Memorial Bench: February 2010

FEBRUARY 23 SAINT POLYCARP

“St. Polycarp”
Iconifer and Date are UNKNOWN

FEBRUARY 23

SAINT POLYCARP, BISHOP AND MARTYR
MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Polycarp [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Polycarp

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Revelation 2:8-11

"To the angel of the Church in Smyrna, write this:

'"The first and the last, who once died but came to life, says this:
"I know your tribulation and poverty, but you are rich.
I know the slander of those who claim to be Jews and are not,
but rather are members of the assembly of Satan.
Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer.
Indeed, the Devil will throw some of you into prison,
that you may be tested,
and you will face an ordeal for ten days.
Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

'""Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The victor shall not be harmed by the second death."'"
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Commentary on Rev 2:8-11

This passage from St. John’s Revelation is the second of the letters to the seven churches. Smyrna, following Ephesus, was the second most important commercial center and the home to a large and persecuted Christian population. The Christians came from a less affluent population which is why there is a reference to their poverty. The context of the letter is encouraging them to remain faithful even in the face of persecution. St. John envisions a short but intense period of turmoil (“…you will face an ordeal for ten days”) that for some will culminate in physical death (“…the second death” the first “death” being death to sin in Baptism).

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17

R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake you will lead and guide me.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors,
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in yonr kindness.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
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Commentary on Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17

This is an individual lament. The section links nicely to the death of martyrs with “Into your hands I commend my spirit” and “You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men.” The psalmist gives us a song of faith very appropriate for the one who is put to the test for their faith. It is a prayer for rescue and a submission of will to God's saving power.

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GOSPEL
John 15:18-21

Jesus said to his disciples:
"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.
Remember the word I spoke to you,
'No slave is greater than his master.'
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me."
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Commentary on Jn 15:18-21

Jesus gives the disciples a paradox in telling them that, while they are part of the world, they do not belong to the world. John gives us three different meanings of "the world." In this instance it probably refers to fallen Israel - the spear of the devil that opposes God and hates the truth. In other instances it refers to the universe created by God (John 1:10) and the fallen family of mankind in need of redemption. (John 3:17 ).[3] The disciples are separated from that society through their association with Christ. He then reminds them that because they are his, they too will suffer persecution by those he came to save.

CCC: Jn 15:19-20 675; Jn 15:20 530, 765
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Reflection:

It is especially apt that the scripture we use to memorialize Saint Polycarp is taken from the Gospel of St. John and the evangelist’s Revelation. Polycarp was one of St. John’s ardent disciples and must have spent hours listening to his words. Armed with knowledge gained from one who walked with the Lord, St. Polycarp was on fire with the Holy Spirit and able to take up the hugely difficult mission of promoting and guarding the faith in that all-important second generation of Christianity.

Imagine the difficulty of passing on the story of the God’s only Son with no New Testament to point at. It had not been codified when St. Polycarp walked the earth. Imagine trying to answer questions or dispute false teachers with no catechism to guide you; none had been written. What guided St. Polycarp was the image and message of Christ he had received from St. John the Evangelist and, what we can only surmise, an incredible faith in God. These virtues, wielded heroically, earned him a place of honor in the eyes of the Church he helped form. Indeed, in addition to the bishop's mitre, he also wears the martyr's crown, having given his life for the sake of the Gospel.

His example bolsters our courage as we take up the mission Christ left us, to take the Gospel he gave us into the world. Just as in the time of St. Polycarp, the Gospel message is not welcomed by most, not by those who value secular hedonism, not by those who embrace the lack of faith that is atheism, not even by many in civil authority who seek to limit the expression of our faith and the values espoused by it. When faced with these challenges we call out to St. Polycarp and the other saints who, like him, fought the noble fight against false teachers and a resisting culture. We ask for his prayers on this, his feast day, that we may remain strong in the face of the enemy and firm in our convictions.

