Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": Aug. 14

Readings

Ezk 12:1-12 Lord: "You live amid a rebellious house; they have eyes but don't see, ears but don't hear. Prepare your baggage and set out as if driven into exile; maybe they'll see they're rebellious. I've made you a sign for Israel." When I did, God's word came: "Tell them, 'I'm a sign for you: as I've done, it'll be done to them; they'll go into exile....'"

Ps 78:56-59, 61-62 "Do not forget the works of the Lord!" They rebelled against and angered God. God abandoned his people to the sword...

Mt 18:21-19:1 Peter / Jesus: “If my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? Seven times?” / “Not 7 but 77. The Kingdom is like a king who settled with his servants. He ordered sold a debtor and his family and property, but the debtor begged, ‘Be patient; I'll repay you!’ Moved, he let him go and forgave the loan. The servant then seized one who owed him much less: ‘Pay what you owe.’ / ‘Be patient; I'll repay you.’ But he refused. His fellow servants, disturbed, reported him; his master said: ‘Wicked servant! I forgave your debt when you begged me, but you didn't take pity on your servant!’ He handed him over to torturers. So will my Father do to you unless you forgive.”

Pope Francis / from the Vatican

To South Korean leaders: Korea has long suffered a lack of peace. I appreciate all efforts made towards fostering a spirit of reconciliation on the Korean peninsula, for it inspires stability in the area and of our war-weary world. I encourage the formation of citizens ready to bring the wisdom and vision inherited from their forebears and born of their faith to the great political and social questions facing the nation. The Church wishes to contribute to the education of the young and growth of solidarity with the poor and disadvantaged. By preserving memory and inspiring courage, the elderly and youths are our greatest treasure and our hope for the future.”

PCCS sec. Msgr. Tighe's #C3TC2014 keynote: Catholics need to be part of the digital world lest we leave it to trolls and bullies. We’re called to give the Internet a soul (Pope Benedict), engaging in conversation and valuing others. To engage the digital culture: be respectful, honest and objective; seek out and collaborate with “good Samaritans” (those who use social media positively); share good content; and experiment. More at LA Times

Music

Look it up/ Presley, Orrall: country song with verse about how hard it is for us to forgive ("forgiveness... It's what Jesus has in store for you, but I don't...") This Bailey and Lowe cover avoids the original's bad language. Lyrics+ (gospel)

Reflections

ArchbishopGomez on #C3TC2014: Technology is so important for our mission. I use Facebook and Twitter to connect with people, build friendships and community, address peoples’ spiritual needs, and nourish faith, and other archdiocesan offices use new media daily. We want to provide solid information about the Church and share the Catholic vision for our society. We’re called to go where people are to share the Gospel, so we need to have a strong presence in this digital culture and have a responsibility for using technology to share our faith. People use the Internet to search for meaning and hope, for connections and community, so we need to be there to listen to them and enter into dialogue. More: AngelusNews/The Tidings Online, also on the DCC pre-conference

One Bread One Body: We must immediately forgive from our heart, 70 × 7 times, everyone including enemies, those who don't apologize, and those who keep sinning or we won't be forgiven. It's humanly impossible; we need God to give us the power. Forgive, show mercy to those you forgive, and receive forgiveness.

Wordle of today's readings

Passionist: The Gospels are full of forgiveness/mercy stories: prodigal son, woman about to be stoned, today's parable.... Forgiveness draws us to God. Flip "How often must I forgive?": "How often do I need God's mercy?" Don't be afraid of sinfulness/weakness. Hiding separates us from love, freedom, and growth. I feel closest to God when in brokenness I'm open to his merciful love.

DailyScripture.net: The first man owed more than a king's ransom, but after his debt was forgiven, he didn't forgive 0.001% as much. Jesus paid our ransom to free us from the unrepayable debt of sin; nothing done to us compares with that debt! We must forgive and let go of resentment. Mercy seasons and perfects justice: "Mercy flowers only when it grows in the crannies of the rock of Justice; transplanted to the marshlands of Humanitarianism, it becomes a man-eating weed" (C. S. Lewis, “The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment,” Essay Collection and Other Short Pieces, HarperCollins, p.704). Purify my heart so I may show mercy to all.

Universalis: St. Maximilian Kolbe, Franciscan priest, martyr, believed we must fight for salvation using modern communication, founded newspaper, Knights of Mary Immaculate, “city of Mary,” radio station; studied Buddhism and Shintoism; spread gospel in harmony with Japanese culture; helped Auschwitz inmates; offered to be killed instead of family man. Emulate him by becoming people of perseverance and prayer who naturally do the right thing.

Apparel

'Arrow' tie bar: "they recoiled like a treacherous bow." (psalm)
'Sword' tie pin: "He abandoned his people to the sword" (psalm) [oops, forgot it; see Aug. 9]

'Abacus' tie pin: "Forgive 70 × 7 times" (gospel)
'Penny' button: "His master handed over the merciless servant to repay the last penny" (gospel)
'Hearts' suspenders: "My Father will do likewise unless you forgive from your heart.” (gospel)

"Catholic Communication Collaboration" T-shirt (below since you can't see it beneath dress shirt): C3 tech conference ends today

Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress"