SEPTEMBER 13 SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

St. John Chrysostom,
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

SEPTEMBER 13

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR
OF THE CHURCH MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. John Chrysostom [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. John Chrysostom

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Brothers and sisters:
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace:
one Body and one Spirit,
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
But grace was given to each of us
according to the measure of Christ's gift.
And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets,
others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry,
for building up the Body of Christ,
until we all attain to the unity of faith
and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,
to the extent of the full stature of Christ.

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Commentary on Eph 4:1-7, 11-13

St. Paul enjoins the Church at Ephesus to holiness and unity as part of his instructions on what it means to live the Christian life. Through one baptism (“the call you have received”) we are united in Christ and through Christ to God the Father. While humility is not listed in the Greek lists as a virtue, the evangelist raises self-effacing service of others to this status (see also 1 Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 5:22, and Colossians 3:12).

He goes on speaking of the unity of different parts of the living body of Christ, the Church, saying that different gifts were given (similar lists are found at Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). He begins the list of gifts with those of spiritual leadership: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These have been called to service to others.

CCC: Eph 4-6 1454; Eph 4-5 1971; Eph 4:2 2219; Eph 4:3-5 866; Eph 4:3 814; Eph 4:4-6 172, 249, 2790; Eph 4:7 913; Eph 4:11-16 794; Eph 4:11-13 669; Eph 4:11 1575; Eph 4:13 674, 695, 2045
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 40:2 and 4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11

R. (8a and 9a) Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.
R. Here I am. Lord; I come to do your will.

Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
R. Here I am. Lord; I come to do your will.

"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here I am. Lord; I come to do your will.

Your justice I kept not hid within my heart;
your faithfulness and your salvation I have spoken of;
I have made no secret of your kindness and your truth
in the vast assembly.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
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Commentary on Ps 40:2 and 4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11

While Psalm 40 is a song of thanksgiving, it is also combined with a lament. The initial waiting is satisfied by favor shown by God to one who is faithful in service to Him. Praise and thanksgiving are given to God whose justice is applied to all.

CCC: Ps 40:2 2657; Ps 40:7-9 LXX 462; Ps 40:7 2824
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GOSPEL

Long Form
Mark 4:1-10, 13-20

On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea.
A very large crowd gathered around him
so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down.
And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land.
And he taught them at length in parables,
and in the course of his instruction he said to them,
"Hear this! A sower went out to sow.
And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path,
and the birds came and ate it up.
Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil.
It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep.
And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots.
Some seed fell among thorns,
and the thorns grew up and choked it
and it produced no grain.
And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit.
It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."
He added, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear."

And when he was alone,
those present along with the Twelve
questioned him about the parables.
Jesus answered them,
"Do you not understand this parable?
Then how will you understand any of the parables?
The sower sows the word.
These are the ones on the path where the word is sown.
As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once
and takes away the word sown in them.
And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who,
when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy.
But they have no root; they last only for a time.
Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word,
they quickly fall away.
Those sown among thorns are another sort.
They are the people who hear the word,
but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches,
and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word,
and it bears no fruit.
But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it
and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold."
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Commentary on Mk 4:1-10, 13-20

St. Mark’s Gospel begins a section of teachings on the Kingdom of God through parables. We note that Jesus is teaching from a boat which would provide a natural amphitheater with the ground sloping to the shore. Here the Lord presents the parable of the “Sower.” As in St. Matthew’s Gospel he follows the unvarnished parable with a deeper explanation to the Disciples.

In the Parable of the Sower from Mark’s Gospel, Jesus uses the rich analogy of the seed (of faith given in Baptism) to show the various courses of faith in human endeavor. Because this selection gives not only the parable but the Lord’s explanation of its meaning, the only historical note we will make is that, at that point in history in that region, when planting a field, the seed was sown first and then the field was plowed.