Pax

[1] The icon is “St. Polycarp” Iconifer and Date are UNKNOWN
[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] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. p. 161

FEBRUARY 10 SAINT SCHOLASTICA

“St. Scholastica”
by Andrea Mantegna
1431–1506

FEBRUARY 10

SAINT SCHOLASTICA, VIRGIN MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Scholastica[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Scholastica

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Song of Songs 8:6-7

Set me as a seal on your heart,
as a seal on your arm;
For stern as death is love,
relentless as the nether world is devotion;
its flames are a blazing fire.
Deep waters cannot quench love,
nor floods sweep it away.
Were one to offer all he owns to purchase love,
he would be roundly mocked.
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Commentary on Sgs 8:6-7

This short phrase from a love song in Song of Songs begins with the notion of undying fidelity in love. ("Set me as a seal on your heart – Seal: this could be worn bound to the arm, as here, or suspended at the neck, or as a ring (Jeremiah 22:24). It was used for identification and signatures. Stern . . . relentless: in human experience, death and the nether world are inevitable, unrelenting; in the end they always triumph. Love, which is just as certain of its victory, matches its strength against the natural enemies of life; waters cannot extinguish it nor floods carry it away. It is more priceless than all riches.”)[3] In this context the image of chaste love of God reflects the virgin’s virtue.

CCC: Sgs 8:6-7 1611; Sgs 8:6 1040, 1295

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 148:1bc-2, 11-13a, 13c-14

R. (see 12a and 13a) Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord.
or;
R. Alleluia.

Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights;
Praise him, all you his angels,
praise him, all you his hosts.
R. Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord.
or.
R. Alleluia.

Let the kings of the earth and all peoples,
the princes and all the judges of the earth,
Young men, too, and maidens,
old men and boys,
Praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted.
R. Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

His majesty is above earth and heaven.
He has lifted up the horn of his people.
Be this his praise from all his faithful ones;
from the children of Israel, the people close to him. Alleluia.
R. Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 148:1bc-2, 11-13a, 13c-14

Psalm 148 is a hymn of praise. In this selection we find the psalmist singing of the omnipotence of God, his power and majesty, and his promise of salvation.
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GOSPEL
Luke 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
"Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?
Tell her to help me."
The Lord said to her in reply,
"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her."
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Commentary on Lk 10:38-42

In this encounter with Martha and Mary in St. Luke’s Gospel, we see two distinct messages. First, we see the importance of the role of women and Jesus’ attitude toward them. Second we see the importance of listening to the word of God: "Mary has chosen the better part."

The selection emphasizes the importance of listening to the teachings of the Lord. While in some early texts the Lord tells Martha there is “need for only a few things,” or of one, the message is clear: Mary, in assuming the role of disciple (listening at the master’s feet) has chosen the correct or better role. Martha, concerning herself with the requirements of hospitality (old law) has chosen the lesser.

“Mystically (St. Gregory the Great, Moralia 2, 6): the two women signify two dimensions of the spiritual life. Martha signifies the active life as she busily labors to honor Christ through her work. Mary exemplifies the contemplative life as she sits attentively to listen and learn from Christ. While both activities are essential to Christian living, the latter is greater than the former. For in heaven the active life terminates, while the contemplative life reaches its perfection.”[5]

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Reflection

St. Scholastica (c. 480 - February 10, 547). Born in Italy, she was the twin sister of St. Benedict of Nursia. It is said this great nun preceded her twin brother in holiness and dedication to God.

Our reflection upon St. Scholastica would not be complete without relating perhaps the best known story about her life and piety. From Butler’s Lives of Saints we hear this account:

She (St. Scholastica) visited her holy brother (St. Benedict) once a year, and as she was not allowed to enter his monastery, he went out with some of his monks to meet her at a house at some small distance. They spent these visits in the praises of God, and in conferring together on spiritual matters.

