October 19, 2022 Memorial of Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs

2022년 10월 19일 연중 제29주간 수요일 

 

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

제1독서
에페소서.3,2-12
 형제 여러분, 2 하느님께서 여러분을 위하여

나에게 주신 은총의 직무를 여러분은 이미 들었을 줄 압니다.
3 앞에서 간단히 적은 바와 같이, 나는 계시를 통하여 그 신비를 알게 되었습니다.
4 그래서 그 부분을 읽으면, 내가 그리스도의 신비에 관하여 깨달은 것을
여러분도 이해할 수 있을 것입니다.

5 그 신비가 과거의 모든 세대에서는 사람들에게 알려지지 않았지만,
지금은 성령을 통하여 그분의 거룩한 사도들과 예언자들에게 계시되었습니다.
6 곧 다른 민족들도 그리스도 예수님 안에서 복음을 통하여,
공동 상속자가 되고 한 몸의 지체가 되며 약속의 공동 수혜자가 된다는 것입니다.
7 하느님께서 당신의 힘을 펼치시어 나에게 주신 은총의 선물에 따라,
나는 이 복음의 일꾼이 되었습니다.
8 모든 성도들 가운데에서 가장 보잘것없는 나에게 그러한 은총을 주시어,
그리스도의 헤아릴 수 없는 풍요를 다른 민족들에게 전하고,
9 과거의 모든 시대에 만물을 창조하신 하느님 안에 감추어져 있던
그 신비의 계획이 어떠한 것인지 모든 사람에게 밝혀 주게 하셨습니다.
10 그리하여 이제는 하늘에 있는 권세와 권력들에게도
교회를 통하여 하느님의 매우 다양한 지혜가 알려지게 되었습니다.
11 이는 하느님께서 우리 주 그리스도 예수님 안에서 이루신
영원한 계획에 따른 것입니다.
12 우리는 그리스도 안에서 그분에 대한 믿음으로,
확신을 가지고 하느님께 담대히 나아갈 수 있습니다.

 

 

 

복음
루카.12,39-48
 그때에 예수님께서 제자들에게 말씀하셨다.

39 “이것을 명심하여라. 도둑이 몇 시에 올지 집주인이 알면,
자기 집을 뚫고 들어오도록 내버려 두지 않을 것이다.
40 너희도 준비하고 있어라.
너희가 생각하지도 않은 때에 사람의 아들이 올 것이다.”
41 베드로가, “주님, 이 비유를 저희에게 말씀하시는 것입니까?
아니면 다른 모든 사람에게도 말씀하시는 것입니까?” 하고 물었다.
42 그러자 주님께서 이르셨다. “주인이 자기 집 종들을 맡겨 제때에 정해진 양식을
내주게 할 충실하고 슬기로운 집사는 어떻게 하는 사람이겠느냐?
43 행복하여라, 주인이 돌아와서 볼 때에 그렇게 일하고 있는 종!
44 내가 참으로 너희에게 말한다. 주인은 자기의 모든 재산을 그에게 맡길 것이다.
45 그러나 만일 그 종이 마음속으로 ‘주인이 늦게 오는구나.’ 하고 생각하며,
하인들과 하녀들을 때리고 또 먹고 마시며 술에 취하기 시작하면,
46 예상하지 못한 날, 짐작하지 못한 시간에 그 종의 주인이 와서,
그를 처단하여 불충실한 자들과 같은 운명을 겪게 할 것이다.
47 주인의 뜻을 알고도 아무런 준비를 하지 않았거나
주인의 뜻대로 하지 않은 그 종은 매를 많이 맞을 것이다.
48 그러나 주인의 뜻을 모르고서 매 맞을 짓을 한 종은 적게 맞을 것이다.
많이 주신 사람에게는 많이 요구하시고,
많이 맡기신 사람에게는 그만큼 더 청구하신다.”

October 19, 2022  

Memorial of Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs

 

Daily Readings — Audio

Daily Reflections — Video

http://www.usccb.org/bible/ 

Daily Mass :  https://www.youtube.com/c/EWTNcatholictv          : https://www.youtube.com/c/DailyTVMass        

 

Reading 1

Eph 3:2-12

Brothers and sisters:
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,
as I have written briefly earlier.
When you read this
you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
which was not made known to human beings 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 copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.

Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace
that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.
To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,
to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,
and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery
hidden from ages past in God who created all things,
so that the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known through the Church
to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.
This was according to the eternal purpose
that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness of speech
and confidence of access through faith in him.

