“Lord, Lord; Can Satan Get In Through A Crack In My Foundation?! Is My Basement Leaking Holy Water?!” – Matthew 7:21-27†

  

  

Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

 

Today’s Content:

 

• Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations
• Today in Catholic History
• Quote or Joke of the Day
• Today’s Gospel Reading
• Reflection on Today’s Gospel
• New Translation of the Mass
• A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day 
•  Franciscan Formation Reflection
• Reflection on part of  the SFO Rule

 

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Dan’s Deliberations, Discoveries, & Declarations:

 

Just a few days till the start of the Lenten Season.  Lent is a time to prepare and meditate on the Passion of Christ, His crucifixion/death on the Holy Tree, and His Resurrection on a Sunday morning we now call Easter.  This is a season of reflection, alms-giving, prayer, and sacrifices (abstinence and fasting).

For me, I will try to pray more each day (my family says that is impossible for I am always praying, which is not true in reality).  I will also be sacrificing in multiple ways (traditional Friday abstinence as an example) and by specifically giving up my daily diet sodas (NO Diet Mt. Dew will be devastating.  Can we say withdrawal?)

 

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Anyone following this blog for some time has noticed a new format.  I wanted to reorganize this page for easier reading and to categorize everything together: news items, quotes, and jokes are grouped together; the Gospel reading and reflection, plus a prayer associated with the reflection, are closer together; and Franciscan materials are all together.  Let me know what you think, please, and thank you.

 

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Today in Catholic History:

    
†   766 – Death of Chrodegang, church reformer/bishop of Mainz, about 50 years of age
†   1205 – Aken, [Philips van Zwaben], is crowned Roman-Catholic German King
†   1252 – Death of Saint Rose of Viterbo, Italian saint (b. 1235)
†   1447 – Tommaso Parentucelli (Nicholas V) succeeds Pope Eugene IV
†   2008 – Death Peter Poreku Cardinal Dery, Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Tamale, Ghana
†   Memorials/Feasts: Saint Chrodegang; Saint Fridolin; Saint Colette (aka Saint Coleta of Ghent); Saint Olegarius

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)

 

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Quote or Joke of the Day:

 

“When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn’t solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.”  (unknown)

 

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In today’s reflection, Jesus is teaching about building a foundation of faith and making a life which is firm and solid.

 

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.  ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?  Did we not drive out demons in your name?  Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’  ²³ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you.  Depart from me, you evildoers.’  ²⁴ “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.  ²⁵ The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.  But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.  ²⁶ And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.  ²⁷ The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.  And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (NAB Matthew 7:21-27)

 

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The “Sermon on the Mount” is about how to be a true follower of Jesus.  This discourse is coming to an end with a reflection on what OUR words and deeds really mean.  We can say “we are followers of Jesus” all we wish, and cry out “Lord, Lord” till hoarse in the throat; but, in fact, that does not mean we are true followers of Jesus Christ.  We may even do powerful deeds “in Jesus’ name”, but does that mean we are following Him?  Ultimately, it is not our decision that we believe we are truly His followers.  We don’t get to choose what it means to believe in Jesus; we only get to see, listen, and believe completely in Him!  At the Parousia (the Day of Final Judgment), Jesus reveals the “word” is the “real” judge, of who was, and is, a true follower, and who was, and is, not.  At the Parousia, Jesus reveals our likeness to Him, acquired by our believing and acting upon His words.   

Jesus’ rebuke of false followers in verses 23 and 26 is now expanded to include “disciples” who perform works in the name of Jesus (“Lord”), yet live improper and evil lives (cf., 1 Corinthians 3:1-4).  (Just like some Catholics going to Mass only at Christmas and Easter.  Or, Catholics who go to Mass devoutly each and every week, without fail, yet live a non-Christian lifestyle at work, home, or play.)  (These folks do a good job of imitating the behaviors of non-believers.)

