BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD
A LECTIO DIVINA Approach
to the Weekday Liturgy
ADVENT SEASON
Weekdays of 1st Week of Advent (n. 1)
Weekdays of 2nd Week of Advent (n. 2)
Weekdays of 3rd Week of Advent (n. 3)
December 17 (n. 4)
December 18 (n. 5)
December 19 (n. 6)
December 20 (n. 7)
December 21 (n. 8)
December 22 (n. 9)
December 23 (n. 10)
December 24: Mass in the Morning (n. 11)
Prepared by
Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang, PDDM
*** Text of the Cover Page ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 1)
WEEKDAYS OF FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
MONDAY – 1st WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Heals Our Infirmities and He Gathers
All the Nations”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 2:1-5 // Mt 8:5-11
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 8:5-11): “Many will come from the east and the west into the
Kingdom of heaven.”
(Gospel Reflection by Bishop Joseph Mukala, India)
We are beginning a new spiritual journey with Jesus in this new liturgical year. It
is indeed a new beginning for us. At this point, we cannot forget what the Responsorial
Psalm invites us today, namely, to go up rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Our holy
mother the Church teaches us that we are on a pilgrimage and during this pilgrimage
many of us, along with the centurion of our Gospel, today request the Lord to heal us of
our infirmities. But our faith is yet to be tested and verified. In the case of the centurion,
the Lord gave him a super pass certificate when he said, “Truly I tell you in no one in
Israel have I found such faith.” Yes, we would like to hear these words from the Lord in
our regard. But we are still far from the disposition of the centurion as he approached the
Lord for the cure of his servant.
What prevents us from having such faith as the centurion’s? Could it be that our
faith is shallow due to our heavy dependence on our abilities or to the modern and present
day challenges that draw us away from what is spiritual and transcendent? The centurion
had to face certain challenges when he decided to go and meet the Lord and requested
him to heal his servant. His own friends must have ridiculed him for seeking the
assistance of a so-called Jewish preacher. His very own authority over his subjects could
prevent him from having recourse to a so-called preacher with magic powers. In any case
we can count on his deep faith in the authority of Christ, to whom he went and pleaded
for the cure of his servant. With his love for his servant, along with the gift of faith that
he received from God, he took the bold step in approaching Jesus with his request.
Look at the way Jesus responds to the request of the centurion when he said, “I
will come and cure him.” We are in need of healing, both spiritual and mental. The Lord
is ever ready to come under our roof and heal us. He gently tells us that he is ready to
come and heal us if only we open ourselves to him and his healing power. The
centurion knew that Jesus has power and authority to heal from a distance as he himself
has power and authority to command and get things done. Hence, he humbled himself
before Jesus and requested him to exercise his power and authority to heal his servant,
without coming to his house. This is evident when he said, “Lord, I am not worthy to
have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.”
At the beginning of this holy season of Advent, seek for healing that is more than
physical. We all need healing of memories, such as the unjust dealing of a boss, the
unkind word of a friend or a partner, etc. Let us include all these intentions in our prayer
during this period of waiting for the Lord who is born to us every day in the Eucharist
and at Christmas. As the centurion acknowledged the power and authority of Jesus in
healing his servant, let us also be conscious of our need for the presence of the Lord in
our lives – that he may heal us of our spiritual, psychological and mental agonies and
wounds. In the same measure, let us also be conscious of people who need our presence
for their healing, especially those who are close to us, like the servant who was very close
to his master, the centurion.
B. First Reading (Is 2:1-5): “The Lord will gather all nations into the eternal peace of
the Kingdom of God.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 2:1-5) reminds me of something very inspiring
that I found in the comics section of a daily newspaper. I cut it out and kept it in a folder
to keep me upbeat. Bill Keane’s “Family Circus” cartoon shows the Mom looking out of
the window and the Dad sitting in an armchair with a newspaper. Probably upset by grim
news reports, the Dad remarks: “Sometimes I worry about the future of this country.” The
Mom answers, “I don’t!” as she gazes at a vision of harmony and peace in the backyard
while her children play with other kids: the eldest son is carrying piggyback a delighted
black kid; the daughter and a Hispanic friend are doting over the baby doll in the baby
carriage; the daughter’s twin brother is giving a lecture on space rockets to a enthusiastic
brown-skinned friend; an Oriental little girl is reading a book to the attentive toddler; and
a bird perched on a kid’s telescope is singing a happy song.
The vision of harmony and the spirit of hope presented in the cartoon, “Family
Circus”, are offered to us more intensely by the liturgy of the Advent season. Today’s
readings present the healing not only of the centurion’s servant, but the healing of
relationships and of the nations. In the First Reading (Is 2:1-5), the prophet Isaiah
presents the Lord as gathering all nations into the eternal peace of the kingdom of God. In
the days to come, all nations will make their way to the mountain of God, and Jerusalem
will become the center of instruction for all nations. In the mind of Isaiah, the recognition
of Jerusalem as the goal of the nations is tantamount to recognizing the Lord God as
sovereign. Above all, the recognition and acceptance of the Lord’s instructions are the
keys to world peace, when swords will be beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning
hooks. We too are called to “walk in the light of the Lord” that we may be able to radiate
the light of salvation to all. With all the nations, we are called to make our way back to
the new Jerusalem, the city of God.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Like the centurion, do we have the faith, trust and love to seek healing from our
Lord Jesus? Do we welcome his transforming Advent into our life? What do we do to
promote the healing of the sick, the healing of relationships, and the healing of nations?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
we thank you for the season of Advent,
a season of new beginning and a time to seek healing.
Please come into our life with your healing power.
Make us whole in mind, body and soul.
Bring healing to the nations and to all creation.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“I will come and cure him.” (Mt 8:7) // “Let us walk in the light of the Lord.” (Is
2:5).
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray not only for healing, but also to be a healer. Do something kind and
comforting for a sick relative or friend. Do what you can to promote justice and peace in
your family and in the family of nations.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
TUESDAY – 1st WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Teaches Us to Be Childlike and He Is
Filled with the Spirit”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 11:1-10 // Lk 10:21-24
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 10:21-24): “Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit.”
(Gospel Reflection by Bishop Joseph Mukala, India)
We has, on many occasions, extolled the attitude of children, praising them for
their innocence, dependence, simplicity and joy. Everyone has a word or a touch for a
child. We see God in a child being carried by a mother or walking along with the father.
We want to know more about God, but we know that the knowledge of God does
not come from reading big books or attending lectures by scholars, but rather on one’s
knees in prayer. The Holy Spirit inspires the simple to know God and come closer to him,
in humility and openness to surrender to him. The prophets of old and great men of the
history of Israel longed for the day when they would see and experience the messianic
times. But that grace was not given to them, though in their own way they were happy
and they fulfilled the mission entrusted to them by God. They found happiness and joy in
being men of God, speaking His words and carrying out His plans. Yes, they were like
children in the hands of God ready to accept whatever was demanded of them.
Simplicity and humility are key words when it comes to being chosen by God for
his mission. Every Christian has a mission to fulfill for we are all missionaries. A simple
old lady from a village in a far flung area fulfills a mission. Her childlike simplicity and
humility are qualities that make her a member of the Body of Christ. She is there to build
up the Body of Christ through her joy and happiness. It is not always the learned and the
wise that really bring joy and happiness to the body of Christ, but also the simple and
ordinary people. Let us be simple and humble to receive the child Jesus into our lives.
B. First Reading (Is 11:1-10): “The Spirit of the Lord God shall rest upon him.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 11:1-10) is from the prophet Isaiah who lived
in Jerusalem in the latter part of the 8th century B.C., when there was terrible sociopolitical turmoil caused by the Assyrian Empire’s threat and invasion. Many kingdoms
were crushed. Judah’s kinsmen in the northern Kingdom of Israel were routed by the
Assyrians and sent into exile in 722 B.C. Despite the disaster experienced by the northern
Kingdom, the prophet Isaiah predicted that the Kingdom of Judah would be spared.
Isaiah envisioned a future when Judah and Israel, kingdoms of the North and South,
would be reunited. The enemy siblings, Judah and Israel, would finally be reconciled
through the saving work of a Spirit-filled messianic king, a shoot sprouting from the
“stump of Jesse”. This future Davidic king would reign with a spirit of wisdom and
understanding, a spirit of counsel and strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.
He would judge the poor with justice and defend the rights of the helpless. The ideal
King would be after God’s own heart. His Kingdom would be a reign of harmony, peace
and reconciliation – reconciliation among the members of God’s creation and creation’s
reconciliation with its Creator. The prophet Isaiah’s idyll of animal enemies living
together serenely and harmoniously is a beautiful portrait of God’s benevolent plan and
the glorious destiny he meant for his people and the entire creation.
However, the prophecy of the ideal Davidic King announced by Isaiah would not
be fulfilled in his lifetime. That prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the “anointed one”
and consecrated by the Spirit of Yahweh for the mission of universal salvation. In the
fullness of time would be the advent of the Messiah and the definitive realization of the
divine redemptive plan through the paschal sacrifice of that messianic King.
Finally, today’s Advent liturgy invites us to consider the shadows and pain in
today’s world that do not correspond to the messianic idyll of peace and harmony
announced by the prophet Isaiah. The Benedictine liturgical scholar, Adrian Nocent
remarks: “How can we see the golden age in a world that is adrift, a world in which
virtue and vice are so mingled? We can only respond by pointing to the fact that the
Good News is being preached to the poor, the blind see, and the dead rise – since the
Church accomplishes all these miracles in the spiritual order. The outlook of faith and a
hope grounded in faith – these alone can enable us to see the presence of the golden age
in its beginnings. Advent is the season of Christian optimism.”
The following article, “There’s No Place Like Home” about a hapless victim (cf.
Poverello News, September 2007 issue) illustrates how some people of goodwill
endeavor to hasten in today’s wounded world the advent of God’s kingdom. By their
works of justice for the poor and needy, Papa Mike and the staff of the Poverello House
remind us that the promotion of the messianic idyll is our task and challenge.
Like millions before him, he saw California as the Promised Land, a place
abounding in hope and prosperity. For some reason, Little Rock, Arkansas had
become a dead end. Maybe he had his own problems that made it hard for him to
make it in his hometown, or maybe home had grown too small for him. Whatever
the reason, he wanted to get away from failure or pain, so he looked westward
with longing and naïve dreams of success. He was going to hook up with some
distant relatives when he got to Fresno, live with them temporarily, and find a
job. Not the most practical plan, but one that is all too familiar to us at Poverello
House. Arriving at the bus station, he set out to get the lay of the land, and almost
immediately, was mugged and robbed. Everything, including the names and
phone numbers of relatives he’d never met, was stolen. He was savagely beaten,
and ended up in the hospital with a broken wrist and cracked ribs. He was
released, hurting, penniless, and depressed, and somehow made his way to
Poverello House. Word on the street was that he could find help there.
At lunchtime, homeless people pointed out Mike McGarvin to him. He
approached and asked Mike for help. What did he want? Just to go back home,
where he knew people, where he wouldn’t be assaulted and robbed within ten
minutes of arriving. Mike doesn’t do much “Greyhound therapy” anymore; more
often than not, people are stuck in town because they’ve blown their money on
drugs. However, something about this sad man in his late twenties appealed to
Mike. As he does with anybody asking for a bus ticket, Mike told the man he could
be on his way home if he passed a drug test. The test came out clean, so Mike
bought him a ticket, loaded him with enough food for the trip, and put him on the
bus for home.
Unlike so many who have been able to find a new life in the Golden State, this
man instead discovered how mean the streets of California can be. As with so
many others we assist, we will never know if our efforts to help this man will
enable him to find his way in the world. However, Mike sent him off with a silent
prayer for his safety. He left with the assurance that on the hardscrabble streets
of Fresno, there is a place of refuge called Poverello House, and a big man with
an equally big heart, known on those streets as Papa Mike.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
1. Do we act as Spirit-filled people of God? Are we like children in the hands of God?
Are we able to trust God and rely on him with childlike simplicity?
2. How does the messianic vision of peace and harmony impact you? How do you resolve
to make the vision of messianic peace and harmony a lived possibility and reality?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
the Spirit of the Lord is upon you.
Together with you, we rejoice in the Spirit.
We love God the Father with childlike trust.
With your grace, help us to surrender to his saving will.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit.” (Lk 10:21) //“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest
upon him.” (Is 11:2)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for a more childlike trust as God’s presence mysteriously unfolds in our life.
Do something kind and comforting for a needy “little one” in your midst. To be more
open to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, spend some quiet moments in adoration before
the Blessed Sacrament.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
WEDNESDAY – 1st WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Healing and Feeding Good
Shepherd”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 25:6-10a // Mt 15:29-37
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 15:29-37): “Jesus heals many and multiplies the bread.”
(Gospel Reflection by Bishop Joseph Mukala, India)
Jesus ushers in God’s kingdom in our hearts and in our lives. There is a sense of
joy and feasting here. Returning to the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus goes up
the mountain and sits down. Prophetic tradition speaks of the gathering, not only of the
scattered people of Israel, but of all peoples on the holy mountain (cf. Is 25:6) and of God
coming for them and feeding them there. Ezekiel prophesies (cf. Ezek 34:13-16) that God
himself would shepherd his people and feed the sheep in pleasant pastures. Moreover, he
would bandage those that are hurt and heal those who are sick. The advent of Jesus
fulfills the divine promise of a healing and nourishing Shepherd. Jesus heals the lame, the
blind, the crippled, the mute, and many other sick people placed at his feet. Jesus feels
sorry for the hungry crowd and feeds them by multiplying the loaves of bread and fish.
Witnessing the healing, the people give praise to God. Nourished by the loaves and fish,
they feel satisfied. The celebration of the kingdom has begun and at the center of it all is
Jesus Christ.
Saint Francis Xavier, known as the “Apostle of the Indies” and the “Apostle to the
Far East”, incarnates the love of the healing and feeding Good Shepherd. The following
notes about him, circulated on the Internet, are interesting.
Francis Xavier, born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta (7 April 1506 – 3
December 1552) was a pioneering Roman Catholic missionary born in the
Kingdom of Navarre (now part of Spain) and co-founder of the Society of Jesus.
He was a student of Ignatius of Loyola and one of the first seven Jesuits,
dedicated at Montnartre in 1534. He led an extensive mission into Asia, mainly in
the Portuguese Empire of the time. He was influential in the spreading and
upkeep of Catholicism most notably in India, but also ventured into Japan,
Borneo, the Moluccas, and into other areas which had thus far not been visited by
Christian missionaries. In these areas, being a pioneer and struggling to learn the
local languages in the face of opposition, he had less success than he had enjoyed
in India. It was a goal of Xavier to one day reach China.
St. Francis Xavier is noteworthy for his missionary work, both as organizer and
as pioneer. He is said to have converted more people than anyone else has done
since Saint Paul. By his compromises in India with the Christians of St. Thomas,
he developed the Jesuit missionary methods along lines that subsequently became
a successful blueprint for his order to follow. His efforts left a significant
impression upon the missionary history of India and, as one of the first Jesuit
missionaries to the East Indies, his work is of fundamental significance to
Christians in the propagation of Christianity in China and Japan, India (…)
Pope Benedict said of both Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier: "Not only their
history which was interwoven for many years from Paris and Rome, but a unique
desire — a unique passion, it could be said — moved and sustained them through
different human events: the passion to give to God-Trinity a glory always greater
and to work for the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ to the peoples who had
been ignored.” As the foremost saint from Navarre and one of the main Jesuit
saints, he is much venerated in Spain and the Hispanic countries where Francisco
Javier or Javier are common male given names. The alternative spelling Xavier is
also popular in Portugal.
B. First Reading (Is 25:6-10a): “The Lord invites us to his feast and will wipe away the
tears from all faces.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 25:6-10a) depicts the definitive triumph of
God’s kingdom at the end time. The fulfillment of God’s saving plan is imaged as a
“feast of rich food and choice wines”. On that day of great feasting, the people redeemed
would exclaim: “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the Lord for
whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us” (Is 55:9). This
bountiful banquet on the mountain of God is a symbol of eternal salvation,
companionship and joy – of the delightful sharing in the riches of God and intimate
communion in his delectable life.
The biblical scholar Eugene Maly comments: “One of the most pleasant of human
activities is the family or community meal. In its ideal form, it is a time when those who
love one another not only share the food they eat, but also share with one another their
hopes and fears, their experiences and future plans. The love that already binds them is
made stronger. The Scripture attests to the fact that a meal is expressive of a wide range
of human attitudes and emotions … All mankind seems to be aware of the fact that a
shared meal creates or strengthens a community of life among the participants. That is
why this most human of activities would also be used to symbolize a community of life
between human and divine participants … The Isaiah reading describes in rich imagery
what is commonly referred to as the eschatological or end-time meal. In his description of
this meal, the author is trying to bring home to the people the exquisite joy of that final
day when they would be united with the Lord forever. A common life and common love
are symbolized.”
Moreover, all peoples are invited to this grandiose banquet. The end-time feast is
for all peoples, with God himself as the gracious host. He is the Lord of the banquet who
satisfies our deepest longings. In Jesus Christ is the advent of the messianic banquet. In
Jesus, God not only feeds the hungry but he also acts to make the lame walk, open the
eyes of the blind, heal the sick. In him is total nourishment and healing.
