August 19 - Monday

Theme: HE WENT AWAY SAD

Readings: Ezk 24:15-24; Mt 19:16-22

Opening Prayer

Lord our God,
we are eager to follow your Son
wherever he leads us,
but not if we have to give up
our little or big attachments to things or persons.
God, give us the mentality of your Son
and his Spirit of courage,
that with Jesus we may not count the cost
of giving ourselves to people and to you.
Be you our only God and our all
now and for ever.

Scripture Readings

First Reading Introduction:
       When his wife dies, Ezekiel is not allowed by God to mourn. This is a symbolic action prefiguring that when the temple will be destroyed and many of the people killed at the total destruction of the city and the going into exile, no one will be left to mourn.

First Reading: Ezk 24:15-24

The word of Yahweh came to me in these terms, "Son of man, I am about to suddenly take from you the delight of your eyes, but you are not to lament or weep or let your tears flow. Groan in silence and do not mourn for the dead; wear your turban, put on your sandals, do not cover your beard or eat the customary food of mourners."

I spoke to the people in the morning and my wife died that evening. The next morning I did as I had been commanded. Then the people said to me: "Explain to us the meaning of your actions." I said to them, "The word of Yahweh came to me in these terms: 'Say to Israel: I am about to profane my sanctuary, your pride, the delight of your eyes for which you long. The sons and daughters you left behind will also fall by the sword, but you will do as I have done: you will not cover your beard or eat the customary food of mourners; you will keep your turbans on your heads and sandals on your feet. You will not lament or weep. Instead, because of your sin, you will waste away and groan among yourselves. Ezekiel will be a sign for you. Do as he did and when this happens you will know that I am Yahweh.'

Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32:18-21

You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.

The LORD saw it, and was jealous; he spurned his sons and daughters.

He said: I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end will be; for they are a perverse generation, children in whom there is no faithfulness.

They made me jealous with what is no god, provoked me with their idols. So I will make them jealous with what is no people, provoke them with a foolish nation.

Gospel Introduction:
          We probably pity the young man in today’s gospel for not having the courage to give up his wealth for a higher good. He was a just man, full of good will, eager for more than an average, contented life. Yet when Jesus’ call is directed to him, he cannot decide to give up his possessions to become fully happy. But are we better than he? Are we willing to share, also when it hurts, also at a cost of ourselves?

Gospel: Mt 19:16-22

A young man approached Jesus and asked, "Master, what good work must I do to receive eternal life?" Jesus answered, "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Only one is Good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments." The young man said, "Which commandments?" Jesus replied, "Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself."

The young man said to him, "I have kept all these commandments, what is still lacking?"Jesus answered, "If you wish to be perfect, go and sell all that you possess and give the money to the poor and you will become the owner of a treasure in heaven. Then come back and follow me."

On hearing this answer, the young man went away sad for he was a man of great wealth.

(Gospel Commentary)

General Intercessions

For people who have a hard time to share their riches, that the Lord open their eyes to the needs of people, we pray:

For those who hear the Lord calling them to special vocations in the Church, that they may generously answer that call, we pray:

For all of us, that we may appreciate God’s gifts with gratitude and use them for the good of all, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord our God,
with this bread and this wine
we welcome your Son in our midst.
As he places himself into our hands,
entirely and without holding anything back,
may he give us the strength
to go with him all the way,
without looking back
and without counting the cost,
for he is our Lord for ever.

Prayer after Communion

Lord our God,
you have satisfied our hunger
for food that lasts.
Let it be a hunger that cannot be stilled
for you, for people, for life in its fullness.
Give us the courage to sacrifice everything
for Jesus and his gospel,
that with him we may give you
not only the best of what we have
but our whole selves, our all,
by the power of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Blessing

“What do I lack?” We think perhaps that, in good faith and without boasting we have done much for the Lord. Have we given ourselves? What is there that we could not give up? May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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Gospel Commentary (Monday)

In a materialistic and capitalistic world that seeks to find one's worth only in having and accumulating, today's Gospel will necessarily be at odds. But the Word must be proclaimed. Living in a country and a vast continent where the majority of the people are poor, discipleship necessarily means a just re-distribution of the goods of this world. The churches cannot be true to their purpose if they remain islets of affluence in the immense ocean of impoverishment and injustice. Together with other religious traditions, we are called to build a new and good humanity, based on equitable distribution of the goods of life and genuine solidarity with the poor.