Jesus repeats many, many times throughout Holy Scripture that the kingdom of God is solely for those who do the will of the Father, at all times, without any need or desire for reward; – – for those doing the “will” of God, simply and purely out of love for Him.  At the Parousia, those claiming to be prophets and miracle workers, yet morally corrupt will be “rejected by Jesus”.

This is an awesome thought.  Please consider the following:

^{A. “}Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you.  Depart from me, you evildoers.‘” (Matthew 7:23)

B. “But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 10:33)

And, from the Book of Psalms:

C. “My eyes are dimmed with sorrow, worn out because of all my foes.  Away from me, all who do evil!” (Psalm 6:8-9)

I wonder whether Jesus was remembering this verse when He used them in Matthew 7:23 (See “A” above – today’s reading).

These strongly worded “negatives” led me to ask: “What does being a ‘true follower’ of Jesus Christ actually mean?” – – I have come to believe that it is not a question of just hearing Jesus’ words but of acting on them in our lives.  

In the final parable today, two people “building a house” have heard Jesus’ words.  Yet, only the one who hears and acts correctly, building on “rock” – – has a firm and strong foundation.  

The people listening to Jesus that day were very familiar with the effects of building houses with, or without strong foundations, in a flood prone area.  The described situation in today’s reading is very typical for the Palestine region.  During the dry season, when rain is non-existent, the ground becomes dry and extremely hard.  However, when the rain does come, it comes in torrents and rivers seem to appear out of “nowhere”.  Flash floods swoop down the dry valleys in the region, and any houses built on sandy soil, without a strong foundation, are easily washed away.  Only those houses diligently and carefully built on solid rock foundations have any chance of survival.

The type of “foundation”, (the basis of faith, the groundwork of understanding, and our charity toward others), we build our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the “storms” – – the depressing, dark, and lonely times – – that are sure to come in our earthly lives.  

My late father was a builder.  He planned, created, and built many types of foundations in his life.  I learned from him that it is best to “lay out” a foundation when the weather and soil conditions are at their best: dry and settled.  It takes insight, prudence, and forethought to know how a particular foundation can be made to withstand hostile and opposing forces.  You do not have to be a contractor, builder, or engineer though, to know that building a house on a foundation set in a flood plain, such as in a “dry” river-bed, is a sure bet for a violent and total destruction of anything associated with that foundation and house!

What kind of foundation are you “laying out” in your life?  On what base are you building your eternal life, your relationship with God?  When Jesus told today’s parable of the two builders, He must have had the following Old Testament proverb in mind:

“When the tempest [fancy word for storm] passes, the wicked man is no more; but the just man is established forever.” (Proverbs 10:25).

So, what is the meaning, implication, importance, and impact of this particular parable for each of us, both individually and communally?  Keep reading on.

 

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In today’s reading, an interesting difference in emphasis is noted between verses 21-22 and verse 24: I found the relationship is not between “saying and doing”, as earlier in verses 21-22:

²¹“Not everyone who SAYS to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who DOES the will of my Father in heaven.  ²²Many will SAY to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name?  Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not DO mighty deeds in your name?’” (Matthew 7:21-22) 

Jesus focuses on the relationship between people “listening” and people “doing”.  Notice His change of emphasis in verse 24:

“Everyone who LISTENS to these words of mine and ACTS on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” (Matthew 7:24)

Jesus reveals He values every person who listens to His word, and then acts upon them.  For centuries, Christians have been studying, pondering, and listening to His word, and trying to live by them.  Did Jesus really mean for all His parables and teachings on this Palestinian hill to be taken seriously?  What does it actually mean to be “poor in spirit”?  Are we truly supposed to “turn the other cheek”?  Does God expect us to actually give “our coat to someone who asks for our shirt”?  Yes, Yes, and definitely YES!

