whom he had formed,” (v.8). And it was from there that he was expelled in this world for having disobeyed… Does anyone believe that it is impossible men should remain alive for as long as the first of the patriarchs? Does he think that Elijah was not taken up in his body but that his body was consumed on the chariot of fire? Let him consider that Jonah, having been cast to the bottom of the sea and swallowed up in the belly of the fish, was cast up on the shore safe and sound at God’s orders. Ananias, Azarias and Mizael, thrown into a fiery furnace heated up seven times, experienced no harm and not even a smell of fire was about them (Dan 3,94). If the hand of God helped them and accomplished extraordinary things in them, impossible to human nature, what is astonishing if this same hand likewise accomplished an extraordinary thing by carrying out the will of the Father in those who were translated? Now this Hand is the Son of God, (cf Dan 3,92).
Thursday, October 11, 2007
St. Firminus
Thursday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Saint Macarius : "How much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
Reading
Malachi 3,13-20.
You have defied me in word, says the LORD, yet you ask, "What have we spoken against you?" You have said, "It is vain to serve God, and what do we profit by keeping his command, And going about in penitential dress in awe of the LORD of hosts? Rather must we call the proud blessed; for indeed evildoers prosper, and even tempt God with impunity." Then they who fear the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened attentively; And a record book was written before him of those who fear the LORD and trust in his name. And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, my own special possession, on the day I take action. And I will have compassion on them, as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. Then you will again see the distinction between the just and the wicked; Between him who serves God, and him who does not serve him. For lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, And the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the LORD of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays; And you will gambol like calves out of the stall
Ps 1,1-2.3.4.6.
Happy those who do not follow the counsel of the wicked, Nor go the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers. Rather, the law of the LORD is their joy; God's law they study day and night. They are like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers. But not the wicked! They are like chaff driven by the wind. The LORD watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
Lk 11,5-13.
And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,' and he says in reply from within, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.' I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Macarius (?- 405), monk in Egypt
Homily 16, Third Collection (SC 275, p.205)
"How much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
To get food for his body a beggar thinks it no trouble to knock at the door and ask for it. And if he doesn’t get it, he goes on further and, with even more persistence, asks for bread, clothing or shoes to ease his body. So long as he hasn’t received anything he will not go away, even if he is driven off. Now we who try to receive the real, heavenly bread to strengthen our souls, who want to put on heaven’s light-filled clothing and who long to be shod with the immaterial shoes of the Spirit to solace our immortal soul: how much more ought we to knock at God’s spiritual door, unwearyingly and resolutely, with faith and love, waiting always and, with perfect constancy, ask to be counted worthy of eternal life? Thus the Lord “told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary” (Lk 18,1) then added these words: how much more will our heavenly Father “secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night,” (v.7). And again, talking about the friend: “Even if he does not give to him for friendship’s sake, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence,” (Lk 11,8). And he adds further: “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you,” (v.9). And he continues: “If you who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (v.13). This is why the Lord exhorts us to ask at all times, unwearyingly and persistently, always seeking and knocking. For he has promised to give to those who ask, seek and knock, not to those who do not ask. It is in being prayed, implored, loved that he desires to give us eternal life.
Commentary of the day
Saint Macarius : "How much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
Reading
Malachi 3,13-20.
You have defied me in word, says the LORD, yet you ask, "What have we spoken against you?" You have said, "It is vain to serve God, and what do we profit by keeping his command, And going about in penitential dress in awe of the LORD of hosts? Rather must we call the proud blessed; for indeed evildoers prosper, and even tempt God with impunity." Then they who fear the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened attentively; And a record book was written before him of those who fear the LORD and trust in his name. And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, my own special possession, on the day I take action. And I will have compassion on them, as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. Then you will again see the distinction between the just and the wicked; Between him who serves God, and him who does not serve him. For lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, And the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the LORD of hosts. But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays; And you will gambol like calves out of the stall
Ps 1,1-2.3.4.6.
Happy those who do not follow the counsel of the wicked, Nor go the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers. Rather, the law of the LORD is their joy; God's law they study day and night. They are like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers. But not the wicked! They are like chaff driven by the wind. The LORD watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
Lk 11,5-13.
And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,' and he says in reply from within, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.' I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Macarius (?- 405), monk in Egypt
Homily 16, Third Collection (SC 275, p.205)
"How much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
To get food for his body a beggar thinks it no trouble to knock at the door and ask for it. And if he doesn’t get it, he goes on further and, with even more persistence, asks for bread, clothing or shoes to ease his body. So long as he hasn’t received anything he will not go away, even if he is driven off. Now we who try to receive the real, heavenly bread to strengthen our souls, who want to put on heaven’s light-filled clothing and who long to be shod with the immaterial shoes of the Spirit to solace our immortal soul: how much more ought we to knock at God’s spiritual door, unwearyingly and resolutely, with faith and love, waiting always and, with perfect constancy, ask to be counted worthy of eternal life? Thus the Lord “told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary” (Lk 18,1) then added these words: how much more will our heavenly Father “secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night,” (v.7). And again, talking about the friend: “Even if he does not give to him for friendship’s sake, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence,” (Lk 11,8). And he adds further: “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you,” (v.9). And he continues: “If you who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (v.13). This is why the Lord exhorts us to ask at all times, unwearyingly and persistently, always seeking and knocking. For he has promised to give to those who ask, seek and knock, not to those who do not ask. It is in being prayed, implored, loved that he desires to give us eternal life.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
St. Francis Borgia, St. Ghislain
Wednesday of the Twenty-seventh week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Saint Silouan : “Teach us to pray”
Reading
Jonah 4,1-11.
