30th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Readings from Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)
October 27, 2013 (edited for October 26, 2025)
Liturgical readings
Ecclesiasticus 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm 34
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14

The Lord humbles the exalted and exalts the humble.

Jesus spoke this parable


addressed to those who believed
in their own self-righteousness
while holding everyone else
in contempt:


"Two men
went up to the temple


to pray;


one was a Pharisee,


the other a tax collector.


The Pharisee
        with head unbowed
        prayed in this fashion:


'I give you thanks,
O God,
that I am not like
the rest of men


        - grasping,
        crooked,
        adulterous


        - or even
        like this tax collector.


I fast twice a week.
I pay tithes on all I possess.'


The other man,
however,


kept his distance,


not even daring
to raise his eyes to heaven.


All he did
was beat his breast
and say,


        'O God,
        be merciful to me,
        a sinner.'


Believe me,
this man went home
from the temple justified


but the other
did not.


For everyone
who exalts himself
shall be humbled


        while he
        who humbles himself
        shall be exalted."

Scripture quotes:
"He who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens." (Ecclesiasticus 35)
"From all distress the Lord rescues the just." (Psalm 34)
"Paul fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith." (2 Timothy)
"O God, be merciful to me, a sinner." (Luke 18)

"He who humbles himself shall be exalted."

The parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is found in the 30th Sunday of the Year (C)'s liturgical readings. This passage from the gospel of Luke teaches an important truth that God is more pleased with a contrite heart, than a heart filled with self-righteousness or indignation at those who have sinned. Jesus emphasizes in the parable that what is favorable in God's eyes is the prayer of the publican and not the prayer of the Pharisee. This truth taught in biblical times remains true for all people today; and it will remain true tomorrow, and for all time. Because human nature, especially the heart of man and the wanderings of his mind, is, by his basic sinfulness, still prone to the most vile of all vices - pride. And in a time of crisis, everyone is in need of humility more now, as it was then in the time of the Lord.

Humility is a difficult virtue to practice; but easier with work and a life of discipline. It is the ground by which all other virtues are founded upon. Its strength is in the soul's relationship with God-in-Jesus, who by His very example, taught all how to be humble. Though Jesus was God, He allowed Himself to be born in a humble stable and into a poor family (Catechism #525). In such humble circumstances, only the shepherds and the Magi were able to distinctly discern and know that there is divinity in that baby in Bethlehem wrapped in swaddling clothes. The Son of God truly emptied Himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7).

If we are to practice the discipline of humility today, a great help would be the practice of self-awareness. Some of us are often tempted to judge by appearances, but fail to see the truth within. When one is aware of God's presence in all areas of his work and life, he understands the truth from God's perspective, which in turn enlightens his mind to see from a broader, bigger, and wiser perspective. It prevents the soul from rash judgments and from looking only at externals. Silencing one's mind and heart regularly gives that opportunity for self-awareness and to discern the truth from God's perspective. It dispels the blindness caused by judging from worldly standards alone - which are often focused only on externals -blind to what is within, and how all truth is known in the context of the past and the future.

The author of "One Minute Meditations" (John H. Hampsch) says that it seems coincidental that the letters in the word "silent" are also the same letters in the word "listen". Silence and listening are important attitudes to cultivate the virtue of self-awareness and humility. It is basic to discerning the truth God wants to reveal to us personally, or with others in community; it is also silence in the Eucharist, especially after communion, that reveals to us that what we received is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of One who exemplified humility on the Cross. It is in communion that we receive the Remedy, Christ Himself, for all venial sins committed in the spirit of pride.

29th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Reflection (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Sunday, October 20, 2013 (edited for 10/19/2025)
Liturgical readings
Exodus 17:8-13
Psalm 121
2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:12
Luke 18:1-8

"On the necessity of praying always and not losing heart."

Jesus told his disciples a parable
on the necessity of praying always
and not losing heart:


"Once
there was a judge
in a certain city
who respected neither God
        nor man.


A widow
in that city
kept coming to him
saying,


'Give me my rights
against my opponent.'


For a time
he refused,
but finally he thought,


'I care little
for God or man,
but this widow
is wearing me down.


I am going to settle
in her favor
or she will end
by doing me violence.'"


The Lord said,


"Listen
to what the corrupt judge
has to say.


Will not God
then do justice
to his chosen
who call out to him
day and night?


Will he delay long over them,
do you suppose?


I tell you,


he will give them
swift justice.


But when the Son of Man comes,


will he find
any faith on the earth?"

27th Sunday of the Year (C) - October 3, 2010 (edited for 10/19/2025)

"The necessity of praying always and not losing heart."

The gospel for the 29th Sunday of the Year (C) speaks about the parable of the persistent widow. The parable begins with a widow seeking the help of a judge to assist her in her case. But the judge only ignored her because of his lack of respect for God and man. The widow, however, was very persistent. So persistent was she in entreating the judge to give her the rights she justly deserves against her opponent, that the judge was forced to relent. This widow did not give up but was intent on her goal to continue her efforts until eventually they were "wearing the judge down". If the judge had not acted on her insistent plea, he may have ended up a victim of the widow's "persistence".

Studies in scripture classifies the poor in biblical times into the following groups: the widows, the orphans, women and children, the sick (especially the lepers) and the sinners, and the foreigners. These groups are often mentioned in the Old Testament. They are the ones defended by the prophets sent by God. In the New Testament, these groups are still present, and they are exactly the people Jesus helps - people who cry out to Jesus, call His name out loud, or fight their way through the crowds to reach Him. Jesus never fails to grant them the attention they need, unless there would be some initial hindrance because of race or taboo. But, eventually, when a member of these groups exhibit a faith greater than any one in Israel, Jesus attends to their plea. For the mission of Jesus is to:

Bring glad tidings to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives,
recovery of sight to the blind
and release of prisoners" (cf. Luke 4:18)

In anyone's journey of faith, one might be faced with a situation, not exactly like, but similar in degree of intensity, to the widow in the parable. Jesus gives us the key to unlock the solution to such a difficulty or problem: persistence in one's prayer life. Like the widow in the gospel parable, as we follow the strength of the widow's persistence by a life of prayer and consistent action, God's grace eventually arrives. Perhaps not at the time we desire, but in His time. A strong persistence is one that is combined with patience and determination. And while one's prayer is not yet realized, other less important matters can be resolved with strategic patience. Also, while we continue to pray, one's level of faith and confidence in God grows, and eventually that level of faith becomes strong enough to receive the answer to the prayer you have always prayed for.

And while one has been waiting and working for the answer to his prayer, a virtuous path is lined up and paved for him: one of prayer, persistence, patience, faith, confidence, and productive actions that eventually produce the good one has prayed for persistently.

(from the Classics of the Church)

"Only he who perseveres in asking, seeking, and knocking, will receive, will find and will enter. It is not enough to ask God for certain graces for a month, a year, ten or twenty years; we must never tire of asking. We must keep on asking until the very moment of death..." (St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, paragraph 145, "Secret of the Rosary")

28th Sunday of the Year (C)

Reflections : 28th Sunday of the Year (C) - October 10, 2010 (edited for 10/12/25)
Liturgical readings
2 Kings 5:14-17
Psalm 98
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Luke 17:11-19

"Your faith has been your salvation."

