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August
26 - Monday
Theme:
NO EMPTY FORMALISM!
Readings:
2 Thes 1:1-5, 11b-12; Mt
23:13-22
Opening
Prayer
God,
you are clear-sighted
as you look into our hearts.
Do not allow us to seek security
in words and laws and observances,
but in giving in everyday life
a response of love to your challenging word.
Yes, let this word question us day after day
whether we are true
to the gospel and to the person
of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Scripture Readings
First
Reading Introduction:
The
introductory thanksgiving of 2 Thes is very similar to the one of
1 Thes. It expresses the joy and the gratitude of Paul for the fast
growth as a Christian community of the young Church of Thessalonica.
Paul makes also an allusion to their suffering, which came either
from the antagonism of the synagogue, which had been strong, or from
their questions and discussions about the end of the world, or from
both.
First
Reading: 2
Thes 1:1-5, 11-12
From
Paul, Sylvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians which
is in God our Father and in Christ Jesus, the Lord.
May
grace and peace be yours from God the Father and Christ Jesus, the
Lord.
Brothers
and sisters, we should give thanks to God at all times for you.
It is fitting to do so, for your faith is growing and your love
for one another increasing. We take pride in you among the churches
of God because of your endurance and your faith in the midst of
persecution and sufferings. In this the just judgment of God may
be seen; for you must show yourselves worthy of the kingdom of God
for which you are now suffering.
This is why we constantly pray for you; may our God make you worthy
of his calling. May he, by his power, fulfill your good purposes
and your work prompted by faith. In that way, the name of Jesus
our Lord will be glorified through you, and you through him, according
to the loving plan of God and of Christ Jesus the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalms 96:1-5
O
sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing
to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare
his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
For
great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered
above all gods.
For
all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
Gospel
Introduction:
When
we hold on to the letter of the law without concern for its spirit,
we easily become hypocrites, perhaps without realizing it fully; also
whenin the name of tradition we sap it of all life, or worse, when
we speak beautiful words but act differently. For example, when we
speak of poverty, community, or dialogue, but live in grand style
or fail to communicate from person to person. Such contradictions
are not only the lot of Pharisees and scribes: they are often with
us today.
Gospel
Reading: Mt
23:13-22
Jesus
said, "Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
You shut the door to the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. You
yourselves do not enter, nor do you allow others to do so.
Woe
to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel
by sea and land to win a single convert, yet once he is converted,
you turn him twice as fit for hell as yourselves.
Woe
to you, blind guides! You say: To swear by the Temple is not binding,
but to swear by the treasure of the Temple is. Blind fools! Which
is of more worth? The gold in the Temple or the Temple which makes
the gold a sacred treasure? You say: To swear by the altar is not
binding, but to swear by the offering on the altar is. How blind
you are! Which is of more value: the offering on the altar or the
altar which makes the offering sacred? Whoever swears by the altar
is swearing by the altar and by everything on it. Whoever swears
by the Temple is swearing by it and by God who dwells in the Temple.
Whoever swears by heaven is swearing by the throne of God and by
him who is seated on it."
(Commentary)
General Intercessions
-
That the Church in its leaders and members may be a strong and faithful
witness in our world for the truth, truthfulness and authenticity,
we pray:
-
For priests and religious, that the poverty and love of Christ and
people may become visible in them and make their teaching credible,
we pray:
-
For politicians and civic leaders, that their concern may not be
honor and power but justice, dignity and the unity of those whom
they honestly serve, we pray:
Prayer
over the Gifts
Lord
our God,
in this bread and this wine
we celebrate the memory of your Son,
with his fidelity to his mission
to you and to people.
Let this offering be
not a mere formality
but a call to commit ourselves
to his gospel and his life,
for he is our Lord for ever.
Prayer
after Communion
Lord
our God,
it is difficult for us to be always honest
with ourselves and with you,
for sincerity demands total commitment.
God, you have encouraged us
with the word and the bread of your Son.
Do not allow us
to put our consciences to sleep or at ease
with beautiful words or outward practices,
but make us live as we believe,
that with the whole of our lives
we may give glory to you,
our God for ever and ever.