But this was greatly displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. "I beseech you, LORD," he prayed, "is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I fled at first to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loathe to punish. And now, LORD, please take my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live." But the LORD asked, "Have you reason to be angry?" Jonah then left the city for a place to the east of it, where he built himself a hut and waited under it in the shade, to see what would happen to the city. And when the LORD God provided a gourd plant, that grew up over Jonah's head, giving shade that relieved him of any discomfort, Jonah was very happy over the plant. But the next morning at dawn God sent a worm which attacked the plant, so that it withered. And when the sun arose, God sent a burning east wind; and the sun beat upon Jonah's head till he became faint. Then he asked for death, saying, "I would be better off dead than alive." But God said to Jonah, "Have you reason to be angry over the plant?" "I have reason to be angry," Jonah answered, "angry enough to die." Then the LORD said, "You are concerned over the plant which cost you no labor and which you did not raise; it came up in one night and in one night it perished. And should I not be concerned over Nineveh, the great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot distinguish their right hand from their left, not to mention the many cattle?"
Ps 86(85),3-4.5-6.9-10.
You are my God; pity me, Lord; to you I call all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant; to you, Lord, I lift up my soul. Lord, you are kind and forgiving, most loving to all who call on you. LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my cry for help. All the nations you have made shall come to bow before you, Lord, and give honor to your name. For you are great and do wondrous deeds; and you alone are God.
Lk 11,1-4.
He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Silouan (1866-1938), Orthodox monk
Writings
“Teach us to pray”
If you want to pray with the mind in the heart and do not manage to do so, say your prayer with your lips and fix your mind on the words of the prayer, as is said in the Ladder of Perfection [of St John Climacus]. With time the Lord will give you undistracted “prayer of the heart” and you will pray with ease. Certain people, during the work of prayer, after forcing their intellect to descend into their heart, have sunk to such an extent that they cannot even articulate the prayer with their lips. But as for you, understand the law of the spiritual life: its gifts are granted only to simple, humble, obedient souls. The Lord will give prayer to anyone who is obedient and restrained in everything – in food, words, movements – and it will be accomplished with ease in his heart. Unceasing prayer proceeds from love, but it is lost by passing judgement, empty words and intemperateness. Anyone who loves God is able to think of him day and night for there is no occupation that can hinder loving God. The apostles loved the Lord without the world distracting them and yet they remembered the world, prayed for it and gave themselves to preaching. On the other hand, it was said to Saint Arsenius: “Flee men”, yet even in the desert the divine Spirit teaches us to pray for men and for the whole world.
Commentary of the day
Saint Silouan : “Teach us to pray”
Reading
Jonah 4,1-11.
But this was greatly displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. "I beseech you, LORD," he prayed, "is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I fled at first to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loathe to punish. And now, LORD, please take my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live." But the LORD asked, "Have you reason to be angry?" Jonah then left the city for a place to the east of it, where he built himself a hut and waited under it in the shade, to see what would happen to the city. And when the LORD God provided a gourd plant, that grew up over Jonah's head, giving shade that relieved him of any discomfort, Jonah was very happy over the plant. But the next morning at dawn God sent a worm which attacked the plant, so that it withered. And when the sun arose, God sent a burning east wind; and the sun beat upon Jonah's head till he became faint. Then he asked for death, saying, "I would be better off dead than alive." But God said to Jonah, "Have you reason to be angry over the plant?" "I have reason to be angry," Jonah answered, "angry enough to die." Then the LORD said, "You are concerned over the plant which cost you no labor and which you did not raise; it came up in one night and in one night it perished. And should I not be concerned over Nineveh, the great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot distinguish their right hand from their left, not to mention the many cattle?"
Ps 86(85),3-4.5-6.9-10.
You are my God; pity me, Lord; to you I call all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant; to you, Lord, I lift up my soul. Lord, you are kind and forgiving, most loving to all who call on you. LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my cry for help. All the nations you have made shall come to bow before you, Lord, and give honor to your name. For you are great and do wondrous deeds; and you alone are God.
Lk 11,1-4.
He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Silouan (1866-1938), Orthodox monk
Writings
“Teach us to pray”
If you want to pray with the mind in the heart and do not manage to do so, say your prayer with your lips and fix your mind on the words of the prayer, as is said in the Ladder of Perfection [of St John Climacus]. With time the Lord will give you undistracted “prayer of the heart” and you will pray with ease. Certain people, during the work of prayer, after forcing their intellect to descend into their heart, have sunk to such an extent that they cannot even articulate the prayer with their lips. But as for you, understand the law of the spiritual life: its gifts are granted only to simple, humble, obedient souls. The Lord will give prayer to anyone who is obedient and restrained in everything – in food, words, movements – and it will be accomplished with ease in his heart. Unceasing prayer proceeds from love, but it is lost by passing judgement, empty words and intemperateness. Anyone who loves God is able to think of him day and night for there is no occupation that can hinder loving God. The apostles loved the Lord without the world distracting them and yet they remembered the world, prayed for it and gave themselves to preaching. On the other hand, it was said to Saint Arsenius: “Flee men”, yet even in the desert the divine Spirit teaches us to pray for men and for the whole world.
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