Tag: Psalm 80

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First Sunday of Advent

Picture of Advent wreath with all 5 candles lit and the words advent hope love joy peace above wreath

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Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7
Responsorial: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Gospel: Mark 13:33-37

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112920.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

It’s hard to believe that Advent begins today! Perhaps the pandemic and the extraordinary death toll in parts of the US like El Paso, Texas have affected how I read today’s scripture. To me, these readings and the gospel in particular get to the heart of the big questions in life. “Why am I here?” “What is my purpose?”

Jesus tell us to “Be watchful! Be alert!” in today’s gospel (Mark 13:33). We just never know. So, in light of this very different year, how can I make the most of Advent?

The good news is that God gave us resources to help answer these questions! St. Paul tells us in our second reading today that as disciples, we have already received God’s grace in Christ Jesus! We are blessed with all sorts of gifts, but sometimes we aren’t aware of what we have or how to use it.

One of the great blessings of Advent is to remind us that we need to set time aside to slow down and take stock of our lives. It’s sort of like a year-end review that businesses undergo, except the Church asks all of us to do it in our individual lives.

One of our key understandings about creation that the Church teaches us is that we need to encourage human flourishing. Another way to put this is how to become the best version of yourself. To me, our first reading speaks to human flourishing. Isaiah reminds us that we are the clay and God is the potter (64:7).

So, here are some questions we might consider. Have I allowed God to mold me? As a disciple, have I surrendered my life to God’s will? This is of course an extremely personal process. And as a parent or grandparent or aunt or uncle or friend, how can I model this process for other people?

Now the good news is that it’s never too late! But what does that mean and how can I get started? Now you might say, “But deacon, I’m over seventy and comfortably retired. What can I do?” Or you’re a fulltime accountant and you don’t see the need to invest in spiritual growth or spiritual development.

These are all excellent observations! While sometimes what God might ask of us fully aligns with an income-producing job, sometimes it doesn’t always. Take being a deacon for example. In general, the vast majority of deacons around the world are not paid employees of the Church. Some deacons might be reimbursed for some of their expenses. Some dioceses might organize continuing education events or retreats to reduce the costs to the deacons. But in general, almost everything the deacon pursues for their spiritual and pastoral education is on them. Deacons do not charge for their services, so the fruit of their ministry is a real gift to community.

So, if deacons can do it, then we can all be open to pursue the paths God has for us even if there is no compensation tied to it. As for retirees, well, you never know what situations might present itself to you with your family and friends or in your volunteer work. Perhaps taking even an online bible study or book club or a class might help you feel more confident about having that conversation you were afraid to have.

For example, I have taken classes through and I also facilitate classes for the Virtual Learning Center for Faith Formation or VLCFF through the University of Dayton. I’ll leave a link in the notes to this podcast. <1> They offer a ton of classes ranging from 3 – 6 weeks. There’s no degree requirement and no commitment. While the classes have an online facilitator like me, there are no online classes, so you don’t have to worry about being available for a zoom call at a specific time. You do you a specific agenda to follow each week, and you may interact with your facilitator and your classmates all you want, but you manage your own time. So, there are adults literally from all over the world who take these classes.

There are also a myriad of other excellent programs out there from authentically Catholic sources. Your pastor might have some suggestions for you too.

How can you tell if a site is authentically Catholic? Ah! Another excellent question! What is the one thing that separates Catholics from other Christians? The Catholic Church is an apostolic church. We believe that our bishop is the successor to the Apostles themselves! And we believe that all the bishops working together form the Magisterium or the teaching authority of the Church. And we believe that the bishop of Rome is first among all the bishops of the world. Most of us know the bishop of Rome as the Pope.

So, if whatever site you’re researching ever uses language like rejecting Pope Francis, then that theologian or that site is not a Catholic site. It doesn’t matter how many times they say they are Catholic or how much Latin is dressed on their website. To reject the Pope means automatic excommunication. Or if the theologian or website uses language like rejecting Vatican Two, then it not authentically Catholic. To say you reject Vatican Two in its entirety is to say you reject the magisterial teaching of the Church, and that means automatic excommunication!

If you’re not sure about a site and you’re not sure who to ask, ask me! I’m happy to help!