CCC: Mk 4:4-7 2707; Mk 4:15-19 27077
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OR
Short Form
Mark 4:1-9

On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea.
A very large crowd gathered around him
so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down.
And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land.
And he taught them at length in parables,
and in the course of his instruction he said to them,
"Hear this! A sower went out to sow.
And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path,
and the birds came and ate it up.
Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil.
It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep.
And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots.
Some seed fell among thorns,
and the thorns grew up and choked it
and it produced no grain.
And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit.
It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."
He added, "Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear."
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Commentary on Mk 4:1-9

The shorter form of the Parable of the Sower omits Jesus’ explanation of the story to his disciples. St. Mark’s Gospel begins a section of teachings on the Kingdom of God through parables. We note that Jesus is teaching from a boat which would provide a natural amphitheater with the ground sloping to the shore. Here the Lord presents the parable of the “Sower.” In the Parable of the Sower from Mark’s Gospel, Jesus uses the rich analogy of the seed (of faith given in Baptism) to show the various courses of faith in human endeavor. As a historical note, at that point in history in that region, when planting a field, the seed was sown first and then the field was plowed.

CCC: Mk 4:4-7 2707
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Reflection:

When we consider the early shepherds of the Church, such as St. John “Golden Tongue” Chrysostom, whose memorial we celebrate, we find the analogy of the sower quite apt. Ironically, it is more appropriate when we consider it in the context of how sowing was traditionally done in the day of our saint rather than how we think of it in today’s agricultural practice.

When we go into the world with the Word of God we go into a field that has been well prepared. It has been ploughed and the soil has been treated through many plantings so weeds find it difficult to grow. We plant our seed in furrows that, while resistant to some degree, have known the seed we plant. It is because we ourselves were planted and took root and the seed we spread has been cultivated to resist attacks of pestilence and drought.

In the day of St. John Chrysostom, seed was scatted on the earth, later to be ploughed. Other seed, like weeds and thorns, were mixed in with it before the plough came along and many times the roots became entangled. Killing the weed could also mean killing the grain as well. St. John was adept at separating the good seed from the bad. He was among the first to truly plough the Lord’s field and bring in a great harvest for his landlord – the Son of God.

We owe him a debt of gratitude for the hard and dangerous work he did on our behalf. Now confident that he has found his place in the heavenly kingdom, we ask for his prayers as well. We ask that he ask our Heavenly Father to prosper the work of our hands in that same effort as we, who were seed, spread the Word that is seed for generations to come. May the Holy Spirit that so richly guided St. John Chrysostom, guide us as well.

Pax

[1] The picture is St. John Chrysostom, Artist and Date are 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 republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

AUGUST 15 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Vigil

"Assumption of the Virgin"
by Juan Martin Cabezalero, 1665-70

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Vigil

Background on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary [1]

Catechism Links [5]
CCC 411, 966-971, 974-975, 2853: Mary, the New Eve, assumed into heaven
CCC 773, 829, 967, 972: Mary, eschatological icon of the Church
CCC 2673-2679: at prayer with Mary

Readings for the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Assumption[2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary: [3]

Reading 1: 1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2

David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring the ark of the Lord
to the place which he had prepared for it.
David also called together the sons of Aaron and the Levites.

The Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with poles,
as Moses had ordained according to the word of the Lord.

David commanded the chiefs of the Levites
to appoint their kinsmen as chanters,
to play on musical instruments, harps, lyres, and cymbals,
to make a loud sound of rejoicing.

They brought in the ark of God and set it within the tent
which David had pitched for it.
Then they offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings to God.
When David had finished offering up the burnt offerings and peace offerings,
he blessed the people in the name of the Lord.
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Commentary on 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2

David assembles all of the twelve tribes and proposes to bring the ark into their midst. The Ark of the Covenant is recovered from Kiriath-jearim, of Judah where, according to the chronicler, it had been since Saul’s reign (1 Chronicles 13:1ff). David establishes the Levites (the traditional tribe of priests) to bring it in procession before the people and, recalling their desert tradition (Numbers 1:50) has it placed in a tent. Placed within the context of sacred history, this event changes the understanding and structure of the Hebrew peoples. They are united in God’s presence represented by the Ark of the Covenant; not simply because of its attributes thought to bring blessings to the people (2 Samuel 6:12).

