2nd Sunday of Lent (Year B)

Welcome Back to Banquet of the Word!
Join us every week for background on the Sunday readings.
Our mission is simple: We want to help everyone in “pew-land” get more out of mass. Because it’s fun to feel smart about scripture.

Reading 1: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
The first reading always links to the gospel. It is from the Old Testament.

Every time I hear this reading I cringe. Could I do what Abraham does? Do I have the same obedience as he? To sacrifice my only son? It opens the door to a depth of faith worth exploring.

How has God tested your faith and obedience in your life? Is He asking you to be “All In” right now in some way? God seeks our full on YES to Him, the same he asked of Abraham.

We are about halfway through Abraham’s story today in Genesis, chapter 12.

God put Abraham to the test.
He called to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am!” he replied.
Then God said:
“Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, 
and go to the land of Moriah.
There you shall offer him up as a holocaust 
on a height that I will point out to you.”

When they came to the place of which God had told him, 
Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it.
Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son.
But the LORD’s messenger called to him from heaven, 
“Abraham, Abraham!”
“Here I am!” he answered.
“Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the messenger.
“Do not do the least thing to him.
I know now how devoted you are to God, 
since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son.”
As Abraham looked about, 
he spied a ram caught by its horns in the thicket.
So he went and took the ram 
and offered it up as a holocaust in place of his son.

Again the LORD’s messenger called to Abraham from heaven and said: 
“I swear by myself, declares the LORD, 
that because you acted as you did 
in not withholding from me your beloved son, 
I will bless you abundantly 
and make your descendants as countless 
as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; 
your descendants shall take possession 
of the gates of their enemies, 
and in your descendants all the nations of the earth
shall find blessing—
all this because you obeyed my command.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 116:
I Will Walk Before the Lord In the Land of the Living
The psalm is a ‘response’ to the first reading.

We can hear threads of the story of Abraham and Isaac in today’s psalm, in italics below.

R. (116:9) I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.
I believed, even when I said,
    “I am greatly afflicted.”
Precious in the eyes of the LORD
    is the death of his faithful ones.
R. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.
O LORD, I am your servant;
    I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;
    you have loosed my bonds.
To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,
    and I will call upon the name of the LORD.

Reading 2: Romans 8: 31b-34
The second reading is usually from St. Paul

Of Paul’s letters, Romans is the longest and most systematic unfolding of the apostle’s thought, expounding the gospel of God’s righteousness that saves all who believe. The theme in chapter 8 is “Justification and the Christian Life.”

We can also hear small threads from the first reading (“He who did not spare his son”) that remind us God asks for 100% of us, not 99% or 50%, but 100%.

Brothers and sisters:
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare his own Son 
but handed him over for us all, 
how will he not also give us everything else along with him?

Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones?
It is God who acquits us, who will condemn?
Christ Jesus it is who died—or, rather, was raised— 
who also is at the right hand of God, 
who indeed intercedes for us.

GOSPEL – Mark 9: 2-10
This is when we hear from Christ himself, and this is why we stand as it is read.

BACKGROUND
In today’s gospel, if we were on a train through the New Testament stories, we’re standing at one of the main “stops:” The Transfiguration.

Before these verses, Jesus had just foretold his death to the disciples. They were probably distraught to hear Jesus talk of his death, so perhaps the transfiguration served as spiritual nourishment (as noted in the 2nd reading). Maybe Jesus wanted to reassure them that He is God’s son by demonstrating this reality before their very eyes.

At the top of the mountain while Jesus was praying, Peter, James and John see his clothes “become dazzling white.” When Jesus prays – when he communicates with The Father – He emits a blinding, pure light.

Recall that in Exodus, Moses also came down the mountain after communicating with God and was glowing white. His was a reflective light. Here Jesus IS the light, it comes from within.

The reading goes on to say that Peter and his companions – like Abram and Adam before them – had been overcome by sleep. A divine light woke them up to see Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Let’s stop here and do some basic math:

Moses (the law) + Elijah (the prophets)=Old Testament.
Jesus = New Testament.
Moses + Elijah + Jesus = The fullness of the scriptures.

On the mountain, these men embody the fullness of the scriptures. That is an awesome reality to ponder for a moment. Here we have the Old Testament “talking” to Jesus, the New Testament. What are they talking about? The subject is the Exodus (“Exodus” means “a journey from slavery to freedom”). In the OT, Moses’s Exodus was physical. He led the people out of Egyptian slavery into a land of freedom. The NT Exodus Jesus will soon lead is spiritual. He will lead us out of a spiritual slavery (sin) into spiritual freedom (salvation). Atop the mountain, Jesus is answering the Old Testament – answering it by fulfilling it.

Lastly, God says to them from a cloud, “This is my chosen Son; listen to Him.” In sum Peter, James and John get a glimpse: Jesus is the answer. Jesus is the New Covenant. He fulfills the old one. And we must listen to Him.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John 
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them, 
and his clothes became dazzling white, 
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, 
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, 
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents: 
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; 
from the cloud came a voice, 
“This is my beloved Son.  Listen to him.”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone,
except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
So they kept the matter to themselves, 
questioning what rising from the dead meant.

1st Sunday of Lent (Year B)

Welcome Back to Banquet of the Word!

Join us every week for background on this Sunday readings. 
Our mission is simple:
We want to help everyone in “pew-land” get more out of mass. 
Because it’s fun to feel smart about scripture

READING 1GN 9:8-15

(The 1st Reading is Old Testament. It always links to the Gospel.)

Fun fact 1:
Noah is saved by water because he built a boat. There is a deeper message here; we are all saved by water and we all need a boat. More when you get to the 2nd reading below.

Fun fact 2:
1 Peter 3 (our 2nd reading) is about “The Christian in a Hostile World” It answers the question, “what is our role in the World?”

In R1, we’re at a very important part of the Old Testament; it’s God’s covenant with Noah. This is before God’s covenant with Abraham, and it is right after God wipes out all of his people with the flood. Remember that God was so fed up with his people and the sin they constantly lived in, that he decided to wreak havoc and wipe them all out – except for Noah, the only righteous man in his eyes. He sets a bow in the clouds – a rainbow – to show his love.

