SOCL, Assumption

August 15, 2024

Mary is taken up to heaven; a chorus of angels exults.

See

While it is quite common for us to consider Mary as a figure who enjoys extraordinary privileges and blessings as a human being, on this particular day, the extraordinary event that unfolded for her, which involved being in the divine presence of God as a complete and whole human being, serves as a profound prefiguration of the glorious future that awaits us as well. Therefore, this celebration is not merely a reflection on the immense grace that Mary experienced in her life, but it simultaneously gazes forward with hope and anticipation toward our own future existence in the divine presence of God. We, too, hold a steadfast belief that in the fullness of time, we will stand before God alongside all the saints, fully present and encompassed by the divine essence of God. Even though we may find it challenging to truly envision such a magnificent future, we nonetheless maintain our faith in a God who deeply cherishes every aspect of our being, including our physical bodies, our interpersonal relationships, our shared history, and our active participation in the tangible realities of the world around us.

Listen

Apocalypse 11:19,12:1-6,10; Ps 45 (44); 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56

Reflect

(Luke 1:39-56)

-The story of the Visitation is a story of two pregnant women reaching out to one another. For those of you who are mothers, perhaps you have been in that situation. What blessings do you recall in such encounters?

-The story and the song of Mary are both celebrating the work of God in their lives. When have you been particularly grateful for what was happening in you life? How did you express and celebrate your thanks?

-Mary is praised for believing that God’s promise to her would be fulfilled. How has your trust in God’s promise to be with you helped you in your life?

-Read the Magnificat a few times slowly and let your attention stay with whatever words or phrase you are drawn to. Place yourself in the position of the one saying the prayer. Let it be your prayer of thanksgiving for your own life.

Pray

Faithful to your promise, O God, you have lifted up the lowly, clothing with heavenly splendour the woman who bore Christ, our life and resurrection. Grant that the Church, prefigured in Mary, may bear Christ to the world and come to share his triumph. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

References

The Queen Stands At Your Right Hand

The Word today, W21B

August 26 - August 31, 2024

Monday 26 August

2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12 A word of appreciation is always welcome! 2 Thessalonians begins with a warm prayer of thanksgiving for the church in Thessalonica and concludes with a prayer for all the believers there.

Matthew 23:13-22 The Jesus of this story is stern, but be careful not to leave it in the past. His teaching is for us today as well.

Tuesday 27 August

St Monica, wife and mother

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17 The context for this reading is excited, perhaps excitable, expectation of the end of time and the second coming of Jesus. The writers dampens these expectations down and closes with a prayer for the Thessalonian Christians.

Matthew 23:23-26 Religions can lose sight of the essentials and focus on the trivial—today, as well as in the past.

Wednesday 28 August

St Augustine, bishop and doctor

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10,16-18 It might seem strange to us, but one of the things the Thessalonians resented about Paul was his refusal to take money from them! In a way, he had insulted them, but he defends his motives with great energy.

Matthew 23:27-32 The attack on “show” religion continues fiercely. It is important to try to hear this both in the present and personally. It is much easer to leave it in the past and think of others. The last line is unexpectedly robust!

Thursday 29 August

Beheading of John the Baptist

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Today we start reading from 1 Corinthians, one of Paul’s great letters to his most difficult community. He begins as usual with a word of appreciation in the form of a thanksgiving prayer. As we listen, we may wonder for what would Paul give thanksgiving today?

Mark 6:17-29 The gospel—special for the feast—tells the story of the death of John the Baptist. It is a grisly end for a great prophet, facing death at the whim of his enemy.

(There are some inaccuracies and improbabilities in the Gospel account as well as echoes of the Books of Esther and Judith. The version by Josephus seems closer to the Realpolitik of Herod Antipas, who was not a king. See Jewish Antiquities 18:116–119.)

Friday 30 August

St Fiacre, monk

1 Corinthians 1:17-25 It seems the Corinthians overestimated the value of eloquence and even logic, while neglecting the crucifixion, a paradox at the heart of Christian faith. Paul describes this paradox is very arresting language.

Matthew 25:1-13 Today’s parable is a reminder that there are some things which only we can do for ourselves.

Saturday 31 August

St Aidan, bishop and missionary and the Saints of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Paul illustrate the paradox of the cross in the lives of the Corinthians. The “foolishness” of the cross confirmed by the “foolishness” of the Corinthians—a rather high risk strategy of persuasion!

Matthew 25:14-30 Today’s parable is undoubtedly severe, especially towards the end. The overall message, however, stands: we have all receive graces and gifts—but how do we use them?

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024bn, August 25). Twenty-first Sunday in ordinary time. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082524.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/

SOCL, Sunday21B

Sunday August 25, 2024

Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.

See

The phrase “Do you also wish to go away” possesses a distinctly modern vibe, resonating deeply in a time when countless individuals have indeed chosen to depart from their current circumstances. This intriguing question inevitably prompts us to ponder: Why is it that I remain in this place? What compelling factors continue to captivate my attention and keep me anchored here? Our personal reflections on this matter are very likely to manifest in the form of statements such as “we have come to believe and we know,” which articulate the foundations of our beliefs. It is essential that we do not shy away from identifying the significant experiences that underpin our convictions, as these experiences ultimately illuminate the rationale behind our unwavering commitment. By doing so, we not only clarify the reasons for our steadfast loyalty but also enrich our understanding of the faith that continues to guide us through life’s complexities.

Listen

Joshua 24:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 34 (33); Ephesians 5:2,25-32; John 6:60-69

Reflect

(John 6:60-69)

-In this chapter Jesus teaches that the meaning of his life, and the meaning of all human life, lies in being prepared to give of oneself. When have you learned that life was more worthwhile when you were prepared to do that?

-“This teaching is difficult”, complained his hearers, including some of his own followers. Perhaps at times you also have wondered if you could go along with it. What helped you to overcome your resistance?

-“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life.” In the midst of your doubts perhaps you have held on to belief because, like Peter, Jesus offered you a more hopeful message than you could find anywhere else. How has the gospel message been more attractive to you than any other?

-“The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life”. Recall the teachings of Jesus have particularly spoken to you.

Pray

In every age, O God, you give your people freedom to walk in faith or turn away. Grant us grace to remain faithful to your Holy One, whose words are spirit and life, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

References

Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord