Archive for the ‘Meditations’ Category

Acting in Faith – a Lenten Practice

Sunday, February 19th, 2012

Today’s Gospel reading from Mark 2:1-12 is the breakthrough story of the paralytic, whose friends, seeing that the immense popularity of Jesus prevents access to Him, open up the roof of the house where Jesus is staying and lower the child to Him. Upon seeing this extraordinary act Jesus is moved to heal the paralytic. This true story teaches me that faith alone is not enough to produce the fruit of a perfected soul; it takes action, which is works.

If the body is like the soul, then being paralyzed and being healed are respectively like injury and health to the soul. Our sins paralyze us to the point that all we can do is see our sins, lament them and dwell on them even after we are forgiven through the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.

In the first reading for today from Isaiah 43:18-25 God tells us that he has forgiven our sins and remembers them no more. At first reading this is a conundrum because, if he truly doesn’t remember or sins, if they are blotted out with absolutely no trace, then how is it that God knows of them to be able to say that they are wiped out? In short, why does he bring it up at all? At second consideration and closer inspection, we see that it is the Israelites who burden God with their sins. It is the people who are bringing up the issue, in essence saying no to the grace of God. God is just responding to their laments and even their chronic failures. Their sins were indeed forgiven but their actions showed no conviction.

The second reading (2 Corinthians 1:18-22) is a departure from the constant worrying over sins toward inconsistency in faith. In the next reading, Saint Paul is defending his honor, not for his own sake but for the Corinthians’ sake, saying that his word declaring Jesus to be the Son of God and the messiah is not wavering because he (Paul) cannot be with them. Paul reminds those at Corinth that in baptism they have received something greater then him self; namely they have received the very Spirit of God. Like God the father in the first reading, Paul reassures the Corinthians that even though he cannot be with them as originally intended it does not mean that he has said no one minute and yes the next. It does not mean that they should have reason to doubt the message of faith in Christ, since the Holy Spirit, who is the first deposit of faith, dwells in them. The Corinthians are like the Israelites in having doubt and accusing Paul of causing it by not returning to them as he had initially planned.

The third reading is perfected faith; it is faith in action. The four men who carry the paralytic are so convinced that Jesus will heal their friend/relative that they remove every obstacle to get to Jesus. Often times our sins paralyze us from accepting grace. We think so low of ourselves because of what we have done that we imagine ourselves unredeemable and unworthy. This is wrong thinking primarily because, like accusing Paul of inconsistency, it fails to recognize the perfect and unwavering mercy of Jesus Christ. Yet, once we have immobilized our faith, we have no one to help us reach Christ except those connected visibly in the Church on earth and invisibly by communion with those in Purgatory and the saints and angels in Heaven. So if we are reconciled to Christ – the head – and to the Church, which is the body, then we have the austere responsibility to assist those who by their actions have become paralyzed.

How then can we, like the four men in the Gospel reading, lower others through the roof to Christ? I think it takes the three Lenten practices: Prayer, fasting and alms giving (sacrifice). Prayer first, because it prepares us for right action, it puts others before ourselves, and it brings us closer to God who is the source of all goodness. Fasting because in it we learn to deem all things superfluous; man does not live by bread alone but by every word of God. Alms, which I do not limit to giving money but other commodities like time and effort, skills and labor without pay, and giving up pleasures and conveniences, because in making such sacrifices, in giving of ourselves we show faith and it is those acts of faith that move Christ to heal.

Mark 2:1-12
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.
2And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word.
3And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.
4And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.
5And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.
6And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:
7Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
8Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?
9Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk?
10But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house.
12And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.
Isaiah 43:18-25
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
18Remember not former things, and look not on things of old.
19Behold I do new things, and now they shall spring forth, verily you shall know them: I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20The beast of the field shall glorify me, the dragons and the ostriches: because I have given waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, to my chosen.
21This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise.
22But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, neither hast thou laboured about me, O Israel.
23Thou hast not offered me the ram of thy holocaust, nor hast thou glorified me with thy victims: I have not caused thee to serve with oblations, nor wearied thee with incense.
24Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy victims. But thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniquities.
25I am, I am he that blot out thy iniquities for my own sake, and I will not remember thy sins.
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18But God is faithful, for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us, by me, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, was not, It is and It is not, but, It is, was in him.
20For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory.
21Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God:
22Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

Posted in Catholic, Daily Catholic Mass Readings - Douay Rheims, Meditations | 1 Comment »

When the Water Turned to Wine

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Jesus turns the water to wineJohn 2:1-11 When did it happen; at what point did the water turn to wine? There are no active words from Jesus calling the water wine. The waiters followed his instructions, filling the jars to the brim. They would have seen, and smelled the effervescence of wine had the change taken place immediately. Jesus then says “draw some out and take it to the headwaiter.” Some what; some water or some wine? I imagine it was still water and that the waiters were demonstrating faith taking a sample of it to the headwaiter. The actual instant of the miracle seems to be elusive. In the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus’ words are direct, “this is my body,” and again, “this is my blood.” Yet the change is not visible in the Eucharist; Christ’s Body and Blood are present under the appearances of bread and wine. But here at the miracle at the Cana wedding, Jesus is indirect, and the change in substance is visible. If Christ can bring about a visible change of substance without a direct command, as in the miracle of turning water into wine, how much more could He bring about the invisible change of substance when His words are direct, as in the Institution of the Eucharist? The disciples, indeed even priests today, are like the waiters following Jesus’ instructions as the Holy Spirit changes the substance of bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Christ. For the waiters to trust the instructions from Jesus, it took faith: for us to trust the teaching of the Church, it takes faith.

Mark 2:1-12
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.
2And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word.
3And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.
4And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.
5And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.
6And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:
7Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
8Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?
9Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk?
10But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house.
12And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.
Isaiah 43:18-25
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
18Remember not former things, and look not on things of old.
19Behold I do new things, and now they shall spring forth, verily you shall know them: I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20The beast of the field shall glorify me, the dragons and the ostriches: because I have given waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, to my chosen.
21This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise.
22But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, neither hast thou laboured about me, O Israel.
23Thou hast not offered me the ram of thy holocaust, nor hast thou glorified me with thy victims: I have not caused thee to serve with oblations, nor wearied thee with incense.
24Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy victims. But thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniquities.
25I am, I am he that blot out thy iniquities for my own sake, and I will not remember thy sins.
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18But God is faithful, for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us, by me, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, was not, It is and It is not, but, It is, was in him.
20For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory.
21Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God:
22Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

Posted in Catholic, Meditations | No Comments »

Reading Jesus between the Lines

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

The Marriage at Cana by David Gerard

John 2:1-11 – The wedding feast at Cana – presents us with the only recounting of Jesus’ first public miracle, which leaves the reader to ponder apparent gaps that might otherwise have been filled in by harmonizing with Mathew, Mark and Luke. The first two lines establish the setting; it’s the third day of the week, Mary along with Jesus and the disciples are present. The next five lines set up the conditions for the miracle; the wine runs short, Mary mentions this to Jesus, Jesus responds, Mary prepares the waiters for Jesus’ instructions, Jesus gives instructions regarding the jars used in ceremonial washing. These five lines, though they are few, are plump with sub context and meaning because, within these five lines are two unexplained turning points. The first turning point is when Mary’s voice changes from the passive, “They have no wine” to the active, “Do whatever He tells you.” The second turning point is when Jesus’ actions change from the potential, “my hour has not yet come” to the active, “fill the jars with water.” It would seem that in order for Mary to know what Jesus is about to do she would have to read signs of Jesus’ consent. For us it’s subtext; it’s between the lines. What transpired between Jesus and Mary that gave Mary the confidence to prepare the waiters for instructions from Jesus: what transpired between Mary and Jesus that encouraged Jesus to outwardly perform this miracle? To fill in the gaps we can look at the Old Testament, Jewish tradition and surrounding New Testament chapters… and a little imagination.

“Do whatever He tells you,” these are Mary’s last words recorded in the Bible. Mary doesn’t say anything else; maybe she just looks at Jesus. She knows He’s right that it’s none of their concern if the wine runs out. Still, it matters to Mary. This is important because, in a sense Mary is fulfilling what many Old Testament figures failed to do; she’s interceding for others. Certainly this doesn’t rule out the great bastions of faith like Abraham who interceded for Lot but even a true remnant such as Noah failed to ask pardon for the people God was about to destroy. The problem goes back to Adam who, in full knowledge that his wife Eve had disobeyed God, failed to seek God and ask pardon for her but instead chose to share in disobedience. Shortly after this God punished the couple saying that the man should bring forth the produce of the land by the sweat of his brow and the woman should bring forth her children in pain. Both of these pronouncements are a “bringing forth”; the man with the land and the woman with her children. Both of these pronouncements have something to do with the ministry of Christ which is beginning at Cana.

First, the woman’s pain is not exclusively a physical pain but a deeply spiritual and emotional pain that all mothers experience as their children grow. It is a kind of satisfying yearning for their development into adulthood and perfection. It is this kind of soul wrenching pain, that in its ultimate form, Mary endures while witnessing her son’s passion, and in a more moderate tone, seems to motivate Mary at the wedding at Cana. She is concerned as any good mother would be. She is also, in a way, “bringing forth” her son into public ministry by encouraging Him to inaugurate it with this first public miracle.

Second, the work of the hands of man in bringing forth produce is symbolically present in the wine at the wedding feast at Cana. It is part of our Eucharistic liturgy, stemming from tradition, to thank God both for the wine we have to drink as a gift from Him and for having it as a product of the work of human hands. From there, the priest asks for the intercession of the Holy Spirit to cause bread and wine to become the Body and Blood of Christ for us. God takes the work of man, which the Church ‘brings forth’ as an offering, and completes it by His spirit. God doesn’t reject our work but rather he accepts it and elevates it beyond anything we could possibly have done on our own. The wine, by itself, is insufficient just as the work of man, by itself, is insufficient. Just as the first wine is good wine and the second wine is better wine, so too is the work of man good and the work of God best. It is because of the sacrifice of Christ that these gifts are ‘brought forth’ as wholly perfect gifts to God the Father.

Mary seems to know that Jesus will do something about the shortage of wine. So enveloped in God’s plan is Mary that she may understand the significance of this event deeper than we might ever come to know. Her words precede those of the Father at the transfiguration and yet they have the same meaning. Veiled by clouds at the Transfiguration God said, “This is my Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him,” (Matthew 17:5 Mark 9:6 Luke 9:35 – also compare with the baptism of Jesus [ Mark 1:11 Matthew 3:17 Luke 3:22 ]). Mary is saying much the same thing with her words, “Do whatever He tells you.” But at Cana, instead of a transfiguration we see a transformation, which is something Jesus refused to do when Satan tempted Him in the desert. Stones, Jesus would not turn to bread for His own comfort and nourishment, but water He would turn into wine for the sake of others. Jesus rebuked Satan but heeded Mary because His mother’s plan is in line with His Father’s plan.

The Father’s plan was to reveal Jesus as the Christ so that people might believe in Him and be reconciled and have eternal life. He sent John baptizing to prepare people to receive this good news and John testified that Jesus is “the Lamb of God,” (John 1:29-31 John 3:29-31) . From baptismal waters, waters of cleansing like the ceremonial water in the jars at the wedding at Cana, Jesus brings forth wine, wine of thanksgiving like the wine at the last supper. Turning water into wine manifests the power and glory of Christ, foreshadows a covenant that transforms the old into the new, and fortifies the faith of the disciples.

The jars used for ceremonial washing are an integral part of this miracle. Guests would have used the water already to cleanse themselves before eating. Filling them again would seem strange or anticipate another round of cleansing. By using these jars Jesus is saying that the laws of ritual cleanliness are about to come alive through Him. Cleanliness will no longer be just about physical purity, but more so, it will be about spiritual purity. In the proceeding chapter of John, Jesus explains this rebirth in the spirit to Nicodemus (John 3:1-7). So the context of the miracle at the wedding feast is rebirth in the spirit, and whether Mary knew it or not, her intersession fit with all that God wanted to do.

So how does all this transpire in just a few lines of John? It has to do with the two hearts of Mary and Jesus being so connected. Imagine this. Concerned for the bride and groom Mary mentions to Jesus that, “they have no wine.” Perhaps somewhat distracted from another conversation, Jesus replies, “What is this between you and me?” Then they catch each other’s eyes, she finding hope in Him and He reaching deep into her heart. Mary seems to say, ‘it should not matter to anyone but it does to me. I can do nothing but you can do everything.’ Jesus seems to reply, ‘Now here is a heart after my own heart, one who hopes in God; True faith.’ He cannot turn her down, but seeing that it fits with the Father’s plan, Jesus nods his head. That is all that Mary needs and she sets about the work of instilling confidence in the waiters who will, like altar boys, follow along and serve. How close to the heart of God Mary must be! And she wants us to be close to Him too. That’s why she points the way to Christ, asking us to be like the waiters and to do as He says. In following Jesus this way we open ourselves to miracles and transformation.

Mark 2:1-12
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.
2And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word.
3And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.
4And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.
5And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.
6And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:
7Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
8Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?
9Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk?
10But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house.
12And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.
Isaiah 43:18-25
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
18Remember not former things, and look not on things of old.
19Behold I do new things, and now they shall spring forth, verily you shall know them: I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20The beast of the field shall glorify me, the dragons and the ostriches: because I have given waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, to my chosen.
21This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise.
22But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, neither hast thou laboured about me, O Israel.
23Thou hast not offered me the ram of thy holocaust, nor hast thou glorified me with thy victims: I have not caused thee to serve with oblations, nor wearied thee with incense.
24Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy victims. But thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniquities.
25I am, I am he that blot out thy iniquities for my own sake, and I will not remember thy sins.
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18But God is faithful, for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us, by me, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, was not, It is and It is not, but, It is, was in him.
20For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory.
21Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God:
22Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Matthew 17:5
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
Mark 9:6
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
6And there was a cloud overshadowing them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my most beloved son; hear ye him.
Luke 9:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son; hear him.
Mark 1:11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
11And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:17
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
17And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Luke 3:22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
John 1:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.
30This is he, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me.
31And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
John 3:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth with joy because of the bridegroom's voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
31He that cometh from above, is above all. He that is of the earth, of the earth he is, and of the earth he speaketh. He that cometh from heaven, is above all.
John 3:1-7
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2This man came to Jesus by night, and said to him: Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which thou dost, unless God be with him.
3Jesus answered, and said to him: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith to him: How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born again?
5Jesus answered: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit.
7Wonder not, that I said to thee, you must be born again.