St. Gregory relates a remarkable circumstance of the last of these visits. Having passed the day as usual in singing psalms and [in] pious discourse, they sat down in the evening to take their refection. After it was over, Scholastica, perhaps foreknowing it would be their last interview in this world, or at least desirous of some further spiritual improvement, was very urgent with her brother to delay his return till the next day, that they might entertain themselves till morning upon the happiness of the other life. St. Benedict, unwilling to transgress his rule, told her he could not pass a night out of his monastery so desired her not to insist upon such a breach of monastic discipline.

Scholastica, finding him resolved on going home, laying her hands joined upon the table and her head upon them, with many tears begged of Almighty God to interpose in her behalf. Her prayer was scarce ended, when there happened such a storm of rain, thunder, and lightning, that neither St. Benedict nor any of his companions could set a foot out of doors.

He complained to his sister, saying: "God forgive you, sister what have you done?"

She answered: "I asked you a favor, and you refused it me; I asked it of Almighty God, and he has granted it me."

St. Benedict was therefore obliged to comply with her request, and they spent the night in conferences on pious subjects, chiefly on the felicity of the blessed, to which both most ardently aspired, and which she was shortly to enjoy. The next morning they parted, and three days after St. Scholastica died in her solitude. St. Benedict was then alone in contemplation on Mount Cassino, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he saw the soul of his sister ascending thither in the shape of a dove.[4]

We, who hear her story all these years later marvel at the depth of faith she possessed and earnestly hope we may attain some portion of the faith she evidenced in her life. The Gospel from St. Luke makes clear there is another side to the service St. Scholastica undertook. There was real work to be done in the name of God and most of it was not glamorous or mystically fulfilling. But St. Scholastica’s legacy is also one of laboring in the Lord’s vineyards; doing menial work and dedicating it to the Glory of God, is perhaps the most pleasing sacrifice God can receive. It supposes no reward, no lofty recognition but rather offers the humble efforts done in seclusion to the Father as his gift of praise.

While we remember St. Scholastica’s final encounter with her brother as a story depicting God’s affection for her, we also remember her as Martha, laboring for the Lord in unknown ways. On this day, we pray for all those who fulfill Martha’s role so that others may sit at the Lord’s feet. Their honor will be great in heaven.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St. Scholastica” by Andrea Mantegna 1431–1506
[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 for Song of Songs 8:4-7.
[4] Butlers Lives of Saints, @ Harmony Media, Inc., Salem, Oregon.
[5] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. p. 129.

FEBRUARY 8 SAINT JEROME EMILIANI

“St. Jerome Emilaini”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

FEBRUARY 8

SAINT JEROME EMILIANI, PRIEST

Biographical Information about St. Jerome Emiliani[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Jerome Emiliani

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Tobit 12:6-13

The angel Raphael said to Tobit and his son:
"Thank God! Give him the praise and the glory.
Before all the living,
acknowledge the many good things he has done for you,
by blessing and extolling his name in song.
Honor and proclaim God's deeds,
and do not be slack in praising him.
A king's secret it is prudent to keep,
but the works of God are to be declared and made known.
Praise them with due honor.
Do good, and evil will not find its way to you.
Prayer and fasting are good,
but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness.
A little with righteousness is better than abundance with wickedness.
It is better to give alms than to store up gold;
for almsgiving saves one from death and expiates every sin.
Those who regularly give alms shall enjoy a full life;
but those habitually guilty of sin are their own worst enemies.

"I will now tell you the whole truth;
I will conceal nothing at all from you.
I have already said to you,
'A king's secret it is prudent to keep,
but the works of God are to be made known with due honor.'
I can now tell you that when you, Tobit, and Sarah prayed,
it was I who presented and read the record of your prayer
before the Glory of the Lord;
and I did the same thing when you used to bury the dead.
When you did not hesitate to get up
and leave your dinner in order to go and bury the dead,
I was sent to put you to the test."
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Commentary on Tb 12:6-13

At this point in the story of Tobit, the prophet asks his son to pay the “man” that had accompanied him, not realizing that who they thought was a man was really Raphael, the archangel. When they approach him to give a generous reward, Raphael unmasks himself and instructs them to give praise to God for the saving acts.

