Memorial Bench

SEPTEMBER 19 SAINT JANUARIUS

“St. Januarius”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

SEPTEMBER 19

SAINT JANUARIUS,
BISHOP AND MARTYR

Biographical Information about St. Januarius[1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Januarius

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Hebrews 10:32-36

Brothers and sisters:
Remember the days past when, after you had been enlightened,
you endured a great contest of suffering.
At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction;
at other times you associated yourselves with those so treated.
You even joined in the sufferings of those in prison
and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property,
knowing that you had a better and lasting possession.
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence;
it will have great recompense.
You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.
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Commentary on Hebrews 10:32-36

Hebrews instructs the faithful in the practical aspects of living the faith they have been given. The author calls on the readers to recall a time of great trial following their baptism into Christ (enlightenment in this context refers to baptism rather than just hearing the Gospel). The author refers to a persecution that was endured and now calls them to persevere.

CCC: Heb 10:32 1216; Heb 10:36 2826
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 126:1 bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those who sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
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Commentary on Ps 126:1 bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

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

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GOSPEL
John 12:24-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me,
and where I am, there also will my servant be.
The Father will honor whoever serves me."
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Commentary on Jn 12:24-26

Jesus has made his final entry into Jerusalem. His hour is at hand and, in the presence of Gentiles as well as his disciples he reflects on his salvific mission. St. John’s passage, given here, is foundational to our understanding of the paschal mystery. Using the analogy of the grain of wheat, the Lord invites us to his own sacrifice.

"Beautifully, Christ begins to elucidate the mystery of his atoning death. If it be thought strange that he must die in order to bring life, let it be remembered that this paradox already exists in nature. The grain of wheat left to itself produces nothing; only when it appears to have died and has been buried does it bring forth fruit - in far greater abundance than itself (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:36)." [3]

Out of the Lord's analogy, wheat that comes from the seemingly dead and buried seed becomes the eucharistic sacrifice. Into the body's death to sin in baptism, we are invited to share the salvation that comes from following Christ from death to life.

CCC: Jn 12:24 2731
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Reflection:

We are reminded, especially on this day as we celebrate the memorial of St. Januarius, that the Church is watered with the blood of the martyrs and grows with each drop of blood that is shed. We say that especially in this instance because of the great mystery surrounding the relic (preserved blood) of St. Januarius which, according to ancient tradition, liquefies when reunited with other relics of the saint.

It is recorded by reliable witnesses that when St. Januarius was brought into the arena with his companions to be torn apart by lions, the beasts could not be made to harm any of them so they were beheaded instead. Their witness and heroic courage for the faith has lead many to the truth and salvation.

As the Lord tells us through St. John’s Gospel, when a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it rises producing much fruit. He was, of course speaking of his own death and resurrection. However, as we have witnessed throughout the history of our faith, martyrs have faced cruel torture and death for the Lord’s greater glory and even as their bodies perish, their souls rise to the Lord to be reunited with their venerable relics on the last day. In that witness, they are wheat – feeding the people of God with the faith they witness. May we be granted some portion of that faith with the help of the intercession of St. Januraius.

Pax

[1] The picture is “St. Januarius” Artist and Date are UNKNOWN.
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
[3] Jerome Biblical Commentary (Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968), 63:131, 449.

SEPTEMBER 17 SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE

“Saint Robert Bellarmine”
Artist and Date are UNKNOWN

SEPTEMBER 17

SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE,
BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Biographical Information about St. Robert Bellarmine [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Robert Bellarmine

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
Wisdom 7:7-10, 15-16

I prayed, and prudence was given me;
I pleaded, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to scepter and throne,
And deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,
nor did I liken any priceless gem to her;
Because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,
and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.
Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,
And I chose to have her rather than the light,
because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.

Now God grant I speak suitably
and value these endowments at their worth:
For he is the guide of Wisdom
and the director of the wise.
For both we and our words are in his hand,
as well as all prudence and knowledge of crafts.
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Commentary on Wis 7:7-10, 15-16

This selection from the Book of Wisdom is part of Solomon’s speech. Here he recalls that he “prayed” for Wisdom (see also 1 Kings 3:6-9 and 2 Chronicles 1:8-10) , and it was given a great prize valued above his riches. Solomon goes on to pray that he can speak of Wisdom so that he might share what he has learned with others.