As children of God and as disciples of Jesus, we are called to be instruments to
respond to the needs of the world’s poor. The following story illustrates how God uses us
to feed the hungry (cf. Carol Ermo, “Mysterious Ways” in Guideposts, September 2013,
p. 39).
Brr. I hugged the warm Crockpot I was carrying as I walked to the building site.
We’re hardy folks here in Wisconsin, but that fall day was beyond brisk. The
women in my church group were bringing lunch to some Habitat for Humanity
volunteers building a house in a working-class neighborhood. We’d made
brownies, sandwiches and, most important, a huge batch of chili. Nearing the site,
I wondered if chili would be enough to warm the bellies of the hungry crew.
Except there was no activity. No hammering. No saw buzzing. No drills whirring.
No one working inside or out. Only one car was parked on the street. A man
climbed out, pulling his jacket tight. “Didn’t anyone tell you ladies?” he said.
“There’s no build today.” “No build? Why” I asked. “Windows didn’t come in”,
the man explained. There’s not much to do without them. It’s so cold, we figured
we’d hold off until they’re delivered.”
The pot of chili felt heavy. All that work we’d put in, chopping onions, browning
the beef, mixing in the spices and waiting for it to cook. Now we had this
enormous batch and no one to eat it. Maybe we’d split it up. My family would
have supper for weeks. Then a thought popped into my head that didn’t seem to
come from me. Take it to the homeless shelter.
The shelter? They planned way ahead and I was sure they already had a meal for
the day. Then again, they could freeze the chili and serve it some other time. The
women and I piled back into the car and drove to the shelter. A crowd of people
huddled outside the cafeteria doors. “What’s going on?” I asked the shelter
coordinator. “The group that was supposed to fix the meal today didn’t come in”,
she said. “We’ve got all these people and nothing to feed them.” “You have
something now”, I said.
There was enough chili for everyone … even for two stragglers who arrived after
I thought the pot was empty. I shouldn’t have been surprised. This crew wasn’t
the one we’d been planning to serve, but the Master Builder had a greater plan.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
What is your response to the divine offer of total participation at the “banquet of
salvation”? How do you prepare yourself for the heavenly feast? How do you image the
compassionate Jesus who heals the sick and feeds the hungry?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
O loving God,
you are the Lord of the banquet.
We thank you
for the “feast of rich food and choice wines”
you have prepared for us on your holy mountain.
The “banquet of salvation” at the end time
celebrates the definitive triumph of your kingdom
and the glory of your Paschal Lamb.
In our daily celebration of the Eucharist,
the supper of the Lamb,
we have a foretaste of the eternal joy
and the bounty of that heavenly feast.
Help us to imitate the compassionate Jesus,
who heals the sick and feeds the hungry.
Grant us the grace to live in charity and integrity
that we may participate fully and joyfully
in the eternal “banquet of salvation”.
You live and reign, now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all people.” (Is 25:6) // They
all ate and were satisfied.” (Mt 15:37)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that the Christian disciples may be heartened by the “banquet of salvation”
prepared for us by the Lord at the end time and prefigured in the Eucharist. By your small
acts of charity and good deeds, prepare to participate fully at the heavenly feasting.
Endeavor to alleviate the hunger of the world’s poor and to satisfy their need for a
nourishing and bountiful meal. Show your compassionate care to the sick.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
THURSDAY – 1st WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Our Rock and Foundation”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 26:1-6 // Mt 7:21, 24-27
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 7:21, 24-27): “Whoever does the will of my Father will enter
the Kingdom of heaven.”
(Gospel Reflection by Bishop Joseph Mukala, India)
The Lord announced that the Kingdom of God is at hand (cf. Lk 17:21, Mk 1:15).
Everyone is urgently searching for an entry into this kingdom where the Lord promises
righteousness, peace and prosperity. The conditions that the Lord puts forward are not
difficult for one who is seriously seeking the kingdom. That person is ready to dig deep
and lay a firm foundation on Christ-rock so that it could stand even in difficult and trying
times. While this digging is going on, we need to root out all that is not compatible with
the kingdom so that the foundation may be strong. Then it could take in the shocks and
violence, persecutions and rebuff, ridicule and scorn of an unbelieving world. The
Church is attacked on every front. We are considered old-fashioned when we do not
conform ourselves with the world on issues of life, death penalty, values, health care, etc.
Advent is a time to search the innermost recesses of our lives and to build a strong
foundation. With a firmly grounded Christian life, nothing can detract us in our
discipleship. St. Paul asserts that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, (cf.
Rom 8:35). Who are the mother, brothers and sisters of Jesus? They are those who hear
the word and put it into practice. Those who are transformed by it can be sure that no
persecutions or attacks could overcome them.
B. First Reading (Is 26:1-6): “Let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith.”
Advent is a propitious time to build our lives on Christ, our Rock Foundation.
That we may be solidly founded on Christ, “he who comes in the name of the Lord”, we
need to live by his words and follow his heavenly Father’s will. Our lives must
correspond to the truth of faith that we profess. Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 26:16) undergirds the Christian call for integrity in our faith. The prophet Isaiah speaks of
God’s promise of a “fortified city”, built in response to the hope of the “poor”. The gates
of his “strong city” are open to the just and those who keep faith in him, but not to the
proud and the tyrants. Isaiah refers to the Lord as an eternal “Rock”, which is a metaphor
for total dependability. Indeed, the Lord God will always protect the humble and those
who trust in his saving word.
The following account illustrates how a sterling modern woman built a house, put
her trust in God, built her family life on the Rock Foundation and drew strength from the
word of God (cf. Elizabeth Sherill, “The Glory of Ruth” in Guideposts, October 2007, p.
101-104).
It was on a radio newscast on June 15, 2007, that I heard about the death of my
friend Ruth: “Mrs. Billy Graham, wife of the well-known evangelist, died
yesterday at eighty-seven.” Ruth had been ill for a long time, her face in their
Christmas card photo a little thinner each year, until all I recognized were those
lively and compassionate eyes. In my desk I found the file of our correspondence.
Here were dozens of letters in Ruth’s bold, energetic handwriting, the words
slanting backward till they almost lay on their sides. Embossed above them on
each sheet was Little Piney Cove, North Carolina.
I saw myself driving for the first time up that steep mountain road to a rustic
cabin nestled in the shelter of a cliff, seemingly the home of long-ago pioneers.
Hand-hewn chestnut beams, rough plastering, an immense fireplace. In fact, on
that first visit in the 1950s, the house was brand-new, designed cellar to roof by
Ruth herself. Over the years the house came, for me, to stand for the woman
herself: a woman for whom imagination often took the place of money. Because
Bill took only a modest salary, a tight budget for the new house was her first
challenge. “I wanted it to look”, she told me, “as though it had stood here
forever.” But where would she find massive chestnut timbers like the pioneers
used? From old abandoned cabins she tracked down in the hills and hollows. (…)
Imagination, love, humor – all were present in that house on the mountain.
But the chief thing the house reflected was a woman’s hourly, moment-by-moment
reliance on God. In large German script on the broad wooden mantel above the
fireplace six words were incised in gold: Eine Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott. These
opening words of Martin Luther’s great hymn, “A mighty fortress is our God”,
explained the confidence with which Ruth met the never-ending challenge of
being a wife and a mother. God was the secure place from where she was able to
fight all of the daily battles with dishes and disruptions and the differing needs of
husband and children.
I don’t think Ruth’s Bible ever saw a shelf. It was open constantly, whatever room
she was in, not just as an aid to prayer, but as a practical guide to every problem
the day presented. Worship and daily living were, for Ruth, not separate things.
Chores, games, school work, nature, study – she wove all of it into the fabric of
faith.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Do we seek protection in the fortified “city of God” and strength from the Lord,
the “eternal Rock”? Do we truly seek the will of the Father and his kingdom by building
our life upon Christ, the foundation Rock?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
You are the rock-foundation of our life.
Instill our day-to-day options with your wisdom.
Make us firm in our choices for you.
Help us as we work for the advent of your kingdom.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“The Lord is an eternal Rock.” (Is 26:4)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
When buffeted with challenges and difficulties in life, seek the protection of God
and draw strength from his life-giving word. Share the inner strength of God with the
people around you whose faith seems to be weak.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
FRIDAY – 1st WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Joy-Giving Light”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 29:17-24 // Mt 9:27-31
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 9:27-31): “Believing in Jesus, two who were blind were
cured.”
(Gospel Reflection by Bishop Joseph Mukala, India)
All those who sought Jesus for a cure or miracle needed to have faith in him and
his power to heal. When that was not evident, he evoked that faith from them. In today’s
Gospel passage, he asked whether they believed that he could do what they were
imploring from him. They humbly answered “yes”. The two intercessors did not
complain to Jesus that they were blind nor did they lament their situation. No! Rather,
they just accepted in all humility their limitations and expressed their faith in Jesus who
could cure and make them whole. Without trust and confidence in him, nothing much
could be done for them. With their faith-filled “Yes”, Jesus granted them their request.
The two blind men knew what the Messiah would do in his time. So they called upon him
using the messianic title, “Son of David” that he might bring sight to their blindness.
They were right in calling Jesus “Son of David”. Their simple faith and humility were
eventually rewarded.
It is strange that Jesus asked them not to share the news with others. Is this
possible? Jesus is not interested in being a sensation; he does not want people to have the
wrong idea about his mission. But the healed blind men ignored his appeal and went
about telling everyone what happened. They had regained not only physical sight, but
also “in-sight”. Finally they could see who Jesus really is - the word of God and healer.
They could not keep it for themselves. Indeed, the “good” news had to be shared.
B. First Reading (Is 29:17-24): “On that day, the eyes of the blind shall see.”
Blindness is often a metaphor for lack of knowledge and for obduracy of heart.
The two blind men in today’s Gospel who followed Jesus, crying out, “Son of David,
have pity on us!” already “know” Jesus and trust in him. Spiritually they are not blind.
The miracle that restores their physical sight is a confirmation of the light of faith that
enlightens their soul and enables them to perceive Jesus as the Messiah.
In the Old Testament reading (Is 29:17-24) there is the metaphor of blindness and
deafness to indicate the mendacious state of the people in Judah. They have no
“knowledge” of the ways of God and refuse to listen to his life-giving word. As a
consequence of their “hardness”, tyrants oppress them and cause misery and affliction.
The Lord God, however, promises redemption and transformation. The removal of
ruthless tyrants is a messianic sign, as well as the return of the “knowledge of God” upon
the land. The image of the deaf able to hear and the blind able to see, and the image of the
Lebanon trees being transformed into an orchard and finally into a forest indicate a great
reversal. God, in his marvelous goodness, is able to lead the people “out of gloom and
darkness” into the light of the knowledge of God. The prophet Isaiah completes his
messianic vision with the following words: “Those who err in spirit shall acquire
understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction.”
The following is an example of a physically blind person who has learned to
“really see” and to bask in the joy-giving “light” of God (cf. Karen Valentin in Daily
Guideposts 2014, p. 383).
Janet Eckles, a fellow Latina and author, invited my family and me to her home.
I’d been looking forward to meeting her after hearing about her book Simply
Salsa. After losing her sight, struggling in her marriage, and grieving the murder
of her teenage son, she began to encourage others in their own struggles.
She was every bit the radiant and energetic spirit I imagined. Meeting her was
inspiring and exciting, but I was mortified when my father spoke about his fear of
going blind. He’d had an optical stroke that blinded his left eye and later had
cataracts removed in his right one. “I don’t know what I’d do if I ever went
completely blind”, he said. “I don’t think I could handle that!”
Janet grabbed his hand and said with a laugh, “Are you kidding me? Going blind
is the best thing that ever happened to me! I learned to appreciate things I had
taken for granted before. It led me to new and exciting career, and I discovered
things I could do in spite of my blindness and found adventure in that.”
Father wasn’t trying to offend, and Janet wasn’t at all insulted. Instead, she
assured my father and reminded all of us that we can find joy and purpose in
whatever circumstances come our way.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Do we welcome the “advent” of Christ into our life to bring about our rebirth “out
of gloom and darkness” into the light of the knowledge of God?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you are our light and salvation.
Heal the blindness of our heart.
In your light we see light.
Help us to work for the advent of your joy-giving light to others
that they too may have a seeing heart.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see.” (Is 29:18)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for those who are blinded in heart that they may see light. Gently introduce
someone to the radiant light of Christ in the Word and the Eucharist.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
SATURDAY – 1st WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Merciful One”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 30:19-21, 23-26 // Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8): “At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart
was moved with pity for them.”
(Gospel Reflection by Bishop Joseph Mukala, India)
The Gospel reading (Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8) underlines that Jesus Christ, the
Master and the Healer, the Shepherd and the Guide, is “the Merciful One”. He visits
God’s people, teaches in the synagogue and preaches the Good News of the Kingdom. He
sees the crowd and is moved with pity for them because they are troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd. His compassionate heart motivates him to dispatch his
disciples on an “Advent mission”, that is, to proclaim the Gospel of salvation, a gift
gratuitously received and that is to be gratuitously shared.
Pope Francis illustrates how to carry out the “Advent mission” entrusted to us by
“the Merciful One” (cf. Nicole Winfield, “Pope Bolsters Charity Office to Be Near
Needy” in Fresno Bee, November 29, 2013, p. A20).
When he was archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was known to sneak out
at night and break bread with the homeless, sit with them literally on the street
and eat with them, as part of his aim to share the plight of the poor and let them
know someone cared.
That’s not easy to do now that he’s a pope. But Francis is still providing one-onone doses of emergency assistance to the poor, sick and aged through a trusted
archbishop. Konrad Krajewski is the Vatican Almoner, a centuries-old job of
handling out alms – and Francis has ramped up the job to make it an extension of
his own personal charity.
As Americans gathered for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Krajewski described how
Francis has redefined the little known office of papal almoner and explained the
true meaning of giving during a chat with journalists over coffee and pastries a
few steps from the Vatican gates. “The Holy Father told me at the beginning:
‘You can sell your desk. You don’t need it. You need to get out of the Vatican.
Don’t wait for people to come ringing. You need to go out and look for the
poor’,” Krajewski said.
He gets his marching orders each morning: a Vatican gendarme goes from the
hotel where Francis lives to Krajewski’s office across the Vatican gardens,
bringing a bundle of letters the pope has received from the faithful asking for
help. On top of each letter, Francis might write “You know what to do” or “Go
find them”.
And so Don Corrado, as he likes to be called, hits the streets of Rome and beyond.
He visits homes for the elderly in the name of the pope, writes checks to the needy
in the name of the pope – even traveled to the island of Lampedusa in the name of
the pope after a migrant boat capsized, killing more than 350 people.
Over four days on Lampedusa, Krajweski brought 1,600 phone cards so the
survivors could call loved ones back home in Eritrea to let them know they had
made it. He also prayed with police divers as they worked to raise the dead from
the sea floor. “This is the concept: Be with people and share their lives, even for
15, 30 minutes, an hour”, he said.
The existence of the Vatican Almoner dates back centuries: It is mentioned in a
papal bull from the 13th-century. Pope Innocent III, and Pope Gregory X, who
ruled from 1271-1276, organized it into an official Holy See office for papal
charity. Until Krajewski came along, the almoner was typically an aging Vatican
diplomat who was serving his final years before being allowed to retire at age 75.
B. First Reading (Is 30:19-21, 23-26): “The Merciful One will show you mercy when
you cry out.”
Today’s First Reading (Is 30:19-21, 23-26) is one of the most comforting texts in
the Sacred Scriptures. It assures us that the Merciful One will show mercy when we cry
out to him. He will be gracious to those who trust in him. He will guide and show us the
way and will be the Teacher to counsel us. He will give us the bread we need and the
water we thirst for. Nature will produce abundantly and there will be prosperity. Above
all, on the day of great distress and judgment, God will be a healer for those who have
recourse to him. He will bind up the wounds of his people and heal the bruises brought
about by his just punishment. The Advent figure of “the Merciful One” is fulfilled in
Jesus Christ.
On December 6 we celebrate the optional memorial of a 4th century saint, Saint
Nicholas, bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, a model pastor noted for charity. Like Jesus, he
is also a “merciful one”. He is popularized as Santa Claus, patron of children. He is also
patron of bankers, pawnbrokers, sailors, perfumers, brides, unmarried women, travelers,
fishermen, dock workers, brewers, poets, and prisoners, as well as of Russia, Greece,
Sicily, Lorraine and Apulia in Italy, where his relics are enshrined in Bari. The life of
charitable Saint Nicholas is filled with the “joy-giving light” of Christ. In celebrating
Saint Nick we too share in that joy. The following personal account is heartwarming (cf.
Nadine N. Doughty, “Season Started with St. Nick” in Country, December/January 2009,
p. 61).
I wasn’t quite asleep, after all. A tiny sound of crackling cellophane roused me,
and I opened my eyes. There, in the living room, I saw a plump figure – doing
what, exactly? I shut my eyes quickly. It was St. Nicholas at work, and if he saw
me awake, he might vanish!