What sign have you seen lately that reminds you of his love for you? I have a short story: One night a few years ago, I was driving home at night with a friend and our 3 boys. We’d just gone to a Mother-Son Valentines Dance. It was pitch black.

Suddenly I noticed a large bird of prey flying right above the windshield. It was big, beautiful, and so white! So pure! I got the slightest glimpse of it and noticed the roundness of its head – it was an OWL!

Owls are my most favorite creature. I had at that time, only seen 3 in my life in their natural habitat. I was beyond thrilled. I was ecstatic to have had that amazing encounter with God’s creation.

And God knows me, he knows every hair on my head. Perhaps it was a sign of love from Him.

A barn owl flying at night

Open your eyes this week and see the signs God has in mind for you.

God said to Noah:
“See, I am now establishing my covenant with you
and your descendants after you
and with every living creature that was with you:
all the birds, and the various tame and wild animals
that were with you and came out of the ark.
I will establish my covenant with you,
that never again shall all bodily creatures be destroyed
by the waters of a flood;
there shall not be another flood to devastate the earth.”

“This is the sign that I am giving for all ages to come,
of the covenant between me and you
and every living creature with you:
I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign
of the covenant between me and the earth.
When I bring clouds over the earth,
and the bow appears in the clouds,
I will recall the covenant I have made
between me and you and all living beings,
so that the waters shall never again become a flood
to destroy all mortal beings.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9.
(THE PSALM IS A “RESPONSE” TO WHAT WE HEARD IN THE 1ST READING)
“YOUR WAYS, O LORD, ARE LOVE AND TRUTH TO THOSE WHO KEEP YOUR COVENANT.”

This Is All About Covenants. God’s Covenant With His People. We Are To Lean On Him And Learn From Him By Following His Ways.

YOUR WAYS, O LORD, MAKE KNOWN TO ME;
TEACH ME YOUR PATHS,
GUIDE ME IN YOUR TRUTH AND TEACH ME,
FOR YOU ARE GOD MY SAVIOR.REMEMBER THAT YOUR COMPASSION, O LORD,
AND YOUR LOVE ARE FROM OF OLD.
IN YOUR KINDNESS REMEMBER ME,
BECAUSE OF YOUR GOODNESS, O LORD.

 READING 2 1 PT 3:18-22

(The 2nd reading is usually from Paul’s letters. Speaks to how the early church was built after Christ’s death and resurrection).

The main theme here is “Encouragement to fidelity in spite of suffering.” Or, “Be faithful even though we suffer.” We are in Lent now, and are encouraged to see the role of suffering in our lives. To see that it has purpose.

Why is Noah here? Because this reading talks about being “Saved Through Water.” Well Noah was Saved Through the flood waters (fortunately he had a boat) – his life was spared while others died in their sin.

We too are saved through the waters of baptism.

The Church is our boat – it is our way out of the sinful world in which we live. Who else can we help God pull from the water and into the boat of salvation this lent? How can we be his instrument?

Beloved:
Christ suffered for sins once, 
the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, 
that he might lead you to God.
Put to death in the flesh, 
he was brought to life in the Spirit.
In it he also went to preach to the spirits in prison, 
who had once been disobedient 
while God patiently waited in the days of Noah 
during the building of the ark, 
in which a few persons, eight in all,
were saved through water.
This prefigured baptism, which saves you now.
It is not a removal of dirt from the body 
but an appeal to God for a clear conscience, 
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
who has gone into heaven
and is at the right hand of God, 
with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.

GOSPELMK 1:12-15

(The Gospel is the highest point of the Liturgy of the Word. That’s why we stand.
We are about to hear from and be instructed by Christ Himself.)

The Gospel today is about Jesus going to the desert – removing himself from the crowds -retreating. This is what lent is supposed to be for us – a retreat away from worldly pleasures, conversations that don’t fill us or help us grow, a retreat away from the busy-ness of life.

This is hard to do. It sure is hard for me. But even knowing it’s Lent, waking up to think of a way to celebrate Lent in some small way today, it is one step toward living that retreat. 

Finally, we see the overarching theme of  Mark’s entire gospel in the final verse: The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and Believe in the Gospel. We are called throughout lent to repent!

We are callout of sin and darkness and into forgiveness and light. May you feel the peace of retreat in a small or large way this week. May you notice a sign from God that is just for you. And may you find a piece of joy in a suffering you endure, knowing it is The Way to Him!

“The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.

After John had been arrested,
Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God:
“This is the time of fulfillment.
The kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Welcome Back to Banquet of the Word!

Join us every week for background on this Sunday readings.
Our mission is simple: We want to help everyone in “pew-land” get more out of mass.

Fun Fact:
Contrary to popular belief, the book of Leviticus is not impossible to understand nor pointless. Yes, it’s a lot of laws (think L=Leviticus, Law=Leviticus).

But let’s understand why this was necessary.

Israel’s history with pagan worship lasted over 400 years. There was an intense need to get the Israelites out of Egypt (which Moses did), AND to get Egypt out of the Israelites. 

That is, get the pagan worshipping out of the Israelites.  The response? The book of Leviticus, a tool designed to give the rules they clearly needed. (613 laws to be exact.)

LV 13:1-2, 44-46
(The 1st Reading is Old Testament. It always links to the Gospel.)

We’re at law #452 of 613. Today it’s about leprosy. Here it is:

“If someone has on his skin a scab or pustule or blotch
which appears to be the sore of leprosy,
he shall be brought to Aaron, the priest,
or to one of the priests among his descendants.
If the man is leprous and unclean,
the priest shall declare him unclean
by reason of the sore on his head.

“The one who bears the sore of leprosy
shall keep his garments rent and his head bare,
and shall muffle his beard;
he shall cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’
As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean,
since he is in fact unclean.
He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp.”

Lepers were considered “unclean,” they were excluded from the Temple. That means they were prevented from carrying out their religious duties. Lepers were ostracized from society and treated as aliens.

We can contemplate today the reality of Jesus’s complete healing power. The leprosy – which CUT people OFF from the Temple, is synonymous with sin.

