Memorial Bench: January 2011

JANUARY 31 SAINT JOHN BOSCO

“St. John Bosco”
Artist and Date were not cited

JANUARY 31
SAINT JOHN BOSCO, PRIEST MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. John Bosco[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. John Bosco

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Philippians 4:4-9

Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Phil 4:4-9

In the certain knowledge that Christ is with them, St. Paul begins this address, as part of a series of ethical instructions, by exhorting the Christian community to prayer. Through prayer God’s peace will come into their hearts and minds as a gift from Christ Jesus. He calls upon them to meditate upon the great good that is provided through God and provides a litany of adjectives: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and gracious; as descriptors of Christ’s actions in their midst. Through a focus on what is excellent they will achieve the peace of Christ.

CCC: Phil 4:3-4 2632, 2636

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 103:1bc-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18

R. (1) O, bless the Lord, my soul!

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

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

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

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

But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward his children's children
among those who keep his covenant.
R. O, bless the Lord, my soul!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 103:1bc-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18

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

CCC: Ps 103 304

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOSPEL
Matthew 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."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:

St. John (Giovanni Melchior) Bosco heard the Gospel message we proclaim on his feast and took it to heart. He worked tirelessly to see that children who had been consigned by secular society to a tragic existence, with little hope, were brought to the Savior, who said: “…whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me." His work among children, and the founding of the Salesian Society with that principal mission, has opened the gates of paradise to him. He now rests with all the saints, rejoicing, no doubt, with those he saved from lives of torment.

His example of looking beyond the walls of the church building and seeing the need for the proclamation of the Gospel through action inspires us. The Lord called him, as he calls us, to be a light for the world; not just for our own peace and comfort, but for all we meet, especially those who are weak and helpless.

Society (even modern society) has what we could call “bureaucratic momentum.” The structures supposedly established to protect the weak and the helpless are frequently abused by some and completely miss many who truly need. It is our Christian duty to watch for opportunities to reach out in the way St. Bosco did, extending the hand of Christ’s love where it might otherwise have been refused.

Today we ask for the prayers of St. John Bosco and all the saints as we work diligently to follow their example, spreading the Gospel message through works of compassion and charity. The light of Christ must not be kept hidden, especially from the weakest and most vulnerable in our society.

Pax
[1] The picture is “St. John Bosco” Artist and Date were not cited
[2] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

JANUARY 24 SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES

“St. Francis de Sales”
Artist and Date UNKNOWN

JANUARY 24

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR
OF THE CHURCH MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Francis de Sales[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Ephesians 3:8-12

Brothers and sisters:
To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,
to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,
and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery
hidden from ages past in God who created all things,
so that the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known through the Church
to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.
This was according to the eternal purpose
that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness of speech
and confidence of access through faith in him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Eph 3:8-12

St. Paul’s dialogue on the unity of all the faithful in Christ is continued in this passage. The apostle pronounces Gentiles as coheirs to the salvation offered by God in Jesus. St. Paul uses the analogy of the “body” to signify the degree to which all are united. He concludes this passage with a summary of the grace and richness offered in proclaiming Christ to the world, using himself as an example.

CCC: Eph 3:8 424; Eph 3:9-12 221; Eph 3:9-11 772; Eph 3:9 1066; Eph 3:12 2778

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 30-31

R. (30a) The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.

Trust in the LORD and do good
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will grant you your heart's requests.
R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.

Commit to the LORD your way;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make justice dawn for you like the light;
bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.
R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.

The mouth of the just tells of wisdom
and his tongue utters what is right.
The law of his God is in his heart,
and his steps do not falter.
R. The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 30-31

Psalm 37 is a lament containing the plea to be faithful to God and remain steadfast in the time of adversity. The psalmist sings that the faith of the people will bring them salvation, and that the Lord is faithful and intercedes for them against the wicked. The common message is that salvation comes from the Lord alone.

