The Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Sunday January 15, 2016

Lectionary: 64 (NAB Translation)

Reading 1

Isaiah 49:3,5-6

This week’s first reading is from the forty-ninth chapter of the book of Isaiah.  This chapter introduces us to the “Suffering Servant” whose vocation was to liberate the people of Israel and bring salvation to the whole world as a “light” to all the nations.” The earliest Christians immediately saw how these verses corresponded with Jesus Christ’s life, death, and mission. Of critical importance is how this mission goes beyond the salvation of Israel alone, extending even to the ends of the earth.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 40:2,4,7-10

The response for this week’s Psalm reflects the response to the call of the prophet: ” Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.”

Reading 2

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

This week’s second reading, taken from Saint Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, contains a typical greeting in the opening verses.  Paul first identifies himself and gives his credentials as someone authorized by God to speak.  Next he acknowledges who his readers are: a people in a specific local church (Corinth) who, through baptism, are called to be holy and to take their place with other believers in the Universal Church.  Because this letter was incorporated into the canon of Scripture it applies to us as well.  Baptism should unite all believers and bring them into one church, giving them the duty seek holiness.

Gospel

John 1:29-34

This week’s gospel from St. John (the Evangelist) introduces us to John the Baptist’s witness to Christ.  When John the Baptist says, “Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world,”  we are presented with the theology that links Jesus to the Passover Lamb of Exodus as well as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 (where the Messiah is compared to a lamb before his shearers).  This prophetic interpretation is fulfilled in Jesus’ eventual crucifixion where Jesus, through his suffering and death, liberates the world from Sin, just as the blood of the Passover lamb liberated Israel from the Egyptians. The entire Trinity is involved in this encounter.  God the Father sends the John the Baptist to baptize with water. The Holy Spirit descend on Jesus like a dove  and confirms Jesus as God the Son.

Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez

Gospel meditation

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” We hear a very similar version of this in every Mass. Our Gospel today tells us the role of John the Baptist was to make known Jesus, the Lamb of God.” Who has helped you to recognize Christ in your life? How does your life direct others to Christ?e!

The post Sunday Says Podcast – January 15, 2017 Mass Readings and Reflections first appeared on ATX Catholic.

The Octave Day of Christmas

Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God

Sunday January 1, 2016

Lectionary: 18 (NAB Translation)

Reading 1

Numbers 6:22-27

This week’s first reading is from the book of Numbers, the fourth book in the Old Testament and part of the Pentateuch.   This particular passage gives us a blessing formula used by priests in the temple liturgy of the ancient Israelites.  Three times the name of the Lord is invoked:  1) asking for His protection, 2) His presence, and 3) His peace. This particular reading is given on the Solemnity of Mary because it relates to the Gospel which tells of the circumcision and naming of Jesus.  Protection, presence, and peace are gifts that are accessible through the name of Jesus Christ, whom we now invoke for blessings. This blessing formula is also part of the Catholic liturgy and still frequently used at the end of Mass.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 67:2-3,5,6,8

The response for this week’s Psalm echoes the thoughts of the first reading:  “May God bless us in his mercy.”

Reading 2

Galatians 4:4-7

In this week’s second reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we learn that our status as children of God that was lost by the fall of Adam can now be restored through adoption.  Through adoption we are now heirs again of God’s kingdom.  The proof is from the Holy Spirit that gives us the boldness to call God our Father, “Abba” – or “Daddy”.  This is the great mystery known as “Divine Filiation” which says we are far more than slaves (or even friends) of God.  Because of the Incarnation, made possible by Mary’s cooperation, we now have the tremendous grace of unsurpassed access as sons and daughters of God.

