APRIL 30 SAINT PIUS V

APRIL 30

SAINT PIUS V,

Saint Pius V
by El Greco, 1600-1610

POPE, RELIGIOUS

Additional Information about St. Pius V [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Pius V

Readings and Commentary: [2]

Reading 1
1 Corinthians 4:1-5


Brothers and sisters:
Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ
and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is of course required of stewards
that they be found trustworthy.
It does not concern me in the least
that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even
pass judgment on myself; I am not conscious of anything against me,
but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me
is the Lord.
Therefore do not make any judgment before the appointed time,
until the Lord comes,
for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness
and will manifest the motives of our hearts,
and then everyone will receive praise from God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Cor 4:1-5

This selection is part of St. Paul’s pre-oration regarding the need for unity in the church in Corinth. In this concluding section, the apostle calls upon the community to be faithful to the teachings passed on to it. He speaks of Christian wisdom with an exhortation to the community not to pass judgment on their leaders. He summarizes his thought with the statement: "Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." The words St. Paul uses to describe the roles are, in the first instance: “servants of Christ,” hypēretēs, a word that designated rowers on the lowest rank of a galley, later coming to mean assistant or helper. The word “stewards” (or managers) was oikonomos, a name given to servants put in charge of their master’s property.

He goes on to exhort them not to pass judgment upon each other, but rather to follow his own example of being nonjudgmental, even about his own actions. He concludes by reminding them that, at the “appointed time” (referring to the eschaton), the Lord will reveal all motives of the human heart and judgment will be passed.

CCC: 1 Cor 4:1 859, 1117; 1 Cor 4:5 678
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 110:1, 2,3,4

R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The Lord said to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The scepter of your power the Lord will stretch forth from Zion:
"Rule in the midst of your enemies."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

"Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor,
before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent:
"You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 110:1, 2,3,4

We are given the reference point used in Hebrews 5:1-10. The psalmist, David, reflects upon the call to service of the people. The final verse specifically mentions the high priest Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the ancient king of Salem (Jerusalem) who blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20). Like other kings of the time, he also performed priestly functions.

Psalm 110 thanks God for earthly authority, recognizing that it is only through the Lord's strength that authority is exercised. The psalmist uses Melchizedek as an arch-example. He was a secular king in the time of Abraham who ruled on the spiritual side as well. Though he was not of the Hebrew race, he was nonetheless chosen by God to be priest, but not of the line of Aaron. Since the ancient text refers neither to his lineage nor his death, his office is seen as eternal, “You are a priest forever.”

CCC: Ps 110 447; Ps 110:1 659; Ps 110:4 1537
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel John 21:15-17

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples
and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"
Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep."
He said to him the third time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was distressed that
Jesus had said to him a third time,
"Do you love me?" and he said to him,
"Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.
"Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 21:15-17

Following the third revelation to the disciples, as they were fishing at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus now focuses on Peter, making sure he understands his role in the foundation of the Church. The triple confession of Peter reverses his earlier denial of the Lord the night of the Passion (Matthew 26:69ff; Mark 14:29-31, 66-72; John 13:36-38, 18:15-18, 18:25-27). This is also a key passage, identified by the Church as Christ’s post-resurrection assignment of Peter to be the shepherd of the Church, essentially establishing the beginning of apostolic succession.

CCC: Jn 21:13-15 645; Jn 21:15-17 553, 881, 1429, 1551
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:

In order for us to truly appreciate the role of St. Pius V in the history of our faith we must recall the age into which he was born. The Renaissance is in full swing as is the Reformation drive of Martin Luther and John Calvin. The Church is in real trouble as strife and divisions among Christians undo at least western unity (the great schism between the Eastern and Western Churches had already taken place in the 1100s.)

Into this period came St. Pius V. His humble roots gave him a unique insight into the fruits of the Church and an appreciation for the discipline of the faith. He was a tireless worker for reform in the Church whose natural leadership was recognized as he was elevated, against his own protestation first to Bishop, then Cardinal, and finally Pontiff. The reforms he was called to implement were from the Council of Trent, many of which were a counterweight to the excesses of the Reformation seen in Germany, France, and Britain. The proof of his effectiveness lies in that legacy.

Sacred Scripture, given in his memorial today, reveals his faithfulness. St. Paul, in the first reading addresses the church at Corinth telling them not to be judgmental; that Christ alone is the judge. His message is that falling into the trap of condescension based upon the belief that one has correctly interpreted the will of God and their fellow travelers along that same road have gotten it horribly wrong, somehow presumes some special relationship with the Lord who came equally for all.