This selection of Psalm 37 (the main thrust of which is evil is passing but God and His Law are eternal) exhorts the listener to trust in God and the “light” of truth will show the way of righteousness. The psalm appropriately extols the true teaching of God.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOSPEL
John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father's commandments
and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy be in you
and your joy be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one's life for one's friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 15:9-17

The discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples continues. His words become a monologue and go beyond the immediate crisis of Christ’s departure. In this passage Jesus focuses on the chain of love from the Father, through the Son, to his adopted sons and daughters.

Much is made of the use of the difference in the Greek words for ”love" used in this discourse. When Jesus says "No one has greater love than this," the word agapao (selfless love) is used, while when he says "You are my friends," the word phileo (casual "friendly" [brotherly] type of love) is used. St. John uses the two words synonymously so the message is clear – reiterated at the end of the passage – "Love one another."

St. John also distinguishes the disciples' new relationship with God, saying, “I no longer call you slaves…I have called you friends.” Jesus designates the disciples “friends of God.” This designation is supported and defined in other places in Sacred Scripture. It separates the disciples from Moses, Joshua, and David who carried the designation “Servants of the Lord” (see Deuteronomy 34:5, Joshua 24:29, and Psalm 89:21). Calling them “friends” of God establishes the same relationship as that enjoyed by Abraham (see James 2:23): “Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called 'the friend of God.'"[3] The clear reference was that they, like Abraham, would be patriarchs of the New Covenant.

CCC: Jn 15:9-10 1824; 15:9 1823; 15:12 459, 1823, 1970, 2074; 15:13 363, 609, 614; 15:15 1972, 2347; 15:16-17 2745; 15:16 434, 737, 2615, 2815

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:

As Christians, we are always and in every way challenged to live as Christ taught us, to “love one another as I love you.” It is difficult for us to do when we encounter people who do not reciprocate. It is even more difficult when people actively dislike us and make those feelings known. We are, in addition, invited to look at the language used in the Gospel. If we were asked to quote that passage without looking at the printed word, most of us would say: "love one another as I loved you.” The love of Christ refers not to the past tense, but to the present. Even after all we have done or not done in his name the love of Christ continues, inviting us, pleading with us, to love all those with whom we come in contact, who are likewise his sons and daughters.

We dwell extensively on this aspect of Christ’s teaching on the feast day of St. Francis de Sales because that was part of his heroic virtue. He loved, unreservedly, all those he met, especially those who hated him. He came into his vocation in a time of bitter division within the Christian ranks. He was born in the Duchy of Savoy, 21 August, 1567, and died at Lyons, 28 December, 1622. He served the Church during those post-reformation years when people were being killed for their stance on the divisions in our ranks. His fame came because he was such an exceptional apologist, bringing back to the Church many of those who had been convinced otherwise. The only way an apologist or an evangelist can effectively and authentically proclaim their Gospel message is by evidencing, in their relations with those hearing them, that they live Christ’s Great Commandment and love them as Christ most assuredly loves the speaker.

The history and writings of the great saint and intellect that is St. Francis demonstrates that he lived Christ’s commandments most thoroughly and thereby “remains in his love.” We see his example and we are strengthened by his fidelity in the face of hurtful challenges. We ask for his prayers especially on his day, that we may also find the strength to remain steadfast, being an image of God’s will for everyone, loving them as Christ loves us.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St. Francis de Sales” Artist and Date UNKNOWN
[2] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[3] St. James synthesizes Isaiah 41:8 and 2 Chronicles 20:7 in which Abraham is called God’s friend.