In the end, each of us needs to work out the details of how to be an effective, successful follower of Jesus Christ.  For me, and I believe for anyone who is truly listening to our Lord’s words, it is much more than just saying “Lord, Lord.”  It is also much more than just performing “great acts” in Jesus’ name.  It begins always with faith first, and then working; acting upon Jesus’ words in a spirit of humility and greatness.  I think Paul put it this way: “Following and acting on His word is ‘faith working through love.’”

 “For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6)

This formula – – listening, and then doing, – – is much more than a simple plan of protection and security through salvation.  Jesus wants not only to just shield us from falsehoods and evil, but also for us to be with Him, every single day of our two lives (both human and eternal).  He wants to bless us; He wants His blessings to flow in, and through, us as we “build” our lives on, in, and with His word by our listening attentively to all His words.  God bestows many blessings on each of us, individually.  Three come to my mind immediately: His unconditional love, His forgiveness, and His Mercy.  There are many more though.  Can you think of others?

God loves us no matter who we are, or what we do.  He never leaves us; we sometimes separate ourselves from Him.  Yet, He eagerly awaits our return to him with open arms.  His depth of forgiveness cleanses our consciences, hearts, and souls from all guilt, shame, and sins.  He has the largest spiritual “eraser” ever known:

“As far as the east is from the west, so far have our sins been removed from us.” (Psalm 103:12)

We also have God’s mercy.  His mercy is far deeper than even His forgiveness.  His mercy – – His compassion, steadfastness, and faithfulness – – for us is beyond human description or understanding.  His entire disposition is one of forgiveness, mercy, and love for each of us – – individually!

There is only one way in which a person’s love, trust, and sincerity toward God and other’s can be shown.  That is by one’s practice – – one’s deeds.  Fine, beautiful, and exquisite words can never replace good deeds.  Present day politicians are very excellent orators, and literally talk the coins out of our pockets with very little pressure (squeezing blood out of the proverbial turnip).  I believe most would agree all their talk is not producing many fruits.  On the other hand, there are many, many people servicing others daily with a genuine love, and producing a great harvest in, and for, God’s kingdom.

So, what makes a true disciple of Christ if not words or actions?!  It starts with building our life on a solid foundation, “the rock”, of Jesus Christ himself and our faith in Him.  It’s in Him, with Him, and through Him that the Messianic Law and the prophets were (and still are) fulfilled completely, fully, and totally.  In, with, and through Him, the “will” of God, God’s plan for OUR salvation, is fully revealed to us.

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All families go through difficult times.  Recall some of the difficult times that you have had in your life.  Can you think of the most difficult situation or time that you faced?  Examples could be a sickness, death of a loved one, trouble in school, loss of your job.  We sometimes refer to these difficult periods as “storms.”  In today’s reading, Jesus talks about storms – – rain, floods, and wind – – and how we can stand firm in the face of them?  Only with a strong foundation of faith can we stand firm.  

What does it means for you to build your house on “solid rock”?  How has your faith helped you to get through difficult times and situations?  Our character is revealed in what we choose to do in our lives, especially when we choose between truth and falsehood, good and evil.  On a daily basis, pray for the strength and grace to remain strong in your personal relationship with Jesus.

Do you cheat when completing tests or income taxes?  Do you lie, directly or indirectly (through omission, evasion, and/or diversion)?   A true disciple of Jesus Christ is one that is honest and reliable – – before God, neighbor, and oneself.  Please remember, when honest and reliable in all you say and do, your word can be taken as trustworthy and true!

In closing, what keeps one from falsehoods, evil, distrust, and spiritual disasters?  Answer: our faith!  If we make Jesus Christ, and His word, the “rock and foundation” (the basis, groundwork, and charity) of our lives, nothing can unsettle us, or prevent us from God’s saving love, manifestation, and assistance.  Are Jesus Christ, and his word, the solid basis, groundwork, and love – – “the ‘ROCK’ FOUNDATION” – – of YOUR life?  (cf., 1 Corinthians 10:4)  He is mine!!

