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Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 06-06-17, OM, St. Norbert, Bishop
USCCB.org/RNAB ^
| 06-06-17
| Revised New American Bible
Posted on 06/05/2017 10:49:27 PM PDT by Salvation
June 6, 2017
Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
On the night of Pentecost, after I had buried the dead,
I, Tobit, went into my courtyard
to sleep next to the courtyard wall.
My face was uncovered because of the heat.
I did not know there were birds perched on the wall above me,
till their warm droppings settled in my eyes, causing cataracts.
I went to see some doctors for a cure
but the more they anointed my eyes with various salves,
the worse the cataracts became,
until I could see no more.
For four years I was deprived of eyesight, and
all my kinsmen were grieved at my condition.
Ahiqar, however, took care of me for two years,
until he left for Elymais.
At that time, my wife Anna worked for hire
at weaving cloth, the kind of work women do.
When she sent back the goods to their owners, they would pay her.
Late in winter on the seventh of Dystrus,
she finished the cloth and sent it back to the owners.
They paid her the full salary
and also gave her a young goat for the table.
On entering my house the goat began to bleat.
I called to my wife and said: "Where did this goat come from?
Perhaps it was stolen! Give it back to its owners;
we have no right to eat stolen food!"
She said to me, "It was given to me as a bonus over and above my wages."
Yet I would not believe her,
and told her to give it back to its owners.
I became very angry with her over this.
So she retorted: "Where are your charitable deeds now?
Where are your virtuous acts?
See! Your true character is finally showing itself!"
R. (see 7c)
The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.or:
R.
Alleluia.Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
R.
The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.or:
R.
Alleluia.An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
R.
The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.or:
R.
Alleluia.Lavishly he gives to the poor;
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
R.
The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.or:
R.
Alleluia.
R.
Alleluia, alleluia.May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope
that belongs to his call.
R.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent
to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech.
They came and said to him,
"Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man
and that you are not concerned with anyone's opinion.
You do not regard a person's status
but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?
Should we pay or should we not pay?"
Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them,
"Why are you testing me?
Bring me a denarius to look at."
They brought one to him and he said to them,
"Whose image and inscription is this?"
They replied to him, "Caesar's."
So Jesus said to them,
"Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar
and to God what belongs to God."
They were utterly amazed at him.
TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: catholic; mk12; ordinarytime; prayer; saints
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To: Salvation
Mark |
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English: Douay-Rheims |
Latin: Vulgata Clementina |
Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000) |
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Mark 12
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13. |
And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians; that they should catch him in his words. |
Et mittunt ad eum quosdam ex pharisæis, et herodianis, ut eum caperent in verbo. |
και αποστελλουσιν προς αυτον τινας των φαρισαιων και των ηρωδιανων ινα αυτον αγρευσωσιν λογω |
14. |
Who coming, say to him: Master, we know that thou art a true speaker, and carest not for any man; for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar; or shall we not give it? |
Qui venientes dicunt ei : Magister, scimus quia verax es, et non curas quemquam : nec enim vides in faciem hominum, sed in veritate viam Dei doces. Licet dari tributum Cæsari, an non dabimus ? |
οι δε ελθοντες λεγουσιν αυτω διδασκαλε οιδαμεν οτι αληθης ει και ου μελει σοι περι ουδενος ου γαρ βλεπεις εις προσωπον ανθρωπων αλλ επ αληθειας την οδον του θεου διδασκεις εξεστιν κηνσον καισαρι δουναι η ου |
15. |
Who knowing their wiliness, saith to them: Why tempt you me? bring me a penny that I may see it. |
Qui sciens versutiam illorum, ait illos : Quid me tentatis ? afferte mihi denarium ut videam. |
δωμεν η μη δωμεν ο δε ειδως αυτων την υποκρισιν ειπεν αυτοις τι με πειραζετε φερετε μοι δηναριον ινα ιδω |
16. |
And they brought it him. And he saith to them: Whose is this image and inscription? They say to him, Caesar's. |
At illi attulerunt ei. Et ait illis : Cujus est imago hæc, et inscriptio ? Dicunt ei : Cæsaris. |
οι δε ηνεγκαν και λεγει αυτοις τινος η εικων αυτη και η επιγραφη οι δε ειπον αυτω καισαρος |
17. |
And Jesus answering, said to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. |
Respondens autem Jesus dixit illis : Reddite igitur quæ sunt Cæsaris, Cæsari : et quæ sunt Dei, Deo. Et mirabantur super eo. |
και αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις αποδοτε τα καισαρος καισαρι και τα του θεου τω θεω και εθαυμασαν επ αυτω |
21
posted on
06/06/2017 4:21:43 AM PDT
by
annalex
(fear them not)
To: annalex
13. And they send to him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
14. And when they were come, they say to him, Master, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you regard not the person or men, but teach the way of God in truth; Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
15. Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, Why tempt you me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