While St. Paul calls for unity, the Gospel reminds us of the Lord’s intent to pass along his teachings through St. Peter whom he commissions to that task in St. John’s Gospel. The thrice issued call, to carry the love of Christ to the world, echoes down through the halls of the Church. It is picked up by each succeeding person called to the Chair of Peter. They in turn, pass that message on and we, as members of that body, find that we too become a herald of Christ’s Love. St. Pius V did it in his age; we are called to follow his example in ours.

Pax

[1] The portrait of Pius V is by El Greco, 1600-1610
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

APRIL 29 SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA

"The Ecstasy of St Catherine of Siena"
by Pompeo Batoni, 1743

APRIL 29

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA,
VIRGIN AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Additional Information about St. Catherine of Siena [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena

Readings and Commentary: [2]

Reading 1 1 John 1:5-2:2

Beloved:

This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ

and proclaim to you:

God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.

If we say, “We have fellowship with him,”

while we continue to walk in darkness,

we lie and do not act in truth.

But if we walk in the light as he is in the light,

then we have fellowship with one another,

and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

If we say, “We are without sin,”

we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just

and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.

If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.

 

My children, I am writing this to you

so that you may not commit sin.

But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,

Jesus Christ the righteous one.

He is expiation for our sins,

and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Jn 1:5-2:2

We are given in this selection a foundational scripture passage upon which the sacrament of reconciliation rests. The logic St. John uses flows nicely: Jesus, the Christ is light. When we sin we walk in darkness. When we admit our sin, the Lord who is “expiation for our sins” brings us back into the light. If we try to deceive ourselves saying we are not sinful, we fall and, in a sense, make Jesus’ sacrifice meaningless.

 

“Light is to be understood here as truth and goodness; darkness here is error and depravity (cf John 3:19-21; 17:17; Ephesians 5:8). To walk in light or darkness is to live according to truth or error, not merely intellectual but moral as well. Fellowship with God and with one another consists in a life according to the truth as found in God and in Christ.” Then for v. 8-10 “Denial of the condition of sin is self-deception and even contradictory of divine revelation; there is also the continual possibility of sin's recurrence. Forgiveness and deliverance from sin through Christ are assured through acknowledgment of them and repentance.”[3] The final verses of this selection profess the Trinity as One God “…we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.”

CCC:1 Jn 1:5 214; 1 Jn 1:6 2470; 1 Jn 1:7-2:2 2631; 1 Jn 1:8-10 827; 1 Jn 1:8-9 1847; 1 Jn 1:8 1425; 1 Jn 1:10 2147;1 Jn 2:1-2 1460; 1 Jn 2:1 519, 692, 2634; 1 Jn 2:2 605, 606
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18
R. (1) O, bless the Lord, my soul!

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and forget not all his benefits.
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!

He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!

Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
He will not always chide,
nor does he keep his wrath forever.
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
he remembers that we are dust.
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!

But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward his children's children
among those who keep his covenant.
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 103:1-2, 34, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18

This hymn of praise focuses on God’s power and will to heal all ills and to support us in times of trouble. It is through God's own will that he does this. The final two strophes reference God as a Father loving his children, his adopted sons and daughters.

CCC: Ps 103 304
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus responded:
"I give praise to you, Father,
Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mt 11:25-30

Jesus has just completed a fairly scathing criticism of the people in the places he has been and performed miracles, yet many have not accepted him as the Messiah. He now concludes this section on a more joyous note as he reflects that, while the scribes and Pharisees (“the wise and learned”) have not understood who he is, those with simple faith have accepted him freely. He then issues an invitation to all who “labor and are burdened” quoting an invitation similar to one in Ben Sirach to learn wisdom and submit to her yoke (Sirach 51:23, 26).

