Kay's Commentaries on the gospels Provide Three Levels for Readers:
READING, REFLECTING AND PRAYING

READING: Explore the context of the text - What does the author intend to say to the reader?

REFLECTING
: How does God's word invite me to love and serve my family, friends and community?

PRAYING
: How do the Scriptures help deepen my relationship with Jesus?

Reprinting of commentaries in any form without permission is prohibited without request. Email Kay: murdyk@netscape.net

NEW PAGE! COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK. SCROLL TO BOTTOM OF PAGE AND GO TO HOME BIBLE STUDY. CLICK ON MARK.

A CLOSER WALK WITH JESUS
A simple and practical lectionary-based guide for enriching the Lenten season by Kay Murdy
Are you searching for a meaningful way to observe Lent for yourself or for your prayer or Scripture study group? Kay Murdy guides us with meaningful commentary and insightful reflection/discussion questions. This book is designed to be used by groups, and it offers the option of continuing individual Lenten reflection for the rest of the week. It can also be used daily by individuals alone without the group dynamic. Based on the Lectionary readings, "A Closer Walk with Jesus" is written to bring us into the spirit of the season and to enable us to grow through personal and group engagement with the word which we will encounter again at Mass.

Paper, $9.95  You can order my book from Resource Publication http://www.rpinet.com/products/cwj.html

FIRST PART OF ORDINARY TIME

What is Ordinary Time? The Sundays of the major seasons of the year are distinguished by their relationship to the Solemnities of Christmas and Easter. The rhythm of these liturgical seasons reflects the rhythm of life — with its celebrations and its seasons of growth. Ordinary Time, meaning ordered or numbered time, is celebrated in two segments: from the Monday following the Baptism of Our Lord to Ash Wednesday; and from Pentecost Monday to the First Sunday of Advent. This makes it the longest season of the Liturgical Year. The Church counts thirty-three or thirty-four Sundays of Ordinary Time (60% of the Church's calendar), inviting us to meditate upon the whole mystery of Christ – his life, miracles and teachings – in the light of his Resurrection. The vestments for Ordinary Time are usually green, the color of hope and growth.

The season of Ordinary Time helps us to meditate on the mighty works of God through Jesus Christ. It is a time to grow in our faith in response to God's invitation to follow Jesus to the cross. We have a challenge to make our ordinary days extraordinary!

February, Black History Month
The Origin of "Black History Month." Carter G. Woodson, (1875-1950) noted Black scholar and historian and son of former slaves, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915, which was later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). He initiated Black History Week, February 12, 1926. For many years the 2nd week of February (chosen so as to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln) was celebrated by Black people in the United States. In 1976, as part of the nation's Bicentennial, it was expanded and became established as Black History Month, and is now celebrated all over North America.

Henriette Delille, Foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Family
Henriette Delille is the first U.S. native born African American whose cause for canonization has been officially opened by the Catholic Church. She was born in New Orleans in 1812, a free woman of color.  By 1836, she had inspired a small band of women to assist the sick and dying and to catechize the uninstructed among her people. The Sisters of the Holy Family trace their official origin to 1842. By 1851, Henriette had personally purchased a home where these women could live in community and further their ministry. At her death in 1862, Henriette Delille was known as one "who for the love of Jesus Christ had made herself the humble servant of slaves." The simple prayer that guided her life was: "I believe in God. I hope in God. I love God. I want to live and die for God.
 


LUKE 5:1-11
(Colossians 1:9-14; Psalm 98)
KEY VERSE: "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men" (v 10).
READING: As Jesus preached on the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee), the crowds pressed in on him in such numbers that he was forced to get into a boat that belonged to Simon Peter. Jesus told Simon to put out into the deep waters and prepare for a great catch. Simon protested that they had fished all night and caught nothing, but on the authority of Jesus' word he obeyed. Upon seeing the miraculous drought of fish, Simon was overcome and he confessed his sinfulness. When the fishermen brought their boats ashore, they left everything behind and followed Jesus. This miraculous draught of fish signified the future mission of the Church. The disciples' efforts to bring souls to Christ would be successful if they obeyed him and remained true to his words. 
REFLECTING: Have I brought anyone to Christ?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, give me the courage to obey your word and trust you when I am in "deep water."


MARK 6:53-56
(1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13; Psalm 132)
KEY VERSE: "They laid their sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak" (v 56).
READING: Jesus' fame had spread throughout the land, so that wherever he went, people flocked to him for healing. Picture the excitement when Jesus entered a town or village. Whether at the crossroads or in the marketplace, the people scurried about bringing their sick to him. When Jesus and his disciples arrived by boat at Gennesaret (located on the right bank of the Lake of Galilee between Magdala and Capernaum), the crowds gathered again, bringing their sick from far and wide. Their faith was so great that they were healed just by touching the tassel on his cloak (the tassels represented the 613 Laws of the Jewish Torah). Though the disciples had seen Jesus' mighty deeds in the wilderness (vs 34-44), at sea (vs 45-51), and now in the villages, they still did not understand the full meaning of these events.
REFLECTING: Do I have more interest in seeing miracles than I have in knowing Jesus?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to have faith in your works.