CCC: Wis 7:16-17 2501
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R. (10) The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. (John 6:63) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
or:
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
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Commentary on Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Psalm 19 is a hymn of praise. In this passage we give praise for God’s gift of the Law which guides us in our daily lives. The hymn also extols the virtues of obedience and steadfastness to the Law and its precepts. The passage also reflects the idea that following God’s statutes leads to peace and prosperity

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GOSPEL
Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the Kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day,
`Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?
Did we not drive out demons in your name?
Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?'
Then I will declare to them solemnly,
`I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'

"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them
will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.
And everyone who listens to these words of mine
but does not act on them
will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came,
and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
And it collapsed and was completely ruined."
When Jesus finished these words,
the crowds were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority,
and not as their scribes.
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Commentary on Mt 7:21-29

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

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

CCC: Mt 7:21-27 1970; Mt 7:21 443, 1821, 2611, 2826; Mt 7:28-29 581
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Reflection:

It is human nature to believe we have conquered a subject (for all practical purposes) or completely acquired a piece of knowledge at various times in our lives. The university student who completes a course of study – especially at the doctoral level believes they are subject matter experts in their particular fields. It is so much easier to believe we have acquired a complete (or at least sufficient) knowledge of our faith. Faith, at least the interior parts, is subjective. A lived faith is part gift and part learned behavior. The learned part comes from observing others and seeing how they express their religious beliefs.

This practical faith becomes very comfortable until someone comes along to challenge what we believe or how we practice our faith. Depending upon how important the practice of our faith is to us or how ingrained it is in our daily lives, this can either be a minor feeling of discomfort or it can be a traumatic event that changes our lives.

In the Gospel today Jesus tells us that the status quo of our faith lives may not be sufficient. He tells us that in order to achieve lives worthy of entry into the Kingdom of heaven we may not sit by, simply saying “I have a strong spiritual life, so I should be accepted into God’s Kingdom.”

No, today as we recall Saint Robert Bellarmine who worked tirelessly to seek the Wisdom for which King Solomon prayed and to record that wisdom for those who followed in his faith, we are reminded that “only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” will find entry.

Like St. Robert we are called to be a people of action, steadfastly following a righteous course. We may not sit on the sidelines and watch, cheering as others take a noble stand for Christ in the face of their adversaries and take also the persecution which follows. No, we are called to stand with them and be counted as sons and daughters of Christ. Our noble saint calls us to action. Our prayer today is that we have the strength of faith to answer that call.

Pax

[1] The picture is “Saint Robert Bellarmine” Artist and Date are UNKNOWN.
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

SEPTEMBER 16 STS. CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN

Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian
Artist and Date are Unknown

SEPTEMBER 16

SAINT CORNELIUS,
POPE AND MARTYR,
AND SAINT CYPRIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR
MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Cornelius and St. Cyprian [1]

Readings for the Memorial of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
2 Corinthians 4:7-15

Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith,
according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke,
we too believe and therefore speak,
knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus
will raise us also with Jesus
and place us with you in his presence.
Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.
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Commentary on 2 Cor 4:7-15

St. Paul is speaking to the Corinthians about suffering and death in the human existence of this life, in spite of living in the faith. The image he uses, fragile earthen pots, speaks of God’s instruments being easily broken but nonetheless effective. The image of small terracotta lamps in which light is carried is mentioned elsewhere. The point the evangelist makes contrasts our mortality with God’s omnipotence and power, our death in the flesh with life in the spirit of Christ. With such a spirit at work within us, we must, like St. Paul, spread that news to others (“we too believe and therefore speak”).

CCC: 2 Cor 4:7 1420; 2 Cor 4:14 989
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R. (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those who sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
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Commentary on Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

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

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GOSPEL
John 17:11b-19

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, saying:
"Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me,
so that they may be one just as we are one.
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me,
and I guarded them, and none of them was lost
except the son of destruction,
in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
But now I am coming to you.
I speak this in the world
so that they may share my joy completely.
I gave them your word, and the world hated them,
because they do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
I do not ask that you take them out of the world
but that you keep them from the Evil One.
They do not belong to the world
any more than I belong to the world.
Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.
And I consecrate myself for them,
so that they also may be consecrated in truth."
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Commentary on Jn 17:11b-19

The prayer (the “High Priestly Prayer”) we are given in this selection from St. John’s Gospel is from the Lord’s discourse in the “Upper Room” just prior to his passion. This part of the prayer begins with a plea for unity between the Father and disciples (note the reference here to Judas Iscariot as the “son of destruction”). Still speaking directly to God, Jesus again says he is going to the Father and that the disciples should share his joy at prospect. He then asks the father to keep them safe from the poison of sin (similar here to the petition in the Lord’s Prayer) and to consecrate them in truth (defining truth as the Word) appears to refer specifically to the devil as opposed to some generic evil.

