First Evening Prayer, All Saints' (Nov. 1)

First Evening Prayer


The Hymn is "Christe, Redepmtor omnium." (N.B., NOT the one associated with Christmas, but one modeled upon it )



The Psalms and antiphons are proper to this feast.



1. Psalm 113, with

Eternal light will shine upon your saints, O Lord,
and they will live forever, alleluia.

2. Psalm 147:1-11, with

Jerusalem, city of God, you will rejoice in your children,
for they shall all be blessed and gathered together with the Lord, alleluia.

3. Revelations Canticle (19:1-7), with

Before the throne of God and the Lamb,
the saints will sing a new song;
their voices will resound throughout the earth, alleluia.



The Reading is Hebrews 12:22-24, which tells us that the Church on this day celebrates the "assembly of the first-born enrolled in heaven" which is there through "Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant."


The Responsory is: “The just will rejoice in the presence of the Lord,” with the verse, “They shall sing for joy!”



The antiphon on the Magnificat is:

The glorious company of apostles praises you,
the noble fellowship of prophets praises you,
the white-robed army of martyrs praises you,
all the saints together sing your glory,
O holy Trinity, one God.



The Intercessions and the Prayer are proper to All Saints.

Hymn: Solemnity of All the Saints (Nov. 1)

All Saints’ Day
Nov. 1

Let us rejoice in God, the Lord, c.f. today’s Introit
And keep the saints’ great festal day;
In union with the heavn’ly host
All homage to God’s Son we pay.

A number vast, beyond our count, c.f. Rev. 7:2-4, 9-11
From ev’ry race and tongue and land,
The saints are gathered round the throne;
White-robed and crowned, with Christ they stand.

The love the Father poured on us c.f. I John 3:1-3
That names each one a ‘child of God’
Points forward to a greater gift
For those who, faithful, Christ’s way trod.

The gentle and those making peace, c.f. Matthew 5: 1-12
The mourner and the pure in heart,
Those persecuted for the right:
All saints of God, with grace their part.

“To God, who sits upon the thone, c.f. Rev. 7:2-4, 9-11
And to the Lamb,” the saints acclaim,
Be victory and endless praise!
Give ceaseless glory to His Name!”

To Father, Son, and Paraclete,
Our only God in persons three
All glory from the Church on earth
And from all saints in heaven be!

LM
no suggested tune

Commentary: 30th Sun. OT A

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A



Exodus 22: 20-26

Psalm 18

I Thessalonians 1: 5-10

Matthew 22: 34-40 [MYMt #29, “Magister, quod est,” chant]



The readings converge today on the need to love our neighbor. The First Reading, from the book of Exodus, is taken from a section of the book which gives laws governing social conduct. The intention of the laws is to produce compassion, and specifically mentions the alien, the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the laborer. The Responsorial Psalm, with its refrain, “I love You, Lord, my strength!” sings of God’s defense of those who trust in Him. The Gospel is the encounter between Jesus and a Sadducee. The Sadducee asked Him, “What is the greatest commandment of the law?” Jesus creates what we have come to know as the “summary of the law” by connecting Deuteronomy 6:5 with Leviticus 19:18, and concludes, “On these two commandments the whole law is based, and the prophets as well.”



Talking about this conflation, St. Augustine of Hippo says: “People are renewed by love. As sinful desire ages them, so love rejuvenates them. Enmeshed in the soils of his desires, the psalmist laments, ‘I have grown old surrounded by my enemies.’ Love, on the other hand, is the sign of our renewal, as we know from the Lord’s own words, ‘I give you a new commandment—love one another.’ Love, however was present under the old covenant as well as in the new. As love grows stronger, we feel more secure, and when our feeling of security is complete, fear vanishes, since, as the apostle John declares, ‘Perfect love casts out fear.’

(Sermo 350a)



We continue our in-course reading of I Thessalonians this week, still immersed in the “thanksgiving” of the letter. Paul describes his work among them as bringing them from paganism to belief in one God, and then giving them the knowledge of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. His comments about being “delivered from the wrath to come” leads us into next week’s reading.



One of the Gospel Canticles at today's Liturgy of the Hours will be sung with the antiphon, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?" You can hear the Gregorian melody to this antiphon, sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop on the cd, "Music for the Year of Matthew," published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org)

Hymn: 30th Sun. OT A

"Vex not the stranger in your land,"
Thus spoke the Lord at Sinai.
"Orphan and widow safe must stand;
Surely I hear their outcry.
Extort not from the poor in need,
For I am merciful indeed."
Thus spoke the Lord to Israel.

Of the commandments, Jesus said:
"This is the first, most holy:
With heart and mind and all your soul
Love God the Lord, you lowly!
The second like to it you'll find--
As self, so love all humankind,"
Said Jesus, our Messiah.

Turning from self and selfish ways
We serve our God by loving
All that we meet in concrete ways,
Prompted by Spirit's moving.
Hence, loving God and neighbor too,
We strive God's holy will to do---
Thus living Jesus' teaching.

87.87.887.
Lobt Gott der Herren

Commentary: 29th Sun. OT A

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A



Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6

Psalm 96

I Thessalonians 1: 1-5

Matthew 22: 15-21



Today’s readings are themed around pagan states and God. The First Reading (from Isaiah) has God speaking to the King of Persia, Cyrus, who has authorized the return of the Israelites to the land. The Responsorial Psalm talks about “Tell His glory among the nations, among all the peoples His wonderful deeds.” The Gospel relates the attempt of the Pharisees and Herodians to trap Jesus by asking, “Is it lawful to pay tax to the emperor or not?” Jesus sees through their trick and tells them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s.”



St. Lawrence of Brindisi wrote about this parable and said: “The reply by which Christ sidestepped his enemies’ trap shows His great prudence. His teaching that each must be given what belongs to him, and also the example He gave by being willing to pay the temple tax and giving a shekel for Himself and Peter, shows His justice. His declaring it to be a duty to pay taxes to Caesar, opening teaching the truth without fear of the people who would be offended, shows His fortitude. For this is God’s way, of which Christ is the authentic teacher.” (Opera omnia)



The in-course reading today begins the First Letter to the Thessalonians. Scholars tell us that it was the first of the New Testament documents to be written. We get the greeting and the thanksgiving of the epistle, in which Paul tells his readers, “Our preaching of the Gospel proved not a mere matter of words for you, but one of power; it was carried on in the Holy Spirit, and out of complete conviction.”



A motet based on the Gospel for today, called "Jesus and the Pharisees," is sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop on the cd, "Music for the Year of Matthew." The recording is published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org).

Hymn: 29th Sun. OT A

The Lord anointed Cyrus,
A king from far away,
That he might do God's bidding
And thus pave Jacob's way
To journey back from exil.
The Lord, Almighty One,
Chose one from alien people
To have His will be done.

So Jesus, when confronted
With careful, well-set plot,
Responded to the inquest
With wit by which we're taught:
"Give unto Caesar, Caesar's,
And unto God, God's own."
By this response, He shows us
God's glory, oft unknown.

Appearance is deceiving,
The common way, oft wrong;
We need to be pursuing
God's judgment, true and strong.
The Spirit gives us insight
Through faith and labors long,
That ev'ry day be guided
By Jesus' word so strong.

76.76.D
You can use many different tunes; but you might seriously consider Ellacombe.
If you don't know that, check the melody out here:
http://www.cyberhym nal.org/htm/ h/a/haillord. htm

Commentary: 28th Sun. OT A

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A



Isaiah 25: 6-10

Psalm 23

Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20

Matthew 22: 1-14



The readings today center around banquets. The First Reading, from the book of the prophet Isaiah speaks of a great banquet—a symbol of “the world to come.” The Responsorial Psalm sings in its fourth stanza, “You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”



The Gospel presents Jesus telling the parable of the wedding feast, and the man without a proper wedding garment. The feast was prepared, and none of the original invitees came, so the Master sent his servants “into the highways and byways to say—the feast is ready! Come to the feast!” But the host comes in and finds a man improperly dressed—no wedding garment—and, when the fellow has no answer, has the attendants throw him out; his final comment is, “The invited are many, the elect are few.” How prepared are we for the Great Banquet? Either for the Eucharist that is its foretaste, or for the heavenly feast itself?