Blessing
We
are to be pitied as Christians if we think we can save ourselves
by outward practices. What saves us, what makes us God's sons and
daughters, is our love of God and neighbor, how we live our daily
life in closeness to the Lord. May almighty God bless you, the Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Gospel
Commentary (Monday)
This
week begins a series of readings from Paul's second letter to the
Church in Thessalonica, a port northeast of Greece. These two letters
are probably the first of the New Testament to be written, about
50 A.D. Paul seems to love this community of Gentile converts very
much. It contrasts with the angry words of Jesus to the scribes
and Pharisees. Jesus is so angry with those scholars who argued
over words and laws. These people show no love and do not work for
justice. Are we going to be like them? They concern themselves with
so many superficial things, that they forget what is essential!
Not the law but how the law is applied to ourselves in the search
for what is true and just.
TOP
August
27 - Tuesday
Theme:
GENUINE, AUTHENTIC PERSONS
Readings:
2 Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17; Mt 23:23-26
Note.
August 27 - Feast of ST.
MONICA
- see
also Celebration of Saints
Opening
Prayer
Truthful,
authentic, genuine God,
you are the truth in its fullness.
Immerse us in your truth,
that we may emerge as truthful persons
who do not bother about outward appearances
but live in the likeness of Jesus Christ, your Son.
Thus make it possible for us to live
in communion with one another in mutual trust,
one in his Spirit,
today and every day and for ever.
Scripture Readings
First
Reading Introduction:
Paul
is aware that his Thessalonians are in danger of becoming an end-of-the-world
sect, something we understand easily in the light of the many similar
sects appearing among us today. Paul invites them to look serenely
at the traditions of the early Church about the end of the world which
Paul had brought to them. Jesus comes not to end the world but to
bring us another world of justice and mercy.
First
Reading: 2
Thes 2:1-3, 14-17
Brothers
and sisters, let us speak about the coming of Christ Jesus, our
Lord, and our gathering to meet him. Do not be easily unsettled.
Do not be alarmed by what a prophet says or by any report, or by
some letter said to be ours, saying the day of the Lord is at hand.
Do
not let yourselves be deceived in any way. Apostasy must come first,
when the man of Sin will appear.
To
this end he called you through the gospel we preach, for he willed
you to share the glory of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because
of that, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions
that we taught you by word or by letter. May Christ Jesus our Lord
who has loved us, may God our Father, who in his mercy gives us
everlasting comfort and true hope, strengthen you. May he encourage
your hearts and make you steadfast in every good work and word.
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalms 96:10-13
Say
among the nations, "The LORD is king! The world is firmly established;
it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity."
Let
the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar,
and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it.
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD;
for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge
the world with righteousness and the peoples with his truth.
Gospel
Introduction:
There
is always the danger that religions turn into a kind of ritualism
that imposes practices of little meaning as if they were the saving
factors. Ritualism and rubricism is still raising its ugly head even
after Vatican II. How ridiculous, almost superstitious! Equally ridiculous
because it is empty, is a religion that professes to have faith but
minimizes or shuns religious practices. Be sure that with this attitude
quite rampant in our time, true faith disappears.
Gospel
Reading: Mt
23:23-26
Jesus
said, "Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
You do not forget the mint, anise and cumin seeds when you pay the
tenth of everything, but then you forget what is most fundamental
in the Law: justice, mercy and faith. These you must practice, without
neglecting the others. Blind guides! You strain out a mosquito,
but swallow a camel.
Woe
to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You fill
the plate and the cup with theft and violence, and then pronounce
a blessing over them. Blind Pharisee! Purify the inside first, then
the outside too will be purified."
(Commentary)
General Intercessions
-
For missionaries and all who proclaim the faith, that their own
lifestyle be a strong argument to follow Jesus Christ, we pray:
-
For all apostles and prophets in the Church, that their personal
encounter with the Lord may give them the power to speak for what
is right and good, we pray:
-
For us, that we may learn to care little for outward display but
for the things that matter: honesty, justice and love, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord
our God,
you could not give us a more truthful sign
than this bread and this wine;
here you show us again and again
how much you love us in your Son Jesus Christ.