Posted in apologetics, Catholic, Meditations | 2 Comments »

Jumping for Joy

Monday, November 23rd, 2009
The Visitation by Domenico Ghirlandaio 1486-1490

The Visitation by Domenico Ghirlandaio 1486-1490

This reflection is based on Luke 1:39-45 and the Joyful Mysteries: The Visitation.

At the sound of Mary’s greeting the pre-born child John leaped in his mother Elizabeth’s womb. I often wonder about Mary’s greeting, what she said, how far off she was etc.

I imagine the words of Mary’s greeting to be the common Hebrew greeting, “Shalom!” Shalom as you probably know is the Hebrew word for peace but it also means completeness, which implies wellness or wholeness. This greeting coming from our mother who alone received the fullness of grace is a great blessing indeed. Jesus greeted the disciples this way so it is fitting that Mary should greet us this way also. In her many apparitions Mary repeats the phrase, “Peace, peace, peace.” So when I pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and I get to the Visitation, I now imagine Mary entering the room (her relative’s room and also my own room) and greeting everyone with, “Peace!” and blessing us from the fullness of grace that she received.

Notes:
In paintings Mary is often (but not always) pictured greeting Elizabeth outside the home yet in scripture it is written that she entered before she spoke her greeting. This may be a cultural custom or it may be that the outside grounds are considered part of the home. This also shows me how today Mary enters the homes of those who welcome her in prayer.

Various paintings of the visitation showing the greeting outside:

Visitation by Fra Angelico 1433-34

Visitation by Fra Angelico 1433-34


The Visitation by John of Stagnos, 1637

The Visitation by John of Stagnos, 1637


Visitation of Mary by Rogier van der Weyden 1440-1445

Visitation of Mary by Rogier van der Weyden 1440-1445


Visitation

Visitation

O blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Mark 2:1-12
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.
2And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word.
3And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.
4And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.
5And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.
6And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:
7Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
8Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?
9Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk?
10But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house.
12And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.
Isaiah 43:18-25
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
18Remember not former things, and look not on things of old.
19Behold I do new things, and now they shall spring forth, verily you shall know them: I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20The beast of the field shall glorify me, the dragons and the ostriches: because I have given waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, to my chosen.
21This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise.
22But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, neither hast thou laboured about me, O Israel.
23Thou hast not offered me the ram of thy holocaust, nor hast thou glorified me with thy victims: I have not caused thee to serve with oblations, nor wearied thee with incense.
24Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy victims. But thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniquities.
25I am, I am he that blot out thy iniquities for my own sake, and I will not remember thy sins.
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18But God is faithful, for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us, by me, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, was not, It is and It is not, but, It is, was in him.
20For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory.
21Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God:
22Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Matthew 17:5
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
Mark 9:6
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
6And there was a cloud overshadowing them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my most beloved son; hear ye him.
Luke 9:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son; hear him.
Mark 1:11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
11And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:17
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
17And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Luke 3:22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
John 1:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.
30This is he, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me.
31And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
John 3:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth with joy because of the bridegroom's voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
31He that cometh from above, is above all. He that is of the earth, of the earth he is, and of the earth he speaketh. He that cometh from heaven, is above all.
John 3:1-7
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2This man came to Jesus by night, and said to him: Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which thou dost, unless God be with him.
3Jesus answered, and said to him: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith to him: How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born again?
5Jesus answered: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit.
7Wonder not, that I said to thee, you must be born again.
Luke 1:39-45
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
39And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda.
40And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth.
41And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
45And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.

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A Constant Miracle

Sunday, November 15th, 2009
The Widow's Two Mites: Gustave Dore Aprx. 1866-70

The Widow's Two Mites: Gustave Dore Aprx. 1866-70

This reflection was inspired by the Sunday Mass readings on Sunday November 8th 2009

1 Kings 17:10-16

Mark 12:41-44

When we read of Jesus’ miracles we usually expect something to change. A leper is made clean, a deformed arm grows, a fever breaks, and the possessed regain sanity and society. We seldom think about miracles where appearances remain constant such as the sun standing still for Joshua and the Israelites (Joshua 10:12-14) or a bush burning but is not consumed by the fire (Exodus 3:1-3). Such miracles Jesus is able to do with only two mites. He can sustain them for a miraculously long time because in heavenly terms a gift of total commitment is richness indeed. Both widows in both readings contribute their whole livelihood as Christ gives up his entire self. Such is the gift of the Eucharist. It’s a gift of Jesus’ total commitment as he is fully there, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. And it is a gift we receive with the total commitment of faith.

To those poor souls without the gift of faith the Eucharist appears ordinary, yet if the Church has taught you that Christ is present, veiled beneath the appearance of bread and of wine then you know that it is wondrous and extraordinary. Truly the Eucharist is supernatural though it is not considered a miracle because the senses can not grasp it and because it exists as part of God’s ordinary providence[1] ; it is supernatural to we who cannot sense it but natural to God who causes it. Even so, without being a miracle in itself, the Eucharist may be said to sustain miracles. Just as daily the measure of flour did not change for the widow, her son and Elijah, so too the appearances (or accidents) of the Eucharist do not change even though the substance does. This, because of the sustaining presence of Christ, is a miraculous. Think about it, when water turns to steam we see the change in its form because its substance remains. With the bread and wine that becomes the Eucharist we see no change in form despite the fact that their substance ceases to exist. So the fact that the appearances remain is a seamless change, a miracle of constancy, so to speak. Saint Thomas Aquinas concurs that it may be said that from the Eucharistic Body proceeds a miraculous sustaining power, which supports the appearances bereft of their natural substances and preserves them from collapse[2] .

Another way that the Eucharist is constant is in its potency no matter how small the piece it is broken into. Like the widows two mites which were tiny but potent, the tiniest piece of he Eucharist is 100% potent… it is 100% Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus.

The Eucharist is also constant in the respect that it is perpetual sacrifice and is always, somewhere in the world being offered.

It is constant in the respect that the Mass is the same no mater where in the world that you go (despite the sometimes less than subtle liberties often taken). The words of consecration, though they may be translated into vernacular are the same everywhere and throughout history since the Senegal.