Many commentators have discussed what the wedding garment symbolizes. St. Augustine of Hippo says: ‘Whatever can this wedding garment be? For an answer, we must go to St. Paul, who says, ‘The purpose of our command is to arouse the love that springs from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a genuine faith.’ There is your wedding garment. Not just any kind of love. Examine yourselves to see whether you possess it. If you do, your place at the Lord’s table is secure.” (Sermo 90)



The in-course reading of Philippians continues today. Paul explains to the Philippians (who have sent him some sort of gift) that his experiences of want and suffering are part of what marks him as an apostle of Jesus, what unites him to the cross. He then assures the Philippians, “My God in turn will supply all of your needs fully, in a way worthy of His magnificent riches in Christ Jesus!”



There is a plethora of settings of the Twenty-Third Psalm. One lovely one is a metrical version of the psalm text, sung to a Scots melody set bycomposer Richard Hillert, sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop on the cd, "This is the Feast." Another is composer Noel Goemanne's arrangement of the early American tune "Resignation," found on the recording "Praise to the Lord: Great Hymns of the Church." A hymn based on the Gospel reading for today is by the Lutheran hymn-writer Martin Franzmann, set with marvelous ingenuity by composer Richard Hillert. This is found on the cd, "Music for the November Feasts." All of these recordings are published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org).

Hymn: 28th Sun. OT A

God's own reign can be envisioned

As a royal wedding feast

Unto which the king invited

Both the greatest and the least.

Those invited spurned his goodness,

So the call was then sent out:

Go into the roads and shout

"All is ready for the banquet!

Bring within the good and bad---

There are seats still to be had!"



In the days which soon are coming,
God will on the mount provide

Lavish food and finest vintage,

Wiping tears from ev'ry eye.

Death itself will then be vanquished,

And our God will then erase

All that keeps us far from grace;

On the mountain God established

We shall dwell eternally,

There restored, renewed, set free.



In our hardships, we are strengthened

By the love of Jesus still.

God shall, all our needs perceiving,

Richly give in gracious will.

Thus invited to the banquet,

Where the feast shall ever last,

We by God will be kept fast.

Let us live in light of mercy

That our wedding garment bright

Find full favor in God's sight.



87.87.877.877

Lasset uns mit Jesu ziehen

If you don't know the tune: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/e/t/letuewwj.htm



This is recorded as a choir anthem on the cd, "Music for the Year of Matthew" by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop. The recording is published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org). The 20th century arrangement for 3-voice choir and organ is very beautiful and highly creative!

Commentary: 27 Sun. OT A

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, A



Isaiah 5: 1-7

Psalm 80

Philippians 4: 6-9

Matthew 21: 33-43



The readings today both utilize a parable about a vineyard. The First Reading is actually “my friend’s song concerning his vineyard.” It is at the end that the prophet delivers the jab about the vineyard being Israel, and its inhabitants as unfaithful. The Responsorial Psalm echoes this concept of the vineyard’s “walls broken down, so that every passer-by picks its fruit;” the refrain of the psalm is taken from the First Reading, “The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.” The Gospel has Jesus telling the chief priests and the elders a parable about a vineyard, its owner, and its tenants. At the end of it, he quotes Ps. 118 and then sums up by saying, “For this reason, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will yield a rich harvest.” The christological interpretation of this parable happened already in the Gospel itself (notice that the last to be sent was “the son,” and Him the tenants killed).



St. Basil the Great says: "Throughout the Scriptures, the Lord continually likens human souls to vines. He says, for instance: "My beloved had a vineyard on a fertile hillside;" and again, "I planted a vineyard and put a hedge around it." Clearly it is human souls that he calls his vineyard, and the hedge he has put around them is the security of his commandments and the protection of the angles, for "the angel of the Lord will encamp around those who fear him." (Homilies on the Hexaemeron, 5: SC 27, 304-307)



The in-course reading from Philippians continues this week. The first paragraph of the Second Reading has a long association with the Third Sunday of Advent. Here, though, we are given it as an exhortation to trust in God, who provides our needs and gives us peace. The pericope concludes with a list of things one ought to think of: things honest, pure, admirable, decent, etc. Using these in connection with living a life modeled on Christ (as Paul’s was when he was living there) will cause “the God of peace to be with you.”



