August 6, 2015

Transfiguration

August 6, 2015:  Transfiguration of the Lord

Find 13 connections
between the outfit and today's feast?
Legend at bottom

Listen



*listening tips
Read
  • Dn 7:9-10, 13-14  The Ancient One took his throne, clothing bright as snow, hair white as wool; myriads attended him.  One like a Son of man came on the clouds and received everlasting dominion and glory; all peoples serve him.
  • Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9  "The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth."  Justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.  Mountains melt like wax before him.  All peoples see his glory.
  • 2 Pt 1:16-19  We're eyewitnesses of Christ's majesty.  He received glory from the Father who declared, “This is my Son, my beloved....”  We heard this voice from heaven on the holy mountain.  Be attentive to the reliable prophetic message we have, as to a lamp shining in the dark till the morning star rises in your hearts.
  • Mk 9:2-10  Jesus led Peter, James, and John up a mountain and was transfigured before them; his clothes became dazzling white.  Elijah and Moses appeared and were conversing with him.  Peter, terrified:  “Rabbi, it's good we're here!  Let's make three tents....”  A cloud cast a shadow over them; from it came a voice:  “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”  Suddenly they no longer saw anyone but Jesus with them; he charged them not to tell anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead.  They kept it to themselves, wondering what rising from the dead meant.
Reflect
      Transfiguration of Christ,
      from iconostasis (12th c.)
      More Transfiguration art
    • One Bread One Body:  "Listen to Him, not him":  Peter said to the transfigured Jesus: "How good it is for us to be here!"  When from the cloud the Father said, "This is My Son, My Beloved.  Listen to Him," was he also saying "Don't listen to what Peter just said but to Jesus, who says, 'It's good for us to get off the mountain and carry the cross..."?
    "Go down to earth to toil, serve, and be scorned and crucified. Life goes down to be killed; Bread goes down to suffer hunger; the Way goes down to be exhausted on his journey; the Spring goes down to suffer thirst; and you refuse to suffer?" (Augustine, Sermo 78, 6: PL 38, 492-493, in Catechism 556)
    • Passionist:  Before Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain, he asked, “Who do people say I am?,” Peter responded, “The Messiah,” and Jesus revealed his upcoming suffering, rejection, and death.  Days later came the Transfiguration, signaling that Moses and Elijah endorse what Jesus is doing and saying.  The cloud represented God's presence; the voice was the Father endorsing the Son.  "Listen to him" even when he says things that you don’t like or understand.  May the Transfiguration encourage us to remain faithful, even when we don’t understand what God is doing....
      Verklärung Christi/ Lotto
    • DailyScripture.net:  God is eager to share his glory with us!  When Moses met with God on Mt. Sinai, his skin shone because he was talking with God; Paul says Moses' face was so bright, the Israelites couldn't look at it.  Jesus was transfigured with lawgiver Moses and prophet Elijah, in the presence of Peter, James, and John.  Jesus went to the mountain knowing betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion await.  The cloud fulfilled the dream that when the Messiah came, the cloud of God's presence would fill the temple.  Jesus shows us the way to the Father's glory is discipleship.
    "When Jesus is transfigured, his face shines that he may be manifested to the children of light who have put off the works of darkness, put on the armor of light, and walk honestly as in the day.  He'll shine on them not simply as the sun, but as the sun of righteousness." (Origen, paraphrased)
    While Jesus was transfigured, the disciples were asleep; we can miss God's glory if we're spiritually asleep, e.g. from an unexamined life, not facing our doubts and questions or Christ's demands....  We're called to be witnesses of Christ's glory and to be changed into his likeness
    • Universalis:  The Transfiguration can sound magical.  There's no reason for it to have happened or for it to be put into the gospel; that's the strength of it as history.   Through it we see that Jesus is a prophet and the one prophesied by them; and that he's God, living in dazzling light.  The true Transfiguration miracle is not the shining face or white garments, but that the rest of the time he hid his glory so well.  See Catholic Encyclopedia.
    Dress legend
    • 'Clouds' tie:  I saw One coming on the clouds of heaven (1st reading); clouds and darkness are round about the Lord (psalm); a cloud cast a shadow over them (gospel)
    • 'Crown' tie bar:  Son of Man received kingship (1st reading); "The Lord is king, Most High over all the earth." (psalm)
    • 'Eyeball' pin:  We had been eyewitnesses of our Lord's majesty (2nd reading)
    • White shirt (and socks :-):  "His clothing was bright as snow" (1st reading); "His clothes became white as light" (gospel)
    • 'Waxy tent-shaped mountain' pin:  "The mountains melt like wax before the Lord" (psalm); Jesus led them up a high mountain (gospel); "I'll make three tents" (gospel)
    • 'Star' pin, 'hearts' suspenders:  "be attentive to the prophetic message... until the morning star rises in your hearts." (2nd reading)
    Special greetings to and prayers for
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    August 5, 2015

