AUGUST 28 SAINT AUGUSTINE

“St Augustine”
by Pieter Pauwel Rubens, 1639

AUGUST 28

SAINT AUGUSTINE,
BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Augustine [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Augustine

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
1 John 4:7-16

Beloved, let us love one another,
because love is of God;
everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
In this way the love of God was revealed to us:
God sent his only-begotten Son into the world
so that we might have life through him.
In this is love:
not that we have loved God, but that he loved us
and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us,
we also must love one another.
No one has ever seen God.
Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,
and his love is brought to perfection in us.

This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us,
that he has given us of his Spirit.
Moreover, we have seen and testify
that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world.
Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,
God remains in him and he in God.
We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.

God is love, and whoever remains in love
remains in God and God in him.
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Commentary on 1 Jn 4:7-16

Love as we share in it testifies to the nature of God and to his presence in our lives. One who loves shows that one is a child of God and knows God, for God's very being is love; one without love is without God. The revelation of the nature of God's love is found in the free gift of his Son to us, so that we may share life with God and be delivered from our sins. The love we have for one another must be of the same sort: authentic, merciful. This unique Christian love is our proof that we know God and can "see" the invisible God. [3]

 

CCC: 1 Jn 4:8 214, 221, 733, 1604; 1 Jn 4:9 458, 516; 1 Jn 4:10 457, 604, 614, 620, 1428; 1 Jn 4:11-12 735; 1 Jn 4:14 457; 1 Jn 4:16 221, 733, 1604
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
R. (12) Lord, teach me your statutes.

How shall a young man be faultless in his way?
By keeping to your words.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

With all my heart I seek you;
let me not stray from your commands.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Within my heart I treasure your promise,
that I may not sin against you.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of your mouth.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
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Commentary on Ps 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

An acrostic poem; each of the eight verses of the first strophe begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet (aleph); each verse of the second strophe begins with the second letter (beth); and so on for all 22 letters of the alphabet.

The entire work is in praise of the Law, and the joys to be found in keeping it. It is not "legalism" but a love and desire for the word of God in Israel's Law, which is the expression of the Lord's revelation of himself and his will for humanity.

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GOSPEL
Matthew 23:8-12

Jesus spoke to his disciples:
"Do not be called 'Rabbi.'
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called 'Master';
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
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Commentary on Mt 23:8-12

Jesus has launched an attack on the Jewish leadership for their authoritarian style, placing burdens on the people and seeking places of honor and titles for themselves. In this selection he describes his example of spiritual leadership. He speaks of the humility he exemplifies, placing God the Father in the place of the one true master and all who follow him as servants. 

The selection promotes an interpretation of Christian leadership which is one of humility and compassion rather than one of prideful superiority. “These verses, warning against the use of various titles, are addressed to the disciples alone. While only the title 'Rabbi' has been said to be used in addressing the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:7), the implication is that Father and 'Master' also were. The prohibition of these titles to the disciples suggests that their use was present in Matthew's church. The Matthean Jesus forbids not only the titles but the spirit of superiority and pride that is shown by their acceptance. Whoever exalts . . . will be exalted: cf. Luke 14:11.” [4]

CCC: Mt 23:9 2367; Mt 23:12 526
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Reflection:

What can be said of the great St. Augustine that has not already been said by so many of the faithful throughout the centuries? He is one with whom all of us who struggle with the faith and are tempted can identify. His fall into sin and his conversion and ultimate elevation to the high councils of the Church are well documented by historians and perhaps most importantly by himself in his Confessions.

That he rose from the ashes of sin and debauchery to be held as one of great holiness gives hope to those of use who fall prey to the lures of secular society. We do not praise him because he fell but rather that he rose from that fall in humility and faith. Always in life he pointed to a higher standard than the one he felt he had attained himself. His great intellect, guided by that faith, is a treasure of the Church.

As we celebrate his memorial today we are reminded, as was great St. Augustine, that while we may be called to places of greatness, our true measure will be that our efforts are on behalf of God and for his glory and not our own. We recall the words of St. Matthew who in chronicling the Lord recalls his words; “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." May we always place the Glory of the Lord before any other motive, that our reward may be received in heaven.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St Augustine” by Pieter Pauwel Rubens, 1639.
[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] NAB footnote on 1 John 4:7-16.