When we sin? We cut ourselves off from God. We put up a wall; become separate.  This week’s readings show us a simple “before” and “after;” In the gospel, Jesus heals a leper and makes him whole.

In confession, Jesus heals US and makes us whole.  We are no longer separated from Him, but united.

Psalm 32: “I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble,
and you fill me with the joy of salvation.”
(The Psalm is a “response” to what we heard in the 1st Reading)

Listen for the message of forgiveness in these verses:

Blessed is he whose fault is taken away,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt,
in whose spirit there is no guile.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
my guilt I covered not.
I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,”
and you took away the guilt of my sin.

1 COR 10:31—11:1

(The 2nd reading is usually from Paul’s letters. Speaks to how the early church was built after Christ’s death and resurrection).

The key line is the first line: Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”  That means if we are called to suffer (e.g. leprosy), we ought to suffer for the glory of God. If we are blessed at this moment and have gifts to share (time, talent or money), we should do this also for the glory of God. The rest of the reading:

Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or
the church of God,
just as I try to please everyone in every way,
not seeking my own benefit but that of the many,
that they may be saved.
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

MK 1:40-45

(The Gospel is the highest point of the Liturgy of the Word. That’s why we stand.
We are about to hear from and be instructed by Christ Himself.)

This gospel is powerful in light of our first reading, and appropriate as we begin Lent in just 4 days. Jesus is approached by a leper (remember – totally alienated back then! Considered hideous, contagious). 

And yet that leper knew in his heart who Jesus was. He wasn’t afraid to ask for healing. Knowing His faith, Jesus healed him.

Jesus tells him not to tell anyone what happened (remember, Jesus tried to stay “under wraps” so the authorities wouldn’t seek him out – not until the time for the Cross had come). But the man cannot help it. I can’t say I blame Him.

When Christ touches your heart, changes you from and on the inside, makes you clean and whole again – how can we NOT share that gospel message with the world?

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said,
“If you wish, you can make me clean.”
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand,
touched him, and said to him,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.

Do you have a story about how Jesus has changed your life, healed you? Who needs to hear that message this week? Pray for the words and timing to share it. And know that in doing this, you are being His hands and feet to the world.

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Welcome Back to Banquet of the Word!

We’re back in Ordinary Time, week #2 (there are 34 in all).

Our mission is simple:
We want to help everyone in “pew-land” get more out of mass.
Because it’s fun to feel smart about scripture

Fun Fact:
Job is actually not a prophetic book, but 1 of the 7 books called “Wisdom Literature.”

The key questions of the book of Job are
1) Where can Wisdom be found? (Can it be found in suffering?) and
2) Can God be loved for His own sake?

1st Reading: Jb 7:1-4, 6-7
The first reading is Old Testament. It always links to the Gospel.

The Book of Job, named after its protagonist, is an exquisite dramatic treatment of the problem of the suffering of the innocent. The contents of the book, together with its artistic structure and elegant style, place it among the literary masterpieces of all time. This is a literary composition, and not a transcript of historical events and conversations.

The question of the book is at the start. “Can God be loved for His own sake?”

The beginning provides the setting for Job’s testing. When challenged by the satan’s questioning of Job’s sincerity, the Lord allows a series of catastrophes to afflict Job. Three friends come to console him. Job breaks out in complaint, and a cycle of speeches begins.

We are at the heart of Job’s misery today:

Job spoke, saying:
Is not man’s life on earth a drudgery?
    Are not his days those of hirelings?
He is a slave who longs for the shade,
    a hireling who waits for his wages.
So I have been assigned months of misery,
    and troubled nights have been allotted to me.

If in bed I say, “When shall I arise?”
    then the night drags on;
    I am filled with restlessness until the dawn.
My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle;
    they come to an end without hope.
Remember that my life is like the wind;
    I shall not see happiness again.

Surely we feel this kind of despair in life from time to time. The question is, do we place God at the center and love him no matter what? Trust Him no matter what?

Psalm 147: Praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted
(The Psalm is a “response” to what we heard in the 1st Reading)

No matter

Praise the LORD, for he is good;
    sing praise to our God, for he is gracious;
    it is fitting to praise him.
The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem;
    the dispersed of Israel he gathers.
R. Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.

He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.
He tells the number of the stars;
    he calls each by name.

2nd Reading: 1 Cor: 9:16-19, 22-23
(The 2nd reading is usually from Paul’s letters. Speaks to how the early church was built after Christ’s death and resurrection).

Today we hear of Paul’s conviction to preach the gospel at all costs, because God called Him to do so.

His letter is an answer to those in Corinth who write PAUL a letter with questions. There was division in Corinth at the time. The church there was unsure of certain practices as Christians, who were once Jews.

He tells them to avoid being, looking and feeling “weak.” He encourages them – and us – to remain strong in the gospel of Christ. To be proud to share the good news!

Brothers and sisters:
If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast,
for an obligation has been imposed on me,
and woe to me if I do not preach it!
If I do so willingly, I have a recompense,
but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
What then is my recompense?
That, when I preach,
I offer the gospel free of charge
so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

Although I am free in regard to all,
I have made myself a slave to all
so as to win over as many as possible.
To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak.
I have become all things to all, to save at least some.
All this I do for the sake of the gospel,
so that I too may have a share in it.

Gospel: MK: 1:29-39
This is the highest point in the Liturgy of the Word, it’s why we stand. We are about to hear from and be instructed by Christ himself.

Did you know that Mark is sometimes called “The Hollywood Gospel?” His gospel is the shortest, and he moves fast – like an action film. The word “immediately” can be found in his gospel 41 times!

As I read the gospel I could almost hear the dramatic music as a backdrop – the kind of music you may recall from The Passion of The Christ in the last scene. Powerful things are happening every place Christ visits.

Today we see some snippets – he goes in to heal Simon’s mother in law who lay ill with fever. In the evening, they brought him to “all” who were ill or possessed by demons. To “all”! And he healed them with His Word or His divine touch.

That is a statement. We must never doubt that He can do the same for us today!

This last part tells us he retreats away from the world to pray. Even Jesus left the socializing of the city, the whispers of his healing genius, to speak to God the Father. How can we better model this behavior? In the busyness of life, I can say it is quite the challenge to prioritize prayer unless I build it into my day from the start.