This passage closes as Jesus refers to how the world will receive these friends he sends into the world (“I gave them your word, and the world hated them”). This is why he asks at the outset: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.” He claims the faithful for the kingdom of heaven.

CCC: Jn 17:11 2747, 2749, 2750, 2750, 2815, 2849; Jn 17:12 2750, 2750; Jn 17:13 2747, 2749; Jn 17:15 2750, 2850; Jn 17:17-20 2821; Jn 17:17-19 2812; Jn 17:17 2466; Jn 17:18 858; Jn 17:19 611, 2747, 2749, 2812
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Reflection:

In this age where militant Islamic factions send young men to death through violent acts of suicide and call them “martyrs”, we memorialize two great “true” martyrs of the early Church. Sts. Cyprian and Cornelius were contemporaries in the Church of the third century (martyred in 258 and 253 respectively). They did not seek death for the sake of Christ – violent despots, fearing their power would be diluted had them sought out and murdered.

Jesus, whom they served with utmost fidelity, consecrated them in truth and that truth was not accepted by the world in which they lived. Still they went into that hostile world, very much like Christians living in the Middle East today, living lives filled with faith (and fear) with only the peace of Christ to give them hope, a beacon to the world that the love of God was theirs to be had.

We, who live in societies that embrace Christian values and celebrate the idea that all persons are our brothers and sisters, are blessed. We are challenged in a much milder way to stay faithful to the lives Christ calls us to live. When we start to feel like the discipline of faith is too difficult; when we feel that some precept of our religion is too limiting for our life style, let us remember these great men of faith and ask them to intercede for us to the Lord of all Mercies in whose heavenly kingdom they reside.

On this the feast day of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian we ask them to pray for us that we might remain steadfast in our faith in spite of any resistance. We pray that the Holy Spirit that kept them firm in the face of certain death will also strengthen us as we take the message of the Gospel into the world.

Pax

[1] The Icons of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian were found without citations for the artists or dates
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.

SEPTEMBER 15 OUR LADY OF SORROWS

“Pietà” by El Greco, 1575

SEPTEMBER 15

OUR LADY OF SORROWS
MEMORIAL

The Gospel for this memorial is proper.

Additional Information about Our Lady of Sorrows[1]

Readings for the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Readings and Commentary:[2]

FIRST READING
Hebrews 5:7-9

In the days when Christ was in the flesh,
he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears
to the one who was able to save him from death,
and he was heard because of his reverence.
Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered;
and when he was made perfect,
he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
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Commentary on Heb 5:7-9

This is an important passage from the standpoint of understanding the call to ministry, especially the Priesthood. In an extended form, it is frequently used at ordinations and provides an understanding of what it means to be called to a vocation. This selection continues with Christ’s own call. The author does an excellent job of capturing Christ’s humanity in this description.

"To emphasize the force of Christ's prayer, the writer adds, 'with loud cries and tears'. According to rabbinical teaching, there were three degrees of prayer, each stronger than the last--supplications, cries and tears. Christian tradition has always been touched by the humanity of the Redeemer as revealed in the way he prays. 'Everything that is being said here may be summed up in one word--humility: that stops the mouths of those who blaspheme against Christ's divinity saying that it is completely inappropriate for a God to act like this. For, on the contrary, the Godhead laid it down that [Christ's] human nature should suffer all this, in order to show us the extreme to which he truly became incarnate and assumed a human nature, and to show us that the mystery of salvation was accomplished in a real and not an apparent or fictitious manner' (Theodoret of Cyrus, 'lnterpretatio Ep. ad Haebreos, ad loc.')." [5]

CCC: Heb 5:1-10 1564; Heb 5:7-9 609, 2606; Heb 5:7-8 612, 1009; Heb 5:7 2741; Heb 5:8 2825; Heb 5:9 617
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 31:2 and 3b, 3cd-4, 5-6,15-16, 20

R. (17) Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me,
make haste to deliver me!
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake you will lead and guide me.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

You will free me from the snare they set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

But my trust is in you, O LORD,
I say, "You are my God."
In your hands is my destiny; rescue me
from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

How great is your goodness, O LORD,
which you have in store for those who fear you,
And which, toward those who take refuge in you,
you show in the sight of the children of men.
R. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.
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Commentary on Ps 31:2 and 3b, 3cd-4, 5-6,15-16, 20

The psalmist gives us a song of faith very appropriate for the one who is put to the test for their faith. It is a prayer for rescue and a submission of will to God's saving power.