A text based on the First Reading (Isaiah 5:1-7) is "Amid the World's Bleak Wilderness," by the hymnwriter Jaroslav Vajda, has been set by composer Richard Hillert and recorded by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop on the cd "Praise to the Lord: Great Hymns of the Church." The text of the Second Reading (Philippians 4: 6-9) is set by an anonymous composer in the English renaissance motet, "Rejoice in the Lord Alway," which was recorded by the Schola on the cd "Music for Advent II." Finally, a the hymn that I wrote for this Sunday is recorded on "Music for the Year of Matthew." All of these cds are published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org).

Hymn: 27th Sun. OT A

Hear now the song of fruitful vineyard

Planted with loving, tender care;

Hear how the tenants stole its profits

And killed the ownder's servants there.

Total rebellion seized their soul;

Breaking the covenant, their goal.



We are the vineyard, we the tenants

Pledged now in covenant with Christ.

In our rebellion, we have wandered

Far from His love beyond all price.

But mercy prompts God's faithful care

In which each sinner still can share.



Since love is God's response to sinners,

All anxious thoughts can be cast out;

Our needs, in pray're with grateful spirits,

Should then be voiced, beyond all doubts.

Lives that are honest, pure indeed,

Are by the God of peace thus freed.



98.98.88

tune: We nur den lieben Gott

If you don't know the tune: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/non/foreign.htm?de/wernurlg.htm



This hymn is recorded on the cd "Music for the Year of Matthew" by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop; the cd is published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org)



On that recording, you'll notice two forms of the melody. The first and older form is used for stanzas one and three, and is sung in unison. That is what's known as the "free-rhythm" form of the chorale, which is the form sung in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The second form, used in stanza two, is a J. S. Bach harmonization of the "simplified melody."

Commentary: 26 OT A

Ezekiel 18: 25-28

Psalm 125

Philippians 2: 1-11

Matthew 21: 28-32



The readings today discuss the way God judges and forgives. The First Reading is from the book of the prophet Ezekiel, where the prophet quotes the people’s plaint, “The Lord’s way is not fair!” Ezekiel turns that back onto the people. God’s ability to forgive sins and allow people to repent struck the Israelites of Ezekiel’s time as unjust, but the prophecy states “since he has turned away from all the sins which he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” The Responsorial Psalm picks up on this, and sings from the vantage of the sinner, “The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not; in Your kindness remember me, because of Your goodness, O Lord.” The Gospel presents the parable of the two sons; the one who agreed to work and then did not, and the other who rebelled against his father and finally did as he was asked. After telling this parable, Jesus compares the “acceptance” of the conventionally religious of His time, who then ignored the Gospel Jesus offered, to the acceptance of the prostitutes and tax collector, who heard the Gospel of repentance and embraced it. The message is clear: God’s forgiveness goes, not those who “deserve” it, but to those who need it and rejoice in it.



Clement of Alexandria says: “God pardons what is past, then, but for the future we are each responsible for how we live. By repenting, we condemn our past misdeeds and beg forgiveness of the Father, the only One who in His mercy can undo what has been done, and wipe away our past sins with the dew of His Spirit.” (Homily on the Salvation of the Rich)



The in-course reading of Philippians continues today. The Second Reading contains two distinct parts: one is an ethical exhortation; the other is a hymn. The hymn is familiar to those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours, because it appears in Evening Prayer every week on Saturday (i.e., Evening Prayer I of Sunday). We also encounter the hymn each year as the Second Reading on Passion/Palm Sunday. Here, though, it is the exhortation which is the focus (as is indicated by the short form of the reading in the lectionary). The exhortation, in which Paul asks his readers to live in “unanimity, possessing the one love, united in spirit and ideals…let all parties think humbly of othersas superior to themselves.” He does this, though by then adding the “hymn of Christ’s humiliation and glorification.” If we are to be followers of Christ, then we need to take Christ as the source of our new life.