So, this Advent, let’s set some time aside to determine if we live like clay allowing ourselves to be molded by the potter. Are we living God’s plan for our lives? If not, what can I do about it?

Homework! I have asked a whole lot of questions today, so you’re homework is to spend a little time this week reviewing all the questions I’ve asked. You can find them in the notes to this podcast or on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org.

I think doing our homework will help us get on track with God’s plan for our lives. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

Image Credit: Artist unknown. JPG file.

Notes: Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible quotes are taken from The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.
<1> Virtual Learning Center for Faith Formation: https://vlcff.udayton.edu/.

References:
1. Healy, Mary. The Gospel of Mark. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008. Kindle.
2. Montague, George T., SM. First Corinthians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. God gives humanity grace to accept Revelation, welcome the Messiah: 35
2. “Come, Lord Jesus!”: 451, 671, 1130, 1403, 2817
3. Christ’s coming in glory: 668-82, 769
4. Church as communion: 787-96, 959
5. Acknowledging that we are sinners: 827, 1431, 2677, 2839
6. Keeping watch: 2612, 2849
7. Prayer of thanksgiving: 2637-38

First Sunday of Advent https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112920.cfm
Lectionary: 2

Reading 1
Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7
You, LORD, are our father,
our redeemer you are named forever.
Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways,
and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?
Return for the sake of your servants,
the tribes of your heritage.
Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,
with the mountains quaking before you,
while you wrought awesome deeds we could not hope for,
such as they had not heard of from of old.
No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you
doing such deeds for those who wait for him.
Would that you might meet us doing right,
that we were mindful of you in our ways!
Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful;
all of us have become like unclean people,
all our good deeds are like polluted rags;
we have all withered like leaves,
and our guilt carries us away like the wind.
There is none who calls upon your name,
who rouses himself to cling to you;
for you have hidden your face from us
and have delivered us up to our guilt.
Yet, O LORD, you are our father;
we are the clay and you the potter:
we are all the work of your hands.

Responsorial
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
R. (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power,
and come to save us.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
R. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Reading II
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Brothers and sisters:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God always on your account
for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Alleluia
Psalm 85:8
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Show us Lord, your love;
and grant us your salvation.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Mark 13:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be watchful! Be alert!
You do not know when the time will come.
It is like a man traveling abroad.
He leaves home and places his servants in charge,
each with his own work,
and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch.
Watch, therefore;
you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming,
whether in the evening, or at midnight,
or at cockcrow, or in the morning.
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping.
What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!’”

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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

charlie brown and linus cartoon charlie brown says my anxieties have anxieties

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Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7
Responsorial: Psalm 80:9, 12-16, 19-20
Second Reading: Philippians 4:6-9
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100420.cfm
https://deaconrudysnotes.org/

What a tumultuous time we are living in! But my brothers and sisters, I have good news! In today’s second reading, Paul tells us, “…don’t be anxious about anything…” (Philippians 4:6). Easy for him to say, right? It seems like these times are bursting with anxiety-inducing sentiments. How many of us have heard or given out advice that you should stop watching the news right now – or at least significantly reduce your news intake? These are rocky times, to be sure.

You know, today’s second reading is part of a letter Paul sent to the community. There were two women in Philippi who were very important to the community. They were leaders of some kind – people who undoubtedly were very helpful to Paul in his ministry. Yet they had a falling out – apparently a very big falling out. So great was their influence that their argument was tearing the community apart! People were taking sides. How can the faith grow – how can anything grow in such a toxic environment!

This entire story reminds us that we can all have differences of opinions in our families, our parishes, our dioceses, and even in our towns and our nation. Exploring our differences can be helpful. The process of trying to find middle ground can yield all sorts of fruit, some sweet and some a little bitter, but that’s the nature of compromise. But sometimes our disagreements can get out of hand. If we are not careful, our disagreements can tear our families and communities apart.

Isn’t that part of the Gospel message today? Those pesky tenants thought the rules didn’t apply to them. They thought they could change the rules to suit their needs even if violence was required to advance their cause. What does Jesus say? Way wrong answer! Yet, how many people allow things to get out of hand?

A friend of mine is an episcopal priest from the east coast, and he was telling me that he’s having a hard time working with a couple. They’ve been married for over 27 years, but they are heading for divorce. They’ve made up their minds and are only seeing him to check off a box on the way to the courthouse. Why are they divorcing? Because one is voting for Biden and the other for Trump.

