These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 19)
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
Sweeter than honey from the comb . . . what a description of the Lord’s commands!
Alleluia
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. (Jn 15:16)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Hopefully, we do bear lasting fruit and don’t end up like the poor fig tree that Jesus cursed.
Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way.
(Mk 10:46-52)
Blind Bartimaeus is a wonderful story of crying out in faith and subsequent healing . . . but the key is that Bartimaeus “followed him on the way.”
Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I drink
or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
They said to him, ‘We can.”
Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink,
and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized;
but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared.”
(Mk 10:32-45)
Presumption is always a temptation—even for the Twelve. Of course, the other Ten were furious with James and John . . . because they hadn’t thought to ask for the seats of honor. Christian ambition is in us all. But when the Lord responds to the two brothers: “You will drink the chalice that I drink, you will be baptized with my baptism” we begin to understand that they are clueless about what they have asked for. I remember when I showed a list of the popes to a non-Catholic lady who was inquiring about the church. The lady asked me, “What’s that capital M after their names?” I answered, “That means the person was martyred.” And you know, that list of the first popes . . . almost all of them have a capital M after their names—that’s what it meant to be the shepherd of the flock . . . as Jesus says, “the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Saint Philip Neri was known for his compassion and ministry to the poor and is called the “apostle of Rome.”
The just one’s offering enriches the altar
and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.
The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing,
nor will it ever be forgotten.
In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD,
be not sparing of freewill gifts.
With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.
For the LORD is one who always repays,
and he will give back to you sevenfold.
(Sirach 35:1-12)
As Saint Paul would say, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7).