The gospel for the 28th Sunday of the Year tells the story of Jesus healing ten lepers. As Jesus healed all of them, only one of the lepers came back to Jesus. This leper who was cured from his infirmity "threw himself on his face at the feet of Jesus, and spoke his praises". Jesus took this occasion to ask him, "what about the other nine? Were not they made whole also?" But the healed leper did not answer. His gratitude was so great that his attention was to keep his eyes on the healer who made him whole again. Then Jesus opened his eyes to the truth that it was his very faith in Him that saved him from his sickness.

An author of a Catholic commentary on the gospel of Luke, Karris, wrote that the focus of this story was not so much the healing miracle of the ten lepers, but the teaching of Jesus on the value of gratitude. Karris continues to say that the experience itself of the cure did not save the leper: it was his returning and praising God in faith that saved him. By this interpretation, Karris helps the readers of the gospel understand a deeper Christian truth. Any experience of the miraculous is not salvation itself. Salvation is effected by our continuous acts of faith in Jesus as the Healer not only of our physical ills, but even more important, the ills of our soul.

In a very scientific world filled with both medical and technology advancements, some people may think that healing is only on the level of the physical. But every person's soul needs healing also. Some medical scholars believe that physical ailments are often caused by the sickness of the psyche - the soul. If the psyche is healed, then the physical infirmity begins to heal also. What factors can cause sickness? One cause is simply imbalance. A week of intense work and activity can make the mind, heart, soul, and body so drained and without energy. This is why Jesus in other passages of the gospels tells His apostles to come over to a deserted place to rest and to pray. Too much activity can fill one's soul with a noise that not only distracts from the "One thing necessary", but can bring so many illnesses that can be chronic if not checked. When the noise and the chaos of the world invades our soul, siilence is one key to the inner healing of mind, heart and soul. Fr. Pierre-Marie Delfieux in his book, "In the Heart of the City, In the Heart of God", says:

'When you are troubled, tempted or tired, silence will set things right. It will teach you self-control, restraint, self-mastery..."

When after a day's work one takes time to quiet down and settle in a silence that makes one aware of God's presence, then one can see the truth that indeed, He is the Divine Physician. He sets things right and puts our work and life in the proper balance needed to be healthy, strong, and useful, to contribute within one's means, to the building and extension of His Kingdom here on earth.

27th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Lectionary Readings from Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)
October 6, 2013 (edited for October 5, 2025)
Liturgical readings
Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Psalm 95
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10

"We have done no more than our duty."

The apostles said to the Lord,


"Increase our faith."


and he answered:


"If you had faith
the size of a mustard seed,
you could say to this sycamore,


'Be uprooted
and
transplanted into the sea,'


and it would obey you.


"If one of you had a servant
plowing or herding sheep
and he came in from the fields,
would you say to him,


'Come and sit down at table'?


Would you not rather say,
'Prepare my supper.
Put on your apron
and wait on me
while I eat and drink.
You can eat and drink afterward'?


Would he be grateful
to the servant who was only
carrying out his orders?


It is quite the same
with you who hear me.


When you have done
all you have been commanded to do,
say,
'We are useless servants.
We have done no more
than our duty.'"

Scripture verses from the lectionary readings:
"Let us kneel before the Lord who made us...for he is our God." (Psalm 95)
"With the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails." (2 Timothy)
"The just man, because of his faith, shall live." (Hebrews 1)

27th Sunday of the Year (C) - October 3, 2010 (Edited for 10/05/2025)
Liturgical readings
Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Psalm 95
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Luke 17:5-10

"Increase our faith."

In reading the New American Bible translation, we will notice that the 27th Sunday of the Year (C)'s gospel is part of a wider passage entitled, "Four Sayings of Jesus". That is why at first reading, some may not see the direct connection between the themes of the two sayings mentioned in the gospel: "faith the size of a mustard seed" (in reference to faith) and "we have done no more than our duty" (in reference to servanthood).

Even if there is no direct connection between the two separate sayings of Jesus, one can discover a link between them if you focus your attention on the Person of Christ. Christ Jesus taught all about faith and servanthood by His very humble life-example and mission to the people Israel. And what better image would link the two themes of faith and servanthood, than by Christ's self-sacrificing act of obedience to God, His Father.

What does this faith and servanthood have to do with all faithful believers today? Most of the time, those with work and professional commitments, often can, unawarely, set aside his faith and values for a while because of the "objective reality" he has to deal with. In the context of this "objective reality", one would naturally shirk at the thought of servanthood. In the context of power and money, the secular values of domination, profit, and a worldly understanding of human rights is surely not in line with the teachings of Christ. But Jesus was clear in His mission: to show that it is in faith and service that guides us on the way of salvation He promises. And faith and service is what is really called for in a time of climate change challenges and socio-political disruptions.

Perhaps, this quote of Blessed John Henry Newman can help us reflect on this theme of faith and servanthood in the gospel in the context of a chaotic and disruption-filled world:

"Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene - one step enough for me."

Faith leads to a Light that guides all amidst the darkness of this world's challenges and disruptions. And that Light is always available to anyone in need of it. It is a Light that never sets, nor dims in the midst of any "dark night". It is a Light that produces in each soul a courageous faith, a certainty of God's abiding presence, and a sense of His holiness dwelling in families or communities working for the good of one another. This Light gives us the courage to move on in uncertain times...one step of faith and hope is enough everyday.

26th Sunday of the Year (C)

Reflections from Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)
Sunday, September 29, 2013 (edited for 9/28/25)
Liturgical readings
Amos 6:1, 4-7
Psalm 146
1 Timothy 6:11-16
Luke 16:19-31

"Eventually...the soul of the beggar Lazarus...was carried by angels to the bosom of Abraham."

Jesus said to the Pharisees:


"Once there was a rich man
who dressed in purple
        and linen
        and feasted splendidly
        every day.


At his gate lay a beggar
        named Lazarus
        who was covered with sores.


Lazarus longed to eat the scraps
that fell from the rich man's table.


The dogs even came
and licked his sores.


Eventually the beggar died.


He was carried by angels
to the bosom of Abraham.


The rich man likewise died
and was buried.


From the abode of the dead
where he was in torment,
he raised his eyes
and saw Abraham afar off,
and Lazarus resting in his bosom."


"He called out,


'Father Abraham,
have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip
the tip of his finger in water
to refresh my tongue,
for I am tortured in these flames.'


'My child,'


replied Abraham,


'remember that you were well off
in your lifetime,
while Lazarus was in misery.


Now he has found consolation here,
but you have found torment.


And that is not all.


Between you and us
there is fixed a great abyss,
so that those who might wish to cross
from here to you cannot do so,
nor can anyone cross from your side to us.'


"'Father,
I ask you then,'


the rich man said,


'send him to my father's house
where I have five brothers.


Let him be a warning to them
so that they may not end
        in this place of torment.'


Abraham answered


'They have Moses and the prophets.
Let them hear them'.


'No, Father Abraham.'
replied the rich man.


'But if someone would only go
to them from the dead,
then they would repent.'


Abraham said to him,


'If they do not listen to Moses
and the prophets
they will not be convinced
even if one should rise from the dead.'"