No, it wasn’t Christmas Eve. In our family, we observed St. Nicholas’ Day weeks
earlier. Every December 6, the generous saint of giving would celebrate his feast
day by filling children’s stockings with goodies. My parents, who had German
and Austrian roots, referred to the day as Nicolo, and every year they had my
three brothers, my sister and me hang stockings on the old fieldstone fireplace.
They’d even driven special nails into the mortar between the stones, just for that
purpose.
Ready and Waiting: My red knee sock, my sister’s green one and my brothers’
white crew socks all made for a cheerful display. But it was nothing to the sight
we knew would greet us the next morning! During the night, our parents said,
good St. Nick would come to fill those stockings with delightful small surprises,
and we’d see them as soon as we woke up. It made it almost impossible for us to
fall asleep that night.
Sure enough, the next morning, the sight of those bulging stockings had us so
excited that we usually didn’t wait until our parents were awake to raid them!
What caused us such excitement? Living during the Great Depression was enough
to make us see just about anything he’d leave as a genuine treat. So we’d exclaim
over such riches as a pocket comb, or the notebooks we each got, every one with a
cover in a different color. The older kids might get a penknife. I still recall fondly
the colored pencils I got, and a blue velvet hair ribbon that I kept for years.
Sweet Treats: We’d all be thrilled to find apple and banana-shaped marzipan, a
delectable almond-and-sugar candy that was a rare treat for us. And at the very
bottom of each stocking were tucked a traditional orange and some nuts we could
crack and crunch. We didn’t usually eat those oranges right away, but kept them
so we could savor the anticipation of the rare and delicious flavor! After we
showed everyone our treasures, the Christmas season was officially on. There’d
be projects to sew, carve, draw or paint as gifts for every family member. Some
had already been started, but now we knew we had to hurry to finish them in time
for Christmas.
As we grew older, we’d start to give more elaborate Christmas gifts, often ones
that required special shopping trips. Nicolo, though, remained our family’s
simple, fun and special way to begin the Christmas season.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Are our hearts like that of Jesus, filled with compassion for others? What do we
do to live fully our “Advent mission” as instruments of “the Merciful One”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
in you is the advent of “the Merciful One”.
You bind our wounds
and heal the bruises caused by our sinful offenses.
You nourish us with the food of eternal life
and make us drink at the font of salvation.
You have lightened our hearts with the Gospel you preach.
Now you dispatch us on an “Advent mission” to the nations.
Be with us and help us mirror to them your divine mercy.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“He was moved with pity for them.” (Mt 9:36)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for all missionaries in the world. By your kind words and charitable deeds to
the people around you, especially the poor, the sick and the needy, let them experience
the saving power of the Gospel and the compassionate heart of “the Merciful One”.
*** Text of Weekdays: 1st Week of Advent ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 2)
WEEKDAYS OF SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
MONDAY – 2nd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Does Incredible Things”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 35:1-10 // Lk 5:17-26
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 5:17-26): “We have seen incredible things today.”
The Gospel reading (Lk 5:17-26) presents Jesus as healer of soul and body. The
Lord’s advent brings something beautiful and yearned for: complete healing. Today’s
episode depicts a packed house, with all kinds of people eager to hear what Jesus will
say. An extremely enterprising group of friends bring in through the roof of the house a
paralytic on a stretcher. Their faith in the healing Lord and their compassionate concern
for their friend evoke Jesus’ statement of forgiveness. Instead of carrying out physical
healing, Jesus forgives the sins of the paralyzed man. The scribes and Pharisees are
stunned and remark with indignation: “Who is this who speak blasphemies? Who but
alone God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus uses the occasion to prove that he – the Son of
Man – has divine authority to forgive sins by effecting physical healing. Indeed, the
power of the Lord is with him for healing. Jesus awes the people with “incredible things”:
forgiveness of sins and physical healing. The healed and forgiven paralytic goes home
liberated from both spiritual and physical maladies, glorifying God. The people who have
witnessed the “incredible things” likewise give glory to God. Indeed, in Jesus we
experience the advent of a healing that is total and integral, not partial and superficial.
The following story about a top-rate ER nurse whose son was killed in an accident
gives insight into what true healing entails (cf. Robert Leslie, MD, “Miracles in the ER”
in Guideposts, May 2015, p. 54-55). The seventeen-year-old drunk driver named Bobby
Green provoked the senseless accident.
Charlotte was devastated. For the next year she couldn’t seem to recover from
her anger at the young drunk driver. We had to assign her to the minor trauma
department, treating patients with sprained ankles, small cuts, respiratory
infections and the like. It saddened me to see her struggling, unable to do the
work that was her true calling. I was a doctor, but I had no idea how to help her
heal.
One day I was in minor trauma, stitching the finger of a teenage boy, making
small talk as the final suture was being knotted. He had been sharpening a
lawnmower and the blade had slipped.
“So what are your plans after you graduate?” I asked. But he didn’t respond. He
was staring at someone behind me. I turned to see Charlotte. My eyes went to the
chart beside the patient. Bobby Green. How had I not remembered that name? I
kept tying knots in that last suture, desperately trying to think of what to do, what
to say.
“Mrs. Turner …” Bobby’s voice broke. “I want you to know that …” Charlotte
stepped around me. She looked Bobby in the eye, They stayed like that for a long
moment, motionless, until finally she reached out and put a hand on his shoulder.
“It’s okay”, she said softly. “It’s okay, Bobby.”
He put his hand on hers. His body shook with sobs. It was done. With those few,
simple words she had forgiven him, released him. And she had released herself. A
most incredible healing.
B. First Reading (Is 35:1-10): “God himself will come and save you.”
I was assigned at our convent in San Jose (CA-USA) from 2009-2012. One
beautiful memory that I cherish is the volunteer work at the San Jose Rose Garden,
judged in 2010 as the “Nation’s Best”. My friends, Sou and Nancy, and I would go there
on Thursdays to deadhead the roses and pull out the weeds. Every time I enter the 5.5
acre garden, ablaze with color and beauty from 4000 roses, I feel an incredible sense of
peace and well-being. The words of prophet Isaiah come into my mind: “They will bloom
with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.” The rescue of the once disheveled
garden by the Friends of San Jose Rose Garden, co-founded in 2007 by Terry Reilly, and
its transformation into the “Nation’s Best Rose Garden”, are a modern day feat that gives
us a glimpse into God’s marvelous works in the messianic age. Moreover, with the rose
considered as the most “perfect” of all flowers, we are able to behold “the glory of the
Lord” and contemplate more deeply Jesus as the “Rose of Sharon” and the “Rose of
Judah”.
Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 35:1-10) is one of the most consoling passages
in the Scriptures. Its message of hope and liberation is achieved by the evocative images
of blooming flowers, water springing forth in the desert, the healing of the blind, the
deaf, the mute and the lame, etc. God will bring about a new “exodus” in favor of his
enslaved people. The divine saving intervention will cause the barren desert to bloom and
broken people to exult for joy. Moreover, God will open a “holy way” in which the
redeemed and ransomed will walk.
The “glory of the Lord” and the “splendor of our God” depicted in Isaiah’s
prophecy underline the “incredible things” that the power of God effects through Jesus:
healing the disabled, forgiveness of sins and fullness of life. The advent of the Messiah
and the total liberation he brings call for rejoicing. The marvelous works of Jesus Christ
invite us to journey in the “holy way” of the ransomed and the redeemed. Indeed, for the
Church, the new people of God, Advent is a season of hope and rejoicing.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
How do the Advent images of abundant flowers, water gushing in the desert,
healing of the infirm, etc. move us? How do the “incredible things” that Jesus
accomplishes affect us?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
God our Father,
we thank you for the water gushing in the desert,
for the abundant flowers and their beauty,
for the healing of the blind, the deaf, the mute and the lame
and for your wonderful works in Jesus Savior.
Let your divine visitation transform us
and help us to journey on the “holy way”
of the ransomed and the redeemed.
We give you glory and praise
for your marvelous deeds,
now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“We have seen incredible things today.” (Lk 5:26) // “They will bloom with
abundant flowers and rejoice with joyful song.” (Is 35:1)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your compassionate acts for the poor, the hungry, the enslaved, etc., let them
experience the message of comfort and hope that the prophet Isaiah and Jesus Christ
bring to a broken world.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
TUESDAY – 2nd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Way”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 40:1-11 // Mt 18:12-14
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 18:12-14): “God does not will that the little ones be lost.”
Today’s Gospel reading (Mt 18:12-14) underlines God’s compassionate stance to
the “little ones” who go astray and “lose the way”. Through his Son Jesus Christ, the
loving God is totally committed to the rescue of his people. Like a shepherd who searches
out those sheep that stray, God wants that none of the “little ones” would be eternally
damned or perennially perish. Today the responsibility of seeking the lost devolves on
Christian disciples, the followers of “the Way”.
The following inspiring story narrated by Donald Driver, fourteen NFL seasons
and a winner of “Dancing with the Stars”, illustrates the concern of one who cares for the
“lost sheep” (cf. “Meeting Miss Johnson” in Guideposts, November 2013, p. 52-55).
It was a shiny little Cadillac with leather seats. The kind the guys at the chop shop
paid 500 bucks for. The streets of Houston’s Fifth Ward were empty. I wrapped
my fist in a T-shirt and punched through the back window. In a flash I was in. I
pulled out my screwdriver, jimmied the steering wheel and popped the ignition,
just like my older brother had taught me. The engine roared to life. Then I heard
sirens. I pushed the pedal to the floor. Red and blue lights flashed in my rear-view
mirror. I’ve got to get off this road, I thought, or I’m going to juvie for sure. I
was 12 years old. (…)
Trouble really started when we moved to a man named J.R. Mom trusted him to
watch us while she was at work, and he did. What Mom didn’t know was that J.R.
and his buddies were dealing drugs. My older brother Moses and I served as
look-outs. We knew it was wrong, but the money was too good - $100 a night. We
broke it into smaller bills, and regularly slipped some into Mom’s purse. “Shoot,
well, I guess I do have money for the light bill”, Mom would say, finding an extra
twenty in her wallet. The way I saw it, we were helping the family.
Then Moses discovered he could bring in even more cash by stealing cars. I was
just tall enough to reach the pedals. Before long, I got good at playing two
different characters. Quickie the son who went to school and get good grades,
and then Quickie the kid who dealt drugs and stole cars. I practiced giving the
same smile, hug and kiss for my mom when I came home, no matter what I’d done
on the streets. She never suspected a thing.
Now, though, I was about to get caught. The sirens got closer. I turned into a back
alley, my best chance to lose the cops. I was almost free. Suddenly, up ahead, a
car backed out of a driveway. I slammed on the brakes. Too late. The Caddy Tboned the other car. Through the shattered windshield, I saw a little old lady
sitting stunned in the driver’s seat. I jumped out. Thoughts flashed through my
brain. Gotta get away! I had a head start on the cops, but … What if she’s hurt?
You can’t just run away. I stopped. I turned back to see if the old lady was okay.
I hadn’t forgotten everything I learned in Sunday school.
The woman looked angry, but unhurt. “Go sit on my porch right now”, she said.
It was the tone of voice no kid could disobey. I walked over to her ranch-style
house and sat in her porch swing. The cops arrived and began to question the old
woman. She’s going to turn me in! I thought. “The man who did this ran that
way”, she said, pointing down the alley. “Who is that on your swing?” one of the
officers asked. “Oh, that’s my grandson”, she said. The cops gave me a wary
look, but got back to their patrol car and drove off. The woman marched toward
me, “You!” she shouted. “Come inside!”
She led me into the kitchen. “Sit”, she said. I sat, dazed. Why hadn’t she turned
me in? She pushed some cookies in front of me. I took a bite but my stomach was
doing flip-flops. She sat down and looked me square in the eye. “Why did you do
this, young man?” she finally asked. “You could be doing so much more with
your life. This is not the way God wants you to be living.” “This is how we
survive in this neighborhood”, I said.
“It’s not how you get out of it”, she said, and pushed the cookies closer. “My
name’s Evelyn Johnson.” She lived alone, she told me. She’d never married,
never had kids. But she gave me the talking of my life, like I was her own kin. I
didn’t listen to her every word – I kept eyeing that door, wanting to run. But I
stayed. She could always call the cops, after all. “You’ve been given an
opportunity”, she said. “Don’t waste it. There aren’t any second chances in this
neighborhood and don’t kid yourself.”
I went back to Miss Johnson’s a few days later, trying to make amends for
damaging her car. I picked up groceries, helped around the house. I went again
the next week, and I kept going back. “How are your grades?” she’d ask. “Did
you win the game?” Why does she want to know? I wondered. But I liked that
she cared. Sure, my mom cared, a lot, but she worked so much. Miss Johnson
always had the time.
At 14, I went to live with my grandparents. I spent more time studying. Miss
Johnson had told me good grades were the key to a better life. Football,
basketball, baseball and track kept me busy too. I want to change, I prayed. I
want to make Miss Johnson and my family proud. One night, I said to Moses,
“I’m going to go to college, like Grandpa always tells us. I’m going to make
something of myself.” (…)
I’m convinced God put Miss Johnson in my path for a reason. I turned down the
alley to evade responsibility. Little did I know I’d find a way to a better life than I
could ever have imagined.
B. First Reading (Is 40:1-11): “God consoles his people.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 40:1-11) is a beautiful prophetic message of
hope and consolation. It is taken from a section of the book of Isaiah (chapters 40-55),
called the Second Isaiah or Deutero-Isaiah. Also known as the Book of Consolation, it
was written by an unknown author approximately 150 years after the first 39 chapters,
which carry the message of the historical prophet Isaiah himself. The Book of
Consolation was composed when the Exile in Babylon was about to end and the people
of Israel would be allowed, by King Darius of Persia, to return to their beloved
Jerusalem. To capture the joy and excitement of the moment, the Second Isaiah writer
tried to rekindle the vision and to relive the ecstatic experience of the first Exodus.
The author of the Book of Consolation has introduced us to one of the richest
expressions of the Bible: “the way of the Lord” (Is 40:3). The “way” is a manner of life
for the people of Israel. The prophetic ministry of John the Baptist is to announce “the
way of the Lord”. Jesus declares himself to be “the Way”, and Christian disciples are
therefore those who follow “the Way”. “To prepare the way of the Lord” entails total
conversion and utmost receptivity to the redeeming presence of the compassionate God.
It involves an intimate and loving relationship with him that would lead us to act with
justice, goodness and love. Indeed, anyone who is willing to respond totally and
devotedly to the prophetic cry, “Prepare the way of the Lord”, will experience a display
of divine glory and feel the advent of the consoling God, who is both a powerful ruler and
a gentle shepherd, gathering the lambs and holding them closely to himself.
The following article, “Five Important Lessons in Life”, circulated through the
Internet, gives an idea on how to follow “the way of the Lord” and promote the advent of
the kingdom of God.
First Important Lesson: “Cleaning Lady”
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a
conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last
one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this
was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my
paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked
if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely", said the
professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They
deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've
never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
Second Important Lesson: “Pickup in the Rain”
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African-American woman was standing on the
side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had
broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag
down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of
in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get
assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote
down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the
man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home.
A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the
highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my
spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying
husband's' bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me
and unselfishly serving others.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole
Third Important Lesson: “Always Remember Those Who Serve”
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a
hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of
him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the
waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in
it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more
people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirtyfive cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have
the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and
left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table.
There, placed neatly beside the empty dish were two nickels and five pennies. You
see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her
a tip.
Fourth Important Lesson: “The Obstacle in Our Path”
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself
and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's
wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many
loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything
about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load
of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden
and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and
straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables,
he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse
contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was
for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned
what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to
improve our condition.
Fifth Important Lesson: “Giving When It Counts”
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little
girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance
of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who
had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies
needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little
brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his
sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and
saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in
bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her
cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor
and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away". Being young,
the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to
give his sister all of his blood to save her.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
How does the prophecy of Isaiah impact us? How do we respond to words of
hope spoken on our behalf? Do we allow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to lead us on the way
that leads to life?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
may nothing hinder us from receiving Christ with joy
for he is our true and living Way.
Open our hearts
that we may prepare a welcoming path for him.
May we allow ourselves to be led by him
in the ways of eternal life
for he is the Good Shepherd who feeds his flock
and tenderly gathers the lambs and carries them in his bosom.
You live and reign forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”
(Mt 18:14) //“He leads them with care.” (Is 40:11)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that in this Advent season we may truly open ourselves to the compassionate
Good Shepherd who comes to save us. Endeavor to prepare “the way of the Lord” by
carrying out concrete works of charity for the needy in your community. Fasting in this
season of Advent in view of helping the poor is highly recommended.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
WEDNESDAY – 2nd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Renews Our Strength”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 40:25-31 // Mt 11:28-30
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 11:28-30): “Come to me, all you who labor.”
In today’s Gospel reading (Mt 11:28-30), Jesus addresses a tender invitation to
the weary and heavily burdened: “Come to me, all of you …” He assures them that they
would find rest if only they submit themselves to the gentle yoke of God’s saving will.
Indeed, those who welcome the “meek and humble” Jesus experience the immense peace
and serenity of the Kingdom of heaven. Those who imitate his heart that is totally given
to God find comfort and salvation. The Advent of the saving Lord Jesus renews our
strength. As we keep our hope and faith in him, we soar as with eagles’ wings.