What in our life needs deeper contemplation or thought? A major life decision, prayer for a suffering family member, someone we need to forgive, perhaps ourselves or our attitude toward another?

May God bless your week!

On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left 
and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come.”
So he went into their synagogues,
preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Welcome Back to Banquet of the Word!

Join us every week for background on this Sunday readings.
Our mission is simple:
We want to help everyone in “pew-land” get more out of mass.
Because it’s fun to feel smart about scripture.

Fun Fact:
Deuteronomy is book #5 of the Pentateuch (“Pentateuch” refers to the first 5 books of the bible = Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).

It is the farewell letter of a dying prophet (Moses) to the nation he loved with all his heart, mind and soul (*there are 51 references to “heart” in the book). The book was written to the Israelites beyond the Jordan – when they were in the wilderness.

“Deuteronomy means” “second law,” Moses “re-tells” the law because as you may recall, the Israelites broke the law the first time Moses gave it (Golden Calf). (…Sounds like my kids.)

Deuteronomy 18: 15-20
(The 1st Reading is Old Testament. It always links to the Gospel.)

Moses gave 3 addresses to the people throughout Deuteronomy. We are smack in the middle of Address #2, which spans chapter 4-28(!). Moses re-tells the story of him being called by God to be a prophet to the people. The reading begins:

Moses spoke to all the people, saying:
“A prophet like me will the LORD, your God, raise up for you
from among your own kin;
to him you shall listen.

This is exactly what you requested of the LORD, your God, at Horeb
on the day of the assembly, when you said,
‘Let us not again hear the voice of the LORD, our God,
nor see this great fire any more, lest we die.’
And the LORD said to me, ‘This was well said.
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kin,
and will put my words into his mouth;
he shall tell them all that I command him.

Whoever will not listen to my words which he speaks in my name,
I myself will make him answer for it.
But if a prophet presumes to speak in my name
an oracle that I have not commanded him to speak,
or speaks in the name of other gods, he shall die.’”

Psalm 95: If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.
(The Psalm is a “response” to what we heard in the 1st Reading)

We hear today what the Israelites might have been singing in their hearts as the heard Moses re-tell the law of God. We are going to hear it again at mass (the law); let us respond in both word and deed as the psalm suggests.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

1 COR 7:32-35
(THE 2ND READING IS USUALLY FROM PAUL’S LETTERS. SPEAKS TO HOW THE EARLY CHURCH WAS BUILT AFTER CHRIST’S DEATH AND RESURRECTION).

Paul’s 1st letter to the church in Corinth is an answer to THEIR letter to Paul. They ask a lot of questions about how to live a Christ-like way of life – a life after the Cross – a life that is NEW testament, not OLD. In Chapter 7, Paul advises on marriage and virginity. In the verse prior, Paul reveals “For the form of this world is passing away.”

What does this mean? Paul says here that our relationship with God is eternal and endures forever; not so for marriage, which is an earthly covenant.

Marriage is a gift from God, it is a way for us to attempt to model Christ’s love for and relationship with His Church. Marriage on earth is our dress rehearsal for the Real Deal – the Wedding Feast of Heaven.

Will we see our spouses in Heaven? We sure hope so, and with immeasurable joy! But the marriage bond no longer exists in the same way.  Paul writes:

I should like you to be free of anxieties.
An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord,
how he may please the Lord.
But a married man is anxious about the things of the world,
how he may please his wife, and he is divided.

An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord,
so that she may be holy in both body and spirit.
A married woman, on the other hand,
is anxious about the things of the world,
how she may please her husband.

Mark 1:21-28
(The Gospel is the highest point of the Liturgy of the Word. That’s why we stand.
We are about to hear from and be instructed by Christ Himself.)

The theme for today’s gospel? Gob-smacked. That is what the people were who stood in the presence of Christ as He drove the demons out of the man in Capernaum. Not only did Jesus recognize and call OUT the unclean spirit, He did this on the Sabbath – which was against the law. The 7th day was set aside for 2 things only: Worship and Rest.

More gob-smacking occurs when we see that the Unclean Spirit – the demon or fallen angel itself – calls Christ “The Holy One.” Wow! Note though, this is not out of worship or reverence, but fear.

Then, without pomp and circumstance, long prayers, candles, songs, or chanting (as many current exorcisms feature), Jesus calls the Spirit out and it obeys. (That demon listens better than my kids, that’s for sure).

Summary:
So what do we make of all these readings?  My friend Fr. Tom Welbers, who also writes a blog called “Banquet of the Word,” gives an excellent summary when he says,

This passage contains a nutshell summary of the whole mission of Jesus: to free humankind from enslavement to the forces of evil, which he does by the power of his Word — he is God’s Word-made-flesh (Jn 1:14). To use this passage to argue the pros and cons of personal demons and diabolical possession risks missing the point: all humanity is in the grip of the power of evil without Christ.

Well said. I think today we can just sit in awe. Be Gob-smacked by God. He stamps out evil with his words. Oh the power!

This week – let’s use OUR words to call on Jesus. Ask Him for help. Go beyond just praying in our heads. Let’s try using words.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Welcome Back to Banquet of the Word!

We’re back in Ordinary Time, week #2 (there are 34 in all).

Our mission is simple:
We want to help everyone in “pew-land” get more out of mass.
Because it’s fun to feel smart about scripture

Fun Fact: 
Samuel was the child promised to the barren woman Hannah, who prayed for him unceasingly and after his birth, dedicated Him to God. She took him to Eli when Samuel was 2 years old and Eli (a priest) raised him.

Today’s theme? Being Called.
We are ALL Called in a unique way by God the Father.

1 SM 3:3B-10, 19
(The 1st reading is Old Testament. It always links to the Gospel)

Samuel is one of the holiest, most righteous men in the old testament. Today we hear the story of Samuel being called by God in the middle of the night. It is further evidence that God doesn’t yell or scream to get our attention. He whispers. He nudges. He shows himself in the small and quiet times in our lives.

Maybe we are like Samuel. Maybe we can’t distinguish his voice at first. After all, the first 2 times God calls Samuel, he gets up to go find Eli. Eli is confused and tells Samuel to go back to bed. By the 2nd calling, Eli realizes what’s happening – ” Samuel, go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” Samuel does listen. He grows up with God as his guide. He does amazing and important things to further God’s kingdom, not the least of which, is going out to select King David from the fields. What we can learn from this reading:

• Recognize that you might mistake God’s voice for someone else’s, as Samuel did.
• Understand that someone else may become “an Eli” for you – someone who tells you, “ya know? That event/relationship/opportunity has ‘Holy Spirit’ written all over it. I think God’s trying to tell you something!” That person is probably right.”
• Maybe YOU are being asked to be an Eli for someone you love. God most certainly speaks through the people in our lives.
• Above all – when you think God is speaking to you? Listen. Tell Him you are ready!!

Psalm 40: Here I am Lord, I Come to do Your Will
(The Psalm is a “response” to what we heard in the 1st Reading)

The first verse speaks of someone looking to God for help and calling for HIM. The second verse is more in line with the first reading, where God calls US.

I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.

Sacrifice or offering you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, “Behold I come.”

1 COR 6:13C-15A, 17-20

(The 2nd reading is usually from Paul’s letters. Speaks to how the early church was built after Christ’s death and resurrection).

Today’s reading from St. Paul is a bit of a “wild card.”

In today’s theme of being called, however, we are encouraged to remember that we are called to respect our bodies, to exercise modesty and treat them as “temples” or holy places where the love of God abides.

This is especially true because ARE temples – after receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ at Holy Communion, we actually carry Christ with us. He strengthens us to do HIS will all week long.

It is our job – we are called – to carry Him to others.

With this in mind, we should not be surprised that Paul asks us to “avoid immorality” wherever we go, dressing and behaving as the chosen children of God we are.

The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord,
and the Lord is for the body;
God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power.

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?
But whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one Spirit with him.
Avoid immorality.
Every other sin a person commits is outside the body,
but the immoral person sins against his own body.
Do you not know that your body
is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,
whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
For you have been purchased at a price.
Therefore glorify God in your body.

JN 1:35-42

(The Gospel is the highest point of the Liturgy of the Word. That’s why we stand.
We are about to hear from and be instructed by Christ Himself.)

Today, Jesus chooses his disciples. We did not hear the readings for the Baptism of Our Lord this year (on a Sunday), but that feast day was held on Monday 1/8.

This week (in the scriptures we’re told it’s “the next day”), Jesus calls his disciples by name, just as God the Father called Samuel. He is beginning His public ministry.

[This will take us into the beautiful season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on February 14 this year, with Easter being celebrated on April 1.]

Jesus calls 2 of the 12 disciples today, Simon Peter and Andrew who say at the start, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”

They follow Jesus and ask, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Jesus tells them, “Come, and You Will See.”

The men stay with him all day and Jesus begins an intimate relationship with Andrew and Simon Peter, who later – as you know – denies Jesus 3 times, but is still the rock upon which Christ built His Church.

Matthew tells us the conversation between Jesus and Peter in his gospel:  “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Jesus speaks of the Church and its everlasting nature, the Church we are called to serve each day.

John was standing with two of his disciples,
and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God.”
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,
“What are you looking for?”
They said to him, “Rabbi” — which translated means Teacher —,
“where are you staying?”
He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”
So they went and saw where Jesus was staying,
and they stayed with him that day.
It was about four in the afternoon.
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter,
was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
He first found his own brother Simon and told him,
“We have found the Messiah” — which is translated Christ —.
Then he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said,
“You are Simon the son of John;
you will be called Cephas” — which is translated Peter.

How are you being called today? This week? In your life?

Who are you called to help? Can you hear or see Christ in someone else’s life? Do you need to be an Eli for them?

Do you have enough quiet time in your life to hear God’s voice? It can be hard to hear, so be sure to set time aside that is away from the clanging, noisy nature of our world.

Next week!

Jonah and Ninevah in R1, and the calling of the rest of the disciples in the Gospel.

The Baptism of the Lord (Year B)

Welcome Back to Banquet of the Word!
Our mission is simple:
We want to help everyone in “pew-land” get more out of mass.
Because it’s fun to feel smart about scripture.

Fun fact:
This week we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord, the official end of the Christmas Season (According to the liturgical calendar, Ordinary Time doesn’t officially begin until the Monday after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls on the Sunday after Epiphany.)

1^ST READING (IS 42: 1-4, 6-7)
(In Ordinary Time, the 1st Reading is Old Testament. It always links to the Gospel.)

Isaiah is a prophet with whom we’re all familiar, even if just by name. In terms of length, Isaiah takes the cake for the Old Testament prophets at a total of 66 chapters. It is often called “The Fifth Gospel” because it bears witness to Christ unparalleled by any book in the OT.

He prophesied for close to 79 years, during what is arguably the worst time in Israel’s history. Put simply, the people had turned their back on God in a serious way, for a seriously long time (think idol worship, really bad-behaving kings, and exile).

But God gave Isaiah a message to share: Despite the deep darkness in which Israel found themselves, a great light would come.

For Isaiah, the vision of God’s majesty was so overwhelming that military and political power faded in significance. He constantly called his people back to reliance on God’s promises and away from vain attempts to find security in human plans and intrigues.

Kingship & Servant Songs:
Isaiah is known for his 4 “servant songs.” This verbiage resurfaces in the New Testament (and in today’s Gospel). Isaiah writes to a people who are familiar with kings being anointed in their land at huge ceremonies.

They would have heard this kind of language at one of those ceremonies – for example, when David anointed Solomon. In speaking to them in this familiar style, his message is more likely to stick. As you hear this reading at mass, take note that what Jesus does when He comes to live among us in human form – fulfills the prophecy we hear from Isaiah.

Thus says the LORD:
Here is my servant whom I uphold,
my chosen one with whom I am pleased,
upon whom I have put my spirit;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations,
not crying out, not shouting,
not making his voice heard in the street.
a bruised reed he shall not break,
and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,
until he establishes justice on the earth;
the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (122)
You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

God indeed is my savior;
    I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
    and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
    at the fountain of salvation.

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
    among the nations make known his deeds,
      proclaim how exalted is his name.

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
    let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
    for great in your midst
    is the Holy One of Israel!

2^nd READING: ACTS 10: 34-38
(The 2nd reading is usually one of Paul’s letters.It speaks to how the early church spread the Word of Christ after his passion, death and resurrection).

Usually in the 2nd reading, we hear from one of the Paul’s. In this pivotal scene from Acts, Peter, the Rock on whom Christ built the Church, the first Pope, makes a striking announcement to the people – and to us:

Salvation through Christ – which comes through baptism –  is not just available to Jews, but also to the Gentiles! This was a shocking discovery. Let’s pause and consider why.

Everyone who was looking forward to the coming of the Messiah – including the Apostles and Jesus – were Jewish. So to them, their Messiah had come.

What they didn’t understand was this was now a New Covenant – this would mean a “new faith” (Christianity) – new practices, new teachings. The concept of a “new faith” or “a new Church” was not yet established.

Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered
in the house of Cornelius, saying:
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.
You know the word that he sent to the Israelites
as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,
what has happened all over Judea,
beginning in Galilee after the baptism
that John preached,
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and power.
He went about doing good
and healing all those oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him.”

If I were Peter or Paul, charged with that task, I can only imagine the reliance I would need to put on my prayer life and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Bonus Material: Who exactly was Cornelius?

He’s a Roman Centurian – a Gentile. In the reading, Peter preaches the Gospel to Cornelius and other Gentiles for the first time.   Here’s where it gets cool.

After preaching the gospel (keep reading in Acts 10), Peter sees the gentiles experience the same things that had happened at Pentecost – like speaking in tongues – so he recognizes this turn of events as a “second Pentecost” – when the Holy Spirit came down and baptized 3,000 people all at ones. Peter proceeds to baptize this group of men.

It’s Peter’s “a-ha” moment: He knows with certainty that God wants ALL people to receive salvation through His Church, beginning with baptism. 

Mark 1: 7-11
(This is the highest point in the liturgy. It is why we stand; we are about to hear from and be instructed by Christ himself)

The prophets of old said “Before the Messiah comes, look for Elijah.”

John the Baptist is acting like “the new Elijah” – who leads the way to Jesus.  John brought words of power to the people to whom he preached, and the people thought he might be the Christ. In the reading, the people have just been baptized by John, but John now describes the One who is to Come.

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: 
“One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water; 
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee 
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open 
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens, 
“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Why is Jesus baptized if He’s God? I like this explanation from Catholic Online:

“The Word Incarnate stands in the waters of the earth which was created through Him, and begins the re-creation of everything. Into these waters, through which the people of Israel were once delivered, the entire human race is now invited to follow Jesus. What was once the means of God’s judgment and purification at the time of Noah, now fills the Baptismal font where men and women are delivered from sin and made new.”

Wow. At this moment, for the first time, we see all three persons of God present simultaneously: Jesus is there, the Holy Spirit descends on Him like a Dove, and the voice of God the Father is heard from above quoting the servant song of Isaiah 42:

“You are my beloved Son, with You I am well pleased.” Wow again.

Where in our lives do we need to be cleansed? Where do we need to be ‘re-created’ and begin anew?

Although we’ve already been baptized, our sacramental life – through Eucharist and Reconciliation – are the tools Jesus left on Earth for us so that we would have access to His Sacramental, Heavenly Grace.

Epiphany of Our Lord (Year B)

Welcome Back to Banquet of the Word!

Join us every week for background on this Sunday readings. 
Our mission is simple: We want to help everyone in “pew-land” get more out of mass. Because it’s fun to feel smart about scripture.

Fun Fact:
The book of Isaiah is often called “the Fifth Gospel” – and can be divided into 2 main parts.

1. Chapters 1-39: The book of judgment. (Summary: God’s people aren’t listening. They’re worshipping idols.)
   
2. Chapters 40-66: The book of consolation. (Summary: God is ever-loving. He will never tire from trying to save his people. He will save those who turn back.)
   
   We’re in part 2 today – the first 6 verses of chapter 60.

Isaiah 60: 1-6
(The 1st Reading is Old Testament. It always links to the Gospel.)

Today we hear a beautiful, poetic reading that truly “consoles.” Isaiah wrote this after Babylon was ruined.

He “dreams” a bit here, and reminds the people that with the birth of Christ (which, of course, hadn’t happened yet when this was written), salvation would come, too.

Dark as it was at the time, this is cause for celebration! In the reading, Christ is equated to images of light and shining radiance. We see the harmony that is to be once Christ comes and we all become one with Him (at the end of time):

This reading foreshadows the gospel.  As you listen, picture the 3 kings traveling to Bethlehem…

“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.

See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples;
But upon you (3 kings) the LORD shines, and over you (the star) appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.
Raise your eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you:
your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. 
Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.
Caravans of camels shall fill you,
dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;
all from Sheba shall come
bearing gold and frankincense,
and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Psalm 72: Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.
(The Psalm is a “response” to what we heard in the 1st Reading)

From Christianity.com: “This psalm belongs to Solomon in part, but to Christ more fully and clearly. Solomon was both the king and the king’s son, and his father wanted the wisdom of God to be in him.

Although Solomon’s reign came to an end, Christ’s never will. You’ll hear “father/son” language in the first verse…

O God, with your judgment endow the king,
and with your justice, the king’s son;
He shall govern your people with justice
and your afflicted ones with judgment.

Justice shall flower in his days,
and profound peace, till the moon be no more.
May he rule from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.

EPH 3:2-3A, 5-6
(The 2nd reading is usually from Paul’s letters. Speaks to how the early church was built after Christ’s death and resurrection).

Paul makes 2 points in this letter:
1) The fullness of God’s mystery has not been fully revealed until now, (when God revealed it to Paul), and
2) The mystery says that Gentiles – not just Jews – share in the salvation God offers. 

The 2nd point about the Gentiles having access to salvation? This really gob-smacked the Church. For centuries, gentiles were outsiders – unclean and unfit to experience God’s promises.