“This Q saying, identical with Luke 10:21-22 except for minor variations, introduces a joyous note into this section, so dominated by the theme of unbelief. While the wise and the learned, the scribes and Pharisees, have rejected Jesus' preaching and the significance of his mighty deeds, the childlike have accepted them. Acceptance depends upon the Father's revelation, but this is granted to those who are open to receive it and refused to the arrogant. Jesus can speak of all mysteries because he is the Son and there is perfect reciprocity of knowledge between him and the Father; what has been handed over to him is revealed only to those whom he wishes.” [4]

The final verses of this section are found only in St. Matthew’s Gospel and promise salvation to those who are downtrodden or in pain. “In extending his extraordinary invitation Jesus is speaking as one possessing the full authority and compassion of God. ‘Come to me, you all you grown weary with labor and heavily burdened!’ The proclamation has all the universality and power that only a divine call to mankind can have, the sort of blessed clamor of God’s compassion within human history that we hear in the prophets.” [5]

CCC: Mt 11:25-27 2603, 2779; Mt 11:25-26 2701; Mt 11:25 153, 544, 2785; Mt 11:27 151, 240, 443, 473; Mt 11:28 1658; Mt 11:29-30 1615; Mt 11:29 459
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:

Of all the graces given to St. Catherine of Siena, the one most revered is that of humility in the face of high honor, given by her peers and leaders of her day. St. Catherine was a brilliant lady, blessed with a deep understanding of what Christ called her to be. She was called on frequently throughout her life to share her holiness with leaders of the Church, and with those who would divide the Body of Christ. Her heroic faithfulness earned her a place with the angels, and provides us with a unique insight into the scriptural instruction we receive.

In St. John’s first letter, we are reminded that we are called to be light to the world. We cannot cling to those things in our lives that lead us to darkness, and still be that light. Further we are reminded that, if we deny that such “dark” things attract us, and that sometimes we fall into sin, we are deluding ourselves. Even St. Catherine accepted that she needed the forgiveness of Christ.

We are encouraged, by her witness and steadfast faith, not to give up in our struggle to be a light to the world. The Lord invites us always to take up his yoke. He makes it light for us, and with it we become light.

Today as we recall the witness and brilliance of St. Catherine, let us pray that all who see us today will see the light we bring to the world for the glory of Jesus, our Lord.

Pax

[1] The Picture is "The Ecstasy of St Catherine of Siena" by Pompeo Batoni, 1743.
[2] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[3] NAB footnote on 1 John 1:1-5.
[4] NAB footnote on Matthew 11:25ff.
[5] Fire of Mercy Heart of the Word Volume I, Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA, © 1996 p. 710.

April 25 Feast of Saint Mark, Evangelist

APRIL 25

SAINT MARK, EVANGELIST FEAST

Biographical Information about St. Mark[1]

Readings for the Feast of St. Mark[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Happy Feast Day to Brother Mark Thelen (I’m not sure of the appropriate order abbreviation).
Reading 1 1 Peter 5:5b-14

St. Peter, according to most scholars, probably wrote this letter just before his death in Rome (code named Babylon in our text today) between 65 and 67. This part of his letter encourages fidelity to the Lord in the face of persecution which comes from the devil. The mention of Mark at the end of this selection is probably referring to the Evangelist whose feast we celebrate today.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

Psalm 89 is a song of thanksgiving. The selection we have today links nicely back to the faithfulness so passionately encouraged by St. Peter above.
Gospel Mark 16:15-20

The verse just prior to this passage which is the ending of St. Mark’s Gospel indicates that the disciples are still not sure what has happened (typical of the image we have of the disciples in St. Mark's Gospel) and Jesus comes to them at table, rebuking them for their unbelief. That event sets the stage for this commissioning address by the Lord. Once again the Disciples now Apostles are sent into the world with God’s blessing.

Reflection:

How esteemed is St. Mark? Our gratefulness to him should be unbounded. He passed on the faith to so many generations that followed him. According to tradition, he traveled with the Lord when he walked the earth as true man. He is thought to be the young man who ran away (naked without Christ) when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:51-52),

We see in the first reading from the First Letter of St. Peter that he was Peter’s disciple following the death of Christ. The first Pontiff calls him “my son.” He is also thought to have traveled with St. Paul and his cousin St. Barnabas through Cyprus. Tradition also says he was an active teacher of the faith, founding a school Alexandria, Egypt where he was martyred, being dragged through the streets.

Although more is supposed about him than actually known, several facts are clear. First, he authored the earliest Gospel included in all canons of the Christian Bible. We believe that God so inspired him that his writings relate accurately the story of Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and the part of his Gospel we hear today – his assumption to heaven where he sits at the right hand of the Father. Very few people in the history of the world accepted the call to transmit God’s truth in this way.

A second fact is that he was part of Jesus’ story. He was present for most of the Lord’s ministry and related that story as an eye witness following his death. He did this at a time when it was very dangerous to be a follower of Jesus and ultimately paid the price reserved for those for whom God had special use. The blood of the martyrs, we are told, spreads the faith more effectively than almost any other means.