JANUARY 17 SAINT ANTHONY

“The Temptation of
St Anthony Abbot”
by Annibale Carracci, 1597-98

JANUARY 17

SAINT ANTHONY, ABBOT
MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Anthony[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Anthony

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Ephesians 6:10-13, 18

Brothers and sisters:
Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.
Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm
against the tactics of the Devil.
For our struggle is not with flesh and blood
but with the principalities, with the powers,
with the world rulers of this present darkness,
with the evil spirits in the heavens.
Therefore, put on the armor of God,
that you may be able to resist on the evil day
and, having done everything, to hold your ground.
With all prayer and supplication,
pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.
To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication
for all the holy ones.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Eph 6:10-13, 18

This passage, continuing St. Paul’s exhortation on building up faith is “a general exhortation to courage and prayer. Drawing upon the imagery and ideas of Isaiah 11:5; 59:16-17; and Wisdom 5:17-23, Paul describes the Christian in terms of the dress (armor) and equipment of Roman soldiers. He observes, however, that the Christian's readiness for combat is not directed against human beings but against the spiritual powers of evil (see also Ephesians 1:21; 2:2; 3:10). Unique importance is placed upon prayer.” [3]

CCC: Eph 6:18-20 2636; Eph 6:18 1073, 1174, 2742
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11
R. (5) You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you."
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.

I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even at night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.

You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11

Psalm 16 is an individual hymn of praise. The psalmist prays that God will shield the faithful from harm and expresses confidence in the Lord’s salvation. The passage closes with praise for God’s loving mercy. This selection is structured to support the Pauline ideal of placing God first in the life of the faithful. Their greatest possession is being loved by God and loving God in return.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOSPEL
Matthew 19:16-26

Someone approached Jesus and said,
"Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?"
Jesus answered him, "Why do you ask me about the good?
There is only One who is good.
If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments."
He asked him, "Which ones?"
And Jesus replied, "You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
honor your father and your mother;
and you shall love your neighbor as yourself."
The young man said to him,
"All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?"
Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go,
sell what you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me."
When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad,
for he had many possessions.
Then Jesus said to his disciples,
"Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich
to enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Again I say to you,
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."
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said,
"Who then can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said,
"For men this is impossible,
but for God all things are possible."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mt 19:16-26

Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man is also captured in Mark 10:17-31. In St. Matthew’s account, the young man asks Jesus what “good” he must do to attain “eternal life?” (This is equivalent to entering into life or being saved, as used in other parts of St. Matthew’s Gospel – see Matthew 19:17 and Matthew 16:25.) Following the Lord’s grammatical clarification (“there is only One who is good,” a statement implying only God possesses the ability to act without sin, completely good), the young man asks which commandments he must follow.
“The first five commandments cited are from the Decalogue (see Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20). Matthew omits Mark's "you shall not defraud" (Matthew 10:19; see Deuteronomy 24:14) and adds Leviticus 19:18. This combination of commandments of the Decalogue with Leviticus 19:18 is partially the same as Paul's enumeration of the demands of Christian morality in Romans 13:9.”[4]

The disciples were dismayed at the asceticism required and asked the Lord who could be saved, since all people, to some degree, desire comforts and possessions. The Lord then provides the answer that for God, all things are possible, and that through their faith in Him they will find their reward.

CCC: Mt 19:16-19 2052; Mt 19:16-17 2075; Mt 19:18 2400; Mt 19:21 2053; Mt 19:23-29 2053; Mt 19:23-24 226; Mt 19:26 276, 308, 1058

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
It is reported in the Gospel proclaimed on St. Anthony’s feast day: “ ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." This statement is thought to be the very one that launched him into the legendary ascetic life he followed. It is the life that drew so many people to him that he is now known as the Father of Christian Monasticism. His incredible story has drawn both admirers and skeptics to look at him and question what grace God chose to bestow upon him that gave him such inner strength and holiness. He reportedly lived to be 105 years old (250-355 AD) and took up his call when he was twenty years old (at the death of his parents who were wealthy members of Egyptian origin).

Those of us who live and practice our Christian faith today might find it difficult to understand what would lead a person to become a hermit, completely shut off from human contact for extended periods of time. We would wonder at the mystic demons St. Anthony fought that reportedly left him near death at times. What inner spiritual strength must have been drawn from his continual search for the inner Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit that so consumed him.

Ultimately we see what God did with his heroic virtue. Though St. Anthony shunned comfort and human presence, people were drawn to him, to learn from his contemplative life and to draw strength from the discipline he practiced. His example and his words advanced the cause of holiness in a difficult period of Church history. At need, he spoke out, supporting authentic Church teaching in the face of serious opposition, and gave strength to those in need during the persecution of 311.

We celebrate his gift to us on this day and ask for his prayers as we seek to separate our secular ambitions from our spiritual selves, and thereby achieve the victory he has won. We pray, as he most assuredly did, that the physical wealth of this world will not turn us from the sacrifice of Christ, and lead us away from him. May we always keep our eyes on the narrow gate and strive to do his will.

Pax

[1] The picture is “The Temptation of St Anthony Abbot” by Annibale Carracci, 1597-98
[2] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[3] See NAB Footnote on Ephesians 6:10ff
[4] See NAB Footnote on Matthew 18-19

JANUARY 7 (Before Epiphany)

JANUARY 7 (Before Epiphany)

If the Epiphany is celebrated on Sunday, January 8, the following readings are used for the Mass on January 7.

Readings for January 7 Before Epiphany

Readings and Commentary:[1][2]

FIRST READING
1 John 5:14-21

Beloved:
We have this confidence in God,
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask,
we know that what we have asked him for is ours.
If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly,
he should pray to God and he will give him life.
This is only for those whose sin is not deadly.
There is such a thing as deadly sin,
about which I do not say that you should pray.
All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly.
We know that no one begotten by God sins;
but the one begotten by God he protects,
and the Evil One cannot touch him.
We know that we belong to God,
and the whole world is under the power of the Evil One.
We also know that the Son of God has come
and has given us discernment to know the one who is true.
And we are in the one who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life.
Children, be on your guard against idols.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Jn 5:14-21

The concluding passage of St. John’s first letter begins by expressing the faith Christians have in prayers being heard. It moves immediately into the response of the community to those who have sinned but not deadly sins (given the main purpose of this letter, this probably refers to apostasy as a result of false teachers). In summarizing the themes St. John has dealt with in the letter, a contrast is drawn between the members of the community of faith (those “begotten by God”) and the secular world belonging to the Evil One. Those who are faithful to Jesus find eternal life in him. It ends rather awkwardly with one last exhortation to be on guard against idols, almost an afterthought.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5 and 6a and 9b

R. (see 4 a) The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5 and 6a and 9b

Psalm 149 is a communal song of praise, rejoicing in God’s kingship and inviting the faithful to celebrate his saving works. We rejoice because God brings victory to the lowly and hope to the oppressed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOSPEL
John 2:1-11

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee,
and the mother of Jesus was there. ,
Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.
When the wine ran short,
the mother of Jesus said to him,
"They have no wine."
And Jesus said to her,
"Woman, how does your concern affect me?
My hour has not yet come."
His mother said to the servers,
"Do whatever he tells you."
Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings,
each holding twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus told them,
"Fill the jars with water."
So they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them,
"Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter."
So they took it.
And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine,
without knowing where it came from
(although the servers who had drawn the water knew),
the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him,
"Everyone serves good wine first,
and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one;
but you have kept the good wine until now."
Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee
and so revealed his glory,
and his disciples began to believe in him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 2:1-11

St. John gives us the story of Jesus first revelatory action following his Baptism by John in the Jordan. He and his disciples are invited to a wedding, the wine runs out, and Jesus’ mother lets her son know that the time has come for his revelation, even though Jesus does not think so.

Ironically the stone water jars were there for the ceremonial cleansing, the very Hebrew custom John the Baptist took and created the call to repentance. The Hebrew custom was symbolic; the Lord would later make it efficacious.

The final statement in this story; “…his disciples began to believe in him” is the only time in John where there was any doubt about the Lord’s true identity on their part.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:

No reflection has been written as of this posting as this option has not yet occurred during the years SOW has been in existence.

Pax

[1] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[2] The picture is “Wedding Feast at Cana” by Rutilio Manetti, c. 1620

JANUARY 6 (Before Epiphany)

JANUARY 6

If the Epiphany is celebrated on Sunday, January 7 or 8, the following
readings are used for the Mass on January 6.

Readings for January 6

Readings and Commentary:[i][ii]

FIRST READING
1 John 5:5-13

Beloved:
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came through water and Blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and Blood.
The Spirit is the one who testifies,
and the Spirit is truth.
So there are three that testify,
the Spirit, the water, and the Blood,
and the three are of one accord.
If we accept human testimony,
the testimony of God is surely greater.
Now the testimony of God is this,
that he has testified on behalf of his Son.
Whoever believes in the Son of God
has this testimony within himself.
Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar
by not believing the testimony God has given about his Son.
And this is the testimony:
God gave us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son.
Whoever possesses the Son has life;
whoever does not possess the Son of God does not have life.
I write these things to you so that you may know
that you have eternal life,
you who believe in the name of the Son of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on 1 Jn 5:5-13

St. John’s first letter fully prepares us for the Baptism of the Lord which approaches. His reference to “Water” is a reference to the Lord’s Baptism. The “Spirit” is a reference to the Holy Spirit descending upon the Lord as he came out of his baptismal bath. Finally he refers to Blood which is a symbol of the Cross. In that event also was God’s own testimony about the identity of his Only Son (Matthew 3:16-17). St. John’s logic in this passage teaches that if one does not believe in Jesus as the Son of God, they call God a liar because he testified to the identity of His Son.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or
R. Alleluia.

Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or
R. Alleluia.

He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or
R. Alleluia.

He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
or
R. Alleluia.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise. In these strophes the singer celebrates God’s gifts to his people; the gift of faith to the patriarch Jacob and the gift of his presence in the holy city Jerusalem.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOSPEL
First Option
Mark 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed:
"One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water,
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
"You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mk 1:7-11

St. John the Baptist announces the coming of the Messiah who will transform the people through, not simply repentance, but by placing a new spirit within them (cf. Ezekiel 36: 24-28). The passage then provides the short description of Jesus’ Baptism. The descent of the Holy Spirit and the proclamation by God that Jesus is his son confirms St. Johns announcement and establishes Christ’s divinity.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OR Second Option
Long Form
Luke 3:23-38

When Jesus began his ministry he was about thirty years of age.
He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,
the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi,
the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias,
the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,
the son of Naggai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias,
the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda,
the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel,
the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi,
the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam,
the son of Er, the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,
the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi,
the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,
the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea,
the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,
the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed,
the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,
the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Ami,
the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,
the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug,
the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber,
the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad,
the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared,
the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enos,
the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 3:23-38

The genealogy of Jesus in St. Luke’s Gospel differs from the account in St. Matthew significantly. “Whereas Matthew 1:2 begins the genealogy of Jesus with Abraham to emphasize Jesus' bonds with the people of Israel, Luke's universalism leads him to trace the descent of Jesus beyond Israel to Adam and beyond that to God (Luke 3:38) to stress again Jesus' divine sonship.”[iii]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OR Short Form
Luke 3:23, 31-34, 36, 38

When Jesus began his ministry he was about thirty years of age.
He was the son, as was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli,
the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha,
the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse,
the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala,
the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin,
the son of Ami, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez,
the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac,
the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem,
the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Enos,
the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 3:23, 31-34, 36, 38

In the shorter form of the genealogy of Jesus a number of generations are omitted. Included are the significant touch points in Hebrew history linking Jesus with David through Jesse, Abraham with Jacob and Isaac, and Noah. Like the Longer form, the list concludes with Adam.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:

No reflection has been written as of this posting as this option has not yet occurred during the years SOW has been in existence.