Paul still “lowers the bomb” with gentleness, knowing it might sting his audience a little.

“You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: That the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12
(The Gospel is the highest point of the Liturgy of the Word. That’s why we stand.
We are about to hear from and be instructed by Christ Himself.)

Remember how our psalm talked about Solomon’s kingship, and how it eventually ended? Jesus is seen here as “the new Solomon.”

Only HIS kingship never ends.

Today, the magi come to Jerusalem to see the Christ Child – the three kings, or the three “wise men.” But when King Herod heard this, he became irate. 

“What? Someone else is being praised in MY kingdom? I’ll have none of that, for I am the only King!” 

The city of Jerusalem was right behind him on this, the reading tells us.

Herod gathered the chief priests and elders. “What say you?” he asked. The chief priests answered with an Old Testament verse in which a prophet foretold this would happen:

“And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you (Bethlehem) shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” 

King Herod hears this, does not like it, and calls the magi to him.

“Go find the child, and send word of where I can find him. I want to pay him a visit too…” 

Now of course Herod doesn’t want to pay him homage, he wants to kill Jesus. He just needs Jesus’ location. (Sounds like a great CSI episode, doesn’t it?)

But here’s where it gets cool – Joseph listens to another angel in another dream to save Jesus’s life:

The kings travel to Bethlehem, guided by the great star. They arrive, pay homage, and then – because those fantastic, always-on-their-toes angels were doing their jobs well – the Holy Family left on another route. Why? They had been warned to do so in a dream, and they listened.

As we embark on a New Year, let us be like the 3 kings – let us be wise, let us walk by His light, let us pay close attention to our dreams – and however else the Lord speaks to us  – and let us pay him homage day after day after day.

Makes me want to keep an eye out for angels in my dreams… and definitely, to listen better to God in general. God bless your week!

Full reading is below:

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod, 
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled, 
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, 
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, 
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly 
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said, 
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word, 
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, 
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star, 
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures 
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, 
they departed for their country by another way.

Happy New Year!

4th Sunday of Advent (Year B)

Welcome Back to Banquet of the Word!

Join us every week for background on this Sunday readings.
Our mission is simple: We want to help everyone in “pew-land” get more out of mass. Because it’s fun to feel smart about scripture.

Fun Fact:
An easy way to remember the order of the 1st three Kings of Israel is “S-D-S.” Or Saul-David-Solomon.

This mnemonic comes in handy on days like this, when King David is in the readings. Only under these 3 kings (hey wait, there’s a Christmas song about that!) was there peace in Israel. 

After King Solomon, the kingdom divided. It did not re-unite until Christ brought his promise of eternal salvation to us by dying and rising.

Question:
What kind of house are you building for the Lord? He comes to us soon, born of a virgin and into a manger. We contemplate “house” vs. “home” today, starting with King David.

2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16
(The First Reading is Old Testament and links to the Gospel.)

We are in the 2nd book of Samuel today – chapter 7. In chapter 1, David is crowned king at age 30 and reigns for 40 years. Today we hear David’s conversation with the prophet Nathan.

David wants to build a HOUSE for God, whose presence up until now has been kept in a TENT (since the days of Moses). It is called the ARK OF THE COVENANT. David feels bad, you might say, that he lives in a nicer place than God.

When you listen to this reading you want to put emphasis on the word “I” that Nathan speaks. God wants to show David that it is GOD who has provided all the bounty and goodness in David’s life, not David. David learns to rely more on God’s guiding hand, and sees God’s plan for the future: GOD will build a house for David – not the other way around.

God will build a house for all believers for eternity – through his kingdom.

Why is this reading chosen today? Perhaps because of its link to the gospel. Mary was chosen BY GOD to be the new ARK – a HOUSE for God – the womb for Jesus.

It is God who acts and Mary who responds. In this reading, David wanted to act and he wanted God to receive. David wanted control of the situation (even though it was a nice gesture).  But Mary shows us the right behavioral move, if you will. Let God act. We are the ones to receive.

When King David was settled in his palace,
and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,
he said to Nathan the prophet,
“Here I am living in a house of cedar,
while the ark of God dwells in a tent!”
Nathan answered the king,
“Go, do whatever you have in mind,
for the LORD is with you.”
But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:
“Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD:
Should you build me a house to dwell in?’“

“‘It was I who took you from the pasture
and from the care of the flock 
to be commander of my people Israel.
I have been with you wherever you went,
and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.
And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth.
I will fix a place for my people Israel;
I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place
without further disturbance.
Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,
since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.
I will give you rest from all your enemies.
The LORD also reveals to you
that he will establish a house for you.
And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,
I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,
and I will make his kingdom firm.
I will be a father to him,
and he shall be a son to me.
Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me;
your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

Psalm 89:For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
(The Psalm is a “response” to what we heard in the 1st Reading)

Listen here as God tell us – tells David – how HE will act and that His kingdom will remain firm:

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations.”

ROM 16:25-27
(The Second Reading is usually one of Paul’s letters. It highlights the time after Christ’s death and resurrection; the building up of the Church)

Today we have the last 3 verses of Paul’s (very long) letter to the Romans. It is a closing prayer, really – one that highlights the fact that “the revelation of the mystery” has been  “kept secret for long ages” – and to God be glory and praise for ever, Amen!

Today, it seems fitting as we close Advent, that we hear from the close of this important letter from Paul, which is all about the Gospel of Christ and it being the path to salvation for all mankind. Paul wrote it to those in Rome – whom he’d not yet met – as a means of introducing himself.

I feel like during Advent we’re allowed to sit and wait for Jesus to be laid in the manger, imagining what it might have been like to live in those days before He was born.

No one had met him yet.
No one knew what was to come.

A fitting reading then, as we await the celebration of his birth in just a matter of days. Paul would go on to those living in Rome to introduce Christ to those there who had never met him.

Who in your life needs to be introduced to Jesus?
How can you usher Him in this Christmas season?

Brothers and sisters:
To him who can strengthen you,
according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages
but now manifested through the prophetic writings and,
according to the command of the eternal God,
made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith,
to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ
be glory forever and ever.
Amen.

