Christ the King Parish Youth Lokichar

Christ the King Parish Youth Lokichar CTK Parish Youth - Lokichar is a Catholic youth community committed to spiritual growth, evangelization, service, and fellowship under Christ The King Parish

04/04/2023

Try your best to leave behind the noise and distractions that often consume us, so you may be more quiet and prayerful throughout these sacred days. Meditate upon the Lord’s Passion and his great for you. Do your part to make this week “holy.”

18/09/2022

REFLECTION
September 18, 2022 – The 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

“You cannot serve both God and mammon.”

Amos 8:4-7 + 1 Timothy 2:1-8 + Luke 16:1-13Catechism Link: CCC 2443

Jesus’ final words in today’s Gospel Reading—“You cannot serve both God and mammon”—are sometimes falsely interpreted. They’re taken to mean that you cannot have both God and money in your life. In other words, this false interpretation claims that there’s a competition in your life between God and money. They battle against each other in a zero-sum game. The holier you are, the less money you will have, and the more money you have, the less holy you must be. This interpretation of Jesus’ words is false.

In fact, our spiritual well-being and our financial well-being are not in competition. When Jesus plainly tells you that “You cannot serve both God and mammon”, the key word is “serve”. “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” You can serve God or you can serve mammon. But you cannot serve both.

God, of course, wants us to serve Him alone. He had declared to Israel many centuries before Christ: “The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and with your whole strength. Take to heart these words which I command you today” [Deuteronomy 6:4-6]. To love someone is to serve her. This is true in our relationship with God, as well: to love Him is to serve Him.

The beautiful thing about serving God is that through this form of love, we become more like Him. After all, St. John taught the first Christians that “God is love” [1 John 4:8]. Serving God is as God wants, and in fact this is what you want in your heart. God Himself planted that desire there when He created your heart: the desire to serve Him, and so become more like Him.

On the other hand, what happens when you try to serve money? One simple way to get at an answer is to ask yourself whether your self-image goes up and down with the amount of money that you have. Do you feel worse when you lose a significant amount of money? Do you feel better when you gain a significant amount of money? If so, then there is a certain likeness between your money and you.

As your money grows, so you grow. As your money diminishes, you diminish. This is a false form of love, and a false servanthood. It is a love of something beneath you. God wants us to serve Him alone.

By contrast, money is meant to serve us, to facilitate our needs in this world: not our desires, but our needs, and especially needs connected to our vocations. In turn, financial wealth is a means by which we serve others. If a person gains financial wealth, God intends for that wealth to be used for others.

That doesn’t mean that the wealthy person has to give it all away, like St. Francis of Assisi. Despite what some socialists might say, there’s nothing inherently immoral about accumulating wealth. The sin lies in not using one’s wealth for others, especially within the setting of one’s vocation.

We can speculate that God allows financial wealth to accumulate to those who have the skills to use that wealth for others. Some persons just don’t—for whatever reason—have it in them to handle the responsibility that comes with significant wealth. If those persons were to come into wealth—as happens, for example, with government lotteries—they would end up with ruined lives. But some persons do have the skills required to deal with wealth in a way that not only allows them to grow that wealth, but also to use it to serve others.

Money when loved instead of being used for service stunts one’s growth in Christ. The one who serves money closes himself off from others. Money has no power to foster growth within persons. Becoming like money by loving it can only be a downward path, a descent from the personal dignity with which God created us.

God gives us stewardship over all things—including money—for the sake of service. This service fosters love among persons. God gives us relationships with other persons—human and angelic—to foster a communion of saints. God gives us Himself—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in order that we might enjoy eternal life amidst God’s very essence as a communion of the three divine Persons.

18/09/2022

MASOMO YA MISA
JUMAPILI, SEPTEMBA 18, 2022
DOMINIKA YA 25 YA MWAKA

SOMO 1
Amo. 8: 4 – 7

Lisikieni hili, enyi mnaopenda kuwameza wahitaji, na kuwakomesha maskini wa nchi, mkisema, Mwezi mpya utaondoka lini, tupate kuuza nafaka? Na sabato nayo, tupate kuandika ngano? Mkiipunguza efa na kuiongeza shekel, mkidanganya watu kwa mizani ya udanganyifu, tupate kuwanunua maskini kwa fedha, na wahitaji kwa jozi ya viatu; na kuziuza takataka za ngano. Bwana ameapa kwa fahari ya Yakobo, Hakika sitazisahau kamwe kazi zao hata mojawapo.

Neno la Bwana… Tumshukuru Mungu.

WIMBO WA KATIKATI
Zab. 113:1 – 2, 4 – 8, (K) 1, 7

(K) Msifuni Bwana anayewakweza maskini.

Aleluya!
Enyi watumishi wa Bwana, sifuni,
Lisifuni jina la Bwana.
Jina la Bwana lihimidiwe,
Tangu leo na hata milele. (K)

Bwana ni Mkuu juu ya mataifa yote,
Na utukufu wake ni juu ya mbingu.
Ni nani aliye mfano wa Bwana,
Mungu wetu aketiye juu;
Anyenyekeaye kutazama, mbinguni na duniani? (K)

Humwinua mnyonge kutoka mavumbini,
Na kumpandisha maskini kutoka jaani.
Amketishe pamoja na wakuu,
Pamoja na wakuu wa watu wake. (K)

SOMO 2
1Tim. 2:1 – 8

Kabla ya mambo yoe, nataka dua, na sala, na maombezi, na shukrani, zifanyike kwa ajili ya watu wote; kwa ajili ya wafalme na wote wenye mamlaka, tuishi maisha ya utulivu na amani, katika utauwa wote na ustahivu. Hili ni zuri, nalo lakubalika mbele za Mungu Mwokozi wetu; ambaye hutaka watu wote waokolewe, na kupata kujua yaliyo kweli. Kwa sababu Mungu ni mmoja, na mpatanishi kati ya Mungu na wanadamu ni mmoja, Mwanadamu Kristo Yesu; ambaye alijitoa mwenyewe kuwa ukombozi kwa ajioli ya wote, utakaoshuhudiwa kwa majira yake. Nami kwa ajili ya huo naliwekwa niwe mhubiri na mtume, (nasema kweli, sisemi uongo), mwalimu wa Mataifa katika Imani ya kweli. Basi, nataka wanaume wasalishe kil amahali, huku wakiinua mikono iliyotakata pasipo hasira wala majadiliano.

Neno la Bwana… Tumshukuru Mungu.

SHANGILIO
1Sam. 3:9; Yn. 6:68

Aleluya, aleluya,
Nena, Bwana, kwa kuwa mtumishi wako anasikia;
Wewe unayo maneno ya uzima wa milele.
Aleluya.

INJILI
Lk. 16: 1 – 13

Tena, aliwaambia wanafunzi wake, Palikuwa na mtu mmoja, tajiri, aliyekuwa na wakili wake; huyu alish*takiwa kwake kuwa anatapanya mali zake. Akamwita, akamwambia, Ni habari gani hii ninayosikia juu yako? Toa hesabu ya uwakili wako, kwa kuwa huwezi kuwa wakili tena. Yule wakili akasema moyoni mwake. Nifanyeje? Maana, bwana wangu ananiondolea uwakili. Kulima, siwezi; kuomba, naona haya. Najua nitakalotenda, ili nitakapotolewa katika uwakili, wanikaribishe nyumbani mwao. Akawaita wadeni wa bwana wake, kila mmoja; akamwambia wa kwanza, Wawiwani na bwana wangu? Akasema, Vipimo mia vya mafuta, akamwambia, Twaa hati yako, keti upesi, andika hamsini. Kisha akamwambia mwingine, Na wewe wawiwani? Akasema, Makanda mia ya ngano. Akamwambia, Twaa hati yako, adnika themanini. Yule bwana akamsifu wakili dhalimu kwa vile alivyotenda kwa busara; kwa kuwa wana wa ulimwengu huu katika kizazi chao wenyewe huwa na busara kuliko wana wa nuru.

Nami nawaambia, Jifanyieni rafiki kwa mali ya udhalimu, ili itakapokosekana wawakaribishe katika makao ya milele.