Today is a great day to thank God for laying such a strong foundation for you.  And, also to tell Him that you want and desire to follow Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and body.  Give Him your entire and total life today, and every day, and watch how the blessings start to flow!

 

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“An Act of Faith”

 

“O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because you revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.  Amen.”

 

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

 

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New Translation of the Mass

 

In November of 2011, with the start of the new Liturgical year and Advent, there will be a few noticeable changes in the Mass.  It will still be the same ritual for celebrating the Eucharist.  The Mass will still have the same parts, the same patterns, and the same flow as it has had for the past several decades.  It is only the translation of the Latin that is changing.

The new translation seeks to correspond much more closely to the exact words and sentence structure of the Latin text.  At times, this results in a good and faithful rendering of the original meaning.  At other times it produces a rather awkward text in English which is difficult to proclaim and difficult to understand.  Most of those problems affect the texts which priests will proclaim rather than the texts that belong to the congregation as a whole.  It is to the congregation’s texts that I will address with each blog, in a repetitive basis until the start of Advent.

In the words of Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, #11, the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of Christian life. Anything we can do to understand our liturgy more deeply will draw us closer to God.

 

A second option for the “penitential rite” (the “Confiteor” being the first option) has been revised.  This second form had been little used in recent years.  The second option is presently:

Lord, we have sinned against you:|
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Lord, show us your mercy and love.
And grant us your salvation.

May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins,
and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.

 

It will now read as follows:

The priest says, “Have mercy on us, O Lord.”
The people respond, “For we have sinned against you.”  
Then the priest says, “Show us, O Lord, your mercy,”
and the people respond, “And grant us your salvation.”

Material from “Changing How We Pray”, by Rev. Lawrence E. Mick

 

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A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day:  Servant of God Sylvester of Assisi (d. 1240)

Sylvester was one of the first 12 followers of St. Francis of Assisi and was the first priest in the Franciscan Order. A descendant of a noble family, Sylvester once sold Francis stones which were to be used to rebuild a church. When, a short while later, he saw Francis and Bernard of Quintavalle distributing Bernard’s wealth to the poor, Sylvester complained that he had been poorly paid for the stones and asked for more money.

Though Francis obliged, the handful of money he gave Sylvester soon filled him with guilt. He sold all of his goods, began a life of penance and joined Francis and the others. Sylvester became a holy and prayerful man, and a favorite of Francis—a companion on his journeys, the one Francis went to for advice. It was Sylvester and Clare who answered Francis’ query with the response that he should serve God by going out to preach rather than by devoting himself to prayer.

Once in a city where civil war was raging, Sylvester was commanded by Francis to drive the devils out. At the city gate Sylvester cried out: “In the name of almighty God and by virtue of the command of his servant Francis, depart from here, all you evil spirits.” The devils departed and peace returned to the city.

Sylvester lived 14 more years after the death of Francis and is buried near him in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.

Comment:

Sylvester probably would have asked a higher price for his stones if he had thought Francis had the money. In today’s world he might have written the difference off on his taxes as a charitable contribution, but that wasn’t an option in his day. Quite understandably, he asked for payment from the money Francis was handing out so freely. So why did he later feel guilty? Perhaps he realized that, like many of us, he placed a higher value on lesser things.

Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.;
revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
(From http://www.americancatholic.org website)

 

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Franciscan Formation Reflection:

 

TIME – – TALENT – – TREASURE

When you give of your time, talent, and/or treasure are you giving some of yourself as well?  How? 

What priorities have you developed in regard to Franciscan poverty? 

How do you share of yourself with, and for, others in these three areas of life? Can you do more?

 

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Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #’s 6 & 7 of 26:

 

6.  They have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; they have been united more intimately with the Church by profession. Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words.

Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, let them devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops, and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialog of apostolic effectiveness and creativity.

 

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7.  United by their vocation as “brothers and sisters of penance” and motivated by the dynamic power of the gospel, let them conform their thoughts and deeds to those of Christ by means of that radical interior change which the gospel calls “conversion.” Human frailty makes it necessary that this conversion be carried out daily.