Special emphasis is made in Raphael’s instruction to act in accordance with the Law of Moses (righteousness) and perform acts of charity (almsgiving). These two actions are better even than prayer and fasting, private worship of God and: “A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be declared and made known.”

CCC: Tb 12:8 1434; Tb 12:12 336

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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 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
Long Form
Mark 10:17-30

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother."
He replied and said to him,
"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
"You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
At that statement his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
"How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the Kingdom of God!"
The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply,
"Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God."
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
"Then who can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said,
"For men it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God."
Peter began to say to him,
"We have given up everything and followed you."
Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."
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Commentary on Mk 10:17-30

The story of the rich young man told in these verses from St. Mark’s Gospel recounts an ideal teaching moment for Christ. After he has heard that the young man has carefully followed Mosaic Law (summarized in the Decalogue the Lord mentions), Jesus tells the young man he has only one more step to take. He is to sell all he has and give the proceeds to the poor. This is too much for the rich young man who leaves downcast.

Jesus uses this example to emphasize, first, that love of God must come before desire for possessions, and before the accumulation of wealth. Those listening were also downhearted and say “Then who can be saved?”

Jesus then makes his second point. No one earns salvation from God! Only the Lord alone can grant it, and nothing is impossible for Him. “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

Following the exchange with the rich young man and the rest of the crowd, St. Peter brings up the fact that the disciples had given up everything to follow Jesus. The Lord responds telling them they will receive a reward “a hundred times more” and “eternal life.” The last statement: “But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first,” is thought to have been added to reconcile the fact that some of those called first outlived other early Christians.

CCC: Mk 10:19 1858; Mk 10:22 2728; Mk 10:28-31 1618

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OR
Short Form
Mark 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother."
He replied and said to him,
"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
"You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
At that statement his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
"How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the Kingdom of God!"
The disciples were amazed at his words.
So Jesus again said to them in reply,
"Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God."
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
"Then who can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said,
"For men it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God."
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Commentary on Mk 10:17-27

This shorter version omits Jesus' teaching about the last being first.

The story of the rich young man told in these verses from St. Mark’s Gospel recounts an ideal teaching moment for Christ. After he has heard that the young man has carefully followed Mosaic Law (summarized in the Decalogue the Lord mentions), Jesus tells the young man he has only one more step to take. He is to sell all he has and give the proceeds to the poor. This is too much for the rich young man who leaves downcast.

Jesus uses this example to emphasize, first, that love of God must come before desire for possessions, and before the accumulation of wealth. Those listening were also downhearted and say “Then who can be saved?”

Jesus then makes his second point. No one earns salvation from God! Only the Lord alone can grant it, and nothing is impossible for Him. “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

CCC: Mk 10:19 1858; Mk 10:22 2728

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Reflection:

The Gospel story of the rich young man leads perfectly to the story of St. Jerome Emiliani who was also wealthy before finding the path to God. In around 1500, he gave up all he owned to help the poor and followed Christ with such zeal that others saw his efforts and followed him. Ultimately they formed the congregation of Clerks Regular of Somascha, Italy.

The story of his conversion should inspire us to look at what is truly important in our lives. The young man in the Gospel story clearly had great love of his wealth and comfort, and he did not want to give it up for God. We should examine our own situations and see where we put our emphasis, how we look at our passions. While not everyone is called to take vows of poverty, many of us could be more faithful in our stewardship. It is, after all, one of the precepts of our faith.

But it is not just material wealth that defines our treasures; is it? Our lives are a gift from God, and some portion of that gift needs to be dedicated solely to God. While all the work of our hands should demonstrate to others that our strength is in the Lord, some of what we do should be intended, as was the gift of the great saint whose memorial we celebrate, to serving the Lord directly through works of charity and service.