The devastation brought by the super-typhoon Haiyan to the Filipino people in
2013 is tragic, but it also underlines that “faith in the almighty God gives strength to the
fainting” (cf. Michelle Martin, “Faith Sustains Filipinos after Typhoon Haiyan” in Our
Sunday Visitor, December 1, 2013, p. 5).
Even before Typhoon Haiyan made its first landfall in the Philippines on Nov. 8,
the prayers started going up to heaven. Prayers came from the Philippines, of
course, but also from Filipinos in the United States and around the world. (…)
Indeed, Haiyan – known locally as Yolanda – broke all kinds of storm records.
When it surged through the Philippines, it was 370 miles wide with sustained
winds of 195 mph and gusts of 235 mph. It brought 27 inches of rain and a storm
surge of 17 feet at Tacloban, the biggest city in the hard-hit central Philippines.
The death toll was still fluctuating as reports from outlying areas came in, but on
Nov. 14, the United Nations was reporting 4,200 dead and more than 3 million
displaced. (…)
Meanwhile, people in the Philippines were gathering to pray for the dead and to
give thanks to God for their survival. It is what they have done over the centuries
after all kinds of disasters. While Typhoon Haiyan might be unprecedented in its
scope, it is one of the many disasters the archipelago nation has endured. “In
times of crisis like this, after a typhoon or an earthquake, people say, “Thank God
we survived”, said Stephanie Savillo of Chicago. “They don’t blame God for the
misfortune. They don’t blame God for the typhoon.”
Father Leoncio Santiago, a priest originally from the Philippines who is now a
chaplain at Hines VA Hospital in Illinois, said that hope is a defining
characteristic of Filipino faith. “When push comes to shove, it is our faith that
sustains us”, he said. “Otherwise, we would be hopeless in the face of
destruction. The Filipinos have always been very resilient.”
For example, Father Santiago’s home island of Bohol suffered severe damage
from an earthquake in October, damage from which it will take years to recover.
The church in his hometown, built by Spaniards in the 18th century, was flattened.
The only thing left standing was the statue of Mary. “The focus of the people was
not the destroyed church, but the surviving statue”, Father Santiago said. “You
look up to your faith to give you hope. We will not be able to carry on if we don’t
have hope.”
The Philippines are a primarily Catholic country, with thousands of people
attending weekday as well as Sunday Masses and crowded prayer services and
novena services, according to Filipinos living in the United States. They address
the Blessed Virgin as “Mama Mary”, Savillo said, and understand that she will
take care of them because she is their mother. “When I went there, I went to
church on a Wednesday, and I was like, ‘What is going on?’” she said. “Is there
some big festival I don’t know about?” It was a regular novena service for Santo
Nino, the Holy Child, a very popular devotion in the island nation.
In the week after the typhoon, Savillo had been in contact with her niece, who
lives two islands north of the primary area of destruction. Before the typhoon hit,
she said, her niece and her niece’s neighbors were all praying that God would
spare them. After the storm passed, “she sent an email again, saying God is
good.”
Now Filipinos from the areas that were not affected are trying to take boats and
get to friends and loved one whose homes were destroyed. Organized relief efforts
took time to get off the ground because, in the affected areas, roads, airports,
communications services and other infrastructure was also in ruins.
Teresita Nuval, the director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Asian
Catholics, shared an email from a Chicago-area woman whose family lives in
Guiuan, the first area of the Philippines hit by the storm. The woman wrote of
watching footage on the Internet.
“I could hear screams and cries for help as I watched the videos. The hardest
part was getting word if my family survived the ordeal. I was not sure if any of
our people and my family could have survived in the lashings of Yolanda”, she
wrote. “I did not fall sleep from Thursday through Monday trying to get a word
that all of them are safe. Unfortunately, just as Haiyan made its landfall, Guiuan
was isolated and unreachable … All Sunday and Monday, I was crying because
they haven’t located my immediate family. It was dreadful not knowing what had
happened to them … I resigned my family’s fate to God’s intervention at the end
of Day 4. Monday … Prayers are more powerful than any typhoons! As soon as I
woke up on Tuesday, the message that I have been waiting for in the last four
most difficult days of my life was inbox. My mom, my sister-in-law and her
daughter, and my sister and her family had been found ALIVE.
B. First Reading (Is 40:25-31): “The Lord God is almighty and gives strength to the
fainting.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Is 40:25-31) contains the poignant reproach that
God addresses to the Israelites exiled in Babylon. The exiles doubt God’s love for them.
Feeling abandoned, they complain that the Lord does not know their troubles and does
not care if they suffer injustice. The prophet Isaiah responds to their despair by assuring
them that the all-powerful God truly cares for them. The everlasting God, who never
grows tired or weary, strengthens those who are weak and tired. Those who trust in the
Lord for help find their strength renewed. Indeed, the Creator God is the source of
renewed power for those who are attentive to the divine will.
The following can give insight into what it means to find strength in the Lord (cf.
“Priest Brings Stadium to Its Feet with the Story of ‘True Hero’” in Alive! March 2015, p.
5).
At a Mass for about 15,000 young people, gathered in Washington D.C. for the
annual March for Life, a priest brought the full stadium to its feet with a homily
about a woman he described as “a true hero”. Fr. Mario Majano explained that
for him a hero is “something, however big or small, get in the way of defending
what they know to be true, of defending what they know comes directly from
God.”
He then told the story of a woman, Rosa, whom he knew and who “against all
obstacles, against all trials, stood firm, and would not budge, would not move
from her beliefs, when everything else in her life seemed to sway.”
The first of three major obstacles came for this woman when, as a teenager, she
was raped and became pregnant. “Her family just let her be. She felt totally
alone, with nowhere to go. She was practically disowned”, said Fr. Majano. A
friend told her that “she didn’t deserve this”, that her situation was impossible.
“Just take the practical solution”, advised the friend. “Abort.” But the teenager
replied she could not face the rest of her life, knowing she had taken her baby’s
life.
At the age 23 the woman faced a new trial, single and pregnant by a man she
loved but who would not commit to marriage. Her family urged her to abort,
offering to pay for everything. “For a second time”, said the priest, “she was
forced to look at this reality, look at her life and say: ‘It’s still not perfect. I’m not
sure what the future holds. But …’ Once again she said ‘Yes” to the life growing
within her.”
Thirteen years later the woman, then happily married, faced yet another trial,
finding herself pregnant during an intensive course of chemotherapy for cancer.
Doctors told her that because the medication was so strong, there was “zero
chance that this child will be born normally”. Again the woman refused to abort
the baby. “Against every setback that she experienced, this woman stood firm”,
said Fr. Majano. “I find that heroic. This type of heroism is largely unsung inour
society. And so we sing it today.”
Then stunning everyone in the stadium, the priest continues: “To this woman, for
her valiant effort, for constantly staying firm and focusing on her steadfast love
for what life is, I simply say: ‘Thank you Mom! Thank you very much!’”
As the whole stadium rose to give her a standing ovation his mother, Rosa, stood
with tears streaming down her face … Rosa, 53, later told LifeSiteNews that Fr.
Majano was her second baby. The face she faced was either going to college or
having the baby. “He’s my college degree, right there”, she said, all smiles. With
four other children, all girls, she now sees that God always had a plan for her
son. (…)
To a woman facing a crisis pregnancy she would say: “Do not give up. God has a
plan … always. God will never leave you alone.” Fr. Majano recalled that “from
an early age my mother’s go-to place in times of need was the church. By her
example she always showed that God was essential to our lives whatever the
situation.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Do we despair and curse God in moments of intense suffering and severe trials, or
do we trust in his loving care? How do we respond to Christ’s invitation to rest in him?
Do we allow his advent in our life to give peace to our troubled hearts?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
we are troubled – loss of a job, financial strain,
sickness, death of loved ones, global insecurity, etc.
We experience the devastation of wars and natural calamities.
Help us to trust in the almighty Father
and strengthen our hope.
Teach us to make you the center of our life.
We entrust to you all our cares.
Grant us the peace that the world can never give.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened.” (Mt 11:28) // “They that
hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Is 40:31)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for those who are heavily burdened that they may have the inner strength and
consolation they need. Do what you can to alleviate the pain and sufferings of the people
around you by your charitable deeds and by sharing with them the bread of the Word.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
THURSDAY – 2nd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Our Redeemer”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 41:13-20 // Mt 11:11-15
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 11:11-15): “None greater than John the Baptist has been
born.”
In the reading (Mt 11:11-15) Jesus describes the identity of John the Baptist and
his place in salvation history. John the Baptist is the fulfillment of the Malachi 4:5
prophecy that God would send Elijah from heaven before the great and terrible day of the
Lord comes. Indeed, John the Baptist is “the one who is to come”. He is the returning
Elijah who prepares the way of the Lord – the way into the promised kingdom. John is
the last and the greatest of the prophets – “among those born of women there has been
none greater than John the Baptist”. But for all his greatness, his prophetic ministry is
merely a preparatory phase for the messianic work of Jesus Christ who inaugurates in a
radically new era of salvation history. John the Baptist has lived fully his mission as the
Messiah’s precursor as to suffer violence and martyrdom for the messianic kingdom. The
same violence suffered by John for the sake of the kingdom of Heaven now builds up
against Jesus himself. Only those who have “the ears of faith” understand the words of
Jesus about John the Baptist and the messianic kingdom.
The prophetic mission of John the Baptist lives on in the heart of the Church. The
Christian disciples of today are called to bring about the advent of God’s kingdom. The
following gives insight into how to prepare the way of the Lord (cf. Katherine Scott,
“The Value of a Smile” in Shalom Tidings, August/September 2014, p. 35).
Now that I have been back in Canada for a while, I have had some time to reflect
on my time in India. I have one lesson I learned that I want to share with you – it
is the value of a smile.
I arrived in Kolkota and quickly felt inadequate in being able to communicate
with people since I knew no Hindi or Bengali and many of the Indian people did
not speak English. I was overwhelmed with the challenge of trying to love the
people I was serving without using my usual way of portraying love with words.
So I smiled, laughed, and did small actions such as trimming and painting nails,
massaging and feeding meals. (…)
I began to get to know the women at Prem Dan better as time went on and
learned more individual ways of showing them love – knowing who liked to be
tickled, have a ride on the merry-go-round, or have her hair braided of who liked
to have a certain spoon for eating or who liked bouncier songs. I loved being able
to discover these little ways of bringing joy to the women’s lives. Ultimately,
seeing them joyful ended up bringing me more joy to my days. (…)
Through this experience God taught me my smile is a gift that opens the gateway
from which greater love will pour. Smiling intentionally with love at another can
change a life in an instant and let him or her know he or she is loved. The
language of love conquers all verbal language barriers and is the greatest
language of all.
B. First Reading (Is 41:13-20): “I am your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”
Today’s Isaiah text (41:13-20) presents the Lord God as grasping his people Israel
with his “right hand”. Israel is the Lord God’s chosen Servant no matter how despised the
people were. In their Exile in Babylon, they were considered as despicable as a worm or
maggot, but the Lord God assures them: “Fear not, I will help you.” The Lord God is
their Redeemer who binds himself to them with a bond of tenderness and obligation. The
Lord God’s plan of salvation for the afflicted and the needy is expressed in images of
exquisite beauty: the barren desert gushing with water, the growth of cedar, acacia, olive,
and pine trees in the wasteland. God’s intervention on behalf of the exiles is a “new
creation” that all may see and know … that all may observe and understand. Against this
backdrop, we see the figure of John the Baptist as an instrument of salvation, and Jesus
Christ as the personification of God’s redeeming hand for us all.
The following story, “Daddy’s Hand”, circulated on the Internet, gives insight
into the saving character of “the hand of the Lord”.
When I was six years old we lived in Oklahoma City in a neighborhood where we
always kept the doors locked and bolted at night. To get out the backdoor, Daddy
had a special key that opened the dead bolt from the inside.
One night I was awakened suddenly by the sound of thunder, lightning and a
torrential downpour. I rushed down the hall toward my parents’ room, but was
stopped by billowing smoke and flames coming from the living room. Our house
had been struck by lightning. I had to get out, but how? I couldn’t reach the front
door because of the flames, and the backdoor was locked.
On the verge of panic, I was relieved when in the darkness I felt Daddy’s warm
hand leading me down the hall and out of the backdoor to our backyard. As I
stood in the pouring rain, his hand let me go of mine and he was gone.
Frightened, I turned back to the house. There was Mom calling my name, “Macy!
Macy!” “Out here”, I said. She ran out to me, and together we went around to
the front, where we found Daddy with Kent, the baby, and my three-year-old
sister, Amy.
“You’re safe, Macy”, he said, sighing with relief. Daddy told me that he had tried
to get to me, but couldn’t cross the flames. He had not guided me down the hall.
He had not unlocked the dead bolt on the backdoor.
That was twelve years ago, and all these years I’ve never forgotten the warmth of
the Hand that led me then, and leads me now, through the dark.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Do we give witness to truth and prepare the way of the Lord in imitation of the
precursor John the Baptist? Do I trust in the help of our redeeming God and welcome his
exhortation: “Fear not, I will help you”? Do I allow myself to be led by “the hand of the
Lord”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
you bind us with a bond of tenderness.
You assure us: “Fear not, I will help you.”
We entrust ourselves to you.
Lead us and guide us.
Let your saving hand bring forth
the miracle of a barren desert gushing with water
and filled with flourishing trees.
We thank and praise you for Jesus,
the personification of your redeeming hand.
We thank you for John the Baptist,
the precursor of the Messiah.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
John the Baptist is Elijah, the one who is to come.” (Mt 11:14) // “I am the Lord,
your God, who grasp your right hand.” (Is 41:13)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your word and deed, prepare the way of the Lord in imitation of John the
Baptist. // Study the Catechism of the Catholic Church and enable the people around you
to appreciate the meaning of our Catholic faith. Be instruments of “the hand of the Lord”
in leading people to the light of truth.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
FRIDAY – 2nd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Teaches Us the Way to Go”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 48:17-19 // Mt 11:16-19
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 11:16-19): “They listened to neither John nor the Son of
Man.”
Jesus Master exhorts the people to listen to his words and follow his commands
that they may have life and prosperity. However, they disappointingly refuse to listen to
him and the Good News of God’s kingdom. They are indecisive and reluctant to receive
the message of neither Jesus nor John the Baptist. Like capricious children in the market
place who call for dances to their flute playing and weeping to their funeral songs, the
Jews demand that Jesus and John the Baptist square up to their standard. They demand
conformity to their false stereotypes. John the Baptist suffers death because his message
is piercing and unsettling. The advent of Jesus as the suffering Servant-Messiah is
rejected because his means of salvation is through the way of the cross.
Like the contemporaries of the prophet Isaiah and of Jesus and John the Baptist,
we too are called to listen to the life-giving word of God and follow the path that leads to
life. We should not vacillate. And especially this Advent season, we should allow the
word of God to invigorate us. Indeed, the advent of our Lord Jesus Christ invites us to
make a radical choice for him
The conversion of Megan Hodder is an example of a modern day response to
Jesus Christ who invites us to make a core decision for him (cf. “Walking on Water ‘an
Entirely Sensible Thing to Do’” in Alive! November 2013, p. 5).
Megan Hodder was brought up as atheist, but earlier this year was baptized into
the Catholic Church. Megan is one of a growing band of educated young adults
who are questioning the whole reason for their existence and finding answers in
the Church. As a teenager she avidly read Dawkins & Co, and found their ideas
close to her own. Besides, what reasonable alternative was there for atheism?
Then she decided she need to be better informed, to research “the ideas of the
most egregious enemies of reason, such as Catholics, to properly defend my world
view.” She first read Pope Benedict’s Regensburg address, expecting it to be
illogical and bigoted attempt to reconcile faith and reason. This led her to
Benedict’s short book On Conscience. “It was a far more subtle, humane and
credible perception of faith than I had expected”, said 29-year-old Megan.
“It didn’t lead to any dramatic, spiritual epiphany, but it did spur me to look
further into Catholicism, and to re-examine some of the problems I had with
atheism with a more critical eye.” She began with morality. Secularist attempts
to defend morality, she soon realized, just did not add up. (…) She was infuriated
to discover how coherent Catholic teaching was: “once you accept the basic
conceptual structure, things fall into place with terrifying speed.” This was true
even in matters of sexuality, once a person grasped the “beauty and authenticity”
of Catholic doctrine. Seen in context, sexual ethics were not just a series of
prohibitions, but “essential components in the intricate body of the Church’s
teaching.” (…)
One problem remained for Megan, she was not familiar with Catholicism as a
lived faith, and reluctant to step into this wholly alien experience. At this point a
passage from George Weigel’s Letters to a Young Catholic struck her forcibly.
“In the Catholic view of things, walking on water is an entirely sensible thing to
do. It’s staying in the boat, hanging on tightly to our own sad little securities,
that’s rather mad”, wrote Weigel. This and friendships with practicing Catholics
finally convinced her to take a decisive step, to leave the boat and walk towards
Christ.