Pax

[i] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[ii] The picture is “Baptism of Christ” by Guido Reni, c. 1623
[iii] See NAB footnote on Luke 3:23-38

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

“Adoration of the Magi”
by Georges Lallemant,1624

Catechism Links [1]

CCC 151, 241, 291, 423, 445, 456-463, 504-505, 526, 1216, 2466, 2787: John’s Prologue
CCC 272, 295, 299, 474, 721, 1831: Christ the Wisdom of God
CCC 158, 283, 1303, 1831, 2500: God gives us wisdom

Readings for the Second Sunday After Christmas

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible [2]

Readings and Commentary:[3]

FIRST READING
Sirach 24:1-2, 8-12

Wisdom sings her own praises and is honored in God,
before her own people she boasts;
in the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth,
in the presence of his power she declares her worth,
in the midst of her people she is exalted,
in holy fullness she is admired;
in the multitude of the chosen she finds praise,
and among the blessed she is blessed.

"The Creator of all commanded and said to me,
and he who formed me chose the spot for my tent,
saying, 'In Jacob make your dwelling,
in Israel your inheritance,
and among my chosen put down your roots.'

"Before all ages, in the beginning, he created me,
and through all ages I shall not cease to be.
In the holy tent I ministered before him,
and in Zion I fixed my abode.
Thus in the chosen city I have rested,
in Jerusalem is my domain.
I have struck root among a glorious people,
in the portion of the LORD, his heritage;
and in the company of the holy ones do I linger."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Sir 24:1-2, 8-12

“In this chapter Wisdom speaks in the first person, describing her origin, her dwelling place in Israel, and the reward she gives her followers. As in Proverbs 8 Wisdom is described as a being who comes from God and is distinct from him. While we do not say with certainty that this description applies to a personal being, it does foreshadow the beautiful doctrine of the Word of God later developed in St. John's Gospel (John 1:1-14). In the liturgy this chapter is applied to the Blessed Virgin because of her constant and intimate association with Christ, the Incarnate Wisdom.” [4]

CCC: Sir 24 721
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONSORIAL PSALMPsalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

R. (John 1:14) The Word of God became man and lived among us.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
R. The Word of God became man and lived among us.
or:
R. Alleluia.

He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
R. The Word of God became man and lived among us.
or:
R. Alleluia.

He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,
his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.
He has not done thus for any other nation;
his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia.
R. The Word of God became man and lived among us.
or:
R. Alleluia.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

Psalm 147 is a hymn of praise. In these strophes the singer celebrates God’s gifts to his people, the gift of faith to the patriarch Jacob, and the gift of his presence in the holy city Jerusalem. These strophes are from the third section (each section offering praise for a different gift from God to his special people). This section focuses on the gift of the Promised Land with Jerusalem as its spiritual center. We see the call to praise Jerusalem, the Holy city because in it was revealed the Word of God and a call to holiness. The Lord is praised for sending food that sustains the people. The final strophe also rejoices that the Law was handed on to them through Jacob.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND READING
Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through
Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.

Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and of your love for all the holy ones,
do not cease giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers,
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation
resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call,
what are the riches of glory
in his inheritance among the holy ones.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Eph 1:3-6, 15-18

Following his introductory remarks, St. Paul offers a blessing in thanksgiving for the salvation brought to the faithful through Christ’s forgiveness and redemptive actions. The Apostle speaks to the Ephesians about their adoption by God as His sons and daughters. He relates, in typical Pauline fashion, the omnipotence and timelessness of God’s knowledge and actions.

The inheritance given to his adopted children in faith is the “spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him,” the treasure of the faithful. Through this revelation comes hope in the salvation of Christ.