Let this sign of your truthfulness
imprint on us an indelible mark,
that all may see that his Spirit lives among us,
today and every day, for ever.
Prayer
after Communion
Lord
our God,
you show us in Jesus your Son
the way, the truth and the life.
Let him accompany us on the road
and teach us your truthfulness,
that we may live as authentic persons
in a genuine community of brothers and sisters
where it is good to live in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
today and for ever.
Blessing
Let
us, as Jesus recommends, pay attention first of all to the important
matters of the law: to justice and mercy, faith and love. The rest
will follow easily. May almighty God bless you all, the Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Gospel
Commentary (Tuesday)
Justice,
mercy, and faith are for Jesus the most important things of the
law. It is strange that faith is ranked third place. The Gospel
is talking first of justice and mercy, two virtues which speak to
us about our relationship with the rest of humanity. Couldn't it
be that the relationship with God passes necessarily through the
relationship with our brothers and sisters? We can't call God directly
by phone. Our call has always to pass through the switchboard where
all people are connected. If we are not successful in justice and
mercy, it is a sign that our faith is weak.
TOP
August
28 - WEDNESDAY
Theme:
NO HYPOCRISY!
Readings:
2 Thes 3:6-10, 16-18; Mt 23:27-32
Note.
August 28 - ST. AUGUSTINE,
Bishop, Doctor
- see
also Celebration of Saints
Opening
Prayer
Just
and merciful God,
you know what is in us.
Forgive us that often we are so busy
that we have no time to stop and look back
to those who are too tired to follow.
Forgive us that we condemn
without having tried to understand.
Let justice and mercy and service
not be the business of others
but our concern and our life
on account of him who told us
to look for him in others,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Scripture Readings
First
Reading Introduction:
Our
guide should be the solid traditions of our faith, not private revelations.
First
Reading: 2
Thes 3:6-10, 16-18
We
command you, beloved, to stay away from believers who are living
in idleness contrary to the traditions we passed on to you. You
know how you ought to follow our example: we worked while we were
with you. Day and night we labored and toiled so as not to be a
burden to any of you. 9 We had the right to act otherwise, but we
wanted to give you an example.
Besides,
while we were with you, we said clearly: If anyone is not willing
to work, neither should that one eat.
May the Lord of peace give you his peace at all times and in every
way. May the Lord be with you all.
I,
Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is my signature
in all my letters. This is how I write.
May
the grace of Christ Jesus our Lord be with you.
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalms 128:1-2, 4-5
Happy
is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways.
You
shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy,
and it shall go well with you.
Thus
shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
The
LORD bless you from Zion. May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
Gospel
Introduction:
We
probably agree with Jesus' strong condemnation of the hypocrisy of
the Pharisees. But hypocrisy is still with us today. The whitewashing
of tombs goes on, and from an individual corruption it has pervaded
society itself. The wrongs of the state, and the Church too, are covered
up. Injustices and exploitation are passed over in silence or are
condemned in such general terms that even oppressors agree. We close
our eyes and our consciences are undisturbed because we think we have
no share in the evil that goes on. Our deeds do not match our words.
Gospel
Reading:Mt
23:27-32
 Jesus
said, "Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
You are like whitewashed tombs beautiful in appearance, but inside
there are only dead bones and uncleanness. In the same way you appear
as religious to others, but you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness
within.
Woe
to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build
tombs for the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous.
You say: Had we lived in the time of our ancestors, we would not
have joined them in the blood of prophets. So, you yourselves confess
to be kins of those who murdered the prophets. And now, finish off
what your ancestors began!"
(Commentary)
General Intercessions
-
For all those who bear witness to the truth, that the Spirit may
put the right words in their mouths, we pray:
-
For all of us, that we may do our work and tasks in life conscientiously
and with zeal, we pray:
-
For us all who celebrate the eucharist, that the Lord Jesus may
make us authentic and trustworthy persons, we pray:
Prayer
over the Gifts
Lord
our God,
because he could not be swayed
from his purpose to make people truly free in you,
your Son paid with his life,
but you raised him to lasting life.