B. First Reading (Is 48:17-19): “If only you would hearken to my commandments.”
In the reading (Is 48:17-19), the prophet Isaiah depicts the Lord God as Israel’s
teacher who teaches what is good for them and leads them on the way they should go. He
promises that blessings would flow upon them unceasingly, that victory would come
upon them like waves that roll on the shore, that their descendants would be numerous as
grains of sand and that they would be safely secure in the Lord forever. But all this is
conditional: if they would hearken to the Lord’s commands and follow his ways.
The following testimony is very touching and inspiring (cf. Jake Stanwood
[pseudonym] in Shalom Tidings, August/September 2014, p. 15).
“We love you no matter what sexual orientation you choose to live out.” These
are the words of a father to me, his fifteen-year-old son, ten years ago. Umm …
awkward? Until that point my dad never talked to me about sex and the topic was
never again mentioned. I remember every little detail about the conversation: the
sweaty palms, cold freezing office space, and the awkwardness created by the
long wooden desk separating us from talking like normal people. How did I
respond? I said nothing. Absolutely nothing. I stared at him with a blank face and
ran back into my room crying and thinking about how I ever got into this mess.
“Great, even my parents think I’m gay.” “That person at school thinks I’m gay
too, maybe it’s because of the way I talk.” “Wait, maybe I should change the way
I talk? That will make me look manlier.” “Crap, that person is totally staring me
and thinks I’m gay.” These are just a few of the crazy thoughts that constantly
ruminated in my head. Talk about feeing paranoid. It always felt as if I was split
in between two worlds. One side was telling me, “Just come out of the closet,
hook up with someone, embrace the fact that you’re gay!” The other (far less
appealing) side said, “If anyone ever finds out, you’re dead! Don’t ever talk
about this to anyone.”
Praise God, He created a Church that has given me a third option, one that does
not seem like it is going to drown me in lust or turn me into a stoic who is being
internally destroyed by his desires. I have chosen chastity – the path toward
authentic love and sexual self-control.
Is this easy? NO. (…)
I have chosen to never engage in a sexual relationship with another guy and
remain celibate, despite the fact that there are times I feel the ache of this desire.
This may seem like a total fail in the eyes of the world, but am I really missing out
on much? Chastity gives me so much more. It gives me the ability to live out
healthy and loving relationships with both men and women. It is giving me the
opportunity to bring healing to areas of my masculinity that have been gravely
wounded. It respects me for who I am, allows me to appreciate beauty and
recognize the dignity in every person. This has involved a lot of wrestling with
God. Many people think wrestling with God is a bad thing. FALSE. You can only
wrestle with someone who is close to you, so in a way wrestling with these
attractions has drawn me closer to God. It is a cross, but with every cross the
Lord is always right beside us.
Yes, I realize that I will not always get what I want. I cannot tell you about the
hundreds of days I felt I just wanted someone to hold me and be intimate with.
Sometimes I look at happy couples and wonder if I am missing out. But, I
understand that fulfillment goes much deeper than wanting someone around. I
find fulfillment by being in relationship with God who created me to be fulfilled by
Him and in community. (…)
I am incredibly fortunate! I have many friends in the Church who know about my
struggle and are there to support and encourage me along the way. I have a choir
of saints and angels who are constantly interceding for me, a mother in heaven
that deeply loves me and a God who bears His very self in the Eucharist each and
every day. If you ask me … I have hit the jackpot.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
In this Advent season, do I make an effort to listen and put into practice the
commands of the Lord and walk in his way? Do I fully respond with radical commitment
to the Advent of Jesus in our life?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
many times we are feckless and full of caprices.
We fail to focus on you
and commit ourselves to you.
Give us a new perspective in life
and the eagerness to work for the advent of your kingdom.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“He is a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” (Mt 11:19) // “I, the Lord, your
God, teach you what is for your good.” (Is 48:17)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for a grace-filled vision of life. Today, consider the people and events
around you. Be thankful for the “gifts” you have received through them. In moments of
difficulties, renew your fundamental option for Jesus Christ.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
SATURDAY – 2nd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Advent Is Prepared by John the
Baptist”
BIBLE READINGS
Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 // Mt 17:9a, 10-13
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
In the Gospel (Mt 11:16-19), Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the “Elijah” who
must come first before the advent of the Messiah. Today’s Old Testament reading from
the Book of Sirach (48:1-4, 9-11) helps us understand and appreciate better the figure of
John the Baptist as the “Elijah” who prepares the way of the Lord. Elijah was an Old
Testament fiery prophet, whose words blazed like a torch, calling abusive authorities in
Israel to accountability. He spoke in the name of the Lord and manifested its power by
keeping the rain from coming and bringing forth famine in the land. At the end of his
ministry, Elijah was taken up to heaven in a fiery whirlwind, a chariot drawn by fiery
horses. But at the designated time, he is destined to return to carry out a mission of
conversion and reconciliation. To his disciples who posed the question, “Why do the
scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus affirms that Elijah has come indeed in the
person of John the Baptist.
The prophetic witnessing of Elijah and John the Baptist continues to live on in our
world today as the following account shows (cf. Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan,
Testimony of Hope, Boston: Pauline Books and Media, 2000, p. 114-115).
“I saw my father go up to Heaven.” A small book by this title won the UNESCO
prize. In it the author, a Russian who lives in Paris, describes the life of his father
with moving words. His father was an Orthodox priest, a pious and passionate
pastor who made countless sacrifices in the midst of persecution. One day during
the war he was arrested because he was wearing a pair of shoes that one of his
sons, a soldier, had given him. He was condemned to death because the law
forbade civilians to wear military shoes. This was of course merely a pretext to
conceal the real motive for his condemnation: his religious activity.
The whole village was convened around the pastor in an open field. The captain
declared the sentence, and the priest’s response was to kneel down and pray. All
the people knelt with him and prayed aloud. “Fire”, commanded the captain. But
the soldiers stood motionless. “Fire”, he cried again. No one fired. Finally,
defeated, the captain could do nothing other than to allow the priest to return on
horseback to his home with his people.
Some months later, while on a pastoral journey, this Orthodox priest “vanished”.
No one ever heard any more about him, but everyone understood his fate. His
people said that he had gone to heaven on his horse.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Do we imitate the spirit of Elijah and John the Baptist in being totally at the
service of God’s prophetic word and in preparing the people for the day of the Lord? Do
we ask the Lord for the grace of prophetic witnessing?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Father,
we thank you for the fiery zeal of Elijah and John the Baptist
in calling forth people to conversion.
Help us to imitate their courage in speaking your word.
Make us respond fully to our prophetic vocation
and be blessed with the Elijah experience
of being brought to heaven in a “chariot of fire”.
You live and reign,
forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“Like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming
furnace.” (Sir 48:1)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your words and actions, endeavor to make a courageous prophetic witnessing
in today’s increasingly hostile and secularized world in the spirit of Elijah and John the
Baptist.
*** Text of Weekdays: 2nd Week of Advent ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 3)
WEEKDAYS OF THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
MONDAY – 3rd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Star from Jacob”
BIBLE READINGS
Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a // Mt 21:23-27
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 21:23-27): “John’s baptism: where did it come from?”
In the Gospel reading (Mt 21:23-27), after Jesus’ triumphant advent and
messianic entry into Jerusalem, where he cleanses the temple, heals the sick and teaches
with authority, the chief priests and elders challenge him and ask for credentials. Jesus
counters with a question about the authority of John the Baptist. If they admit John the
Baptist’s divine commissioning, they convict themselves of unbelief; if they deny it, they
risk arousing the anger of the mob. Thus Jesus emerges from the confrontation with
dignity and integrity.
The opposition leaders in Jerusalem refuse to recognize the divine origin of both
John the Baptist and Jesus. But, as the people of Advent expectation, we know better. We
are called to avow Jesus’ messianic authority. In concrete, we should courageously live
and witness our faith in today’s increasingly hostile, secularized society. When, for the
first time, the White House referred to Christmas trees as “Holiday Trees”, the CBS
presenter Ben Stein was prompted to write an article which is circulated through the
Internet. His insights can encourage us in our religious witnessing.
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not
bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees
“Christmas trees”. I don’t feel threatened. I don’t feel discriminated against.
That’s what they are – “Christmas trees”. It doesn’t bother me a bit when people
say, “Merry Christmas” to me. I don’t think they are slighting me or getting
ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all
brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of the year. It doesn’t bother me
at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach
house in Malibu. If people want a crèche, it’s just fine with me as is the Menorah
a few hundred yards away.
I don’t like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don’t think Christians
like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God
are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the
concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can’t find it in
the Constitution and I don’t like it being shoved down my throat. (…)
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world’s
going to hell! Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what
the Bible says. Funny how you can send “jokes” through E-mail and they spread
like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people
think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles
pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about God is suppressed in
the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet? (…)
B. First Reading (Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a): “A star shall advance from Jacob.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a) contains the very interesting
story of the prophet Balaam being coaxed three times by Balak, the king of Moab, to
curse the Israelites so that they will be able to defeat them and drive them out from the
land. Instead of cursing the people of God, Balaam three times utters blessing upon them.
The prophet Balaam explains to the irate and frustrated king: “I will say only what the
Lord tells me to say.” The enraged Balak dismisses the prophet without any reward. But
Balaam is unmoved in his purpose. Remuneration means nothing to him for his sole
motivation as a prophet is to say what the Lord puts in his mouth. Before going back to
his home in the eastern mountains of Syria, Balaam speaks an unsolicited word that
announces Israel’s ultimate victory over the peoples of the region. Above all, he utters the
most magnificent oracle of all: “A star shall advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise
from Israel.” In the context of our Advent preparation, Balaam’s prophecy about the
“star” and the “staff” finds its final fulfillment, not in King David, but in Jesus Christ, the
Son of God and the King of the universe.
The tradition of putting up a star as an Advent-Christmas décor underlines the
presence of Jesus, “the star from Jacob”, the light that dares the darkness. Here is an
example of how a family carries out this tradition (cf. Pam Kidd in Guideposts 2010, p.
12).
The star was nothing special, just a piece of plastic with a few strings of lights
twined around its edges. We had used duct tape to fasten it to a long wooden pole
and then tied the pole to the highest limb of the dogwood tree at the entrance fo
our house. Some might call my star shabby, but I thought it was glorious. Its blue
and white lights were a welcome sight when I returned home on those cold, preChristmas nights. And what a delight it was to look out the kitchen window and
see the star shining in the darkness. All through the season, when guests were
expected, my directions were simple: “Just come to the house with the star.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Are we like the prophet Balaam who is totally committed to speak what God
wants him to speak? Or are we like the leaders in Jerusalem who are not able to discern
the divine character of the words and deeds of Jesus and refuse to commit themselves to
him? What do we do to get to know Jesus, follow him closely, love him ardently and
serve him faithfully?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
help us to recognize your divine authority
and submit to your saving power.
In today’s increasingly secularized and atheistic world,
give us the courage to speak your saving word
and witness that you are truly our Savior.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“By what authority are you doing these things?” (Mt 21:23b) // “A star shall
advance from Jacob, and a staff shall rise from Israel.” (Nm 24:17a)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that the saving authority of Christ may be welcomed and embraced by
today’s troubled world. In this Advent season, listen attentively to the Word of God and
invite people around you to savor the “bread of the Word”.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
TUESDAY – 3rd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Invites Us to Say YES”
BIBLE READINGS
Zep 3:1-2, 9-13 // Mt 21:28-32
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 21:28-32): “John came and sinners believed in him.”
In today’s Gospel reading (Mt 21:28-32), Jesus underlines the contrasting
response of two sons to their father’s command. The response of the first son, who
promised to obey but did nothing, indicates the Jewish leaders’ refusal of the kingdom
value proclaimed both by John the Baptist and Jesus. The response of the second son,
who repented and obeyed, indicates the conversion experience of sinners and their
embrace of the kingdom of God.
Advent is a time for conversion and new beginning. Jesus comes into our life to
make us a new creation. But we need to welcome him and say “Yes” to his loving
endeavor to renew God’s life within us. What joy our conversion entails; great is the
comfort it brings! The following charming article can help us experience the awesome
nature of conversion-transformation (cf. Mike McGarvin, POVERELLO NEWS, October
2011, p. 1).
One family that comes to Poverello has a little girl who is really out of control. A
while ago, she entered the Pov dining room with her mom and siblings, spotted
me, and, screaming like a banshee, came running up to me and side-kicked me in
a very sensitive spot. Needless to say, I wouldn’t let that girl get within five feet of
me after that. One day, I realized that the family hadn’t been in to eat in a long
time. After that excruciating kick, I wasn’t too sad about their absence.
Not too long ago, they reappeared. While I wasn’t looking, the girl slipped up
behind me. When I turned, I was initially shocked to see her (and, I might add, a
little scared). Then she did what I never would have expected: she wrapped her
arms around me and gave me a big hug. It was hard to believe that it was the
same child.
B. First Reading (Zep 3:1-2, 9-13): “Messianic salvation is promised to all of the
poor.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Zep 3:1-2, 9-13) depicts Jerusalem’s sin and
redemption. The Lord condemns Jerusalem as a corrupt, rebellious city that oppresses its
own people. Jerusalem does not listen to the Lord nor put trust in him. Indeed, its leaders
exploit the people shamelessly and in the face of this bad example, the people have also
deteriorated. God’s punishment will come upon the people. The harsh punishment is not
meant for total destruction, but for the conversion of the people. The prophet’s messianic
vision is the gathering of nations who will no longer pray to other gods, but to the Lord
God alone. Zephaniah also speaks of the “remnant” of Israel, a people humble and lowly,
who turn to God for help. The chastised “remnant” will be totally renewed. They will do
no wrong to anyone, tell no lies nor try to deceive. For them the Lord alone suffices.
They shall know peace and prosperity.
Zephaniah’s vision of the restoration of God’s people and his triumph over the
nations fills our Advent season with hope. The following personal testimony illustrates
that God’s care for the “remnant” continues to live on even in the present day (cf. Marci
Alborghetti in Daily Guideposts 2014, p. 228).
“For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly …” (Zep 3:12)
When I started the St James Literary Society at the homeless shelter, I had plans
for structure, rules, you name it. Reality soon set in. Our book club became as
messy as the lives of those of us in it.
Everything was on the table!
Once I abandoned my hope for an organized, structured forum, I opened myself
up more to these people than to anyone in my life. They honored me by honoring
the favor.
I insisted that we end every meeting with a prayer. Not everyone identified as
Christians, although most were familiar with the higher power of twelve-step
programs. It took a little doing to get them to hold hands. I tried to make the
prayers personal, including each person’s particular needs. There were men and
women standing in the circle, heads bowed, eyes closed, hands clasped. They’d
stood up, put out their cigarettes, stopped jittering. They were addicts, dealers,
poor in spirit and body, ill, hungry, worried, ex-convicts, angry, hurt, victims of
injustice. And because I’d asked them, we were praying.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
What is my response to the loving saving initiative of God through his Son Jesus
Christ: a “Yes, but No”, a “No, but Yes”, or a “Yes, absolutely Yes” response? Do I
believe that God’s plan for us is benevolent – that he would restore us to himself?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
we have failed you and our heavenly Father many times.
Give us the grace to respond positively
to the Father’s saving will.
Transform our “No, but Yes” response
into a “Yes, absolutely Yes” response.
Count us among the “remnant”
who put their trust in you.
Help us hasten the definitive advent of your glorious kingdom
by our service of justice, peace and truth.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“He changed his mind and went.” (Mt 21: 29) // “I will leave as a remnant in
your midst a people humble and lowly.” (Zep 3:12)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Participate in the Rite of Reconciliation during the Advent season. Offer your
counsel and guiding hand to those who have lost their moral compass and are struggling
to preserve their personal integrity. In order to deepen in us the spirit of lowliness that
characterizes the “remnant” of God’s people, make an effort to spend some quiet moment
in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
WEDNESDAY – 3rd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: His Works Give Witness to Him”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25 // Lk 7:18b-23
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 7:18b-23): “Go back and tell John what you have seen and
heard.”
The air was charged with messianic expectation. John the Baptist sent two of his
disciples to ask Jesus whether he was “the one who is to come” or should they expect
someone else. John’s emissaries witnessed for themselves Jesus giving sight to the blind
and healing people from ills. Jesus sent them back to John with a command to report
what they had seen and heard: the blind could see, the lame could walk, the lepers were
made clean, the deaf could hear, and the Good News was preached to the poor. The
wondrous works of Jesus testified that he was indeed the longed-for Messiah – the
promised Savior who would bring life and salvation.
Advent is a season to contemplate and participate in the messianic works of Jesus.
It is a season of thankfulness for Christ’s healing power and the Gospel joy. This season
of grace calls us to carry on Christ’s compassionate ministry and saving works to our
families, society and the entire creation.
The following article gives us an idea of what we can do to make the Advent of
the Church a time of service to a larger society (cf. Gary Richards, “Cleanup Draws
Crowds” in San Jose Mercury News, November 20, 2011, Section B, p.1, 6).
Saturday morning broke brisk, the sky a clear Bay Area blue. Another beautiful
day loomed ahead – except along our trashy freeways: fast-food wrappers, coffee
cups, beer cans, clothes, cigarette cartons, tattered sleeping bags, torn tents and
some mysterious, smelly dark stuff. But not for long! More than 200 volunteers
swarmed over six South Bay freeways to pick up litter – and another 200 are
headed out Sunday.