Aliye mwaminifu katika lililo dogo sana, huwa mwaminifu katika lililo kubwa pia; na aliye dhalimu katika lililo dogo, huwa dhalimu katika lililo kubwa pia. Basi, k**a ninyi hamkuwa waaminifu katika mali ya udhalimu, ni nani atakayewapa amana mali ya kweli? Na k**a hamkuwa waaminifu katika mali ya mtu mwingine, ni nani atakayewapa iliyo yenu wenyewe? Hakuna mtumishi awezaye kutumikia mabwana wawili; kwa maana , ama atamchukia huyu na kumpenda huyu, ama atashik**ana na huyu na kumdharau huyu. Hamwezi kumtumikia Mungu na mali.

Neno la Bwana...Sifa kwako, ee Kristo

13/08/2022

MASOMO YA MISA JUMAPILI, AGOSTI 14, 2022

MASOMO YA MISA
JUMAPILI, AGOSTI 14, 2022
DOMINIKA YA 20 YA MWAKA

SOMO 1
Yer. 38:4 – 6, 8 – 10

Ndipo wakuu walimwambia mfalme, Twakuomba, mtu huyu auawe, kwa kuwa aidhoofisha mikono ya watu wa vita, waliobaki katika mji huu, na mikono ya watu wote, kwa kuwaambia maneno k**a hayo; maana mtu huyu hawatafutii watu hawa heri, bali shari. Naye mfalme Sedekia akasema, Tazama, yu mikononi mwenu; maana mfalme siye awezaye kufanya neno lolote kinyume chenu. Basi wakamtwaa Yeremia, wakamtupa katika shimo la Malkiya, mwana wa mfalme, lililo katika uwanda wa walinzi; wakamshusha kwa kamba. Na mle shimoni hamkuwa na maji, ila matope tu; naye Yeremia akazama katika matope hayo. Ebedmeleki akatoka nyumbani mwa mfalme, akamwambia mfalme, akisema, Ee Bwana wangu, mfalme, watu hawa wametenda mabaya katika mambo yote waliyomtenda Yeremia, nabii, ambaye wamemtupa shimoni; naye hakosi atakufa pale alipo, kwa sababu ya njaa; kwa kuwa hapana mkate kabisa katika mji. Ndipo mfalme akamwamuru Ebedmeleki, Mkushi, akisema, chukua pamoja nawe watu thelathini; toka hapa, ukamtoe Yeremia shimoni, kabla hajafa.

Neno la Bwana... Tumshukuru Mungu.

WIMBO WA KATIKATI
Zab. 40:1 – 3, 17 (K) 13

(K) Ee Bwana, unisaidie hima

Nalimngoja Bwana kwa saburi,
Akaniinamia akakisikia kilio changu. (K)

Akanipandisha toka shimo la uharibifu,
Toka udongo wa utelezi;
Akaisimamisha miguu yangu mwambani,
Akaziimarisha hatua zangu. (K)

Akatia wimbo mpya kinyani mwangu,
Ndiyo sifa zake Mungu wetu.
Wengi wataona na kuogopa,
Nao watamtumaini Bwana. (K)

Nami ni maskini namhitaji,
Bwana atanitunza.
Ndiwe msaada wangu na wokovu wangu,
Ee Mungu wangu, usikawie. (K)

SOMO 2
Ebr. 12:1 – 4

Sisi pia kwa kuwa tunazungukwa na wingu kubwa la mashahidi namna hii, na tuweke kando kila mzigo mzito, na dhambi ile ituzingayo kwa upesi; na tupige mbio kwa saburi katika yale mashindano yaliyowekwa mbele yetu, tukimtazama Yesu, mwenye kuanzisha na mwenye kutimiza imani yetu; ambaye kwa ajili ya furaha iliyowekwa mbele yake aliustahimili msalaba na kuidharau aibu, naye ameketi mkono wa kuume wa kiti cha enzi cha Mungu. Maana mtafakarini sana yeey aliyeyastahimili mapingamizi makuu namna hii ya watendao dhambi juu ya nafsi zao, msije mkachoka, mkizimia mioyoni mwenu. Hamjafanya vita hata kumwagika damu, mkishindana na dhambi.

Neno la Bwana... Tumshukuru Mungu.

SHANGILIO
Lk. 19:38

Aleluya, aleluya,
Ndiye mbarikiwa Mfalme ajaye kwa jina la Bwana; Amani mbinguni, na utukufu huko juu.
Aleluya.

INJILI
Lk. 12:49 – 53

Siku ile Yesu aliwaambia makutano: Nimekuja kutupa moto duniani; na ukiwa umekwisha washwa, ni nini nitakalo zaidi? Lakini nina ubatizo unipasao kubatizwa, nami nina dhiki k**a nini hata utimizwe?

Je! Mwadhani ya kwamba nimekuja kuleta amani duniani? Nawaambia, La, sivyo, bali mafarakano. Kwa kuwa tokea sasa katika nyumba moja watakuwamo watu watano wamefarakana, watatu kwa wawili, wawili kwa watatu. Watafarakana baba na mwanawe, na mwana na babaye; mama na binti yake, na binti na mamaye; mkwe mtu na mkwewe; mkwe na mkwe mtu.

Neno la Bwana... Sifa kwako Ee Kristo.

07/08/2022

MASOMO YA MISA
JUMAPILI, AGOSTI 7, 2022
DOMINIKA YA 19 YA MWAKA C

SOMO 1
Hek 18: 6-9

Usiku ule baba zetu walitangulia kuonywa, ili wakiwa na ufahamu hakika, wafurahishwe na viapo walivyovitegemea; kwa hiyo watu wako waliutazamia wokovu wa wenye haki na uharibifu wa adui. Madhali uliwalipia kisasi watesi wale, na kwa njia ile ile uliwatukuza ukituita ili tukujie. Zaidi ya hayo watoto watakatifu wa watu wema walitoa dhabihu kwa siri, na kwa moyo mmoja walijitwalia agano la torati ya dini, ya kwamba watashirikiana katika mambo mema na vile vile katika hatari; pindi walipoimbisha nyimbo takatifu za mababu katika kumhimidi Mungu.

Neno la Mungu...Tumshukuru Mungu

WIMBO WA KATIKATI
Zab. 33 :1, 12, 18-16,20-22 (K) 12

(K) Heri taifa ambalo Bwana ni Mungu wao.

Mpigieni Bwana vigelegele, enyi wenye haki,
Kusifu kunawapasa wanyofu wa moyo.
Heri taifa ambalo Bwana ni Mungu wao.
Watu aliowachagua kuwa urithi wake. (K)

Tazama, jicho la Bwana li kwao wamchao,
Wazingojea fadhili zake.
Yeye huwaponya nafsi zao na mauti,
Na kuwahuisha wakati wa njaa. (K)

Nafsi zetu zinamngoja Bwana,
Yeye ndiye msaada wetu na ngao yetu.
Ee Bwana, fadhili zako zikae nasi,
K**a vile tulivvokungoja Wewe. (K)

SOMO 2
Ebr 11: 1-2, 8-19

Imani ni kuwa na hakika ya mambo yatarajiwayo, ni bayana ya mambo yasiyoonekana. Maana Ibrahimu aiipoitwa aliitika, atoke aende mahali pale atakapopapata kuwa urithi; akatoka asijue aendako. Kwa imani alikaa ugenlni katika ile nchi ya ahadi, k**a katika nchi isiyo yake, akikaa katika hema pamoja na Isaka na Yakobo, warithi pamoja naye wa ahadi ile ile. Maana alikuwa akiutazamia mji wenye misingi, ambao mwenye kuubuni na kuujenga ni Mungu. Kwa imani hata Sara mwenyewe alipokea uwezo wa kuwa na mimba, alipokuwa amepita wakati wake; kwa kuwa alimhesabu yeye aliyeahidi kuwa mwaminifu. Na kwa ajili ya hayo wakazaliwa na mtu mmoja, naye alikuwa k**a mfu, watu wengi k**a nyota za mbinguni wingi wao, na k**a mchanga ulio ufuoni, usioweza kuhesabika.

Hawa wote wakafa katika imani, wasijazipokea zile ahadi bali wakaziona tokea mbali na kuzishangilia, na kukiri kwamba walikuwa wageni, na wasafiri juu ya nchi.Maana hao wasemao maneno k**a hayo waonyesha wazi kwamba wanatafuta nchi yao wenyewe. Na k**a wangaliikumbuka nchi ile waliyotoka, wangalipata nafasi ya kurejea. Lakini sasa waitamani nchi iliyo bora, yaani, ya mbinguni. Kwa hiyo Mungu haoni haya kuitwa Mungu wao; maana amewatengenezea mji. Kwa imani Ibrahimu alipojaribiwa, akamtoa Isaka awe dhabihu; na yeye aliyezipokea hizo ahadi alikuwa akimtoa mwanawe, mzaliwa pekee; Naam. yeye aliyeambiwa, Katika Isaka uzao wako utaitwa, akihesabu ya kuwa Mungu aweza kumfufua hata kutoka kuzimu; akampata tena toka huko kwa mfano.

Neno la Mungu...Tumshukuru Mungu

SHANGILIO
Yn. 8: 12

Aleluya, aleluya,
Mimi ndimi nuru ya ulimwengu. asema Bwana: Yeye anifuataye atakuwa na nuru ya uzima.
Aleluya.

INJILI
Lk. 12: 32-48

Yesu aliwaambia makutano: Msiogope, enyi kundi dogo; kwa kuwa Baba yenu ameona vema kuwapa ule ufalme. Viuzeni mlivyo navvo, mtoe sadaka. Jifanyieni mifuko isiyochakaa. akiba isiyopungua katika mbingu, mahali pasipokaribia mwivi, wala nondo haharibu. Kwa kuwa hazina yenu ilipo, ndipo itakapokuwapo na mioyo yenu.

Viuno vyenu na viwe vimefungwa, na taa zenu ziwe zinawaka; nanyi iweni k**a watu wanaomng jea bwana wao, atakaporudi kutoka arusini, ili atakapokuja na kubisha, wamfungulie mara. Heri watumwa wale, ambao bwana wao ajapo atawakuta wanakesha. Amin, nawaambieni, atajifunga na kuwa - karibisha chakulani, atakuja na kuwahudumia. Na akija zamu ya pili, au akija zamu ya tatu, na kuwa kuta hivi, heri watumwa hao. Lakini fahamuni neno hili, Kwamba mwenye nyumba angalijua saa atakayokuja mwivi; angalikesha, wala asingaliacha nyumba yake kuvunjwa. Nanyi jiwekeni tayari, kwa kuwa saa msiyodhani ndipo ajapo Mwana wa Adamu.

Petro akamwambia, Bwana, mithali hiyo umetuambia sisi tu, au watu wote pia? Bwana akasema, Ni nani, basi, aliye wakili mwaminifu, mwenye busara, arnbaye bwana wake atamweka juu ya utumishi wake wote, awape watu posho kwa wakati wake? Heri mtumwa yule, arnbaye bwana wake ajapo atamkuta anafanva hivyo. Kweli nawaambia, atamweka juu ya vitu vyake vyote. Lakini, mtumwa yule akisema moyoni mwake, Bwana wangu anakawia kuja, akaanza kuwapiga wajoli wake, wanaume kwa wanawake, akila na kunywa na kulewa; bwana wake mtumwa huyo atakuja siku asiyodhani na saa asiyojua, atamkata vipande viwili, na kumwekea fungu lake pamoja na wasioamini. Na mtumwa yule aliye jua mapenzi ya bwana wake, asijiweke tayari, wala kuyatenda mapenzi yake, atapigwa sana. Na yule asiyejua, nave amefanya yastahiliyo mapigo, atapigwa kidogo. Na kila aliyepewa vingi, kwake huyo vitatakwa vingi; naye waliyemwekea amana vitu vingi, kwake huyo watataka na zaidi.

Neno la Bwana...Sifa kwako, ee Kristo

07/08/2022

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Lectionary: 117

Reading 1 : Wis 18:6-9

The night of the passover was known beforehand to our fathers, that, with sure knowledge of the oaths in which they put their faith, they might have courage. Your people awaited the salvation of the just and the destruction of their foes. For when you punished our adversaries, in this you glorified us whom you had summoned. For in secret the holy children of the good were offering sacrifice and putting into effect with one accord the divine institution.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 33:1, 12, 18-19, 20-22

R. (12b) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield. May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you. R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Reading 2 : Heb 11:1-2, 8-19

Brothers and sisters:Faith is the realization of what is hoped forand evidence of things not seen. Because of it the ancients were well attested.By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a placethat he was to receive as an inheritance;he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country,dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise;for he was looking forward to the city with foundations,whose architect and maker is God. By faith he received power to generate,even though he was past the normal age—and Sarah herself was sterile—for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.So it was that there came forth from one man,himself as good as dead,descendants as numerous as the stars in the skyand as countless as the sands on the seashore.All these died in faith. They did not receive what had been promisedbut saw it and greeted it from afarand acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth,for those who speak thus show that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land from which they had come,they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God,for he has prepared a city for them.By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac,and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son,of whom it was said,“Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.” He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead,and he received Isaac back as a symbol.

Alleluia : Mt 24;42a, 44

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Stay awake and be ready!For you do not know on what day your Lord will come.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Lk 12:32-48

Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock,for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out,an inexhaustible treasure in heaventhat no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.“Gird your loins and light your lampsand be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding,ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servantswhom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself,have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watchand find them prepared in this way,blessed are those servants. Be sure of this:if the master of the house had known the hourwhen 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 stewardwhom the master will put in charge of his servantsto 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, the master will put the servantin 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 comeon an unexpected day and at an unknown hourand will punish the servant severelyand assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s willbut did not make preparations nor act in accord with his willshall be beaten severely;and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s willbut acted in a way deserving of a severe beatingshall 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.”

17/07/2022

July 17, 2022 – The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

Genesis 18:1-10 + Colossians 1:24-28 + Luke 10:38-42

Jesus today is in the home of Martha and Mary. These two sisters—as often is the case with siblings—are very different. After reflecting upon these two sisters, we have to choose which of their stances to take up.

First, reflect on Martha. Martha is physically in the same house as Jesus. But when He speaks, instead of listening to Jesus, Martha is doing her own thing. Martha is in the presence of Jesus, but she is not present to Him.

Then we have to ask: what exactly is Martha doing instead of listening to Jesus? She would certainly be the first to explain that she’s working for Jesus. Her work is all about Jesus. But here’s the kicker: she’s not doing what Jesus wants her to do.

This sets before us one of the key distinctions of the Catholic spiritual life. This is the distinction between sincerity and fidelity. Some persons believe that as long as they’re sincere in what they do in life, then they’re being faithful to what God wants them to do. This is a misconception, and this misconception can lead to many dead-ends in the spiritual life. Sincerity may be a virtue, but it is not a measure of fidelity.

Turn next to Martha’s sister Mary. In today’s Gospel passage, Mary is in the presence of Jesus, and is also present to Jesus. Mary shows us that the yardstick that measures our fidelity is the spiritual virtue of listening.

Mary listens to Jesus. But what did Jesus say to her? It’s telling that St. Luke the Evangelist does not reveal to us what Jesus said to her. What Jesus said was for Mary alone. But that Mary listened is for all of us to imitate: to listen, so that we might faithfully obey God.

What the evangelist does reveal is that Mary “seated herself at the Lord’s feet and listened to his words.” There are at least two points that the evangelist makes in this sentence. First: Mary was seated, not standing for service, like a waiter who takes your order. Whatever Jesus said to her, it was not marching orders, but something so deep that Mary had to take it “sitting down”, to ponder it thoroughly.

Second: there was no dialogue between the two. It was not two-way communication. The words flowed in only one direction: from Jesus, to Mary. And Mary listened. Mary listened to Jesus’ words: this is what Jesus calls “the better part”. Today’s Gospel Reading not only makes a distinction between prayer and action, calling prayer the “better part”. Today’s Gospel Reading also makes a distinction about two different types of prayer: a distinction between speaking to God and listening to Him. Listening is the “better part” and the foundational part of prayer.

Now, what do we get when we put these two portraits—of Martha and Mary—together, and look at them side by side? How do the two relate to each other? The saints and doctors of the Church who have reflected on this passage have taken many lessons from this scene.

Some of the saints point out how Martha is a symbol of good works, and Mary is a symbol of prayer. From this perspective, the primary lesson of the passage is that prayer is “the better part”. Prayer is better than good works. But that’s not to say that good works are bad.

It’s not that works are bad, and prayer is good. We are not like those among our separated brethren in Christ who believe that salvation is about faith alone apart from works. Rather, it’s that works are good, while prayer is better. From this, we see the reason why Martha is anxious and worried: not because she’s doing something bad. Martha is anxious and worried because she did not put prayer first. Her works do not flow from her prayer. In your own daily life, when you put prayer first, and base decisions upon prayer, then this becomes the foundation of our fidelity to God. That doesn’t mean that we’ll always be correct in hearing God’s voice in our prayer. But we can be sure that we’re on the right path, and that’s no small thing.

17/07/2022

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Lectionary: 108

Reading 1 : Gn 18:1-10a

The LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre,as he sat in the entrance of his tent,while the day was growing hot. Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them;and bowing to the ground, he said:"Sir, if I may ask you this favor,please do not go on past your servant. Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet,and then rest yourselves under the tree. Now that you have come this close to your servant,let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves;and afterward you may go on your way." The men replied, "Very well, do as you have said."Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah,"Quick, three measures of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls." He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer,and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it. Then Abraham got some curds and milk,as well as the steer that had been prepared,and set these before the three men;and he waited on them under the tree while they ate.They asked Abraham, "Where is your wife Sarah?"He replied, "There in the tent." One of them said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year,and Sarah will then have a son."

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 5

R.(1a) He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.One who walks blamelessly and does justice;who thinks the truth in his heartand slanders not with his tongue.R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.Who harms not his fellow man,nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;by whom the reprobate is despised,while he honors those who fear the LORD.R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.Who lends not his money at usuryand accepts no bribe against the innocent.One who does these thingsshall never be disturbed.R. He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

Reading 2 : Col 1:24-28

Brothers and sisters:Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,and in my flesh I am filling upwhat is lacking in the afflictions of Christon behalf of his body, which is the church,of which I am a ministerin accordance with God's stewardship given to meto bring to completion for you the word of God,the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,to whom God chose to make known the riches of the gloryof this mystery among the Gentiles;it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim,admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

Alleluia: Cf. Lk 8:15

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heartand yield a harvest through perseverance.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Lk 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.She had a sister named Marywho sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,"Lord, do you not carethat my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply,"Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better partand it will not be taken from her."

10/07/2022

FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Lectionary: 105

Reading 1 : Dt 30:10-14

Moses said to the people:"If only you would heed the voice of the LORD, your God,and keep his commandments and statutesthat are written in this book of the law,when you return to the LORD, your God,with all your heart and all your soul."For this command that I enjoin on you todayis not too mysterious and remote for you.It is not up in the sky, that you should say,'Who will go up in the sky to get it for usand tell us of it, that we may carry it out?'Nor is it across the sea, that you should say,'Who will cross the sea to get it for usand tell us of it, that we may carry it out?'No, it is something very near to you,already in your mouths and in your hearts;you have only to carry it out."

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37

R. (cf. 33) Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live. I pray to you, O LORD, for the time of your favor, O God! In your great kindness answer me with your constant help. Answer me, O LORD, for bounteous is your kindness: in your great mercy turn toward me. R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live. I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me. I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving. R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live. "See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive! For the LORD hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not." R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live. For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. The descendants of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall inhabit it. R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.

or : Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11

R.(9a) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just. R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Reading 2 : Col1:15-20

Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn of all creation.For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,the visible and the invisible,whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;all things were created through him and for him.He is before all things,and in him all things hold together.He is the head of the body, the church.He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,that in all things he himself might be preeminent.For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,and through him to reconcile all things for him,making peace by the blood of his crossthrough him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

Alleluia : Cf. Jn 6:63c, 68c

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life;you have the words of everlasting life.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Lk 10:25-37

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?" He said in reply, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." He replied to him, "You have answered correctly; do this and you will live." But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.' Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers' victim?" He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

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