As we join him in his sacrifice,
make us straightforward and committed with him
whatever the cost to ourselves,
in honesty and truth,
that we may stand the test of your scrutiny
and live in your light, now and for ever.
Prayer
after Communion
Lord
our God,
the words of your Son we have heard,
were hard and addressed not only to others
but also to us, to be put into practice.
By the strength of this eucharist
help us to live as we believe
and to be honest with ourselves and with others.
Make us not only speak of peace and love
but be men and women of peace
and of community in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Blessing
Let
us never give in to the temptation of trying to appear better to
people than we are, perhaps somehow trying to impress God! Let us
humbly ask for his blessing. May almighty God bless you, the Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Gospel
Commentary (Wednesday)
One
of the most famous books of Erich Fromm is about freedom. Freedom
implies to assume risks but many people prefer to be secured even
if that means to renounce freedom. The pharisees in the time of
Jesus were not bad people. But they were afraid of freedom. They
preferred to look for security. How could they attain salvation?
Very simple, implementing even the last letter of the law. However,
they forgot that it is the heart that has to be converted. They
stayed in the externals. Their hearts kept on being impure, Jesus
offers a new way of encountering God: from responsible freedom and
truth. It is more risky but it is the only possible way.
TOP
August
29 - Thursday
Theme:
THE SERVANT STANDS READY
Readings:
1 Cor 1:1-9; Mk
6:17-29
Note.
August 29 - MARTYRDOM
OF JOHN THE BAPTIST -
see also Celebration
of Saints
Opening
Prayer
Lord
our God,
we affirm that we believe in you,
but we are in danger of forgetting
that deeds have to prove
the sincerity of our faith.
Help us to be wise and faithful servants
of steadfast faith and fervent love,
who follow the example of Jesus Christ,
your Son and our Lord for ever.
Scripture Readings
First
Reading Introduction:
For
three-and-a-half weeks, we will hear in the first reading excerpts
from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. In this letter, Paul
has to face practical problems in a young Christian community in pagan
territory, particularly its internal division into factions, lapses
of morality, relations with pagans, the role of charisms, and faith
in the resurrection, so difficult to Greeks. In today's greeting,
he reminds the Christians of Corinth how they have become rich in
Christ.
First
Reading:1 Cor 1:1-9
From
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
and from Sosthenes, our brother, to God's Church which is in Corinth;
to you whom God has sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be
holy, together with those who everywhere call upon the name of our
Lord Christ Jesus, their Lord and ours.
Receive
grace and peace from God our Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I
give thanks constantly to my God for you and for the grace of God
given to you in Christ Jesus. For you have been fully enriched in
him with words as well as with knowledge, even as the testimony
concerning Christ was confirmed in you. You do not lack any spiritual
gift and only await the glorious coming of Christ Jesus, our Lord.
He will keep you steadfast to the end, and you will be without reproach
on the day of the coming of our Lord Jesus. The faithful God will
not fail you after calling you to this fellowship with his Son,
Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalms 145:2-7
Every day I will bless
you, and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD,
and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall
laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor
of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
The might of your
awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness.
They shall celebrate
the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your
righteousness.
Gospel
Introduction:
As
a witness to integrity and the honest truth, John the Baptist lost
his life to cunning and violence. But he had to speak, whatever the
consequences. God’s word cannot be muzzled. Does the Church – do
we – have this courage today?
Gospel
Reading:
Mk 6:17-29
Herod
had ordered John to be arrested and had him bound and put in prison
because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herod had married
her and John had told him, "It is not right for you to live
with your brother's wife." So Herodias held a grudge against
John and wanted to kill him, but she could not because Herod respected
John. He knew John to be an upright and holy man and kept him safe.
And he liked listening to him, although he became very disturbed
whenever he heard him.
Herodias had her chance on Herod's birthday, when he gave a dinner
for all the senior government officials, military chiefs and the
leaders of Galilee. On that occasion the daughter of Herodias came
in and danced; and she delighted Herod and his guests. The king
said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want and I will
give it to you." And he went so far as to say with many oaths,
"I will give you anything you ask, even half my kingdom."
She went out to consult her mother, "What shall I ask for?"
