Tuesday of the Second week of Advent
Commentary of the day
Saint Claude de la Colombière : The Son of God comes looking for us
Reading
Is 40,1-11.
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; Indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins. A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; The rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all mankind shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. A voice says, "Cry out!" I answer, "What shall I cry out?" "All mankind is grass, and all their glory like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower wilts, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it. (So then, the people is the grass.) Though the grass withers and the flower wilts, the word of our God stands forever." Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; Cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by his strong arm; Here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, Carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.
Ps 96(95),1-2.3.10.11-12.13.
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, bless his name; announce his salvation day after day.
Tell God's glory among the nations; among all peoples, God's marvelous deeds. say among the nations: The LORD is king. The world will surely stand fast, never to be moved. God rules the peoples with fairness.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them. Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice before the LORD who comes, who comes to govern the earth, To govern the world with justice and the peoples with faithfulness.
Mt 18,12-14.
What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Claude de la Colombière (1641-1682), Jesuit
A sermon preached in London before the Duchess of York
The Son of God comes looking for us
Imagine to yourself the sadness of the poor shepherd whose sheep has strayed. The only thing to be heard in the fields round about is the call of this unfortunate lad who, having abandoned the better part of the flock, runs about in woods and hills, passes by thicket and bush, mourning and calling out as hard as he can, unable to make up his mind to go back until he has found his sheep again and led it back to the fold. Here is what the Son of God did when men had gone astray through their disobedience from their Creator’s way of behaving. He came down to earth and did not stint either care or labour to restore us again to the state from which we had fallen. It is what he still does daily for those who separate themselves from him by sin. He tracks them down, so to speak, never ceasing to call them back until he has restored them to the way of salvation. And indeed, if he did not wear himself out in this way, you well know what would become of us after the first mortal sin: it would be impossible for us to come back again after it. It is he who has to make all the advances, who must show us his grace, who must follow after us, who must invite us to take pity on ourselves, without which we would never dream of asking his mercy… The zeal with which God pursues us is undoubtedly the result of a very great mercy. But the sweetness by which this zeal is accompanied shows an even more wonderful goodness. Notwithstanding the immense desire he has to cause us to return, he never uses force; he only makes use of gentleness for this purpose. In all the Gospel I see no sinner who was invited to repent except by endearments and kindness.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Our Lady of Loretto, St. Gregory III
Monday of the Second week of Advent
Commentary of the day
Saint Irenaeus of Lyons : "We have seen incredible things today."
Reading
Is 35,1-10.
The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water; The abode where jackals lurk will be a marsh for the reed and papyrus. A highway will be there, called the holy way; No one unclean may pass over it, nor fools go astray on it. No lion will be there, nor beast of prey go up to be met upon it. It is for those with a journey to make, and on it the redeemed will walk. Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.
Ps 85(84),9-10.11-12.13-14.
I will listen for the word of God; surely the LORD will proclaim peace To
his people, to the faithful, to those who trust in him.
Near indeed is salvation for the loyal; prosperity will fill our land.
Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss.
Truth will spring from the earth; justice will look down from heaven.
The LORD will surely grant abundance; our land will yield its increase.
Prosperity will march before the Lord, and good fortune will follow behind.
Lk 5,17-26.
One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set (him) in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, "As for you, your sins are forgiven." Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?" Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, "What are you thinking in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins''--he said to the man who was paralyzed, "I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, "We have seen incredible things today."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Irenaeus of Lyons (c.130-208), Bishop, theologian and martyr
Against the heresies III, 2, 2 (SC 34)
"We have seen incredible things today."