Scripture quotes:
"The fatherless and the widow he sustains." (Psalm 146)
"Seek after integrity, piety, faith, love, steadfastness, and a gentle spirit." (1 Timothy)
"The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Sion, through all generations." (Psalm 146)

Liturgical readings
Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Psalm 146
1 Timothy 6:11-16
Luke 16:19-31

"He was carried by the angels to the bosom of Abraham."

Last Sunday, we learned the message of the gospel on money as a means and not an end in itself. If we read the gospel for this Sunday, and place it in the context of last Sunday's gospel, we can see how the rich man's grave sin was rooted in his relationship to money as an end in itself. If the rich man saw his wealth as only a means, he would not have been blind to the plight of Lazarus and would have practiced charity with Lazarus the beggar.

Life can be uncertain at times; especially in times of crises and disruptions. We do not know what will happen next. Since the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the September 2008 financial crisis that forced Lehman Brothers to file for bankruptcy, many wealthy people's fortunes suddenly dwindled. But there were also others who experienced good fortune. In a time of crisis, "the tables can turn." Those who experience adversity can have a reversal of good fortune, while those who experience prosperity can have a reversal of misfortune. Whatever God wills to be the experience of each of His faithful ones, good fortune or misfortune, the call to follow His will and be kind to others (as well as ourselves) still "holds water". Those who experience good fortune are called to practice charity, while those who experience misfortune are called to practice humility. As long as each one never forsakes the path to virtue, God will never abandon nor hide His face from him. Thus, we are all called to treat money only as a means: to practice patience and respect in transactions with others that involves money.

25th Sunday of the Year (C)

Paraphrasing the Sunday Readings

Author's note: Reformatting or Paraphrasing the Sunday gospel is a method I learned from CICM Maryhill School of Theology. The method I use in these Sunday reflections is only an adaptation of the original, which was formatted on a blackboard by a theology professor in Scripture (Fr. Ver Miranda, CICM). The method used by our theology professor was for exegetical purposes - to understand the very words of the gospel and the context of meaning in which they are situated. My purpose is to reformat it in prose form for clarity of reading, understanding, and reflection. Formatting this way makes the gospel easy to digest for reflection.

25th Sunday of the Year (C)

Liturgical readings
Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Luke 16:1-13

What the Lord says is this: that we place our trust in Him.



Jesus said to his disciples:


"A rich man had a manager
who was reported to him
        for dissiplating his property.


He summoned him
and said,


'What is this I hear about you?


Give me an account of your service,
for it is about to come to an end.'


The manager thought to himself,


'What shall I do next?
My employer is sure to dismiss me.
I cannot dig ditches.
I am ashamed to go begging.


I have it!


Here is a way to make sure
that people will take me into their homes
when I am let go.'


"So he called in each of his master's debtors,


and said to the first,


'How much do you owe my master?'


The man replied,
'A hundred jars of oil.'


The manager said,
'Take your invoice,
sit down quickly,
and make it fifty.'


Then he said to a second,


'How much do you owe?'


The answer came,
'A hundred measures of wheat.'


and the manager said,
'Take your invoice
and make it eighty.'


"The owner then gave his devious employee
credit for being enterprising!


Why?


Because the worldly take more initiative
than the other-worldly
when it comes to dealing with their own kind".


"What I say to you is this:


Make friends for yourselves
through your use of this world's goods,
so that when they fail you,
a lasting reception will be yours.


If you can trust a man in little things,
you can also trust him in greater.'


If you cannot be trusted with elusive wealth,
who will trust you with lasting?


And if you have not been trustworthy
with someone else's money,
who will give you what is your own?


"No servant can serve two masters.
Either he will hate the one
and love the other
or be attentive to the one
and despise the other.


You cannot give yourself to God and money."

25th Sunday of the Year (C) September 19, 2010 (Edited for September 21, 2025)

Liturgical readings
Amos 8:4-7
Psalm 113
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Luke 16:1-13

"You cannot give yourself to God and money."

The gospel speaks about money - something we all have to deal with in the world. Jesus teaches through the parable of the unjust steward what should be one's Christian attitude towards money.

• First, the parable teaches us to be enterprising.
• Second, it also teaches us to be faithful and responsible with small amounts, so that we can be trusted with greater.
• Thirdly, Jesus finally says after the parable: "you cannot give yourself to God and money".

In his "Spiritual Exercises", St. Ignatius of Loyola teaches that the exercitant has only one end in life: "to praise and serve God our Lord". The other things of the world are created for all humanity, to be used only as means to attain to the end of serving the Lord. From this perspective given by St. Ignatius, one can now see what Jesus means in relation to all forms of wealth: that money is only one means of serving God; it is never an end in itself.

This gospel teaching of Jesus from an Ignatian perspective can help humanity see that God is the only end, and money is only one of the means to that end. It is a clear teaching but very difficult to follow without discipline, due to humanity's basic sinfulness and the corruptibility of political and socio-economic structures. Man cannot resist the temptation to make money as an end in itself by one's own strengths alone. By his broken nature, all need Jesus and the Spirit of His strong "No", to help one resist the temptation from all forms of greed. The source of this strength to resist that temptation is always available: through prayer, the Sacraments, the Church's small communities, and a self-discipline gained from experience and a wide network of like-minded family members and friends - all mutually influencing and reinforcing each other to do what is right and just.

Scripture quotes from the readings:
"High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens is his glory." (Psalm 113)
"God wants all men to be saved and come to know the truth." (1 Timothy)
"Petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be offered for all men, especially for kings and those in authority." (1 Timothy)

23rd Sunday of the Year (C)

Paraphrasing the Sunday Readings

Author's note: Paraphrasing the Sunday gospel is a method I learned from Maryhill School of Theology. The method I used is only an adaptation of the original, which was formatted on a blackboard. The method by our theology professor was for exegetical purposes. My purpose is to format it in poetic/prosaic form for clarity of reading and reflection. Formatting this way makes the gospel easy to digest for one's thoughts.

Sunday Readings for Reflection: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

23rd Sunday of the Year (C), September 8, 2013

Liturgical readings
Wisdom 9:13-18
Psalm 90
Philemon 9-10, 12-17
Luke 14:25-33

"...He will send a delegation...asking for terms of peace."


On one occasion
when a great crowd was with Jesus,


he turned to them and said,


"If anyone comes to me
without turning his back
        on his father
        and mother,
        his wife
        and his children,
        his brothers
        and sisters,
        indeed his very self,


he cannot be my follower.


Anyone who does not take up his cross
and follow me
cannot be my disciple.


If one of you
decides to build a tower,


will he not first sit down
and calculate the outlay


to see if he has enough money
to complete the project?


He will do that
for fear of laying the foundation
and then not being able
to complete the work;


at which all who saw it
would then jeer at him,


saying,


'That man began to build
what he could not finish.'"


"Or


if a king
is about to march
on another king


to do battle with him,


will he not sit down first
and consider


whether,


with ten thousand men,
he can withstand an enemy
coming against him with twenty thousand?


If he cannot,


he will send a delegation
while the enemy is still at a distance,
asking for terms of peace.


In the same way,


none of you can be my disciple


if he does not renounce
all his possessions."

Scripture quotes from the readings:
"In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge." (Psalm 90)
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may know wisdom of heart." (Psalm 90)
"And may the gracious care of the Lord our God be ours." (Psalm 90)

Reflection: 23rd Sunday of the Year (C) - September 5, 2010 (edited for September 5, 2025)

Liturgical readings

Wisdom 9:13-18b
Psalm 90
Philemon 9-10, 12-17
Luke 14:25-33

"Anyone who does not take up his cross...cannot be My follower."