The text of the antiphon of the Introit (Entrance Psalm) for this sunday in Year A is taken from today's Second Reading. You can hear this sung in Gregorian chant in Engish by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop on the recording "Music for the Year of Matthew," published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org)

Hymn: 26th Sun OT A

Once a father told his children:

"Vineyard work is yours today!"

One agreed, but disregarded;

One demurred, but then obeyed.



Those we often scorn as sinful

Hear God's voice and then repent.

Seeing love, we then are scornful:

"Unfair God! Why now relent?"



Here our model must be Jesus,

Who, though in the form of God,

Emptied self and took on slav'ry;

Bitter death's own way, He trod.



Setting now all strife and envy

Far from us to walk God's ways,

In the love of Christ, our oneness

Spurs us in our deeds each day.



87.87.

suggested tune: Stuttgart

If you don't know the tune: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/o/godmykin.htm

Commentary: 25th Sun OT A

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A



Isaiah 55: 6-9

Psalm 145

Philippians 1: 20-24, 27

Matthew 20: 1-16



The readings converge on God’s ways being completely different from our ways. The First Reading is a hymn from the book of the Prophet Isaiah, which gives this counsel: “For My thoughts are not your thought, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.” The Responsorial Psalm confirms God’s graciousness with its refrain, “The Lord is near to all who call Him.” The Gospel presents the parable of the workers in the vineyard. The generosity of the owner to the workers who labored only an hour caused dissention among those who had worked the entire day for the same wage. The owner’s retort, “I am free to do as I please with my money, am I not? Or are you envious because I am generous?” reminds us that “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” We do not have entitlements in the Kingdom of God—we have benefits, unearned.



The Fathers of the Church interpreted this story to talk about the end of time. St. Augustine says this: “This story reminds us of the harvest of spirits, at which God will rejoice in the fruit of His kingdom…In this great reward, then, we shall all be equal—the first to the last, and the last to the first. For the denarius stands for eternal life, in which all shall have the same share. Although through diversity of merit some will shine more brillianty than others, in the possession of eternal life, there will be equality.” (Sermo 87)



We begin a new in-course reading today, from the Epistle to the Philippians. Paul is reflecting on the possibility of being put to death (it is likely that he was imprisoned at the time of writing) for the faith, and he presents his readers a quandary: “For me, “life” means Christ; hence dying is so much gain. If, on the other hand, I am to go on living in the flesh, that means productive toil for me—and I do not know which to prefer.” Given this quandary, Paul says to the Philippians, “Conduct yourselves, then, in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ!”



On the recording "Music for the Year of Matthew," the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop sings today's First Reading (Isaiah 55:6-9) in Anglican chant. This prophetic text is also used as a canticle in the Episcopal "Book of Common Prayer," and is given with music in that church's "The Hymnal 1980." The recording is published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org)

Hymn: 25th Sun. OT A

Toiling for their daily bread,

Workers in the vineyard

Came at diff'rent times of day.

Sunset brought them town-ward.

Then each one of them was paid,

First and last, their wages;

This, the owner's gen'rous choice,

Brought forth bitter rages!



In this tale which jesus gold

We are given insight

Of the wondrous ways of God,

Higher far than heav'n's light

Is above the earth below---

In such gen'rous measure

God bestows on ev'ry soul

Grace in fullest measure!



Life, for those who are baptize,

Means "in Christ, we're living,"

Dying, then, becomes our gain

Through Christ's life we're sharing.

Called, then, worthily to love

In Christ's Gospel biding,

Let us daily trust in God

As in faith we're striving.