We remember in a special way today the contributions of St. Mark and honor his memory with our own rededication to do all we can to continue to spread the Good News. We pray, today, that we will have the strength of convictions and faith the do so even in the face of adversity.

Pax
[1] The image today is “St. Mark” by Michele Di Matteo, 1427[2] After Links to Readings Expire

APRIL 24 SAINT FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN

“Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
and Saint Joseph of Leonessa”
by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo,
c. 1750

APRIL 24

SAINT FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN,
PRIEST AND MARTYR

Additional Information about St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
Colossians 1:24-29

Brothers and sisters:
I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his Body, which is the Church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God's stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is him whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
For this I labor and struggle,
in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:24-29

The Apostle speaks to the great sacrifice of Christ who offered his body for the salvation of all.  Through his sufferings he joins all Christians in solidarity with himself and the Father.  In the suffering we share on earth, we join with Jesus, and participate with him in his great offering of sacrifice.

“As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul (see Introduction), he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the church (24). The preaching of God's word (Col 1:25) carries out the divine plan (the mystery, Col 1:26) to make Christ known to the Gentiles (Col 1:27). It teaches the God-given wisdom about Christ (Col 1:28), whose power works mightily in the apostle (Col 1:29).”[3]

The theme of unifying the “Body of Christ” in the face of great resistance or persecution (“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God”) serves to bring Jew and gentile together as one community. The ultimate goal of St. Paul’s ministry is to bring everyone to Christ.

 

CCC: Col 1:24 307, 618, 1508; Col 1:27 568, 772
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (5) The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the Lord;
the lowly will hear and be glad.
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

Glorify the Lord with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the Lord heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.

The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the Lord is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The Lord delivered me from all my fears.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving and a favorite for celebrating the heroic virtue of the saints. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Psalm 34:5, 7), can teach the "poor," those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone. This psalm, in the words of one being unjustly persecuted, echoes hope for deliverance and freedom. The Lord in his faithful love always hears those who call to him for help and salvation.

CCC: Ps 34:3 716; Ps 34:8 336
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOSPEL
John 17:20-26

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:
"Holy Father, I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one,
as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us,
that the world may believe that you sent me.
And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 17:20-26

Here is the final part of the “High Priestly Prayer” from the Lord’s final discourse. In this selection we are linked with the disciples as Jesus prays: “also for those who will believe in me through their word.” Again the theme of unity between the Father, and the Son, and his followers is emphasized and brought to a conclusion with “that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

 

CCC: Jn 17 2604, 2746, 2758; Jn 17:21-23 260, 877; Jn 17:21 820; Jn 17:22 690; Jn 17:23-26 2750; Jn 17:24 2749, 2750, 2750; Jn 17:25 2751; Jn 17:26 589, 729, 2750
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, memorialized today, demonstrates to us, the modern followers of Christ, what it means to live in Christ and demonstrate unity with Christ to those who would see the Lord’s flock divided. St. Fidelis possessed those high moral standards that made him a thorn in the side of his contemporaries. Educated as a lawyer, he fought valiantly to reform the legal profession of his day (1600’s), which was fraught with greed and corruption.

What ultimately led to his martyrdom, however, was his zeal for the unity of the Body of Christ, the Church. He went with his companion, St. Joseph of Leonessa, to Switzerland to attempt to reunite those who had left the Church to follow John Calvin, the Calvinists. His efforts were very successful, and tradition holds that this was due, to a large degree, to the constant prayer of St. Fidelis. Success in the Lord’s work often earns the enmity of those who oppose it, and our hero was murdered in 1622, still following his call in Switzerland.

We hear his story and we see in scripture first St. Paul, and then the Lord, emphasizing that there is one Lord Jesus, and one God, the father. And all who believe in the Father and the Son should be one in their adoration. How often we see jealousy and disrespect between denominations that should make us ashamed for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

As we recall the tireless efforts of St. Fidelis in his efforts to reunify the Church, let us pray that we will also be messengers of unity and recall that our Lord desired that: “the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them."