On this, the feast of St. Jerome Emiliani, let us ask for his prayers, that our hearts will be conformed to Christ, and our work will bring glory to the Father. We ask also that our lives will find a balance between satisfying our human needs and service to the Lord.

Pax
[1] The picture is “St. Jerome Emilaini” Artist and Date are UNKNOWN
[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.

FEBRUARY 6 SAINT PAUL MIKI AND HIS COMPANIONS

FEBRUARY 6

SAINT PAUL MIKI, PRIEST AND MARTYR,
AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Paul Miki and His Companions[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Paul Miki and His Companions

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Galatians 2:19-20

Brothers and sisters:
Through the law I died to the law,
that I might live for God.
I have been crucified with Christ;
yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me;
insofar as I now live in the flesh,
I live by faith in the Son of God
who has loved me and given himself up for me.
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Commentary on Gal 2:19-20

In this selection of St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, the apostle contrasts actions that are in accord with the precepts of Mosaic Law against the interior life of faith that justifies us before God in Christ.

"2:20 crucified with Christ: Paul has died to an old order of things, namely, the slavery of sin and the regime of the Old Covenant. He describes this elsewhere as a sacramental union with Jesus effected through Baptism (Romans 6:3-8). lives in me: Believers possess life that is natural and biological (human life) as well as supernatural and theological (divine life). who loved me: Jesus endured the torture and shame of the Cross for the entire world collectively and for every person individually (CCC 478, 616)" [2]

CCC: Gal 2:20 478, 616, 1380, 2666

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 126:1bc-2ab. 2cd-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 who 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.
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Commentary on Ps 126:1bc-2ab. 2cd-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.

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GOSPEL
Matthew 28:16-20

The Eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.
When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
Then Jesus approached and said to them,
"All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with yon always, until the end of the age."
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Commentary on Mt 28:16-20

This passage from the Gospel of St. Matthew presents “The Commissioning” monolog that concludes this Gospel. The doubting disciples are reassured that all the Lord had predicted, and all the prophets had foretold, had come to pass, and the Lord had now assumed his place with the Father.

“This moment of encounter on the mountain is fraught with tense solemnity that cuts deep into the flesh of the apostles’ faith. Yes, they have responded to the summons that both the angel and Jesus himself sent them through the women. And yes, despite their misgivings, they have faithfully come to the precise place of their appointment with Jesus on this mountain. Nevertheless, it is all too evident that the apostles are not as unequivocally filled with joy as the two Marys were. The text tellingly makes no mention of the rejoicing by the disciples in its description of their reaction on encountering their risen Lord. Instead we read: ‘When they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted.’ There are different ways of interpreting this mixed response. I, for my part, read it as signifying a total shift of theological focus on the part of the evangelist as he portrays the meeting that is the climax of his whole Gospel.” [4]

The Lord then sends them out to continue his earthly mission. His command to them is an important one: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” In this statement, we receive the proper “form” and institution of the Sacrament of Baptism and the command to bring all nations to follow the Lord. The critically important emphasis here is "make disciples," which goes beyond the sacramental act of Baptism, the imparting of the Holy Spirit, to converting the hearts of those so washed. Finally, he reassures them that he will be with them always.

CCC: Mt 28:16-20 857, 1444; Mt 28:16-17 645; Mt 28:17 644; Mt 28:18-20 1120; Mt 28:19-20 2, 767, 849, 1223, 1257, 1276
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Reflection:

Accounts tell us that St. Paul Miki and the 119 companions, who were first crucified and then killed with spears, rejoiced in God even as their captors killed them. It takes tremendous courage and conviction to face certain death and continue to witness the supreme peace that the Lord gives to his faithful who ask for it. When we recall such stories of bravery and self-sacrifice for the mission upon which we are all sent in the Lord’s name, we all look inwardly and ask ourselves: “If I were ever confronted with a situation where I would be called upon to either deny the Lord and my faith or suffer horrific death, which would I choose?”

We pray, of course, that we would all find God’s grace buoying us up and providing us with courage so we would never deny the Only Son of God. But until we are called upon to face that reality we never know. It is for this we pray when we ask the Lord to “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

As we consider our own fidelity and strength of faith, we ask for those sainted martyrs to intercede for us. We ask them to pray that we are not put to that test but may someday join them in the heavenly kingdom. We ask them also to pray for the missionaries who go into regions of the world bringing the Good News of Jesus to people in sometimes hostile and violent environments. May the Lord keep them safe and bless the work they do for God’s greater glory.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St. Paul Miki and His Companions” Artist and Date are UNKNOWN.
[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.

FEBRUARY 3 SAINT BLASE

“St. Blaise” by Pacecco De Rosa, c. 1630's

FEBRUARY 3

SAINT BLAISE, BISHOP AND MARTYR

Biographical Information about St. Blaise[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Blaisé

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Romans 5:1-5

Brothers and sisters:
Since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith
to this grace in which we stand,
and we boast in hope of the glory of God.
Not only that, but we even boast of onr afflictions,
knowing that affliction produces endurance,
and endurance, proven character,
and proven character, hope,
and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
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Commentary on Rom 5:1-5

In this passage St. Paul declares the peace of Christ which flows to the faithful from the Father through Jesus who cast out sin and death for our salvation. The complete acceptance of our earthly station is made possible by the Holy Spirit which flows from the Father and the Son into our hearts.

“Popular piety frequently construed reverses and troubles as punishment for sin; cf John 9:2. Paul therefore assures believers that God's justifying action in Jesus Christ is a declaration of peace. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ displays God's initiative in certifying humanity for unimpeded access into the divine presence. Reconciliation is God's gift of pardon to the entire human race.”[3]

CCC: Rom 5:3-5 2734, 2847; Rom 5:5 368, 733, 1820, 1964, 2658

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 117:1bc,2

R. (Mark 16:15) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Praise the LORD, all you nations;
glorify him, all you peoples'
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia.

For steadfast is his kindness toward us,
and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 117:1bc,2

“This shortest of hymns calls on the nations to acknowledge God's supremacy. The supremacy of Israel's God has been demonstrated to them by the people's secure existence, which is owed entirely to God's gracious fidelity.” [4] Using a refrain from St. Mark’s Gospel, the psalm is one of praise for the Good News of God’s salvation.

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GOSPEL
Mark 16:15-20

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
"Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe:
in my name they will drive out demons,
they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.
They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,
was taken up into heaven
and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere,
while the Lord worked with them
and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
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Commentary on Mk 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). Jesus comes to them at table, rebuking them for their unbelief. That 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. This action is important because it supports the universal mission of the Twelve. In response to the Lord's instructions the Apostles went into the world, accompanied by the Holy Spirit ("while the Lord worked with them"). They demonstrated the truth that is Christ risen.

CCC: Mk 16:15-16 977, 1223; Mk 16:15 888; Mk 16:16 161, 183, 1253, 1256, 1257; Mk 16:17-18 670, 1507; Mk 16:17 434, 1673; Mk 16:18 699; Mk 16:19 659, 659; Mk 16:20 2, 156, 670

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Reflection:

Deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ has an amazing side effect. In almost everyone, faith in the Lord gives one the peace he promised his followers when he appeared to them in the upper room. In many instances, those he chose as instruments of grace, his disciples and those who followed the same call, were also empowered to heal the sick. This was the grace given to St. Blaise, whom we memorialize on this date.

Born in Armenia in the fourth century, he came to faith during a time of great trials for the Church and her members. According to tradition, he had the power to heal and because of his great love for God’s creation, animals instinctively knew of his grace and came to him to be healed. It is said they would not disturb him if he was at prayer. It was because of this reverence by the animals that he was discovered (huntsmen found animals waiting outside his cave while he prayed). He was taken prisoner and brought to Agricola, governor of Cappadocia who had come to Sebaste to persecute Christians. While in prison awaiting trial, he healed many who were in prison with him, including a child choking on a fish bone (which is where the blessing of throats originated). He was martyred, but not before he demonstrated the grace God had given him by walking on water that was intended to drown him.