Gospel

Luke 2:16-21

This week’s gospel from St. Luke begins with the witness of the shepherds to whom the angels have announced the arrival of the Messiah.  Having received the message, they went “in haste” – wasting no time to find the child Jesus along with Mary and Joseph. We notice here that Luke says “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”   This is said of Mary later upon finding Jesus in the Temple and it is clear that this must have occurred throughout her life, as she continued grow in her understanding of the plan of God.  Finally, we read, “When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb”. The name “Jesus” means, “God saves” or “God is salvation”, or more simply, Savior. Mary is mother of our Savior and our Savior is God Himself who with Mary’s cooperation has become incarnate for our sake.  Thus it is fitting to refer to Mary as “Mother of God.” — the mother of the second person of the Trinity, the mother of Jesus our brother.  And if Jesus is our brother, then Mary is our mother as well.

Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez

Gospel meditation

By believing and obeying, Mary gave birth to the Son of God, and so we call her Mother of God. By responding to the grace of baptism and by our own belief and obedience, Christ is truly present in and through us. This is a great mystery upon which we should constantly reflect. May we constantly look to Mary as a model of discipleship. In this new Year of Grace, “The LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!

The post Sunday Says Podcast – January 1, 2017 Mass Readings and Reflections first appeared on ATX Catholic.

Sunday December 18, 2016

Lectionary: 10 (NAB Translation)

Reading 1

Isaiah 7:10-14

This week’s first reading from the book of Isaiah is a prophecy of the Messiah as the Immanuel- meaning “God is with us.”  This prophecy was given by Isaiah to King Ahaz as a form of reassurance at a time in history when it looked as if Israel was going to be conquered by the Assyrians, a menacing superpower to the north.  The prophecy, predicting that a woman (a maiden or virgin) …”will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel,”  was seen as fulfilled in the story of the coming of Jesus.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 24:1-6

The response for this week’s Psalm echoes the thoughts of the first reading:  “Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.”

Reading 2

Romans 1:1-7

In this week’s second reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, we see the heart of the Christmas message.  In the opening verses of this letter St. Paul gives us a brief summary of Paul’s purpose and mission which is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Here he makes reference to the Old Testament Scriptures which predicted Christ’s coming and then proclaims both His divinity– “Son of God,” and his humanity — ” as a descendant of David.”  St. Paul makes a point to say that this message belongs to all people, including the pagans, which is one of the reasons he is sending this letter to Rome.

Gospel

Matthew 1:18-24

This week’s gospel from St. Matthew gives us a view of the nativity story from the perspective of Joseph.  In this passage we see the reason why Saint Joseph is considered the Church’s patron.  Despite the unusual circumstances of Christ’s birth which were likely to give rise to scandal since Mary and Joseph were not yet married- St. Joseph obeyed the angel and went so far as to be the protector of Jesus Christ and his Mother.  This was a gift of God who gave to Mary not only a companion for her life, but also the responsibility to be the guardian of the Son of God and the head of the divine house of the Holy Family.   According to Pope Leo XIII, “Now, the divine house that Joseph governed with the authority of a father contained the beginnings of the newborn Church…These are the reasons why the blessed Patriarch looks over the Church since the multitude of Christians have been entrusted to him”.

Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez

Gospel meditation

What do you think of when you hear that Joseph was righteous? A righteous person is not only a person who follows the law but, most importantly, a righteous person is one who strives for holiness while maintaining an active relationship with God. Today, we focus on the coming birth of Jesus, and the important salvific titles of Son of David, God with us (Emmanuel), and God saves (Jesus) that remind us that God is present and acting. However, let’s return to righteous Joseph. It is because Joseph is close to God that he heard and followed God’s word delivered through the angel. Are we growing in our relationship with God? Do we listen to and follow God’s Word in our daily lives? God is with us. Are we with God?

The post Sunday Says Podcast – December 18, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflections first appeared on ATX Catholic.