[4] NAB footnote on Matthew 23:8-12.

AUGUST 27 SAINT MONICA

“Saint Monica”
by Luis Tristán De Escamilla,1616

AUGUST 27

SAINT MONICA MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Monica [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Monica

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16

Blessed the husband of a good wife,
twice-lengthened are his days;
A worthy wife brings joy to her husband,
peaceful and full is his life.
A good wife is a generous gift
bestowed upon him who fears the LORD;
Be he rich or poor, his heart is content,
and a smile is ever on his face.

A gracious wife delights her husband,
her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones;
A gift from the Loan is her governed speech,
and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth.
Choicest of blessings is a modest wife,
priceless her chaste soul.
A holy and decent woman adds grace upon grace;
indeed, no price is worthy of her temperate soul.
Like the sun rising in the Loan's heavens,
the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.
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Commentary on Sir 26:1-4, 13-16

The son of Sirach writes beautifully about the virtues of the “good wife”. The virtues of the good wife are extolled; thoughtfulness, humility, grace, temperance, and chastity. They bring joy to her husband and honor to her house. Although not included in this selection, these attributes are contrasted with the sins of the wicked wife in this section of the book. (see also Proverbs 31:10-31)

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 131:1bcde, 2, 3

R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

O LORD, my heart is not proud,
nor are my eyes haughty;
I busy not myself with great things,
nor with things too sublime for me.
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted
my soul like a weaned child.
Like a weaned child on its mother's lap,
so is my soul within me.
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

O Israel, hope in the LORD,
both now and forever.
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
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Commentary on Ps 131:1bcde, 2, 3

Psalm 131 is an individual lament praying for harmony and humility among the members of the community. The singer proclaims trust in the Lord and peace, like children's contented peace, secure in the knowledge of the love and protection of their parents.

CCC: Ps 131:2 239; Ps 131:2-3 370
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GOSPEL
Luke 7:11-17

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain,
and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him.
As he drew near to the gate of the city,
a man who had died was being carried out,
the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.
A large crowd from the city was with her.
When the Lord saw her,
he was moved with pity for her and said to her,
"Do not weep."
He stepped forward and touched the coffin;
at this the bearers halted,
and he said, "Young man, I tell you, arise!"
The dead man sat up and began to speak,
and Jesus gave him to his mother.
Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming,
"A great prophet has arisen in our midst,"
and "God has visited his people."
This report about him spread through the whole of Judea
and in all the surrounding region.
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Commentary on Lk 7:11-17

St. Luke’s Gospel continues the description of Jesus ministry. Just prior to this event, Jesus healed the centurion’s servant. He now demonstrates his power over sin and death as he raises the widow’s son from the dead. “Jesus' power over death prepares for his reply to John's disciples in Luke 7:22: 'the dead are raised.' This resuscitation in alluding to the Prophet Elijah's resurrection of the only son of a widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-24) leads to the reaction of the crowd: 'A great prophet has arisen in our midst'” [3]

 

CCC: Lk 7:11-17 994; Lk 7:16 1503
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Reflection:

We hear the Gospel story of Jesus being moved by the love of a mother for her son and taking the action. In response to that mother’s love and pain, he reaches out and raises him from death. His actions recall to us the words spoken to St. Monica by an unnamed bishop as she wept for the soul of her son, St. Augustine; "the child of those tears shall never perish." In many ways St. Monica was much like the Blessed Virgin Mary in her devotion to her son although her son St. Augustine was very un-like the son of the Holy Mother.

St. Monica never gave up on her wayward child. He seemed bent on self destruction as is recorded in his confessions. Yet holy Monica, who had endured so much pain in both her own upbringing and much of her marriage, persevered in prayer with an attitude so free of bitterness and vindictiveness that it served as an inspiration for others who were in similar situations.

We hear the Gospel words of how much Jesus loves all of us, most especially those who like himself give all of their love to others without expectation of reward or indeed without expecting that love to be returned. For those who have that kind of love, the Lord provides a bottomless well of love in return. In him is the strength, loaned without effort to those who follow his example.

Today we celebrate a mother’s great love and see in it an echo of out Lord and savior. May St. Monica pray for us this day that our love for others might increase and we too might imitate Jesus whose love and mercy are without bounds and without end.