The gospel for the 23rd Sunday of the Year (C) is a real eye-opener on the cost of discipleship. The structure of the gospel can be divided into three: the first is Jesus demanding full following in His mission (to "turn one's back" on family and self); the second are two parables about building a tower and a king doing battle with another king; and the last is a continuation of the first (to renounce also one's possessions in addition to family and self).

At first, it appears difficult to find the connection between the two parables and Jesus's saying on discipleship. However, Robert J. Karris, in his book, "Invitation to Luke: A Commentary on the Gospel of Luke", gives us a clue. He says that the purpose of the parables' message was to seriously weigh the costs before you embark on a project.

Jesus in the gospel is inviting his hearers to embark on a project, a life project. It is a vocation that requires sage planning so that you will not only be ridiculed or derided as the men in the parables experienced, but by the grace of God, prove yourself faithful in committing yourself to your life's project. The costs of Christian discipleship is not only material (as with building the tower) or strength (as with doing battle with a substantial amount of soldiers), but one's whole life, lifetime: 1) to follow Jesus above family and self; 2) to take up the "crosses" of one's daily tasks and responsibilities; 3) to do one's work faithfully and accomplish what God wills; and 4) to be ready to detach oneself from possessions that can hinder in following Christ.

This passage of the gospel is heard every year and reminds all that the Christian life and its demands are like a "take it or leave it" arrangement. Many of the Saints really did that. Their vocation was really a "take it or leave it". St. Anthony of Egypt gave away all of his possessions and lived in the desert. Another is St. John Paul II. As Jesus never descended from the Cross, St. John Paul II did not resign from his papacy despite his ailment.

We need not be heroic to the same degree as St. John Paul II, but we too can do as he did in following Jesus by living the Christian faith in "every area of our lives...[and allow these areas] to enter into the plan of God, who desires these areas as occasions for loving Him and serving others." This was what St. John Paul II wrote in one of his writings. He says that it is by these daily actions of commitment that every Christian learns by faith what discipleship consists of. It is a basic self-denial and taking up of one's crosses in the commitments and responsibilities of one's respective state of life. This is Christian discipleship at its simplest and most basic form and substance.

The substance of following Jesus and practicing Christian discipleship continues to remain the same throughout centuries of history, since its roots are the Words of the gospel, the liturgy of the Sacraments, and the teaching Magisterium of the Church. Only its form differs because of the cultures and historical situation wherein all the abovementioned are contextualized. But Christ, His Person, and His message will always be the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will always be the Vision of Truth, the Way to Salvation, and the Source of Life for all who have faith in Him. What every Christian only needs to remember is to let His Spirit and the gospel permeate every area of one's life, and everyone and everything he lives for or works for. As long as all Christians today faithfully commit themselves to following Jesus by taking up their crosses in all areas of their work and life, then faithfulness in all their actions will ripple and influence others to do the same. That ripple of influence can grow and become a wave of hope to inspire others to also do as Christ did: to give oneself wholeheartedly in the service of God and others.

St. Catherine of Genoa, Widow and Mystic: 1447-1510 A.D.

Author's note: Check the other Saints Commemorated in the Roman Catholic Church for the Month of September.

Birth and early life

St. Catherine, a.k.a. Caterinetta, is the daughter of James Fieschi and Francesca di Negro. Born in Genoa, she was their fifth and last child. She wanted to enter religious life, but then her father died, and she married Julian Adorno at the age of sixteen. Julian was not a faithful husband to Catherine. His extravagance also became a problem, for it led their ten years of marriage to poverty. But in time, Julian was converted and reformed his life. He became a Franciscan tertiary and together with St. Catherine, both led a continent life.

St. Catherine's conversion experience

In 1473 A.D. during Lent, Catherine underwent a conversion experience when she saw a vision of Christ on the cross. She began to live an intense spiritual life. Her follower, Ettore Vernazza, wrote and said that St. Catherine exercised prolonged fasting, enjoyed frequent ecstasies, and lived with a great desire for the Eucharist (which she received every day - a rare privilege during her time).

Assisting the sick and the poor

Since St. Catherine was instrumental in the reform of her husband Julian, she was able to convince him to assist her in her work. In 1479 A.D., both of them moved into the Pammatone Hospital to make themselves more available to assist both the sick and the poor. In 1490 A.D., she became the director of the hospital.

Genoa stricken with a plague

In 1493 A.D., Genoa was stricken with a plague. St. Catherine was very active especially during this time. Because of her contact with the plague-stricken, she almost died. The plague wiped out three quarters of Genoa's residents. St. Catherine was able to recover from the effects of the plague on herself, but she was obliged to resign her position in 1496 A.D., as director of Pammatone Hospital, because of her health. She and her husband Julian continued though to live in the hospital. The following year, her husband Julian died.

The Oratory of Divine Love

St. Catherine met Ettore Vernazza, a wealthy businessman and philantrophist, and together, they were able to form the Oratory of Divine Love, a group of clergy and lay people devoted to achieving a deeper spriritual life through both contemplative prayer and active charity. Vernazza became St. Catherine's follower. It was through the pen of Vernazza that we can read of St. Catherine's intensive spiritual life.

St. Catherine of Genoa's spiritual teachings

Although St. Catherine wrote nothing during her life, her "writings" are from the pen of Vernazza and her confessor, the priest Fr. Cattaneo Marabotta. Both written views of St. Catherine's spiritual teachings reflect on the way of life of a married mystic who was able to combine action and contemplation so effectively. The written works on her spiritual teaching are: "Life", by Vernazza; "Purgation and Purgatory"; and the "Spiritual Dialogue". The latter two writings are outstanding documents in the field of mysticism.

Beatified in 1737 A.D., St. Catherine of Genoa was then canonized by Pope Benedict XIV and added to the Roman Martyrology. The Church celebrates her feast on September 15.

Sources of this blog post:

• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney
• The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism, by editor Bernard McGinn

22nd Sunday of the Year (C)

Paraphrasing the Sunday Readings

Author's note: Paraphrasing the Sunday gospel is a method I learned from Maryhill School of Theology. The method I used is only an adaptation of the original, which was formatted in a blackboard. The method by our theology professor was for exegetical purposes. My purpose is to format it in poetic/prosaic form for clarity of reading and reflection. Formatted this way makes the gospel easy to digest for one's thoughts.

From Sunday Readings: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

22nd Sunday of the Year (C), September 1, 2013 (Edited for August 31, 2025)


Liturgical readings
Ecclesiasticus 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Psalm 68
Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24
Luke 14:1, 7-14

"Humility will win you the esteem of your fellow guests."


When Jesus came on a sabbath
        to eat a meal
        in the house
        of one of the leading Pharisees,


they observed him closely,


He went on to address a parable
        to the guests,
        noticing how they were trying
        to get places of honor
        at the table:


"When you are invited
by someone to a wedding party,


do not sit in the place of honor


in case some greater dignitary
has been invited.


Then the host might come
and say to you,


'Make room for this man',


and you would have to proceed
shamefacedly to the lowest place.


What you should do
when you have been invited


is


go and sit in the lowest place,


so that
when your host approaches you
he will say,


'My friend,
come up higher.'


This will win you
the esteem of your fellow guests.


For everyone
        who exalts himself
        shall be humbled


and


he
        who humbles himself
        shall be exalted."


He said to the one who invited him:


Whenever you give a lunch or dinner,


do not invite your friends
        or brothers
        or relatives
        or wealthy neighbors.


They might invite you in return
and thus repay you.


No,


when you have a reception,


invite beggars
        and the crippled,
        the lame
        and the blind.


You should be pleased
        that they cannot repay you,
        for you will be repaid
        in the resurrection of the just."



Scripture verses from the Readings:
"An attentive ear is the wise man's joy." (Ecclesiasticus 3)
"What is to sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength, search not." (Ecclesiasticus 3)
"God is the father of orphans and the defender of widows." (Psalm 68)
"You have drawn near to Mount Zion and the city of the living God." (Hebrews 12)
"Be pleased that the poor cannot repay you, for you will be repaid in the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14)

Reflection

The gospel for the 22nd Sunday of the Year (C) speaks about the theme of humility, and Jesus took occasion to teach about the virtue when He was invited to a meal. Humility ought to be practiced as a social virtue whenever invited to feasts or dinner. When the gospel described the guests competing for the seats of honor, Jesus told a parable, teaching the importance of seeking not a place of honor but to let the host decide where one ought to be seated. He also challenged His Pharisee-host to invite to the banquet people who cannot repay him: the beggars and the crippled, the lame and the blind.

Humility is one of the Christian virtues that is very difficult to practice - given the heroic example presented by our Lord in His life and teachings. The virtue will be easier if it is part of a disciplined way of work and life. Self-awareness in prayer helps remedy whatever traces of pride one has in the soul. As long as the soul never gives up, then the the grace to be humble needed for daily and practical living can be received. It is a state of mind and heart that is detached from relationships or things that make us proud.

Jesus is the perfect example of humility in being and action. Though He is divine, He lived and worked as a carpenter's Son. He has divine power, but He used it for the poor, the sick and the marginalized. He is the Beloved Son of the Father, but He obediently took His cross and suffered greatly for our salvation. And even when He was vindicated by His Father in the Resurrection event, which proved His victory over sin and death that afflicts all humanity, He quietly and simply made His Risen appearances only to His apostles and disciples.

21st Sunday of the Year (C)

Paraphrasing the Sunday Readings

Author's note: This Sunday, there are three paraphrases of the readings: from the book of Isaiah, the letter to the Hebrews, and the gospel of Luke. Paraphrasing of the Sunday gospel is a method taught in Maryhill School of Theology. The method I used is only an adaptation of the original, which was formatted in a blackboard. The method by our theology professor was for exegetical purposes. My purpose is to format it in poetic/prosaic form for clarity of understanding and reflection.

From Sunday Readings: Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

21st Sunday of the Year (C), August 25, 2013 - (Edited for August 24, 2025)

Liturgical readings
Isaiah 66:18-21
Psalm 117
Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
Luke 13:22-30


Paraphrase of Isaiah 66:18-21

"The Lord has come to gather nations of every language."



"I come to gather nations of every language;


they shall come and see my glory.


I will set a sign among them;


from them I will send
        fugitives to the nations;
            to Tarshish
            Put and Lud,
            Mosoch,
            Tubal and Javan,
        to the distant coastlands
        that have never heard of my fame,
        or seen my glory;


and they shall proclaim my glory
        among the nations.

They shall bring all your brethren
        from all the nations
        as an offering to the Lord,
            on horses and in chariots,
            in carts,
            upon mules and dromedaries,


to Jerusalem my holy mountain,"


says the Lord,


"just as the Israelites bring their offering
to the house of the Lord in clean vessels.


Some of these I will take as priests and Levites,"


says the Lord.


Paraphrase of Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13


"That your halting limbs may not be dislocated but healed."


You have forgotten the encouraging words
addressed to you as sons:


"My sons,
do not disdain the discipline of the Lord
nor lose heart when he reproves you;


For,
whom the Lord loves,
he disciplines;


he scourges every son he receives.


Endure your trials as the discipline of God
who deals with you as sons.


For what son is there
whom his father does not discipline?


At the time it is administered,
all discipline seems a cause for grief
and not for joy,


but later it brings forth
the fruit of peace and justice
to those who are trained in its school.


So
strengthen your drooping hands
and your weak knees.


Make straight the paths you walk on,


that your halting limbs
may not be dislocated but healed."




Paraphrase of Luke 13:22-30


"People will come from the east...west...north...south...and take their place in the kingdom of God."


Jesus went through cities and towns


teaching --


all the while
making his way toward Jerusalem.


Someone asked him,


"Lord,
are they few in number
who are to be saved?"


He replied:


"Try to come in through the narrow door.


Many,
I tell you,
will try to enter and be unable."


"When once the master of the house has risen
to lock the door
and you stand outside
knocking and saying,


'Sir,
open for us,'


he will say in reply,


'I do not know where you come from.
Away from me, you evildoers!'"


"There will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see
        Abraham,
        Isaac,
        Jacob,
        and all the prophets
safe in the kingdom of God


and you yourselves rejected.


People will come from
        the east
        and the west,
        from the north
        and the south,
and will take their place
at the feast in the kingdom of God.


Some who are last
        will be first
and some who are first
        will be last."

20th Sunday of the Year (C)

Paraphrasing the Gospel for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Paraphrase of the Sunday gospel

20th Sunday of the Year (C), August 18, 2013 (edited 8/17/25)

Liturgical readings
Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10
Psalm 40
Hebrews 12:1-4
Luke 12:49-53

"Jesus has come to light a fire on the earth."


Jesus said to his disciples:


"I have come
to light a fire on the earth.


How I wish the blaze were ignited!


I have a baptism to receive.


What anguish I feel till it is over!



Do you think I have come
to establish peace on the earth?


I assure you,
the contrary is true;


Wherever your treasure lies,
there your heart will be.


I have come for division.


From now on,
a household of five
will be divided
three against two
and two against three;


father will be split against son
and son against father,


mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,


mother-in-law against daughter-in-law,
daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."


Scripture verses from the Sunday Readings:
"The Lord heard my cry. He drew me out of the pit of destruction." (Psalm 40)
"You are my help and my deliverer,  O my God, hold not back." (Psalm 40)
"Let us aside every encumbrance of sin which clings to us and persevere in running the race which lies ahead." (Hebrews 12)
"Many shall look on in awe and trust in the Lord." (Psalm 40)

19th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2008 (A), 2009 (B), and 2010 (C)

19th Sunday of the Year (C), August 8, 2010 (edited for 8/11/25)

Liturgical readings
Wisdom 18:6-9
Psalm 33
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Luke 12:32-48

Paraphrase of the Sunday gospel

The Lord said, "Who in your opinion is that faithful, farsighted steward..?"

Jesus said to his disciples:

Do not live in fear, little flock.

It has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.

Sell what you have and give alms.

Get purses for yourself that do not wear out, a never-failing treasure with the Lord which no thief comes near nor any moth destroys.

Wherever your treasure lies, there your heart will be.

Let your belts be fastened around your waists and your lamps be burning ready.