Can you imagine? When I was a child, the word “politician” meant dishonesty. Oh, they worked hard, and I’m not saying they are all crooks, but despite what they said during the election, they wouldn’t always do what they promised. I can’t imagine letting someone I know isn’t completely truthful between my wife and me.

How is it that we are living in a time with so much anger? I think it’s because we’ve allowed ourselves to be filled with anxiety. We’re all drinking from fire hydrants like unfiltered social media and 24/7 news programs that are anything but fair and balanced. I think we’ve let those fire hydrants push Jesus to the edge of our lives – or washed him out completely!

I’ve recently discovered a French theologian whose work I’m just starting to dig into, but one of his ideas surprised me. He says that the present is a pivot point between the past and the future. Isn’t that an interesting idea? And it ties so well not only with Paul, but all the self-help ideas I’ve heard.

Why stress over the past? It’s already happened. You can’t undo it.

Why stress over the future? Time will unfold in ways we can’t control.

Instead, focus on the present.

What does that mean? As a student of history, I would suggest that rather than stressing over the past, we try to learn from it. I don’t always follow my advice, but doesn’t that make sense? It’s not let go and move on. It’s let go and learn. What about tomorrow? Well, tomorrow – more specifically, my dreams can’t happen unless I take steps today. So, I act today, informed by the past, with an eye toward the future. I must be present right here and right now. These simple actions help us let go of anxiety. But we can do better than that!

St. Paul tells us that instead of filling ourselves with anxiety – I would say sources of anxiety like too much social media or too much news – we should fill ourselves with praise and gratitude for what we have. We should try to see in these things what God has done for us in Christ.

Homework! Nourished by the Eucharist let’s put what we’ve learned in the readings to work!

1. First, what things cause you anxiety? Are you spending too much time on social media or are you glued to the news?
2. Second, how can you help people let go of their anxiety and experience the peace of Jesus Christ?

Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

Image Credit: Unknown. JPG file.

Notes: Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible quotes are taken from The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

References:
1. Hamm, Dennis, SJ. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academics, 2013. Kindle.
2. Mitch, Curtis and Edward Sri. The Gospel of Matthew. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2010. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. The Church as God’s vineyard, 755
2. Gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, 1830-32
3. Prophets are the servants, Christ is the Son, 443

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100420.cfm
Lectionary: 139

Reading 1
Isaiah 5:1-7
Let me now sing of my friend,
my friend’s song concerning his vineyard.
My friend had a vineyard
on a fertile hillside;
he spaded it, cleared it of stones,
and planted the choicest vines;
within it he built a watchtower,
and hewed out a wine press.
Then he looked for the crop of grapes,
but what it yielded was wild grapes.

Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah,
judge between me and my vineyard:
What more was there to do for my vineyard
that I had not done?
Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes,
did it bring forth wild grapes?
Now, I will let you know
what I mean to do with my vineyard:
take away its hedge, give it to grazing,
break through its wall, let it be trampled!
Yes, I will make it a ruin:
it shall not be pruned or hoed,
but overgrown with thorns and briers;
I will command the clouds
not to send rain upon it.
The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah are his cherished plant;
he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed!
for justice, but hark, the outcry!

Responsorial
Psalm 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20
R. (Is 5:7a) The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
A vine from Egypt you transplanted;
you drove away the nations and planted it.
It put forth its foliage to the Sea,
its shoots as far as the River.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Why have you broken down its walls,
so that every passer-by plucks its fruit,
The boar from the forest lays it waste,
and the beasts of the field feed upon it?
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
O LORD, God of hosts, restore us;
if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Reading 2
Philippians 4:6-9
Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

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

Alleluia
John 15:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord,
to go and bear fruit that will remain.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Matthew 21:33-43
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
“Hear another parable.
There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,
put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.
When vintage time drew near,
he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.
But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat,
another they killed, and a third they stoned.
Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones,
but they treated them in the same way.
Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking,
‘They will respect my son.’
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another,
‘This is the heir.
Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’
They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?”
They answered him,
“He will put those wretched men to a wretched death
and lease his vineyard to other tenants
who will give him the produce at the proper times.”
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes?
Therefore, I say to you,
the kingdom of God will be taken away from you
and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”