November 18, 2015: Wednesday, 33rd week, Ordinary Time
 |
| See 11 connections with today? Legend below |
As the Holy Year of Mercy approaches, we consider the open door of God’s mercy, symbolized by the Holy Doors which will open in Churches worldwide. The recent Synod of Bishops encouraged families to enter this door of mercy and open the doors of their hearts to others. Jesus stands knocking at our door, asking that we open it to him. Be good doorkeepers, opening your doors and making your homes places of encounter and welcome, especially to those in need! The Jubilee Year recalls the great door of God’s mercy, but also the small ones of our churches, open to let the Lord in, or out; he's often the prisoner of our structures and selfishness. As the door of God’s mercy is always open, so must the doors of our churches, the love of our communities, parishes, institutions, and dioceses, for when they are, we can all go out to bring God's mercy.... Jesus is the door leading to salvation; if we pass through him, we'll find security and freedom. As guardians of that door, we're called to welcome all who seek to enter the Good Shepherd's fold. May the doors of our homes be signs of God’s mercy, ever open to all who knock and desire to meet Jesus.
Protect children, especially from abuse in all its forms, particularly slavery and forced military service. Be vigilant over children's living conditions, especially where armed groups recruit them. Help families ensure every child the right to schooling and wholesome upbringing.
Thank God for the vocation of people who, in monasteries and hermitages, have dedicated their lives to God. Be spiritually and materially close to them, so that cloistered communities may fulfill their mission of prayer and silent work.Read
- 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31 Seven brothers with their mother were tortured to force them to violate God’s law. Mother exhorted each to remain faithful. King promised riches and happiness to youngest, then appealed to mother who continued, “Don't fear this executioner; accept death." Youth didn't obey king.
- Ps 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b, 15 "Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full." Hear my outcry; I've been faithful.
- Lk 19:11-28 Nobleman going off to obtain kingship gives servants coins for trade; fellow citizens don't want him as king. Upon his return, servants give account: two who multiply the money receive charge of cities; one who returns coin gets nothing. "To those who have, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken." Nobleman's enemies are slain.
Invest and share!
- Creighton: Crowds had gathered around Jesus expecting the kingdom to appear; Jesus used the parable to teach them that he'd leave the world and return again. Jesus left behind the Spirit, the Word, and unique gifts to us. He expects us to use the gifts. The nobleman was angry when he heard a servant hid his coin; he saw the servant lacked trust in his master. What gifts don't I use because I don't trust they're good enough?
- One Bread, One Body: "How to defeat terrorism": The Seleucids who persecuted the Jews during the Maccabean revolt were terrorists; they intimidated and killed their enemies. They didn't just kill the brothers but scalped, dismembered, and fried them one by one, forcing the rest and their mom to watch it all. They planned to use the mother's anguish to manipulate the sons into becoming traitors, but the plan backfired: The mother strengthened her sons, then followed them to martyrdom. Their strong faith defeated the terrorists; only faith can.
 |
| Das Martyrium der sieben Makkabäer Ciseri |
- Passionist: Today's parable is about being faithful, fruitful, and resisting the paralysis of fear. The 3rd servant’s lack of action teaches us that while life is hard and fearful, we must work to build God's Kingdom. Jesus tells the parable to dispel the myth that the Kingdom would appear immediately. We can't just ‘bury’ or hide our talents and allow fear paralyze us. Each of us is called to contribute according to our talents.
- DailyScripture.net: "They did not want me to reign over them": The parable of the talents reveals how God works: the king trusts his subjects, rewards the faithful, punishes the idle. Each servant was faithful up to a point, but the one who buried the money was irresponsible. The Lord expects us to be good stewards of the gifts and graces he gives us and rewards those who faithfully use their gifts and talents for good....
- Dedication of the Basilicas of SS. Peter and Paul: Commemoration of dedication of St. Peter basilica at the Vatican and St. Paul basilica in the Via Ostiense honors the two great apostles as the dedication of St. Mary Major celebrates the Virgin Mother of God.
- St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, religious, founded Religious of the Sacred Heart, founded orphanage, school for Indian girls..., saved Jesuit mission to Missouri; see Wikipedia.
Dress legend
- 'Crown' tie bar, '[flying] pig' pin: king forced mom and sons to eat pork (1st reading); nobleman obtains kingship (gospel)
- 'People' tie pin: brothers and mother before King (1st reading); servants entrusted with coins (gospel)
- 'Abacus' tie pin: servants account outcome of trading (gospel)
- 'Coin' pin: coins given to servants (gospel)
- 'Precious feet' pin: "My feet have not faltered" (psalm)
- 'Apple' pin: "Keep me as the apple of your eye" (psalm)
- 'Eyeball' pin, since 'apple of eye' refers to pupil, though not here (in case you didn't follow the link above :-)
- 'Clocks' tie: countdown to Day of Lord, end of church year (season)
- Green shirt: Ordinary Time season
No comments:
Post a Comment