76.76.D

Gaudeamus pariter

If you don't know the tune: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/j/bjhanhan.htm



or it can be sung to

St. Kevin

If you don't know the tune: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/comyfait.htm

Commentary: 24th Sun. OT A

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A



Sirach 27:30-28:7

Psalm 103

Romans 14: 7-9

Matthew 18: 21-35



The readings today are concerned with forgiveness. The First Reading, from Sirach, sums up the attitude of the author in these words: “Should a man nourish anger against his fellows and expect healing from the Lord?” The Responsorial Psalm emphasizes the forgiving nature of God, with its refrain singing: “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.” The Gospel begins with Peter (this is his third Sunday on-stage) asking Jesus, “How often must I forgive my brother?” Jesus responds with the parable of the unforgiving servant. This parable is unique to the Gospel according to Matthew. Since this comes at the end of a series of material on the community, it relates strongly to the Church’s authority to bind and loose (21 OT A), the need of each Christian to take up the cross (22 OT A), and the function of discipline in the church community (23 OT A). The point of the story, Jesus says, is this: “My heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”



Saint Augustine says about this, “If we think of our sins, reckoning up those we have committed by sight, hearing, thought, and countless disorderly emotions, I do not know whether we can even sleep without falling into debt. And so, every day we pray; every day we beat upon God’s ears with our pleas; every day we prostrate ourselves before Him, saying, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Which of our trespasses, all of them, or only some? All, you will answer. Do likewise, therefore, with those who have offended you. This is the rule you have laid down for yourself, the condition you have stipulated. When you pray according to this pact and covenant, you remember to say: “Forgive us, as we also forgive our debtors.” (Sermo 83)



The in-course reading of Romans concludes this week. This week’s Second Reading is a hymn of praise of Christ, who is our Lord: “While we live we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die, we die as His servants. Both in life and in death, we are the Lord’s.” Because of this, we cannot judge one another in terms of ritual behavior; rather, we look to the Lord and judge only ourselves.



One of the Antiphons on the Gospel Canticles from the Liturgy of the Hours is taken from today's Gospel. You can hear a chant setting of it on the recording, "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org)

Hymn: 24th Sun. OT A

In anger, hate is hiding,

Yet witless sinner hugs it tight.

Unless we are forgiving,

We cannot walk in mercy's light.

Forgive your neighbor's sinning

And then, when you will pray,

Your own sin will be pardoned,

Blocked out by healing ray.

Reflect on God's commandment,

Be sparing in your way,

And then your ev'ry action

Is worthy of the day.



"Lord, when my brother wrongs me,

How many times must I forgive?"

Thus Peter asked for guidance,

And Jesus said, "If you would live,'

Forgive the wrong that's done you

For thus does God treat all

Who stray and ask forgiveness,

Responding to love's call.

Be not like unjust servants

Who, when their debts are freed,

Turn on their fellow-debtors,

Not granting what they need.



We are not our own master,

Not when we live or when we die;

We die as Jesus' servants,

Live in His mercy's rich supply.

In life and death we always

Belong to Christ our Lord,

Whose death and resurrection

Eternal life afford;

To all who heed His promise,

Christ gives the Spirit's grace

That we, our sins forgiven,

May safely run the race.



This was written when I was working at St. Peter's in the Loop, and frankly was intended to be sung by the Schola. It was written to:



P.M. (in case you've never seen this, it means "peculiar meter." Honestly! )

tune: Nun lob, mein Seel'

If you don't know this, check: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/s/msnptmak.htm



Obviously, though, most RC congregations are not going to know this tune---though you might seriously think about doing it as a choir piece...it's a great tune.



So, when I worked at St. John the Evangelist in St. John, Indiana, I rewrote the text to fit into 76.76 D:



In anger, hate is hiding,

Yet sinner hugs it tight.

Unless we are forgiving,

We'll not see heaven's light.

Forgive your neighbor's sinning

And then, when you will pray,

Your own sin will be pardoned,

Blocked out by healing ray.



"Lord, when my brother wrongs me,

How oft must I forgive?"

Thus Peter asked for guidance.

Christ said, "If you would live,

Forgive the wrong that's done you,

For thus does God treat all

Who stray and ask forgiveness,

Responding to His call.



Reflect on God's commandments;

Be sparing in your way--

And then your ev'ry action

Is worthy of the day.

Be not like unjust servants

Who, when their debts are freed,

Turn on their fellow-debtors,

Not granting what they need.



We are not our own master,

Alive or when we die.

We die as Jesus' servants,

Live as His grace supplies.

In life and death we always

Belong to Christ our Lord,

Whose death and resurrection

Eternal life afford.



76.76.D

Suggested tune: Aurelia (The Church's One Foundation)

Commentary: 23rd OT A

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, A



Ezekiel 33: 70-9

Psalm 95

Romans 13: 8-10

Matthew 18: 15-20



The readings have in common today the theme of fraternal correction and concern. The First Reading, from the book of the prophet Ezekiel, describes the prophet as having been “appointed watchman for the house of Israel.” This is an image familiar to people of the time: a sentry, posted in a high place, who warns of approaching danger. God’s charge to the prophet states that he has responsibility for delivering the message to the person concerned. Once the message has been delivered, it becomes that person’s responsibility, and no longer the prophet’s. The Responsorial Psalm echoes this by having as its refrain, “ If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts!” The Gospel discusses the need for mutual interaction and correction, giving a sort of community flowchart for solving problems. The general topic of responsibility and discipline is not popular today (and perhaps never really was); nevertheless, it is evident from this Gospel passage that such discipline is integral to the apostolic teaching about the church.



On this subject of discipline, St. John Chrysostom says: “You will be doing everything for the glory of God if, when you leave this place, you make yourselves responsible for saving a brother or sister—not just by accusing and rebuking him or her, but also by advising and encouraging, and by pointing out the harm done by worldly amusement, and the profit and help that comes from Christian instruction. It is the Church’s pride and the Savior’s command, not to be concerned only about our own welfare, but about our neighbor’s, also.” (Homilia 6)



The in-course reading from Romans continues with more ethical exhortations, this time in reference to human relationships. Paul discusses the commandments that apply to interpersonal relationships (5,6, 7, and 9/10) and sums them up in the command from Leviticus, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Since love, then, cannot hurt another person, Paul says, “hence love is the fulfillment of the law.”



The Communion Antiphon for this Sunday is taken from the Gospel of the Day, and can be heard on the recording "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, and published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org)

Hymn: 23rd OT A

If brother wrongs you, go to him;

In private tell the woe.

Should this not work, then choose one more

And to your brother go.



We're charged to warn our fellow saints

If sin should threaten harm.

We may not hide or turn away;

We're strengthened by God's arm.



No debt should we be owing here

Except the debt of love,

Fulfilling all the Law's commands

And leading us above.



86.86.

suggested tune: Azmon

If you want to hear the tune, go to: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/f/o/ofor1000.htm



You could also sing it to the tune

Lobt Gott, ihr Christen (86.866.)

by repeating the last line of text in each stanza.

If you want to hear the tune, go to: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/g/pglysmen.htm

Commentary: 22nd Sun. OT A

Jeremiah 20: 7-9

Psalm 63

Romans 12: 1-2

Matthew 16: 21-27



The readings center today on rejection; that rejection that the one who preaches the word of God will experience. In the First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah is complaining to God that all of his work for God’s Name has brought him derision and trouble: “You duped me, Lord, and I let myself be duped!” Even in the midst of refusing to preach any longer, the prophet cries out, “But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart…I grow weary holding it in.” The Responsorial Psalm echoes this need in its refrain, “My soul is thirsting for You, O Lord my God.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples of his upcoming sufferings and death and resurrection. Peter, fresh from his “Rock” confirmation, pulls Jesus aside and objects—and Jesus calls him “Satan” and tells him, “Get out of my sight! You are not judging by God’s standards but by man’s.” Then turning to the disciples, Jesus tells them that following Him means “deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in My footsteps.” It is the fidelity with which each Christian does this that will be thewitness for him or her on the last day.



St. Augustine, speaking about this text, says: “What does it mean to take up one’s cross? It means bearing whatever is unpleasant—that is following Me. Once you begin to follow Me by conforming your life to My commandments, you will find many to contradict you, forbid you, or dissuade you, and some of these will be people calling themselves followers of Christ. If you are persecuted you ought, surely, to make light of any suffering for the sake of Christ.” (Sermo 96)



The in-course reading of Romans continues. Today we reach the section of the epistle that talks about Christian behavior (ethics). This does not stand by itself—the ethics are devised from all of what Paul has been writing about (justifying faith in Jesus) up until this point. The true “worship” of the Christian is to live a life in accord with God’s will; this will be our “living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.”