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The sequence Stabat Mater may follow.

SEQUENCE (OPTIONAL)
Stabat Mater

At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.

Through her heart, his sorrow sharing,
All his bitter anguish bearing,
Now at length the sword had passed.

Oh, how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole begotten One!

Christ above in torment hangs,
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep,
'Whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?

Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that mother's pain untold?

Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
She beheld her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges rent.

For the sins of his own nation
Saw him hang in desolation
Till his spirit forth he sent.

O sweet Mother! font of love,
Touch my spirit from above,
Make my heart with yours accord.

Make me feel as you have felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.

Holy Mother, pierce me through,
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.

Let me share with you his pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.

Let me mingle tears with you,
Mourning him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.

By the cross with you to stay,
There with you to weep and pray,
Is all I ask of you to give.

Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine.

Let me to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of yours.

Wounded with his every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In his very Blood away.

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In his awful judgment day.

Christ, when you shall call me hence,
Be your Mother my defense,
Be your cross my victory.

While my body here decays,
May my soul your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally.
Amen. (Alleluia)

GOSPEL
First Option
John 19:25-27

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother
and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas,
and Mary Magdalene.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved
he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son."
Then he said to the disciple,
"Behold, your mother."
And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
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Commentary on Jn 19:25-27

Here is Jesus’ last address to his mother. Although the address sounds unnecessarily formal ("Woman, behold, your son.") this would have been considered a polite address in biblical times. The reference, “Woman,” is possibly to Genesis 3:15 which describes the mother of the Messiah as the “woman” whose offspring conquers the devil (CCC 726, 2618)[3]. The Lord, nearing the end of his life, commends the care of his mother to the disciple whom he loved. It is presumed this is done because Jesus has no brothers or sisters, and his adoptive father, Joseph, has already died.

In this instance, while it can be assumed that the disciple referred to is St. John, the author of the Gospel, the tender consignment of the care of the Lord’s mother is seen as iconic. That is, she is given into the care of all of the disciples, whom Jesus loves. Seeing her son dying upon the cross is one of the seven sorrows the Blessed Mother endured in faith.

CCC: Jn 19:25-27 726, 2618; Jn 19:25 495; Jn 19:26-27 501, 964, 2605; Jn 19:27 2677, 2679
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OR
Second Option
Luke 2:33-35

Jesus' father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
"Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
and you yourself a sword will pierce
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
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Commentary on Lk 2:33-35

In this passage we hear Simeon’s prediction, a man, we are told earlier, who “was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel”. Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that he would not pass away until he had seen the Messiah. He has declared that this promise has been fulfilled and then turns to Mary and makes the prediction about the nature of Christ’s ministry and the nature of the sorrow she will endure, “and you yourself a sword will pierce” The sword indicates that Mary will have a share in her Son’s sufferings; hers will be an unspeakable pain which pierces her soul. Our Lord suffered on the cross for our sins, and it is those sins which forge the sword of Mary’s pain. [4]

CCC: Lk 2:32 713; Lk 2:34 575, 587; Lk 2:35 149, 618
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Reflection:

The strains of Sabat Matar capture a shadow of the pain and sorrow of the passing of the Jesus, the Son of Mary, from true man to true God. With all of our joy at the resurrection and the hope that flows from that salvific event we sometimes forget the real human drama that overtook the young mother of Jesus who was first in faith, first in love of him who came to save us.

The Blessed Mother has long been the icon of what it means to love unconditionally, without any reservation. She demonstrated that ability from our first scriptural encounter with her as she accepted, without hesitation, the honor that would belong to the vessel of God and the sorrow promised by Simeon at the great passion of her son.

While tradition holds up for us the seven sorrows of the Lord, any mother who has loved a child knows the constant anxiety that goes with watching a child grow to adulthood and beyond. St. Mary was no different, in fact she is the exemplar for all mothers; the icon of love itself. So great was her love that it continues to transform the world. From the very earliest of her apparitions to the children of God to the present, he love for Christ and her love for all of God’s creation bleeds into our consciousness in her miraculous appearances. She is a constant reminder of God’s great love that sacrifices a son, the Son of God and Son of Mary, for our salvation.