Second Sunday of Advent

Sunday December 4, 2016

Lectionary: 4 (NAB Translation)

Reading 1

Isaiah 11:1-10

This week’s first reading from the book of Isaiah is a prophecy of the Messiah as the One who will descend as a branch from the root of Jesse in the lineage of King David.  The Christ (Messiah) will have all the attributes of one filled with the Holy Spirit:  “wisdom and insight”, “counsel and power”, a “spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.”   As supreme ruler, He will govern with justice and eventually He will usher in a period of such incredible peace that even the lion will “lie down with a lamb.”   Ultimately the Messiah will make right all the evil that has resulted from original sin.  All the nations, not just Israel, will look to Him for salvation.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17

The response for this week’s Psalm echoes the thoughts of the first reading:  “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.”

Reading 2

Romans 15:4-9

In this week’s second reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, we are reminded that Sacred Scripture has been given to us by God to teach us hope and to show us the example of how faithful servants of the Lord received His help as result of their perseverance and fortitude.  Paul then calls all believers to unity, admonishing them (and us) to treat each other as Christ has treated us — with kindness and friendliness. Finally, St. Paul reminds us that God’s mercy extends beyond the Jews, and is indeed truly universal.  The pagans will now learn of the true God, they too will give Him glory.

Gospel

Matthew 3:1-12

This week’s gospel from St. Matthew introduces us to the person and preaching of St. John the Baptist.  John was a fiery character in the tradition of the Old Testament prophets.   John the Baptist attracted many people with spiritual needs who would come to him to be baptized, confessing and repenting their sins.  Much like Jesus, John the Baptist confronted the Jewish leaders of both leading factions (Sadducees and Pharisees) making it clear that repentance was the key to salvation.  Any privilege they thought they could claim by merely being a descendant of Abraham meant nothing.   John even went so far as to insult them by calling them a “brood of vipers,” making it clear that they would be judged according to the fruit they produced.  This warning should be a solemn warning to us also so that our faith is proven by the fruit we bear.

Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez

Gospel meditation

Today we hear that is it not enough to simply know Christ. Our lives are to bear good fruit. Discipleship requires ongoing conversion and formation through an intimate relationship with Christ. Do we bear good fruit? Where do we need to repent, and to turn away from sin and toward Christ as we prepare for His coming??

The post Sunday Says Podcast – December 4, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflections first appeared on ATX Catholic.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Sunday November 20, 2016

Lectionary: 162 (NAB Translation)

Reading 1

2 Samuel 5:1-3

This week’s first reading from the 2nd Book of Samuel gives us insight into kingship of Christ as the One who unifies the people of God.  Following a civil war within ancient Israel, representatives of the northern tribes have come down to Hebron in the southern kingdom and offered to place themselves under the kingship of David thereby creating a truly united kingdom. For the first time, Israel becomes one country under one king and Jerusalem is made the capital.  More importantly, the Lord says that this king will be a “shepherd,” indicating the type of king he will be.  David’s kingship foreshadows the even greater kingship of Christ whose mission is not merely to unify the tribes of Israel, but to unify the whole world through His mystical body, the Church.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5

The response for this week’s Psalm is  “Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”

Reading 2

Colossians 1:12-20

In this week’s second reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Colossians, the nature of Christ’s kingship is expressed through a magnificent hymn to Christ’s glory, and the opportunity for humans to participate in that glory.  “Because that is what he has done: he has taken us out of the power of darkness and created a place for us in the kingdom of the Son.,” says Saint Paul.  As the first reading showed the unifying power of King David, this reading shows the unifying power of Christ on a truly cosmic level.  “For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth: everything visible and everything invisible…”  “All things were created through him and for him …he holds all things in unity.”  This amazing passage conveys to us the truth of Jesus Christ being not just a king, but the King of Kings.