A San Jose group called Beautiful Day pitched the idea to Caltrans recently for a
massive weekend cleanup that the Bay Area has never seen before, promising 400
volunteers. The group delivered. … People signed up in droves … people such as
Linda Hoskins, 52, and her husband, Clay Nelson, 63, of San Jose. Along with
several other volunteers, they worked the area around El Camino Real and
Highway 85 for 2½ hours. “Our freeways are filthy and I complained all the time,
she said. “Complaining is not helping. Then we read about this in your column
and discovered a way to do something.”
B. First Reading (Is 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25): “Let the clouds rain down.”
The reading (Is 45:6c, 18, 21c-25) is punctuated by the repeated affirmations: “I
am the Lord and there is no other … I am God: there is no other.” It underlines God’s
unique sovereignty and his ineffable ways. In response to the people’s urgent plea for
salvation, God makes us of the Gentile King Cyrus to save Israel. This may disconcert
the sages, but God forcefully reminds us that he is the creator of the heavens and the
designer and maker of the earth, the master of all things, the source of light and darkness,
of peace and woe. He can turn into good the evil that befalls and chastises his chosen
people. The Lord God wills to save his people and the people all over the world. He urges
them to turn to him and be saved. He will rescue all the descendants of Israel and they
will give him glory and praise.
Today’s Old Testament reading contains the haunting prayer of a people in
distress: “Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the
skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth: let justice also spring up.”
Israel, the people in Exile, prays for “justice” and “salvation” from their enemies. In
preparing the Vulgate Bible, Saint Jerome translated the “justice” and “salvation” of the
Hebrew text as proper names: the “Just One” and the “Savior”. This lives on in the
Church liturgy as the beautiful invocation: “Let the clouds rain down the Just One and
the earth bring forth a Savior” (cf. the Responsorial Psalm of today’s Mass).
The Advent invocation, “Heavens drop dew from above” evokes beautiful images
of dew drops. When I was a young aspirant at our convent in Antipolo, I delighted to see
dew drops sparkling on the greenish-golden fruits of the papaya, on the green blades of
the carabao grass in the front lawn, and on the fresh blossoms of roses in the garden.
Above all, this prayer evokes the advent of Jesus Christ, the “Just One” and the “Savior”,
who bedews us from above.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Do we participate in Christ’s ongoing messianic works in the world? Do we
heartily proclaim the Gospel and confirm it with our service to the poor and vulnerable?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you continue to be our Savior.
We are your arms and hands
- the channels of your peace and redeeming works.
Make us docile instruments of your grace
so that the blind may see,
the lame may walk,
the lepers may be cleansed,
the deaf may hear,
and the Good News may be preached to the poor.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“Go and tell what you have seen and heard.” (Lk 7:22) // “Let justice descend, O
heavens, like dew from above … Let the earth open and salvation bud forth.” (Is 45:8)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for all those who hasten the final advent of our Lord Jesus Christ by their
messianic works on behalf of today’s poor and vulnerable. Be personally involved in the
Gospel proclamation and in the service of those who are in greatest need in our society.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
THURSDAY – 3rd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: John the Baptist Is His Precursor”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 54:1-10 // Lk 7:24-30
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 7:24-30): “John is the messenger who prepares the way of the
Lord.”
Jesus gives a glowing description of John the Baptist: not a wavering reed but a
staunch prophet, and not just a prophet, but the Messiah’s forerunner. John prepares the
way of the Lord. As precursor, he points out and designates the Messiah to the crowds,
challenging them to conversion.
Blessed James Alberione remarks: “Let us now consider our preparation for
Christmas … Our preparation involves a negative aspect … John the Baptist was
commanded to preach in the desert. So he went throughout the country along the Jordan,
preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with Isaiah’s
prophecy: A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord (Is 40:3) … Let us
set ourselves in God’s way. The first disposition certainly is to take away evil: rectify the
sentiments, the thoughts and the will. Let us surrender our will to God and seek only and
always the divine will. And what is in store for us? Every valley shall be filled … There
is much emptiness in our hearts. Fill it up … The Lord comes to bring us graces …
Hence, two points: take away what impedes grace; second, prepare the way of grace.”
In this Advent season, let us continue John the Baptist’s mission to prepare the
way of the Lord. Let us prepare an environment that is conducive to conversion. Let us
live our Christian life with personal dedication that people may be inspired and yearn
deeply for Christ. By our personal witnessing and ministries, let us bring people close to
Christ. When my terminally ill brother Gisbert was at the Palliative Care Unit of
Brampton Hospital in Toronto, his friend at church would come every evening to read to
him Bible passages, which were powerfully comforting. He was preparing my brother to
meet Jesus Savior at the hour of death. By his spiritual ministry, Gisbert’s friend was a
modern John the Baptist and for this, we were grateful.
B. First Reading (Is 54:1-10): “Like a forsaken wife, the Lord has called you back.”
The reading (Is 54:1-10) is filled with primal images of misery and desolation:
barrenness, abandoned wife, broken marriage, deluge, etc. Within this context of
hopelessness, the Lord God wills to create a new future for exiled Israel and outcasts.
God’s “enduring love” calls back the “forsaken wife” – the unfaithful people of Israel.
Their experience of Exile is similar to the catastrophic deluge in the days of Noah
brought about by disobedience. Having abandoned them momentarily because of their
sins, the compassionate God now establishes a “covenant of peace” with Israel. The
merciful God assures his people that his love will never leave them.
The following prayer written by a kid at the Chapel of the Covenant House, an
institute that gives refuge to homeless teenagers, gives insight into the “covenant of
peace” that the saving God brings into our life (cf. Sister Mary Rose McGeady,
Sometimes God Has a Kid’s Face, Washington D.C.: Covenant House, 2010, p. 40).
Dear Lord,
Please give me the strength to go on
through my stay at Covenant House.
Give me the wisdom and the knowledge
to do what is right and not wrong.
And please give me the strength
to make the right decisions
about the things that occur.
I know I haven’t been making the right decisions,
but I’d like to better that.
Life has not been easy for me through these times,
but I know you will give me the strength to go on
for I believe I you and all you say and do.
Amen.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Are we willing to accept the task and challenge of preparing the way of the Lord?
In this Advent season what do we do to overcome the impediments to grace? What do we
do to prepare the way of grace?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
your coming was foretold by the prophets.
John the Baptist prepared the way for your coming.
Help us to overcome our resistances to grace.
Teach us to welcome your continuing advent
in the Church and in the world.
Transform us by your grace
and like John the Baptist,
may we inspire others
to commit themselves to you, our longed for Savior.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“He will prepare your way.” (Lk 7:27) // “My love shall never leave you nor my
covenant of peace be shaken.” (Is 54:10)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for the courage and strength needed by Christian disciples to prepare the way
of the Lord in today’s fragmented world. By your personal integrity and acts of justice
and charity to the people around you, create an environment that is more conducive to
grace and conversion.
*** %%% *** %%% *** %%% ***
FRIDAY – 3rd WEEK OF ADVENT
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the True Light”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 56:1-3a, 6-8 // Jn 5:33-36
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Jn 5:33-36): “John was a burning and shining lamp.”
The Advent of the Church is a time of witnessing. In today’s Gospel (Jn 5:33-36),
we hear that John the Baptist is an exemplary witness to Christ. He is a burning and
shining lamp pointing to the true light, Jesus Christ. He exposes the dark sinful recesses
of our hearts and drenches the world with luminous light so that we may see Christ.
Though John’s testimony is valuable, Jesus asserts that he has a witness greater than
John. God the Father is Jesus’ absolute witness. The works that Jesus has done through
divine power reveal that God loves us and wants to save us.
In this Advent season, let us manifest by our words and deeds the saving power of
God. Like John the Baptist, let our lives be “burning and shining lamps” that radiate the
light of Christ. The holiness of the Lebanese hermit Saint Sharbel was such that God was
pleased to grant him the miracle of the “burning and shining lamp” (cf. Marilyn Raschka,
“A Saint without Borders” in One magazine, July 2009, p. 30-33).
St. Sharbel ranks among Lebanon’s most celebrated religious men. During his
life, the hermit performed numerous miracles and inspired the lives of those who
sought his counsel. (…) St. Sharbel’s most famous miracle was his first, which
involved an old oil lamp. One evening at the monastery, Sharbel asked to have his
oil lamp refilled. Two attendants decided to play a trick on the young monk, and
filled the lamp with water instead of oil. The attendants then watched Sharbel
through a crack in the wooden door to his cell. When they saw Sharbel light the
lamp, they whispered to one another in amazement, catching the attention of
another monk. Hearing the men’s story, the monk entered Sharbel’s cell. He then
extinguished Sharbel’s lamp and tried, unsuccessfully, to relight it using the flame
from his own lamp. He removed the wick from Sharbel’s lamp and tasted the
liquid. Convinced that it was water, he handed the lamp back to Sharbel, who,
again, successfully lighted the lamp before the others’ eyes.
B. First Reading (Is 56:1-3a, 6-8): “If.”
The Old Testament reading (Is 56:1-3a, 6-8) from the third section of the book of
Isaiah (chapters 56-66) gives us an expansive and refreshing concept of salvation: the
house of God is “a house of prayer for all peoples”. According to this prophetic vision,
salvation depends first and foremost on the person’s loving and humble attitude toward
the Lord God and not per se on membership in the Jewish people. Those who are faithful
to God’s covenant and keep the Sabbath will be brought to his holy mountain and
experience the joy of participating in his “house of prayer”. Probably written after the
Babylonian exile, about six centuries before Christ, salvation is presented as universal
and the divine benevolence extended to all peoples. Indeed, God’s acceptance of
“foreigners” expands the boundaries of the worshipping community of Israel and
foreshadows the future “catholic” – universal- mission of the Church.
I share below one of my most intense personal experiences of the “catholic”
Church. It is an Easter experience that could be relished in Advent or in any other season
of the year.
It was in the early 1980’s when I had a chance to attend for the first time the
Easter Sunday Mass with the Pope at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City. I was
with a visiting Italian PDDM sister who had worked in Latin America for many
years. We were there with myriads of people from different nations and cultures all patiently waiting for the Mass to begin. I was shivering from the dampness and
chill of a steady spring shower, but I was awed by the reality that I was in a
“house of prayer” without frontiers. I was looking at the immense sky, feeling the
gentle raindrops on my face and beholding the various faces of the peoples of the
earth aglow with Easter joy.
When Pope John Paul II greeted us and began the Mass, I forgot how cold I was
and simply focused on the beauty and glory of being an Easter people – of the
great privilege and dignity of worshipping in the house of God. After the Mass
and with the spring sunshine finally enveloping us, the Holy Father extended his
Easter greetings to the entire world in about a hundred languages. That was a
“catholic” experience I would never forget!
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Do we endeavor to live an exemplary life of holiness and service so as to radiate
the saving light of Christ to the world of today?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
fill us with the radiance of your life and love.
Like your forerunner John the Baptist,
may we be “burning and shining lamps”
to expose the dark recesses of sins
and invite people to conversion.
Let us bathe the world with your saving light
so that people from all nations and cultures
may welcome you as the redeeming Lord of all.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“John was a burning and shining lamp.” (Jn 5:35a) // “My house shall be called
a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Is 56:7)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that the followers of Christ may radiate his saving light especially in difficult
and crisis situations. By your compassionate words and deeds, let the people of today
experience the joy-giving light that is Jesus Christ.
*** Text of Weekdays: 3rd Week of Advent ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 4)
ADVENT WEEKDAY: DECEMBER 17
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is from the Tribe of Judah”
BIBLE READINGS
Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a // Mt 21:23-27
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 1:1-17): “The genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David”
In today’s Gospel reading (Mt 1:1-17), the evangelist Matthew presents the family
tree of Jesus, which includes rich and pauper, noble and ignoble, mighty and vulnerable,
sinners and saints. Jesus is fully human, sharing the burdens and joys of our humanity.
Fr. Patrick Hannon remarks: “We live in a world of nations, tribes and people.
The lines that divide us, the walls that protect us, the searing memories of war and want
and wounds too often define us and keep us all at a fearful distance from one another.
Into this walled world God came. He was a son of Abraham, son of David, son of Mary.
And though he was of the Jewish tribe, Jesus came to erase the tribal lines that divide us
and to remind us of the one tribe, the one race to which we all belong: the human race. It
is our humanity that unites us and helps us to see who we are beyond the boundaries of
nation, tribe, religion, and culture. It is Jesus who reminds us that the one thing we have
in common with God is our humanity.”
When I was assigned in Mumbai, India in the 1980s, one Sister invited me to go
with her to see a Muslim landlord, who graciously welcomed us. It was a hot day. When
we were seated, we were each served a glass of refreshing water – an exquisite sign of
hospitality. How beautiful it is to live peacefully and harmoniously with one another –
whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, religious and ideological differences!
B. First Reading (Gn 49:2, 8-10): “The scepter shall not depart from Judah.”
This happened in 1964. I was riding a bus which got stuck in traffic close to
Malacanang, the Philippine presidential palace. Suddenly a group of motor guards
appeared and cleared the way for a limousine. I held my breath when I saw the VIP being
chauffeured - a very beautiful lady dressed in a pink Filipino gown. Later I realized that
the “very beautiful” lady was Gemma Cruz, the newly crowned “Miss International”.
That afternoon she was going to Malacanang to be feted by the First Lady, Mrs. Eva
Macapagal. Gemma is beauty and brains. She has a heart for the poor. She donated the
$10,000 prize money she received when she became Miss International to the “Asilo” for
the street kids of Manila. She later became the Curator of the Philippine National
Museum. Moreover, Gemma is the great-grand niece of Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine
national hero. Rizal must have been very proud of his progeny “beauty queen”.
Today’s Advent readings likewise depict an awesome royal progeny, Jesus Christ,
the son of David and the offspring of Judah. The Old Testament reading (Gn 49:2, 8-10)
contains the farewell address of the dying Jacob who was blessing his sons. In his
blessing of Judah, the patriarch foreshadows the privileged destiny the tribe of Judah
would enjoy when King David comes to power. The royal power and immense authority
of David, however, point to a deeper reality: the infinite authority and the fullness of
kingship of his descendant Jesus Christ, the savior of the world and the king of the
universe. In Jesus Christ, Jacob’s prophetic blessing is fulfilled: “The scepter shall not
depart from Judah, or the mace from between his legs, while tribute is brought to him,
and he receives the people’s homage.” Let us welcome the advent of Christ’s kingdom of
truth and life, of sanctity and grace, of love, justice and peace.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
1. Do we value our interconnectedness and our belonging to the family of human race?
What do we do to promote human solidarity in the name of Jesus?
2. Do we allow Christ, the king of justice and peace, to come into our hearts and to rule
over us?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God.
You assumed our human nature
and became like us in everything except sin.
Help us to value our belonging to the human family.
Teach us to be truly grateful for the astounding mystery
of “Emmanuel – God with us”.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
***
Loving Father,
we thank you for the “scepter of Judah”
that finds fulfillment in your Son Jesus Christ.
He is the king of all ages.
Let him reign over us
that we may experience the fullness of truth and life,
of sanctity and grace,
of love, justice and peace.
He lives and reigns, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham
….” (Mt 1:1) // “The scepter shall not depart from Judah.” (Gen 49:10)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray for peace in the world and a deeper solidarity among the children of God. By
your deeds of justice, endeavor to promote the common good, contribute to the unity of
peoples and nations and the definitive advent of God upon the earth. // Treat the people
around you with great respect and integrity befitting a “kingly people”.
*** Text of December 17 ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 5)
ADVENT WEEKDAY: DECEMBER 18
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Righteous Shoot of David”
BIBLE READINGS
Jer 23:5-8 // Mt 1:18-25
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Mt 1:18-25): “Jesus was born of Mary, the betrothed of Joseph,
son of David.”
Although the fullness of God’s saving justice is crystallized in Jesus, also called
“Emmanuel” (“God is with us”), in today’s Gospel (Mt 1:18-25) we see that Joseph of
Nazareth likewise exhibits the character of justice that befits his being a member of the
chosen people. Joseph, the betrothed of Mary, is a just man who demonstrates his
compassionate justice by his decision to save Mary and not to expose her to the Jewish
punitive law. If Joseph were to act merely with human “righteousness”, the innocent
Mary would be unjustly punished and put to death. His divinely inspired justice is
revealed when he obediently follows God’s command and takes Mary into his home as
his wife. Saint Joseph is therefore a model of total collaboration in the divine saving plan
to offer to the world its Savior, Jesus.
