July 19, 2021 Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

2021년 7월 19일 연중 제16주간 월요일 

오늘의 복음 : http://info.catholic.or.kr/missa/default.asp 

제1독서

<내가 파라오를 쳐서 나의 영광을 드러내면, 내가 주님임을 알게 될 것이다.>

탈출기. 14,5-18
 그 무렵 5 이스라엘 백성이 도망쳤다는 소식이 이집트 임금에게 전해졌다.

그러자 파라오와 그의 신하들은 이 백성에 대한 마음이 달라져,
“우리를 섬기던 이스라엘을 내보내다니,
우리가 무슨 짓을 하였는가?” 하고 말하였다.
6 파라오는 자기 병거를 갖추어 군사들을 거느리고 나섰다.
7 그는 병거 육백 대에 이르는 정예 부대와,
군관이 이끄는 이집트의 모든 병거를 거느리고 나섰다.
8 주님께서 이집트 임금 파라오의 마음을 완고하게 하셨으므로,
그는 이스라엘 자손들의 뒤를 쫓았다.
이스라엘 자손들은 당당하게 나아가고 있었다.
9 마침내 파라오의 모든 말이며 병거,
그의 기병이며 보병 등 이집트인들이 그들의 뒤를 쫓아가,
바알 츠폰 앞 피 하히롯 근처 바닷가에 진을 친 그들을 따라잡았다.
10 파라오가 다가왔다. 이스라엘 자손들이 눈을 들어 보니,
이집트인들이 그들 뒤로 다가오고 있었다.
이스라엘 자손들은 몹시 두려워하며 주님께 부르짖었다.
11 그들은 모세에게 말하였다.
“이집트에는 묏자리가 없어 광야에서 죽으라고 우리를 데려왔소?
어쩌자고 우리를 이집트에서 이끌어 내어 이렇게 만드는 것이오?
12 ‘우리한테는 이집트인들을 섬기는 것이 광야에서 죽는 것보다 나으니,
이집트인들을 섬기게 우리를 그냥 놔두시오.’ 하면서
우리가 이미 이집트에서 당신에게 말하지 않았소?”
13 그러자 모세가 백성에게 대답하였다. “두려워하지들 마라.
똑바로 서서 오늘 주님께서 너희를 위하여 이루실 구원을 보아라.
오늘 너희가 보는 이집트인들을 다시는 영원히 보지 않게 될 것이다.
14 주님께서 너희를 위하여 싸워 주실 터이니,
너희는 잠자코 있기만 하여라.”
15 주님께서 모세에게 말씀하셨다.
“너는 어찌하여 나에게 부르짖느냐?
이스라엘 자손들에게 앞으로 나아가라고 일러라.
16 너는 네 지팡이를 들고 바다 위로 손을 뻗어 바다를 가르고서는,
이스라엘 자손들이 바다 가운데로 마른땅을 걸어 들어가게 하여라.
17 나는 이집트인들의 마음을 완고하게 하여,
너희를 뒤따라 들어가게 하겠다.
그런 다음 나는 파라오와 그의 모든 군대, 그의 병거와 기병들을 쳐서
나의 영광을 드러내겠다.
18 내가 파라오와 그의 병거와 기병들을 쳐서 나의 영광을 드러내면,
이집트인들은 내가 주님임을 알게 될 것이다.”

복음

<심판 때에 남방 여왕이 이 세대와 함께 되살아날 것이다.>

마태오 12,38-42
 38 그때에 율법 학자와 바리사이 몇 사람이 예수님께 말하였다.

“스승님, 스승님이 일으키시는 표징을 보고 싶습니다.”
39 그러자 예수님께서 대답하셨다.
“악하고 절개 없는 세대가 표징을 요구하는구나!
그러나 요나 예언자의 표징밖에는 어떠한 표징도 받지 못할 것이다.
40 요나가 사흘 밤낮을 큰 물고기 배 속에 있었던 것처럼,
사람의 아들도 사흘 밤낮을 땅속에 있을 것이다.
41 심판 때에 니네베 사람들이 이 세대와 함께 다시 살아나 이 세대를 단죄할 것이다.
그들이 요나의 설교를 듣고 회개하였기 때문이다.
그러나 보라, 요나보다 더 큰 이가 여기에 있다.
42 심판 때에 남방 여왕이 이 세대와 함께 되살아나 이 세대를 단죄할 것이다.
그 여왕이 솔로몬의 지혜를 들으려고 땅끝에서 왔기 때문이다.
그러나 보라, 솔로몬보다 더 큰 이가 여기에 있다.”