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August 20 - Tuesday

Theme: WHAT ABOUT US?

Readings: Ezk 28:1-10;  Mt 19:23-30

Note. August 20 - Feast of ST. BERNARD, Abbot, Church doctor- see also Celebration of Saints

Opening Prayer

Lord our God,
we hold you to your promise
to those who have left everything
for the sake of your kingdom
and who are willing to follow your Son
wherever he leads them.
Let them be men and women
poor in the things that count on this earth
but rich with your love and your grace
and with a wealth of friends
to whom they can bring
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Scripture Readings

First Reading Introduction:
      As God is the Lord of all the earth, so his prophet has the power to prophesy over the nations. Their pride, their wealth, their human wisdom are subject to God and his laws. For God is the Lord of history of all humankind.

First Reading: Ezk 28:1-10

The word of Yahweh came to me in these terms, "Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre: You are very proud and self-satisfied: 'I am a god, I sit like a god in the heart of the sea.' Yet you are man and not a god; would you hold yourself as wise as God? You consider yourself wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you.

Your wisdom and know-how have earned you a fortune, gold and silver flowed to your treasury. Clever in trade, you became wealthy and as your fortune increased, your heart became prouder.

But now Yahweh has spoken to you, to the one who is like God: I am bringing foreigners against you, the most feared of all the nations. Their sword will challenge your wisdom and debase your refined culture. They will bring you down to the pit and you will die in the depths of the sea.

Will you be able to say 'I am a god' when your murderers are killing you? You are a man and not a god. You will die the death of the uncircumcised and perish at the hands of aliens, for I have spoken - word of Yahweh."

Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32:26-28, 30, 35-36

I thought to scatter them and blot out the memory of them from humankind; but I feared provocation by the enemy, for their adversaries might misunderstand and say, "Our hand is triumphant; it was not the LORD who did all this."

They are a nation void of sense; there is no understanding in them.

How could one have routed a thousand, and two put a myriad to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, the LORD had given them up?

Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; because the day of their calamity is at hand, their doom comes swiftly.

Indeed the LORD will vindicate his people, have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone, neither bond nor free remaining.

Gospel Introduction:
        In today’s gospel Peter asks, “What about us, Lord?” and Jesus answers that it is difficult for those who are attached to things to enter the kingdom of heaven. We want to follow him. Have we given up everything for his sake? Where do we stand? What is our situation? Jesus promises eternal life. The poor shall be rich. Those who follow Jesus throughout, even losing their life, will live with God.

Gospel: Mt 19:23-30

Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I say to you: it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Yes, believe me: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven."

On hearing this the disciples were astonished and said, "Who, then, can be saved?" Jesus looked steadily at them and answered, "For humans it is impossible, but for God all things are possible."

Then Peter spoke up and said, "You see we have given up everything to follow you: what will be our lot?" Jesus answered, "You who have followed me, listen to my words: on the Day of Renewal, when the Son of Man sits on his throne in glory, you, too, will sit on twelve thrones to rule the twelve tribes of Israel. As for those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or property for my Name's sake, they will receive a hundredfold and be given eternal life. Many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first."

(Gospel Commentary)

General Intercessions

That the Lord may open our eyes to make us put our hearts in the things that matter: love and service and generous sharing, we pray:

That parents and educators may challenge the young to live for evangelical values, we pray:

That we may welcome God’s grace when it is offered to us and respond readily, also when it makes demands on us, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

God our Father,
with bread and wine we remember him
who gave himself totally for others,
your Son Jesus Christ.
Everything was taken way from him
except the certainty that he could count on you.
Make us more aware of the poverty
and emptiness of our hearts
and of the passing value of the things
to which we attach ourselves.
Convert our hearts and set them
on the riches and persons that never devaluate:
you and our neighbor,
justice, truth and generous love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Lord our God,
we are easily satisfied with ourselves
and our own little worlds.
Wake us up and give us the courage
to set out with your Son
on his adventure of hope and love.
Make us ask ourselves
not what we have done for you
but what we have not done and not yet given.
By the strength of this eucharist
help us to follow your Son generously.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Blessing

“What about us?” We know that the Lord knows us and loves us and that we are in his hands. No worry! May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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Gospel Commentary ( Tuesday)

All religions, including Christianity itself, could be bogged down by the moralistic reward-punishment mentality. Morality is basic to leading a genuine human life. But authentic religion cannot rest itself only on observances and actions with their concomitant rewards or punishments. Discipleship in any religious tradition consists in the simple quest, or better response to the call of the Ultimate to go beyond all self-fulfillment schemes. We Christian believers fulfill ourselves by letting go of all, including ourselves, knowing that there is only one who can fulfill us, the Ultimate, who is already within us and around us in Jesus, the perfect human.

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August 21 - Wednesday

Theme: A GENEROUS GOD

Readings: Ezk 34:1-11; Mt 20:1-16

Note. August 21 - Feast Day of ST. PIUS X, Pope - see also Celebration of Saint

Opening Prayer

God, you are high above us
and get nearer to us
than we are to ourselves;
you hate evil and yet you give a chance
to people who fail;
you know us as we are
and still you love us.
Teach us your surprising ways,
that your thoughts may become ours
and that we may generously share
with those around us all the good gifts
and the life you have given us
in the generosity of your heart,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Scripture Readings

First Reading Introduction:
         After the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel criticizes the kings who have led the people into their misery as bad shepherds. They should have pastured the people in the name of God, and not played politicians.

First Reading: Ezk 34:1-11

The word of Yahweh came to me in these terms, "Son of man, speak on my behalf against the shepherds of Israel! Say to the shepherds on my behalf: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? But you feed on milk and are clothed in wool, and you slaughter the fattest sheep. You have not taken care of the flock, you have not strengthened the weak, cared for the sick or bandaged the injured. You have not gone after the sheep that strayed or searched for the one that was lost. Instead you ruled them harshly and were their oppressors. They have scattered for want of a shepherd and became prey of wild animals. My sheep wander over the mountains and high hills; and when they are scattered throughout the land, no one bothers about them or looks for them.

Hear then shepherds, what Yahweh says: As I live - word of Yahweh, - because my sheep have been the prey of wild animals and become their food for want of shepherds, because the shepherds have not cared for my sheep, because you shepherds have not bothered about them but fed yourselves and not the flocks, because of that, hear the word of Yahweh. This is what Yahweh says: I will ask an account of the shepherds and reclaim my sheep from them. No longer shall they tend my flock; nor shall there be shepherds who feed themselves. I shall save the flock from their mouths and no longer shall it be food for them.

Indeed Yahweh says this: I myself will care for my sheep and watch over them

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23:1-6

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff-- they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.

Gospel Introduction:
      The parable of the laborers in the vineyard tells us, contrary to what we often hear, that God is not a bookkeeper. Of course, he loves those who lead exemplary Christian lives. But in his heart there is also room for the stragglers and latecomers as well as for the pioneers. God loves us and is generous to us, not because we are good but because he is good.

Gospel: Mt 20:1-16

Jesus told his disciples this parable, "A landowner went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the workers a salary of a silver coin for the day, and sent them to his vineyard.
He went out again at about nine in the morning, and seeing others idle in the square, he said to them: 'You, too, go to my vineyard and I will pay you what is just.' So they went.

The owner went out at midday and again at three in the afternoon, and he did the same. Finally he went out at the last working hour - it was the eleventh - and he saw others standing there. So he said to them: 'Why do you stay idle the whole day?' They answered: 'Because no one has hired us.' The master said: 'Go and work in my vineyard.'

When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager: 'Call the workers and pay them their wage, beginning with the last and ending with the first.' Those who had come to work at the eleventh hour turned up and were given a denarius each (a silver coin). When it was the turn of the first, they thought they would receive more. But they, too, received a denarius each. So, on receiving it, they began to grumble against the landowner.

They said: 'These last hardly worked an hour, yet you have treated them the same as us who have endured the day's burden and heat.' The owner said to one of them: 'Friend, I have not been unjust to you. Did we not agree on a denarius a day? So take what is yours and go. I want to give to the last the same as I give to you. Don't I have the right to do as I please with my money? Why are you envious when I am kind?'

So will it be: the last will be first, the first will be last."

(Gospel Commentary)

General Intercessions

That Christians may contribute to our world a sense of giving out of pure generosity and goodness and a sense of celebration, we pray:

That in our communities everyone may be accepted as he or she is; that we may not exclude any one from our love and that we may learn to forgive everyone, we pray:

That those who are jobless, sad or bitter because they think they are useless and nobody needs them, that we may give them the chance to contribute to the good of society, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Generous Father,
in these signs of bread and wine
you give us, weak and tired as we sometimes are,
your Son as our companion.
We open ourselves to his strength and love.
May he help us in the heat of the day
to bear the burdens of our struggles
and to seek your will in all we do.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Generous Father,
in this eucharist we have experienced again
that life and all that we are
is nothing else than a gift from you.
May the demanding word of your Son
stir us to accept and serve our neighbor
as you have accepted and loved us
without any merit on our part.
And may the body of your Son sustain us
to put your word into practice.
We ask you this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Blessing

We have looked at God today as an unbelievably good God. For God, every person is valuable, also the weak and those we consider good for nothing. Everyone counts. May almighty God bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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Gospel Commentary (Wednesday)

Part and parcel of a self-fulfillment scheme is to be in pursuit of or to defend positions of privilege and control. This is the basic principle of capitalistic globalization. On the other hand, the reign of God, which Jesus, the just and righteous ruler, proclaims, evokes generosity, sharing and solidarity - traits more easily fund among those in positions of exploitation and oppression; in short, among the marginalized poor. The churches can become signs of that reign, when perchance put in positions of privilege and control by historical and cultural conditionings, they use these not for self-adulation but as a leverage to tilt the world's attention to a God who is generous with those with no or very little access to the world's goods.

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August 22 - Thursday

Theme: CALLED TO THE FEAST

Readings: Ezk 36:23-28; Lk 1:26-38

Note. August 22 - THE QUEENSHIP OF MARY - see also Celebration of Saints

Opening Prayer

Merciful Father of all people,
you open the doors of your kingdom
to invite us all, good and bad alike,
to share the life of Jesus, your Son.
Give us the wisdom and the strength
to respond to your generous call
with the whole of our being.
Help us to go the loyal way
to you and to one another
of Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord,
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Scripture Readings

First Reading Introduction:
         Israel had profaned God’s name among the nations, making it look weak when he had to send Israel into exile. Now Ezekiel consoles them when they are in exile. He will again restore his people, giving them a new heart and a new spirit.

First Reading: Ezk: 36:23-28

It is not for your sake that I am about to act, but because of my holy Name that you have profaned in the places where you have gone. I will make known the holiness of my great Name, profaned among the nations because of you, and they will know that I am Yahweh when I show them my holiness among you.

For I will gather you from all the nations and bring you back to your own land. Then I shall pour pure water over you and you shall be made clean - cleansed from the defilement of all your idols. I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I shall remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I shall put my spirit within you and move you to follow my decrees and keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you shall be my people and I will be your God.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 51:12-15, 18-19

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.

Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, then you will delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Gospel Introduction:
       All are invited to the kingdom of God, even repeatedly, the good and the bad alike. Salvation is open to all. But they should be willing, they must respond to the call. And once they respond, they should be consistent. They must share in the death struggle of Christ against evil, to live with the life of Christ. The force to live the Christ life is indeed given to us in the eucharistic meal. There the Lord prepares us for the royal marriage feast.

Gospel: Lk 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth. He was sent to a young virgin who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

The angel came to her and said, "Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you." Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean.

But the angel said, "Do not fear, Mary, for God has looked kindly on you. You shall conceive and bear a son and you shall call him Jesus. He will be great and shall rightly be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the kingdom of David, his ancestor; he will rule over the people of Jacob forever and his reign shall have no end."

Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be if I am a virgin?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the holy child to be born shall be called Son of God. Even your relative Elizabeth is expecting a son in her old age, although she was unable to have a child, and she is now in her sixth month. With God nothing is impossible."

Then Mary said, "I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me as you have said." And the angel left her.

(Gospel Commentary)

General Intercessions

That the Lord may gather all peoples in one common praise of his name, we pray:

That the lives of all Christians may radiate joy and hope and bring a feast of happiness to others, we pray:

That the communities without priests, isolated and abandoned as they often feel, may receive the word of the Lord as their food and occasionally also the Lord’s body, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord our God,
in these signs of bread and wine
you invite us now to the table
of your Son Jesus Christ,
as a token and pledge
of your unending feast meal in heaven.
Give us the strength to respond to your call,
that we may become new in Christ
and live his life day after day,
until you let us share in his glory
for ever and ever.

Prayer after Communion

Loving Father,
we thank you for giving us your Son
as our food and drink
on the long road to you.
Through this eucharist
make us resemble him more and more,
that we may respect and love him
in one another,
that we may be his image to the world,
and that you may recognize his traits in us
when you welcome us
to the everlasting feast of joy.
Grant us this through Christ our Lord.

Blessing

All are invited to the Lord’s feast meal, but not all come. Are some absent because we do not make them feel welcome? Let us do all we can to make people feel at home with us. May God bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Gospel Commentary (Thursday)

The focus in today's memorial is really not Mary but Jesus, her Son. The one promised to be conceived in her is the heir of the kingdom of David, endowed with admirable titles in the first reading. His life and mission, his position in the world and the whole universe is what determines Mary's life and mission and her position in the same. Clearly the two complement one another. This is the reason for us in the church to be mindful of the feminist principle in our life and service of love to the world. Otherwise, such life and service will not be life-nurturing if they are propelled by domination and not by a caring service, as done by Mary, the handmaid of the Lord.

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August 23 - Friday

Theme: THE GREAT COMMANDMENT

Readings: Ezk 37:1-14; Mt 22:34-40

Introduction

     At the Last Supper Jesus said: “At this people will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another” (Jn 13:35.) He is speaking not just of any love, but the love by which he loved his disciples, that is, a love that goes to the end, that sets no conditions, that sacrifices everything if necessary for the sake of others. This is the love “with one’s whole heart and mind and soul” and as strong as, or stronger than, self-love, of which today’s gospel speaks. This is a tremendous task that will never end. Is it this kind of love that moves us?

Opening Prayer

Lord God, loving Father,
you have bound yourself to us
with strings of love
and let this love appear among us
in human form
in Jesus Christ your Son.
Let our love,
however limited and hesitant,
reflect a bit the greatness
of the love by which you yourself love us
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Scripture Readings

First Reading: Ezk 37:1-14

The hand of Yahweh was upon me. He brought me out and led me in spirit to the middle of the valley which was full of bones. He made me walk to and fro among them and I could see there was a great number of them on the ground all along the valley and that they were very dry.

Yahweh said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live again?" I said, "Lord Yahweh, only you know that." He then said, "Speak on my behalf concerning these bones; say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of Yahweh! Yahweh says: I am going to put spirit in you and make you live. I shall put sinews on you and make flesh grow on you; I shall cover you with skin and give you my spirit, that you may live. And you will know that I am Yahweh."

I prophesied as I had been commanded and then there was a noise and commotion; the bones joined together. 8 I looked and saw that they had sinews, that flesh was growing on them and that he was covering them with skin. But there was no spirit in them.

So Yahweh said to me, "Speak on my behalf and call on the Spirit, son of man! Say to the Spirit: This is the word of Yahweh: Spirit, come from the four winds. Breathe into these dead bones and let them live!"

I prophesied as he had commanded me and breath entered them; they came alive, standing on their feet - a great, immense army!

He then said to me, "Son of man, these bones are all Israel. They keep saying: 'Our bones are dry, hope has gone, it is the end of us.' So prophesy! Say to them: This is what Yahweh says: I am going to open your tombs, I shall bring you out of your tombs, my people, and lead you back to the land of Israel. You will know that I am Yahweh, O my people! when I open your graves and bring you out of your graves, when I put my spirit in you and you live. I shall settle you in your land and you will know that I, Yahweh, have done what I said I would do.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 107:2-9

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town;
hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town.

Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.

Gospel: Mt 22:34-40

When the Pharisees heard how Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they came together. One of them, a teacher of the Law, tried to test him with this question, "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law?"

Jesus answered, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and the most important of the commandments. But after this there is another one very similar to it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole Law and the Prophets are founded on these two commandments."

(Gospel Commentary)

General Intercessions

That the Church, the people of God, may never cease to proclaim that love of God and neighbor is the heart of the gospel and that people are God’s gift to us, we pray:

That people may not lose their hearts in today’s economic systems of profit, efficiency, production and competition but keep giving first place to human relationships of friendship and respect, we pray:

That in our Christian communities we may uplift one another rather than tear down, accept one another with trust and affection and go forward together in love and hope, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord God, loving Father,
your own love appeared in human shape
in your Son Jesus Christ.
In this eucharist
let him raise our human love
to your level,
that among us
love may no longer be a duty
but our joy and life,
on account of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Lord our God, loving Father,
all love worthy of this name
begins with you and leads to you.
By the love you have shown us
in Jesus your Son,
bring us together
and let everything that we do
become a gift
to you and to one another,
that our love may be greater than death
and that we may live for ever.

Blessing

In this eucharist God has let Jesus warm us with his love. Let its glow shine on everyone around you, with the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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Gospel Commentary (Friday)

Jesus is truly formidable. Nobody can stand his word that cuts like a two-edged sword. Having silenced the powerful Sadducees, he now stands the test of the popular Pharisees, many of whom in their overzealous piety tended to lose the balance of priorities between what is essential and what is superfluous. Jesus brings them to that which cannot be taken for granted: the great commandment or Shema, which every devout Jew makes a confession of in the morning and in the evening. It is a constant reminder of the covenant once made between God and God's people. But the relationship with God is concretized in the acts of justice due to one another as a covenantal people. Thus, the inseparability of God's love from that of love for one's neighbor. All the other precepts are simply expressions of this two-pronged commandment. Is our observance of God's commands mainly concerned with the external observances rather than with their core essence - the Covenant?

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August 24 - Saturday

Feast of ST. BARTHOLOMEW, Apostle

Theme: LET YOUR LIFE TELL GOD'S STORY

Readings: Rev 21:9-14; Jn 1:45-51

Introduction

It is quite likely that Nathaniel of today’s gospel is the same person as the apostle Bartholomew. If so, he was an open and honest man, “in whom there was no deceit,” as Jesus said.

Opening Prayer

Lord our God,
would that it could be said of each of us:
”there goes and honest person
in whom their is no deceit,”
one who is worthy of the name Christian.
Make us into true disciples of Jesus
who live as we believe day after day,
and who cooperate in bringing people
to your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Scripture Readings:

First Reading: Rev 21:9-14

Then one of the seven angels came to me, one of those with the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues. And he said, "Come, I am going to show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." He took me up in a spiritual vision to a very high mountain and he showed me the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shines with the glory of God, like a precious jewel with the color of crystal-clear jasper.

Its wall, large and high, has twelve gates; stationed at them are twelve angels. Over the gates are written the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. Three gates face the east; three gates face the north; three gates face the south and three face the west. The city wall stands on twelve foundation stones on which are written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145:10-13, 17-18

All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your faithful shall bless you.

They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power, to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.

The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Gospel: Jn 1:45-51

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found the one that Moses wrote about in the Law, and the prophets as well: he is Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth."

Nathanael replied, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said of him, "Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him." Nathanael asked him, "How do you know me?" And Jesus said to him, "Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree and I saw you."

Nathanael answered, "Master, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" But Jesus replied, "You believe because I said: 'I saw you under the fig tree.' But you will see greater things than that.

Truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

(Gospel Commentary)

General Intercessions

For faith in the Church and for confidence in the future, because we are certain that Christ is present among us, we pray:

For the spirit of Christian love and of forgiveness for all people, for we are certain that all are invited in Christ to share in God’s unending happiness, we pray:

For all who are baptized in Christ’s name, that they may follow their Savior in his love and spirit of service, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord our God,
you have called us together,
saints and sinners alike,
at the table of your Son.
Accept the willingness we offer you
to carry out in everyday life
the task you entrust to us.
Let your Son make us your new people
always open to the prompting of your love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Prayer after Communion

Lord our God, loving Father,
in this eucharistic celebration
we have encountered your Son
as our Lord and Savior.
He has seen us and he loves us.
May we live as we believe,
that there be no deceit im us
but that we follow your Son
on the road of self-giving love,
for he is our Lord for ever.

Blessing

What a great honor if the Lord can call us a true person, someone in whom there is no deceit! May almighty God bless you all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Gospel Commentary (Saturday)

Tradition has identified the Johannine Nathanael with the Synoptic Bartholomew. He was one of the first disciples of Jesus. He was puzzled that Jesus seemed to know him already - and also have a high opinion of him. "Before Philip called you," Jesus said, "I saw you under the fig tree."

Palestine is a scorching, hot country, and people often had a fig tree growing at the door of their house. Besides fruit it offered shade in the heat. It would be a place to sit and be quiet. It may be that Nathanael had been praying under the fig tree when Jesus spotted him earlier. "Behold an Israelite in whom there is no guile!" Jesus had said. Our faces, it may be, are never so transparent as when we are praying.

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Taken from Liturgy Alive for Weekdays,
& Bible Diary 2002
(Scripture Readings from Christian Community Bible, Pastoral Edition)
Copyright © 2002 by Claretian Publications
A division of Claretian Communications, Inc.
U.P. P.O. Box 4 Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
Tel. (632) 921-3984 • Fax: (632) 921-7429
Email: cci@claret.org

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