Leviticus 25:1, 8-17, Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8, Matthew 14:1-12
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/073011.shtml
PARTY LINE
"This fiftieth year you shall make sacred by proclaiming liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you." -Leviticus 25:10
God told the Israelites to have a yearlong party every fiftieth year. This jubilee celebration was not an expression of self-indulgence, but of restoration, justice, peace, and freedom. In the jubilee year, land was restored to its original owner, slaves were freed, and the people celebrated a year of rest and recreation. Although the Israelites had a difficult time consistently celebrating the jubilee year, Jesus promised that He would make every year a jubilee year (Lk 4:19).
In today's Gospel reading, we have another kind of party: Herod's birthday party. This short party of just a day or two started off as an expression of self-indulgence and pride, and then turned into murder. Herod, Herodias, and Salome had John the Baptizer beheaded and brought his head in on a platter (Mt 14:11).
The jubilee year begins with the Day of Atonement (Lv 25:9). We forgive those who have hurt us and ask God to forgive us as we forgive others (Mt 6:12). Which party do you want to attend: Herod's birthday party or the jubilee year? By repentance and forgiveness we come to the jubilee year. If we refuse to repent and forgive, if we harbor a grudge (Mk 6:19), or nurse bitterness (Heb 12:15), we choose Herod's birthday party. Repent, forgive, and choose the Lord's party (Lk 4:18-19).
Prayer: Father, may I never let the sun set on my anger, jealousy, bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness (Eph 4:26).
Promise: "Do not deal unfairly, then; but stand in fear of your God." -Lv 25:17
Praise: Loyalty to the Church in both her teaching and authority was a high priority for St. Peter. He fought constantly against paganism and abuses in his time.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet, "Fourteen Questions on Forgiveness", or our audio tapes on "Unforgiveness", AV 106A-1, AV 106A-3, AV 106B-1 or our video V-106A, V-106B.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from June 1, 2011 through July 31, 2011
?Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2011 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment