Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": 22nd Sun., Ordinary Time

Readings

Jer 20:7-9 You duped me, Lord, and I let myself be duped; everyone mocks me. Your word has brought me derision and reproach. I say to myself, I won't speak in his name any more, but then your word becomes like fire in my heart, imprisoned in my bones, and I grow weary holding it in.

Ps 63:2-6, 8-9 "My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God," like parched land for water. I bless you, call on you, and cling to you. You help, uphold, and satisfy me. In the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.

Rom 12:1-2 Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, pleasing to God. Don't conform to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, to discern God's will.

Mt 16:21-27 Jesus began to show his disciples he must suffer and be killed and raised. Peter rebuked him: “God forbid!...” Jesus: “Get behind me, Satan! You're an obstacle to me, thinking not as God but as a human being. To come after me, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit is there in gaining the world but forfeiting your life? The Son will come and repay all according to their conduct.”

Pope Francis

Angelus: Strengthen efforts to safeguard people's life and health of people by respecting the environment and nature. / Jesus rebukes Peter because he plays Satan's part by not thinking like God. Living in the world carries with it the risk that we become 'worldly,' that "the salt lose its flavor," but when the power of the Gospel is alive in us, it can transform values, thought, and models of life in contrast with God's Word and plan of salvation.

Music

Check out Ed Bolduc's blog for suggestions and info about them. For starters hear:

Reflections

Creighton: Prophets (like Jeremiah and Jesus) must "walk the walk" (show by example how God wants people to live) and witness/proclaim God’s vision. Peter preferred Jesus' prophetic message would be received with joy, but faithful prophets are usually shamed (as carrying the cross through the city did) and are reproached. The Church is also called to prophesy. How am I "conformed to this age"? “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your lives.”

One Bread One Body: When we offer our bodies as living sacrifices, we acknowledge Jesus bought them on the cross. God will transform us into weapons for justice.

Passionist: Peter doesn't understand the meaning of Christ's suffering and death. The cross is the path to discipleship, being willing to let God change whatever keeps me from his love, so he can build me up.

DailyScripture.net: Satan tempted Jesus to not obey the Father; Jesus calls Peter 'Satan' [='adversary']. Peter is to be disciple, not adversary. Paradox of God's economy: we lose what we gain and gain what we lose. Jesus says there no victory without the cross. When we surrender to God, he gives us new life. Will I part with what keeps me from following the Lord? What cross does Jesus want me to take up today? Am I ready to lose all for him to gain all with him?