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14

R. (8) Lord, go up to the place of your rest, you and the ark of your holiness.

Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
Let us enter his dwelling,
let us worship at his footstool.
R. Lord, go up to the place of your rest, you and the ark of your holiness.

May your priests be clothed with justice;
let your faithful ones shout merrily for joy.
For the sake of David your servant,
reject not the plea of your anointed.
R. Lord, go up to the place of your rest, you and the ark of your holiness.

For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he prefers her for her dwelling.
“Zion is my resting place forever;
in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.”
R. Lord, go up to the place of your rest, you and the ark of your holiness.
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Commentary on Ps 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14

Psalm 132 is a song of thanksgiving sung by the community as they remember the establishment of God’s salvation expressed in the Davidic dynasty. The second strophe envisions the great temple built by David and the installation of the Ark of the Covenant in its permanent home.

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Reading II: 1 Corinthians 15:54b-57

Brothers and sisters:
When that which is mortal clothes itself with immortality,
then the word that is written shall come about:

Death is swallowed up in victory.
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?

The sting of death is sin,
and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Commentary on 1 Cor 15:54b-57

This passage is St. Paul’s hymn of victory over death. It concludes his discourse on the resurrection. When the bodies of the elect, by resurrection or change become incorrupt, death is defeated, prophecy is fulfilled (Isaiah 25:8), and the final victory is won. He loosely quotes Hosea 13:14 in which the “sting” of death is vanquished; a reference to the venomous sting of a serpent’s bite, the allegory to sin. The serpent without its sting can no longer harm those clothed in Christ.

St. Paul sees this as a perversion of the Law by which sin was defined and applied but without giving mankind the strength to avoid the sins so defined (see also Romans 7:7-25). The hard work of the faithful Christian is not in vain as Christ’s victory is granted and salvation assured.

CCC: 1 Cor 15:56 602
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Gospel: Luke 11:27-28
While Jesus was speaking,
a woman from the crowd called out and said to him,
“Blessed is the womb that carried you
and the breasts at which you nursed.”
He replied,
“Rather, blessed are those
who hear the word of God and observe it.”
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Commentary on Lk 11:27-28

This short saying of Jesus is not a contradiction of the woman who blesses Mother Mary; rather it is an assertion by the Lord that the message is more important, in his eyes, than that biological relationship. Mary is more blessed because she heard “the word of God” (see also Luke 1:28-29 and Luke 1:42-45). This passage is consistent in meaning with Luke 8:19-21.

"In the course of her Son's preaching she [Mary] received the words whereby, in extolling a Kingdom beyond the concerns and ties of flesh and blood, he declared blessed those who heard and kept the word of God (cf. Mark 3:35; Luke 11:27-28) as she was faithfully doing (cf. Luke 2:19, 51)" (Lumen gentium, 58) [4].

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Reflections:

You are invited to imagine what it might have been like if you were transported back to the time when Jesus walked the earth . See the woman who has watched the Lord cast out demons and cure the sick. Perhaps one of those cured was her own child, made whole by this holy man. We can see in this picture the gratitude and awe of the woman who, in a surge of love for the Lord, blurts out; “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.”

The Lord must have looked at her with tenderness and compassion. It is his way, so intense is his love for all people. He must have seen in her the faith that makes his work on earth possible and in a selfless act, supporting her faith he tells her, gently and consolingly, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

We know that Mary his mother was probably nearby. She was likely in the vanguard of his disciples. Would these words have offended her? No, the Mother of our Lord would understand what her son was saying to this woman. She would know that God’s Son would give the woman exactly the words she needed to hear to bring forth the Kingdom of God within her. How many times had she heard him say, after he had cured a sick child or had brought a person back from the shadow of death, “Your faith has cured you.”