16. And they brought it. And he said to them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said to him, Caesar's.
17. And Jesus answering said to them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him.
BEDE; The Chief Priests though they sought to take Him, feared the multitude, and therefore they endeavored to effect what they could not do of themselves, by means of earthly powers, that they might themselves appear to be guiltless of His death; and therefore it is said, And they send to him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
THEOPHYL. We have said elsewhere of the Herodians, that they were a certain new heresy who said that Herod was the Christ, because the succession of the kingdom of Judah had failed. Others however say that the herodians, were the soldiers of Herod, whom the Pharisees brought as witnesses of the words of Christ, that they might take Him, and lead Him away. But observe how in their wickedness they wished to deceive Christ by flattery; for it goes on: Master, we know that you are true.
PSEUDO-JEROME For they questioned Him with honeyed words, and they surrounded Him as bees, who carry honey in the in mouth but a sting in their tail.
BEDE; But this bland and crafty question was intended to induce Him in His answer rather to fear God than Caesar, and to say that tribute should not he paid, so that the Herodians immediately on hearing it might hold Him to be an author of sedition against the Romans, and therefore they add, And care for no man: for you regard not the person of any.
THEOPHYL. So that you will not honor Caesar, that is, against the truth; therefore they add, But teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? For their whole plot was one which had a precipice on both sides, so that if He said that it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar, they might provoke the people against Him, as though He wished to reduce the nation itself to slavery; but if He said, that it was not lawful, they might accuse Him, as though He was stirring up the people against Caesar; but the Fountain of wisdom escaped their snares. Wherefore there follows: But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, Why tempt you me? briny me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it.
BEDE; A denarius was a piece of money, accounted equal to ten smaller coins, and bearing the image of Caesar; wherefore there follows: And he said to them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said to him, Caesar's.
Let those who think that our Savior asked the question through ignorance and not by an economy, learn from this that He might have known whose image it was; but He puts the question, in order to return them a fitting answer; wherefore there follows: And Jesus answering said to them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.
THEOPHYL. As if He had said, Give what bears an image to him whose image it bears, that is, the penny to Caesar; for we can both pay Caesar his tribute, and offer to God what is His own.
BEDE; That is, tithes, first-fruits, oblations, and victims. In the same way as He gave tribute both for Himself and Peter, He also gave to God the things that are God's, doing the will of His Father.
PSEUDO-JEROME; Render to Caesar the money bearing his image, which is collected for him, and render yourselves willingly up to God, for the light of your countenance, O Lord, and not of Caesar's, is stamped upon us.
THEOPHYL. The inevitable wants of our bodies is as Caesar to each of us; the Lord therefore orders that there should be given to the body its own, that is, food and raiment, and to God the things that are God's. It goes on: And they marveled at him. They who ought to have believed, wondered at such great wisdom, because they had found no place for their craftiness.
Catena Aurea Mark 12
22
posted on
06/06/2017 4:22:24 AM PDT
by
annalex
(fear them not)
To: annalex
The Tribute Money
Vecellio Tiziano
1516
Oil on panel, 75 x 56 cm
Gemäldegalerie, Dresden
23
posted on
06/06/2017 4:22:57 AM PDT
by
annalex
(fear them not)
To: All
Saint Norbert Fr. Don Miller, OFM
Image: St. Norbert | Marten PepijnSaint Norbert
Saint of the Day for June 6
(c. 1080 – June 6, 1134)
Saint Norbert’s Story
In the 12th century in the French region of Premontre, Saint Norbert founded a religious Order known as the Praemonstratensians or the Norbertines. His founding of the Order was a monumental task: combating rampant heresies–particularly regarding the Blessed Sacrament, revitalizing many of the faithful who had grown indifferent and dissolute, plus effecting peace and reconciliation among enemies.
Norbert entertained no pretensions about his own ability to accomplish this multiple task. Even with the aid of a goodly number of men who joined his Order, he realized that nothing could be effectively done without Gods power. Finding this help especially in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, he and his Norbertines praised God for success in converting heretics, reconciling numerous enemies, and rebuilding faith in indifferent believers. Many of them lived in central houses during the week and served in parishes on weekends.
Reluctantly, Norbert became archbishop of Magdeburg in central Germany, a territory half pagan and half Christian. In this position he zealously and courageously continued his work for the Church until his death on June 6, 1134.