On this road to renewal the sacrament of reconciliation is the privileged sign of the Father’s mercy and the source of grace.

“Wine First; Now Bread: Am I a Brewer, Baker, or a Healer?!” – Matthew 15:29-37†

 

Holy Father’s (Popes) Monthly Prayer Intentions for December, 2010

    

The Experience of Personal Suffering as a Help to Others who Suffer, and Opening Our Doors to Christ

 

General: That our personal experience of suffering may be an occasion for better understanding the situation of unease and pain which is the lot of many people who are alone, sick or aged, and stir us all to give them generous help.

 

Missionary: That the peoples of the earth may open their doors to Christ and to His Gospel of peace, brotherhood and justice.

 

† 

 

Today is my (and my wife’s) twentieth wedding anniversary.  Though I jokingly say to all who will listen that “twenty years with her is like twenty minutes – – underwater”, I literally cannot remember a time without her.  The two of us are truly of ONE nature.  I love her so much, and that grows exponentially each and every day STILL.  When will the honeymoon be over?!

  

Today in Catholic History:

†   660 – Death of Eligius/Eloy, French bishop of Tournay-Noyon; saint
†   772 – Pope Adrian I elected to Papacy
†   800 – Charlemagne judges the accusations against Pope Leo III in the Vatican.
†   1521 – Death of Pope Leo X, [Giovanni de’ Medici], Italian Pope (1513-21), at age 45 (b. 1475)
†   1580 – Death of Giovanni Morone, Italian cardinal (b. 1509)
†   1581 – Death of Edmund Campion, English Jesuit (martyred) (b. 1540)
†   1581 – Death of Ralph Sherwin, English Catholic saint (b. 1550)
†   1581 – Death of Alexander Briant, English saint (b. around 1556)
†   1830 – Death of Pope Pius VIII (b. 1761)
†   1989 – USSR Pres Mikhail S Gorbachev meets Pope John Paul II at the Vatican
†   Feast Day: St Eligius

(From the “On This Day” Blog Site
otday.wordpress.com) &/OR
“Today in Catholic History”
http://www.historyorb.com)

 

 

Quote or Joke of the Day:

 

Franciscans are dedicated to the care of creation, seeing all creatures as brothers and sisters.

   

“Saints Francis and Clare had a relational understanding of creation. All creatures, from the smallest to “our Sister, Mother Earth,” were sisters and brothers, part of the very family of God.  Because of this, Francis was named the patron saint of ecology by Pope John Paul II.  Following this tradition, St. Bonaventure developed a theological and spiritual vision that acknowledged all creation as emanating from the goodness of God, existing as a “footprint” of God, and leading us back to God if we are able to “read” nature properly. He spoke of creation as the first book that God wrote.”

“This is the royal dignity which the Lord Jesus assumed when he became poor for us that he might enrich us by his want and would make us truly poor in spirit, as heirs and kings of the kingdom of heaven. I do not wish to relinquish this royal dignity.”  St. Bonaventure, Major Legend, Chapter VII

(From the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) website:
http://www.franciscanaction.org)

 

Today’s reflection is about Jesus feeding and healing many on a mountain.

 

29 Moving on from there Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there.  30 Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others.  They placed them at his feet, and he cured them.  31 The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.  32 Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.  I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.”  33 The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?”  34 Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?”  “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.”  35 He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.  36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.  37 They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.  (NAB Matthew 15:29-37)

 

The mountain is a “classic” place for encounters with God throughout both the Old and New Testaments.  Many centuries prior to this event encountered in today’s Gospel, Isaiah prophesized in Chapter 25:6-9 that on a mountain the Lord “will provide for ALL peoples.”  He will feed, heal, and destroy death.  On this mountain, Jesus Christ gives love, joy, hope, peace, a purpose, and freedom; to heal and energize all of us – – with LEFTOVERS!! 

This is not the story of the feeding of the five thousand as found in Matthew 14:13-21.  What makes this one different from the former is that Jesus is taking the initiative by summoning the disciples.  Also different is the numbers of the crowd: 4000 men versus 5000 men in the former story.  Finally, the crowd was with Jesus for three days, seven loaves were multiplied, and seven baskets of fragments remained after all had eaten to satisfaction. 

Here is another example in support of Jesus’ healing ministry.  Our divine physician made many house calls by travelling to those in need.  Many people who were in good physical shape, who were maimed, and who were sick and/or injured sought out Jesus.  He not only healed the physical body, He healed the spiritual soul as well.

Many of the healed people in this Gospel reading are possibly Gentiles.  Through Jesus’ ministry they became part of a reassembled Israel.  Jesus came for ALL, not just two of the twelve tribes of Israel.  Jew, Gentile, Samaritan, Pagan, etc.; does not matter to God.  They are all His creation and equally allowed the opportunity to gain entrance to God’s almighty kingdom.

In verse 31, the people “glorified the God of Israel.”  In writing this Matthew was obviously influenced by Isaiah 29:23:

“When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, they shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel.”

How prophetic is this verse from centuries before Jesus.  I love how the Old Testament is in the New, and the New Testament fulfills the Old.

Jesus had “pity for the crowd”  Can you possibly picture someone being so mesmerized, enthralled, and captivated in someone’s speech, abilities, and presence that they are with Him “for three days and have nothing to eat.”  I picture heaven just this way.  Motivated by a strong and loving compassion for all the people with Him, Jesus took the initiative to care for them: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

They were in a desert!  There were no 7-Elevens, Quick Trips, or grocery stores in the area.  Where could they get bread and fish?  This part of the story is reminiscent of the feeding of the Israelites with manna during the Exodus (Exodus 16:4-12):

Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will now rain down bread from heaven for you.  Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not.  On the sixth day, however, when they prepare what they bring in, let it be twice as much as they gather on the other days.”  So Moses and Aaron told all the Israelites, “At evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt; and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, as he heeds your grumbling against him.  But what are we that you should grumble against us?  When the LORD gives you flesh to eat in the evening,” continued Moses, “and in the morning your fill of bread, as he heeds the grumbling you utter against him, what then are we? Your grumbling is not against us, but against the LORD.”  Then Moses said to Aaron, “Tell the whole Israelite community: Present yourselves before the LORD, for he has heard your grumbling.”  When Aaron announced this to the whole Israelite community, they turned toward the desert, and lo, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud!  The LORD spoke to Moses and said, “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites.  Tell them: In the evening twilight you shall eat flesh, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread, so that you may know that I, the LORD, am your God.” 

The provision of manna in the wilderness is a precursor to this event in the New Testament.  Jesus is now providing HIS “bread” in abundance for the hungry to those who seek Him.

Why “seven” loaves of bread?  It is a very interesting number for the “Bread of Life” that Jesus gives to all in His presence.  In the Hebrew, seven is “shevah”.  It is from the root “savah”, to be full or satisfied, have enough of.  So, the meaning of the word “seven” is referring to a fullness and completeness; a goodness and perfection.  Nothing can be added to Jesus’ life sustaining gift to us, or taken from it, without damaging it.

In verse 36, Jesus “Gave thanks.”  He said a blessing, probably similar to the blessing found in Matthew 14:19: 

“… and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.” 

Eucharist is a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving.”  This “thanksgiving” was a blessing of God for His benefits and graces.

The taking of the bread, – – “Jesus’ bread of life,” – – saying a blessing, and finally breaking and sharing His bread of life with His disciples to further share with the crowds matches up with the actions of Jesus’ praying over the bread at the Last Supper found in Matthew 26:26.  