 

 

Responsorial Psalm

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

R. (see 3) 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.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
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!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

 

 

Gospel

Lk 12:39-48

Jesus said to his disciples: 
“Be sure of this:
if the master of the house had known the hour
when the thief was coming,
he would not have let his house be broken into.
You also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Then Peter said,
“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord replied,
“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward
whom the master will put in charge of his servants
to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?
Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.
Truly, I say to you, he will put him
in charge of all his property.
But if that servant says to himself,
‘My master is delayed in coming,’
and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,
to eat and drink and get drunk,
then that servant’s master will come
on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour
and will punish the servant severely
and assign him a place with the unfaithful.
That servant who knew his master’s will
but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will
shall be beaten severely;
and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will
but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating
shall be beaten only lightly. 
Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”         

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

 

 Every once in awhile, one of our readings throws me off. Today's reading has not been cleansed with an eye toward political correctness, or the sensitivities of a woman living 2000+ years afterwards.  And maybe that is exactly as it should be - the world remains full of difficult truths - but it's still painful to read. 

Here, the Gospel lesson has Jesus relating a Parable in which he describes the "Master's" decision to either beat his servant, or to beat him more severely. My Jesus is kinder, gentler, more forgiving. My Jesus would not, in my mind's eye, ever strike another human being, nor condone such behavior.   So I can't focus on the expectations of a harsh Master, or what happens when he is not obeyed. If I believe in the grace of Jesus' death on the cross, then my "Master" will have no expectation of my behavior in his absence, good or bad. If we take the Parable to associate with our being judged by our Maker / Master at the time of his coming, I prefer (with my rose-colored glasses) to believe that all children of God will be forgiven, accepted, rewarded. My God expects my human will - a gift - to take me off course sometimes. But I do believe that God prefers and asks that I do my best, and then do better!

So what I CAN focus on is the initial, leading question of whether much is asked of those of us who have been blessed with so much.  Peter asked Jesus if his request  applies to all of us - and the answer is yes.  Yes, even when no one is looking; even when the Master is 'away.'  If we can make use of the words of Ephesians, the first lesson, we understand we are the stewards of God's graces.  Everything that we have is a gift; all of our blessings are God's blessings entrusted to us.  How can we hold them, selfishly, when others are in need?  

Because you're here in devotion with me today, you are already among the richest of God's children, in spirit.  Share that.  If you're reading these words, you're among the richest of God's children in education.  Teach others.  If you live in the US, chances are very high that you are among the richest of God's children, in resources.  Share them.

I won't be doing these things because I'm afraid of the beating that will come when my Master returns home.  I'll do them because my Master graced me... little ME... in stewardship of all my blessings, and because Jesus asked me to.

Gracious God, help me to view every blessing of my life as a gift from you, and guide me in my stewardship of those blessings in love and support for others.  Amen.   

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

EVER VERY READY

“You know as well as I that if the head of the house knew when the thief was coming he would not let him break into his house. Be on guard, therefore.” —Luke 12:39-40

People install locks on their doors and windows. They have fences, guard dogs, and security systems because of the possibility that someone might break into their houses. What if you knew exactly when someone would break into your house? Would you be ready for him? That is how ready we must be for Jesus’ return. Moreover, we must be this ready all the time, for He will come when we “least expect Him” (Lk 12:40).

To be always very ready for Jesus’ return, we must be “faithful, farsighted” servants of Jesus, busy working to dispense rations of “grain in season” (Lk 12:42); that is, feeding people physically and especially spiritually. “Not on bread alone is man to live but on every utterance that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4). May Jesus find us at His return feeding people with His Word because we always feed people with His Word.

This book, One Bread, One Body, is a “square meal” spiritually. It contains spiritual food. Share what you receive from reading this book, especially from reading the Scriptures quoted or referred to in this book. Dispense the ration of grain. Jesus is coming soon. He may be coming now. Dispense the ration of grain.

Prayer:  Father, I love Jesus so I will feed His sheep (Jn 21:17).

Promise:  “In Christ and through faith in Him we can speak freely to God, drawing near Him with confidence.” —Eph 3:12

Praise:  St. Isaac Jogues, St. John de Brébeuf, St. Anthony Daniel, St. Charles Garnier, St. Noel Chabanel, St. Gabriel Lalemant, St. René Goupil, and St. Jean de Lalande were the first officially recognized martyrs of the North American continent. The Church in North America came to birth from the blood of martyrs.

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

 

 What lesson can we draw from Jesus' parable about a thief in the night and the parable of the rich master who returns unexpectedly to reward or dismiss his servants for how they have served his estate while he was away? Both parables confront us with the possibility of losing everything we possess and treasure now as well as the future inheritance that is saved up for us.

The thief in the night
Jesus' story (parable) of the thief in the night brings home the necessity for careful watchfulness and staying alert to avert the danger of plunder and loss of livelhood (all that we need to sustain us now and in the future). The thief comes uninvited, especially under the cover of darkness and secrecy! While no thief would announce his intention in advance, nor the time when he would strike, lack of vigilance invites serious loss for those who have not kept their home and treasure secure at all times! The intruder strikes when he is least expected!