Optional Memorial of Jerome Emiliani, priest
After a dissolute youth, Jerome Emiliani became a soldier in Venice in 1506. Captured by Venetian forces in 1511, he was chained in a dungeon. He prayed to Our Lady for help, and was miraculously freed by an apparition, and he hung his chains on a church wall as an offering. Jerome was ordained in the spotted-fever plague year of 1518. He cared for the sick and housed orphans in his own home. At night he roamed the streets, burying those who had died unattended. He contracted the fever himself, but survived. Jerome founded six orphanages, a shelter for penitent prostitutes, and a hospital. In 1532 he founded the Order of Somaschi (Company of Servants of the Poor, or Somascan Fathers, or Regular Clergy of Somasca), which was named after the town of Somasca where the order started. They continue their work today in a dozen countries. It is believed Jerome developed the question-and-answer catechism technique for teaching children religion. He was declared the patron of orphans and abandoned children in 1928 by Pope Pius XI.

Optional Memorial of Josephine Bakhita, virgin
Josephine Bakhita was born to a wealthy Sudanese family, and given the name Bakhita, which means “fortunate.” She was kidnapped by slave-traders at age 9 and was purchased in 1883 by an Italian consul who planned to free her. She accompanied him to Italy and worked for the family as a nanny. As an adult convert she joined the Church in 1890, and took the name of Josephine as a symbol of her new life. She entered the Institute of Canossian Daughters of Charity in Venice, Italy in 1893, serving as a Canossian Sister for the next fifty years. Her gentle presence, her warm, amiable voice, and her willingness to help with any menial task were a comfort to the poor and suffering people who came to the door of the Institute. After her biography was published in 1930, she became a noted and sought after speaker, raising funds to support missions.


MARK 7:1-13
(1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; Psalm 84)
KEY VERSE: "How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition!" (v 9).
READING: The self-righteous religious leaders developed elaborate rituals to set themselves apart from "unclean" Gentiles. When Jesus and his disciples were criticized for failing to perform the customary purification customs, he berated the leaders for their hypocrisy. In their slavish obedience to these doctrines, they neglected the heart and purpose of God's Law which was charity and justice (Is 29:13). Practices of external cleansing were useless if one's heart was impure. Dedicating one's property to God (Hebrew, qorban) to avoid supporting needy parents violated God's command. Jesus said that the people nullified God's Law in favor of interpretations that suited their own selfish concerns.
REFLECTING: Do I give scandal by my hypocritical behavior?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to examine my motives for all my religious practices.


MARK 7:14-23
(1 Kings 10:1-10; Psalm 37)
KEY VERSE: "Do you realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile" (v 18).
READING: The concept of "clean" and "unclean" had to do with one's worthiness before God. Most of the regulations were related to the mysteries of life and death, areas that were considered to be under God's domain. Since food was necessary to sustain life, one's diet and hygiene were also regulated. Jesus criticized the scrupulous observance of these rites without authentic faith. External objects in themselves did not defile a person; it was the impurity of one's intentions. Moral defilement was the only thing that makes one "unclean." By setting aside this Law, Jesus opened the door of unity with "unclean" Gentiles, a challenge that the early Church later faced (Acts 11:17-18).
REFLECTING: Is there anyone whom I consider "unclean" because of their race, religion, culture or lifestyle?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, make my heart pure so I can serve you and my neighbor.

Memorial of Scholastica, virgin
Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict, had been consecrated to God from her earliest years. She was accustomed to visiting her brother once a year, not far outside the monastery gate. One day she and her saintly brother spent the whole day praising God and talking of sacred things. As the hour grew late. she said to her brother, "Please do not leave me tonight; let us go on until morning talking about the delights of the spiritual life." When her brother refused her request, Scholastica began to pray. There was such a heavy downpour of rain that Benedict could not leave. Sadly, he began to complain. "Well, she answered, "I asked you and you would not listen; so I asked my God and he did listen." So they stayed awake the whole night, engrossed in their conversation about the spiritual life. Three days later, Benedict was in his cell. Looking up to the sky, he saw his sister's soul leave her body in the form of a dove, and fly up to the secret places of heaven. He sent his brethren to bring her body to the monastery and lay it in the tomb he had prepared for himself.


MARK 7:24-30
(1 Kings 11:4-13; Psalm 106)
KEY VERSE: "For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter" (v 29).
READING: Jesus moved on to the Gentile city of Tyre in Phoenicia. There a pagan woman from the province of Syria approached Jesus and begged him to cure her daughter. Thus far, Jesus' ministry had only been to the Jews. He said it was not right to give away the "food" that was meant for God's "children" ("dogs" was a contemptuous term for Gentiles). The woman said that she was willing to accept whatever the children had thrown away (a reference to the Gentile's acceptance of Jesus after his own people had rejected him). Because of the woman's faith, Jesus healed her daughter. After Jesus' resurrection, he would commission his apostles to preach the good news to all people (Mk 16:15).
REFLECTING: Am I willing to serve whomever the Lord sends to me?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to love all your people despite any differences that seem to separate us.

Optional Memorial to Our Lady of Lourdes
In in 1858, Our Lady appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, a poor, young sick girl in the grotto of Masabielle, close to Lourdes in France. Our Lady asked for a chapel to be built on the site of the apparitions and when Bernadette asked who she was, she replied: "I am the Immaculate Conception." Our Lady asked Bernadette to wash her face at the fountain but there was no fountain there, so Bernadette dug a hole in the ground, and washed her face with muddy water. People ridiculed her, but there sprung the famous fountain of water that has healing attributes. Many sick people have bathed themselves in that water and there have been at least 64 reported miraculous healings. Millions of people from all over the world go to Lourdes yearly in the hope of obtaining help from the generous Mother of God. Bernadette became a nun. She died when she was 35 and her body is still incorrupt.


MARK 7:31-37
(Genesis 3:1-8; Psalm 32)
KEY VERSE: "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened" (v 34b).
READING: After leaving Phoenicia, Jesus went to the Gentile area of the Decapolis, a league of ten cities in eastern Palestine. There a deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him for healing. The physical signs that Jesus used to heal the man, touch and spittle, were commonly used by faith healers in Jesus' day. They were thought to be effective in and of themselves. With Jesus, the efficacy of his healing power flowed directly from his relationship with his Father. The deaf mute was healed so that he could hear and proclaim the message of redemption. Jesus imposed silence upon the crowd so that his power would not be misinterpreted as mere "wonder-working," but the awestruck people could not restrain their praises of him. The miracle performed for the Gentile deaf mute was another sign that Jesus came to bring salvation to all peoples. (Note: The Ephphatha prayer is used in the rite of Baptism for the opening of the senses).
REFLECTING: In what ways am I deaf and mute to God's message?

PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be open to your healing power in the Sacraments of the Church.


MARK 8:1-10
(1 Kings 12:26-32, 13:33-34; Psalm 106)
KEY VERSE: "Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute" (v 6).
READING: This is the second account of the multiplication of the loaves in Mark's Gospel. The first took place in Galilee with the Jews (Mk 6:34-44). The second event occurred in Gentile territory. When Jesus saw the hungry crowd, he took pity on them, while his disciples wondered how they could possibly feed them. Jesus took the seven loaves offered to him, gave thanks to God, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute. When everyone had eaten their fill, the fragments were gathered in seven baskets (twelve baskets in the first miracle), a number representing the seven ministers in the Gentile Christian Church (Acts 6:1-6). In this feeding of the Gentile people, Jesus demonstrated that all people had equal right to the Eucharist.
REFLECTING: Am I able to explain the Eucharist to those not of our faith?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, gather all of your people to give thanks and praise at your table.


LUKE 6:17, 20-26
SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Jeremiah 17:5-8; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20)
KEY VERSE: "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets" (v 23).
READING: Luke's gospel portrayed Jesus' concern for the poor and lowly, the "anawim," who had nothing in the way of worldly possessions and depended totally upon God's mercy. Luke's "Sermon on the Plain," was a counterpart of Matthew's beatitudes in the "Sermon on the Mount" (Mt 5:1-12). Whereas Matthew emphasized the spiritual values of the kingdom of God, in Luke, Jesus spoke to the real economic hardships of his day: poverty, hunger, suffering and persecution. Jesus' disciples were "blessed," or "favored," because they found their fulfillment in God, and not in the things the world had to offer. In a series of "woes," or lamentations, Jesus' disciples were warned of God's displeasure if they sought their reward in material wealth. Though they felt satisfied for the time being, they would suffer in the age to come.
REFLECTING: In what ways can I bring consolation to those who suffer?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to see my blessings in the midst of difficulties of the world.


ST. VALENTINE'S DAY
Legend says that Valentine's Day originated from Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to Roman love lotteries. Legend also says that Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine." In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor Valentine who became the patron saint of lovers. Because of lack of historical evidence, St. Valentine's Day was removed from the calendar of Catholic feasts in 1969. February 14 has became the date for celebrating love.

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince


MARK 8:11-13
(James 1:1-11; Psalm 119)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation" (v 12).
READING: After miraculously feeding 4,000 people in the Gentile territory, Jesus went on to the district of Dalmanutha (v 10, near Magdala on the west of the Sea of Galilee). Some Pharisees demanded that Jesus display some mighty work of God as a sign that God's reign had arrived. Yet, at the same time, they refused to accept the miracles that Jesus had accomplished. They missed the significance of these works as a manifestation of God's presence. Similarly, God told Moses in the wilderness that the people refused to believe or heed God's voice "despite all the signs" that were performed in their midst (Nm 14:11,22). Jesus left this faithless place, telling the hypocritical leaders that because of their blind lack of faith, no such sign would be given to them.
REFLECTING: Am I a sign of God's presence to others?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the signs of your presence in my everyday life.


PRESIDENTS' DAY, USA
George Washington's Birthday was originally implemented by the federal government in 1880 in the District of Columbia and expanded in 1885 to include all federal offices. As the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen, the holiday was celebrated on Washington's actual birthday, February 22. Then along came Abraham Lincoln, another revered president, who was born on the 12th of February. The first formal observance of his birthday took place in 1865, the year after his assassination, when both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address. While Lincoln's Birthday did not become a federal holiday like George Washington's, it did become a legal holiday in several states.

In 1968, legislation shifted Washington's Birthday to the third Monday in February whether or not it fell on the 22nd. This act, which took effect in 1971, was designed to simplify the yearly calendar of holidays and give federal employees some standard three-day weekends. While the holiday in February is still officially known as Washington's Birthday it has become known as "Presidents' Day." This has made the third Monday in February a day for honoring both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all the other men who have served as president of the United States of America.