Today we carry on that long tradition, recalling the great sorrow born by the Mother of Jesus the Christ. We lift up our own sufferings and when we offer them for her intercession, our pain feels that much lifted. Thank you Jesus, for choosing so great a mother for us.

Pax

[1] The picture is “Pietà” by El Greco, 1575
[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] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, © 2010, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA. p. 198.
[4] The Navarre Bible, Gospels and Acts, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, p.363.

SEPTEMBER 3 SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT

“St. Gregory the Great”
by Carlo Saraceni, ca. 1610

SEPTEMBER 3

SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT,
POPE AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Gregory the Great

Readings for the Memorial of St. Gregory the Great [1][2]

FIRST READING
2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7

Brothers and sisters:
Since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us,
we are not discouraged.
Rather, we have renounced shameful, hidden things;
not acting deceitfully or falsifying the word of God,
but by the open declaration of the truth
we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord,
and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus.
For God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"
has shone in our hearts to bring to light
the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ.

But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.
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Commentary on 2 Cor 4:1-2, 5-7

St. Paul speaks of his own ministry to the people of Corinth. Using his actions as an example, he makes the case for repentance (“…we have renounced shameful, hidden things”) and against false teachers (“…not acting deceitfully or falsifying the word of God”). Paul then uses the “light in the darkness” metaphor. He seems to be thinking of Genesis 1:3 and presenting his apostolic ministry as a new creation. In his final statement he makes it clear that it is for God’s glory in Christ that he proclaims this message and that the messenger himself is the humble “earthen vessel.”

CCC: 2 Cor 4:6 298, 2583; 2 Cor 4:7 1420
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RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8, 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

CCC: Ps 96:2 2143
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GOSPEL
Luke 22:24-30

An argument broke out among the Apostles
about which of them should be regarded as the greatest.
Jesus said to them,
"The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them
and those in authority over them are addressed as 'Benefactors';
but among you it shall not be so.
Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest,
and the leader as the servant.
For who is greater:
the one seated at table or the one who serves?
Is it not the one seated at table?
I am among you as the one who serves.
It is you who have stood by me in my trials;
and I confer a kingdom on you,
just as my Father has conferred one on me,
that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom;
and you will sit on thrones
judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
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Commentary on Lk 22:24-30

This argument among the disciples is timed ironically in that it occurs in the upper room during the feast of the last supper, following the Lord’s announcement that one of his closest friends would betray him. Jesus proceeds to provide the disciples with straightforward teaching about the servant role they were to exemplify. He then promises all of them that, because they will have stood by him, they will also be with him in heaven.

CCC: Lk 22:26-27 894; Lk 22:27 1570; Lk 22:28-30 787; Lk 22:29-30 551; Lk 22:30 765
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Reflection:

If a person molds a vessel, they to a greater or lesser degree mold the contents of that vessel. St. Gregory the Great (who probably would have objected to the title “the Great”) was one who molded the Church. The influence he had on the Church’s structure and worship were so great that had he not assumed the papacy, we would probably not recognize our current structure and forms as being Catholic.

Like the parent of a child, Pope St. Gregory taught the deeply spiritual practices of the religious order from which he came to the Church as a whole through a series of reforms. It is no accident that the ancient music of Gregorian Chant still echoes in the hallowed halls of churches around the world.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the disciples “the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.” In the very spirit of this verse, St. Gregory the Great served Christ in his Church and left us a lasting legacy in which we might frame our praise to God. It is only right that to such a one a great feast be celebrated, for his work to accomplish God’s plan has benefited us all.

Pax

[1] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
[2] The picture is “St. Gregory the Great” by Carlo Saraceni, ca. 1610.
[3] NAB footnote on Psalm 96.

AUGUST 28 SAINT AUGUSTINE

“St Augustine”
by Pieter Pauwel Rubens, 1639

AUGUST 28

SAINT AUGUSTINE,
BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
MEMORIAL

Biographical Information about St. Augustine [1]

Readings for the Memorial of St. Augustine

Readings and Commentary: [2]

FIRST READING
1 John 4:7-16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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GOSPEL
Matthew 23:8-12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pax

[1] The picture is “St Augustine” by Pieter Pauwel Rubens, 1639.
[2] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
[3] NAB footnote on 1 John 4:7-16.

[4] NAB footnote on Matthew 23:8-12.