Don't lose the treasure of God's kingdom
What kind of treasure does the Lord Jesus expect us to vigilantly guard and protect in this present life? It is the treasure of his kingdom and the gifts and graces he has won for us - the gift of salvation purchased by the blood of Christ who died for us on the cross to free us from slavery to sin and Satan, and the gift of abundant new life which Christ won for us through his resurection victory over death, and the gift of the Holy Spirit who comes to live in us and empower us with supernatural faith, hope, and love that endure forever. The Father and the Son come to dwell in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit who makes his home with us. But we can lose the treasure and gifts of God if we do not guard our hearts and minds and hold to the truth of God's word and live according to his wise precepts, teaching, and just laws. Whose voice and counsel do you trust and follow?

Satan comes like a thief in the night to rob us of our faith and to draw us away from God's will for our lives. Satan works in the "world" (that society of men and women who are opposed to God and his commandments) and with our own "flesh" (those sinful inclinations within us that tempt us to do what is wrong and evil). And Satan wispers to us false promises to make us believe that we can find happiness and joy apart from God and his will for us.

The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that our hearts apart from God are easily deceived (Jeremiah 17:9). How easily we put off for another day what God requires of us today - to walk humbly, repent sincerely, forgive quickly, and to trust in his merciful love and grace at all times. God offers us his mercy and abundant grace (his divine presence, power, and wise counsel) to turn away from sin, deception, and disobedience. But we must not presume that we can put off for another day what must be done today.

The Lord Jesus reminds us that the "Day of the Lord" will come unexpectedly like a thief in the night. Will we be ready to receive the Lord when he comes to speak to us today, and when he ushers us to stand before his throne and meet him face-to-face to hear his final verdict on the Day of Judgment. Which verdict do you wish to hear? In Matthew's Gospel account, Jesus opens the curtain of the heavenly court room and gives a glimpse of his verdict on that day: 

34 Then the King will say to those at his right hand, `Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' ...41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, `Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' - Matthew 25:34-36, 41-43 

The Lord rewards those who are faithful and wise
Jesus ends his teaching on watchfulness and vigilance with another parable about a master and his servants (Matthew 24:.45-49). The storyline is similar. There is an element of surprise - the master suddenly returns home unexpectedly, probably from a long journey. He rewards one servant for his faithful loyalty and devoted service to his master. He has performed his service dutifully and has done all that the master required of him.

He punishes the other servant who was disloyal, disobedient, and acted shamefully. This servant was not only irresponsible - he was frequently absent from his work and misused his master's money for personal gain by throwing lavish parties (eating and drinking) for his friends. The disloyal servant also abused his fellow workers with physical force and violence - probably to make them do the work he was supposed to do for his master. When the master returns and discovers the unfaithful servant who has wasted his master's goods and mistreated his fellow servants, the master gives him what he deserves. He dismisses him from his service and throws him out of his house - and sends him to the worst of possible places - a prison of no return where there is nothing but torment and misery. Should we be surprised to see the master acting with such swift judgment? The master rewards his faithful servants with honor, blessing, and promotion in his service, and he gives to his disobedient and unfaithful servants the just punishment they deserve - the loss of honor, privilege, and joy of sharing in the master's good friendship forever.

Are you ready to meet the Lord?
The Lord Jesus calls us to be vigilant in watching for his return and to be ready to meet him when he calls us to himself. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit so that we may have the wisdom, strength, and help we need to turn away from own sin and to embrace God's way of love, justice, and holiness. The Lord's warning of judgment causes dismay for those who are unprepared, but it brings joyful hope to those who eagerly wait for his return in glory. God's judgment is good news for those who are ready to meet him face to face when he returns. Their reward is God himself, the source of all truth, beauty, goodness, love and everlasting life. Are you ready to receive his grace and help today to walk in faithfulness and obedience, trust and hope, steadfast love and mercy? 

Lord Jesus, you have captured my heart for you. Make me strong in faith, steadfast in hope, and generous in love that I may seek to please you in all things and bring you glory. May I always be watchful and ready to answer when you draw near.

Psalm 124:1-8

1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say --
2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us,
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone the raging waters. 6 Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 

Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: God's great promise for faithful and wise servants, by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

"'Blessed is the servant whom the Lord will find so doing when he comes. A great promise is extended to the Lord's faithful and wise stewards. It is like the promise he made to those to whom he said, 'Take authority over five cities' or 'take authority over ten cities' (Luke 19:17-19). For to be made the head 'over all his possessions' is nothing other than to be made an 'heir of God and coheir with Christ' (Romans 8:17) and to reign with Christ. The Father has given him everything he himself possesses, as Christ said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me' (Matthew 28:18). The Son of the good Father who is given authority over all his Father's possessions also shares this honor and glory with his faithful and wise stewards, so they also might be with Christ above every creature and authority. This is what he meant when he said, 'Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.'" (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 62) 

  

More Homilies

October 21, 2020 Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Tim