Sources:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10338a.htm
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05573a.htm#section3

Mark 2:1-12
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.
2And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word.
3And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.
4And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.
5And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.
6And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:
7Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
8Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?
9Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk?
10But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house.
12And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.
Isaiah 43:18-25
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
18Remember not former things, and look not on things of old.
19Behold I do new things, and now they shall spring forth, verily you shall know them: I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20The beast of the field shall glorify me, the dragons and the ostriches: because I have given waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, to my chosen.
21This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise.
22But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, neither hast thou laboured about me, O Israel.
23Thou hast not offered me the ram of thy holocaust, nor hast thou glorified me with thy victims: I have not caused thee to serve with oblations, nor wearied thee with incense.
24Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy victims. But thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniquities.
25I am, I am he that blot out thy iniquities for my own sake, and I will not remember thy sins.
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18But God is faithful, for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us, by me, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, was not, It is and It is not, but, It is, was in him.
20For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory.
21Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God:
22Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Matthew 17:5
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
Mark 9:6
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
6And there was a cloud overshadowing them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my most beloved son; hear ye him.
Luke 9:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son; hear him.
Mark 1:11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
11And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:17
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
17And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Luke 3:22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
John 1:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.
30This is he, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me.
31And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
John 3:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth with joy because of the bridegroom's voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
31He that cometh from above, is above all. He that is of the earth, of the earth he is, and of the earth he speaketh. He that cometh from heaven, is above all.
John 3:1-7
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2This man came to Jesus by night, and said to him: Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which thou dost, unless God be with him.
3Jesus answered, and said to him: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith to him: How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born again?
5Jesus answered: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit.
7Wonder not, that I said to thee, you must be born again.
Luke 1:39-45
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
39And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda.
40And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth.
41And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
45And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.
1 Kings 17:10-16
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
10He arose, and went to Sarephta. And when he was come to the gate of the city, he saw the widow woman gathering sticks, and he called her, and said to her: Give me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
11And when she was going to fetch it he called after her, saying: Bring me also, I beseech thee, a morsel of bread in thy hand.
12And she answered: As the Lord thy God liveth, I have no bread, but only a handful of meal in a pot, and a little oil in a cruse: behold I am gathering two sticks that I may go in and dress it, for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
13And Elias said to her: Fear not, but go, and do as thou hast said: but first make for me of the same meal a little hearth cake, and bring it to me: and after make for thyself and thy son.
14For thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: The pot of meal shall not waste, nor the cruse of oil be diminished, until the day wherein the Lord will give rain upon the face of the earth.
15She went and did according to the word of Elias: and he ate, and she, and her house: and from that day
16The pot of meal wasted not, and the cruse of oil was not diminished, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke in the hand of Elias.
Mark 12:41-44
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
41And Jesus sitting over against the treasury, beheld how the people cast money into the treasury, and many that were rich cast in much.
42And there came a certain poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.
43And calling his disciples together, he saith to them: Amen I say to you, this poor widow hath cast in more than all they who have cast into the treasury.
44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want cast in all she had, even her whole living.
Joshua 10:12-14
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
12Then Josue spoke to the Lord, in the day that he delivered the Amorrhite in the sight of the children of Israel, and he said before them: Move not, O sun, toward Gabaon, nor thou, O moon, toward the valley of Ajalon.
13And the sun and the moon stood still, till the people revenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of the just? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down the space of one day.
14There was not before nor after so long a day, the Lord obeying the voice of a man, and fighting for Israel.
Exodus 3:1-3
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
1Now Moses fed the sheep of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Madian: and he drove the flock to the inner parts of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, Horeb.
2And the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he saw that the bush was on fire and was not burnt.
3And Moses said: I will go and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
  1. The extraordinary element in the miracle — i.e. an event apart from the ordinary course of things; enables us to understand the teaching of theologians that events which ordinarily take place in the natural or supernatural course of Divine Providence are not miracles, although they are beyond the efficiency of natural forces. Thus, e.g., the creation of the soul is not a miracle, for it takes place in the ordinary course of nature. Again, the justification of the sinner, the Eucharistic Presence, the sacramental effects, are not miracles for two reasons: they are beyond the grasp of the senses and they have place in the ordinary course of God’s supernatural Providence. [↩]
  2. Accordingly, the continuance of the appearances without the substance of bread and wine as their connatural substratum is just the reverse of Transubstantiation. If it be further asked, whether these appearances have any subject at all in which they inhere, we must answer with St. Thomas Aquinas [III:77:1], that the idea is to be rejected as unbecoming, as though the Body of Christ, in addition to its own accidents, should also assume those of bread and wine. The most that may be said is, that from the Eucharistic Body proceeds a miraculous sustaining power, which supports the appearances bereft of their natural substances and preserves them from collapse. The position of the Church in this regard may be readily determined from the Council of Constance [1414-1418]. In its eighth session, approved in 1418 by Martin V, this synod condemned the following articles of Wyclif [↩]

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Transfiguration Cloud

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

This is the fruit of an Ignatian exercise on Friday 11-14-2008, contemplating Christ at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8). I humbly offer this as pure speculation. I have no idea how it stands theologically.

The Transfiguration (top portion), Raffaello Sanzio 1516- 1520

The Transfiguration (top portion), Raffaello Sanzio 1516- 1520

What struck me about this passage, which I had never noticed before was that “a bright cloud cast a shadow over them.” I wondered if the cloud is bright then how is it that it can cast a shadow… [If the light is coming from the cloud wouldn’t it shine light]? Bright things usually illuminate other things. Then it occurred to me that the cloud is bright because there is a greater light behind it. If the cloud is blocking the light, as earthly clouds block the sun, then this cloud will cast a shadow. This made me see that the Father is covered with this cloud and the Father’s light shines through it and around it, such that the full greatness of Him is kept from our vision (cf Exodus 24:16-18). Later as I read that the cloud is the Holy Spirit (CCC 555), it occurred to me that this overshadowing is like that which God’s messenger Gabriel said would overshadow Mary so that she would conceive Jesus and He would be called holy and the Son of God(Luke 1:35). So here the cloud overshadows the Apostles, Moses and Elijah at the inception of the Church. Is it right to say that God conceived the Church in them? Certainly the Church is not the invention of man but men have cooperated with the Holy Spirit just as Mary cooperated with the Holy Spirit. The National Catholic Register wrote in their Guide to the Rosary that Peter, James and John, whom Jesus chose to witness the transfiguration, were thus rewarded for three acts of piety:
1. Saying yes to Christ’s invitation
2. Praying
3. Staying close to Jesus
This is what we honor Mary for doing at the Annunciation when she heard the good news that she would bare Christ. Mary was likewise rewarded for:
1. Saying yes to be God’s handmaid (Luke 1:38)
2. Praying and keeping these things in her heart (Luke 2:19)
3. Staying close to Jesus
So I think that this idea has merit… that the Apostles bore and raised the Church as Mary bore and raised Jesus. That brings up the question, when was the Church conceived rather than born or instituted (Jesus instituted the Church at His Ascension Matthew 28:18-20)? It may be that the Church was announced at the Transfiguration, conceived at the Last Supper, labored for at the Crucifixion and born at the Resurrection. Indeed, as scripture says, this child was born quickly…

Isaiah 66:7-8
7Before she was in labour, she brought forth; before her time came to be delivered, she brought forth a man child.
8Who hath ever heard such a thing? and who hath seen the like to this? shall the earth bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be brought forth at once, because Sion hath been in labour, and hath brought forth her children?