If he was among us today and confronted with questions about his miraculous ability, he would, no doubt, attribute all his ability to its author, Christ Jesus whom he served and adored. Centuries later, during the Black Death, he was named one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, perpetuating faith in God’s help in times of need.

On his feast day we thank him, not only for his example of faith in times of great trial, but also for his intercession in the heavenly court. We ask that he pray for all of us, that we might be firm on our faith and trust in Jesus whose healing love can do miracles.

Pax

Catholic Prayer: Roman Ritual: Blessing of Throats on the Feast of St. Blaise [5]

Description:

The blessing of throats traces back to the 8th century. This blessing is from the 1964 Roman Ritual translated by Philip T. Weller. The candles used needed this blessing preceding the blessing of the throats.

This is one of the most popular blessings from the Ritual. St. Blaise was bishop of Sebaste in Cappadocia, and was martyred by beheading about A.D. 316. Not much more can be affirmed of him with any degree of historical accuracy, but legends about him are numerous. One day--so goes the legend--Blaise met a poor woman whose only pig had been snatched up in the fangs of a wolf but at the command of the bishop the wolf restored the pig alive to its owner. The woman did not forget the favor, for later, when the bishop was languishing in prison, she brought him tapers to dispel the darkness and gloom. To this story may be attributed the practice of using lighted candles in bestowing the blessing of St. Blaise. While in prison he performed a wonderful cure on a boy who had a fishbone lodged in his throat and who was in danger of choking to death. From this account we have the longtime custom of invoking the saint for all kinds of throat trouble.

Prayer:

After blessing the candles on the feast of St. Blaise, the priest holds two candles fastened like a cross to the throat of the person kneeling before him, and says:

By the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every malady of the throat, and from every possible mishap; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit.

R. Amen.

[1] The picture is “St. Blaise” by Pacecco De Rosa, c. 1630's

[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 Romans 5:1-11
[4] See NAB footnote on Psalm 117
[5] Prayer Source: Roman Ritual, The, Complete Edition by Philip T. Weller, S.T.D., The Bruce Publishing Company, Milwaukee, WI, 1964

FEBRUARY 3 SAINT ANSGAR

“St. Ansgar”
Artist and Date
are UNKNOWN

FEBRUARY 3

SAINT ANSGAR, BISHOP

Biographical Information about St. Ansgar[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Ansgar

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Isaiah 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,
Announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,
"Your God is King!"

Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry,
together they shout for joy,
For they see directly, before their eyes,
the LORD restoring Zion.
Break out together in song,
O ruins of Jerusalem!
For the LORD comforts his people,
he redeems Jerusalem.
The LORD has bared his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;
All the ends of the earth will behold
the salvation of our God.
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Commentary on Is 52:7-10

At the time of its writing, Isaiah's intent was to proclaim the joy of the return of the Jews from the Babylonian exile to Judah. He sees the event as salvation for the Hebrew people. God leads them back to the land he gave their fathers.

“These verses form the famous poem of the ‘messenger of peace’ who ‘brings good tidings.’ The ideas of the first oracle of this second part of the book (40:1-11) are repeated here very beautifully. The messenger's feet are praised - a symbol of his speed and surefootedness when crossing the mountains, which is where important news comes from (cf. 40:9). His message (v. 7) is described very significantly as involving ‘peace,’ which in Isaiah means safety in Israel after the hardships of exile; ‘good tidings’ or, more literally, ‘news of goodness and well-being,’ that is, genuine material and spiritual prosperity; and "salvation" which is permanent renewal on all levels. The three words read together mean the highest degree of happiness imaginable. The core of this message is the enthronement of God: ‘Your God reigns,’ similar to 40:9: ‘Behold your God.’”[4]

From a greater distance and depth of understanding, we see him announcing the coming of the Messiah and the salvation that comes to the New Jerusalem through Jesus Christ.