The mother replied, "The head of John the Baptist." The
girl hurried to the king and made her request: "I want you
to give me the head of John the Baptist, here and now, on a dish."
The
king was very displeased, but he would not refuse in front of his
guests because of his oaths. So he sent one of the bodyguards with
orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded John in prison;
then he brought the head on a dish and gave it to the girl. And
the girl gave it to her mother. When John's disciples heard of this,
they came and took his body and buried it.
(Commentary)
General Intercessions
-
That we may be attentive to God's presence in our world in the goodness
of people, we pray:
-
That we may be awake to the love of God that he shows us and makes
grow in us in every eucharist, we pray:
-
That we may hope in the certainty that our commitment to justice
and love and our dedicated service are needed to bring God's kingdom
in our world, we pray:
Prayer
over the Gifts
Lord
our God,
as the body is dead without the soul,
this bread and this wine remain lifeless
if not animated by your Spirit.
Give life to these gifts, we pray you,
by the power of the Holy Spirit,
that Christ's love may inspire our lives
to serve you and people
and make us ready to meet at any time
our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Prayer
after Communion
Lord
our God,
you have called us to life
to be happy ourselves
and to make others happy.
Make us vividly aware
of our responsibility for one another.
Help us to be faithful servants
whose faith in you is made visible
in deeds of sincere love,
as we wait in joyful hope
for the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Blessing
Blessed
is that servant whom the master finds at work when he arrives. May
the Lord bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Gospel
Commentary (Thursday)
John
the Baptist is a forerunner of Jesus in all aspects - not only in
his life and mission but also in his death. God's reign cannot be
compromised by arrangements of convenience. It is based on right
relationships through and through. The lot of John the Baptist is
a sure foreboding of what is going to happen to Jesus. In fact,
earlier than this episode Mark reported Jesus to have been rejected
by his own compatriots of Nazareth. What else will the Prophet suffer
like the prophets of old, who were rejected and even persecuted
and killed? Authentic prophetism is verified in one's constancy
and perseverance in one's calling and mission despite odds. How
do we live our prophetic calling?
TOP
August
30 - Friday
Theme:
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE LORD'S COMING
Readings:
1 Cor 1:17-25; Mt 25:1-13
Opening
Prayer
Lord
our God, source of all wisdom,
you invite us to be wise
and to encounter your Son
with burning lamps in our hands.
Help us to be prepared to meet him
in the events of daily life
and in people around us,
that we may enter with him
into your feast that lasts for ever.
Scripture Readings
First
Reading Introduction:
Paul
knows that the Christians of Corinth are not only divided in their
loyalties but are also influenced by the Greek tendency to philosophize
about everything. But their salvation, their true wisdom lies in Christ,
who saved them by the cross.
First
Reading:
1 Cor 1:17-25
For
Christ did not send me to baptize, but to proclaim his Gospel. And
not with beautiful words! That would be like getting rid of the
cross of Christ. The language of the cross remains nonsense for
those who are lost. Yet for us who are saved, it is the power of
God, as Scripture says: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
and make fail the foresight of the foresighted. Masters of human
wisdom, educated people, philosophers, you have no reply! And the
wisdom of this world? God let it fail.
At
first God spoke the language of wisdom, and the world did not know
God through wisdom. Then God thought of saving the believers through
the foolishness that we preach.
The
Jews ask for miracles and the Greeks for a higher knowledge, while
we proclaim a crucified Messiah. For the Jews, what a great scandal!
And for the Greeks, what nonsense! But he is Christ, the power of
God and the wisdom of God for those called by God among both Jews
and Greeks.
In
reality, the "foolishness" of God is wiser than humans,
and the "weakness" of God is stronger than humans.
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalms 33:1-2, 4-5, 10, 1
Rejoice in the LORD,
O you righteous. Praise befits the upright.
Praise the LORD with
the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings.
For the word of the
LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness
and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
The LORD brings the
counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the
peoples.
The counsel of the
LORD stands forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations
Gospel
Introduction:
Gospel.