CCC: Eph 1:3-14 2627, 2641; Eph 1:3-6 381, 1077; Eph 1:3 492, 1671; Eph 1:4-5 52, 257; Eph 1:4 492, 796, 865, 1426, 2807; Eph 1:5-6 294; Eph 1:6 1083; Eph 1:16-23 2632; Eph 1:18 158
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOSPEL
A Longer Form
John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.

And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son,
full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 1:1-18

The introduction of St. John’s Gospel first provides the description of the relationship of God and Jesus who is the Logos – or word of God. The Word is light to the world and all things are subordinate to the Word because they were created by and through the Word.

St. John then introduces John the Baptist as one who came to testify to the light (now homologous above with the Word). His message, like that of Jesus was not accepted by the very people created by the Lord. He goes on to say that those who accept Christ are adopted by God.

Concluding this selection, the Evangelist makes his own profession as he speaks of the incarnation of the eternal as “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” His divinity is once more established as he says “…we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son.” This was the message St. John tells us he was sent to bring. He then reestablishes himself as messenger and servant of the one who sent him, Jesus. He says that while Moses brought the Law, Christ came and revealed God himself.

CCC: Jn 1:1-3 291; Jn 1:1 241, 454, 2780; Jn 1:3 268; Jn 1:4 612; Jn 1:6 717; Jn 1:7 719; Jn 1:9 1216; Jn 1:11 530; Jn 1:12-18 1996; Jn 1:12-13 706; Jn 1:12 526, 1692; Jn 1:13 496, 505, 526; Jn 1:14 423, 445, 454, 461, 594, 705, 2466; Jn 1:16 423, 504; Jn 1:17 2787; Jn 1:18 151, 454, 473

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OR

B Shorter Form
John1:1-5, 9-14

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn1:1-5, 9-14

In the shorter form, reference to St. John the Baptist is omitted. The focus is on the introduction of St. John’s Gospel which first provides the description of the relationship of God and Jesus who is the Logos – or word of God. The Word is light to the world and all things are subordinate to the Word because they were created by and through the Word.

Concluding this selection, the Evangelist makes his own profession as he speaks of the incarnation of the eternal as “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” His divinity is once more established as he says “…we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son”. This was the message St. John tells us he was sent to bring. He then reestablishes himself as messenger and servant of the one who sent him, Jesus. He says that while Moses brought the Law, Christ came and revealed God himself.

CCC: Jn 1:1-3 291; Jn 1:1 241, 454, 2780; Jn 1:3 268; Jn 1:4 612; Jn 1:9 1216; Jn 1:11 530; Jn 1:12-18 1996; Jn 1:12-13 706; Jn 1:12 526, 1692; Jn 1:13 496, 505, 526; Jn 1:14 423, 445, 454, 461, 594, 705, 2466

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:

The gift of the Savior, celebrated in this festival season, frequently focuses upon the initial giving of God’s gift in the Nativity. Yet this Christmas season also reminds us that, with salvation through the forgiveness of our sins, there is great hope for this life and the inheritance that comes from our own adoption as children of God.

In revealing himself to us as eternal Father and eternal Word, we realize the Kingdom of the Most High is the inheritance of his adopted children. This season serves to remind us that it is in humility and mercy God makes this offer, presenting us with an infant child, born in a stable. God became man so that we would see his plan for us! He came so that we would understand the depth of his love for us. He presented us with a child, born of a virgin, fulfilling all of the foretellings of the Prophets and Sacred Scripture. He offered the babe that was God as a sacrifice that would break that virgin’s heart.

Our joy in this season is strengthened by the knowledge that, from the beginning, God loved us. His love was echoed by Eleazar, author of Sirach, as he speaks for God’s Wisdom telling us: “I have struck root among a glorious people, in the portion of the LORD, his heritage; and in the company of the holy ones do I linger.” Emmanuel, God with us, comes once more in this holy season to recreate the adoption that makes us one with Him forever.

Pax

[1] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, Published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014
[2] The picture is “Adoration of the Magi” by Georges Lallemant,1624
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] See NAB footnote on Sirach 24:1-27