June 17, 2014

June 17

June 17, 2014:  Tuesday, 11th Week, Ordinary Time

Readings

Wordle: Readings 6-17-14
  • 1 Kgs 21:17-29  After Naboth was killed, the Lord told Elijah:  “Meet King Ahab in Naboth's vineyard.  Tell him, ‘The Lord says:  After murdering, do you also take possession?  Where the dogs licked up Naboth's blood, dogs shall lick up yours too.’  Because you did evil in God's sight, I'll destroy you and your line and make your house like Jeroboam's.”  No one did evil in God's sight as Ahab, urged on by his wife Jezebel.  When Ahab heard this, he tore his garments, put on sackcloth, fasted, and went about subdued.  The Lord told Elijah, “Since Ahab has humbled himself before me, I'll wait till his son's reign to bring the evil.”
  • Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11, 16  "Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned."  I acknowledge my offense against you.  Blot out my guilt, and my tongue shall revel in your justice.
  • Mt 5:43-48  “You've heard, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy,' but I tell you, love your enemies and pray for your persecutors.  Your Father makes his sun rise and rain fall on the bad and the good.  Even tax collectors love those that love them.  Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father.”
Pope Francis
  • Church is Mother, not NGO (to Diocese of Rome convention):  Many feel a crushing weight.  Is this life?  Children feel the way we sometimes live is inhuman and don't know how to make life beautiful.  Children don't have enough time with their tired parents, their grandparents were moved to a nursing home, and everyone's in a hurry—leaving them like orphans, without family memories, affection, or love.  Our culture multiplies opportunities for pleasure but can't bring true joy.   Jesus said he wouldn't leave us orphans; we burn to tell everyone, God our Father loves you and wants to help you!  The Church needs to be a Mother, not a NGO with pastoral plans.  Being in the Church is being at home with Mom; otherwise, going to Church is like going to a game where people are just “fans.”  People need to feel a mother's tenderness in the Church.  We have to welcome people with a big heart, like family.
Music for psalm
Reflections
    • Creighton:  Love your enemies:  Greet people by name; smile; say thanks; get to know people in your neighborhood, work place, and church; pray by name for those who irritate you and think of something positive about them; put yourself in their shoes; find common interests; assume positive intent.  “Only love can transform an enemy into friend.” (M. L. King, Jr.)  With God all things are possible.
    • One Bread One Body:  The Lord was pleased with Ahab's humility.  Jesus wants to extend mercy to us; receive it.
      • DailyScripture.net:  Treating others with loving-kindness, forbearance, and mercy makes disciples different.  It's hard to be kind when we can expect nothing in return.  Praying for those who hurt us breaks the power of revenge and releases the power of love.
      • Passionist:  Greek has four words for love:  love for family, physical attraction, friendship, and unconquerable benevolence.  Jesus calls us to the latter, agape: unconditional regard and respect, desire for the other's good.  If we allow Jesus to live in and shape us, we have a chance to be perfect (fulfilled, completed).
      Apparel
      • "Grapes" pin:  Naboth's vineyard (1st reading)
      • "Stone" tie pin:  Naboth was stoned to death (1st reading continued from Monday)
      • "Dog" tie pin:  "Where dogs licked Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up yours”; “Dogs shall devour Jezebel and Ahab's line” (1st reading) :-(ouch; forgot to pack Snoopy)
      • "Bird" tie pin:  "birds of the sky will devour him.” (1st reading)
      • "Sun" tie:  The Father makes his sun rise and rain fall on the bad and the good (gospel)
      • "Love" on suspenders:  Love your enemies (gospel)
      • Green shirt:  Ordinary Time (season)
      Dress your life!

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