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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 96: 1-2a,2b-3, 7-8, 10

R. (3) Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Give to the LORD, yon families of nations,
give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name!
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations.
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Commentary on Ps 96: 1-2a,2b-3, 7-8, 10

“Announce his salvation, day after day.” This song of praise to the Lord invites all humanity to participate in God’s salvation. “This psalm has numerous verbal and thematic contacts with Isaiah Chapters 40-55, as does Psalm 98. Another version of the psalm is 1 Chronicles 16:23-33.”[3]

CCC: Ps 96:2 2143

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GOSPEL
Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God:
"This is the time of fulfillment.
The Kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the Gospel."

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee,
he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea;
they were fishermen.
Jesus said to them,
"Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Then they left their nets and followed him.
He walked along a little farther
and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They too were in a boat mending their nets.
Then he called them.
So they left their father Zebedee in the boat
along with the hired men and followed him.

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Commentary on Mk 1:14-20

It is noteworthy to observe that all of the Gospel accounts show Jesus beginning his public ministry after the active ministry of St. John the Baptist has ended. The “Voice” decreases while the “Word” increases (see John 3:30). We see the charismatic power of the Lord in the call of the first disciples from St. Mark’s Gospel. They follow him without inducement beyond his simple invitation. It is also notable that three of these first four, Simon, James, and John, develop the closest relationships with the Lord of all the disciples. From other Gospel sources (John 1:35-42), we know that at least Andrew was a disciple of St. John the Baptist and would have shared Jesus' status with his brother, Simon (Peter).

"The message in 1:15 consists of two declarative and two imperative statements, each pair set in synthetic parallelism. The good news from God proclaimed by Jesus concerns the coming to pass of God’s appointed time, the coming of God’s rule into history. The initial statement clearly declares that God is at work bringing to pass the appointed time, the time, of salvation anticipated by the prophets including the Baptist. The coming of God’s appointed time meant no less than that God’s rule had entered into history. Yet the language chosen to express the latter, the 'coming' of the Kingdom, connoted a complex event of arrival and nearness." [5]

CCC: Mk 1:15 541, 1423, 1427; Mk 1:16-20 787

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Reflection:

Throughout the history of the Church, starting with Jesus’ own ministry, there has been resistance, even violent resistance, to the Gospel message. When God sent his Son into the world, it was with the knowledge that the evil one offered an easier path and would create enmity within the world of man. We see this at the time of Christ, with even St. John the Baptist’s arrest. We see it throughout the history of Christianity. One of the most dangerous times to proclaim the Gospel was the period into which St. Ansgar came.

He was born at the beginning of the ninth century (801), at time when the Scandinavian Vikings were exerting their power over northern coastal Europe. The pagan Vikings were notoriously vicious, burning and pillaging without any exceptions, including churches. St. Ansgar took upon himself the task of converting these fierce adversaries. He suffered many setbacks, often seeing the work he had accomplished destroyed. Yet he persevered in the faith, never faltering. He used all of the gifts God had given him for Christ’s glory, and in the end achieved great success.

His lesson is not lost on us all these years later. We see his heroic virtue and are heartened. Even as our own society persecutes the Church (perhaps not burning our buildings, but attacking us nonetheless), we see the need to hear the call of Christ, inviting us to share the ministry to which he called his disciples and to which St. Ansgar was called. We are encouraged by the great bishop’s example of perseverance in the face of overwhelming opposition and gain courage by seeing his ultimate victory. He converted many in the pagan society to which he was drawn. May we also have success with Christ as our banner and our strength.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St. Ansgar” Artist and Date are UNKNOWN
[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 Psalm 96
[4] The Navarre Bible: “Major Prophets”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, p. 231

[5] Robert A. Guelich, Mark 1–8:26, vol. 34A, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1989), 45–46.