The saving righteousness of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and their cooperation in
God’s saving plan continue to live on in the people of today. Steven Gemmen’s story,
“Where Love Grows” in Guideposts magazine (October 2004, cf. p. 44-48) is a touching
account of how he welcomed into his life the child conceived by his wife, Heather, a
victim of sexual assault. Steve narrates how his anger at the rapist found its outlet in the
baby. In the sixth month of his wife’s rape-pregnancy, however, Steve was given the
grace to understand that the little creature in his wife’s womb had nothing to do with the
crime of the father, an unidentified African-American young man who broke into their
home. Steve accepted the baby as his own, although there were bad times. According to
Steve, “And there would be strained moments because of the baby’s appearance –
starting with the delivery. How do you explain to the staff in the maternity ward that a
white couple will have a biracial baby? But what a beautiful, beautiful baby! Healthy,
squalling, wriggling, perfect – our long-awaited little girl … Our lives haven’t been the
same since that terrible night. They never will be. I’d thought nothing could make me
love this child. That’s true. Nothing can make us love anyone or anything. Love is not a
choice. It is the sovereign gift of God. And it was his gift that the child who stirred within
Heather would make the unbearable not just bearable, but miraculous.”
B. First Reading (Jer 23:5-8): “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (Jer 23:5-8) contains Jeremiah’s prophecy, which
breathes hope into an oppressive atmosphere of despair before the fall of Judah at the
hands of the Babylonians. False shepherds and corrupt rulers have been responsible for
the exile of the nation. But God promises a righteous Shepherd-King who will gather the
scattered people of Judah and the children of Israel from where they have been banished.
The future king, a descendant of King David, will be God’s instrument to fulfill his
saving plan. He shall govern wisely and do what is right and just. His name shall be “The
Lord our justice” or “The Lord our salvation” because he is the embodiment of the true
meaning of “justice”, which is the saving presence of God. Through “the king who is to
come” shall be realized the blessings of the covenant, that is, the peace and justice that
God has promised his people. Jeremiah’s prophecy of “a righteous shoot to David” is
fulfilled with the coming of Jesus, whose foster father is Joseph, “son of David”.
The life of St. Leopold the Good gives insight into the “righteous shoot of David”
whose compassionate character is fully crystallized in Jesus Savior and is likewise
manifested by his foster father Joseph of Nazareth (cf. Saints for the Family, Special
Supplement to Our Sunday Visitor, p. 42-44).
Saint Leopold the Good, A Saint for Stepparents (died 1136): Saint Leopold
loved children. He married a widowed noblewoman named Agnes who brought
into the palace two young children from her former husband, and Leo raised them
as his own. In the years that followed, Agnes and Leopold had 18 children, 11 of
whom survived to adulthood. By all accounts, Leopold was a gentle, loving father
who made no distinction between his stepchildren and the children he had
fathered with Agnes.
The couple ruled over Austria, a land that, in the early 12th century, was still
largely wild and uninhabited. As an expression of his religious devotion, Leopold
founded several important monasteries that still survive, including
Klosterneuberg, on the Danube right outside Vienna, his personal favorite place
where he asked to be buried, and Heilegenkreuz in Lower Austria, which
possesses a relic of the true cross. There was a practical aspect to founding these
monasteries, too. The sites Leopold chose were in wilderness areas, but once the
monks arrived he knew they would make the land productive abd attract people to
settle in the region. (…)
When Leopold died, all his children and the people of Austria mourned him as an
honest and holy prince. In addition to being venerated as the patron of
stepchildren, stepparents and large families, Saint Leopold the Godd is also one
of the patrons of Austria.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Do we allow ourselves to be imbued with the true character of justice – the one
lived out by Saint Joseph and his foster son, Jesus Christ? Do we realize that true justice
is linked to the presence of God and his plan of salvation?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Loving Father,
we believe that with the advent of your Son Jesus Christ,
“the righteous shoot of David”,
justice shall flourish in our time and fullness of peace forever.
Help us to welcome Jesus in our life
so that we may rejoice in his messianic blessing.
You are truly kind and just
and you are our almighty God,
now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.” (Jer 23:5) // “He will save his people
from their sins.” (Mt 1:21)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your prayer, words and deeds endeavor to bring justice to those who have
been abused, violated and wronged. Pray in a special way for the victims of sexual
violence and human trafficking. Pray for stepparents and stepchildren.
*** Text of December 18 ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy:
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 6)
ADVENT WEEKDAY: DECEMBER 19
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Consecrated One”
BIBLE READINGS
Jgs 13:2-7 // Lk 1:5-25
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 1:5-25): “The birth of John the Baptist is announced by
Gabriel.”
(By Fr. Samuel Canilang, CMF, Director: Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia)
The elderly Elizabeth became pregnant. The all-powerful and empowering God
makes the barren fertile. God’s loving and liberating Son makes the blind see, the mute
speak, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the captive free, the hungry satisfied, the lowly
exalted…. Elizabeth’s giving birth to John is part of the story of God’s salvation that
culminates in the Incarnation. In Jesus, God is in our midst, making everything new and
fruitful, bringing about justice, leading us all into the fullness of life and love.
The annunciation of John’s birth points to the annunciation of Jesus’ birth. While
Zechariah doubted, Mary readily believed. Today, many of us do not seem to feel really
part of the salvation story: the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed, the suffering, the
sick … Like Mary, let us trust and put all our hopes in the Word. Let us be truly part of
God’s story in believing, hoping, loving, and serving. Christ has never left us. The Holy
Spirit is always among and in us. Advent awakens us into this reality. All we need to do,
to be truly part of God’s story, is live in and according to this reality, that God – who
makes the barren fertile – is Emmanuel.
B. First Reading (Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a): “The birth of Samson is announced by an
angel.”
Our friends, Lynn and Restie, a young married couple residing in San Jose (CAUSA) were eagerly looking forward to raise their own family. Unfortunately, Lynn had a
miscarriage. A medical problem made it difficult, or impossible, for her to have a baby.
Lynn and Restie prayed to God and put their trust in him. Against all odds, Lynn
conceived and gave birth to a beautiful girl. I was taking my turn for the Eucharistic
Adoration when I heard some discreet footsteps. I turned around and saw Lynn and
Restie, beaming joyfully and carrying their baby named Eliana. Lynn was just discharged
from the maternity hospital. Before going home, the proud parents decided to pass by the
Sisters’ convent and present their daughter to the Lord. Lynn and Restie put the baby,
sleeping peacefully in a cradle basket, at the foot of the altar. We offered praise and
thanksgiving to the Lord for the “miraculous” gift and humbly begged Jesus to bless and
consecrate the child.
Today’s readings speak of the announcement of the birth of Samson and John the
Baptist and their consecration to God from their mothers’ womb. Both the mother of
Samson and the mother of the Baptist are barren. The birth of the child for each mother is
an act of grace and presages a unique mission for each child. In the Old Testament
reading (Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a), we hear that the boy, Samson, is destined for the
deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines. The boy, John the Baptist, will
bring many people of Israel back to God and, mighty like the prophet Elijah, he will
prepare the way of the Lord. In view of their special saving mission, Samson and John
the Baptist must live an ascetic life – never drinking wine or strong drink. Filled with the
Holy Spirit, their consecration to God points to the totally “consecrated One”, Jesus
Savior, whose works and words manifest him as the “Holy One of God”.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
1. Do we truly participate in salvation history, in which God the “Emmanuel” transforms,
making the barren fertile and everything new and fruitful?
2. Are we receptive to the miraculous intervention of God in our daily life, and do we
trust in his power to make the barren fruitful? What does being “consecrated” to God
mean to us? How do we live out this “consecration”?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you are the “Root of Jesse’s stem”,
sign of God’s love for all his people.
In you the barren becomes fertile.
Everything is made new and fruitful.
Let us work with you in the blooming of the desert.
Help us to proclaim the Good News to the poor
and hasten the advent of your kingdom.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
***
O loving God,
we thank you for your miraculous intervention
in the lives of barren women
and your awesome power to make the barren fruitful.
We thank you for consecrating Samson and John the Baptist
in their mothers’ womb
and for their special role in salvation history.
Help us to value our own consecration
and let the Holy Spirit of Jesus,
the totally “consecrated One” fill our hearts.
Make us docile instruments of your saving will.
We bless and praise you, now and forever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“Elizabeth was barren … Elizabeth conceived.” (Lk 1:7, 24) //“This boy is to be
consecrated to God from the womb.” (Jgs 13:5)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By your works of justice on behalf of the marginalized, be a part in the blooming
of the desert and of making the barren fertile. // Make this Advent season a privileged
occasion to practice mortification and sacrifices that will help you perceive the practical
implications of being “consecrated” to God.
*** Text of December 19 ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 7)
ADVENT WEEKDAY: DECEMBER 20
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Sign of Salvation”
BIBLE READINGS
Is 7:10-14 // Lk 1:26-38
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 1:26-38): “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son.”
(By Fr. Samuel Canilang, CMF, Director: Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia)
The Spirit of God was hovering over the cosmos at the time of creation. The Spirit
of God overshadowed Mary at the conception of Jesus. The Spirit of God descended
upon the Apostles at the birth of the Church. The Holy Spirit is creative, the source of all
life - the mother of all. The Incarnation has transformed the cosmos. It is the birth of a
new heaven and a new earth. The mission of the Son is to bring fullness of life to all: to
humankind, to all created beings, to mother earth, to the universe.
The human being is Adam. The human being is earth. Indeed, the human and the
earth are radically bound together. We live on the fruits of the earth. In turn the earth
needs us to care for it, cultivate it, and make it fruitful. The season of Advent invites us to
contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation. At the same time, it invites us to assume the
mission of the Incarnate Son: to bring fullness of life to all. Like Mary, let us be
handmaids of the Lord; servants of the Lord; co-workers of the Lord. Today, a very
urgent task of all handmaids of the Lord is the care of our mother earth.
B. First Reading (Is 7:10-14): “Behold, the virgin shall be with a child.”
It must have been some kind of midlife crisis, for I had allowed the
disappointments of those moments to discourage me and even erode my self-esteem. I
felt so insignificant and it seemed that I had toiled in vain. I needed some kind of
affirmation to confirm that my apostolic labor had meaning and value. I prayed to God to
give me a “sign”. In his goodness God gifted me with a beautiful “sign”. One day in June
2001, Bishop Protacio Gungon of the Diocese of Antipolo, in the Philippines, informed
me that I was going to receive an award. The Bishop nominated me for the papal award,
Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in recognition for the service I had rendered to the Church and
the Pope. On August 15, 2001, in a memorable diocesan celebration that acknowledged
the contribution of a layman, a religious, and a clergyman, Mr. Guillermo Tolentino and I
received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award while Fr. Arnel Lagarejos was elevated to
the rank of “papal chaplain”, with the title of “Monsignor”. The conferral of the papal
award was for me a “sign” that encourages me in difficulties as I endeavor to serve the
Lord and his people through the Eucharistic-Priestly-Liturgical apostolate.
The liturgy of the Advent and Christmas seasons is marked by an exquisite “sign”
of God’s love: the birth of a child, which is perhaps the most universal and enduring
symbol of hope for the human race. A “sign” in the Old Testament and New Testament is
usually some event assuring us of divine intervention. It is an indication of divine
presence and a form of revelation. A “sign” is God’s propitious expression of
benevolence and a promise of salvation for his people. It is a gift of love from our saving
God to encourage us in moments of crisis. Indeed, a divine “sign” is a symbol of hope in
weakness and an assurance of life and victory when assailed with threats of defeat and
destruction.
The Old Testament reading (Is 7:10-14) contains a prophetic sign directed to King
Ahaz, who was anxious and trembling as “the trees of the forest tremble in the wind” (Is
7:2), for the imminent siege of Jerusalem in 735 B.C. by the kings of Syria and Israel.
Confronting his lack of trust in the Lord, the prophet Isaiah declared: “The Lord himself
will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him
Emmanuel” (Is 7:14). With the sign of the conception and birth of a child, God wanted to
manifest to King Ahaz, who was piously hiding his intent to seek security through
political allies, that the Lord Yahweh was in perfect control of human history and destiny.
Indeed, God is with us and intimately involved in our affairs. The “sign” announced by
the prophet Isaiah was an invitation to Ahaz to trust in God alone – in the realization of
the Covenant and his continual protection. The King ought not to rely on the political and
military interventions of the Assyrians for salvation from his enemies. The conception
and birth of a child by the young wife of King Ahaz was meant to be a powerful
indication of Yahweh’s abiding presence and merciful intervention on behalf of his
people. The weakling ruler, however, did not accept the birth of his son, Hezekiah, as a
“sign” of salvation and of God’s solicitude for the house of David. Trusting more in
political security, Ahaz sent gold and silver to the King of Assyria and became his vassal.
Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in the birth of the Virgin Mary’s child, Jesus. The
authors of the Days of the Lord, vol. 1, comment: “The sign that God gives is the birth of
a child. It is a sign, because this birth is a promise of salvation. Moreover, he will bear the
significant name Emmanuel, that is, God-with-us. The salvation announced to the people
goes beyond the person of Hezekiah. The child, the sign of the salvation of God, will be
no ordinary person, and he will come from David’s lineage: the Messiah himself. When
Jesus appeared, born of a woman – a virgin whose name was Mary – to whom the angel
of God said: You shall conceive and bear a son … The Lord God will give him the throne
of David his father … and his reign will be without end (Lk 1:31-33), one will easily
surmise that he must be the promised Messiah. Not merely one sign among many, but
THE sign of God.”
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
1. Do we imitate Mary in her openness to grace and in her total availability to share in the
mission of the Son to bring fullness of life to all?
2. Have we ever experienced a crisis situation that prompted us to ask God for a “sign”
that he was really there for us? Did God send us a “sign” in response to our faith-filled
yearning?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you are the “Key of David”,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom.
Like Mary, we say “Fiat” to the Father’s saving will.
Make us share in your mission
to free prisoners from the darkness of sin
and to bring the fullness of life to all.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
***
Loving Father,
we welcome the birth of Jesus,
from the virginal womb of Mary,
as a sign of your saving presence in our midst,
a symbol of hope and a promise of salvation.
In the fragile “sign” of the Child Jesus,
born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem,
we embrace the presence,
the power and strength of your redeeming love.
In Jesus Savior
the joy of Christmas is complete.
We thank you, loving Father,
for the “sign” of the Christ Child
and the gift of Christmas.
You live and reign, forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your
word.” (Lk 1:38) //“The Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive
and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” (Is 7:14)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Meditate on the beautiful Christmas “sign” of the Christ Child, born of Mary. Let
the “sign” of the Christ Child and the Christmas spirit of love, justice, peace and the
presence of God be shared with the people around you, especially the poor, the sick and
the suffering.
*** Text of December 20 ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 8)
ADVENT WEEKDAY: DECEMBER 21
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is in Our Midst”
BIBLE READINGS
Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a // Lk 1:39-45
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 1:39-45): “And how does this happen to me that the mother of
the Lord should come to me?”
(By Fr. Samuel Canilang, CMF, Director: Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia)
Mary is “the most blessed among women”. She is blessed because she “believed
that the Lord’s word would come true”. These words of Elizabeth correspond to those of
Jesus himself: “My mother, my brothers and my sisters are those who receive the word of
God and fulfill it.” Shema Israel… Listening (= hearing and obeying) is a central theme
in the whole Judaeo-Christian Tradition. Listening to the Word is intrinsically linked to
blessedness or holiness. Only God is Holy – the three times holy. Being blessed is sharing
in the holiness of God.
The other biblical term used to refer to the sharing in God’s holiness is
consecration. All of us – members of the Church – are consecrated by virtue of our
baptism. We all share in the holiness of God. We are blessed. We live our consecration
according to our form of life in the Church: as lay, as religious, as ordained. To live our
consecration fundamentally involves discernment, meditation and responding to the word
of God which comes to us through the Scripture, the Tradition, our contemporary
experiences, the signs of the times, the needs of our neighbors. Advent is a special
invitation for us to live and bear witness to our consecration to God in Christ.
B. First Reading (Sg 2:8-14): “Hark!My lover comes, springing across the
mountains.” // Zep 3:14-18a: “The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.”
Song of Song 2:8-14: This Old Testament reading depicts the deep longing of a
young girl for the coming (the “advent”) of her beloved, who now bounces upon the hills
like a gazelle or a young stag. Confined at home behind a wall, windows and lattices, she
eagerly listens to her lover’s invitation for a springtime tryst. The profusion of flowers,
the cooing of turtledoves, the blossoming of fig trees and the beauty of their romance
evoke the joyful meeting of Mary and Elizabeth and the two illustrious babies within
their wombs. The Song of Song’s portrayal of the tender love between the young lovers
likewise points to the intimate union of the Savior with humankind through the mystery
of the Lord’s incarnation.
***
Zephaniah 3:14-18a: Zephaniah, who prophesied under King Josiah of Judah, is
both the prophet of the “day of wrath” and the harbinger of the promise of salvation. His
foreboding of doom (cf. Zep 1:15: “a day of wrath, that day, a day of distress and agony,
a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of cloud and darkness
…”) merely underlines the consoling message that God is in our midst – to bring
salvation out of a painful situation. The enigmatic prophet makes an ardent appeal to
trust in the mighty Lord who is “in our midst”. He courageously invites a presently
distressed people to rejoice in a situation in which joy seems utterly impossible.
Zephaniah’s climactic message of hope reinforces the clarion call of the Church in this
Advent season to rejoice always in the Lord. The indomitable joy of a believer and the
faith community is founded on the conviction that our future is secured by God and
promoted by human endeavor and response. Against the backdrop of Zephaniah’s ode to
joy and the exceedingly familiar situations of pain and calamity in today’s world, we
perceive better our mission to be instruments of joy and hope for others.
