Lectio: Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 3:7-13

Mass: Sirach 27:30-28:7; Resp. Psalm 103: Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35

The inspiration for today’s reflection comes from a friend who writes for The Times, London, UK. For this Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, he begins, “Relationships form us. St Paul’s line, ‘The life and death of each of us has its influence on others’, is telling.” Over the past months I have been reflecting on people in my life who have influenced, or formed me over the years to help shape me into the person I am today. I’ve looked through my photo album, travel diaries, and even letters my siblings wrote to my mom when she was in the hospital with me. I have many fond memories of my family, teachers, and others in the past with whom I have been in relationship. I am grateful.

Today, though, let us focus on the present and those relationships that are forming us now. The people with whom I am in relationship have been pleasant surprises in my life; people who just happened to be in the right place at the right time, almost miraculously, when I needed them without knowing it. These people embrace me for who I am, not for what I do, or have done. They help me to believe that I am loved by God and even lovable in the face of my bad moods, irritations, and other not so pleasant behaviors. Through these relationships I am learning to love and be loved; growing pains and all. Today’s Gospel Acclamation is alive: “I give you a new commandment, says the Lord; love one another as I have loved you.” 

As we embark upon a new week may we think about not only those who are influencing us, but also those we are influencing. We are not alone on our journey to God; we are meant to love, support, and encourage one another. Indeed, “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.” My friend concludes with rather good advice: “From time to time, it is good to recognise those who have influenced us and be grateful. It is relationships that form us.” Amen. 

SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN

Readings of the day: RB 3:1-6

Mass: 1 Timothy 1:15-17; Psalm 113; Luke 6:43-49

In Saint Paul’s First Letter to Timothy we hear some most comforting words; as Paul puts it, a saying that is “trustworthy and deserves full acceptance,” namely, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” With Saint Paul, I run to the front of the line, jumping up and down: “Of these I am the foremost!”

Merciful God, grant me the grace to build my house on your Word. Help me to bear good fruit; help me to be a good example for those who come to believe in you. Today I pray for the fruit of patience; to be more patient with myself so I can display your patience, mercy, and compassion to others.

Is there one person in your life with whom you could be more patient, merciful, and compassionate? Why not reach out to him or her, today.

SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN, PRAY FOR US.

OUR LADY OF SORROWS

Readings of the day: Rule of Saint Benedict (RB) 2:33-40

Mass: Hebrews 5:7-9; Resp. Psalm 31or 1 Timothy 1:1-2,12-14; Resp. Psalm 16; Stabat Mater Sequence (optional); John 19:25-27 (obligatory for the memorial)

Following yesterday’s Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we celebrate Our Lady of Sorrows, Mary, who stood by the cross of her son, Jesus. We reflect in the words of Cardinal Basil Hume: 

She stands there—noble, dignified, courageous, strong. Stabat Mater, the mother stood. She had to be there to share his pain, to be part of his mental anguish. She was no casual onlooker, no idle spectator. She shared his pain; she was part of his mental anguish. Strangely, wondrously, she was again mother. His mother in his hour of need, but our mother as well. We call her Mother, because she truly is, and thus she is now our mother in our time of need, calling us to be like her—dignified, noble, courageous, strong. (Hope from the Cross: Reflections on Jesus’ Seven Last Words, 36)

At the cross her station keeping,

Stood the mournful Mother weeping,

Close to the Jesus to the last.

O sweet Mother! Font of love,

Touch my spirit from above,

Make my heart with yours accord.

Make me feel as you have felt;

Make my soul to glow and melt

With the love of Christ, my Lord.

                     (From Stabat Mater sequence)

MOTHER MOST ADMIRABLE, PRAY FOR US.

FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

Readings of the day: RB 2:30-32; Numbers 21:4b-9; Psalm 78; Philippians 2:6-11;

John 3:13-17

Today’s liturgy is saturated with the richness of the Word; I am moved to burst out in song.

Saint Paul’s great hymn of humility in his letter to the Philippians includes one of my favorite verses in all of Sacred Scripture: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bend.” Upon hearing it, I sing forth: 

At the Name of Jesus

Every knee shall bow,

Ev’ry tongue confess him

King of Glory now;

‘Tis the Father’s pleasure

We should call him Lord,

Who from the beginning was the mighty Word.

This is Jesus, “the Son of Man, lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life…For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world adore his sacred name.

Without hesitation, then,

We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered. (Cf. Gal. 6:14, Entrance Antiphon)

MAY JESUS CHRIST BE PRAISED!

SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

Readings of the day: RB 2:23-29; Col. 3:1-11; Psalm 145; Luke 6:20-26

It dawns on me that the more and more I seek what is above and not what is on earth, the better able I will be to conduct myself in a manner worthy of God. For this to come to fruition though, first I need grace. Then each and every day I can pray to be renewed, for knowledge, in the image of our creator.

Starting today, what is one practice I will incorporate into my daily schedule that will keep me focused on what is above?

May we rejoice and leap for joy! Our reward will be great in heaven! 

Saint John Chrysostom, pray for us.

THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY

Readings of the day: RB 2:16-22; Col. 2;6-15; Resp. Psalm 145; Luke 6:12-19

And the virgin’s name was Mary. Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.

May we obtain the grace of your blessing, O Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, that from her, whose holy Name we venerate, we may obtain help in our every need. Through Christ our Lord. (Prayer after Communion, Mass)

Mary, spiritual vessel, pray for us.

Lectio: Monday, Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the day: RB 2:11-15; Col. 1:24-2:3; Resp. Psalm 62; Luke 6:6-11

Those who read the Qualities of the Abbess listed by Saint Benedict see clearly that the one chosen to care for and guide her sisters in community in their search for God has a daunting responsibility. Today we hear that the Abbess leads primarily by the example she sets; then by the words used in her teaching. Put another way, the Abbess is called to practice what she preaches.

Abbess Kathy and Sr Karen at Sr Karen's Solemn Profession

As we enter into this week of work and service, perhaps we can ask ourselves—how will I give witness to Christ, the hope for glory? What will I do specifically to encourage the hearts of others brought together in love, more by example than by words?

Lord of compassion and love, grant me the grace to live by your Word; to be a healing presence with gentleness and kindness; to save life rather than destroy it. You are my stronghold and refuge.