MARK 8:14-21
(James 1:12-18; Psalm 94)
KEY VERSE: "Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod" (v 15).
READING: Leaving the district of Dalmanutha, near Magdala on the west of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and his disciples journeyed by boat to the other side of the lake. On the way, the disciples realized that they had forgotten to bring enough provisions. Jesus used this as an opportunity to warn them about the corrupting influence of Herod and the Pharisees. Since yeast, or leaven, induced fermentation in bread dough, it was an apt symbol of the insidious effect of those who opposed Jesus. The disciples failed to understand him, and Jesus reprimanded them for being blind and deaf to his words and deeds. Did they not just witness the extraordinary multiplication of loaves? (Mk 6:34-44; 8:1-9). Those in power had missed the meaning of the miracle. Did his disciples miss it too?
REFLECTING: Do my words and deeds I influence others for good or evil?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to understand your words and deeds.


MARDI GRAS -- The Feast before the Fast
"Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday." For Christians, Mardi Gras is the last day to indulge before Ash Wednesday, which starts the sober weeks of fasting that come with Lent. Mardi Gras was formally known as Shrove Tuesday. The word "shrove" comes from "shrive," meaning "the confessions of sins" -- something done in preparation for Lent.

Mardi Gras is a traditional holiday celebrated in many of the southern states of the USA, the most famous which takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mardi Gras came to New Orleans in 1699 when early explorers celebrated this French Holiday on the banks of the Mississippi River. Today people celebrate with parades and masquerade balls where they dress up in costumes. The official colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. In 1872 Rex, the King of Carnival, chose these colors to stand for the following: Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. The word "carnival" comes from the Latin words meaning "farewell to meat."


MATTHEW 6:1-6, 16-18
ASH WEDNESDAY
(Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:206:2)
KEY VERSE: "When you fast you are not to look glum like the hypocrites do" (v 16).
READING: In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus asked his disciples to examine their motives when performing virtuous deeds. He gave three examples characteristic of Jewish piety at the time - almsgiving (vs 1-4), prayer (vs 5-15), and fasting (vs 16-18). Jesus contrasted the hypocritical behavior of the religious leaders with the sincere conduct he expected of his disciples. Prayer should express their relationship with God. Almsgiving should convey their solidarity with the poor. Fasting should represent their sorrow for sin. In the Hebrew scriptures, fasting was a gesture of mourning that was accompanied by the wearing of sackcloth and placing ashes on one's head (Jdt 9:1). The prophets warned against outward signs without interior conversion: "Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord" (Jl 2:13a). Fasting had no value if only done to win the approval of others. Isaiah said that an acceptable fast should include acts of justice toward the prisoner, poor, hungry, oppressed and homeless (Is 58:5-7). Today, our motives in fasting should be self mortification; to reevaluate our calling as Christians; to listen to the voice of Christ in the gospel; and to heed the commandments. The placing of ashes on the forehead is a confession of our sinfulness, but also a sign of hope and trust in a merciful God who is "slow to anger, rich in kindness and relenting in punishment" (Jl 2:13b).
REFLECTING: In what ways will I pray, fast and give alms this Lent?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus help me to do everything for the love of God and neighbor.

Ashes
Traditionally, the ashes used for Ash Wednesday come from burning the palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. They are then blessed by a priest. Ashes are a biblical symbol of mourning and penance used since the time of Moses ("sackcloth and ashes," Nm 19:9-10, 17-18). They also symbolize death to remind us of our mortality. Thus when the priest uses his thumb to sign the faithful with ashes, he says, "Remember! You are dust and to dust you shall return." It is also a reminder of the joy of eternal life: "Repent, and believe the good news!" Ashes remind us of the day of judgment when we stand before God. To prepare well for that day, we must die now to sin so that we can rise to new life in Christ. Being marked with ashes at the beginning of Lent indicates our need for deeper conversion of our lives during this season of renewal.

Fast and Abstinence Lenten Regulations
All Catholics 14 years of age or older are asked to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. Catholics between the ages of 14 and 59 are also to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday unless one's work or health make it inadvisable. One full meatless meal is allowed on the days of fast. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, are allowed. Together the two meals should not exceed the full meal. Drinking of ordinary liquids does not break the fast.

"Like Moses, who fasted before receiving the tablets of the Law, and Elijah's fast before meeting the Lord on Mount Horeb, Jesus, too, through prayer and fasting, prepared Himself for the mission that lay before Him, marked by a serious battle with the tempter. . . Such was the case with Ezra who, in preparation for the journey from exile back to the Promised Land, calls upon the assembled people to fast so that 'we might humble ourselves before our God.'” (Pope Benedict XVI)

ORDINARY TIME

Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent officially ends at sundown on Holy Thursday with the beginning of the mass of the Lord’s Supper. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism, and the faithful deepened their commitment to Christ. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days.

Older Catholics, who remember Lent in the 1930s, 40s or 50s may first think of this season as a time of penance. Lent was when you gave up something—like food or going to the movies— in order to do penance for sin. Since the Church has restored the rite of initiating adults into the Christian faith, Lent has taken on a different meaning—one that goes back to the fourth and fifth centuries. At that time, the 40 days before Easter were the final stage of preparation for those about to be baptized. The rest of the Church prayed and fasted in solidarity with them.

Today, with the presence in most Catholic parishes of a group of adults visibly making ready to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil, Lent has regained that "baptismal" emphasis. We still can decide on a Lenten observance—fasting, prayer, almsgiving—but we do it with the purpose of recalling our Baptism, and we do it in solidarity with those preparing to be baptized or received into the Church.

Preparation for Baptism and for renewing baptismal commitment lies at the heart of the season of Lent. Since Vatican II Council, the Church has reemphasized the baptismal character of Lent, especially through the restoration of the Catechumenate and its Lenten rituals.

LUKE 9:22-25
(Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1)
KEY VERSE: "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (v 23).
READING: This is Jesus' first prediction of the passion in Luke's Gospel. Peter had just made his confession of faith in Jesus as the "Messiah of God" (v 20). Then Jesus helped his disciples understand what it meant to be God's anointed one. Jesus' way was not through political power or world domination. His way was the way of the cross. All who wished to follow him must imitate his example. Jesus set down three conditions for discipleship: to regard oneself with humility, to accept the trials of life with faith, and to proclaim the Gospel despite rejection. A disciple who wished to share eternal life with Jesus must be willing to let go of everything for the sake of the Gospel.
REFLECTING: What self-denial will I practice this Lent?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, give me the strength to carry my daily cross for your sake.


MATTHEW 9:14-15
(Isaiah 58:1-9a; Psalm 51)
KEY VERSE: "People do not put new wine into old wine skins" (v 17).
READING: The followers of John the Baptist were curious to know why the disciples of Jesus did not fast as they and the Pharisees did. Jesus compared his presence among the people to a bridegroom at a marriage feast, a sign that anticipated the Messianic banquet in which he would be united with his bride, the Church (Rv 19:7). A wedding banquet was a time for rejoicing, so fasting and mourning were inappropriate. When the bridegroom was "taken away" (through his death on the cross), then the people would fast. Jesus said that the old ways were incompatible with the new. Just as a worn out garment could not be patched and must be discarded, an old wine skin (symbolizing the old religion) was not flexible enough to contain the new and fermenting wine and would burst. Likewise, the new ideas that Jesus came to offer required fresh and elastic minds.
REFLECTING: How can I help others thirst for Jesus' new wine?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to grow in my understanding of you this Lent.


LUKE 5:27-32
(Isaiah 58:9b-14; Psalm 86)
KEY VERSE: "I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners" (v 32).
READING: Tax collectors were regarded as sinners because they were suspected of exacting more than their due from their own people. They were also viewed as traitors because they worked for the occupying Roman government. Jesus accepted people as they were, and he invited a tax collector named Levi ("Matthew" in Mt 9:9) to leave his post and follow him as a disciple. In gratitude, Levi gave a banquet in Jesus' honor and invited a large number of other people that were considered public sinners. When the religious leaders criticized Jesus because of his table fellowship with so called "sinners," he told them that he had not come for those who self-righteously believed they had no need for repentance, but for those who recognized their need to change their lives.
REFLECTING: Where do I need conversion in my life?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to see all people through your eyes.


LUKE 4:1-13
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
(
Deuteronomy 26:4-10; Psalm 91; Romans 10:8-13)
KEY VERSE: "You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve" (v.8).
READING: After Jesus' Baptism (Lk 3:22), he was led by the Spirit into the desert where he fasted and prayed for forty days. There Jesus was tempted by the Evil One just as the people of Israel were tested for forty years (Dt 8:3). The first temptation echoed Israel's failure to trust God in the desert when they were hungry. Jesus knew real hunger during his fasting, but he refused to turn stones into bread. Instead he put his trust in God. The second temptation was the desire to attain earthly power and glory. Again Jesus resisted this enticement; he came, not as a regent, but as God's suffering servant. The third test was for Jesus to display his power by throwing himself over the Temple parapet. Jesus' real power was his ministry to the poor, the sick and suffering. In each trial, Jesus showed that he was the faithful Son who refused to succumb to the attraction of power, prestige and position. Satan was defeated and retreated until the final test when Jesus conquered evil on the cross.
REFLECTING: As I begin this Lenten Season, am I striving to overcome sin in my life?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to turn to you in all of my temptations.


Rite of Election
During the rite of election the Church formally announces the names of those who will soon celebrate the sacraments of initiation. Usually the rite of election takes place at the cathedral with the bishop on the First Sunday of Lent, and those who are named will celebrate baptism, confirmation, and first communion at their parishes during the following Easter Vigil. These individuals enter the cathedral as "catechumens" and leave as "elect." The ceremony may also be called "enrollment of names." "Election" refers to the idea of "the chosen people." In Israel’s early history, God chose a people and established a covenant with them. Christians believe that God continues to choose people, now through the covenant of baptism. The rite of election thus establishes the names of those who will enter the new covenant through the sacraments of initiation. The key moments of the rite are the affirmation by the godparents and the act of admission or election. In the affirmation, the godparents testify that the catechumens are worthy to be initiated. Their testimony reveals the Church’s positive judgment about the catechumens’ desire and behavior. The entire assembly may also join the affirmation. Next the bishop invites the catechumens to sign the book of the elect. In some dioceses, this action has already taken place in parishes during the rite of sending, and the books are presented at this point. Finally, during the act of admission or election, the bishop declares that the catechumens are members of the elect, to be initiated at the next Easter Vigil. Although many people refer to the ceremony as the time when catechumens "go to meet the bishop," its meaning is very different. It is not about meeting a celebrity. It is about being named among God’s chosen people.

Rite of Sending
The rite of sending is a parish celebration that sends catechumens to the rite of election. At the rite of election, usually on or about the First Sunday of Lent, the Church names the catechumens to be baptized at Easter. Generally, the rite of election takes place at the cathedral with the bishop. Because of the cathedral’s limited space and sometimes remote location, parish communities celebrate the rite of sending. Sending may take place at a Sunday Mass. After the homily, a catechist may present the catechumens to the priest, who calls them forward with their godparents and asks if the catechumens are ready. Have they taken their formation seriously? Have they given evidence of their conversion? Do the godparents judge them ready for the rite of election? The Church must verify the readiness of the catechumens. We do not baptize based only on their desire. "There should be a deliberation prior to [the rite of election] to decide on the catechumen’s suitableness." This is carried out by those who help form the catechumens, by godparents, and members of the community (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 122). The questions have real significance. In some places, the catechumens sign the book of the elect at the parish during the rite of sending. In others, they sign it at the cathedral during the rite of election. The ritual concludes with prayers for the catechumens. The rite of sending is optional, but it allows the parish to affirm the readiness of its catechumens. There is another optional rite of sending for those previously baptized in other ecclesial communities who are preparing for the rite of reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

This article by Paul Turner originally appeared in MINISTRY & LITURGY magazine, a pastoral planning resource used by the worship leaders in parishes as an aid for better liturgy, Copyright by Resource Publications.


MATTHEW 16:13-19
THE CHAIR OF PETER, APOSTLE

(1 Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23)
KEY VERSE: "I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven" (v 19).
READING: Peter confessed his faith in Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the "Son of the living God" (v 16). Jesus declared that Peter was the foundation, the "rock" (v 18) upon which he would build his Church. Using the symbol of the "key," Jesus conferred supreme authority upon Peter. The "key of the House of David" was a symbol of power for Israel (Is 22:22). Jesus was the "Son of David" who possessed the authority to open the door to the new Jerusalem, the kingdom of heaven (Rev 3:7-8). These powers to "bind" and "loose," that is, to grant or forbid according to the Law, were given to the Church. Whenever the Church chooses to bind up the wounds of the world, God is binding those wounds. When the Church loosens the chains of sin’s power, God frees the human heart to forgive and to love. The powers of evil cannot prevail over Christ's power in the Church. The Catholic Church regards Peter as the chief apostle and first leader of the Church whose successor is the Holy Father in RomeIt was the rock of Peter's faith that enabled him to follow Jesus until he himself died as a martyr.
REFLECTING: Do I hand on the faith that I received, just as the apostles did in their time?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, thank you for sharing your power with your human representatives on earth.

FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF PETER, APOSTLE
The Pope continues today as the Apostolic successor of Peter. As the visible head of the Church, when the Pope speaks from the chair (cathedra) of authority, he speaks with papal infallibility (ex cathedra), which Vatican I defined as the will of the redeemer to preserve the Church from error in matters of faith and morals. "In essentials, unity, in doubtful matters, liberty; in all things charity."
(popularly attributed to St. Augustine)


MATTHEW 6:7-15
(Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 34)
KEY VERSE: "This is how you are to pray..." (v 9).
READING: Unlike the pagans who sought their god's approval by lengthy repetition in their prayers, Jesus taught his followers a simple prayer. He told his disciples that they could approach God as "Father," a loving parent who was intimately present and already knew their needs. At the same time, they were to reverence God's name and to obey the divine will of "heaven" so that God's reign would be established "on earth." Just as Israel had to depend upon God's providence during their wilderness journey (Ex 16:4,15), Jesus' disciples were to put their trust in God on their spiritual journey to their eternal home. Because God was so merciful to them, Jesus' disciples must offer forgiveness to others. They should pray that they would not fail God in the final test.
REFLECTING: In what ways do I need to obey God's will today?
PRAYING: Abba Father, help me to trust you each day as I journey to your kingdom.

Optional Memorial of Polycarp, bishop and martyr
Polycarp was a bishop of Smyrna (now İzmir in Turkey) in the second century (ca. 69 ̶  ca. 155) . He is recognized as a saint in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. It is recorded that "He had been a disciple of John," the author of the Fourth Gospel. Polycarp was a companion of Papias another "hearer of John" and a correspondent of Ignatius of Antioch. Ignatius addressed a letter to him, and mentions him in the letters to the Ephesians and to the Magnesians. Polycarp's famous pupil was Irenaeus. Polycarp fought the heresy of Gnosticism. The Asia Minor churches recognized Polycarp's leadership and chose him as a representative to Pope Anicetus on the question of the date of the Easter celebration. Only one of the many letters written by Polycarp has survived, the one he wrote to the Church of Philippi in Macedonia. At 86 years of age, Polycarp was to be burned alive in a stadium in Smyrna. The flames did not harm him and he was finally killed by a dagger, and his body burned. The "Acts" of Polycarp's martyrdom are the earliest preserved reliable account of a Christian martyr's death. When arrested, the police captain asked, "What harm is it to say, 'Caesar is Lord,' and to offer sacrifice and to be saved?" Polycarp answered: "Eighty-six years have I served him and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me? You threaten me with the fire that burns for a time, and is quickly quenched, for you do not know the fire which awaits the wicked in the judgment to come and in everlasting punishment."


From Pharaoh to the Father: A Journey Toward Freedom Through The Lord's Prayer
U
npack the Lord's Prayer and experience the Exodus. It's true. If you meditate on the Lord's Prayer - beginning with the last phrase and going backwards to the first phrase - you move from the world of evil to the world of the Father. You recreate, in effect, the journey of the Israelites out of Egypt. Kay Murdy builds her provocative book on this insight, moving in eight steps from an all-too real world to intimacy with the Holy One. Along the way, she builds powerful connections between Scripture and Tradition and the Old and New Testaments. Discussion questions make this a useful tool for introducing catechumens to the Lord's Prayer. You can order Kay's book from Resource Publications http://www.rpinet.com/products/fpf.html 


LUKE 11:29-32
(Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51)
KEY VERSE: "This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah" (v 29).
READING:
The people demanded a sign from Jesus as proof that his miracles were genuine. Jesus accused them of lacking faith. He declared that the only sign he would give them would be the sign of Jonah, his "death and resurrection" from the belly of the fish (Jonah 2). When Jonah was sent to preach to Nineveh in Assyria, Israel's ancient enemy, the prophet was astonished when these pagan people repented and turned toward God (Jon 3:1-10). Jesus was a prophet greater than Jonah, yet the Gentiles were more receptive to his message than his own people were. Jesus noted that the Queen of Sheba had come from afar to learn the wisdom of Solomon (1 Kgs 10:1-10), whereas Jesus, the wisdom of God, was spurned and rejected even though he came from God to offer them the gift of God's eternal reign.
REFLECTING:
Am I like Jonah, reluctant to speak God's words to unbelievers?
PRAYING:
Lord Jesus, help me to heed your words of truth.


MATTHEW 7:7-12
(Esther C:* 12, 14-16, 23-25; Psalm 138)
KEY VERSE: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you" (v 7).
READING: In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught his disciples to pray with simplicity (Mt 6:5-13), but he also taught them to persevere in their prayer. Those who persisted in asking, seeking, and knocking on the door of the Father's loving heart would be heard and answered. Jesus asked his disciples if they would give something harmful to their children. Of course they would not. If human parents, with all their failings, gave good gifts to their children, how much more would their Heavenly Father give what was best for them? Jesus cautioned his disciples that they must do more than avoid evil. They must do the good things for others that they would want for themselves. From the 18th Century, this maxim has been called the "Golden Rule."
REFLECTING: What kindness can I do for someone today?
PRAYING: Loving Father, thank you for hearing my prayers.

* NOTE: The Book of Esther contains verses in Greek (A-F) that were not in the original Hebrew text. These were excluded from the Jewish (and Protestant) Canon, but are accepted as inspired by the Catholic Church.


MATTHEW 5:20-26
(Ezekiel 18:21-28; Psalm 130)
KEY VERSE: "Leave your gift at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (v 24).
READING: Jesus told his disciples that their holiness must surpass that of the religious leaders who outwardly observed the minute details of the Law but inwardly were not submitted to God's will. As their teacher, Jesus' authority was greater than that of Moses. Jesus deepened the literal meaning of the Law. He condemned the act of murder, but also the anger that brought about the deed. He said that anger was a serious transgression when it bore malice toward another. It also was an offense against God. Anyone who offended another person must first go and be reconciled with that individual before coming to worship God. Without this willingness to change one's heart, punishment, rather than salvation, would be the reward.
REFLECTING: Have my words and actions offended others?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to seek forgiveness from those I have offended.


MATTHEW 5:43-48
(Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Psalm 119)
KEY VERSE: "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you" (v 44).
READING: Israel believed that their enemies were also the enemies of God (Ps 139:21), yet God did not command Israel to hate their enemies. Neither was Israel allowed to mistreat a "neighbor," that is, anyone who dwelled in the land (Lv 19:17-18, 34). But Jesus took the Law further. He said that it was no virtue to love only those who loved you; nonbelievers could do as much. Jesus asked his disciples to imitate the perfect love of God who gave gifts of sun and rain to the just and unjust alike. Loving our enemies doesn't mean that we don't have any enemies. Yet the Christian must never seek retaliation for any insult no matter how hostile. Injured parties may have to force themselves to love their enemies, but the Lord will show them the way. On the other hand, those who plan evil against their enemies do not have love; consequently they do not know God. Jesus' followers must strive to love even those who persecute them (Mt 5:11). On the cross, Jesus gave us the supreme example of enemy love when he asked God to forgive those who were putting him to death (Lk 23:34).
REFLECTING: Do we as individuals or as a nation measure up to Jesus' command to love and pray for our enemies?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to forgive those who have injured me and to pray for their welfare.