Resource:
National Catholic Register – Guide to the Rosary, Copyright 2003 Circle Media Inc., pg 25

Mark 2:1-12
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.
2And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word.
3And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.
4And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.
5And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.
6And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:
7Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
8Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?
9Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk?
10But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house.
12And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.
Isaiah 43:18-25
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
18Remember not former things, and look not on things of old.
19Behold I do new things, and now they shall spring forth, verily you shall know them: I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20The beast of the field shall glorify me, the dragons and the ostriches: because I have given waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, to my chosen.
21This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise.
22But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, neither hast thou laboured about me, O Israel.
23Thou hast not offered me the ram of thy holocaust, nor hast thou glorified me with thy victims: I have not caused thee to serve with oblations, nor wearied thee with incense.
24Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy victims. But thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniquities.
25I am, I am he that blot out thy iniquities for my own sake, and I will not remember thy sins.
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18But God is faithful, for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us, by me, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, was not, It is and It is not, but, It is, was in him.
20For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory.
21Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God:
22Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Matthew 17:5
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
Mark 9:6
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
6And there was a cloud overshadowing them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my most beloved son; hear ye him.
Luke 9:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son; hear him.
Mark 1:11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
11And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:17
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
17And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Luke 3:22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
John 1:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.
30This is he, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me.
31And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
John 3:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth with joy because of the bridegroom's voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
31He that cometh from above, is above all. He that is of the earth, of the earth he is, and of the earth he speaketh. He that cometh from heaven, is above all.
John 3:1-7
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2This man came to Jesus by night, and said to him: Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which thou dost, unless God be with him.
3Jesus answered, and said to him: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith to him: How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born again?
5Jesus answered: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit.
7Wonder not, that I said to thee, you must be born again.
Luke 1:39-45
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
39And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda.
40And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth.
41And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
45And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.
1 Kings 17:10-16
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
10He arose, and went to Sarephta. And when he was come to the gate of the city, he saw the widow woman gathering sticks, and he called her, and said to her: Give me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
11And when she was going to fetch it he called after her, saying: Bring me also, I beseech thee, a morsel of bread in thy hand.
12And she answered: As the Lord thy God liveth, I have no bread, but only a handful of meal in a pot, and a little oil in a cruse: behold I am gathering two sticks that I may go in and dress it, for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
13And Elias said to her: Fear not, but go, and do as thou hast said: but first make for me of the same meal a little hearth cake, and bring it to me: and after make for thyself and thy son.
14For thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: The pot of meal shall not waste, nor the cruse of oil be diminished, until the day wherein the Lord will give rain upon the face of the earth.
15She went and did according to the word of Elias: and he ate, and she, and her house: and from that day
16The pot of meal wasted not, and the cruse of oil was not diminished, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke in the hand of Elias.
Mark 12:41-44
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
41And Jesus sitting over against the treasury, beheld how the people cast money into the treasury, and many that were rich cast in much.
42And there came a certain poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.
43And calling his disciples together, he saith to them: Amen I say to you, this poor widow hath cast in more than all they who have cast into the treasury.
44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want cast in all she had, even her whole living.
Joshua 10:12-14
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
12Then Josue spoke to the Lord, in the day that he delivered the Amorrhite in the sight of the children of Israel, and he said before them: Move not, O sun, toward Gabaon, nor thou, O moon, toward the valley of Ajalon.
13And the sun and the moon stood still, till the people revenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of the just? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down the space of one day.
14There was not before nor after so long a day, the Lord obeying the voice of a man, and fighting for Israel.
Exodus 3:1-3
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
1Now Moses fed the sheep of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Madian: and he drove the flock to the inner parts of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, Horeb.
2And the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he saw that the bush was on fire and was not burnt.
3And Moses said: I will go and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
Matthew 17:1-8
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:
2And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow.
3And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
6And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face, and were very much afraid.
7And Jesus came and touched them: and said to them, Arise, and fear not.
8And they lifting up their eyes saw no one but only Jesus.
Exodus 24:16-18
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
16And the glory of the Lord dwelt upon Sinai, covering it with a cloud six days: and the seventh day he called him out of the midst of the cloud.
17And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like a burning fire upon the top of the mount, in the eyes of the children of Israel.
18And Moses, entering into the midst of the cloud, went up into the mountain: and he was there forty days, and forty nights.
Luke 1:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:38
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
38And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 2:19
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
19But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.
Matthew 28:18-20
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.
19Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
CCC 555
¶555 For a moment Jesus discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter's confession. He also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to "enter into his glory". Moses and Elijah had seen God's glory on the Mountain; the Law and the Prophets had announced the Messiah's sufferings. Christ's Passion is the will of the Father: the Son acts as God's servant; the cloud indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit. "The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud."

You were transfigured on the mountain, and your disciples, as much as they were capable of it, beheld your glory, O Christ our God, so that when they should see you crucified they would understand that your Passion was voluntary, and proclaim to the world that you truly are the splendor of the Father.

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From Cana to Senegal & from Baptism to Eucharist

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

RE: John 2:1-11

1596-97 Vrouwekathedraal, Antwerp

1596-97 Vrouwekathedraal, Antwerp

Wine is representative of the work of human hands because the grapes must be cultivated, harvested, crushed and contained.  So when the wine runs out it is representative of the insufficiency of man’s work to provide the elements that facilitate joy and celebration.  Since the wedding is a union of man and woman, who are in the likeness of God, it represents the coming together of Heaven and Earth.  The question then arises, how will the celebration go on when the wine runs out, or how will the union of man and God be celebrated if man’s work is insufficient?  Christ Himself must make up for our insufficiencies.  Since no man’s work is sufficient on its own merit to bring him to God, God must make up the difference.  How does Jesus bridge the gap?  Jesus first instructs the workers to fill jars with water.  And here is where every Christian journey begins, with instruction and the purifying waters of baptism. Take notice in John 2:6 that the stone water jars that are used for this miracle are intended to be used for purifying (ceremonial washing: NAB).  The baptismal waters are just a beginning because the water must be turned to wine before the head waiter approves.  In a sense the head waiter is like God the Father who at His son’s baptism declares, “This is my Son in whom I am well pleased.”  Similarly, the head waiter approves of the wine in an extraordinary way.  The wine that Christ makes is more than sufficient in both quantity and quality and the head waiter testifies that it is better than the first wine, which was already good.  This refers to the first or Old Covenant which is good not because of man’s effort but because of God’s goodness.  Now the New Covenant that the Father makes is greater than the first covenant because the sacrifice will not be the blood of creatures but of His own Son.  In the context of a wedding celebration this covenant shows God’s plan to save the celebration of life, which is the union of man to God.  This plan involves the obedience of man, our receptiveness to His instruction and our effort in carrying out that instruction no matter how insufficient our work is.  We see this kind of obedience in the actions of the waiters whom Mary tells to do as Jesus says. 