No, Mary would have heard the woman’s blessing of her role in his mission of salvation and have been pleased, but her own humility would have been echoed in the words her son gave the grateful woman. And does she not speak for all of us? His mission has not ended. He is still here with us, his Holy Spirit works miracles each day and each day we marvel at God’s creation.

Let our prayer today be a blessing on the womb that bore him and on the breasts that nursed him. Mary our Mother would certainly point to her son and tell us “Blessed are you who hear the words of my son and follow him.” This greeting will meet us if we are fortunate to come before the Queen of Heaven.

Pax

[1] The picture used today is Assumption of the Virgin, by Juan Martin Cabezalero, 1665-70
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[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] The Navarre Bible, Gospels and Acts, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, p. 431.
[5] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014.

AUGUST 2 SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD

“St. Peter Julian Eymard –
Champion of the Blessed Sacrament”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

AUGUST 2

SAINT PETER JULIAN EYMARD, PRIEST

Biographical Information about St. Peter Julian Eymard [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Peter Julian Eymard

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
Acts 4:32-35

The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,
but they had everything in common.
With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the Apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need.
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Commentary on Acts 4:32-35

This selection from Acts is the second summary describing the community of faith at Jerusalem. The description is of a community completely unified in the faith of the risen Lord. The community is living in accordance with the practices followed by the disciples when they were with Jesus, sharing all material possessions.

"The text suggests that the Christians in Jerusalem had an organized system for the relief of the poor in the community. Judaism had social welfare institutions and probably the early Church used one of these as a model. However, the Christian system of helping each according to his need would have had characteristics of its own, deriving from the charity from which it sprang and as a result of gradual differentiation from the Jewish way of doing things." [3]

CCC: Acts 4:32 952, 2790; Acts 4:33 995
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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
John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.
He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,
and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.
You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.
Remain in me, as I remain in you.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own
unless it remains on the vine,
so neither can you unless you remain in me.
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,
because without me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
will be thrown out like a branch and wither;
people will gather them and throw them into a fire
and they will be burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.
By this is my Father glorified,
that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."
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Commentary on Jn 15:1-8

This selection begins the discourse on the vine and the branches – really a monologue on the union with Jesus. It is still part of Jesus’ farewell speech. The familiar image of the vineyard and the vines is used which has imagery in common with Isaiah 5:1-7; Matthew 21:33-46 and as a vine at Psalm 80:9-17; Jeremiah 2:21; Ezekiel 15:2; 17:5-10; 19:10; Hosea 10:1. The identification of the vine as the Son of Man in Psalm 80:15 and Wisdom's description of herself as a vine in Sirach 24:17. This monologue becomes a unifying tie that pulls everything together.

"The wood of the vine is the more contemptible if it does not abide in the vine, and the more glorious if it does abide. [...] For, being cut off it is profitable neither for the vinedresser nor for the carpenter. For one of these only is it useful--the vine or the fire. If it is not in the vine, it goes to the fire; to avoid going to the fire it must be joined to the vine" (St. Augustine "In Ioann. Evang.", 81, 3).

CCC: Jn 15:1-17 1108; Jn 15:1-5 755; Jn 15:1-4 1988; Jn 15:3 517; Jn 15:4-5 787; Jn 15:5 308, 737, 859, 864, 1694, 2074, 2732; Jn 15:7 2615; Jn 15:8 737
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Reflection:

We find it telling that for the memorial of St Peter Julian Eymard (1811 - 1868) the Gospel selected is the beginning of the great discourse from St. John’s Gospel on the vine and branches. Perhaps this choice was made because St. Peter founded a religious community dedicated to the adoration of the Eucharist. That community (Servants of the Blessed Sacrament), whose members to this day enrich the grace of the Church through perpetual adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament, demonstrate clearly the linkage we all share to the vine who is Christ and its branches; those joined in the Body of Christ.

We must believe that his favorite Scripture must have been the Bread of Life discourse from the same Gospel (John 6:48-68) which most clearly states St. Peter’s fervent belief in the Real Presence (also the title of the book of his collected works). But in the end, what is the Church but a collection of individuals joined metaphysically to Christ in the Eucharist?

As we celebrate the memorial of this great saint, we are encouraged to spend time adoring that wonderful gift our Lord and Savior left us at the Last Supper. He shared with us the glorified presence of Eternal Life indwelling. He adopted us and made us part of his family and heirs to his Kingdom. What better way to appreciate that presence than to adore that which we most wish to consume. What better way to avoid becoming complacent with our blessings than to observe from afar that which most perfectly conforms us to our Lord.

On this day, let us pledge to spend some time reflecting upon the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar, the Eucharist thereby achieving the same grace overflowing from Jesus, whose immediate presence infuses us with holiness.

Pax



[1] The picture is “St. Peter Julian Eymard –Champion of the Blessed Sacrament”, Artist and Date are 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 republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

[3] The Navarre Bible, Gospels and Acts, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, p. 748.

AUGUST 2 SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI

“Martyrium, Heiligen, Eusebius, Vercelli”
by Gaetano Gandolfi, 1784.

AUGUST 2

SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI, BISHOP

Biographical Information about St. Eusebius of Vercelli [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Eusebius of Vercelli

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
I John 5:1-5

Beloved:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God,
and everyone who loves the Father
loves also the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God
when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this,
that we keep his commandments.
And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.
And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
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Commentary on I Jn 5:1-5

The beginning of this chapter from St. John’s first letter provides us with an understanding of Christ and God being of the same essence. “Children of God are identified not only by their love for others (1 John 4:7-9) and for God (1 John 5:1-2) but by their belief in the divine sonship of Jesus Christ. Faith, the acceptance of Jesus in his true character and the obedience in love to God's commands (1 John 5:3), is the source of the Christian's power in the world and conquers the world of evil (1 John 5:4-5), even as Christ overcame the world (John 16:33).” [3]

CCC: 1 Jn 5:1 2780, 2790
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25 and 27

R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have found David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him,
I hat my hand may be always with him,
and that my arm may make him strong."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,
and through my name shall his horn be exalted.
He shall say of me, 'You are my father,
my God, the Rock, my savior."'
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
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Commentary on Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25 and 27

Psalm 89, taken as a whole, is a communal lament. This selection rejoices in God’s establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the promise of heavenly support for his kingdom.

CCC: Ps 89 709
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GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven."
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Commentary on Mt 5:1-12a

This section of the Sermon on the Mount begins the first of five great discourses in St. Matthew’s Gospel. He begins using a formula common in the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament with “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”(Job 5:17; Proverbs 3:13; Sirach 25:8-9) This designation identifies those without material resources, completely dependent upon God. (This distinction is for the devout poor.) The discourse continues blessing those who mourn, who are meek, who “hunger” for righteousness (to adopt the Lord’s law of love in their hearts), the merciful, the clean of heart (those who are reconciled to God), the peacemakers, the persecuted, and finally those who will be reviled because they profess faith in Christ.

The litany of praises for those to be blessed by the Lord has an overarching theme. It holds up the spiritual strength of complete dependence on God for life, health, and prosperity. St. Matthew captures the strength in that dependence and God’s promise of salvation through the words of the Savior.

It is noteworthy that the word “blessed” [μακάριοι (makάrios) in Greek and beati in Latin] is translated “happy” in many Old Testament texts.  The idea of happiness or peace as a blessing from God is an important understanding about the intent of this discourse.

CCC: Mt 5:1 581; Mt 5:3-12 1716; Mt 5:3 544, 2546; Mt 5-7 2763; Mt 5-6 764; Mt 5:8 1720, 2518; Mt 5:9 2305, 2330; Mt 5:11-12 520
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Reflection:

Eusebius of Vercelli (c. March 2, 283 - August 1, 371) was a Bishop whose singular heroic virtue was his constancy of faith in God and the working of the Holy Spirit to guide the Church. There are times when we may think that the Church of today, fraught with scandals and under constant attack from detractors, is in serious trouble and that never has there been a more dangerous time. If we think that, we would be wrong. The time in Church history when there was most danger was the era into which Eusebius came as the first Bishop of the See of Vercelli in northern Italy at the beginning of the fourth century. The great Christological schisms were threatening the Church and people were dying in the name of one cause or another as the orthodox teaching on the Trinity was hammered out.

