III. IN VARIOUS PUBLIC CIRCUMSTANCES
26. In Thanksgiving to God
943 Reading from the Old Testament
First Option
King Solomon stood and blessed the whole congregation of Israel,
saying in a loud voice:
"Blessed be the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel,
just as he promised.
Not a single word has gone unfulfilled
of the entire generous promise he made through his servant Moses.
May the LORD, our God, be with us as he was with our fathers
and may he not forsake us nor cast us off.
May he draw our hearts to himself,
that we may follow him in everything
and keep the commands, statutes, and ordinances
which he enjoined on our fathers.
May this prayer I have offered to the LORD, our God,
be present to him day and night,
that he may uphold the cause of his servant and of his people Israel
as each day requires,
that all the peoples of the earth may know the LORD is God
and there is no other.
You must be wholly devoted to the LORD, our God,
observing his statutes and keeping his commandments, as on this day."
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Commentary on 1 Kgs 8:55-61
This passage is set within the context of Solomon’s dedication of the temple. We note the change from his previous kneeling attitude in humility, he stands invoking a blessing on the people. The king concludes his prayer with the third and final discourse, a prayer, recalling God's love for his people and the fulfillment of his promises. Speaking to those returning from exile, Solomon commands his people to "...be wholly devoted to the LORD, our God".
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Second Option
Sirach 50:22-24 [1]
And now, bless the God of all,
who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb,
and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
and may peace abide among you;
May his goodness toward us endure in Israel to deliver us in our days.
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Commentary on Sir 50:22-24
This passage follows the eulogy of Simon II, the great high priest. It is part of the conclusion of the book and a summary of the author's intent: blessing God for all his wondrous gifts. “Praise and thanksgiving are given to God for his wondrous works, and a blessing is invoked on man that he may enjoy peace and gladness of heart and the abiding goodness of the Most High.”[2]
CCC: Sir 50:20 433
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Third Option
The favors of the LORD I will recall,
the glorious deeds of the LORD,
Because of all he has done for us;
for he is good to the house of Israel,
He has favored us according to his mercy
and his great kindness.
The LORD said: They are indeed my people,
children who are not disloyal;
So he became their savior
in their every affliction.
It was not a messenger or an angel,
but he himself who saved them.
Because of his love and pity
he himself redeemed them,
Lifting them and carrying them
all the days of old.
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Commentary on Is 63:7-9
This passage begins a "Song of Entreaty," begging God for his mercy. The singer recalls the return to Jerusalem, which lies in ruins. The only hope of the people lies in God's saving hand. "God, however, seemed far away and his great redemptive acts buried in the past. The psalmist here identifies himself with the sinful people and pleads their cause before God."[3] The psalm continues, full of hope that God will lend a redemptive hand as he has always done through history.
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Fourth Option
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you,
he has turned away your enemies;
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
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Commentary on Zep 3:14-15
This exaltation of praise to God enjoins the faithful to give thanks. The specific gifts of God are presented; forgiveness of sins and protection from spiritual death. The passage presumes the presence of the Messiah as it proclaims "The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst." Those who believe and accept these gifts are given God's abiding peace.
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944 Reading from the New Testament
First Option
Brothers and sisters:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God always on your account
for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,
that in him you were enriched in every way,
with all discourse and all knowledge,
as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you,
so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift
as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful,
and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ
our Lord.
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Commentary on 1 Cor 1:3-9
This is the salutation portion of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth. In typical letter format, he gives thanks to God for the gift of faith given to this community and continues his fervent wish that they (and we) be steadfast in the faith: “He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus (Christ).“ The reference to "the day of the our Lord" is a reference to the day of judgment when Christ will return again in glory (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). The Apostle emphasizes a recurring exhortation to Christians to remain faithful because the hour of the Lord's coming is not known.
CCC: 1 Cor 1:1-6 401
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Second Option
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.
In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.
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Commentary on Eph 1:3-14
Following his introductory remarks, St. Paul offers a blessing in thanksgiving for the salvation brought to the faithful through Christ’s forgiveness and redemptive actions. The apostle speaks to the Ephesians about their adoption by God as his sons and daughters. He relates, in typical Pauline fashion, the omnipotence and timelessness of God’s knowledge and actions following his introduction and blessing.
