September 19, 2016

Sept. 19

September 19, 2016:  Monday, 25th week, Ordinary Time


  • 'Penny pincher' button:  "Those who don't lend money at usury or accept bribes won't be disturbed." (psalm)
  • 'Heart' pin:  "Those who think the truth in their heart won't be disturbed." (psalm)
  • 'Lights' tie:  “One who lights a lamp doesn't conceal it but places it so those who enter see the light" (gospel)
  • Red lights:  Martyrdom of St. Januarius/San Gennaro
  • White and green shirt:  Light (gospel), Ordinary Time season
Listen


For Psalm 15
For the gospel

Pope Francis homily
The light of faith is a gift each of us receives from God at our Baptism.  Baptism was called ‘Illumination’ in the first centuries of Christianity, and some Eastern Churches still use the term.  If we hide that light, we become lukewarm Christians.  We risk putting out that light in many ways, such as delaying help we’re called to give the needy.  Never put off doing good; it’s injustice.  You can't put ‘good’ in the fridge.
Those who plot evil against others, taking advantage of trust, are “Mafiosi” putting out the light of faith.
Resist the temptation to argue.  Arguments wear us out; just pardon and let it go.
Don't envy the powerful, successful, or violent; God spurns them.  Jealousy hides the light.  The same worms who devour our corpses will eat the bodies of the rich and powerful too.
Be ‘children of light’ and take care of the light; don't hide it under a bed.  May the Holy Spirit we received at Baptism help us avoid habits that hide the light and let us instead nurture the light of friendship, humility, faith, hope, patience, and goodness.
Read
    Animate
    (the only way you can likely see the words)
  • Prv 3:27-34  Refuse no one the good on which they have a claim.  Don't delay when you can give now.  Don't quarrel with one who's done you no harm.  Don't act like the lawless.  The Lord is stern with the arrogant but kind to the humble.
  • Ps 15:2-4ab, 5  "The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord."  Those who walk blamelessly, do justice, think the truth, don't slander, lend at usury, accept bribes, or harm or take up reproach against others shall never be disturbed.
  • Lk 8:16-18  “No one who lights a lamp conceals it; no, they place it so those who enter see the light.  All that's hidden will become visible, and all that's secret will come to light.  Take care how you hear.  To anyone who has, more will be given....”
Reflect

    • Creighton:  I can avoid expressing my faith out of fear it'll offend others and get me into trouble; I fear retribution and attacks.  But I need to put my lamp on a stand and be seen.  If I'm an authentic, genuine Christian, my devotion to God will show through my love and service.  We need to discern when to speak and ask God to guide our speech.  I don't have to argue aggressively, just love.
    • One Bread, One Body:  "Privileged position":  Jesus commanded us to put his light on a stand and proclaim the gospel.  His word will get out even if we don't proclaim it, but he calls us because we need him.  Evangelization is our privilege to serve God.  When we serve, pray, work, and suffer for the Lord, he's let us serve in his kingdom.
    • Passionist:  No need to be anxious about how God sees us; Jesus tells us we're a light for the world and should let our light shine for all.  God has confidence in us; we're to get up on the lampstand, shine for all to see, and be living witnesses of God’s love.  Listen to Jesus, do what he asks, and let your light shine so everyone sees what God’s love has done in you.
    • DailyScripture.net:  "Every secret shall come to light":  Lamps in enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling.  Light expresses God's inner beauty, truth, and goodness:  in his light we see light; "Your word is a guiding lamp."  God illumines our darkness and fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace.  Jesus disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love.  As natural light illumines our visual darkness, so Christ shining in our hearts enables us to see God's kingdom. We're to be light-bearers of Christ so others may see gospel truth and be freed from their blindness.  We can try to hide things from people, ourselves, and God, but God sees it all.  Live in God's light, experience freedom and joy, and receive his wisdom, guidance, peace, and blessing.
      • Theodore of Tarsus (now in Turkey), monk, ordained priest at 65 to be Archbishop of Canterbury, reformed Church life, reconciled divisions between Celtic and Roman traditions.
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