Tag: Jesus Christ

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Presentation of the Lord

drawing of a baby being held in two hands

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Mass Readings

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
Responsorial: Psalm 24:7-10
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020220.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Today we celebrate the presentation of the Lord. There are so many interesting things about today’s readings as a whole. Truly the interconnectedness among Malachi, the Psalm, Hebrews and Luke is fascinating. Even taken individually, each of the readings has so much meaning. And today’s Gospel has greatly influenced the life of the Church. For example, Luke’s description of Jesus as the light for the nations has inspired candlelight processions before mass, what we call Candlemas. And Simeon’s song of praise in the Gospel that begins, “Lord, now you let your servant go in peace …” that song of praise is prayed by the Church in Night Prayer every night, “…so that like Simeon, the faithful may end their days and their lives in God’s peace.” <1> Night Prayer is part of the Liturgy of the Hours or the Daily Office.

Ok, so my point is that there’s a lot of ground for you to explore on you own. But for today’s reflection, I would like us to focus on Simeon and Anna just for a bit. Luke describes them both as elderly, and they’re both waiting. Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that he would live to see the Messiah. And Anna, Luke gives us a rather detailed introduction for her. We know she has spent the vast majority of her life praying and fasting at the Temple. We don’t know if she was also told to wait, nonetheless she has maintained this constant vigil almost for her entire life.

Now I suggest to you that to wait for so long is a sign of great faith. They believed in God and accepted God’s plan for their lives and they waited. What amazing faith!

Ok, here is one of the dangers of reading or listening to Scripture. We might come to the readings at mass passively – just going with the flow – and we might think to ourselves, “Well that was a nice story.” And when we do that, we miss out on the ways that the Holy Spirit is trying to guide us.

You see, so often in our Western culture, and perhaps more specifically in the United States I think, we want what we want when we want it. Right? If I want a double pumpkin spice latte with a dash of cinnamon and dash of nutmeg, then that’s what I want – and oh by the way, I want it now! I mean, that’s just an example. You get my point, right?

But it’s not about our latte. Oh no, before our latte even hits the counter, we’re on to the next thing. Maybe it’s a text message we’re responding to or maybe we’re scrolling through social media, or maybe we’re posting a status update. “Looking forward to the best cup of coffee ever! Heart emoji, thumbs up emoji, smiley face emoji.” But even in that update, we’re not in the present – we’re looking forward to the future. We can’t sit still and just be right here, right now.

Today’s Gospel suggests that what you want – what you believe you are being called to do or to see or to experience – will happen in God’s time, not your time. And that means you might need to wait an awful long time – maybe years and years. What do you think about that idea? I suspect that many of my over-achieving type AAA personality friends cringe when they hear me say that. Wait! For years! For what I want?!? Are you kidding me?!?

My brothers and sisters, today’s Gospel invites us to be open to the possibility that we might need to slow down before we can speed up – that if we are indeed the people of faith we say we are, then we might need to wait or to at least slow down for things to unfold in God’s time.

Homework! Nourished by the Word of God proclaimed and by the Eucharist, I invite you to reflect on the following two questions this week.

  1. When was the last time I sat down quietly and prayed to Jesus – and I mean just sit and speak to Jesus as I would any friend?
  2. What am I waiting for God to do? What are my sources of hope?

I think doing our homework will help us as disciples to slow down in order to speed up. Do you got it? Do you get it? Then go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

Citations:
<1> Pablo T. Gadenz, The Gospel of Luke (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2018), 71.

References:

  1. Gadenz, Pablo T. The Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2018.
  2. Healy, Mary. Hebrews. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2016.
  3. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.

Catechism References: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

  1. Jesus’ circumcision, 527
  2. Presentation of Jesus, 529
  3. Consolation of Israel, 711
  4. Sign of contradiction, 575, 587
  5. Jesus and the temple, 583
  6. Mary’s ordeal, 149
  7. Satan’s power, 407
  8. Jesus’ love for us, 609
  9. Jesus’ atoning death, 615, 1992

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Lectionary: 524
Mass Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020220.cfm
First Reading
Malachi 3:1-4
Thus says the Lord GOD:
Lo, I am sending my messenger
to prepare the way before me;
And suddenly there will come to the temple
the LORD whom you seek,
And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.
Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
But who will endure the day of his coming?
And who can stand when he appears?
For he is like the refiner’s fire,
or like the fuller’s lye.
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem
will please the LORD,
as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Responsorial
Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10
R. (8) Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Who is this king of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Who is this king of glory?
The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory.
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!

Second Reading
Hebrews 2:14-18
Since the children share in blood and flesh,
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,
and free those who through fear of death
had been subject to slavery all their life.
Surely he did not help angels
but rather the descendants of Abraham;
therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters
in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.