St. Paul quickly gets into doctrinal exhortations (v. 11ff). In this passage, the evangelist announces the adoption of all who believe in him (“we were chosen” a reference to the Jewish people to whom St. Paul also belonged, and “you also, who have heard the truth” meaning the gentiles who came to faith). St. Paul next refers to the indelible change, the transformation brought about in Baptism and Confirmation, as he speaks about being “sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit” (first given in Baptism and sealed in Confirmation, see also Ezekiel 9:4-6, Revelation 7:4). In this adoption, we share the inheritance of God’s children which is redemption.
CCC: Eph 1:3-14 2627, 2641; Eph 1:3-6 381, 1077; Eph 1:3 492, 1671; Eph 1:4-5 52, 257; Eph 1:4 492, 796, 865, 1426, 2807; Eph 1:5-6 294; Eph 1:6 1083; Eph 1:7 517, 2839; Eph 1:9-11 2823; Eph 1:9 257, 1066, 2603, 2807; Eph 1:10 668, 772, 1043, 2748; Eph 1:13-14 706, 1274; Eph 1:13 693, 698, 1296; Eph 1:14 1107
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Third Option
Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one Body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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Commentary on Col 3:12-17
St. Paul exhorts the Colossians with a litany of positive attitudes that culminate in the cardinal axiom of the faith: “love one another.” He goes on to implore them to let the peace of Christ control their every action and to praise God constantly through Jesus, God’s only Son.
This is the introduction to the family hierarchy of the era described by St. Paul. This entire section of the letter is a discourse on harmony within the family of Christ. It is important to note the instruction given in the first part of this reading. Paul describes the Christian rules for relationships; “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.” The consistent focus of the passage brings home the Pauline ideals of harmony and unity within the Christian family.
This is the introduction to the family hierarchy of the era described by St. Paul. This entire section of the letter is a discourse on harmony within the family of Christ. It is important to note the instruction given in the first part of this reading. Paul describes the Christian rules for relationships; “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.” The consistent focus of the passage brings home the Pauline ideals of harmony and unity within the Christian family.
CCC: Col 3:14 815, 1827, 1844; Col 3:16-17 1156, 2633; Col 3:16 2641
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945 Responsorial Psalm
1.
R. (13b) We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
“Blessed may you be, O LORD,
God of Israel our father,
from eternity to eternity.”
R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
“Yours, O LORD, are grandeur and power,
majesty, splendor, and glory.
For all in heaven and on earth is yours.”
R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
“Yours, O LORD, is the sovereignty;
you are exalted as head over all.
Riches and honor are from you.”
R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
“You have dominion over all,
In your hand are power and might;
it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all.”
R. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
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Commentary on 1 Chr 29:10bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd
This great hymn of praise from First Chronicles directs our thoughts toward the power and majesty of God the Father. It rejoices in his omnipotent reign over all the earth. It is called "David's Prayer," and consists of three parts. This selection is the first part which is a solemn praise for God's sovereignty and power.
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2.
R. (2) Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise, you servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
Blessed be the name of the LORD
both now and forever.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the LORD to be praised.
High above all nations is the LORD;
above the heavens is his glory.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high
and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He raises up the lowly from the dust;
from the dunghill he lifts up the poor
To seat them with princes,
with the princes of his own people.
R. Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
A song of praise and thanksgiving, Psalm 113, in this selection, focuses appropriately on servants of the Lord and how these leaders are lifted up from “the lowly”.
CCC: Ps 113:1-2 2143
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3.
R. (2bc) Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness and love.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness and love.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness and love.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
“Great is the glory of the LORD
R. Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness and love.
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Commentary on Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
This song of praise gives thanksgiving for the visible support of God here attributed to angelic action. The hymn attributes this saving help to an all merciful God to whom all glory and honor are due.
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4.
R. (see 1) I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Every day will I bless you,
and 1 will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.
R. I will praise your name for ever. Lord.
They discourse of the power of your terrible deeds
and declare your greatness.
They publish the fame of your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your justice.
R. I will praise your name for ever. Lord.
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
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Commentary on Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11
Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise. These strophes (because it is in the acrostic form – each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet) although loosely assembled, praise God for his mercy and compassion and give thanks for His creation and redemption. The psalmist sings praise to God for all he has given to his people in this world and in his heavenly kingdom as well.
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947 Gospel
1.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asks for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asks for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him."
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Commentary on Mt 7:7-11
In this passage from the Gospel of St. Matthew Jesus explains that, if the faithful pray to the Father, what they ask for will be given (within the context of “good gifts”). This universal truth, he explains is because of God’s infinite love for us. In this case he uses the analogy of a father feeding his child and how even sinful parents give good things to their children.