    Aug. 5

    August 5, 2015:  Wednesday, 18th week, Ordinary Time




    • 'Fruit' pin:  Princes show Israelites country's fruit after reconnaissance mission  (1st reading)
    • 'Cow' pin, 'honey' tie (trumped today so see here):  "The land does flow with milk and honey"  (1st reading)
    • 'Sheep' tie bar:  “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”  (gospel)
    • 'Dogs' tie:  “It's not right to throw children's food to dogs.”  (gospel)
    • Green shirt:  Ordinary Time season



    Listen
    Pope Francis
    To altar servers:  Being close to Jesus and knowing him in the Eucharist enables you to open yourselves to others, to journey together, and to set and achieve demanding goals.  God purified Isaiah's intentions, forgave his sins, healed his heart, and made him ready to announce God’s word; he was transformed to God's instrument.  Never forget God makes the first move, drawing close!  Isaiah's imperfections didn't impede God’s actions.
    You're more fortunate than Isaiah:  you experience Jesus' closeness and power in the sacraments.  You've seen that God takes the lead; he created you, made you new in baptism, forgives, and waits for your response.  If we let him, Jesus will touch us with the flame of love so we can bring him to others. Like Isaiah, we're invited to not remain closed in but to bear witness, sharing the joy of being chosen and saved.  Faith makes us natural missionaries, drawing us towards others, because we're filled with the joy of being Christ's friends.  Speak with Jesus in prayer; be nourished by the Lord's Word and Body, and go out to others, bringing them the gift and joy you've received.
    General audience:  The Church, as Mother seeking her children's good and salvation, must foster true welcome and pastoral care for the divorced and remarried and their families, especially because of the children.
    The divorced and remarried are still part of the Church; welcome them as a mother willing to give her life for them, and encourage them, with their families, to participate in Church life, through prayer, listening to God's Word, Christian education of the children, and serving the poor.  Have the attitude of the Good Shepherd, who knows each sheep and excludes no one from his love.
    Read
    • Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35  Lord to Moses:  “Send men to reconnoiter Canaan,  which I'm giving the Israelites.”  After 40 days they reported to Moses, Aaron and the Israelites:  “The land does flow with milk and honey, but its inhabitants are fierce and towns fortified.”  Caleb:  “We ought to seize it, for we can.”  Men:  “No; they're too strong for us.  The land consumes its inhabitants, and its people are veritable giants.”  People wailed.  Lord to Moses and Aaron:  “How long will this wicked assembly grumble against me?  Tell them:  I'll do what you say.  Your bodies shall fall, and you'll realize what opposing me means.”
    • Ps 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-22, 23  "Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people."  We've sinned.  Our fathers didn't wait for your counsel, tempted you, and forgot you and your wonders.  You spoke of exterminating them, but Moses turned back your wrath.
    • Mt 15: 21-28  A Canaanite woman called, “Have pity on me, Lord!  A demon is tormenting my daughter.”  Disciples / Jesus:  “Send her away; she keeps calling out.” / “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”  Woman / Jesus:  “Help me.” / “It's not right to throw children's food to dogs.” / “Even dogs eat scraps from their masters' table.” / “Great is your faith!  Let it be done.”  And her daughter was healed.
    Reflect
      • Creighton:  The Lord isn't happy with us if we're driven by fear rooted in lack of trust in God. God is profoundly annoyed with the Israelites afraid of seizing Canaan.  The Syrian woman meets Jesus' rebuff with courage and faith; Jesus rewards her and heals her daughter, showing God's reign extends beyond Israel.  God  doesn't guarantee exact outcomes but promises good ones based on his intimacy with us....
      • One Bread One Body:  "Find-able faith":  The Israelites called to move into Canaan lacked faith, but the Canaanite woman showed "great faith."  Jesus always looks for faith.  If we're in a difficult situation, maybe the Lord is testing our faith.  May we grow strong in faith and live as God's faithful.
        Basilica of St. Mary Major
      • Passionist:  Today's readings speak of people opposing God.  The Lord had told his people to enter Canaan, but when they saw the challenge, they balked, as we can when we realize the cost of a choice.  The Canaanite woman's 'opposition' is refusing to believe Jesus won't help; her faith and persistence were rewarded....
      • DailyScripture.net:  Today's gospel is the only account of Jesus ministering outside Jewish territory.  A foreign woman pleads for help; Jesus helps after testing her faith.  Jews often spoke of Gentiles as "unclean dogs" excluded from God's favor; the dog was a symbol of dishonor and was used to describe a shameless woman.  Jesus praises the woman for her faith and love; she was willing to suffer rebuff for her daughter's sake.  Jesus helps all who seek him with faith....
        • Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major ("Our Lady of the Snows"):  The Rome basilica, oldest in the West dedicated to Mary, was built shortly after the Council of Ephesus proclaimed Mary as Mother of God, a title emphasizing Jesus was divine and a man born of a woman.  (St. Ignatius Loyola celebrated his first Mass there.)
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      August 4, 2015

