St. Scholastica
February 10, 2014: St. Scholastica, virgin
Readings
- 1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13 The leaders came to King Solomon to bring up the ark. The priests carried it and the meeting tent with vessels, sacrificed sheep and oxen, and brought the ark to its place, with nothing in it but the stone tablets Moses had put there. When they left, the cloud filled the temple. Solomon said, “The Lord intends to dwell in the cloud; I've built you a house where you may abide forever.”
- Ps 132:6-7, 8-10 "Lord, go up to the place of your rest!" Let us enter into his dwelling; let us worship at his footstool.
- Mk 6:53-56 Jesus and his disciples came to land. People recognized him and began to bring in the sick. They begged to touch his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
Pope Francis
- Homily: In Solomon's time, the Lord came down like a cloud. The Lord speaks through prophets, priests, and Scriptures, but in theophanies, his presence is closer, without mediation. The liturgical celebration is a theophany, not a social act or place to pray together; God is really present. It's the Last Supper, not a representation. We live the Lord's Passion and redeeming Death; he's made present and offered for the world's salvation. Mass is participated in, not heard; it's participation in a theophany, the mystery of God's presence.
Nativity scenes are representations, but Mass is a theophany: God is with us, and we participate in the Redemption. Don't look at the clock; place yourself in God’s time and space and allow yourself to be brought to the mystery. To celebrate the liturgy is to be available to enter into the mystery and entrust ourselves to it. It's one thing to pray prayers or read the Bible at home or in Church, but the Eucharist is different: we enter into the mystery of God beyond our control: only He is the One, the glory, the power,... everything. May the Lord teach us to enter.
Spirit-filled Evangelizers: At Pentecost, the Spirit made the apostles go forth as heralds of God’s wondrous deeds, speaking to people in their own languages. The Spirit gives courage to proclaim the Gospel boldly, even in the face of opposition. Call on him today, rooted in prayer. Jesus wants us to proclaim the good news not only with words, but above all by a life transfigured by God’s presence.
No words of encouragement will stir enthusiasm for evangelization unless the Holy Spirit burns in our hearts. A spirit-filled evangelization is one guided by the Spirit, whom I implore to renew the Church, to impel her to go forth to evangelize all peoples. (5, 259-61, pp. 193-94)
Reflections
- Creighton: The 1st reading and psalm speak of a place of rest for God, in apparent contrast with the crowds in the gospel. The Ark was an abode for God, storing the tablets of his word. When we receive the Eucharist, we become a place of rest for the Word made flesh. Is my heart a peaceful Tabernacle for Jesus? If I'm actively living out my vocation, yes. Jesus was at peace and alive spending himself in service.
- One Bread One Body: Israel was excited about God dwelling among them, but they were giving the Lord "lip-service," not "life-service." Rebuild the Church by reverence and obedience.
- Passionist: As Solomon built a temple as God's home, we try to fit God into our own specifications and images, avoiding God's challenges, but God refuses to be put into a box, building, or institution. May we be open to God's surprises.
- Universalis: St. Scholastica, St. Benedict's twin. The Shipwreck of Saint Paul
Music (for Sunday readings)
- "House" tie: "I've built you a house" re ark of the covenant (1st reading) [a stretch, but I can't wear a tent]
- Sheep tie bar: sacrifice (1st reading)
- Medical pin: Jesus heals (gospel)
- Keyboard with dove tie pin: call to be Spirit-filled evangelizers (Gospel Joy)
- Wheat pin: share your bread with the hungry (Sunday 1st reading)
Dress your life!
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