Pax

[1] The picture is “Saint Monica” by Luis Tristán De Escamilla,1616
[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] See NAB footnote on Luke 7:11ff

AUGUST 25 SAINT JOSEPH CALASANZ

“The Last Communion of
St. Joseph of Calasanz”
by Francisco de Goya, 1819

AUGUST 25

SAINT JOSEPH CALASANZ, PRIEST

Biographical Information about St. Joseph Calasanz[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Joseph Calasanz [2]

Readings and Commentary:

FIRST READING

Long Form
1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13

Brothers and sisters:
Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.

But I shall show you a still more excellent way.

If I speak in human and angelic tongues
but do not have love,
I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.
And if I have the gift of prophecy
and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge;
if I have all faith so as to move mountains,
but do not have love, I am nothing.
If I give away everything I own,
and if I hand my body over so that I may boast
but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, love is not pompous,
it is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice
over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.
If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing;
if tongues, they will cease;
if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.
For we know partially and we prophesy partially,
but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

When I was a child, I used to talk as a child,
think as a child, reason as a child;
when I became a man, I put aside childish things.
At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror,
but then face to face.
At present I know partially;
then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.
So faith, hope, love remain, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
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Commentary on 1 Cor 12:31-13:13

St. Paul shifts his focus from the diversity of the different functions within the Body of Christ (which is the Church) to the gifts common to those enlightened by Christ. First among these gifts is love which informs all reason, directing the Christian to the love of Christ.

“In speaking of love, Paul is led by spontaneous association to mention faith and hope as well. They are already a well-known triad (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:3), three interrelated features of Christian life, more fundamental than any particular charism. The greatest . . . is love: love is operative even within the other members of the triad, so that it has a certain primacy among them. Or, if the perspective is temporal, love will remain (cf. 'never fails,') even when faith has yielded to sight and hope to possession.” [3]

 

CCC: 1 Cor 12 1988, 2003; 1 Cor 13 735, 800; 1 Cor 13:1-4 1826; 1 Cor 13:4-7 1825; 1 Cor 13:5 953; 1 Cor 13:8 773; 1 Cor 13:12 163, 164, 314, 1023, 1720, 2519; 1 Cor 13:13 1813, 1826, 1841
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OR

Short Form
1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Brothers and sisters:
Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
it is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.
If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing;
if tongues, they will cease;
if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.
For we know partially and we prophesy partially,
but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
When I was a child, I used to talk as a child,
think as a child, reason as a child;
when I became a man, I put aside childish things.
At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror,
but then face to face.
At present I know partially;
then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.
So faith, hope, love remain, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
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Commentary on 1 Cor 13:4-13

This shorter version of St. Paul’s discourse on the characteristics of Christian love (faith and hope) omits the beginning verses but retains the focus on the unselfish and selfless nature of the relationship between members of the community, imitating Christ’s love for the Church.

CCC: 1 Cor 13 735, 800; 1 Cor 13:1-4 1826; 1 Cor 13:4-7 1825; 1 Cor 13:5 953; 1 Cor 13:8 773; 1 Cor 13:12 163, 164, 314, 1023, 1720, 2519; 1 Cor 13:13 1813, 1826, 1841
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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 me 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.
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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
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GOSPEL
Matthew 18:1-5

The disciples approached Jesus and said,
"Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?"
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me."
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Commentary on Mt 18:1-5

Jesus, in this selection from St. Matthew’s Gospel (also recorded in St. Luke’s Gospel at Luke 9:46-50), summarizes what is known as “church order.” It is called this because, in response to the question “who will be greatest in the Kingdom of heaven,” Jesus refutes the rank and privilege of the secular world and indicates that those whose faith is like a small child will find greatness in heaven. The beginning allegory is thought to deal less with the innocence of a child and more with the child’s complete dependence upon its parents. The lesson then drives home the fact that the faithful disciple must be dependent upon God alone.

CCC: Mt 18:3-4 526; Mt 18:3 2785
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Reflection:

There are numerous times in Church history when the example Jesus gives in St. Matthew’s Gospel have been ignored. When we think about the first saints tasked with building the Church, the Apostles, we can understand that the example and instructions Jesus left us are, to say the least, challenging.

We can see in the disciples' question some signs of envy and competition between them, vying for superiority. Even these, the first to take Christ’s teachings into the world, were not above the temptations of authority. St. Joseph Calasanz encountered the same problem in his ministry.