Institution of the Holy Eucharist

Institution of the Holy Eucharist

In this plan, Jesus leads us from one sacrament to another; from repentance through Baptism to communion through the Holy Eucharist.  For now, at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry He makes the water into wine yet when His ministry culminates in the Senegal and on the Cross He will make the wine into His blood.  It is through water that we come to His Body and Blood; it is through Baptism that we come to the Holy Eucharist.
© Tim Bartel 2009

Mark 2:1-12
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.
2And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word.
3And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.
4And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.
5And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.
6And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:
7Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
8Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?
9Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk?
10But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house.
12And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.
Isaiah 43:18-25
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
18Remember not former things, and look not on things of old.
19Behold I do new things, and now they shall spring forth, verily you shall know them: I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20The beast of the field shall glorify me, the dragons and the ostriches: because I have given waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, to my chosen.
21This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise.
22But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, neither hast thou laboured about me, O Israel.
23Thou hast not offered me the ram of thy holocaust, nor hast thou glorified me with thy victims: I have not caused thee to serve with oblations, nor wearied thee with incense.
24Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy victims. But thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniquities.
25I am, I am he that blot out thy iniquities for my own sake, and I will not remember thy sins.
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18But God is faithful, for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us, by me, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, was not, It is and It is not, but, It is, was in him.
20For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory.
21Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God:
22Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Matthew 17:5
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
Mark 9:6
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
6And there was a cloud overshadowing them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my most beloved son; hear ye him.
Luke 9:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son; hear him.
Mark 1:11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
11And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:17
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
17And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Luke 3:22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
John 1:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.
30This is he, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me.
31And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
John 3:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth with joy because of the bridegroom's voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
31He that cometh from above, is above all. He that is of the earth, of the earth he is, and of the earth he speaketh. He that cometh from heaven, is above all.
John 3:1-7
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2This man came to Jesus by night, and said to him: Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which thou dost, unless God be with him.
3Jesus answered, and said to him: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith to him: How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born again?
5Jesus answered: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit.
7Wonder not, that I said to thee, you must be born again.
Luke 1:39-45
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
39And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda.
40And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth.
41And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
45And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.
1 Kings 17:10-16
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
10He arose, and went to Sarephta. And when he was come to the gate of the city, he saw the widow woman gathering sticks, and he called her, and said to her: Give me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
11And when she was going to fetch it he called after her, saying: Bring me also, I beseech thee, a morsel of bread in thy hand.
12And she answered: As the Lord thy God liveth, I have no bread, but only a handful of meal in a pot, and a little oil in a cruse: behold I am gathering two sticks that I may go in and dress it, for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
13And Elias said to her: Fear not, but go, and do as thou hast said: but first make for me of the same meal a little hearth cake, and bring it to me: and after make for thyself and thy son.
14For thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: The pot of meal shall not waste, nor the cruse of oil be diminished, until the day wherein the Lord will give rain upon the face of the earth.
15She went and did according to the word of Elias: and he ate, and she, and her house: and from that day
16The pot of meal wasted not, and the cruse of oil was not diminished, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke in the hand of Elias.
Mark 12:41-44
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
41And Jesus sitting over against the treasury, beheld how the people cast money into the treasury, and many that were rich cast in much.
42And there came a certain poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.
43And calling his disciples together, he saith to them: Amen I say to you, this poor widow hath cast in more than all they who have cast into the treasury.
44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want cast in all she had, even her whole living.
Joshua 10:12-14
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
12Then Josue spoke to the Lord, in the day that he delivered the Amorrhite in the sight of the children of Israel, and he said before them: Move not, O sun, toward Gabaon, nor thou, O moon, toward the valley of Ajalon.
13And the sun and the moon stood still, till the people revenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of the just? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down the space of one day.
14There was not before nor after so long a day, the Lord obeying the voice of a man, and fighting for Israel.
Exodus 3:1-3
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
1Now Moses fed the sheep of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Madian: and he drove the flock to the inner parts of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, Horeb.
2And the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he saw that the bush was on fire and was not burnt.
3And Moses said: I will go and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
Matthew 17:1-8
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:
2And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow.
3And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
6And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face, and were very much afraid.
7And Jesus came and touched them: and said to them, Arise, and fear not.
8And they lifting up their eyes saw no one but only Jesus.
Exodus 24:16-18
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
16And the glory of the Lord dwelt upon Sinai, covering it with a cloud six days: and the seventh day he called him out of the midst of the cloud.
17And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like a burning fire upon the top of the mount, in the eyes of the children of Israel.
18And Moses, entering into the midst of the cloud, went up into the mountain: and he was there forty days, and forty nights.
Luke 1:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:38
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
38And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 2:19
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
19But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.
Matthew 28:18-20
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.
19Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
CCC 555
¶555 For a moment Jesus discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter's confession. He also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to "enter into his glory". Moses and Elijah had seen God's glory on the Mountain; the Law and the Prophets had announced the Messiah's sufferings. Christ's Passion is the will of the Father: the Son acts as God's servant; the cloud indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit. "The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud."

You were transfigured on the mountain, and your disciples, as much as they were capable of it, beheld your glory, O Christ our God, so that when they should see you crucified they would understand that your Passion was voluntary, and proclaim to the world that you truly are the splendor of the Father.

John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:6
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.

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Two Standards – Part ONE

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

Note:

This post is the result of an Ignatius exercise I did a year ago.  The exercise is to contrast the devil’s standard with Christ’s standard.  Although I completed the meditation I did not write type the second half (I may have hand written notes but I cannot find them at present).  I can still recall some of the images of Christ’s standard and perhaps if I do the exercise again (or if I find my notes) I will publish the second part.

 

Part ONE:

Paradise Lost - Gustave Dore

Paradise Lost - Gustave Dore

I was in the middle of the field of grain that I had planted when I had the thought to survey my crops.  So I climbed a near by hill that overlooks my property.  From there I could see the small expanse of my handiwork.  The grains were tall and moved with the wind gently dancing beneath a bright pale blue sky.  Off to the left, in the peripheral of my vision I saw something dark.  Is it rain clouds I wondered?  Then the darkness grew and billowed out like smoke from a raging fire, thick and black.  As I stared, half in curiosity and half in dreaded fear of a fire started by lightning, I found myself drawn nearer to the darkness.  My vision was pulled closer, though I stood yet firm on the tiny outcropping of mud and grass near my home.  Still my eyes could see what was afar just as if I were near that distant darkness.  I saw a glimpse of something red and fiery cutting through the smoke like the eyes of a possum at midnight when caught by a strong beam of light.  It flashed at me and I was drawn in closer.  I saw hundreds of thousands of men and women dancing and cavorting, undulating in and swaying to a deep and pulsing drumbeat. This dance in the brimstone darkness was different than the dance of the grain in the sun.  This dance came not from the wind as it breathed or the stalks as they moved, but rather it pulsed outward from the center of the darkness like waves of percussion, like shock waves from the constant pounding.  The people seemed enraptured in the dance.  In my minds eye I kept moving inward toward the center.  Now I saw people whose eyes had turned white as if they turned their eyes inward to look upon themselves.  They had creatures on their shoulders and heads; tiny beasts of varying type.  Some were like cats, some like ravens and still others like reptiles.  Still further in I saw people with these creatures, snakes mostly, twisting about them and speaking in their ears.  Moving deeper toward the dark center of this place I saw many, many hundreds of thousands of people with snakes burrowing through their bodies, moving in and out of their flesh like worms in viscous mud.  The people there stood nearly catatonic, not dancing at all but still as if completely given over to the movements of the serpents.  The people’s heads were turned upward and their mouths open as if dry from thirst.  But no water was given them.  They breathed not but the beasts writhing in them breathed for them.  The pounding of drums was now so deafening that I hardly could think of anything else.  And them I saw the greatest beast of hem all at the center of the darkness.  It was almost completely dark except for the red flicker of flames that occasionally showed through the black smoke.  This giant dragon was many stories tall and scaled from head to toe.  It had six wings and six large hands with millions of threads attached like spiders webs but strong like steel cables.  These threads went from the dragon’s hands, through the black smoke and ended in the tiny beasts and snakes that slither though the people’s bodies.  When the dragon thumped its tail it caused the horrible beat which traveled not just through the air but also along the spider threads to the small beasts and the people sense it heightened so that they no longer have control.  Fear ran through me so great that it stopped my heart for a moment and I feared that the dragon had pulled me in with the others.  I feared the worst, that the beasts were in me and I had stopped breathing too.  In an instant I thought of all the good things I was losing.  I thought of home, the blue sky and the fields of grain.  I thought I would never see those things again like I had died while yet living.  Then a bolt of lightning shot out at my feet and shocked my body knocking me backward and leaving me unconscious. 