Alleluia
Luke 2:32
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A light of revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Luke 2:22-40 OR 2:22-32
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s 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.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.

or

When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”

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The Baptism of the Lord

copy of painting of Jesus emerging from the baptismal water with arms out like hanging on the cross and a dove descending

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The Baptism of the Lord (Feast) Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Responsorial: Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10
Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38
Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/011220.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Today as the Christmas season comes to a close, we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus. We learn in Scripture that Jesus presents himself to John. And the baptism of Jesus begins his public ministry. Now, Jesus is without sin, so he doesn’t need to be baptized by John. Indeed, John tells him as much. Through Matthew’s account which, by the way, is the only place in Scripture where we find this dialogue between John and Jesus; we get some insight into these two cousins. I suggest to you to that reflecting just on the dialogue between John and Jesus can be a powerful experience. If you are interested in the prayerful practice of lectio divina, then I encourage you to spend some time with this particular dialogue in prayer.

Of course, the Baptism of the Lord reveals so much, and I’m sure you’ve received some excellent insights during the homily proclaimed at mass. So, in my reflection, I’d like to share what the Church teaches about the responsibility of living out a life of the baptized disciple of Jesus Christ.

Now Jesus did not need to be baptized. But he willingly enters the water as a sign of being united to the sinful people of Israel. He unites himself with sinners and gives us a clue to how he will bear the sins of the people when his mission comes to a climax on that scandalous cross. He inaugurates his ministry by stepping into the place of the sinner.

What does Jesus do next? It’s not a fair question because what happens next is not part of today’s reading, but come one, what happens next?

Does Jesus retire to some sacred place, the Temple perhaps, to pray and meditate twenty-four seven? No, Jesus is ready to proclaim the Good News, and he goes out into the world. Jesus doesn’t wait for the nations of the world to come to him; he goes out to the nations.

He goes out to “bring forth justice to the nations,” (Isaiah 42:1). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus travels all over Palestine to “open the eyes of the blind, … bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness,” (Isaiah 42:7).

From the moment of his baptism, Jesus has been going out into the world. But he doesn’t do it alone. First, he goes out. Then he calls and send out Peter and Paul and the other apostles, and indeed other disciples like the 72 we read about in Luke 10:1-23. And now, my brothers and sisters, Jesus is sending you – each and every one of us who have been baptized according to our skills and abilities.

Now he doesn’t send you out alone. No! Jesus comes to you and he comes to me every day to fill us with the same Spirit that filled him at baptism. But there’s a catch. We need to be open to receiving Jesus every day.

You see, our baptism – our salvation – destines us to be united with God in heaven. And indeed, our baptism marks us with the seal of the Lord. But the Gospel does not teach that once saved, always saved. Our salvation, which is freely given, depends, as Scripture and St. Paul so often tell us, on our perseverance – our living and dying with Christ, (see Romans 6:8-13, 17-18; 2 Corinthians 4:11, Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:20; Philippians 1:21; 2 Timothy 2:11, to name a few).

Part of what that means is that every day, you and I have a choice. Do we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior? Or will we today give into the luxuries and temptations this world has to offer? You see, if we believe – if we really believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, then that should affect the way we live our lives each and every day. We sacrifice some of the comforts this world offers so that we, following the example of Jesus, Peter, Paul, the apostles and the first disciples, reach out to those who cannot come to church, those who do not come to church and those who will not come to church.

We reach out and share with the them the Good News of Jesus Christ! And how do we do that? By following Jesus’ example. We don’t hit them with the Bible or call them to repent. That might work for some, but for most people, following Jesus’ example, we need to meet people where they are. That’s how we start. Now, this might be the person working the cash register when you go to buy a cup of coffee on your way to work. It could be one of your coworkers who seems overly curious about what you do in church. And it could be the people you encounter if Jesus calls you to go out on a mission trip. As we begin each day, we should rise with joy and profess, “Here I am, Lord! Send me to share Your Good News!”

My brothers and sisters, the Baptism of the Lord that we remember today challenges each and every one of us. Are we living lives of the baptized? That’s a good question, and that leads us to homework! After being nourished by Word of God and by the Eucharist, I encourage you to reflect on the following two challenges this week.

  1. First, what does it mean to believe in a God that is not you? What does it mean to believe in your own holiness and goodness?
  2. Second, ask the Holy Spirit to settle on you, to give you courage and strength to share your faith with those you encounter.

I think doing our homework will help us strengthen our lives of as baptized disciples of Christ Jesus. Do you got it? Do you get it? Then go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

Image credit: Baptism of the Christ #2 – Daniel Bonnell www.bonnellart.com (USA/Contemporary)

References:

  1. Himes, Michael. The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism. Cincinnati, Ohio: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2004.
  2. Hoisington, Thomas. “Baptism of the Lord – January 12, 2020.” Homiletic & Pastoral Review, January 2020. Accessed 11 January 2020. https://www.hprweb.com/2019/12/homilies-for-january-2020/.
  3. Kurz, William S. SJ. Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013.
  4. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
  5. Mitch, Curtis, and Edward Sri. The Gospel Of Matthew. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2014.