St. Joseph started with a simple, faith driven ideal: educate the poor. He wanted to help those least able to help themselves, the children of the poor who otherwise would not have been able to find education and hence a way out of their wretchedness.

Like many authentic calls to ministry, St. Joseph’s idea quickly gained supporters at all levels of the Church hierarchy. In post reformation Italy, he found new fervor for the faith and his following grew. He soon was able to establish his apostolate as a religious order, dedicated to education. Who knows how far this effort could have spread. However, some in his community encountered the same influence that had caused the Lord’s disciples to question who will be greatest. Without the direct guidance of the Lord, this caused dissension among the member of the now established Order of Poor Clerks Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools (Piarists).

As with many wonderfully-intentioned efforts by the people of God, this dissension ultimately caused the Church to react, disbanding the order and placing the priests involved back under the authority of their local bishops. Ultimately, St. Joseph was vindicated and his heroic virtue recognized. The order was eventually reconstituted in 1669 and continues today.

On his day, we ask for the intercessions of St. Joseph Calasanz. We ask that when we seek to do God’s will, especially in fellowship with others of the faith community, we remember to do so with the faith and lack of guile of a little child, seeking always the greater glory of God.

Pax


[1] The picture is “The Last Communion of St. Joseph of Calasanz” by Francisco de Goya, 1819.
[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] NAB footnote on 1 Corinthians 13:13.

AUGUST 25 SAINT LOUIS OF FRANCE

“St. Louis IX of France”
by El Greco, 1587-97

AUGUST 25

SAINT LOUIS OF FRANCE

Biographical Information about St. Louis of France [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Louis of France [2]

Readings and Commentary:

FIRST READING
Isaiah 58:6-11

Thus says the LORD:
This is the fasting that I wish:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry,
sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own.

Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
Your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!
If you remove from your midst oppression,
false accusation and malicious speech;
If you bestow your bread on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
Then light shall rise for you in the darkness,
and the gloom shall become for you like midday;
Then the LORD will guide you always
and give you plenty even on the parched land.
He will renew your strength,
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fails.
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Commentary on Is 58:6-11

This passage is from what is known as Deutero-Isaiah. It was written in the latter part of the Babylonian exile (700 BC). Isaiah laments and chastises the people for missing the point of their fasts of atonement. They perform the rituals and follow the law but then violate the spirit of God’s Law by being uncaring and cruel to each other.

The prophet explains what that spirit is and how it is to impact their actions and closes with the reward for following the spirit of God’s Law – “Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the Lord behind you. Cry, and the Lord will answer; call, and he will say, ‘I am here.’” [3] He goes on to describe the salvific effect of these actions of charity and compassion as being as a light in darkness, as rain in parched land. He concludes with what can be seen as a baptismal reference (well-spring of holiness) that brings eternal life.

CCC: Is 58:6-7 2447
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-7, 7-8, 9

R. (1) Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Wealth and riches shall be in his house;
his generosity shall endure forever.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast;
he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Lavishly he gives to the poor,
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R. Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-7, 7-8, 9

In this section of Psalm 112 the virtues of faithfully following God’s commandments are extolled. The one who follows the Lord will be upheld by God “in everlasting remembrance.” This hymn of praise and thanksgiving commends the people faithful to the Law of Moses. The one who is blameless in the eyes of God does not fear from his community or others since the Lord is his protector.

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GOSPEL
Matthew 22:34-40

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees,
they gathered together, and one of them,
a scholar of the law, tested him by asking,
"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?"
He said to him,
"You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
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Commentary on Mt 22:34-40

The story of Jesus delivering the Great Commandment is the fourth of the “Controversy Stories” in St. Matthew’s Gospel (stories in which Jesus argues with the Jewish leadership). Jesus has just refuted those Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection (v. 23-33) and now is challenged by the Pharisees. The question posed by the “scholar of the law” (probably a scribe; see also Luke 10:25-28) “which commandment in the law is the greatest?” is asked in a rabbinical sense, meaning which of the 613 distinct statutes was considered greatest. Within this body of law, 248 of these precepts were positive and 365 were prohibitions. In addition these precepts were further divided into “light” and “heavy.” This was a fairly typical exchange for a rabbinical debate.

