September 6
Monday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Give a Mass Offering
Mass Intentions
7:45 AM – Parishioners of Holy Cross
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Readings
First Reading
Colossians 1:24–2:3
Brothers and sisters: I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.
For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those in Laodicea and all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to have all the richness of assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalms 62:6-7, 9
R. (8) In God is my safety and my glory.
Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed.
R. In God is my safety and my glory.
Trust in him at all times, O my people!
Pour out your hearts before him;
God is our refuge!
R. In God is my safety and my glory.
Gospel Acclamation
John 10:27
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Luke 6:6-11
On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
“In God is my safety and my glory.”
Reflection
It might be perplexing to think about what Paul is talking about in our first reading. Something still lacking in the suffering of Christ? (cf. Col 1:24ff) I thought his passion and death were once and for all, and done? What should we make of what he is saying here? St. John Chrysostom (early Church figure, c.347-407, known for his eloquent and pastoral preaching) commenting on the beginning of our first reading today,
“It seems indeed to be a great thing Paul has said, but it is not based on arrogance, far be it. Rather, Paul’s words come from his deep love towards Christ. For he will not have the sufferings to be his own, but His, through the desire to reconcile these persons to him. And what things I suffer, I suffer, he says, on His account. Therefore, don’t thank me, but express your gratitude to Christ, for it is he himself who suffers.”
It's true, Jesus continues to bear the weight of our burdens with us. How blessed are we that when we suffer we are not alone even when we feel most isolated. Confidently we entrust ourselves to the compassion of Christ. Compassion from the Latin, “to suffer with.” When we extend compassion to another, we are intentionally sharing in the life of another, getting into his or her boat, being present, enduring something together. Jesus never leaves us, he is always there to heal, comfort, transform. Hear his words in the Gospel to YOU today: “Stretch…out…your…hand” (Luke 6:10). Let Him restore you.
Peace,
Fr. Foley
Would you like to receive Readings & Reflections, and a link to join us for Mass? Subscribe to The Daily Bread newsletter.