      John Vianney

      August 4, 2015:  St. John Vianney, priest

      • '3 stick figures' tie pin:  Moses, Aaron, Miriam (1st reading)
      • 'Girl with heart' pin:  "A clean heart create for me, O God" (psalm)
      • 'Boats' tie:  Jesus and disciples in storm-tossed boat (gospel)
      • Blue, white, and green shirt:  Peter:  "Lord, if it's you, command me to come to you on the water" (gospel); white for St. John Vianney memorial, green for Ordinary Time season
      • 'Hand' tie pin:  Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter  (gospel); "Why don't your disciples wash their hands?" (gospel)
      • Suspenders with 'love' sticker:  St. John Vianney ministered God's merciful love
      Listen
      • Nm 12:1-13  Miriam and Aaron complained, “Is it through Moses alone, or doesn't the Lord speak through us too?”  Lord to the 3:  “If there's a prophet among you, I'll reveal myself in visions and dreams, but not so with Moses, with whom I speak plainly face to face!  Why did you speak against Moses?”  In anger he turned Miriam into a snow-white leper!  When Aaron saw her, he told Moses, “Please don't charge us with this sin!  Don't let her be like this.”  Moses to Lord, “Please heal her!”
      • Ps 51:3-7, 12-13  "Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned."  Wash me from my guilt.  I acknowledge my offense.  A clean heart create for me....
      • Mt 14:22-36  Jesus made the disciples get into a boat then went to pray.  When waves tossed the boat, he walked on the sea toward them.  They were terrified:  “It's a ghost!”  Jesus:  “Take courage, it is I; don't fear.”  Peter:  “If it's you, command me to come to you.” / “Come.”  He walked toward him but became frightened and started to sink:  “Lord, save me!”  Jesus, catching him:  “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”  They got into the boat, and the wind subsided.  “Truly, you're the Son of God.”  At Gennesaret, people touched his cloak and were healed.
      • Mt 15:1-2, 10-14  Pharisees and scribes / Jesus:  “Why don't your disciples wash their hands when they eat ?”  “It's what comes out of one's mouth, not what enters, that defiles.”  Disciples / Jesus:  “The Pharisees took offense at what you said.” / “Every plant that my Father didn't plant will be uprooted.  Leave them alone; they're the blind leading the blind and will all fall into a pit.”
      Reflect
        • Creighton:  As Jesus invites Peter to do something amazing, he invites us too.  He showed us we're meant to be loving, forgiving, compassionate, and merciful; to challenge authorities who forget leadership is service, not privilege; and to be faithful to our convictions and identity as beings created in God's image.  As Jesus rescues Peter, he reaches out to us when we fail.  How have I not lived like Christ?  How am I called to change?  What must I do to be open to God's call?
        • One Bread One Body:  "God's vengeance":  The Lord stands up for his people as he did for Moses, taking attacks on us personally.   So we must never speak or act against anyone, we don't have to avenge ourselves, and we can be fearless, bold, free, and secure....
        • Passionist:  "Foibles & Fear to Faith & Forgiveness":  Many sought God's forgiveness and reconciliation through St. John Vianney's ministry of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Today’s readings highlight God’s outreach to us in our foibles and fears.  Aaron and Miriam grumbled about Moses’ conduct; Moses interceded and asked God to remove Miriam's leprosy.  The psalm is a plea for God’s mercy.  The gospel highlights Peter’s lack of faith and Jesus’ "reaching out" to save him.  Human nature tries to get in the way, but God's faithful, unconditional love remains.  Has my sin clouded our view of others?  Does my faith carry me over troubled waters?  Am I humble enough to ask for God's help?
        • DailyScripture.net:  Does the Lord seem distant when adversity comes?  When Jesus sensed the disciples' trouble and fear, he came to them.  Peter showed his impulsiveness but called to Jesus and rose.  Do I look for his presence when challenged?  Do I rely on God for strength and help? When threatened, do I respond with faith and hope in God's love and care?
        • Universalis:  St Jean-Baptiste Vianney, Curé of Ars, peasant's son, unpromising priesthood candidate, preacher, insightful confessor; see Catholic Encyclopedia.
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        August 3, 2015

        Aug. 3

        August 3, 2015:  Monday, 18th week, Ordinary Time

        See ten connections between my outfit
        and today's readings and celebration?
        Legend below

        Listen

        Pope Francis Angelus
        The people gave more value to the bread than the Giver of the bread; Jesus highlighted the need to look beyond gift to Giver.  God is both!  Be open to perspective not only of preoccupation with material needs but to food that's not corruptible that we must seek.  Don't work for food that perishes but for food the Son will give us that endures.  We have a hunger for life, for eternity, that only the Bread of Life can satisfy.  Openness to meeting Jesus every day will illuminate our lives and give meaning to small gifts, sufferings and preoccupations.  The Eucharist is the greatest gift; it fulfills body and soul.
        Our lives can be tortuous, but meeting and welcoming Jesus gives them meaning, hope, and the duty to satisfy others' spiritual and material needs.  We must announce the Gospel everywhere; with the witness of solidarity towards our neighbor, we make Christ and his love present.
        Read
        • Nm 11:4b-15  Israelites:  “Would that we had meat!  We miss the food we ate in Egypt.  We're famished now and see nothing but this manna.”  When Moses heard the people's cry, angering the Lord, he was grieved.  Moses to Lord:  “Why do you treat me so badly?  Why are you so displeased with me that you burden me with these people?  Where can I get meat for them?  They're too heavy for me to carry.  If you're going to deal with me like this, just kill me now....”
        • Ps 81:12-17  "Sing with joy to God our help."  “My people didn't obey me, so I gave them up to their stubbornness and let them go their own way.  If they'd hear me and walk in my ways, I'd humble their enemies and fill them with honey from the rock....”
        • Mt 14:13-21  When Jesus heard John the Baptist died, he withdrew, but the crowds followed him.  When he saw them, he was moved with pity and cured their sick.  At evening, the disciples asked Jesus to dismiss the crowds so they could eat, he told them to give them food instead, they said all they had were five loaves and two fish, he blessed and broke the loaves, the disciples gave them to the crowds, all were satisfied, and twelve baskets were left over.  About 5,000 men ate, plus women and children.
        Reflect
          • Creighton:  Jesus tried to take time to mourn his cousin's death, but he put his needs aside to minister to the crowds.  The disciples, not wanting the crowd to starve, suggested Jesus dismiss them, and Jesus told them to feed them.  He blessed the little they have, and they could feed everyone.  May we turn our gifts and hopes over to Jesus....
          • Passionist:  Some say the miracle of the loaves and fishes was that people shared the food they brought, but I believe Jesus really multiplied the loaves and fish.  If I share my lunch with you, we'd each get half, but since they ate all they wanted, it seems there was more than sharing could provide.  We often think there's not enough, but when God provides, there's more than enough.  This story also points to the miracle of the Eucharist where Jesus gives himself as spiritual food every day....
          • DailyScripture.net:  People were drawn to Jesus because they were hungry for God; his message and miracles stirred hope that God was acting to set people free and bring them blessings.  He never disappointed those who earnestly sought him out.  Jesus blessed the few loaves and fish they had so all could be satisfied and baskets were left over.  The miracle recalled the manna; that daily provision of food foreshadowed the heavenly bread Jesus passed on to his disciples at his last supper, the Eucharist that sustains us on our journey.  The miracle shows God's generosity and kindness.  God gives more than we need for ourselves so we may have something to share with those who lack what they need.  God multiplies what we have for the good of others. Do I trust that God provides?  Do I share freely?
            • Oswald, king, brought Christianity to his people, man of prayer and charity to the needy.
          Dress legend
          • 'Fish' pin:  "We remember the fish we ate in Egypt" (1st reading); "we only have 5 loaves and 2 fish" (gospel)
          • 'Musical note' tie pin:  "Sing with joy to God our help." (psalm)
          • 'Hearts' suspenders:  "I gave them up to the hardness of their hearts" (psalm)
          • 'Wheat' pin:  "I'd feed Israel with the best of wheat..." (psalm)
          • 'Honey' tie, 'rock' tie pin:  "... and fill them with honey from the rock" (psalm)
          • 'Precious feet' pin:  The crowds followed Jesus on foot (gospel)
          • 'Abacus' tie pin:  'Multiplication' of the loaves and fishes (how to multiply)  (gospel)
          • Green shirt:  Ordinary Time season
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          August 2, 2015