The Word of God has come to dwell in man; he became “Son of man” in order to accustom man to receive God and God to dwell in man, as it has pleased the Father. See now why the sign of our salvation, Emmanuel born of a Virgin, has been given by the Saviour himself (Is 7,14). Indeed, it is the Saviour himself who saves men since of themselves they cannot save themselves… The prophet Isaiah has said: “Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak! Take courage, frightened hearts; be strong, fear not! Here is your God who comes with vindication; he himself comes, he comes to save us,” (Is 35,3-4). For it is only by God’s help, and not of ourselves, that we can stand up to our salvation. And here is another text where Isaiah predicted that the one who saves us is neither simply a man nor an incorporeal being: “It was not a messenger or an angel but the Lord himself who saved his people. Because of his love and pity he forgave them; he redeemed them himself,” (Is 63,9). Yet this Saviour is also truly man, truly visible: “City of Zion, behold: your eyes shall see our Saviour”… And another prophet has said: “He will again have compassion on us and cast into the depths of the sea all our sins,” (Mi 7,19)… From the land of Judah, from Bethlehem (Mi 5,1) will come the Son of God, he who is also God, to pour out his praise on all the earth… Thus God has become man indeed and the Lord himself has saved us by giving us the sign of the Virgin.
Commentary of the day
Saint Irenaeus of Lyons : "We have seen incredible things today."
Reading
Is 35,1-10.
The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water; The abode where jackals lurk will be a marsh for the reed and papyrus. A highway will be there, called the holy way; No one unclean may pass over it, nor fools go astray on it. No lion will be there, nor beast of prey go up to be met upon it. It is for those with a journey to make, and on it the redeemed will walk. Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.
Ps 85(84),9-10.11-12.13-14.
I will listen for the word of God; surely the LORD will proclaim peace To
his people, to the faithful, to those who trust in him.
Near indeed is salvation for the loyal; prosperity will fill our land.
Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss.
Truth will spring from the earth; justice will look down from heaven.
The LORD will surely grant abundance; our land will yield its increase.
Prosperity will march before the Lord, and good fortune will follow behind.
Lk 5,17-26.
One day as Jesus was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was with him for healing. And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set (him) in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, "As for you, your sins are forgiven." Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who but God alone can forgive sins?" Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply, "What are you thinking in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins''--he said to the man who was paralyzed, "I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, "We have seen incredible things today."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Irenaeus of Lyons (c.130-208), Bishop, theologian and martyr
Against the heresies III, 2, 2 (SC 34)
"We have seen incredible things today."
The Word of God has come to dwell in man; he became “Son of man” in order to accustom man to receive God and God to dwell in man, as it has pleased the Father. See now why the sign of our salvation, Emmanuel born of a Virgin, has been given by the Saviour himself (Is 7,14). Indeed, it is the Saviour himself who saves men since of themselves they cannot save themselves… The prophet Isaiah has said: “Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak! Take courage, frightened hearts; be strong, fear not! Here is your God who comes with vindication; he himself comes, he comes to save us,” (Is 35,3-4). For it is only by God’s help, and not of ourselves, that we can stand up to our salvation. And here is another text where Isaiah predicted that the one who saves us is neither simply a man nor an incorporeal being: “It was not a messenger or an angel but the Lord himself who saved his people. Because of his love and pity he forgave them; he redeemed them himself,” (Is 63,9). Yet this Saviour is also truly man, truly visible: “City of Zion, behold: your eyes shall see our Saviour”… And another prophet has said: “He will again have compassion on us and cast into the depths of the sea all our sins,” (Mi 7,19)… From the land of Judah, from Bethlehem (Mi 5,1) will come the Son of God, he who is also God, to pour out his praise on all the earth… Thus God has become man indeed and the Lord himself has saved us by giving us the sign of the Virgin.
Second Sunday of Advent
Sunday, 09 December 2007
Second Sunday of Advent
Commentary of the day
Saint Gregory the Great : 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'
Reading
Is 11,1-10.
But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land's afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. On that day, The root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, The Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.
Ps 72(71),1-2.7-8.12-13.17.