CCC: Mt 7:7-11 2609
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2.
At that time Jesus responded:
"I give praise to you, Father,
Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
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Commentary on Mt 11:25-30
Jesus has just completed a fairly scathing criticism of the people in the places he has been and performed miracles, yet many have not accepted him as the Messiah. He now concludes this section on a more joyous note as he reflects that, while the scribes and Pharisees (“the wise and learned”) have not understood who he is, those with simple faith have accepted him freely. He then issues an invitation to all who “labor and are burdened” quoting an invitation similar to one in Ben Sirach to learn wisdom and submit to her yoke (Sirach 51:23, 26).
“This Q saying, identical with Luke 10:21-22 except for minor variations, introduces a joyous note into this section, so dominated by the theme of unbelief. While the wise and the learned, the scribes and Pharisees, have rejected Jesus' preaching and the significance of his mighty deeds, the childlike have accepted them. Acceptance depends upon the Father's revelation, but this is granted to those who are open to receive it and refused to the arrogant. Jesus can speak of all mysteries because he is the Son and there is perfect reciprocity of knowledge between him and the Father; what has been handed over to him is revealed only to those whom he wishes.”[4]
The final verses of this section are found only in St. Matthew’s Gospel and promise salvation to those who are downtrodden or in pain. “In extending his extraordinary invitation Jesus is speaking as one possessing the full authority and compassion of God. ‘Come to me, you all you grown weary with labor and heavily burdened!’ The proclamation has all the universality and power that only a divine call to mankind can have, the sort of blessed clamor of God’s compassion within human history that we hear in the prophets.” [7]
CCC: Mt 11:25-27 2603, 2779; Mt 11:25-26 2701; Mt 11:25 153, 544, 2785; Mt 11:27 151, 240, 443, 473; Mt 11:28 1658; Mt 11:29-30 1615; Mt 11:29 459
CCC: Mt 11:25-27 2603, 2779; Mt 11:25-26 2701; Mt 11:25 153, 544, 2785; Mt 11:27 151, 240, 443, 473; Mt 11:28 1658; Mt 11:29-30 1615; Mt 11:29 459
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3.
As Jesus was getting into the boat,
the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him.
But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead,
“Go home to your family and announce to them
all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”
Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis
what Jesus had done for him;
and all were amazed.
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Commentary on Mk 5:18-20
Jesus has finished casting out the multitude of demons and sending them into the heard of swine. The man who had been possessed has been told what befell him and how he came to be saved. Here he approaches Jesus who is now leaving the region. We note the example the Lord provides. He takes no credit for the miraculous exorcism, rather he instructs the one who was saved to go and proclaim what God has done for him in His great mercy.
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4.
Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."
And Mary said:
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever."
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Commentary on Lk 1:39-55
The Gospel selection from St. Luke gives us the story of Mary’s journey from Nazareth, over the mountains to Hebron, south of Jerusalem, to visit her cousin St. Elizabeth who was also with child. St. Elizabeth’s greeting gives us substance for the “Hail Mary” and Mary’s response is the great Canticle of Mary which exemplifies her faith and faithfulness, appropriate for the Mother of Jesus who is the Christ.
Mary’s meeting with Elizabeth follows the annunciation by Gabriel that she would carry the Son of God which proclaims the coming of the Lord and the faith of Mary before the nativity event. We note that Elizabeth is first to identify Jesus as Lord as she says” …how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” She not only professes the identity of the infant but foreshadows Mary’s leadership standing, elevating the stature of her much younger cousin with reverence. Elizabeth continues her praise of Mary by establishing that her (Mary’s) faith had allowed her to accept even the incredible role God had offered her.
In response we hear Mary’s humility as she gives us the Magnificat “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior...” This opening phrase establishes that the Blessed Mother gives herself to God eternally (her eternal self -Soul) and completely (the very core of her being -Spirit). What follows in her great song is an abject expression of faith in the Father’s omnipotence and her own humility and awe in the face of his request of her – to carry God’s only Son.
CCC: Lk 1:41 523, 717, 2676; Lk 1:43 448, 495, 2677; Lk 1:45 148, 2676; Lk 1:46-55 722, 2619, 2675; Lk 1:46-49 2097; Lk 1:48 148, 971, 2676, 2676; Lk 1:49 273, 2599, 2807, 2827; Lk 1:50 2465; Lk 1:54-55 706; Lk 1:55 422
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5.
The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus,
“Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”
Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.