The key point of the parable of the wise and the foolish virgins in
today's gospel is not so much vigilance as foresight, readiness for
the kingdom, and only then, consequently, vigilance.
Gospel
Reading: Mt
25:1-13
Jesus
said to his disciples, "This story throws light on what will
happen in the kingdom of heaven. Ten bridesmaids went out with their
lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were careless while the
others were sensible.
The careless bridesmaids took their lamps as they were and did not
bring extra oil. But those who were sensible, brought with their
lamps flasks of oil. As the bridegroom delayed, they all grew drowsy
and fell asleep.
But
at midnight, a cry rang out: 'The bridegroom is here, come out and
meet him!' All the maidens woke up at once and trimmed their lamps.
Then the careless ones said to the sensible ones: 'Give us some
oil, for our lamps are going out.' The sensible ones answered: 'There
may not be enough for both you and us. You had better go to those
who sell and buy for yourselves.'
They were out buying oil when the bridegroom came, and those who
were ready went with him to the wedding feast, and the doors were
shut.
Later
the rest of the bridesmaids arrived and called out: 'Lord, Lord,
open to us.' But he answered: 'Truly, I do not know you.' So, stay
awake, for you do not know the day nor the hour."
(Commentary)
General Intercessions
-
For our pope, bishops and priests, that they may constantly remind
people of the eternal dimension of life and lead us with wisdom,
patience and vigilance, we pray:
-
For those discouraged and wounded in life, that they may not grow
bitter and that from our presence and friendship they may draw fresh
strength and hope, we pray:
-
For our beloved dead, that they may live in the joy of the Lord,
we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
God,
our Father,
you invite us all
to the feast meal of your Son.
Let the bread and the wine
of this eucharistic celebration
be the sign of the great feast
you have begun with us on earth
and our strength to go all the way
to its full celebration in heaven,
where your Son lives with you for ever.
Prayer
after Communion
Lord
our God, in your kingdom
to wait does not mean
to be bored and inactive,
but to go out and meet your Son
and to build the future with him.
Do not allow any of us
to remain apathetic to a fellow human being
who waits for a word or gesture
of sympathy or encouragement,
for he is your Son to us.
Let your Son stay with us
to make your kingdom live and grow
until you complete it for ever.
Blessing
Be
ready for the coming of the Lord, always. We know what we are waiting
for: the Lord, full life, great happiness. No fear then. May almighty
God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Gospel
Commentary
(Friday)
In
oriental tradition and practice mindfulness is one of the principal
traits of a wise wo/man. In fact, it is the key for personal growth
in wisdom. God's reign has already come in the mystery of Jesus
the Christ. We have become partakers of that saving mystery through
our baptismal consecration. A new reality has been inaugurated in
our lives. But have we lived out of that reality? Sadly we need
to accept that most of the time we have not been mindful that the
Bridegroom is already here, inviting us to be in communion with
him all the moments of our lives.
TOP
August
31 - Saturday
Theme:
A HOLE IN THE GROUND?
Readings:
1 Cor 1:26-31; Mt 25:14-30
Opening
Prayer
Lord
our God,
you entrust to us your life and love
as a tremendous capital of potentials
to bear interest in the service
of your plans and your kingdom.
Do not allow us to dig a hole in the ground
to bury ourselves with our talents.
Make us go out to take the risk
of investing ourselves in people
and in the growth of your kingdom of love and justice,
by the strength of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Scripture Readings
First
Reading Introduction:
Little
people as most of the Corinthians are, they should be aware that they
are great before God. God chooses what is foolish in the world to
shame the wise. Their boast, their wisdom, is God.
First
Reading:
1 Cor 1:26-31
Brothers
and sisters, look and see whom God has called. Few among you can
be said to be cultured or wealthy, and few belong to noble families.
Yet God has chosen what the world considers foolish, to shame the
wise; he has chosen what the world considers weak to shame the strong.
God has chosen common and unimportant people, making use of what
is nothing to nullify the things that are, so that no mortal
may boast before God. But, by God's grace you are in Christ
Jesus, who has become our wisdom from God, and who makes us just
and holy and free. Scripture says: Let the one who boasts boast
of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm:
Psalms 33:12-13, 18-21
Happy is the nation
whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.
