February 7
February 7, 2014: Friday, 4th Week, Ordinary Time
Readings
- Sir 47:2-11 David made sport of lions and bears. He slew the giant and wiped out people's disgrace by calling on God. As king he subdued the enemy, offering thanks to God whom he loved and praised. The Lord forgave him, exalted his strength, and established his throne.
- Ps 18:31, 47, 50-51 "Blessed be God my salvation!" God is a shield to all who take refuge in him who showed kindness to David and his posterity.
- Mk 6:14-29 Herod heard about Jesus; people were saying John the Baptist has been raised or that he is Elijah or another prophet, but Herod thought John had been raised up. [Flashback to Herod's birthday banquet:] Herodias had an opportunity to have John killed: Salome danced; he promised her up to half his kingdom. She asked for John's head; Herod was distressed but had him beheaded.
Pope Francis
- Homily: God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for his son. He was a man in Herod's corrupt court who urged conversion and proclaimed Jesus Christ. He was a man of truth and humility; he could have said he was the Messiah but didn't. He imitated Jesus in his humility, suffering, and humiliation. He had dark moments of anguish and doubt. He's a model disciple because he proclaims and follows Jesus Christ. Proclaim the Gospel with humility.
Relations with Judaism: We hold the Jewish people in special regard; their covenant with God is still in force. We share the Old Testament with them and look on them and their faith as roots of our Christianity. Together we believe in the one God and accept his revealed word. Jesus’ disciples must be friends with the children of Israel and in dialogue with them. We bitterly regret the persecutions they’ve endured, and endure, especially those involving Christians.
Since God still works with them and brings wisdom from their encounter with his word, the values of Judaism enrich the Church. Though certain Christian beliefs are unacceptable to Judaism, and we must proclaim Jesus as Messiah, there’s a rich complementarity that allows us to read and mine the riches of Scripture together. We also share ethical convictions and concern for justice and development of peoples. (4.IV, 247-49, pp. 184-86)
Reflections
- Creighton: “David set singers before the altar and made sweet melodies, so that when the Holy Name was praised, the sanctuary would resound.” (1st reading) Support and encourage music ministry conducive to assembly participation...
- One Bread One Body: John pointed out Herodias's sin; she took advantage of an opportunity to have him killed. Let's take advantage of our opportunities to proclaim the Gospel, prepared and ready to make disciples.
Music
- Despite the gospel, I didn't link to video or even music of the Dance of the Seven Veils from the Strauss opera, Salome. (I marked this blog as free of adult content.)
Apparel
- Tie with trophies: David's legacy (1st reading)
- Lion and bear pins: David made sport of lions and bears (1st reading)
- Shield pin: God is a shield (psalm)
- Headless skeleton: Herod had John the Baptist beheaded (gospel)
- Red shirt: John's martyrdom (gospel)
Dress your life!
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