Be like a man awaiting their master's return from a wedding, so that when he arrives and knocks, you will open for him without delay.

It will go well with those servants whom the master finds wide-awake on his return.

I tell you, he will put on an apron, seat them at table, and proceed to wait on them.

Should he happen to come at midnight or before sunrise and find them prepared, it will go well with them.

You know as well as I that if the head of the house knew when the thief was coming he would not let him break into his house.

Be on guard, therefore.

The Son of Man will come when you least expect him."

Peter said,

"Do you intend this parable for us, Lord, or do you mean it for the whole world?"

The Lord said,

"Who in your opinion is that faithful, farsighted steward whom the master will set over his servants to dispense their ration of grain in season?

That servant is fortunate whom his master finds busy when he returns

Assuredly, his master will put him in charge of all his property.

But if the servant says to himself,

'My master is taking his time about coming,'

and begins to abuse the housemen and servant girls, to eat and drink and get drunk,

that servant's master will come back on a day when he does not expect him, at a time he does not know.

The slave who knew his master's wishes but did not prepare to fulfill them will get a severe beating, whereas the one who did not know them and who nonetheless deserved to be flogged will get off with fewer stripes.

When much has been given a man, much will be required of him.

More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted."

Scripture quotes for reflection

• "Your people awaited the salvation of the just and the destruction of their foes." (Wisdom 18)
• "Our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield." (Psalm 33)
• "Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see." (Hebrews 11)
• "The eyes of the Lord are upon those who hope for his kindness." (Psalm 33)

Gospel reflection

"That servant is fortunate whom his Master finds busy when He returns."

After the parable of the rich fool last Sunday, we again continue to listen to Luke's gospel. And the theme of pursuing eternal riches developed in last Sunday's Eucharist continues this Sunday in Luke 12:33-34. This theme of "Get purses for yourself that do not wear out, a never-failing treasure with the Lord which no thief comes near nor any moth destroys" is combined with the theme of preparedness for the return of the Son of Man (Luke 12:35-48) in the second part of the gospel. What can be the liturgical reason? It is because we are nearing the end of the year's liturgy with Christ the King on the 34th Sunday of the Year (and the beginning of Advent, Year A). So we have to expect additional themes of preparing for Christ's coming in the coming Sunday gospels. The coming gospels before the end of the year, through the mouth of the Lord, will teach the importance of 'preparedness'. And how to prepare? With vigilance, diligence, faithful service, and responsible stewardship.

Reading this Sunday's gospel passage more closely, we will notice that the term "servant" Luke uses in the parable, is transformed into the phrase "faithful, farsighted steward" towards the middle part of the gospel passage. This "servant" Jesus speaks of is obliged to busy himself, and take good care of his Master's household. So when his Master returns and he has fulfilled all what is required him, he is judged as fortunate. But if he does otherwise, his Master will punish him severely.

All of us baptized Christians have responsibilities, that are based on each one's respective states of life and work. Some are required to do more; others much less. Some are entrusted with more; others with less. What Jesus says as important for all is that to whom much is given, much is required. And more also will be asked of whom more has been entrusted. How fortunate those who have less, because they are not overburdened with the responsibilities of those who have more. But whatever one's political, economic, or social status, in the spiritual and temporal journey of the Christian life, whenever in the course of a lifetime one has less or more, each one still has to follow the counsel of Jesus: be vigilant, diligent, faithful in service (work or apostolate), and continue to be responsible in whatever has been entrusted. No one is exempted from temptation, whether one has less or more. So constant practice of the virtues, as well as a disciplined life of prayer and work will prepare all well with the faith, hope, and love one needs before the "Master's return".

Disclaimer

18th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

18th Sunday of the Year (C), August 5, 2013 (edited)

Liturgical readings
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
Psalm 90
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Luke 12:13-21

Paraphrase of the Sunday gospel


Someone in the crowd
said to Jesus,


"Teacher,
tell my brother to give me
my share of our inheritance."


He replied,


"Friend,
who has set me up
as your judge or arbiter?"


Then he said to the crowd,


"Avoid greed in all its forms.
A man may be wealthy,
but his possessions
do not guarantee him life."


He told them a parable
in these words:


"There was a rich man
who had a good harvest.


'What shall I do?'
he asked himself,



'I have no place
to store my harvest.


I know!'
he said.


'I will pull down my grain bins
and build larger ones.
All my grain and my goods
will go there.



Then I will say to myself:
You have blessings in reserve
for years to come.


Relax!
Eat heartily,
drink well.
Enjoy yourself.'


But God said to him,


'You fool!
This very night
your life shall be required of you.


To whom
will all this piled-up wealth
of yours go?'


That is the way it works
with the man who grows rich for himself
instead of growing rich
in the sight of God."

Scripture quotes:

• "Let us kneel before the Lord who made us." (Psalm 95)
• "Set your heart on what pertains to higher realms." (Colossians 3)
• "Oh, that today you would hear his voice." (Psalm 95)

Disclaimer

17th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

17th Sunday of the Year (C), July 28, 2013 (edited)

Liturgical readings
Genesis 18:20-32
Psalm 138
Colossians 2:12-14
Luke 11:1-13

Paraphrase of the Sunday gospel


One day
Jesus was praying
in a certain place.


When he had finished,
one of his disciples asked him,


"Lord,
teach us to pray
as John taught his disciples."


He said to them,


"When you pray, say:


'Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day
our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
for we too forgive all
who do us wrong;
and subject us not to the trial.'"


Jesus said to them:


"If one of you knows
someone who comes to him
in the middle of the night
and says to him,


'Friend,
lend me three loaves,
for a friend of mine has come in
from a journey
and I have nothing to offer him';


and he from inside
should reply,


'Leave me alone.
The door is shut now
and my children
and I are in bed.


I can't get up
to look after your needs.'"


- I tell you,
even though he does not get up
and take care of the man because of friendship,
he will find himself doing so because of his persistence
and give him as much as he needs.'"


"So I say to you,


'Ask
and you shall receive;


seek
and you shall find;


knock
and it shall be opened to you.'"



"For whoever asks,
receives;


whoever seeks,
finds;


whoever knocks,
is admitted.


What father among you
will give his son a snake if he asks for a fish,
or hand him a scorpion if he asks for an egg?


If you,
with all your sins, know how to give your children good things,


how much more will the heavenly Father
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."

Gospel Reflection

"Lord, teach us to pray."

Jesus took the occasion to teach about prayer in this Sunday's gospel passage. In the passage, one of the Lord's disciples asked Jesus how they are to pray. This is how Jesus proceeded. First, He taught the "Our Father" (Lk 11:2-4) - from which the Pater Noster, as formulated today in the form familiar to us in the Mass, comes from. Second, He proceeds to tell a parable (Lk 11:5-8) - emphasizing the importance of persistence in prayer. And Lastly, He teaches the importance of faith in prayer (Lk 11:9-13) - faith in a heavenly Father who knows how to give his children what they need, when they "ask and seek" Him in prayer.


That gospel story of Jesus teaching His disciples, is one source from which the Church continues the mission of Jesus to teach about prayer. As the community of Christians brought this tradition of prayer to mission areas, this tradition of prayer became inculturated in the many cultures that accepted the Christian life. Below are excerpts from Italian and French Saints who extended the teaching of Jesus on praying the "Our Father" to other truths about prayer:


The Holy Spirit is the teacher of prayer. He enables us to
live in perfect peace and constant joy, which is a foretaste
of paradise. (St. Philip Neri)


As often as you become conscious of these promptings to good
in your hearts, give glory to God and reverence the Holy Spirit
whose voice is sounding in your ears. (St. Bernard of Clairvaux)


Ask God to give you the grace of prayer...ask him ceaselessly
It is an alms that you beg of him. It is not possible, if you
persevere, for him to refuse you. (St. Vincent de Paul)


The grace of prayer taught by Jesus in the "Our Father" is a very precious gift. It is the most basic prayer that completes other forms of prayer. Many fail to see its importance in daily life. But it is what gives life to the soul. Prayer feeds every baptized believer with the faith, hope, and love to do God's will. It is a gift that we receive from the Holy Spirit. It brings the peace and joy that often eludes those who are excessively active in the world. It leads anyone to a God who keeps us balanced, to be contemplative and active in a way that makes us productive and life-giving instruments to all we work and live with. Prayer makes us see a Father who is holy, and whose will and dominion spans the earth and the heavens. The grace of prayer reveals a God who provides for all His children, who in humility, understand His will for every step they need to take.

Scripture quotes:

• "I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart." (Psalm 138)
• "God gave you new life in company with Christ." (Colossians 2)

Disclaimer

16th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

16th Sunday of the Year (C), July 21, 2013 (edited)

Liturgical readings
Genesis 18:1-10
Psalm 15
Colossians 1:24-28
Luke 10:38-42

Paraphrase of the Sunday gospel


"One thing only is required."

Jesus entered a village


where a woman named Martha
welcomed him to her home.


She had a sister named Mary,


who seated herself at the Lord's feet

and
listened to his words.


Martha,
who was busy with all the details
of hospitality,


came to him and said,


"Lord,
are you not concerned that my sister
has left me all alone to do the household tasks?


Tell her to help me."


The Lord in reply
said to her:


"Martha, Martha


you are anxious and upset
about many things;


one thing only is required.


Mary has chosen the better portion
and she shall not be deprived of it."

Gospel Reflection

This gospel story of the Lord Jesus visiting the house of Martha and Mary presents to us two spiritual paths in serving God. There is Martha's path - which is to serve the Lord directly by detailing all food and drink necessities, and other matters of hospitality. And there is Mary's path - which is to sit by the Lord, keep him company, and listen to his words. Both paths are good and holy. But what makes Mary's path "better" in the eyes of the Lord, is its opportunity to listen to Him, give Him importance in one's life, and receive the freedom to set as corollary the many cares and anxieties that can accompany Martha's path.

Traditional interpretation of this gospel passage teach that Martha's path is followed by Catholics in the active apostolate: by the clergy, religious, and lay; in ministry to the family, the education apostolate, the media, health sector, and in parish or missionary work to both Catholics or non-Catholics. Mary's path, on the other hand represent those who are pure contemplatives: the monks and the cloistered nuns. The simplicity and constancy of life of the monks and the nuns makes it easier for them to follow the "one thing only is required". On the other hand, those in the active apostolate can accomplish many things, but have to avoid the temptation and anxiety of so many cares that they forget that "one thing only is required".

Up to this time, there are very few who are called to the purely contemplative life. The majority of Catholics balance both contemplation and activity in each of their respective states of life. In practice, both "Martha's path" and "Mary's path" are really integrated and intertwined with each other in one's daily life of prayer and work. One only needs to discern at times what balance of prayer and activity can help achieve all that has to be accomplished and at the same time listen to the Lord well and discern which work should be given priority over another in obedience to His will. This gospel passage is an eye-opener for all. It raises two important questions to the soul. Is the Lord calling us to be more prayerful at this time, or is He calling us to be more active in doing His will? What balance of prayer and work can remind that "one thing only is required"?

Scripture quotes:

• "The Lord appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre." (Genesis 18)
• "He honors those who fear the Lord." (Psalm 15)
• "A mystery hidden from ages and generations past but now revealed to his holy ones." (Colossians 1)

Reference:

Disclaimer

15th Sunday of the Year (C)

Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

15th Sunday of the Year (C), July 14, 2013 (edited)

Liturgical readings
Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Psalm 69
Colossians 1:15-20
Luke 10:25-37

Paraphrase of the Sunday gospel


On one occasion


a lawyer stood up
to pose this problem
to Jesus:


"Teacher,
what must I do
to inherit everlasting life?"


Jesus answered him:


"What is written in the law?
How do you read it?"


He replied:


"You shall love the Lord your God


        with all your heart
        with all your soul
        with all your strength
        and with all your mind;


and your neighbor as yourself."


Jesus said,
"You have answered correctly.
Do this and you shall live."


But because he wished
to justify himself
he said to Jesus,


"And who is my neighbor?"


Jesus replied:


"There was a man
going down from Jerusalem
to Jericho
who fell in with robbers.


They stripped him,
beat him,
and then went off
leaving him half-dead.


A priest happened to be going down
the same road;
he saw him
but continued on.


Likewise
there was a Levite
who came the same way;
he saw him
and went on.


But
a Samaritan
who was journeying along
came on him
and was moved to pity
at the sight.


He approached him
and dressed his wounds,
pouring in oil and wine
as a means to heal.


He then hoisted him
on his own beast
and brought him to an inn,
where he cared for him.


The next day
he took out two silver pieces
and gave them to the innkeeper
with the request:


'Look after him,
and if there is any further expense
I will repay you on my way back'."


"Which of these three,
in your opinion,
was neighbor to the man
who fell in with robbers?"


The answer came,


"The one who treated him
with compassion."


Jesus said to him, 'Then go and do the same.'

Gospel Reflection

"Then go and do the same." Jesus presented to the lawyer, who questioned Him about eternal life, the strong and positive influence of good example. We need a lot of this in our times. This Sunday's gospel portrays a parable to show what good example is. Jesus makes this point clearer through the parable of the Good Samaritan which He presented not only to the lawyer but to everyone in the crowd. This parable is a familiar story not only to Catholics and Christians of other denominations but also to non-Christians.

The parable has many lessons to teach us. When a man who was on a journey fell into robbers and was left half-dead, notice who left his focus on what he had to do, to attend to a call to practice compassion and charity.

• A priest saw him and passed him by.
• the Levite did the same: he saw him and went on.
• But when a Samaritan saw him, noticing that he was a Jew (Jews of that time looked down on their Samaritan neighbors), his heart was nevertheless moved with compassion.

Despite the racial barriers between them, the Samaritan took care of the wounded Jew.

Compassion is a universal virtue. It is a language understood by all. It went beyond the racial boundaries between Jew and Samaritan. In today's AI-mindset, compassion is an irreplaceable human skill and gift from God which AI cannot automate. Only humans can practice compassion. If the Samaritan in biblical times can practice it, so can people of warring nations do the same. The Spirit of Christ's compassion can possess any soul in the battlefield. It is the stuff that produces heroes, like St. John Paul II.

Compassion is also the reason why St. John Paul II drew huge audiences wherever he went in his missionary journeys. Everyone understood well the language of compassion he spoke. His respect for life in all its stages, enkindled and encouraged every soul who sought God earnestly and sincerely. His devotion to the Blessed Mother of God influenced the entire world, to work for the cause of peace, and to care for the sick, the elderly, and life at its most vulnerable stages.