PURIM BEGINS AT SUNSET
Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar (This Year  February 28, 2010, Jewish Year 5770). The word "Purim" means "lots" and refers to the lottery that Haman used to choose the date for the massacre of the Jewish people living in Persia. The story of Purim is told in the Book of Esther who was taken to the house of Ahasuerus, King of Persia, to become part of his harem. King Ahasuerus loved Esther and made her queen, but he did not know that she was a Jew. The villain of the story is Haman, an arrogant adviser to the king. When Esther's cousin Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, Haman plotted to destroy the Jewish people in revenge. Mordecai persuaded Esther to speak to the king on behalf of the Jewish people. Esther fasted for three days, then went to the king and told him of Haman's plot against her people. The Jewish people were saved, and Haman was hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.

The primary commandment related to Purim is to hear the reading of the Book of Esther, known as the Megillah, which means scroll. Although five books of Jewish scripture are referred to as megillahs (Esther, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations), this is the one people call “the Megillah.” It is customary to boo and rattle groggers (noisemakers) whenever the name of Haman is mentioned in the service. The purpose of this custom is to "blot out the name of Haman."

On Purim, Jews are also commanded to send out gifts of food or drink and to give charity. Purim is not subject to the Sabbath-like restrictions that apply to many other holiday, but some sources indicate that ordinary business should not be conducted out of respect for the holiday.


LUKE 9:28b-36
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
(Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-- 4:1).
KEY VERSE:
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" (v 35).
READING: As Jesus set out to Jerusalem and to the cross, he took three of his closest companions up the mountain to pray with him. The mountain was a place where Jesus regularly went to pray (Lk 6:12; 22:39-41). In the Old Testament, it was on a mountain where God's revelation came to Moses the law-giver (Ex 19:3), and to Elijah the prophet (1 Kgs 19:8). Like Moses, Jesus' face became radiant with his encounter with God (Ex 34:29). Moses and Elijah appeared alongside Jesus, and together they spoke of Jesus' "exodus," his saving death whereby he would liberate people from sin. Peter's desire to remain on the mountain in "tents" was a reminder of the wilderness journey to the promised land when the people dwelt in branched huts. The Feast of Tabernacles, or "Booths" (Sukkot), commemorates this event. At the end of the book of Exodus there is an account of the completion of the tabernacle and the words: "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Ex 40:34). Jesus was the tabernacle of God's presence, and God's glory was manifested in a cloud that overshadowed him. Jesus was God's chosen one, God's beloved Son. He was a prophet like Moses to whom the people must listen (Dt 18:15).
REFLECTING: Will I try to listen to what Jesus is telling me during Lent?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus help me to desire your presence.



STUDY THE BIBLE AT HOME
with Kay Murdy

* Gain skills in reading and understanding the Bible
* Grow in appreciation of God's Word
* Apply God's Word to your daily life


GO TO DIRECTORY AT AT BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
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CHECK OUT MY NEW PAGE ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK!
 


WHAT EVERY CATHOLIC NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE BIBLE
A Parish Guide to Scripture by Kay Murdy

This is a wonderful introductory tool for the average person. It presents the Bible in its literary, historical and religious context and provides a valuable framework for continued learning. $9.95 -- Order from Resource Pub., Inc. 160 E. Virginia St., #290, San Jose, CA 95112-5848 http://www.rpinet.com
 

 
AUDIO DAILY MASS READINGS NOW ON-LINE

The daily Mass readings are now downloadable from the Web site of the
United States Bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign. Copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/

The program was prepared in association with the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine using audio recordings of the readings from the New American Bible. The program was prepared in association with the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine using audio recordings of the readings from the New American Bible. Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Communications, said: “The internet is now a part of our lives, and a medium which can help provide for spiritual enrichment. The new service responds to the many requests for the readings. Several readers, including bishops, clergy, and laity from different ethnic backgrounds, have lent their voices to the project, so listeners will hear at least three different voices on any given day.”
 


The Catholic Calendar Page
This handy little calendar lets you know the readings, vestment colors, liturgical seasons and years and even rosary mysteries for any given day far into the future. Need to know what day of the week the Feast of the Assumption falls on in 2014? Not only will the calendar tell you it's a Friday, it will also give you the gospel reading for the day (Luke 1:39-56). A helpful planning tool for those who need to know Catholic calendar. Copy and paste  into your browser: http://www.easterbrooks.com/personal/calendar/
 


Modern Catholic Dictionary Now On-Line

Trinity Communications has released a new website that houses a complete Modern Catholic Dictionary (authored by the late Fr. John A. Hardon) in cooperation with Eternal Life. The dictionary is presented in a simple but attractive format that can be both browsed and searched. Copy and paste into your browser: http://www.CatholicReference.net
 


ST. ISIDORE, SAINT OF THE INTERNET
St. Isidore of Seville (601) was one of the most learned men of his day. As bishop he required seminaries in every diocese of Spain. Among his prolific works, he wrote a rule for Religious Orders, a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a history of the Goths, and a history of the world beginning with creation. He was proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV in 1722 (Feast Day April 4). St. Isidore is being considered as patron saint of computer users and the Internet. He writes: All spiritual growth comes from reading and reflection. By reading we learn what we did not know; by reflection we retain what we have learned. Reading the Holy  Scriptures confers two benefits. It trains the mind to understand them; it turns our attention from the follies of the world and leads us to the love of God.

"We need to enter into this modern and increasingly active network of information with realism and trust, knowing that if it is used with competence and attentive responsibility, it can offer valid opportunities for the spreading of the Gospel message"  Pope John Paul II, May 12, 2002
 

 
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