Eusebius fought this fight of words with the spirit of love for those who would harm him and those who adopted Arian beliefs. He came as peacemaker to these various faith communities who had been lead astray by well meaning heretics who failed to grasp the truth.

His example and prayer are what we seek on this his feast day. May we too be peacemakers and adopt his gentle and loving attitude toward those seeking the truth but not finding it. May we too persevere in our quest for the unity of all Christians and be an example of love for others so that they might see us and know that what we do is for God’s greater glory.

Pax

[1] The picture is “Martyrium, Heiligen, Eusebius, Vercelli” by Gaetano Gandolfi, 1784.
[2] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[3] NAB Footnote on 1 John 5:1ff.

JULY 26 SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE

The Annunciation to Joachim
by Bartol O DiFredi, 1383

JULY 26

SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE, PARENTS OF
THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Joachim and St. Anne [1]

Readings for the Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
Sirach 44:1, 10-15

Now will I praise those godly men,
our ancestors, each in his own time:
These were godly men
whose virtues have not been forgotten;
Their wealth remains in their families,
their heritage with their descendants;
Through God's covenant with them their family endures,
their posterity for their sake.

And for all time their progeny will endure,
their glory will never be blotted out;
Their bodies are peacefully laid away,
but their name lives on and on.
At gatherings their wisdom is retold,
and the assembly proclaims their praise.
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Commentary on Sir 44:1, 10-15

In this passage we hear the author extol the virtue of the great people of faith who have gone before – prophets and patriarchs. He also speaks of those “forgotten” faithful who because they kept their covenant with God, have passed on that heritage and faith to endless generations.

CCC: Sir 44:9-20 2112
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 132:11, 13-14, 17-18

R. (Luke 1:32) God will give him the throne of David, his father.

The LORD swore to David
a firm promise from which he will not withdraw:
"Your own offspring
I will set upon your throne."
R. God will give him the throne of David, his father.

For the LORD has chosen Zion;
he prefers her for his dwelling.
"Zion is my resting place forever;
in her will I dwell, for I prefer her."
R. God will give him the throne of David, his father.

"In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David;
I will place a lamp for my anointed.
His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but upon him my crown shall shine."
R. God will give him the throne of David, his father.
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Commentary on Ps 132:11, 13-14, 17-18

Psalm 132 is a song of thanksgiving sung by the community as they remember the establishment of God’s salvation expressed in the Davidic dynasty. The promise of God is fulfilled in Jesus, the Messiah, who comes from the house of David to rule forever.

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GOSPEL
Matthew 13:16-17

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Blessed are your eyes, because they see,
and your ears, because they hear.
Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people
longed to see what you see but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."
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Commentary on Mt 13:16-17

Following the “Parable of the Sower” the disciples approach Jesus to ask him why he does not speak more clearly to the people instead of using the parables that some find confusing. His response recorded in the Gospel of Matthew is much softer that the same story related in Mark 4:11ff “Since a parable is figurative speech that demands reflection for understanding, only those who are prepared to explore its meaning can come to know it. To understand is a gift of God, granted to the disciples but not to the crowds. In Semitic fashion, both the disciples' understanding and the crowd's obtuseness are attributed to God.” [3]

Concluding, Jesus reflects upon Isaiah 6:9-10 in a lament that the people will not understand what he reveals because their hearts are hardened.

CCC: Mt 13:3-23 1724; Mt 13:10-17 787
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Reflection:

Tradition holds that Jesus’ grandparents, Joachim and Anne, were told separately by messengers from God, angels, that their daughter was with child. It is consistent with the notification of Joseph and Mary, the human parents of the Lord, that this mechanism was employed. God was directly involved in the conception of the Lord through the Holy Spirit.