 

“’Test him’: the text has πειοαξων, a word that may also be translated as ‘to tempt’ and ‘to submit to trial’. Matthew uses the term six times altogether from one end of his Gospel to the other (4:1,3; 16:1; 19:3; 22:18; 22:35), and two things are significant about this use. The first time the term appears the tempter is Satan himself, and this fact lends to every other occasion a satanic whiff; and secondly, the object of the tempting or testing in every case is Jesus himself.” [4]

In answering, Jesus quotes two texts of the law that now form the foundation for a new morality in the Gospel. He first quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 “Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This text forms part of the Shema, the Jewish profession of faith. This first quote would not be surprising. What makes this exchange novel and important is that Jesus adds the quote from Leviticus 19:18b “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This juxtaposition of quotes makes them equally “heavy” and there is no parallel In Jewish literature.

CCC: Mat 22:23-34 575; Mat 22:34-36 581; Mat 22:36 2055; Mat 22:37-40 2055; Mat 22:37 2083; Mat 22:40 1824
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Reflection:

St. Louis (IX) of France was unique in his day. At a time when European monarchs held nearly absolute power, St. Louis took to heart God’s word and Jesus’ example. He respected all those with whom he had contact and even took the unheard of step of dining with “the poor” of his kingdom: having special guests dine with him each day from among the poor. Who knows how this interaction affected him. What is certain is that he served the Lord as best he could, taking on the task of protecting the Holy Land from Islamic incursions. This particular zeal probably resulted in his death at 44.

As we read scripture it is easy for us to see how the Lord wants us to treat one another. St. Matthew’s Gospel gives us the great commandment to illustrate this important feature of living our faith. So why does St. Louis deserve our veneration when he was simply doing what he was called to do? Saints are recognized by the Church not just because they follow the Lord. Rather there is some heroic virtue about them that helps us recognize those especially blessed and called by God to stand as examples in perpetuity. St. Louis was remarkable among his peers of that age and would indeed be remarkable among world leaders today. While there is truth in the statement “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely;” the one we memorialize today was able to resist that temptation and remain faithful to the Lord.

Even more, he sacrificed his own personal comfort for those less fortunate and advanced the cause of Christianity at a time when there was much wavering, even among Church leaders.

Today let us call out for the intercession of St. Louis. Let us ask him to pray for us, that our strength in the face the temptation of power, may be akin to his own and that we might act always for the greater glory of our Heavenly Father.

Reading attributed to St. Louis IX:

My dearest son, my first instruction is that you should love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your strength. Without this there is no salvation. Keep yourself, my son, from everything that you know displeases God, that is to say, from every mortal sin. You should permit yourself to be tormented by every kind of martyrdom before you would allow yourself to commit a mortal sin. If the Lord has permitted you to have some trial, bear it willingly and with gratitude, considering that it has happened for your good and that perhaps you well deserved it. If the Lord bestows upon you any kind of prosperity, thank him humbly and see that you become no worse for it, either though vain pride or anything else, because you ought not to oppose God or offend him in the matter of his gifts. Be kindhearted to the poor, the unfortunate and the afflicted. Give them as much help and consolation as you can. Thank God for all the benefits he has bestowed upon you, that you may be worthy to receive greater. Always side with the poor rather than with the rich, until you are certain of the truth. Be devout and obedient to our mother the Church of Rome and the Supreme Pontiff as your spiritual father. In conclusion, dearest son, I give you every blessing that a loving father can give a son. May the three Persons of the Holy Trinity and all the saints protect you from every evil. And may the Lord give you the grace to do his will so that he may be served and honored through you, that in the next life we may together come to see him, love him and praise him unceasingly. Amen. - from a spiritual testament by King Saint Louis IX to his son

Pax


[1] The picture is “St. Louis IX of France” by El Greco, 1587-97.
[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] Translation from the Jerusalem Bible.

[4] Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, Fire of Mercy Heart of the Word Volume III, (Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA, © 2012), 576

AUGUST 22 THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

“St. Mary Crowned” (detail)
from The Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck, 1432

AUGUST 22

THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY MEMORIAL

Background Information about the Queenship of Mary [1]

Readings for the Memorial of The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
Isaiah 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing,
As they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as men make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
And the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood,
will be burned as fuel for flames.