          18th Sun., Ordinary Time

          August 2, 2015:  Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time


          • 'Angel' pin:  People ate the bread of angels (psalm)
          • 'Wheat' pin:  Bread from heaven (1st reading, psalm), miracle of loaves (gospel)
          • 'Seal' pin:  God set his 'seal' on the Son of Man (gospel)
          • 'Signs' tie:  "What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?" (gospel)
          • Green shirt:  Ordinary Time season

          Listen
          Read
          • Ex 16:2-4, 12-15  Israelites to Moses:  “You led us into this desert to make us die of famine!”  Lord to Moses:  “I've heard the grumbling.  I'll rain down bread from heaven.  Tell them, 'You'll eat flesh and bread, so you may know that I am your God.'  In the evening quail covered the camp, and in the morning flakes like hoarfrost appeared on the ground. 
          • Ps 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54  "The Lord gave them bread from heaven."  The Lord rained manna for food.  People ate the bread of angels, and he brought them to his holy land.
          • Eph 4:17, 20-24  Don't live in futility like the Gentiles.  Put away the old self of your former ways, be renewed in your minds, and put on the new self, created in God’s way.
          • Jn 6:24-35  Jesus / crowd:  “You're looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves.  The Son of Man will give you food that endures; God set his seal on him.” / “How can we accomplish the works of God?” / “Believe in the one he sent.” / “What sign can you do, that we may believe?  Our ancestors ate manna in the desert.” / “My Father, not Moses, gave the bread from heaven.” / “Give us this bread always.” / “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me and believe will never hunger or thirst.”
          Reflect
            The Jews gathering the manna
            in the desert/ Poussin
          • Creighton:  "I will find you":  Egypt was the only home the Israelites knew; they were hungry and angry crossing the desert behind bumbling leaders.  Moses told them, “This is the bread the Lord has given you to eat.”  In our 'desert,' our treasure may disappear for a while.  We must bid farewell to our old self, but the destination is unclear.  In our journey into the unknown, may we leave behind the familiar with courage.  Our true treasure is from above without our earning it; may we welcome the gifts of faith, family, friends, work, and world.
          • One Bread One Body:  "More than miracles":  Jesus, in the context of the miracles of the loaves and of walking on water:  "My flesh is real food and my blood real drink."  Despite the miracles, "many broke away"; only those the Father drew and taught in the Spirit believed.  To believe in Jesus in the Eucharist, we need Jesus' miracles, the Father's teaching, and the revelation of the Spirit.
          • Passionist:  John 6 opens with the miracle of the loaves and fishes.  In today's reading, the crowds track Jesus down. and Jesus suggests they came for more food and tells them to seek the food that leads to eternal life and believe in the one God sent.  They ask for a sign like Moses' manna, and Jesus tells them, “My Father is the one who gives you the true bread, what comes down from heaven and gives life.”  They ask, “Give us this bread always”; he says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me and believes will never hunger or thirst.”  John, in the longest text of the four gospels, puts the emphasis on the “openness” of the Eucharist, vs. the Jewish ritual meal.  Jesus shows the Eucharist as supernatural nourishment for eternal life.  Dismantling the barriers of Jewish prescriptions, he invites all seekers....
          • DailyScripture.net:  Many sought Jesus because he offered them bread from heaven.  He asked them, are you looking for food that perishes or food that gives eternal life?  Isaiah: "Why spend your money for what's not bread, and your labor for what doesn't satisfy?"  Only the Lord can satisfy the hunger in our heart for truth, life, and love.  Jesus said we must do the works of God:  believe in the Son he sent.  Jesus offers a new relationship with God with new life, sacrificial love, service, forgiving others, holiness, purity, truth, obedience, trust, peace, and happiness....
            • St. Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop, first to live in community with his priests, fought Arianism.
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          August 1, 2015