Reflection
A different world cannot be built by indifferent people. The same is true in regard to the Church. The indifference of vast numbers of nominal faithful to ecclesiastical authority and essential doctrines of the faith weakens the Churchs witness. Unswerving loyalty to the Church and fervent devotion to the Eucharist, as practiced by Norbert, will continue immeasurably toward maintaining the people of God in accord with the heart of Christ.
24
posted on
06/06/2017 9:18:07 AM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: Salvation
25
posted on
06/06/2017 9:22:57 AM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Information:
St. NorbertFeast Day: June 6
Born: 1080 at Xanten, Germany
Died: 6 June 1134 at Magdeburg, Germany
Canonized: 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII
Patron of: invoked during childbirth for safe delivery; Magdeburg, peace
26
posted on
06/06/2017 9:59:16 AM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
St. Norbert
Feast Day: June 06 Born: (around) 1080 :: Died: 1134
Norbert was born in Germany. He was a good child and teenager. Then at the court of Emperor Henry V, Norbert spent all his time making merry and having fun. He only wanted high positions in the court. He was always the first to arrive at parties and celebrations. He was very happy with "the good life."
One day, however, his horse was frightened by a flash of lightning and bolted. Norbert was thrown to the ground and knocked unconscious. When he woke, he began to think seriously about the way he was wasting his life. Suddenly, God felt very near. Norbert realized that the Lord was offering him the grace to change for the better. He then decided to take life more seriously and went back to the idea he had once had many years before. He had wanted to become a priest. So he studied to become a priest and was ordained to the priesthood in 1115. Father Norbert worked hard to make others turn from their worldly ways. He gave a good example by selling all that he had and gave the money to the poor. St. Norbert started a congregation to teach people about the faith. They began their religious life with thirteen brothers and lived in the valley of Premontre. That is why they are called Premonstratensians. They are also called Norbertines, after their founder and they started a movement of change that spread all over Europe. St. Norbert was made bishop of the city of Magdeburg. He entered the city wearing very poor clothes and no shoes. The porter at the door of the bishop's house did not know him and refused to let him in. He told him to go join the other beggars. "But he is our new bishop!" shouted those who knew the saint. The porter was shocked and very sorry. "Never mind, dear brother," St. Norbert said kindly. "You judge me more correctly than those who brought me here." St. Norbert had to defend the truth that Jesus is really present in the Holy Eucharist. His beautiful words about Our Lord's presence in the Blessed Sacrament brought the people back to their holy faith. He was charming and loved all men both great and small alike. In March, 1133, he and his great friend, St. Bernard (whose feast is celebrated on August 20) walked in an unusual procession. They joined the emperor and his army to accompany the true pope, Innocent II, safely to the Vatican. St. Norbert died at Magdeburg in Germany in 1134.
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27
posted on
06/06/2017 10:01:30 AM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
CATHOLIC ALMANACTuesday, June 6
Liturgical Color: Green
St. Norbert died on this day in
1134. A worldly person, St.
Norbert took his religious vows
seriously after nearly dying.
Because his fellow monks
resisted reforms, he started a
new, stricter order that
flourished across Europe.
28
posted on
06/06/2017 7:13:49 PM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: Salvation
Catholic Culture
Ordinary Time: June 6th
Optional Memorial of St. Norbert, bishop
MASS READINGS
June 06, 2017 (Readings on USCCB website)
COLLECT PRAYER
O God, who made the Bishop Saint Norbert a servant of your Church outstanding in his prayer and pastoral zeal, grant, we ask, that by the help of his intercession, the flock of the faithful may always find shepherds after your own heart and be fed in the pastures of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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Old Calendar: St. Norbert
St. Norbert was born at Xanten near Cologne about the year 1080. As a young cleric he resided at the court of the Archbishop of Cologne and then at that of the emperor where he allowed himself to be influenced by the spirit of the world. But he was won back by grace; caught by a storm during a journey on horseback he made up his mind to take his clerical obligations seriously. After ordination to the priesthood he devoted himself to itinerant preaching.
In 1120, on the advice of the bishop of Laon, he settled in the forest of Voix, not far from Soissons at a place called Premontre, in order to found a community of regular Canons. In 1126 he was sent to what was then one of the outposts of Christendom for he was appointed archbishop of Magdeburg. He died in 1134.
St. Norbert
Although a cleric, Norbert led a very worldly life for a number of years. The decisive change took place suddenly in 1115. While riding one day, he was overtaken by a thunderstorm. A flash of lightning struck the ground before him, the horse threw him, and he seemed to hear a voice upbraiding him for his conduct.
As in the case of St. Paul, the experience wrought a complete transformation. Norbert decided to give away his property and income rights, and to lead a life of abnegation, devoting himself particularly to preaching. In 1120 he founded the Order of Premonstratensians (the first monastery was at Premontre) according to the rule of St. Augustine; approval came from Pope Honorius II in 1126.
In 1125, he was named archbishop of Magdeburg. On July 13, 1126, Norbert entered the city and came barefoot to the cathedral. About to enter the archepiscopal palace, he was refused admission by the porter, who failed to recognize a bishop so poorly dressed. "You know me better and see me with clearer eyes than those who are forcing me to this palace. Poor and wretched man that I am, I should never have been assigned to this place," Norbert answered when the porter later sought his pardon.
Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch
Patron: Bohemia, peace.
Things to Do:
- Read the life of St. Norbert written by his first disciple, Hugh, who succeded him in the government of his order.
- St. Norbert was called the Apostle of the Blessed Sacrament. Try making a holy hour today and pray to St. Norbert to help us to have a great love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, too.
- For those interested in liturgical music you can read about Norbertine Gregorian Chant. The order has its "own" chant.
- Read this brief history and overview of the Norbertine Order.
- Here is an excellent link to even more information about St. Norbert.
- The Norbertine order has been around for 900 years. The Canons Regular of Prémontré, otherwise known as the Premonstratensians or the Norbertines, run the parish of Our Lady of England, Storrington. Learn more about their charism here.
29
posted on
06/06/2017 7:23:09 PM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
The Word Among Us
Meditation: Mark 12:13-17
Saint Norbert, Bishop (Optional Memorial)
Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. (Mark 12:17)
It was supposed to be a trick question. The Herodians and Pharisees wanted to trap Jesus by asking something that he couldnt answer without making someone angry. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar? (Mark 12:14). Jesus answer would either alienate the crowds or antagonize the Romans. But Jesus wasnt interested in debating. Instead, he turned the conversation back to his Father.
Whose image and inscription is this? (Mark 12:16). By using the word image, Jesus moves beyond the question of taxes. Obviously, the coin showing Caesars image rightfully belongs to him. But what—or who—bears Gods image? What—or who—belongs to him?
We do! God created us in his own image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). The Jewish leaders questioning Jesus probably knew this passage well. And they were utterly amazed at the way Jesus had turned the tables on them (Mark 12:17). But Jesus wasnt trying to silence them. He wanted to remind them: you belong to God.
So do we. So shouldnt our lives reflect that? But what does it mean to repay ourselves to God?
First, it doesnt mean were a piece of property that God has a claim on. No, we are his treasured children. He loves us; we belong to him as a child belongs to his or her father. Its a relationship based on love, not possession.
What it does mean is that we give ourselves fully to God. How? By letting him draw us closer to him. Think about how you feel when you feel close to your spouse or someone in your family. Doesnt your love for that person grow? You might feel a sense of peace. You might feel your heart softening toward him more. We know Gods love, and we are moved to love him in return. We see his goodness toward us, and we want to be just as good to those around us.
Being drawn closer to God in prayer makes it a joy to repay the Lord for all the great good he has done for us (Psalm 116:12).
Lord, draw me closer. I give my life to you—my past, my present, and my future.
Tobit 2:9-14
Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9
30
posted on
06/06/2017 7:28:47 PM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us PartDaily Marriage Tip for June 6, 2017:
Scripture tells us to humbly regard others as more important than yourselves (Phil 2:3). What act of humility can you practice in your marriage today?
31
posted on
06/06/2017 7:39:42 PM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Regnum Christi
Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Mark 12:13-17
Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I come before you humbly. As one who has frequently fallen into sin, I am aware of my weakness. Your great love, though, assures me that your grace can keep me on the path to holiness.
Petition: Give me guidance, Lord, on a big decision that I have to make.
1. Setting the Trap: The Pharisees and Herodians use an old ploy ― flattery ― to try to trap Jesus. It is a ploy that enjoys a long shelf-life. Flattery can cause us to lower our guard. “You’re an intelligent person, why don’t you
?” Or: “You’re a good parent, you already have two kids. You don’t really believe the Church on
?” Being Christian in the world often means living among devious people. Hence, Jesus warned us to “be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves” (Matthew 10:16). To maintain a balance, we have to live only for God. Is it Christ who shapes my day?