The LORD looks down
from heaven; he sees all humankind.
Truly the eye of the
LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast
love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in
famine.
Our soul waits for
the LORD; he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad
in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Gospel
Introduction:
In today's parable of the talents, Jesus speaks of what we do for
the kingdom of God with the gifts we have received from him. For the
kingdom, that means, to animate the Church and the world with a faith,
a hope, a love that transform us, the Church and the world. For this
purpose, we invest ourselves, take risks, are involved. If we seek
a deceptive security in our little practices, in immobility, we bury
a hole in the ground, we bury ourselves, we opt for death, we are
devalued. Do we use our God-given talents as a capital not merely
to be proud of, but to bear interest for God's plans with us and the
world?
Gospel
Reading: Mt
25:14-30
Jesus
told this parable to his disciples, "Imagine someone who, before
going abroad, summoned his servants to entrust his property to them.
He gave five talents of silver to one, then two to another, and
one to a third, each one according to his ability; and he went away.
He
who received five talents went at once to do business with the money
and gained another five. The one who received two did the same and
gained another two. But the one with one talent dug a hole and hid
his master's money.
After
a long time, the master of those servants returned and asked for
a reckoning. The one who received five talents came with another
five talents, saying: 'Lord, you entrusted me with five talents,
but see I have gained five more with them.' The master answered:
'Very well, good and faithful servant, since you have been faithful
in a few things, I will entrust you with much more. Come and share
the joy of your master.'
Then
the one who had two talents came and said: 'Lord, you entrusted
me with two talents; I have two more which I gained with them.'
The master said: 'Well, good and faithful servant, since you have
been faithful in little things, I will entrust you with much more.
Come and share the joy of your master.'
Finally,
the one who had received a talent came and said: 'Master, I know
that you are an exacting man. You reap what you have not sown and
gather what you have not invested. I was afraid, so I hid your money
in the ground. Here, take what is yours.' But his master replied:
'Wicked and worthless servant, you know that I reap where I have
not sown and gather where I have not invested. Then you should have
deposited my money in the bank, and you would have given it back
to me with interest on my return.
Therefore,
take the talent from him, and give it to the one who has ten. For
to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an
abundance; but from those who are unproductive, even what they have
will be taken from them. As for that useless servant, throw him
out into the dark where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
(Commentary)
General Intercessions
-
That all people may share in the earth's resources in justice, friendship
and peace, we pray:
- That inspiring homes and good educators may equip our young people
to place their potentials in the service of the Church and of our
people, we pray:
- That women may take with honor their rightful place in the Church
and in the world; that their talents of cordiality, tact and sensitivity
may warm this harsh world with gentleness, we pray:
Prayer
over the Gifts
Lord
our God,
in these gifts of bread and wine
we place ourselves and all you have made us,
that you may return them to us
as the body and blood of your Son.
Accept us with Jesus and make us
with him give ourselves to one another
in the poverty and riches of our existence.
May we thus give shape to your kingdom
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord
our God,
through the gift of your Son Jesus Christ
you have made us capable
of sowing the seeds of your life and love.
Grant that when you ask for an account
of what we have done with our lives,
we may hear from your own lips
that we have been good and faithful servants
who did much with the little we had
and that we may enter your joy for ever.
Blessing
Every
one of us has received from God one's own particular gifts. That
you may be good servants of what God has entrusted to you, whether
much or little, may almighty God bless you, he Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit.
Gospel
Commentary (Saturday)
Living in liberal capitalistic times that have created
havoc in the lives of marginalized people, some of us might be turned
off by this parable of the talents. It could be even invoked by
others to justify their unjust "magnanimity" to their
underlings. But the point of the parable is that we always need
to have the sense of accountability. We are not proprietors of the
talents we have. They are gifts that must be cherished, and also
put into good use beneficial to others. We have to give reckoning
to the Lord of all the endowments entrusted to us. Have we used
them in service of his reign or left them unused or even misused
them, apart from the purposes they were intended?
TOP
Taken
from Liturgy
Alive for Weekdays
Copyright © 2002 by Claretian Publications
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