 When I woke up the smoke and fire, dragon and beasts, drumbeat, webs and people were all gone from my sight and I could breathe and feel my heart beating for itself once again.  Was it real?  I had no doubt even if no one would ever believe me.  Gaining my strength I got up and went down the hill into my field to breath in the thick air sweetened with wheat.  The grains had grown tall.  They were over my head and sun illuminated their dancing heads as the stalks brushed against each other to the movement of gentle breezes.  They made a heartwarming bustling sound like women dressed to the hilt in beautiful gowns rushing to make ready for a grand ball.  As I moved through the field the waves of stalks parted but for one that stood directly in my path.  It was not a stalk of grain but a weed, darker and stronger that the wheat.  I thought to cut it down and as I grabbed a hold of the stalk I came close enough to it to see that it had my name written on the main stem.  Then when I recoiled, startled at this, I saw another weed and another and still many more all with my name on them.

 Note about part two:

In the second part I fall prey to the drum beat but am rescued by a flood of water and am carried on its waves to a brighter land where I meet a king who bids me to sow better seeds.

 © Tim Bartel 2008

Mark 2:1-12
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.
2And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word.
3And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.
4And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.
5And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.
6And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:
7Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
8Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?
9Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk?
10But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house.
12And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.
Isaiah 43:18-25
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
18Remember not former things, and look not on things of old.
19Behold I do new things, and now they shall spring forth, verily you shall know them: I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20The beast of the field shall glorify me, the dragons and the ostriches: because I have given waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, to my chosen.
21This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise.
22But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, neither hast thou laboured about me, O Israel.
23Thou hast not offered me the ram of thy holocaust, nor hast thou glorified me with thy victims: I have not caused thee to serve with oblations, nor wearied thee with incense.
24Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy victims. But thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniquities.
25I am, I am he that blot out thy iniquities for my own sake, and I will not remember thy sins.
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18But God is faithful, for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us, by me, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, was not, It is and It is not, but, It is, was in him.
20For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory.
21Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God:
22Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Matthew 17:5
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
Mark 9:6
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
6And there was a cloud overshadowing them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my most beloved son; hear ye him.
Luke 9:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son; hear him.
Mark 1:11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
11And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:17
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
17And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Luke 3:22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
John 1:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.
30This is he, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me.
31And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
John 3:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth with joy because of the bridegroom's voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
31He that cometh from above, is above all. He that is of the earth, of the earth he is, and of the earth he speaketh. He that cometh from heaven, is above all.
John 3:1-7
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2This man came to Jesus by night, and said to him: Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which thou dost, unless God be with him.
3Jesus answered, and said to him: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith to him: How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born again?
5Jesus answered: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit.
7Wonder not, that I said to thee, you must be born again.
Luke 1:39-45
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
39And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda.
40And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth.
41And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
45And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.
1 Kings 17:10-16
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
10He arose, and went to Sarephta. And when he was come to the gate of the city, he saw the widow woman gathering sticks, and he called her, and said to her: Give me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
11And when she was going to fetch it he called after her, saying: Bring me also, I beseech thee, a morsel of bread in thy hand.
12And she answered: As the Lord thy God liveth, I have no bread, but only a handful of meal in a pot, and a little oil in a cruse: behold I am gathering two sticks that I may go in and dress it, for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
13And Elias said to her: Fear not, but go, and do as thou hast said: but first make for me of the same meal a little hearth cake, and bring it to me: and after make for thyself and thy son.
14For thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: The pot of meal shall not waste, nor the cruse of oil be diminished, until the day wherein the Lord will give rain upon the face of the earth.
15She went and did according to the word of Elias: and he ate, and she, and her house: and from that day
16The pot of meal wasted not, and the cruse of oil was not diminished, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke in the hand of Elias.
Mark 12:41-44
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
41And Jesus sitting over against the treasury, beheld how the people cast money into the treasury, and many that were rich cast in much.
42And there came a certain poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.
43And calling his disciples together, he saith to them: Amen I say to you, this poor widow hath cast in more than all they who have cast into the treasury.
44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want cast in all she had, even her whole living.
Joshua 10:12-14
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
12Then Josue spoke to the Lord, in the day that he delivered the Amorrhite in the sight of the children of Israel, and he said before them: Move not, O sun, toward Gabaon, nor thou, O moon, toward the valley of Ajalon.
13And the sun and the moon stood still, till the people revenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of the just? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down the space of one day.
14There was not before nor after so long a day, the Lord obeying the voice of a man, and fighting for Israel.
Exodus 3:1-3
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
1Now Moses fed the sheep of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Madian: and he drove the flock to the inner parts of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, Horeb.
2And the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he saw that the bush was on fire and was not burnt.
3And Moses said: I will go and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
Matthew 17:1-8
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:
2And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow.
3And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
6And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face, and were very much afraid.
7And Jesus came and touched them: and said to them, Arise, and fear not.
8And they lifting up their eyes saw no one but only Jesus.
Exodus 24:16-18
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
16And the glory of the Lord dwelt upon Sinai, covering it with a cloud six days: and the seventh day he called him out of the midst of the cloud.
17And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like a burning fire upon the top of the mount, in the eyes of the children of Israel.
18And Moses, entering into the midst of the cloud, went up into the mountain: and he was there forty days, and forty nights.
Luke 1:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:38
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
38And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 2:19
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
19But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.
Matthew 28:18-20
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.
19Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
CCC 555
¶555 For a moment Jesus discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter's confession. He also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to "enter into his glory". Moses and Elijah had seen God's glory on the Mountain; the Law and the Prophets had announced the Messiah's sufferings. Christ's Passion is the will of the Father: the Son acts as God's servant; the cloud indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit. "The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud."