July 19, 2021

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Readings — Audio

Daily Reflections — Video

http://www.usccb.org/bible/ 

Daily Mass : http://www.catholictv.com/shows/daily-mass 

Reading 1

Ex 14:5-18
When it was reported to the king of Egypt
that the people had fled,
Pharaoh and his servants changed their minds about them.
They exclaimed, “What have we done!
Why, we have released Israel from our service!”
So Pharaoh made his chariots ready and mustered his soldiersB
six hundred first-class chariots
and all the other chariots of Egypt, with warriors on them all.
So obstinate had the LORD made Pharaoh
that he pursued the children of Israel
even while they were marching away in triumph.
The Egyptians, then, pursued them;
Pharaoh’s whole army, his horses, chariots and charioteers,
caught up with them as they lay encamped by the sea,
at Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.

Pharaoh was already near when the children of Israel looked up
and saw that the Egyptians were on the march in pursuit of them.
In great fright they cried out to the LORD.
And they complained to Moses,
“Were there no burial places in Egypt
that you had to bring us out here to die in the desert?
Why did you do this to us?
Why did you bring us out of Egypt?
Did we not tell you this in Egypt, when we said,
‘Leave us alone. Let us serve the Egyptians’?
Far better for us to be the slaves of the Egyptians
than to die in the desert.”
But Moses answered the people,
“Fear not! Stand your ground,
and you will see the victory the LORD will win for you today.
These Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again.
The LORD himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still.”

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me?
Tell the children of Israel to go forward.
And you, lift up your staff and, with hand outstretched over the sea,
split the sea in two,
that the children of Israel may pass through it on dry land.
But I will make the Egyptians so obstinate
that they will go in after them.
Then I will receive glory through Pharaoh and all his army,
his chariots and charioteers.
The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD,
when I receive glory through Pharaoh
and his chariots and charioteers.”

 

Responsorial Psalm
Exodus 15:1bc-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. (1b) Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
I will sing to the LORD, for he is gloriously triumphant;
horse and chariot he has cast into the sea.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
He is my God, I praise him;
the God of my father, I extol him.
R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
The LORD is a warrior,
LORD is his name!
Pharaoh’s chariots and army he hurled into the sea;
the elite of his officers were submerged in the Red Sea.
R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.
The flood waters covered them,
they sank into the depths like a stone.
Your right hand, O LORD, magnificent in power,
your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy.
R. Let us sing to the Lord; he has covered himself in glory.

 

Gospel

Mt 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus,
“Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”
He said to them in reply,
“An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign,
but no sign will be given it
except the sign of Jonah the prophet.
Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, 
so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth
three days and three nights.
At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah;
and there is something greater than Jonah here.
At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation
and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon;
and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html

 In today’s gospel, the pharisees demand a sign from Jesus.  Jesus replied “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.”

This response was troubling to me for a couple of reasons.  First of all, I did not recall that Jonah was in the whale’s belly for three days and three nights.  How did I miss that through all these years?  Clearly that is very powerful because three days and three nights is very significant through the gospels.

The next reason this reading troubled me is because I am a big believer in signs.  I’m always on the lookout for signs that might provide direction when I’m faced with an important decision, or just looking for comfort.  Is that wrong?

As I reflect on today’s readings, I cannot help but think that this is not wrong.  You see, I’m always amazed at the messages sent to me from God, often at just the right time.  They only serve to strengthen my faith.  Please allow me to share just a few recent experiences.

In June we had a family reunion in the Cincinnati area.  The reunion was on my Dad’s side of the family.  My Dad has been in heaven for thirteen years now.  He was the fifth of nine children.  Only three are still living.  We were to gather outside — there were tents, but no other shelter that would accommodate the entire group. 

Several families went to dinner just before the Friday night gathering.  The only space that would accommodate all of us was outdoors.  The host at the restaurant alerted us to the forecast that predicted approaching thunderstorms that were to last for the entire weekend!  We assured the host that we were willing to take the chance and would take the outdoor seating.

As we sat outside catching up, we heard a cardinal.  We looked for the cardinal and spotted him on a power line near our table.  Everybody decided that it was my Dad watching over all of us.  You see, my Dad worked for the local power company for many years.  Ironically, he loved a good thunderstorm.  We were able to finish our meal and head to the gathering place for the evening.  While the rain held off through dinner, as we gathered for the ‘opening ceremonies’ the clouds opened up!  Not only did the predicted thunderstorms arrive, but a tornado was spotted in the area and the sirens sounded.  This close-knit bunch numbering more than 70 huddled in the shelter of my cousin’s house. The storm blew over and we moved back outside where the laughing and story-telling continued. 

What would the rest of the weekend hold?  There was a 60-90% chance of rain predicted for the rest of the weekend! 

 http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

 

FREEDOM FIGHTERS

“Why did you bring us out of Egypt?” —Exodus 14:11

Patrick Henry said: “Give me liberty or give me death.” The Israelites said: “Give me life. Who cares about liberty?” They said: “Far better for us to be the slaves of the Egyptians than to die in the desert” (Ex 14:12). Most of us can relate better to the Israelites than to Patrick Henry. We want “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, life and happiness can be higher priorities than liberty. In fact, pleasure is often a higher priority than liberty. We may know we are trapped in compulsive behavior. We may admit a relationship is not God’s will, but we choose pleasure over liberty.

We will never want liberty enough to die for it until we give our lives to Jesus, Who died to free us. He is the Truth Who sets us free (Jn 8:32). If we let Him free us, we’re truly free (Jn 8:36). Jesus came to give “liberty to captives” and “release to prisoners” (Lk 4:18). He is the Redeemer, the One Who paid the price to free us from slavery.

Think of an area in your life where you truthfully don’t want freedom enough to die for it. Pray to Jesus: “Jesus, Redeemer, have mercy on me and free me.” Keep praying this prayer. When you’re tempted, keep praying to Jesus the Redeemer. He will free you.

Prayer:  Father, may I be free to do godly things that most people in our society are afraid to do.

Promise:  “You have a greater than Solomon here.” —Mt 12:42

Praise:  Jesus set Tom free from the chains of alcoholism.

 http://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/readings/

 What would the Lord Jesus say about our generation? Jesus gave a rather stern warning to his generation when they demanded a sign from him. It was characteristic of the Jews that they demanded "signs" from God's messengers to authenticate their claims. Jesus faulted them for one thing: spiritual adultery. The image of adultery was often used in the Scriptures for describing apostasy or infidelity towards God.

Signs from God
When the religious leaders pressed Jesus to give proof for his claims to be the Messiah sent from God, he says in so many words that he is God's sign and that they need no further evidence from heaven than his own person. The Ninevites recognized God's warning when Jonah spoke to them, and they repented (Jonah 3:5). And the Queen of Sheba recognized God's wisdom in Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-9). Jonah was God's sign and his message was the message of God for the people of Nineveh. Unfortunately the religious leaders of Jesus' day were not content to accept the signs right before their eyes. They had rejected the message of John the Baptist and now they reject Jesus as God's Anointed One (Messiah) and they fail to heed his message.

Simeon had prophesied at Jesus' birth that he was destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against... that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed (Luke 2:34-35). Jesus confirmed his message with many miracles in preparation for the greatest sign of all - his resurrection on the third day.

The Holy Spirit's gift of wisdom and understanding
The Lord Jesus, through the gift of his Holy Spirit, offers us freedom from sin and ignorance, and he gives us wisdom and understanding so that we may grow in knowledge of God and his ways. Do you thirst for God and for the wisdom which comes from above? James the Apostle says that the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity (James 3:17). A double-minded person cannot receive this kind of wisdom. If we wish to be wise in God's ways, then we must humble ourselves before him, like attentive students who wish to learn, and submit our heart and mind to his will for our lives.

The single of heart and mind desire one thing alone - God who is the source of all wisdom, goodness, truth, and knowledge. Do you wish to be wise and loving as God is wise and loving? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the wisdom which comes from above and to free your heart from all that would hinder God's loving action in your life.

Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may grow in wisdom and knowledge of your love and truth. Free me from stubborn pride and willfulness that I may wholly desire to do what is pleasing to you.

Psalm 50: 5-9, 16-17, 21-23

5 "Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!"
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! [Selah]
7 "Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.
8 I do not reprove you for your sacrifices; your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will accept no bull from your house, nor he-goat from your folds.
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
16 But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes, or take my covenant on your lips?
17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.
21 These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you.
22 "Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I rend, and there be none to deliver!
23 He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me; to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God!"

Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: The stumbling block of the cross, from an anonymous early Christian teacher

"What is the sign of Jonah? The stumbling block of the cross. So it is not the disputers of knowledge who will be saved but those who believe true teaching. For the cross of Christ is indeed a stumbling block to those who dispute knowledge but salvation to those who believe. Paul testifies to this: 'But we, for our part, preach the crucified Christ - to the Jews indeed a stumbling block and to the Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God' (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). Why do the Jews seek signs and the Greeks seek wisdom? God pointed to the sign of the stumbling block of the cross to both the Jews and the Greeks. Thus those who wish to find Christ not through faith but through wisdom will perish on the stumbling block of foolishness. Those who wish to know the Son of God not through faith but through a demonstration of signs will remain trapped in their disbelief, falling on the stumbling block of his death. It is no small wonder that the Jews, considering the death of Christ, thought he was merely a man, when even Christians - as they purport to be but really are not - because of his death are reluctant to declare the only begotten, the crucified, as incomparable majesty. (excerpt from INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 30)

 

 

More Homilies

July 24, 2017 Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time