Of Solomon. O God, give your judgment to the king; your justice to the son of kings; That he may govern your people with justice, your oppressed with right judgment, That abundance may flourish in his days, great bounty, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth. For he rescues the poor when they cry out, the oppressed who have no one to help. He shows pity to the needy and the poor and saves the lives of the poor. May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun, may his name endure. May the tribes of the earth give blessings with his name; may all the nations regard him as favored.
Rm 15,4-9.
For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: "Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing praises to your name."
Mt 3,1-12.
In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea (and) saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: "A voice of one crying out in the desert, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'" John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Gregory the Great (c.540-604), Pope, Doctor of the Church
Gospel Homilies, no.20
'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'
It is obvious to any reader that John did not just preach but that he administered a baptism of repentance. However, he could not give a baptism that remits sins since the remission of sins is only granted to us with the baptism of Christ. That is why the evangelist says that he was “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,” (Lk 3,3); being unable himself to give the baptism that forgives sins, he announced that which was to come. Just as the word of his preaching was the forerunner of the Word of the Father made flesh, so his baptism… preceded that of the Saviour, as shadow to the truth (cf Col 2,17). This same John, when questioned as to who he was, replied: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,” (Jn 1,23; Is 40,3). The prophet Isaiah called him “voice” because he came before the Word. As for what he cried out, that which follows teaches us: “Prepare the ways of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Whoever preaches true faith and good works, what else is he doing than preparing the way for the Lord who comes in the hearts of his hearers? Thus all-powerful grace will be able to penetrate those hearts and the light of truth enlighten them… Saint Luke adds: “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low." What is meant here by valleys if not the humble, or by the mountains and hills if not the proud? At the coming of the Redeemer…, according to his own words: “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled but the one who humbles himself will be exalted,” (Lk 14,11)… By their faith in “the mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human” (1Tim 2,5), those who believe in him have received the fullness of grace, whereas those who refuse to believe have been humbled in their pride. Every valley has been filled in since humble hearts, by receiving the words of holy doctrine, will be filled by the grace of the virtues, as it is written: “He made springs gush forth in the watercourses that wind among the valleys,” (cf Ps 104,10).
Second Sunday of Advent
Commentary of the day
Saint Gregory the Great : 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'
Reading
Is 11,1-10.
But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land's afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra's den, and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. On that day, The root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, The Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.
Ps 72(71),1-2.7-8.12-13.17.
Of Solomon. O God, give your judgment to the king; your justice to the son of kings; That he may govern your people with justice, your oppressed with right judgment, That abundance may flourish in his days, great bounty, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth. For he rescues the poor when they cry out, the oppressed who have no one to help. He shows pity to the needy and the poor and saves the lives of the poor. May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun, may his name endure. May the tribes of the earth give blessings with his name; may all the nations regard him as favored.
Rm 15,4-9.
For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: "Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing praises to your name."
Mt 3,1-12.
In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea (and) saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: "A voice of one crying out in the desert, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'" John wore clothing made of camel's hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Gregory the Great (c.540-604), Pope, Doctor of the Church
Gospel Homilies, no.20
'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'
It is obvious to any reader that John did not just preach but that he administered a baptism of repentance. However, he could not give a baptism that remits sins since the remission of sins is only granted to us with the baptism of Christ. That is why the evangelist says that he was “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,” (Lk 3,3); being unable himself to give the baptism that forgives sins, he announced that which was to come. Just as the word of his preaching was the forerunner of the Word of the Father made flesh, so his baptism… preceded that of the Saviour, as shadow to the truth (cf Col 2,17). This same John, when questioned as to who he was, replied: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,” (Jn 1,23; Is 40,3). The prophet Isaiah called him “voice” because he came before the Word. As for what he cried out, that which follows teaches us: “Prepare the ways of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Whoever preaches true faith and good works, what else is he doing than preparing the way for the Lord who comes in the hearts of his hearers? Thus all-powerful grace will be able to penetrate those hearts and the light of truth enlighten them… Saint Luke adds: “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low." What is meant here by valleys if not the humble, or by the mountains and hills if not the proud? At the coming of the Redeemer…, according to his own words: “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled but the one who humbles himself will be exalted,” (Lk 14,11)… By their faith in “the mediator between God and the human race, Christ Jesus, himself human” (1Tim 2,5), those who believe in him have received the fullness of grace, whereas those who refuse to believe have been humbled in their pride. Every valley has been filled in since humble hearts, by receiving the words of holy doctrine, will be filled by the grace of the virtues, as it is written: “He made springs gush forth in the watercourses that wind among the valleys,” (cf Ps 104,10).
Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
Saturday, 08 December 2007
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Commentary of the day
Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem : Mary, “full of grace” in her Immaculate Conception
Reading
Gn 3,9-15.20.
The LORD God then called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself." Then he asked, "Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!" The man replied, "The woman whom you put here with me--she gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate it." The LORD God then asked the woman, "Why did you do such a thing?" The woman answered, "The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it." Then the LORD God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; On your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel." The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.
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.
Ephes. 1,3-6.11-12.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.
Lk 1,26-38.
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem (?-639), monk, Bishop
Homily for the Annunciation, 2 (PG 87,3, 3241)
Mary, “full of grace” in her Immaculate Conception
“Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” What greater thing could there be than such a joy, O Virgin Mary? What could there be of greater worth than the grace that you alone have received as your lot on the part of God? What more joyful or more splendid could be imagined? All other things are left far behind the wonder that is yours; all stand beneath your grace. The most unquestionable of privileges takes only second place and possesses far less splendour. “The Lord is with you.” Who would dare dispute with you on this point? God is born from you. Is there anyone who would not immediately yield their place to you, joyfully leaving you with the first place and excellence? Therefore, when I behold you placed above all creatures, I cry aloud your praises: “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” This joy, which comes forth from you, is not granted to men alone but to all the angelic powers of heaven, too… God himself dwells bodily in your womb; he comes forth as Bridegroom (Ps 19 [18],6) to bring joy and divine illumination to all mankind. It is within you, O Virgin, that God has “set up his abode” (cf Ps 76 [75],3) as in a pure and luminous sky. From you “he comes forth like the groom from his bridal chamber”; like “a giant’s course, he runs the course” of his life, which is to bring salvation to all the living. Reaching like the sun “from one end of the heavens to the other” (Ps 19 [18],6-7), he will fill all things with his divine heat and life-giving light.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Commentary of the day
Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem : Mary, “full of grace” in her Immaculate Conception
Reading
Gn 3,9-15.20.
The LORD God then called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself." Then he asked, "Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!" The man replied, "The woman whom you put here with me--she gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate it." The LORD God then asked the woman, "Why did you do such a thing?" The woman answered, "The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it." Then the LORD God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; On your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel." The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.
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.
Ephes. 1,3-6.11-12.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.
Lk 1,26-38.
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem (?-639), monk, Bishop
Homily for the Annunciation, 2 (PG 87,3, 3241)
Mary, “full of grace” in her Immaculate Conception
“Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” What greater thing could there be than such a joy, O Virgin Mary? What could there be of greater worth than the grace that you alone have received as your lot on the part of God? What more joyful or more splendid could be imagined? All other things are left far behind the wonder that is yours; all stand beneath your grace. The most unquestionable of privileges takes only second place and possesses far less splendour. “The Lord is with you.” Who would dare dispute with you on this point? God is born from you. Is there anyone who would not immediately yield their place to you, joyfully leaving you with the first place and excellence? Therefore, when I behold you placed above all creatures, I cry aloud your praises: “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” This joy, which comes forth from you, is not granted to men alone but to all the angelic powers of heaven, too… God himself dwells bodily in your womb; he comes forth as Bridegroom (Ps 19 [18],6) to bring joy and divine illumination to all mankind. It is within you, O Virgin, that God has “set up his abode” (cf Ps 76 [75],3) as in a pure and luminous sky. From you “he comes forth like the groom from his bridal chamber”; like “a giant’s course, he runs the course” of his life, which is to bring salvation to all the living. Reaching like the sun “from one end of the heavens to the other” (Ps 19 [18],6-7), he will fill all things with his divine heat and life-giving light.