For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
From David's throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
By judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!
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Commentary on Is 9:1-6

It is presumed by some scholars that this oracle of Isaiah was developed as a liturgical piece, used to celebrate the ascension of a king to the throne of Israel. The prophet, however, speaks here of the “ideal or ultimate” king, Emmanuel [Immanuel] (see Isaiah 7:14), not a historical person, but a predicted future king; we of course see the messiah in hindsight. The symbolism describes freedom from enslavement (the image of a yoked beast of burden is commonly used in this context) as the taskmaster (enslaver) is cast off. There will be no more war ("For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames").

The oracle celebrates this future king and messiah as one who brings wisdom from God and peace for all times. The passage concludes identifying the source or lineage of this Christ as from David’s line and references his promised succession.

CCC: Is 9:5 2305
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R. (2) Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
both now and forever.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the LORD to be praised.
High above all nations is the LORD;
above the heavens is his glory.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Who is like the LORD, our God,
who is enthroned on high and looks upon the heavens
and the earth below?
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.

He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor
To seat them with princes,
with the princes of his own people.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

A song of praise and thanksgiving, Psalm 113, in this selection, focuses appropriately on servants of the Lord and how these leaders are lifted up from “the lowly.”

CCC: Ps 113:1-2 2143
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GOSPEL
Luke 1:26-38

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, full of grace! 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.
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Commentary on Lk 1:26-38

This passage, from St. Luke’s Gospel, is the story of Mary being informed by the archangel Gabriel that she has been chosen for the great privilege of bearing the Savior of the world. St. Mary graciously accepts this honor, although with very human fear, indicating that her free will is at play. This response makes her obedience to God’s will more powerful. It is proposed that, with this acceptance, Mary entered into a vow of perpetual virginity because of the demands of Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel."

 

In St. Luke’s story of the Annunciation, the archangel Gabriel comes to Mary and tells her she will bear a son and name him Jesus (the eternal implication of this statement is made clear in the greeting which presupposes knowledge of Mary’s entire existence). Mary confirms the title “Virgin” as she questions Gabriel saying: “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” Even though she does not understand, Mary accepts her role and is told that the Holy Spirit will be the agent of the life within her. She then utters those amazing words: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."

 

This announcement parallels Zechariah’s news about John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-23), also delivered by the archangel Gabriel. This passage clearly identifies Jesus as Son of David and Son of God, thus linking it with the messianic predictions from the Old Testament.

CCC: Lk 1:26-38 497, 706, 723, 2571; Lk 1:26-27 488; Lk 1:26 332; Lk 1:28-37 494; Lk 1:28 490, 491; Lk 1:31 430, 2812; Lk 1:32-33 709; Lk 1:32 559; Lk 1:34 484, 497, 505; Lk 1:35 437, 484, 486, 697; Lk 1:37-38 494; Lk 1:37 148, 269, 273, 276; Lk 1:38 64, 148, 510, 2617, 2677, 2827, 2856
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Reflection:

Even as we hear the Gospel story of Gabriel announcing to the Blessed Virgin that she would be the vessel of the Prince of Peace, the Wonder-Counselor, we are awed by the great sweeping strokes of God’s plan who knew Mother Mary even as he inspired Isaiah to predict his Son’s birth out of her. Before Ruth bore Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of King David, her role was established.

What better can be said about her role than was spoken by St. Amadeus of Lausanne who describes the dual roles of Heavenly Queen and Earthly Mother –

So it was that she began to taste the fruits of her future
reign while still in the flesh. At one moment she withdrew
to God in ecstasy; at the next she would bend down to
her neighbors with indescribable love. In heaven angels
served her, while here on earth she was venerated by the
service of men. Gabriel and the angels waited upon her
in heaven. The virgin John, rejoicing that the Virgin
Mother was entrusted to him at the cross, cared for her
with the other apostles here below. The angels rejoiced to
see their queen; the apostles rejoiced to see their lady, and
both obeyed her with loving devotion.

-St. Amadeus of Lausanne [3]

The Blessed Virgin Mary, having done all that was required of her on this earth now reigns in heaven as promised in the psalms, the jewel of the New Jerusalem, honored by all for her great love of the Savior and the sacrifice she made for our salvation.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St. Mary Crowned” (detail) from The Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck, 1432.
[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] Hom.7 SC72, 188, 190, 192, 200.