Pax

[1] The picture used today is “Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen and Saint Joseph of Leonessa”, by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, c. 1750
[2] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[3] See NAB footnote on Colossians 1:24 – 2:3

APRIL 23 SAINT GEORGE

“Saint George”
by Gustave Moreau, c. 1850 

APRIL 23

SAINT GEORGE, MARTYR 

Biographical Information about St. George [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. George

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING: Revelation 21:5-7

The One who was seated on the throne said:
"Behold, I make all things new."
Then he said, "Write these words down,
for they are trustworthy and true."
He said to me, "They are accomplished.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, 
the beginning and the end. 

To the thirsty I will give a gift
from the spring of life-giving water.
The victor will inherit these gifts,
and I shall be his God,
and he will be my son."
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Rev 21:5-7

In this passage from the Revelation of St. John, the evangelist speaks of the reign of God having already begun (“I make all things new…” and “They are accomplished”). The “victor[s]” referred to are Christians who have been faithful in the face of trials, and the promise given is the adoption by Christ in Baptism. The identification of himself by God "I am the Alpha and the Omega" (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet) convey his eternal nature - existing before time and until the end of time.

"For the first and only time in the book God himself speaks.  He does so as absolute Lord of all, to ratify what has just been expounded.  While the author and his readers are still in this world of suffering, God affirms that he - even now - is creating a new world.  There is, then, a connection between present human suffering and the future world which is taking shape thanks to the mercy of God." [3]

CCC: Rv 21:1-22, 5 117; Rv 21:5 1044; Rv 21:6 694, 1137; Rv 21:7 2788
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 126: 1 bc-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R. (5) Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.
 
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion, 
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing. 
R. Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.
 
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us; 
we are glad indeed. 
R. Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert. 
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing. 
R. Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.
 
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown, 
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves. 
R. Those who sow in tears, shall reap rejoicing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 126: 1 bc-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Psalm 126 is a lament. In this short psalm, the singer rejoices at the return of Israel following the Diaspora, the conquering of Israel and its enslavement. In this hymn, the people remember the greatness of God as he restores their nation and brings them back to their own land ("Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves"). The sense is one of being overflowing with thanksgiving.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOSPEL: Luke 9:23-26

Jesus said to all,
"If anyone wishes to come after me, 
he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 

What profit is there for one to gain the whole world
yet lose or forfeit himself?
Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words,
the Son of Man will be ashamed of 
when he comes in his glory and in the glory 
of the Father and of the holy angels." 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 9:23-26

The Gospel takes up the theme of life and death, as Jesus first informs his disciples that he will undergo the “Passion” at the hands of the Jewish hierarchy (v.22) and be raised. He then provides this invitation to life, by contrasting, as Moses did in Deuteronomy 30:15-20, the (spiritual) salvation brought about through faith and the (eternal) death that awaits the faithless.

CCC: Lk 9:23 1435
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:

The memorial of St. George provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon those who have made the supreme sacrifice for the Lord. While St. George is most famous for his battle with the dragon, the lessons taken from this quasi-mythical tradition are important for the development of bravery and faithfulness in the face of overwhelming opposition, and generosity. This saint heroically placed himself in harm's way for the sake of those who could not defend themselves. He then compounded his heroism by rejecting personal gain for his actions, and distributing his reward to the poor. At a time when heroes were needed, devotion to St. George was a shining example of valor and humility.

For us, in the modern world, the exploits of St. George might seem a bit over the top. Following this saint’s example could feel to us like Don Quixote of La Mancha, but we are given Holy Scripture to correct that impression. St. George gave his life for Christ, following the Savior’s own example. We hear from St. John how this sacrifice will be rewarded by a special place in the heavenly kingdom.

Indeed, the Gospel from St. Luke tells us how the Lord commands us to accept challenges to our faith, directly or indirectly, and bear those burdens, even as he did, to his death. He promises that those who do so will find life in him. It comes down to what we believe. If we have faith in Christ and believe that without him there is no life, then how can we lay that faith aside thinking that by doing so it would make our lives easier?

That exact challenge faces us each day; when we are offered paths that would seem easier, options that would bring us to be accepted more readily by our peers. In the movies it is like when the bad guy takes a hostage at gun point and tells the good guy to lay down his weapon. When he does that, invariably to bad guy shoots him anyway. We cannot lay down our faith even in the face of dire consequences; eternal death waits for us there if we do.

Today we memorialize St. George, the hero and knight in God’s army. We pray for his prayers as we face the challenges that we will face today; may we be courageous in the face of adversity.

Pax

[1] The picture used is “Saint George” by Gustave Moreau, c. 1850 
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

[3] The Navarre Bible: “Revelation and Hebrews and Catholic Letters”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p. 118.