Friday, December 7, 2007
St. Ambrose
Friday of the First week of Advent
Commentary of the day
Hildebrand : "Son of David, have pity on us!"
Reading
Is 29,17-24.
But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone; All who are alert to do evil will be cut off, those whose mere word condemns a man, Who ensnare his defender at the gate, and leave the just man with an empty claim. Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of the house of Jacob, who redeemed Abraham: Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of, nor shall his face grow pale. When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, They shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction.
Ps 27,1.4.13-14.
Of David The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?
One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD'S house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD'S beauty, to visit his temple.
But I believe I shall enjoy the LORD'S goodness in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!
Mt 9,27-31.
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed (him), crying out, "Son of David, have pity on us!" When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Hildebrand (13th century), Cistercian monk
Treatise on contemplation
"Son of David, have pity on us!"
Blessed Jesus, my hope, my expectation and my love, I have something to speak to you about, something concerning you, a subject full of sorrow and wretchedness. You who are the only Word, created by the uncreated Father, become flesh for my sake; Word who has emanated from the Father’s heart, Word whom God has uttered once for all (cf Heb 9,26), Word through whom your heavenly Father has spoken to me in these last days (Heb 1,2): graciously hear, O Word of God, the words that the fullness of my desire causes to spring from my heart. Hear and see: my soul is sad and altogether troubled when people say to me each day: “Where is your God?” (Ps 42 [41],4). I have nothing to say in return; I fear you are not there; I do not feel your presence.My heart is burning; I long to see my Lord. Where now are my patience and resolution? It is you, O Lord my God, and what shall I do? I seek you and find you not; I long for you and do not see you; I pursue and do not catch hold of you. What strength have I with which to stand firm? How much can I bear? What could be more sorrowful, more wretched than my soul? What more afflicted? Do you think, my love, my sorrow will be turned to joy when I see you? (Jn 16,20)… “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” (1Sm 3,9). O that I might hear what you are speaking within me, Lord my God. Say to my soul: “I am your salvation!” (Ps 35 [34],3). Say even more, Lord, and speak in such a way that I may hearken: “My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours,” (Lk 15,31). Ah! Word of God the Father, it is this that I wanted to hear.
Commentary of the day
Hildebrand : "Son of David, have pity on us!"
Reading
Is 29,17-24.
But a very little while, and Lebanon shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant will be no more and the arrogant will have gone; All who are alert to do evil will be cut off, those whose mere word condemns a man, Who ensnare his defender at the gate, and leave the just man with an empty claim. Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of the house of Jacob, who redeemed Abraham: Now Jacob shall have nothing to be ashamed of, nor shall his face grow pale. When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, They shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction.
Ps 27,1.4.13-14.
Of David The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?
One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD'S house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD'S beauty, to visit his temple.
But I believe I shall enjoy the LORD'S goodness in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!
Mt 9,27-31.
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed (him), crying out, "Son of David, have pity on us!" When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes, Lord," they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this." But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Hildebrand (13th century), Cistercian monk
Treatise on contemplation
"Son of David, have pity on us!"