To most people of the day, however, this flurry of heavenly messengers would have seemed far-fetched had it been widely known at the time. We must assume that Joachim and Anne did not go to their neighbors and tell them: “Guess what, my daughter is pregnant by the Holy Spirit.”

What we are given surrounding the conception of the Lord is a remarkable group of saints who provide us with examples of not only obedience but perception and acceptance of God’s plan in their lives. Like Mary their daughter and their son-in-law Joseph, they heard the messenger of God and accepted, lovingly, the role God had chosen for their family.

In today’s Gospel from St. Matthew we hear the Lord tell the disciples “…blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear”. The ability to see God’s plan for us and hear the Lord’s response to our prayer is what we ask for today. For us, life is God’s parable and it is up to us to see messages he places in it for us. Like Joachim and Anne, we must see and understand if we are to fulfill God’s plan for us.

Pax

[1] The picture is The Annunciation to Joachim by Bartol O DiFredi, 1383.
[2] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[3] NAB Footnote on Matthew 13: 10-17.

JULY 18 SAINT CAMILLUS DE LELLIS

“St. Camillus De Lellis”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

JULY 18

SAINT CAMILLUS DE LELLIS, PRIEST

(In the United States this memorial is transferred to this date from July 14.)

Biographical Information about St. Camillus De Lellis [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Camillus De Lellis

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING

1 John 3:14-18

Beloved:
We know that we have passed from death to life
because we love our brothers.
Whoever does not love remains in death.
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer,
and you know that anyone who is a murderer
does not have eternal life remaining in him.
The way we came to know love
was that he laid down his life for us;
so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
If someone who has worldly means
sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion,
how can the love of God remain in him?
Children, let us love not in word or speech
but in deed and truth.
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Commentary on 1 Jn 3:14-18

St. John continues his narrative on righteousness and love in this passage. Note he has not really focused on what he considers to be the central teaching of Christ – love one another. In this particular section he begins with the comparison from scripture of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16). He brings that analogy to why the world, in his eyes intrinsically evil, hates the Christian community, who are good because they love each other.

CCC: 1 Jn 3:15 1033; 1 Jn 3:17 2447
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7b-8, 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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GOSPEL

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, yon 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 might be in you
and your joy might 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."
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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 them 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 being 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
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Reflection:

The great command of the Lord to “Love one another” is the law all Christians are pledged to live by. We are to follow Jesus’ example and forgive the hurts caused by our brothers and sisters and to accept them as co-heirs of the Lord’s adoption. We know this and have seen the Lord himself exemplify these words as well as command them as we hear in St. John’s Gospel. If that were the only example we had; if Jesus was the only measure by which we could measure ourselves, many of us would despair ever being able to reach the salvation promised for the merciful.

Thankfully the Lord has called holy saints to show us that even those who have started on a bad note can achieve great things if hey trust in God and put their hope in him. Such a person was the saint we honor today, St. Camillus De Lellis. He began his life, not as one might expect, leading a holy life of piety; rather his early career was spent warring and gambling. He was on a course toward spiritual death when God opened his heart and mind to those who were ill and suffering.

From the point of his conversion St. Camillus gave himself to care for the sick. He started as a nurse and then was appointed administrator of a hospital. Unlike the specialized notion of that title today, St. Camillus first obligation was to the sick. Even when he himself was ill it is said he would crawl to those suffering or in pain, in many cases miraculously curing them. Having been a soldier, St. Camillus established an order of men who would go onto the battlefields and tend the wounded; establishing the function of the combat medic, and was the first to adopt the red cross as a symbol of that function.

St. Camillus is one of those marvelous saints who teaches us what the Lord meant when he told us to “love one another”. The saint's example today gives us courage to follow the Lord and hope that our past failings will be washed away as we embrace the call to love the poor and infirmed.

Pax


[1] The picture is “St. Camillus De Lellis” Artist and Date are 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 republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[3] St. John synthesizes Isaiah 41:8 and 2 Chronicles 20:7 in which Abraham is called God’s friend.