2. Lying in Wait: They pose a false dilemma to Jesus. It’s “either/or.” Either Jesus must accept Caesar totally, or rebel against Rome. Such is how the world sees it. It’s still either/or. Either we embrace Darwinism (no questions asked), or we cling to Creationism. Either we are tolerant of alternate lifestyles, or we are insufferable bigots. But things are more complicated than that. Moreover, the Catholic faith is often “both/and.” Hence, we give to Caesar and to God what belongs to each. And how do we decide what belongs to whom? That’s where things get tricky. And that is precisely why we are called as Christians to develop our gifts, our intelligence, our prayer life ― so as to make the right choices. Catholicism is not a religion for robots. It demands that we use our freedom and gifts responsibly to do God’s will. Am I using my gifts well? Do I develop my skills and intellect so as to better serve God?
3. The Trap is Sprung, the Game is Over: Jesus’ response floors his critics. Why? Partly because he throws the question back to them. Now they have to decide what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God. “You must decide,” was Karol Wojtyla’s signature phrase as a confessor. Nothing can so frighten us as freedom. It frightened Jesus’ audience. How am I using my own freedom? How am I using the time God gives me?
Conversation with Christ: Help me realize, Lord, that you are calling me in freedom. You respect the freedom you gave me, even if I misuse it. But I don’t want to misuse it. I want to render a good account of my life at Judgment Day.
Resolution: I will read some Scripture or a few paragraphs from the Catechism or a papal document today, to try to form myself better in the faith.
32
posted on
06/06/2017 7:49:20 PM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
Homily of the DayJune 6, 2017
In today’s Gospel reading, the questions that the Pharisees and the Sadducees asked Jesus were another unfair attempt or plot to entrap Jesus in theological disputes so they could accuse him of heresy of even sedition.
Jesus refutes them head-on with precise replies which are not only theologically and scripturally sound but which also expose the supposed truth-seeking Sadducees for what they really are. When we allow situations and particular instances to determine truths for ourselves, like trying to justify lying and not telling the truth to protect our own feelings or those of others, we are acting like the Sadducees and are indeed rejecting God’s truth.
Jesus’ replies confirm that truth is not variable and that, with a clear understanding of God built through strong relationships, we would not fall into the same trap as the Pharisees and Sadducees. If all our actions and intentions are truly directed to God and his greater glory, we would not to worry about misunderstandings or trivia presented but instead truly acknowledge the power of God as the God of the living and of truth. We would know the truth not merely through speech but have that knowledge deeply imprinted in our minds and hearts, which the Pharisees and Sadducees missed.
God’s truth teaches us to understand and respect the many different and complicated spheres and relationships in our lives: “Return to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
33
posted on
06/06/2017 7:53:23 PM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
One Bread, One Body
One Bread, One Body
Language: English | Espa�ol
All Issues > Volume 33, Issue 4
<< Tuesday, June 6, 2017 >> |
St. Norbert
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Tobit 2:9-14 View Readings |
Psalm 112:1-2, 7-9 |
Mark 12:13-17 Similar Reflections |
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MINT CONDITION?
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"Whose likeness...is this?" �Mark 12:16, RSV-CE |
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We are like coins. The image of God was stamped on us at Baptism. We were sealed with the Holy Spirit at Confirmation. The image and seal proves to the world that God owns us. Like cattle branded with the mark of their owner, people who saw the Roman coin could tell whose image was on it, and to whom it ultimately belonged. The Roman coin was stamped with Caesar's image. Therefore, Jesus said it ultimately belonged to Caesar and should be given to Him. By implication, Jesus says that we who are stamped with the image and likeness of God (Gn 1:27) must give to God what belongs to Him, our lives (Mk 12:17; 1 Cor 6:19-20). We must reflect God's image to the world and enhance His image by the quality of our lives offered for Him. Coins are circulated throughout the world by normal human activity. Likewise, we who are stamped with God's image are to be in circulation by going out into the world (Mt 28:19) to be salt and light for Jesus (Mt 5:13, 14). Have we been so worn down that God's image is no longer visible to a world that unknowingly longs for Him? Or will we be in "mint condition" for the Lord so that all can see His glory shining in our lives? |
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Prayer: Jesus, You are my Wealth (Phil 3:8). I spend my entire life in Your service. May all who see me praise You (Mt 5:16). |
Promise: "Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands."�Ps 112:1 |
Praise: St. Norbert did not let becoming an archbishop stop him from living simply and humbly. |
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34
posted on
06/06/2017 7:56:45 PM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
To: All
"The greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself, and if we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another?" Mother Teresa
35
posted on
06/06/2017 7:58:29 PM PDT
by
Salvation
("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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