"Then go and do the same." Like Jesus and John Paul II, we are called by our baptismal consecration, to cultivate in that same quality of compassion and care for others in whatever circumstances our work and life leads us. We need not be itinerant missionaries like Jesus and St. John Paul II, but each one has the potential to practice compassion. And for the lay faithful, the spirit of compassion Jesus has shown by his life and mission can be brought to places of work and in secular environments which the clergy or religious cannot attend to. The call of Jesus in the gospel will always be with us: "Then go and do the same."

Scripture quotes:

• "This command is something very near to you, already in your hearts; you have only to carry it out." (Deuteronomy 30)
• "For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah." (Psalm 69)
• "Christ is before all else that is. In him everything continues in being." (Colossians 1)

Reference:

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14th Sunday of the Year (C)

(Edited) Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

14th Sunday of the Year (C), July 7, 2013

Liturgical readings
Isaiah 66:10-14
Psalm 66
Galatians 6:14-18
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Author's note: Below is a Paraphrase of the gospel with a reflection written below it. This paraphrase of the gospel is based on Fr. Ver Miranda's (CICM) method of presenting the gospel for the purpose of exegetical studies. His method is more effective on a blackboard. I have adapted his method for a blog and not for exegetical purposes. This may help the reader understand the gospel from the perspective of reflection.

Gospel paraphrase

The Lord appointed
a further seventy-two


and sent them in pairs before him
to every town and place
he intended to visit


He said to them:
"The harvest is rich
but the workers are few;


therefore


ask the harvest-master
to send workers to his harvest


Be on your way,
and remember:


I am sending you as lambs
in the midst of wolves.


Do not carry a walking staff
or traveling bag:


wear no sandals
and greet no one along the way.


On entering any house,
first say,
'Peace to this house.'


If there is a peacable man there,
your peace will rest on him;
if not, it will come back to you.


Stay in the one house
eating and drinking what they have,
for the laborer is worth his wage.


Do not move from house to house


Into whatever city you go,
after they welcome you,
eat what they set before you,


and cure the sick there.


Say to them
'The reign of God is at hand.'


If the people of any town you enter
do not welcome you,
go into its streets and say,


'We shake the dust of this town
from our feet
as testimony against you.


But know that the reign of God
is near.'


I assure you,
on that day
the fate of Sodom
will be less severe
than that of such a town."


The seventy-two
returned in jubilation
saying,


"Master
even the demons are subject to us
in your name."


He said in reply:


"I watched Satan
fall from the sky
like lightning.


See what I have done;


I have given you power
to tread on snakes
and scorpions
and all forces of the enemy,
and nothing shall ever injure you.


Nevertheless,


do not rejoice so much
in the fact
that the devils are subject to you


as that your names
are inscribed in heaven."

Reflection:

In the gospel for the 14th Sunday of the Year (C), Jesus commissions seventy-two disciples to extend his mission "to every town and place he intended to visit." The mission he intends to do is a mission of peace, healing the sick, and expelling evil spirits. When the 72 disciples finished completing the mission, they received much success from their efforts. But these efforts were done in the name of Jesus. They were jubilant because they were able to expel demons. Jesus sobered them up from their experience and told them this truth: there is a greater joy and reward than what they have accomplished here on earth - an eternal reward where their "names are inscribed in heaven".

The mission which Jesus gave to the 72 disciples is also the mission of all the baptized in the Church. By one's baptismal consecration, we become part of this mission of peace the Lord and His seventy-two disciples began. We may not have the gift to cure the sick, nor the power to expel demons, but we all have the potential to be peacemakers - to bring peace to every family or house we visit informally, or formally, through a parish apostolate or charitable cause. What we are called to do is one of the Beatitudes: "Blest are the peacemakers; they shall be called sons of God." St. Francis of Assisi made popular this beatitude through his prayer for peace: "Make me an instrument of thy peace".

Probably the best source of peace we can receive in prayer is in the Eucharist. The whole Mass itself is a gift of peace for all who participate. There is a prayer (which may seem unnoticeable due to its familiarity) after the prayer of the Pater Noster. But it exactly prays for the peace the whole community needs: from the priest-presider, everyone in the altar, and all those who attend the Sacrament. It is the priest who prays this short prayer:

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

It is a short prayer before we make the sign of peace, but it is effective in increasing the faith of the community. A prayer to: "deliver us from every evil"..."grant peace in our days"..."to be always free from sin"..."safe from all distress"..."as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior".

Scripture quotes:

• "In Jerusalem you shall find comfort." (Isaiah 66:10-14)
• "Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness." (Psalm 66)
• "Peace and mercy on all who follow this rule of life." (Galatians)

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Corpus Christi (C)

(Edited) Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

Feast of Corpus Christi (C), June 2, 2013

Liturgical readings
Genesis 14:18-20
Psalm 110
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Luke 9:11-17

"Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and pronounced a blessing over the loaves."

The multiplication of the loaves is one gospel passage the Church refers to when she teaches about the Eucharist and the solemnity of Corpus Christi. This miracle story in the life of our Lord is not only in Luke 9:11-17 but has its gospel parallel in Matthew 14:13-21 and in Mark 6:30-44. There are distinct differences among the three versions of this miracle story. Theology can teach those differences. But for purposes of reflection, what can impress us among these three presentations of the miracle of the loaves, is what is common among the three gospel versions: the manner by which Christ fed the crowd

• 1 "he looked up to heaven"
• and 2 "blessed, broke and gave the loaves to his disciples", for distribution to the people.
• (The second quote contains the same words used in the Last Supper story, and also the same words spoken by the priest-presider during the consecration in the Mass).

Now, from Scriptural tradition, we go to traditional Catholic spirituality. And one classic reflection given by an important teacher of the Church is from St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Thomas of Aquinas wrote about the feast of Corpus Christi:

"He offered his body to God the Father on the altar
of the cross as a sacrifice for our reconciliation.
He shed his blood for our ransom and purification,
so that we might be redeemed from our wretched
state of bondage and cleansed from all sin. But
to ensure that the memory of so great a gift would
abide with us forever, he left his body as food
and his blood as drink for the faithful to consume
in the form of bread and wine."

The Body and Blood of the Lord is a sacrament of charity. It nourishes the soul and fills him with God's love - ennobling his human spirit to be aware beyond his usual routines, and see the people around him who not only lack the opportunity to be nourished in spirit, but also lack the means to purchase food and medicines. There are two ways to put this Sacrament of charity to practice: if pressed for time because of profession or business, he can donate to charitable causes; if time is abundant because of retirement, volunteering to any of the pastoral works of a parish or mission is making the Eucharist a force for good. We see that as the Body and Blood of Jesus is received in the Eucharist, the community that gathered makes that Body of Christ alive in the very circumstances they will be working and living. Just as Jesus multiplied the loaves, so the Eucharist multiplies the presence of Jesus for our time. Just as Jesus is the Bread of Life, the Eucharist makes us the bread of life for others as well.

Scripture quotes:

• "Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine...he blessed Abram." (Genesis 14)
• "Before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you." (Psalm 110)
• "The Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread, and after he had given thanks, broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you.'" (1 Corinthians)

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