          Aug. 1

          August 1, 2015:  St. Alphonsus Liguori, bishop and doctor




          • 'Jubilee year' pin:  Celebrate year of jubilee every 50 years (1st reading)
          • 'Tie with grapes and other fruit':  Don't pick the grapes from untrimmed vines (1st reading); earth has yielded its fruits (psalm) [trumped 'doctor's office' tie for St. Alphonsus, 'doctor' of the Church]
          • 'Scales of justice' pin:  You rule the peoples in equity (psalm)
          • 'Headless skeleton' tie pin:  Herod had John the baptist beheaded (gospel)
          • White shirt:  color of St. Alphonsus day
          Listen


          • Sign me up [for the Christian jubilee]/ Yancy, Metcalfe:  about  (1st reading-inspired)



          • The Dance of the Seven Veils from the Strauss opera Salome fits with the gospel, but what you'd find on YouTube might include adult content (which I keep off this blog).
          Pope Francis
          Prayer intentions for August
          • That volunteers may give themselves generously to the service of the needy (universal)
          • That setting aside our very selves we may learn to be neighbors to those who find themselves on the margins of human life and society (for evangelization)

          In line with today's 1st reading, don't forget the Jubilee Year of Mercy Pope Francis recently announced!
          Read
          • Lv 25:1, 8-17  Lord to Moses:  “Sound the trumpet every 50 years on the Day of Atonement and make holy the jubilee year:  proclaim liberty, return to your property, and don't sow or reap aftergrowth.  When you sell or buy land, deal fairly, basing prices on the time since the last jubilee.  Stand in fear of your God.”

          • Ps 67:2-3, 5, 7-8  "O God, let all the nations praise you!"  You rule in equity.  You have blessed us.  May the ends of the earth fear you!

          Salome with the Head of John the Baptist
          (Caravaggio)

          • Mt 14:1-12  Herod to servants:  “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that's why power is at work in him.”  He had arrested and imprisoned him on account of Herodias, his brother's wife; John had told him, “It's not lawful for you to have her.”  He wanted to kill him but feared the people, who regarded him a prophet.  But at a birthday celebration, Herodias's daughter's dance delighted Herod so much that he promised her whatever she'd ask.  Prompted by her mother:  “Give me John's head.”  John was beheaded, and his head given to the girl, who took it to her mother.  His disciples took the corpse and buried him.
          Reflect
            • Creighton:  Keeping the law reminded faithful Jews that God loved and chose them; John challenged Herod about living with Herodias because it didn't distinguish Herod from unfaithful tribes. / Herod was bothered by Jesus, and he wanted to get rid of him, likely feeling he was threatening his kingdom.  How do I feel threatened by Jesus' teachings?
              St. Alphonsus Liguori
            • One Bread One Body:  "Who's the real prisoner?"  John the Baptist was a prisoner, but he was free, bold, prophetic, and unable to be manipulated; he stood up to Herod, speaking the truth.  Herod was powerful but fearful, delusional, guilt-ridden, and easily manipulated:  he appeared to triumph over John, but John's reproach reverberated in him. He thought he could stop him by incarceration, but John's message lived on.  Imprisoned in fear and lust, he couldn't stand up to his stepdaughter.  He was so fearful and guilt-ridden that when he heard of  Jesus' miracles, he thought John had been raised from the dead.  Who are the Herods in my life that threaten and punish me for speaking truth?  May I not let those prisoners keep me from being strong and free in Christ...
            • Passionist:  In the jubilee year, the land was to lie fallow to let it rest, debts were to be forgiven, and care was to be shown for the needy.  The idea of the command not to plant or sow was to be a reminder that the land was God's gift from God, not a personal possession.  Fair dealing with neighbors was an expression of reverence for God.  In the gospel Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, orders John the Baptist's beheading, succumbing to his ego and promise to his stepdaughter despite his fear of John as a prophet.  The readings remind us that caring for the earth, God's gift entrusted to us, and condemning violence are deeply religious issues..
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