Blessed Jesus, my hope, my expectation and my love, I have something to speak to you about, something concerning you, a subject full of sorrow and wretchedness. You who are the only Word, created by the uncreated Father, become flesh for my sake; Word who has emanated from the Father’s heart, Word whom God has uttered once for all (cf Heb 9,26), Word through whom your heavenly Father has spoken to me in these last days (Heb 1,2): graciously hear, O Word of God, the words that the fullness of my desire causes to spring from my heart. Hear and see: my soul is sad and altogether troubled when people say to me each day: “Where is your God?” (Ps 42 [41],4). I have nothing to say in return; I fear you are not there; I do not feel your presence.My heart is burning; I long to see my Lord. Where now are my patience and resolution? It is you, O Lord my God, and what shall I do? I seek you and find you not; I long for you and do not see you; I pursue and do not catch hold of you. What strength have I with which to stand firm? How much can I bear? What could be more sorrowful, more wretched than my soul? What more afflicted? Do you think, my love, my sorrow will be turned to joy when I see you? (Jn 16,20)… “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” (1Sm 3,9). O that I might hear what you are speaking within me, Lord my God. Say to my soul: “I am your salvation!” (Ps 35 [34],3). Say even more, Lord, and speak in such a way that I may hearken: “My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours,” (Lk 15,31). Ah! Word of God the Father, it is this that I wanted to hear.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
St. Nicholas
Thursday of the First week of Advent
Commentary of the day
Saint Augustine : Building on rock
Reading
Is 26,1-6.
On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: "A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you." Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock. He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down; He tumbles it to the ground, levels it with the dust. It is trampled underfoot by the needy, by the footsteps of the poor.
Ps 118,1.8-9.19-21.25-27.
Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose love endures forever.
Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in mortals.
Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in princes.
Open the gates of victory; I will enter and thank the LORD.
This is the LORD'S own gate, where the victors enter.
I thank you for you answered me; you have been my savior.
LORD, grant salvation! LORD, grant good fortune!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the LORD'S house.
The LORD is God and has given us light. Join in procession with leafy branches up to the horns of the altar.
Mt 7,21.24-27.
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo (North Africa) and Doctor of the Church
Sermon 7 on St John’s Gospel
Building on rock
Is it surprising that the Lord changed Simon’s name, altering it to Peter? (Jn 1,42). “Peter” means “rock”; so Peter’s name is thus symbolic of the Church. Who is safe if not he who builds on rock? And what does the Lord himself say? “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock..." Of what use is it to anyone to enter the Church who builds on sand? He hears the word of God but fails to practise it; he builds, but on sand. If he had not been listening, he would not have been building; he hears and so he builds. But on what sort of foundation? If he hears the word of God and puts it into practice, then it will be on rock; but if he hears and does not put it into practice, then it is on sand. And so someone can build in two, very different ways… If you are satisfied by listening without practising, you build a ruin… But if, on the other hand, you fail to listen, you will remain without shelter and be carried away by the torrent of tribulations… Be well assured, my brethren: whoever hears the word without acting accordingly is not building on rock. He has no connection with that great name of Peter to which the Lord attached such importance.
Commentary of the day
Saint Augustine : Building on rock
Reading
Is 26,1-6.
On that day they will sing this song in the land of Judah: "A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you." Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock. He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down; He tumbles it to the ground, levels it with the dust. It is trampled underfoot by the needy, by the footsteps of the poor.
Ps 118,1.8-9.19-21.25-27.
Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose love endures forever.
Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in mortals.
Better to take refuge in the LORD than to put one's trust in princes.
Open the gates of victory; I will enter and thank the LORD.
This is the LORD'S own gate, where the victors enter.
I thank you for you answered me; you have been my savior.
LORD, grant salvation! LORD, grant good fortune!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the LORD'S house.
The LORD is God and has given us light. Join in procession with leafy branches up to the horns of the altar.
Mt 7,21.24-27.
