January 17, 2015

Anthony

January 17, 2015:  St. Anthony, abbot

  • 'Sword' pin:  God's word is sharper than swords... (1st reading)
  • 'Girl with heart' pin:  ... and can discern thoughts of the heart (1st reading); the Lord's precepts rejoice the heart... (psalm)
  • 'Eyeball' pin:  ...and enlighten the eye (psalm)
  • 'Crucifix' pin:  Our high priest has been tested in every way (1st reading)
  • 'Rock' pin:  Lord, my rock (psalm)
  • 'Phone' tie bar:  I came to 'call' sinners (gospel)
  • 'Precious feet' pin, OneLife LA button, not visible CMLGP T-shirt:  all human life is precious
  • Green windbreaker:  Ordinary Time (season)
Listen

Pope Francis

 Homily to 500K:  Our high priest can sympathize with our weaknesses.  Jesus lived like us and is the same except for sin, but to be more like us he assumed our condition and sin.  When we pass an experience, he passed there before.  Jesus never lets us down; the Lord from the cross is there for you, crying and walking with you.  He understands us because he endured everything. Mary's tenderness never lets you down:  look to and hold onto our Mother; tell her what you feel. We're not alone...

 Read
    'SWord cloud'
    (animate)
  • Heb 4:12-16  God's word living, effective, sharp, penetrating, all-seeing, and it knows the heart.  Jesus our high priest has been tested and knows our weakness; hold fast, and approach the throne of grace for mercy and help.

  • Ps 19:8-10, 15  "Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life."  The law of the Lord is perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, enlightening, pure, enduring, true, and just.  Let my words and thoughts find favor before you, Lord.

  • Mk 2:13-17  Jesus taught the crowd.  He invited Levi to follow him, and he got up and followed.  Scribes saw Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors and asked his disciples, “Why?” Jesus:  “The healthy don't need a doctor; sick people do.  I didn't come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Reflect
    • Creighton:  Hebrews, was likely written for Jewish Christians to strengthen their faith amid persecution.  They believed the Messiah would be a military leader, so it was hard for them to accept Jesus' coming so humbly.  Today's reading starts with "two-edged sword" but ends ends with "sympathizes...."
    • One Bread One Body:  "He couldn't care more":  God cares, even if it seems our prayers aren't answered, or we see suffering and injustice.  He became human and suffered with us:  "Our high priest can sympathize with our weakness." God cares more than we or the ones who love us do.  "So confidently approach the throne of grace for mercy, favor, and help."
    • Passionist:  As Levi left his tax-collecting life behind to follow Christ, we're called to leave our baggage behind and do his will.  What do I need to leave behind?  Jesus went to the peripheries to call his followers.  How do I reach out and bring God's love to the shunned, homeless, and friendless?  May God's word be "living and effective" in us.
    • DailyScripture.net:  Jews divided people into those who kept the Law and those who didn't, avoiding the latter; Jesus' association with sinners shocked them.  Jesus' defense was that only the sick need doctors; he sought out and cared for the needy, while the preoccupied Jews didn't.  Jesus "came not to call the righteous but sinners." May I who received God's mercy seek others' good....
    • Universalis:  St Anthony, originator of the monastic life, gave his belongings to the poor, led a life of penitence, poverty, prayer, and work, suffering and overcoming temptation. Disciples gathered round him, attracted by his wisdom, moderation, and holiness.  He supported victims of persecution, helped St. Athanasius fight Arianism, and lived to be over 100.
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