The following excerpt from a letter written in December 2013 by our friend, Sr.
Jean Marie, CSFN, an American missionary in the Philippines, invites us to cling to God
whose love is made incarnate and is “in our midst”.
Yes, since October 15 this country has had two major calamities. A 7.2
earthquake struck Bohol and Cebu about 8:15 a.m. that day and over 3,000
aftershocks are still going on. Our 5 Sisters there had to hold on to iron grills on
the windows; otherwise, they would have been thrown over the second floor
porch, where they were able to exit. Our school was damaged but the loss of 23
churches is even more devastating. (…)
Typhoon Yolanda, as called in the Philippines, struck a blow Nov. 8-9 leaving
even more devastation. Thousands of lives were lost because of the water surge. It
will take a long time plus lots of faith and courage for these families to rebuild
their homes and lives.
Christmas is right around the corner. So, this newborn Baby Jesus is always a
sign of and proof for hope that new life, especially our spiritual life will not die.
Perhaps the Filipino people are being purified and strengthened in their faith and
trust in the God who loves and cares. Lots of love is being poured out from all
around the world. Businesses and institutions here are cancelling Christmas
parties and donating the money. Is this not what Christmas is all about?
Christmas is about love – the love of God for us and our love for one another.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
1. Do we realize how greatly blessed are we by God and that he has consecrated us to his
saving will? How do we witness God’s blessing and how do we live out our
consecration?
2. Do we welcome with joyful expectation the advent of Jesus, the font of joy, in our
personal life and in the life of the Church? Do we resolve to commit ourselves to be a
people of joy and to be promoters of joy in today’s anguished and distressed world?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you are the “Emmanuel”,
our King and giver of the Law.
In you we behold the holiness of God
and participate intimately in his life.
Help us to rejoice in the blessing you bring
and to live fully our consecration to your saving mission.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
***
(Cf. Alternative Opening Prayer of the Mass: Third Sunday of Advent)
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
ever faithful to your promises
and ever close to your Church:
the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior’s coming
and looks forward with longing
to his return at the end of time.
Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness
that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope
which his presence will bestow.
He is Lord forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“Blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Lk 1:42b) //“The Lord, your God, is in your
midst.” (Zep 3:17)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Let our blessing and consecration be made manifest in our acts of justice and
charity for the people around us, especially those who have lost their jobs and/or homes
and are feeling extremely vulnerable. // Offer your moral, spiritual and material help to
the victims of natural and man-made calamities.
*** Text of December 21 ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 9)
ADVENT WEEKDAY: DECEMBER 22
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is the Cause for Thanksgiving”
BIBLE READINGS
I Sm 1:24-28 // Lk 1:46-56
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
A. Gospel Reading (Lk 1:46-56): “The Mighty One has done great things for me.”
(Gospel Reflection by Fr. Samuel Canilang, CMF, Director: Institute for Consecrated
Life in Asia)
The Magnificat reveals three significant traits of Mary: her historical memory,
social consciousness, and covenantal perspective. In the depth of her heart, Mary
remembers the origin and identity of her people: a people chosen, loved, formed, cared
for, guided by God. Mary knows the consistent infidelity of her people vis-à-vis the
uninterrupted fidelity of God. Far from being a plain housewife, indifferent to the
situation outside her own household, Mary is profoundly aware of the plight, the
struggles, and the dreams of her people. Now Mary understands everything from the
perspective of the Covenant. Thus she bursts into song upon Gabriel’s annunciation of
the birth of the Messiah. The Incarnation is the decisive and definitive fulfillment of
God’s part of the Covenant: the salvation of all characterized by liberation, healing,
justice, peace, and joy.
Advent is a time of repentance for our infidelity, renewal of our faith in the
Covenant, renewal of our commitment to Christ and his mission of integral salvation, and
thanksgiving for God’s constant fidelity.
B. First Reading (I Sm 1:24-28): “Hannah gives thanks for the birth of Samuel.”
Today’s Old Testament reading (I Sm 1:24-28) is especially meaningful for me.
When my dad was sick with cancer, and was given at most three months to live, I
bargained with God. I promised I would enter the convent if he healed him. My dad got
well. When I was nineteen, God made me realize it was time to fulfill my vow. One night
I received a telegram from my dad, who was helping his sister’s business in Mindanao,
Philippines. The text was short, but it radically changed my life: “With my blessing,
daughter.” Soon I was at the PDDM convent, accompanied by my mom, requesting
admission. My mom said, “God gave her to us. We give her back to him.” Sr. Mary
Gianfranca, an Italian sister who warmly welcomed us, told my mom: “Mrs. Tapang, she
will be closer to you more than before!”
Against the backdrop of my personal experience, I find the account of Hannah’s
consecration of Samuel very touching. The distraught Hannah, despised for her
barrenness, bargains with God: if she is given a son, she will consecrate him to the Lord.
God hears her request. She conceives and gives birth to a son, whom she names Samuel.
After weaning her son, she brings him to the sanctuary in Shiloh and introduces him to
the priest Eli as the divine answer to her prayer. Hannah told Eli of her resolve: the boy
will belong to the Lord as long as he lives. God blesses Hannah with three more sons and
two daughters to take the place of the one dedicated to him.
Hannah’s presentation of her child, Samuel, in the temple reminds us of Mary
who would one day present her son, Jesus, in the temple. Moreover, Hannah’s song of
praise for God’s marvels finds a counterpart in Mary’s “Magnificat”. Both canticles
express joy at the birth of a special child and both praise the power and holiness of God
and his saving will. The boy, Samuel, who is the cause of thanksgiving for Hannah, will
grow up to be a great prophet who will speak the word of God to Israel. Hannah’s son is a
figure of Jesus, the son of Mary, the cause of our salvation and thanksgiving. Surpassing
Hannah’s son, Mary’s son is the word of God incarnate and the savior of all mankind.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
What does the consecration of the boy Samuel to the Lord mean to us? How do
the song of Hannah and the song of Mary inspire me? Do we sing Mary’s Magnificat in
the daily events of our life, deeply conscious of God’s presence and activity on our
behalf, the responsibilities of our covenant relationship with him, and our social duties to
promote the common good?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you are “King of all nations” and keystone of the Church.
We sing with Mary her Magnificat
and let the Spirit of God animate our daily lives.
We commit ourselves to the covenant
and the service of the most needy and vulnerable among us.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my
savior.” (Lk 1:46-47a) // “As long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.” (I Sm
1:28)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that our Marian devotion may deepen our covenant fidelity and social
responsibility. Do something for indigent children and share with them the joy of
Christmas. By your spiritual, moral, and material support, promote priestly and religious
vocations in the Church and in the world today.
*** Text of December 22 ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 10)
ADVENT WEEKDAY: DECEMBER 23
“JESUS SAVIOR: John the Baptist Is His Messenger of
Hope”
BIBLE READINGS
Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 // Lk 1:57-66
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s Gospel (Lk 1:57-66) depicts the birth of John the Baptist, the precursor
of the Messiah. The prophecy of Malachi (3:1-4, 23-24) sheds light on the Gospel portrait
of John the Baptist. Malachi speaks of God’s promise to send his “messenger” to prepare
the way before him and to send “the prophet Elijah” to bring fathers and children together
again. As we contemplate God’s marvelous works, in this Advent-Christmas season, we
perceive with gratitude that John the Baptist, born of Jesus’ kinsmen Elizabeth and
Zechariah, is the “messenger” sent to prepare the way of the Lord. John is likewise the
promised “Elijah” totally committed to God as his prophet of judgment and repentance.
John the Baptist is a very powerful Advent figure. He preaches the Good News to the
people and urges them to change their hearts. Through an ascetic lifestyle and fiery words
of truth, he makes a critique of an evil status quo and calls people to conversion. Above
all, he uplifts the hearts of the disheartened and the disappointed by proclaiming the
advent of the longed for Messiah in their midst.
Like John the Baptist, we too are called to proclaim the saving advent of Jesus in
our life. We too are called to be prophets of hope. In today’s fragmented world, Authors
Anne Hendershott and Christopher White show how to carry this out (cf. Emily Stimpson
in “Book Tells Good News Story of the Church” in Our Sunday Visitor, December 1,
2013, p. 19).
The end is near. In the wake of the clergy sex abuse scandals and Rome’s
unchanging positions on the ordination of women, priestly celibacy, and
traditional marriage, that was the fate many cultural commentators predicted for
the Catholic Church. But in their new book, “Renewal: How a New Generation of
Priests and Bishops is Revitalizing the Catholic Church” (Encounter Books,
$25.99), Anne Hendershott and Christopher White unpack the sociological
evidence that proves just the opposite. Recently, Our Sunday Visitor spoke about
that evidence with Hendershott, professor of sociology and director of the Veritas
Center for Ethics in Public Life at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Here’s
what we learned.
Our Sunday Visitor: If the only knowledge someone had of the Catholic Church
was what they saw reported on the evening news, what kind of Church would they
see?
Anne Hendershott: Essentially, they would see a Church in decline. If all you’re
doing is reading secular newspapers or news programs, you’ll get the idea of
people deserting the Church, that priests are disgruntled, graying and unhappy
and we’re not attracting new Catholics. (…)
Our Sunday Visitor: How does that picture contrast with the real picture?
Hendershott: Well, when I started to write the book, the plan was to write about
the Catholic culture wars. That was the original title, “Beyond the Catholic
Culture Wars”. At that point, I was buying into the secular media’s idea that the
Church was in decline. I didn’t know how good the news about the Church
actually was. Everything changed though, when I started writing. I knew
intuitively that some dioceses were doing well and producing vocations. So, I
thought I’d have a chapter that focused on that good news. The plan was to put it
at the end of the book and close on a positive note.
But then my research assistant who was helping with the data, Christopher White,
came to me and said, “This news is so good. I don’t know if you want to end the
book with this.” I was blown away by what he showed me. It wasn’t just a few
dioceses that were doing well. There was more good news than I could fit into just
one chapter. So, I totally redid the plan for the book and made Christopher a
coauthor.
Our Sunday Visitor: What is some of the good news you found?
Hendershott: Going in, I knew there would be some dioceses that had strong
ordination numbers. But there were far more dioceses than I anticipated that fit
into that category. Also, the picture of priests as unhappy, depressed alcoholics is
just so false. There was a study done not too long ago that tells us 95 percent of
priests find a great joy in their priesthood and most wouldn’t even think of
leaving.
Our Sunday Visitor: What makes for happy priests and good priestly vocation
numbers?
Hendershott: What we found was that the bishops are what makes the difference.
Bishops who are involved with their seminarians, encouraging vocations, and
living their priesthood – that matters. So does what bishops are saying and doing
on specific cultural issues. Bishops who protested Notre Dame awarding an
honorary degree to President Obama, those who were high profile in talking
about the problem of pro-choice politicians, and those who signed the Manhattan
Declaration, which defends the definition of marriage as one man and one woman
– in all those cases, what you see is more vocations. The more orthodox the
bishop, the more vocations he inspires. Archbishop (Elden) Curtiss said as much
in the early 1990s. He wrote an article back then that said when dioceses are
unambiguous about the priesthood, and there’s a minimum of dissent about the
nature of it, you have more vocations. Our research found that to be true. (…)
Our Sunday Visitor: What other signs of renewal give the lie to the secular
portrayal of the Catholic Church?
Hendershott: The growing involvement of faithful laity, the increase in the
number of permanent deacons, and so many wonderful new organizations focused
on the New Evangelization, such as FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University
Students) and Word on Fire Ministries. Then, there are the books being written by
faithful Catholics and Catholic universities who are taking their Catholic identity
seriously, as well as faithful women’s religious orders that are attracting
vocations while dissident orders are dying out. There is so much good news.
Our Sunday Visitor: What else can the laity do to help encourage the renewal
taking place within the Church?
Hendershott: Celebrate the good news. Pray for priests and honor them.
Encourage your children and grandchildren to consider priestly and religious
vocations. The more people realize the priesthood and consecrated life are
wonderful callings, the more they will inspire their sons and daughters to
consider it.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Like John the Baptist are we ready to prepare the way of the Lord and prepare the
hearts of the people of today for the advent of Jesus in their life? Are we messengers of
the Lord and heralds of the Good News?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
your cousin, John, is the new Elijah sent by God
to be your precursor.
He is the messenger who prepares the way for you
and the prophet who points out your Advent in our midst..
Bless us and grant us the grace to imitate the precursor John.
Help us to bring close to you the people of Advent expectation.
You are our saving Lord, now and forever.
Amen.
***
Lord Jesus,
you are the “Radiant Dawn”,
splendor of eternal light,
sun of justice.
Bathed in your glorious light,
we walk in the path of life.
Guided by the “hand of the Lord”,
we spread Christmas joy to all.
Help us to prepare worthily for the celebration of your birth.
Maranatha! Come, O Christ the Lord!
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
week. Please memorize it.
“The hand of the Lord was with him.” (Lk 1:66) // “Lo, I am sending my
messenger to prepare my way before me.” (Mal 3:1)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
By acts of self-giving and personal witnessing, let the people who are heartbroken and grieving experience the Advent of the saving Lord in their lives.
*** Text of December 23 ends here. ***
A Lectio Divina Approach to the Weekday Liturgy
BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD (n. 11)
ADVENT WEEKDAY: DECEMBER 24
Mass in the Morning
“JESUS SAVIOR: He Is Born of the House of David”
BIBLE READINGS
II Sm 7:1-5, 8b-13, 14a-16 // Lk 1:67-79
I. BIBLICO-LITURGICAL REFLECTIONS: A Pastoral Tool for the LECTIO
Today’s Old Testament reading (II Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16) presents King David
at his best. In peace with all the nations about, he has the leisure to turn to internal
matters, including the public worship of God. Appalled that he is living in a house of
cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent, King David plans to build a house for the
Lord to dwell in. Nathan’s dream reveals God’s greater plan for David. God looks kindly
on David’s thoughtfulness, but at the same time, puts his good intention in proper
perspective. It is not David who will build a house for the Lord Almighty. It is God who
will build a “house” – a dynasty for his servant David. In the context of our AdventChristmas preparation, we perceive that God’s promise - I will raise up your heir after
you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his Kingdom firm – is fulfilled not by King
Solomon, but by Jesus Christ.
Today’s Gospel reading (Lk 1:67-79) contains the beautiful canticle of Zechariah,
the “Benedictus”. His hymn is a “prophecy” under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and
delineates the meaning of the birth of his son, John. Zechariah sees, in the event of John’s
birth, God’s fulfillment of the covenant promises to David. The priest Zechariah blesses
God for “he has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David”.
The “mighty Savior” of David’s lineage is Jesus. In him is God’s definitive salvation for
all the people. Zechariah’s John will be called “the prophet of the Most High”. As the
precursor of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist “will go before the Lord to prepare his way”
The following personal account illustrates a way of allowing Zechariah’s
prophetic words to take effect in our daily life: “In the tender compassion of our God, the
dawn from on high shall break upon us” (cf. Ellen Siler, “Tidings of Comfort” in
Country, December-January 2014, p. 53).
As Christmas 1983 drew near, I was a 19-year old new bride living hundreds of
miles from my family and growing increasingly homesick. Buying our first meager
decorations and trimming the tree Doug found us didn’t cheer me up the way I’d
hoped.
Then one day, the mail brought a Christmas card – our very first. It was from an
older couple, Mr. and Mrs. Cannon, dear friends who attended my church back
home. The handwritten note inside read simply, “God bless you both on your first
Christmas together. We love you. Eddie and Clarice Cannon.” Tears filled my
eyes.
Now it’s 30 years later, and Mr. and Mrs. Cannon are in heaven. Yet every time I
write my Christmas cards, I still feel the love that traveled so many miles when I
was feeling homesick.
II. POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART: A Pastoral Tool for the
MEDITATIO
Do we thank the Lord for the gift of the royal dynasty of David that brought forth
Jesus Christ? Like Zechariah, do we hail the “dawn from on high” that breaks upon us –
Jesus our Savior? What do we do to make the celebration of Christmas, the birth of our
Savior, more meaningful and life-transforming?
III. PRAYING WITH THE WORD: A Pastoral Tool for the ORATIO
Lord Jesus,
you are the mighty Savior,
born of the house of David.
We hail you as “Dayspring”.
We welcome you as the Sun of justice
and rejoice in the splendor of divine light.
Help us to live our life in holiness and service,
animated by the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Guide our feet into the way of peace.
Together with Zechariah,
whose son John is your precursor,
we bless the Lord, the God of Israel,
for in you we are set free.
You live and reign,
forever and ever.
Amen.
IV. INTERIORIZATION
CONTEMPLATIO
OF
THE
WORD:
A
Pastoral
Tool
for
the
The following is the bread of the living Word that will nourish us throughout the
day. Please memorize it.
“The dawn from on high shall break upon us.” (Lk 1:78b) // “Your house and
your Kingdom shall endure forever.” (II Sm 7:16)
V. TOWARDS LIFE TRANSFORMATION: A Pastoral Tool for the ACTIO
Pray that your family, relatives, and friends may have a grace-filled Christmas.
By your acts of charity, let the Christmas joy flow to all, especially those who are
distressed and burdened with many trials.
*** Text of December 24 ends here. ***