APRIL 21 SAINT ANSELM

St. Anselm,
artist and date, UNKNOWN 

APRIL 21

SAINT ANSELM,

BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH 

Additional Information about St. Anselm[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Anselm

Readings and Commentary: [2]

Reading 1 Ephesians 3:14-19

Brothers and sisters:
I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Eph 3:14-19

St. Paul is addressing the Gentiles in Ephesus. “The apostle prays that those he is addressing may, like the rest of the church, deepen their understanding of God's plan of salvation in Christ. It is a plan that affects the whole universe (Ephesians 3:15) with the breadth and length and height and depth of God's love in Christ (Ephesians 3:18) or possibly the universe in all its dimensions. The apostle prays that they may perceive the redemptive love of Christ for them and be completely immersed in the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). [3]

CCC: Eph 3:14 239, 2214, 2367; Eph 3:16-17 1073, 2714; Eph 3:16 1995; Eph 3:18-21 2565
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11

R. (2) I will bless the Lord at all times.
or:
R. (9) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
 
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the Lord;
the lowly will hear and be glad. 
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
or:
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
 
Glorify the Lord with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears. 
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
or:
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
 
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the Lord heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
 R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
or:
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
 
The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the Lord is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him. 
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
or:
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
 
Fear the Lord, you his holy ones,
for nought is lacking to those who fear him.
The great grow poor and hungry;
but those who seek the Lord want for no good thing. 
R. I will bless the Lord at all times.
or:
R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11

Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving and a favorite for celebrating the heroic virtue of the saints. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Psalm 34:5, 7), can teach the "poor," those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone. This psalm, in the words of one being unjustly persecuted, echoes hope for deliverance and freedom. The promise of salvation for those who follow the Lord gives hope to the poor and downtrodden.

CCC: Ps 34:3 716; Ps 34:8 336
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples:
"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.
Many will say to me on that day,
`Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?
Did we not drive out demons in your name?
Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?'
Then I will declare to them solemnly,
`I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'

"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."

When Jesus finished these words,
the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority,
and not as their scribes. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mt 7:21-29

This is the final section of the first of five great discourses of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. In it, he broadens his attack on false prophets to include those who perform acts in his name, but lead lives of sin. He uses the analogy of the house built upon sand and the house built upon rock to indicate that those who have a deep faith and act out of that faith have a strong foundation and can stand against adversity, while those who give the faith lip service for others to see, but do not have that deep faith, will fall. He will not even recognize them when they come before him in final judgment.

The Lord also makes a distinction between saying and doing. The metaphor of the “house built on rock” refers to those who hear the word of the Lord from an authentic source and act upon it. The house built on sand is a metaphor for those who either are not taught authentically (by false prophets) or who do not act upon what they have been given.

CCC: Mt 7:21-27 1970; Mt 7:21 443, 1821, 2611, 2826; Mt 7:28-29 581
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
 
St. Anselm, whom we memorialize on this day, came to the Church at a difficult time in her history. Monarchy was the preferred form of government in Western Europe, and there was constant tension between Church and state, with the absolute rule of the state butting heads with the mission of the Church in the world. As Bishop of Canterbury, St. Anselm was exiled a number of times for fighting against state control over the Church. Because he was intellectually brilliant, educated as a philosopher and theologian, he had a great image of Christ’s role in the world, and that role could not be usurped or twisted by secular rulers.

The Holy Scripture presented today supports and echoes the call to holiness of St. Anselm. St. Paul, in speaking to the Church as Ephesus, prays for the new believers, that they may be given the wisdom to hear Christ in their hearts, and the strength to follow him with their actions.

In St. Matthew’s Gospel, the Lord reminds his friends that God’s love is modeled by those who authentically pass on his word. Those who do not model that love, but claim to lead people to him for false ends cannot stand. They are exposed because of their motives, and fall, taking those who follow them to condemnation.

The heroic virtue of St. Anselm was to stand fearlessly on true faith in Christ in the face of great pressure (and great temptation) to compromise. It is the lesson we take to heart on his memorial. We pray that all whose faith is challenged may stand firm, and that all who are tempted to take an easier path that does not lead to the Lord may find the rock of our faith in him support in times of peril.

Pax

[1] The picture use is St. Anselm, artist and date, UNKNOWN 
[2] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only. 
[3] See NAB Footnote on Ephesians 3:14ff