Behold, I have given you the power
‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions
and upon the full force of the enemy
and nothing will harm you.
Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you,
but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Turning to the disciples in private he said,
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
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Commentary on Lk 10:17-24
The return of the seventy (two) gives rise to the prayer of Jesus (expanding Mark 6:30), who turns the victory of the disciples into a means to glorify the Father. The Lord gives thanks that God has seen fit to reveal his identity, and pass on his power to these disciples of his. Jesus tells them of the positive effect of their mission saying: “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky.” This is reminiscent of Isaiah 14:12; the evil one is defeated. The thought is concluded: “…do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” This warning is a caution against becoming fixed on external signs, but exhorts the Christian to look to the positive effect on the spirit (cf 1 Corinthians 12). The Gospel follows this with Jesus’ hymn of praise, also found in Matthew 11:25-27, and concludes the passage by telling the disciples that they are given a privilege beyond prophets and kings (see also Matthew 13:16-17). They are seeing God’s plan fulfilled in Jesus.
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6.
As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying,
“Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
And when he saw them, he said,
“Go show yourselves to the priests.”
As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply,
“Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
Then he said to him, “Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you.”
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Commentary on Lk 17:11-19
The story of the Samaritan Leper, found only in St. Luke’s Gospel, reiterates Jesus’ ability to remove sins. Here the Lord cures 10 Lepers, outcasts who are viewed by the community as being under God’s punishment. The Gospel is an indictment of the Hebrews who did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus’ comment: “Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” is a clear indication that this lack of faith will have consequences. This is especially true when he follows this statement with, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” This would seem to imply that those who refuse to accept Jesus’ status as the Christ would not receive God's salvation.
“This incident recounting the thankfulness of the cleansed Samaritan leper is narrated only in Luke's gospel and provides an instance of Jesus holding up a non-Jew as an example to his Jewish contemporaries (cf Luke 10:33 where a similar purpose is achieved in the story of the good Samaritan). Moreover, it is the faith in Jesus manifested by the foreigner that has brought him salvation (Luke 17:19; cf the similar relationship between faith and salvation in Luke 7:50; 8:48, 50).”[5]
CCC: Lk 17:14 586; Lk 17:19-31 2463
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7.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father's commandments
and remain in his love.
"I have told you this so that my joy might be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one's life for one's friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another."
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Commentary on Jn 15:9-17
The discourse on the union of Jesus with his disciples continues. His words become a monologue and go beyond the immediate crisis of Christ’s departure. In this passage Jesus focuses on the chain of love from the Father, through the Son, to his adopted sons and daughters.
St. John also distinguishes the disciples' new relationship with God saying, “I no longer call you slaves…I have called you friends.” Jesus designates the disciples “friends of God.” This designation is supported and defined in other places in Sacred Scripture. It separates them from Moses, Joshua, and David who carried the designation “Servants of the Lord” (see Deuteronomy 34:5, Joshua 24:29, and Psalm 89:21). Calling them “friends” of God establishes the same relationship as that enjoyed by Abraham (see James 2:23 “Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called "the friend of God."[6] The clear reference being that they like Abraham would be patriarchs of the New Covenant.
CCC: Jn 15:9-10 1824; Jn 15:9 1823; Jn 15:12 459, 1823, 1970, 2074; Jn 15:13 363, 609, 614; Jn 15:15 1972, 2347; Jn 15:16-17 2745; Jn 15:16 434, 737, 2615, 2815
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8.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn,
while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish
because her hour has arrived;
but when she has given birth to a child,
she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy
that a child has been born into the world.
So you also are now in anguish.
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you."
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Commentary on Jn 16:20-22
In this passage we see an analogy used by Jesus comparing his death and resurrection to the initiation of new life through the human birth process. He uses this comparison to contrast the pain of child birth with the anguish of grief the disciples will suffer when he leaves them to return to the Father. He concludes by comforting them saying "But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you."
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[2] See NAB footnote on Sirach 50:22
[3] See Jerome Biblical Commentary, Prentice Hall, Inc., © 1968, 22:70, p. 386
[4] See NAB footnote on Matthew 11:25ff
[5] See NAB footnote for Luke 17: 11-19
[6] St. James synthesizes Isaiah 41:8 and 2 Chronicles 20:7 in which Abraham is called God’s friend.
[7] Fire of Mercy Heart of the Word Volume I, Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA, © 1996 p. 710
1 comment:
Do you have the Alleluia verses for this Mass formulary?
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