Gospel

Luke 23:35-43

This week’s Gospel from St. Luke seems like an ironic choice for a reading for Christ the King.  Here we see Jesus being declared as “King of the Jews” in the inscription above Him as He was dying on the cross, but this was in sheer mockery from unbelievers. It would seem absurd to a Jew in that era to witness a king hanging on a Cross. And yet, it was by His death on this Cross that Jesus accomplished our salvation.  By grace, somehow the “good” thief recognizes that Jesus truly has a kingdom, but that it is not of this world.  When he says, “remember me when you come into your kingdom,” this criminal makes an act of faith so powerful that Jesus promises him a place in paradise. Jesus’ kingship is derived from doing the Father’s will even to His death, and despite all appearances, His suffering, death, and resurrection will yield a kingdom that fulfills and surpasses the earthly kingdom of David.  As the second reading reminds us, “he was first to be born from the dead, so that he should be first in every way…all things to be reconciled through him and for him, everything in heaven and everything on earth.”

Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez

Gospel meditation

We expect kings to have a luxurious life. Jesus’ crucifixion presents a starkly different image of him as Servant-King. On the cross, Jesus was taunted by his executioners who expected him to save himself. But Jesus’ death, like his life, was entirely about self-emptying mercy. Jesus transforms the Cross into the symbol of Christian living which is a life of self-giving. How do you imitate this self-giving service?

The post Sunday Says Podcast – November 20, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflections first appeared on ATX Catholic.

Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Sunday November 6, 2016

Lectionary: 156 (NAB Translation)

Reading 1

2 Maccabees 7:1-2,9-14

This week’s first reading is from the book of 2 Maccabees.  This book covers the period of time between the 180 -161 BC, which was during the “intertestamental” period, and provides a link between the Old and New Testaments.   The passage given here tells the story of the martyrdom of seven brothers who are being tortured by the Seleucids (Syrian Greeks who had conquered Israel).  The brothers are being persecuted for resisting the Greeks who were trying to force them to eat pork in violation of Jewish law.  The story is important because it confirms belief in the bodily resurrection of the righteous and the redemptive value of suffering, setting the stage for Jesus’ coming and his eventual Passion which leads to our salvation.   In today’s Gospel passage Jesus essentially ratifies belief in the resurrection of the righteous  when he is challenged by the Sadducees (the Jewish sect that denied the resurrection).

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 17:1,5-6,8,15

The response for this Psalm is from our Gospel:  “Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.”

Reading 2

2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5

In this week’s second reading (from his second letter to the Thessalonians) Saint Paul, invokes a blessing on his listeners that they be “comforted now” in Jesus Christ and in God the Father.  He was concerned because the Thessalonians were preoccupied with the thought that Jesus’ second coming was about to happen soon and he wanted to calm their anxieties.  Then St. Paul asks the church to pray also for him and his evangelical mission– recognizing both the power of intercessory prayer as well as the fact that he cannot do it on his own, but only by the power of God.  Paul knows that he has enemies who will attempt to stop his message, but he also trusts in God to provide the strength needed if we ask Him.   This is a fitting reminder for us today to pray for each other and to especially pray for the Pope and others who are seeking to share the Gospel in a hostile world.

Gospel

Luke 20:27-38

In this week’s Gospel from St. Luke, we see Jesus responding to a challenge made by the Sadducees.  The Sadducees were a party of the Jews who held a significant amount of power because they were the wealthy and elite descendants of the high priestly families.  Unlike the Pharisees, the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection because they only accepted the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), which did not speak explicitly of the resurrection.  In this particular encounter the Sadducees are trying to test Jesus by presenting what they feel is an unsolvable riddle regarding the afterlife: Whose wife would a woman be in heaven if she had been married multiple times in life on earth?  Catholic scripture scholar John Bergsma explains Jesus’ amazing response:  “it is unthinkable that God would identify Himself by his relationship to three men who were dead and gone!  How could the Eternal “I AM”, the Ever-Living, Ever-Existent One, be associated with three dead dudes? After all, each of the three of the patriarchs had died without witnessing the fulfillment of God’s promises to them, which included the possession of the land of Canaan by their descendants.  So if there is no eternal life and no resurrection, the LORD is a God who does not keep his promises, whose friends are long forgotten and extinguished.  Not even the Sadducees would go so far as to affirm such pathetic views of Israel’s God.  Therefore, one must concede that hope in the resurrection is affirmed, at least implicitly, even by the Torah of Moses.”

Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez

Gospel meditation

During these last Sundays of the liturgical year, our attention turns to the end times when all things will, once again, be properly ordered in Christ. They remind us that our actions should always be done out of love for God. The resurrection gives us confident hope and reveals that love overcomes evil. Are my actions motivated by the opinion of others or Gospel values revealed by Jesus and the Holy Spirit through the living tradition of the Church? Do I choose to do what is right and just, merciful and loving?

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The post Sunday Says Podcast – November 6, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflections first appeared on ATX Catholic.

Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Sunday October 9, 2016

Lectionary: 144 (NAB Translation)

Reading 1

2 Kings 5:14-17

This week’s first reading is on from the book of the second book of Kings. This reading completes the story about Naaman, a successful army general from Syria, who had contracted leprosy.  Although Naaman had been an enemy of Israel, a young girl he had captured in a war against Israel, had informed the general’s wife that there was a prophet in Israel who could cure him.   Naaman traveled to Israel in search of Elisha the prophet.  Naaman was insulted when, rather than performing an elaborate ceremony, Elisha simply told him to wash seven times in the Jordan river.  Naaman was about to refuse, but his servants persuaded him to obey the prophet.  When Naaman came up out of the water he had indeed been restored.  This is a story of faith, obedience, and the washing that prefigures baptism.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 98:1-4

The response for this Psalm is from our Gospel:  “The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.”

Reading 2

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Saint Paul reminds us in this week’s second reading (from his second letter to Timothy) of the necessity of suffering for the sake of Gospel if we are to imitate Christ and attain His glory.  Paul’s own example serves as a lesson to Timothy and to all teachers of the Gospel that hardships are to be expected and endured if we are to answer the call of duty which is to truly seek to save souls.   We must be willing “to die with” Christ that we might live with Him.  It is also a call to courage and perseverance, holding firm and refusing to deny Him.  This is our call and we must be prepared to face the test if we truly wish to be disciples and followers of Christ and receive the glory that can only come with the Cross.

Gospel

Luke 17:11-19

In this week’s Gospel from St. Luke, we see Jesus heal 10 lepers which reminds us of how Elisha healed  Naaman in the first reading.   This story takes place as Jesus is traveling toward Jerusalem to face his passion and death.  Despite the fact that 10 were healed, only one –a hated Samaritan, bothered to give Jesus thanks.   Jesus notices and comments on it as a lesson to us that humility and gratitude are the proper response to God for all that He has given us.   In essence, the other 9 lepers may have been healed, but they have yet to experience the inner conversion that would lead them to the wholeness Jesus would desire for them.   This lesson should help us reflect on our level of gratitude for all the God has provided and inspire us to strive for even greater thankfulness and appreciation.

Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez

Gospel meditation

In Jesus’ day, leprosy included several skin diseases and was understood as a punishment from God. Sufferers of the disease were separated from the community and not allowed to publicly worship with the community. It was the duty of the priests to declare the person healed of the disease and thus allow the person to return to society and regular worship in the temple. Encountering Jesus and acting on his instruction in faith brought healing to the 10 lepers and restored unity with society. Yet only one, a non-Jew, returned to Jesus praising God. Today, ask yourself, “What damages my relationship with God? Am I willing to respond to Jesus in faith and be restored? Like Naaman and the leper do I praise God for my many blessings?

The post Sunday Says Podcast – October 9, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflections first appeared on ATX Catholic.

Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Sunday September 25, 2016

Lectionary: 138 (NAB Translation)

Reading 1

Amos 6:1,4-7

This week’s first reading is from the book of the prophet Amos.  Amos was a shepherd from Tekoa (a village in the southern kingdom of Judah), but preached to the rich in the northern kingdom of Israel.  He preached at a time when the rich were very complacent.  They enjoyed the benefits of status and privilege while exploiting the poor and their worship was superficial and lacking in sincerity and spiritual commitment.  Amos’ warning message is just as relevant to our own pleasure seeking and materialistic society as it was to ancient Israel.  The point is that we must never let our own comfort blind us to our obligations to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters. This passage should stir our consciences to remember our duty to seek and to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 146:7-10

The response for this Psalm is from our Gospel:  “Praise the Lord, my soul.”

Reading 2

1 Timothy 6:11-16

This week’s second reading from Saint Paul’s first letter to Timothy is an exhortation to continue to defend the faith.  Since Timothy was a man dedicated to God through the ministerial priesthood, it was important to lead by example.   As a witness to Christ, Timothy was to display a high degree of virtue and perseverance, in imitation of Christ and the eternal nature of his reign. Although these words were addressed to St. Timothy, they could well be directed to any serious disciple of Jesus.

Gospel

Luke 16:19-31

In this week’s Gospel from St. Luke, we get a glimpse into the  “mind of Christ” as it relates to the love of neighbor– specifically the duties of people who are well-off toward those who are poor.   It is clear that those who enjoy good fortune and prosperity have an even greater obligation to help care for those who are suffering and to help the poor.  This brings to mind Luke 12:36 that says “to whom much is given, much will be expected”.  Two theological ideas are also reflected in this parable.  First, we are reminded that the soul survives after death, therefore what we do on earth has eternal consequences.  The second is that it is wrong to interpret one’s material prosperity in this life as a reward for being righteous.    What we receive on earth may or may not be a reward; however, we always have an obligation to use whatever we are given to honor God and to love our neighbor.

Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez

Gospel meditation

Today’s Gospel addresses a fundamental question of how we use our resources of time, talent and treasure. Do we use them selfishly or do we use them to assist others in need, as well as to build up the Kingdom of God? Have we listened to God speaking to us in the Scriptures inviting us to relationship and service??

The post Sunday Says Podcast – September 25, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflections first appeared on ATX Catholic.

Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Sunday August 28, 2016

Lectionary: 126 (NAB Translation)

Reading 1

Sirach 3:19-21,30-31

This week’s first reading comes from the great wisdom book of Sirach also known as Ecclesiasticus.  The purpose of this passage is to emphasize how important humility is if we are to please God.  By contrast, anyone who is proud and does not cultivate humility has an “evil growth” for which there is no cure.   People with great gifts and talent are at risk to this temptation, which is why we are told that the greater you are, the more — not less — we should behave humbly.  This type of humility was modeled for us by Christ Himself, and His mother Mary, and Saint Joseph.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 68:4-7,10-11

The response for this Psalm is:  “God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor..”

Reading 2

Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24

This week’s reading from the letter to the Hebrews contrasts the physical signs of the Old Testament manifestation of God to the New Testament manifestation of God.  The Old Testament manifestation of God took place before Moses at Mount Sinai in the desert with the giving of the Law, whereas in the New Testament Christ has shifted the focus to Mount Zion and Jerusalem where Jesus fulfills the Old Covenant by giving us the New Covenant.  In the Old Testament the presence of God caused great fear, to the point of making God seem unapproachable.  By contrast, Jesus now presents us with an amazing new manifestation of God consisting of a vision of the forthcoming heavenly Jerusalem on a heavenly Mount Zion, the dwelling-place of the angels and saints, where we will be able to see God face-to-face and yet still live.

Gospel

Luke 14:1,7-14

In this week’s Gospel from St. Luke, we see Jesus teaching on the virtue of humility and the vice of pride.   Above all Jesus condemns any sense of entitlement we might feel due to our  accomplishments or our status.   As always, Jesus challenges us to go even farther, to the point where we abandon any self-importance and carry out His mission by reaching out to the people He was concerned with, especially those who did not have status or the ability to repay us.  This gospel lesson is a warning against the “evil growth” of pride that is referred to in the first reading from Sirach.

Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez

Gospel meditation

How often are we motivated by power or prestige? It is a common human failing. Jesus is critical of worldly honor and teaches us to avoid exalting ourselves. He also questions the motives behind our good deeds. Do we treat well only those who will do good to us? Jesus asks us to offer hospitality to those who are unable to repay us. In so doing, we reflect God’s generosity. He invites us to a banquet of infinite value that we can never repay.

Prayer Request from Bishop Vásquez

That we would share our goods with those who are in need and cannot repay us …

The post Sunday Says Podcast – August 28, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflections first appeared on ATX Catholic.

Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Sunday August 14, 2016

Lectionary: 120 (NAB Translation)

Reading 1

Jeremiah 38:4-6,8-10

This week’s first reading from the book of prophet Jeremiah recounts for us the challenges we may be faced with when conveying God’s truth when the message is unpopular. In this passage Jeremiah is accused of demoralizing his countrymen.   Jerusalem is surrounded by the Babylonians and Jeremiah has prophesied that those who stay to fight the Babylonians will die, but that those who surrender will be spared.   The leaders don’t want to hear this, and rather than listening to Jeremiah, they tell King Zedekiah to punish Jeremiah by throwing him into a muddy cistern where he will starve to death.  A friend of Jeremiah’s appeals to the king to have him spared and — fortunately for Jeremiah– the king changes his mind.  The point of the story is that Jeremiah, like Jesus, was not interested in making people feel comfortable or telling them what  they wanted to hear. His job was to give the message of God in its entirety, both the pleasant and unpleasant.  Messages of admonishment and judgment are often rejected and both Jesus and Jeremiah suffered for telling the truth.  If this was the case for these great a prophet and even the Son of God, we should be prepared to face this as well.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 40:2-4,18

The response for this Psalm is:  “Lord, come to my aid.”

Reading 2

Hebrews 12:1-4

This week’s reading from the letter to the Hebrews reminds us of the heroes of the Old Testament whose faith withstood many obstacles.  These witnesses should likewise inspire us to  remove all barriers to holiness and to prepare ourselves to “run the race” set before us.  And to help us in this race, we are told to  “not lose sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection.”  So despite all the suffering and opposition that we might endure, we have Jesus’ very own example as our inspiration, knowing that he suffered far more than we have but has now be crowned in glory.  The point is that we should not fall into discouragement but rather keep our gaze fixed on Christ that we might successfully run the race to claim the salvation that He won for us.

Gospel

Luke 12:49-53

In this week’s Gospel from St. Luke, we hear one of the hard sayings of Christ, claiming that He has come to “bring fire to the earth.” Theologians have variously interpreted the word “fire” as symbolizing the Holy Spirit, apostolic zeal, or a fire of purification to cleanse the earth from sin.  All of these definitions represent God’s burning love for men as demonstrated by the death that Christ would undergo, which He refers to as a type of “baptism” (since He would go down in death and rise again like a person dunked in the baptismal water).  Jesus then proceeds to shock us by telling us He didn’t come to bring peace, but rather division!   Many people are still puzzled by this seemingly harsh message.  Didn’t God send Jesus to bring a message of peace?   Yes, he did.  But the peace that Christ brings is not the kind of peace that tolerates sin, or falsehood or injustice.  And for this reason Jesus’ message is controversial and meets with opposition even today.  There is simply no way to be “neutral” about Jesus or the demands of the Gospel.  Jesus is uncompromising.  Those who wish to follow Jesus and are faithful to His message must be prepared for the division this will cause.

Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez

Gospel meditation

Today’s Gospel speaks of division in families. Is there a rift in your family? Spend some time discerning whether it is time reconcile with estranged family members. Pray for healing of this division.

The post Sunday Says Podcast – August 14, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflections first appeared on ATX Catholic.