What I think is more interesting is Matthew’s not mentioning Jesus dividing the fish.  I wonder if this was done on purpose, as “fish” is not part of the Eucharistic meal.  I believe what Matthew DID NOT say in this respect is perhaps more significant than the breaking of the bread.

“They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over – – seven baskets full.”    That number of fullness and completion – – seven – – again, and in the same reading.  There is apparently a special message that Mathew is trying to get across to His readers.  The number seven in this context may recall the nations of Canaan (Acts 13:19):

“When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance”

 and the first seven Deacons (Acts 6:5):

“The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.”

The leftovers from this profound event were greater than “seven” times the amount food they started with.  God’s promises and graces are immeasurable.  When He gives, He gives in great abundance!!  You will be “satisfied” to “fullness and completeness” (that #7) in Jesus’ Eucharistic meal!!

Earlier, I proposed that many Gentiles were present, and were healed in these three days in Jesus’ presence.  Thus, they have been included and integrated into the fullness and completeness of Israel – – God’s chosen kingdom.  In other words, all are invited into God’s Kingdom!

Jesus fulfilled all their profound hungers and human weaknesses.  Jesus came to fulfill God’s promise to give what is needed to live.  Jesus’ reveals a sign of God’s kingdom, an expression of His power, and His divine and intense mercy and love for all His creation.  When God gives, he gives in abundance!!  He gives us more than we deserve!  Have you thanked Him?  NEVER underestimate the love, power, and graces of God in your lives.  He is always very generous!!

 

“Psalms 23:1-6”

“A psalm of David”

 

“The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.  In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength.  You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.  Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.  You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.  Amen”

 

 

Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO

 

*****

 

A Franciscan’s Saint of the Day:  Blessed John of Vercelli (c. 1205-1283)

 

John was born near Vercelli in northwest Italy in the early 13th century. Little is known of his early life. He entered the Dominican Order in the 1240s and served in various leadership capacities over the years. Elected sixth master general of the Dominicans in 1264, he served for almost two decades.

Known for his tireless energy and his commitment to simplicity, John made personal visits—typically on foot—to almost all the Dominican houses, urging his fellow friars to strictly observe the rules and constitutions of the Order.

He was tapped by two popes for special tasks. Pope Gregory X enlisted the help of John and his fellow Dominicans in helping to pacify the States of Italy that were quarreling with one another. John was also called upon to draw up a framework for the Second Council of Lyons in 1274. It was at that council that he met Jerome of Ascoli (the man who would later become Pope Nicholas IV), then serving as minister general of the Franciscans. Some time later the two men were sent by Rome to mediate a dispute involving King Philip III of France. Once again, John was able to draw on his negotiating and peacemaking skills.

Following the Second Council of Lyons, Pope Gregory selected John to spread devotion to the name of Jesus. John took the task to heart, requiring that every Dominican church contain an altar of the Holy Name; groups were also formed to combat blasphemy and profanity.

Toward the end of his life John was offered the role of patriarch of Jerusalem, but declined. He remained Dominican master general until his death.

Comment:

The need for peacemakers is certainly as keen today as in the 10th century! As followers of Jesus, John’s role falls to us. Each of us can do something to ease the tensions in our families, in the workplace, among people of different races and creeds.

Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons and Feast
By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.;
revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
(From http://www.americancatholic.org website)

   
   

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #’s 1 & 2 of 26:

 

The Franciscan family, as one among many spiritual families raised up by the Holy Spirit in the Church, unites all members of the people of God — laity, religious, and priests – who recognize that they are called to follow Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi.

In various ways and forms but in life-giving union with each other, they intend to make present the charism of their common Seraphic Father in the life and mission of the Church.

 

 

The Secular Franciscan Order holds a special place in this family circle. It is an organic union of all Catholic fraternities scattered throughout the world and open to every group of the faithful. In these fraternities the brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for perfect charity in their own secular state. By their profession they pledge themselves to live the gospel in the manner of Saint Francis by means of this rule approved by the Church.