You were transfigured on the mountain, and your disciples, as much as they were capable of it, beheld your glory, O Christ our God, so that when they should see you crucified they would understand that your Passion was voluntary, and proclaim to the world that you truly are the splendor of the Father.

John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:6
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.

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The Father’s Workshop

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

The following is a meditation I enjoyed after a reading from the Gospel on the flight into Egypt.  The bible verses were followed by a reading from Catherine Emerich about the difficulties of the journey.  We were invited to imagine ourselves in the company of the Holy Family at dinner.

Holy Family in the Workhop

Holy Family in the Workhop

When dinner is ended the boy Jesus addresses me.  His hair is wavy and His skin dark and tanned.  He is young.  I am aware that He is about seven but he acts more like nine or ten.  He is mature beyond his age but excited to speak and to show me something.  “Come, come with me,” He invites, “I want to show you my father’s workshop.”  At once I am aware that the workshop is Joseph’s but also metaphorically the workshop of the Father in heaven.  We get there instantly, and the Child Jesus explains, “We build many things here, my father and I.”  I am aware that this means also that He and His Devine Father made all things.  I notice a stain on a length of wood and Jesus responds, “Yes, it is my blood.  I have spilled my blood on the wood many times working here.  This isn’t the first and it will not be the last.”  I am aware that this is literal and also that it means it is not His last drop of blood but that He will give His last drop also in a work involving wood, the wood of the cross.  Young Jesus continues, “We begin work here on Sunday and continue through the week.  Thursday is the hardest.”  I am aware that this extra load of work on Thursday is a foreshadowing of his passion that begins in agony and that The Child Jesus contemplates while at work.  He continues, “On Saturday we go into the house and pray.  We pray as we remember the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.  We pray for our own deliverance from Egypt and we pray for your deliverance from your Egypt.”  I am aware that “your Egypt” means both the general salvation of all souls from the hands of the evil one and also deliverance from my personal enslavement to sin.

© Tim Bartel 2008

Mark 2:1-12
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.
2And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word.
3And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.
4And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.
5And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.
6And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:
7Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?
8Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?
9Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk?
10But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house.
12And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.
Isaiah 43:18-25
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
18Remember not former things, and look not on things of old.
19Behold I do new things, and now they shall spring forth, verily you shall know them: I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20The beast of the field shall glorify me, the dragons and the ostriches: because I have given waters in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, to my chosen.
21This people have I formed for myself, they shall shew forth my praise.
22But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob, neither hast thou laboured about me, O Israel.
23Thou hast not offered me the ram of thy holocaust, nor hast thou glorified me with thy victims: I have not caused thee to serve with oblations, nor wearied thee with incense.
24Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy victims. But thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thy iniquities.
25I am, I am he that blot out thy iniquities for my own sake, and I will not remember thy sins.
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18But God is faithful, for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not.
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us, by me, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, was not, It is and It is not, but, It is, was in him.
20For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory.
21Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God:
22Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Matthew 17:5
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
Mark 9:6
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
6And there was a cloud overshadowing them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my most beloved son; hear ye him.
Luke 9:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son; hear him.
Mark 1:11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
11And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:17
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
17And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Luke 3:22
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
22And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
John 1:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.
30This is he, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me.
31And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
John 3:29-31
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
29He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth with joy because of the bridegroom's voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30He must increase, but I must decrease.
31He that cometh from above, is above all. He that is of the earth, of the earth he is, and of the earth he speaketh. He that cometh from heaven, is above all.
John 3:1-7
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2This man came to Jesus by night, and said to him: Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God; for no man can do these signs which thou dost, unless God be with him.
3Jesus answered, and said to him: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith to him: How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born again?
5Jesus answered: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit.
7Wonder not, that I said to thee, you must be born again.
Luke 1:39-45
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
39And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda.
40And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth.
41And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
45And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.
1 Kings 17:10-16
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
10He arose, and went to Sarephta. And when he was come to the gate of the city, he saw the widow woman gathering sticks, and he called her, and said to her: Give me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.
11And when she was going to fetch it he called after her, saying: Bring me also, I beseech thee, a morsel of bread in thy hand.
12And she answered: As the Lord thy God liveth, I have no bread, but only a handful of meal in a pot, and a little oil in a cruse: behold I am gathering two sticks that I may go in and dress it, for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.
13And Elias said to her: Fear not, but go, and do as thou hast said: but first make for me of the same meal a little hearth cake, and bring it to me: and after make for thyself and thy son.
14For thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: The pot of meal shall not waste, nor the cruse of oil be diminished, until the day wherein the Lord will give rain upon the face of the earth.
15She went and did according to the word of Elias: and he ate, and she, and her house: and from that day
16The pot of meal wasted not, and the cruse of oil was not diminished, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke in the hand of Elias.
Mark 12:41-44
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
41And Jesus sitting over against the treasury, beheld how the people cast money into the treasury, and many that were rich cast in much.
42And there came a certain poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.
43And calling his disciples together, he saith to them: Amen I say to you, this poor widow hath cast in more than all they who have cast into the treasury.
44For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want cast in all she had, even her whole living.
Joshua 10:12-14
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
12Then Josue spoke to the Lord, in the day that he delivered the Amorrhite in the sight of the children of Israel, and he said before them: Move not, O sun, toward Gabaon, nor thou, O moon, toward the valley of Ajalon.
13And the sun and the moon stood still, till the people revenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of the just? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down the space of one day.
14There was not before nor after so long a day, the Lord obeying the voice of a man, and fighting for Israel.
Exodus 3:1-3
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
1Now Moses fed the sheep of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Madian: and he drove the flock to the inner parts of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, Horeb.
2And the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he saw that the bush was on fire and was not burnt.
3And Moses said: I will go and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.
Matthew 17:1-8
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:
2And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow.
3And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him.
4And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.
6And the disciples hearing, fell upon their face, and were very much afraid.
7And Jesus came and touched them: and said to them, Arise, and fear not.
8And they lifting up their eyes saw no one but only Jesus.
Exodus 24:16-18
View in: NAB Vulg Hebrew
16And the glory of the Lord dwelt upon Sinai, covering it with a cloud six days: and the seventh day he called him out of the midst of the cloud.
17And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like a burning fire upon the top of the mount, in the eyes of the children of Israel.
18And Moses, entering into the midst of the cloud, went up into the mountain: and he was there forty days, and forty nights.
Luke 1:35
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
35And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:38
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
38And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 2:19
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
19But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.
Matthew 28:18-20
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
18And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.
19Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.
CCC 555
¶555 For a moment Jesus discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter's confession. He also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to "enter into his glory". Moses and Elijah had seen God's glory on the Mountain; the Law and the Prophets had announced the Messiah's sufferings. Christ's Passion is the will of the Father: the Son acts as God's servant; the cloud indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit. "The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud."

You were transfigured on the mountain, and your disciples, as much as they were capable of it, beheld your glory, O Christ our God, so that when they should see you crucified they would understand that your Passion was voluntary, and proclaim to the world that you truly are the splendor of the Father.

John 2:1-11
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
1And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.
2And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
4And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.
5His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.
7Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
9And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
10And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:6
View in: NAB Vulg Greek
6Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece.

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