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Saint Augustine (354-430), Bishop of Hippo (North Africa) and Doctor of the Church
Sermon 7 on St John’s Gospel
Building on rock
Is it surprising that the Lord changed Simon’s name, altering it to Peter? (Jn 1,42). “Peter” means “rock”; so Peter’s name is thus symbolic of the Church. Who is safe if not he who builds on rock? And what does the Lord himself say? “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock..." Of what use is it to anyone to enter the Church who builds on sand? He hears the word of God but fails to practise it; he builds, but on sand. If he had not been listening, he would not have been building; he hears and so he builds. But on what sort of foundation? If he hears the word of God and puts it into practice, then it will be on rock; but if he hears and does not put it into practice, then it is on sand. And so someone can build in two, very different ways… If you are satisfied by listening without practising, you build a ruin… But if, on the other hand, you fail to listen, you will remain without shelter and be carried away by the torrent of tribulations… Be well assured, my brethren: whoever hears the word without acting accordingly is not building on rock. He has no connection with that great name of Peter to which the Lord attached such importance.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
St. Gerald
Wednesday of the First week of Advent
Commentary of the day
Cardinal John Henry Newman : "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd"
Reading
Is 25,6-10.
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, but Moab will be trodden down as a straw is trodden down in the mire.
Ps 23(22),1-3.3-4.5.6.
A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name. you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
Mt 15,29-37.
Moving on from there 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.
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890), priest, Religious founder, theologian
Twelve meditations and intercessions for Good Friday, 9-10
"My heart is moved with pity for the crowd"
Inspired Scripture has told us: “You have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook the sins of men that they may repent, For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made… But you spare all things because they are yours, O Lord and lover of souls,” (Wis 11,23ff.). Now see what it is that causes him to come down from heaven and gives him the name of Jesus…: “You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins,” (Mt 1,21). It is his great love for men, his compassion for sinners: this is what causes him to come down from heaven. So why should he consent to veil his glory within a mortal body had he not ardently desired to save those who had gone astray and lost all hope of salvation? He himself says: “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost,” (Lk 19,10). Rather than leave us to perish, he has done all that an all-powerful God could do according to his divine attributes: he has given his own self. And he loves us all to such an extent that he wanted to give his life for each one of us, as absolutely, as fully as if there had been but one, single person to save. He is our best of friends…, the only true friend, and he has exercised all possible means to ensure that we should love him in return. He refuses us nothing so long as we consent to love him… O my Lord and Saviour, in your arms I rest secure. If you keep me, I have nothing to fear; but if you abandon me I have nothing left to hope for. I have no idea what will happen to me as I await my death; I know nothing of what is to come; but I entrust myself to you… I lean entirely on you since you know what is good for me. As for me, I do not know.
Commentary of the day
Cardinal John Henry Newman : "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd"
Reading
Is 25,6-10.
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, but Moab will be trodden down as a straw is trodden down in the mire.
Ps 23(22),1-3.3-4.5.6.
A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name. you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
Mt 15,29-37.
Moving on from there 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.
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
Commentary of the day
Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890), priest, Religious founder, theologian
Twelve meditations and intercessions for Good Friday, 9-10
"My heart is moved with pity for the crowd"
Inspired Scripture has told us: “You have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook the sins of men that they may repent, For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made… But you spare all things because they are yours, O Lord and lover of souls,” (Wis 11,23ff.). Now see what it is that causes him to come down from heaven and gives him the name of Jesus…: “You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins,” (Mt 1,21). It is his great love for men, his compassion for sinners: this is what causes him to come down from heaven. So why should he consent to veil his glory within a mortal body had he not ardently desired to save those who had gone astray and lost all hope of salvation? He himself says: “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost,” (Lk 19,10). Rather than leave us to perish, he has done all that an all-powerful God could do according to his divine attributes: he has given his own self. And he loves us all to such an extent that he wanted to give his life for each one of us, as absolutely, as fully as if there had been but one, single person to save. He is our best of friends…, the only true friend, and he has exercised all possible means to ensure that we should love him in return. He refuses us nothing so long as we consent to love him… O my Lord and Saviour, in your arms I rest secure. If you keep me, I have nothing to fear; but if you abandon me I have nothing left to hope for. I have no idea what will happen to me as I await my death; I know nothing of what is to come; but I entrust myself to you… I lean entirely on you since you know what is good for me. As for me, I do not know.
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