LK 1:26-38
(The Gospel is the highest point of the liturgy. It’s why we stand. We are about to hear from and be instructed by Jesus Christ himself.)

Today we have Mary’s “FIAT” – not her car :), but her “YES” to God. Mary knew instinctively that God had great plans for her. Unlike David in our first reading, she listens to the angel Gabriel without interruption.

Like any good communicator, she asks a “clarifying question,” (but how can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”). Then God reveals himself to her:

SHE will be the HOUSE of the Lord.
SHE will be the NEW ARK for our God.
SHE will be the first HOME for baby Jesus.
SHE becomes the new Eve.

The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.

Have a wonderful 4th Sunday of Advent! May your HOMES be ready for the coming of Christ our Savior. And may you enjoy abundantly the celebrations with your loved ones whom you’ve invited into your homes!

3rd Sunday of Advent (Year B)

Welcome Back to Banquet of the Word!

Our mission is simple: We want to help everyone in “pew-land” get more out of mass. Because it’s fun to feel smart about scripture.

Greetings! Today is the 3rd Sunday of Advent. That’s the PINK candle, which stands for HOPE. It is also called “Gaudate Sunday.” We will hear messages of Hope.

Reading 1 Isaiah, 61: 1-2, 10-11

(The 1st Reading is Old Testament. It always links to the Gospel.)

Isaiah is 66 chapters in length, the longest book of the bible. We are at the end now. At this point, Isaiah is talking to the Israelites as they return from the Babylonian exile.

The quick version is:
– The kingdom divided after King Solomon. There was the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom.
– the people kept turning away from God. He sent prophets to help them turn back, like Jeremiah. They did not listen.
– Eventually King Nebechudnezzar plucks them out of their homeland and into exile.

In this reading, the people get to return to their homeland.  But they are beaten down. They have been slaves again for a while now, like they had been in Egypt.

Isaiah’s prophecy is directed toward a people who long for God to restore both the land AND the people. It’s important to remember, God punishes for the sake of restoration. Not just because he feels like it.

The Israelites were punished in exile, and now they look to restore the land and the people. This is a reading of hope:

The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,
to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and release to the prisoners,
to announce a year of favor from the LORD
and a day of vindication by our God.

I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul;
for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation
and wrapped me in a mantle of justice,
like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,
like a bride bedecked with her jewels.
As the earth brings forth its plants,
and a garden makes its growth spring up,
so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise
spring up before all the nations.

How are you in need of restoration right now?

How are you in need of a fresh start?

How are you like the Israelites, and how can your “land” (family, home, work) and your people (extended family, children) be restored with God’s guiding hand?

It is a beautiful reading full of rejoicing.

Responsorial PSALM: “My soul rejoices in my God.” 
Isaiah 61:10
(The Psalm is a “response” to what we heard in the 1st Reading)

Today’s response is not a psalm – the verses are from Luke’s gospel and the response is from Isaiah, chapter 61. The same reading we just heard: “My soul rejoices in my God.” Read these verses aloud.

Imagine the Isrealites saying this to God as they restore their land. Imagine yourself saying this to God today as you restore a part of your life that needs to be rebuilt.

Reading 2
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
(The 2nd reading is usually from Paul’s letters. Speaks to how the early church was built after Christ’s death and resurrection).

These are the final 9 verses of Paul’s first letter to Thessalonica. Again, a theme of rejoicing – the Lord is near!! Pray without ceasing.

How do we do this? How can this possibly be accomplished? It means that every action we do, every thought that we have, be ordered toward God and His plan.

Even making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the morning as out kids race out the doors! When done with love, this is a way to pray, believe it or not.

So is bringing a meal to a loved one. Praying a decade of the rosary for another who is struggling. We are taught here to REFRAIN from evil and RETAIN what is good.

How simple to say! How hard to do.

How do you refrain from Evil?
How do you retain what is good?

It’s about choosing.And this final wish from Paul:

May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will also accomplish it.

GOSPEL:Chapter 1:6-8, 19-28
(The Gospel is the highest point of the Liturgy of the Word. That’s why we stand.
We are about to hear from and be instructed by Christ Himself.)

This isn’t about John the gospel writer, but rather John the Baptist. The one who paved the way for Christ. Can you imagine two rubber bands and 1 pencil?

Loop the 2 ends of the rubberbands around one pencil. Now pull one rubberband to the left with one hand, and one to the right with the other hand (the pencil stays in the center).

• Look at the rubberband stretching to the left. That’s the old testament prophets.
• Look at the rubberband stretching to the right. That’s the gospel writers.
• The part of the rubber band that is in both – that is, around the one pencil? That’s John the Baptist. He is the “BRIDGE.”
• Jesus himself says John the Baptist is above all other prophets. He ushers in The Way.

Here, today, we hear, “He was NOT the light, but came to testify TO the light.” Jesus is the light, the light of the 3rd candle:

A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.

And this is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests
and Levites to him
to ask him, “Who are you?”
He admitted and did not deny it,
but admitted, “I am not the Christ.”
So they asked him,

“What are you then? Are you Elijah?”
And he said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”
He answered, “No.”

So they said to him,
“Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?
What do you have to say for yourself?”

He said:
“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
‘make straight the way of the Lord,’”
as Isaiah the prophet said.”
Some Pharisees were also sent. 

They asked him,
“Why then do you baptize
if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?”

John answered them,
“I baptize with water;
but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me,
whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”

This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.

So who IS John the Baptist? He says he is Not the Christ. He is not Elijah.

He is “the voice of one crying out in the desert. Make straight the way of the Lord.” We see here that John was sent from God. He is a messenger. He is sent to prepare us for Christmas, and for the coming of Christ. He speaks the familiar words of Isaiah to his audience “Make straight his paths.”

What is our role in the coming of Christ at Christmas?

Are we the light or are you testifying TO the light? How are we doing this? Are we doing things to prepare for Christ to come into your heart? How are we preparing our family, our hearts for The Way?

Today is a day of Hope. Hope is eternal when we look to Christ and believe.

When we lose hope, Satan wins. All he wants is for us to lose hope, to blow out the pink candle.

Let us affix our eyes on Christ and live in Hope!