Catechism Links: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

  1. Jesus’ baptism, 535-36, 1223-24
  2. The dove, 701
  3. Seal of the Lord, 1272-74
  4. Confirmation, 1286
  5. Christ as beloved Son, 444
  6. Christ as servant, 713
  7. Salvation outside the Church, 776, 846-48
  8. Jesus anointed by the Spirit, 438, 486
  9. Judge of the living and the dead, 678-79

Mass Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/011220.cfm
First Reading Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7
Thus says the LORD:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

Responsorial
Psalm 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10
R/ (11b) The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Give to the LORD, you sons of God,
give to the LORD glory and praise,
Give to the LORD the glory due his name;
adore the LORD in holy attire.
R/ The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters,
the LORD, over vast waters.
The voice of the LORD is mighty;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
R/ The Lord will bless his people with peace.
The God of glory thunders,
and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
The LORD is enthroned above the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as king forever.
R/ The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Second Reading
Acts 10:34-38
Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered
in the house of Cornelius, saying:
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
You know the word that he sent to the Israelites
as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.”

Alleluia
Mark 9:7
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:
This is my beloved Son, listen to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan
to be baptized by him.
John tried to prevent him, saying,
“I need to be baptized by you,
and yet you are coming to me?”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us
to fulfill all righteousness.”
Then he allowed him.
After Jesus was baptized,
he came up from the water and behold,
the heavens were opened for him,
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove
and coming upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens, saying,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

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Vanity of Vanities

Life, death, and meaning of existence are intertwined. (Woman gazing into boudoir mirror forms shape of skull.)

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Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass Readings

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
Psalm: Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

Hello! In today’s Gospel, we hear a parable that reminds of the familiar saying, “store up treasure in Heaven.” Often, this passage from Luke is interpreted to describe the effects of greed in our lives, but I think there’s something more going on here.

Today we heard the Gospel according to Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tell us the familiar story about a rich man who one year experienced a significant harvest – more than he could store. So, he decided to tear down his barns and build larger ones. He thinks to himself that now at last he can enjoy what he’s saved up. But that very night he dies, then we hear, “Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God,” (Lk 12:21).

Greed, right? But when we consider this passage together with the first reading today from Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23. Now, Ecclesiastes is a very puzzling book in the Bible. The author, Qoheleth, seems to point out in the most excruciating detail the futility of life. But Qoheleth’s point isn’t to annoy us or discourage us or depress us. Rather, he is trying to show us a world without God – without a Father in heaven who promises to embrace us. But in the end, he tells us, “Remember your Creator before evil days come,” (Ecc 12:1).

Why are we asked to consider vanity with this particular Gospel reading? How does it all fit together? Well, first, we must remember that the most potent weapon Satan has is to spread fear and doubt. But fear and doubt are not things we can simply fall into. Consider The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis. If you’ve never read it or listened to a recording of the dramatic reading, I highly recommend it! The book is a collection of letters written by senior demon named Screwtape to his nephew-demon, Wormwood. Wormwood is trying to lead a man called “the patient” toward “Our Father Below” or Satan and away from “the Enemy”, who is of course Jesus.

In “Letter 17,” Screwtape tries to explain one of the methods to accomplish the goal of leading souls astray by using “the patient’s” own mother as an example. Her assigned demon, Glubose, has lead her to indulge in a particular kind of sensuality – delicacy. She says, “Oh please, please…all I want is a cup of tea, weak but not too weak, and the teeniest weeniest bit of really crisp toast.” She is convinced that because she wants something smaller and less costly, that she isn’t indulging in gluttony. But she is so convinced that her point of view is so correct that, as Lewis describes, “…a positive terror to hostesses and servants.”

Screwtape later comments that a common expression of this form of gluttony is the phrase, “all I want,” as in “all I want is a properly cooked steak”. Screwtape says that it’s easy to turn people into gluttons with the help of their vanity.

You see, vanity can lead people – can lead us – to an unwavering belief that your point of view is correct or that what you want is reasonable, regardless of how much people must work to make that happen.

In these cases, vanity becomes a distraction. The mother can’t see, in The Screwtape Letters, that she is hurting the people around her. And this is how Satan works – simple vanity becomes a distraction not just with those around us, but even in our relationship with God. That’s what Qoheleth is trying to tell us in Ecclesiastes. We can get so caught up in ourselves and in the things around us that we lose sight of what is really important and the things that really last – God and the blessings that flow from God, like our family and our friends. Being thankful for our blessings and enjoying our blessings and most importantly sharing our blessings with others are ways that we can store up for ourselves treasure in heaven. But to do that, we have to be humble enough to not become vain – totally self-absorbed. That is one of the many challenges of our readings, I think.

Homework!

  1. First, what things in my life am I rigidly particular about?
  2. Second, what distractions keep me from praying regularly?

I think that our homework will help begin the process of taking stock of our lives and re-centering on Jesus Christ. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!