Hymn: 22nd Sun. OT A

Sometimes, when writing these texts, I get immediate feedback. "How you could you SAY that?" people asked about the first line of this hymn....but if you don't like it, you're gonna have to argue with Jeremiah.

*Recent change: in obedience to the new Vatican directive, I have removed the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) from this text and replaced it with a circumlocution.



"Lord, you duped me and I let You;

Over me Your triumph strong

Has me mocked with ceaseless outrage;

Scorned am I the whole day long!"

Thus the prophet told his Master,*

"I will preach Your name no more!"

But the need to give his witness

Still impelled him to the fore.



Thus did Jesus to His chosen

Tell of cross and bitter pain;

Peter, hoping to forestall this,

Spoke against this awful stain.

In rebuke, there came this message:

You must daily take your cross,

Foll'wing Me and self forsaking,

Gaining grace from life that's lost.



Sisters, brothers, Christ is calling:

Offer living sacrifice

Of your bodies, holy, pleasing

Unto God, beyond all price.

Not conformed to this world's standards,

But renewed in heart and mind,

Thus shall God's own will be shown forth,

Perfect, pleasing, good to find.



87.87.D

try using "Holy Manna"



if you need to hear that, click this link for the tune:

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/r/brethren.htm



This text, to an incredible (and I mean that) setting by composer James E. Clemens, is available on the recording "Music for the Year of Matthew," published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org)



You can hear a snippet of it at the Schola's website:

www.scholacantorumstpeter.www

Commentary: 21 OT A

Isaiah 22: 15, 19-23

Psalm 138

Romans 11: 33-36

Matthew 16: 13-20



The connection in the readings today is the idea of the giving of keys of authority. In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah announces the deposition of one official and the promotion of another, who “will receive the key of the House of David on his shoulder; when he opens, no one will shut; when he shuts, no one shall open.” [This passage is also used as the basis for the Great O-Antiphon O Clavis David, sung by the Church on December 20.] The Responsorial Psalm sings of the great purpose of God, “Lord, Your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of Your hands.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They respond in various ways, reporting what they have heard. But when Jesus ask, “And who do you say that I am?” Peter responds with “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!”



Jesus replies that this knowledge is from the Father Himself, and says that upon Peter (the Rock),He will build His church, and the “jaws of death will not prevail against it, and I will entrust to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, that whatever you declare bound on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever you declare loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Saint John Chrysostom, reflecting on this exchange, says: “The reason God’s plan permitted Peter to sin several times was because he was to be entrusted with the whole people of God, and sinlessness (added to his native severity) might have made him unforgiving toward his brothers and sisters. This was God’s providential dispensation! He to whom the Church was to be entrusted, he, the pillar of the churches, the harbor of faith, was allowed to sin; Peter, the teacher of the world, was permitted to sin, so that having been forgiven himself, he would (in his use of the keys) be merciful to others.” (On Sts. Peter and Elijah)



Our in-course reading of Romans continues with this doxology. When we hear Paul affirm, “How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!” we are challenged to understand that our theologizing about God, no matter how well-meant, is destined to fall short of its goal. “For who has known the mind of God?…for from Him and through Him and for Him, all things are.” In this context, then, all of our attempts must bow and say, “To Him be glory forever. Amen!”

Hymn: 21st OT A

When asked about the Son of Man,
In many ways came the reply.

"But you?" said Jesus, "Who am I?"

"You are the Christ!" came Peter's cry.



Then Jesus, Key of David's line,

Gave to His friend the heaven's key

That things on earth might be held fast

And things called "loosed" be truly free.



The depth, the wisdom of our God

No mind can probe, no ear can hear;

Through Christ, God's wisdom come to earth,

We are enlightened, free from fear.



LM (88.88.)

lots of tunes to choose from

Hymn: Vigil of Assumption, Aug. 14

Readings for today: I Chronicles 15:3-4,15.16; 16:16, 1-2; I Corinthians 15:54-57; and Luke 11:27-28.

Meter for this hymn: 87.87.D; tune is Beach Spring.

Death defeated! Love is reigning

O'er the powers of sin and hell!

Let the songs of all the faithful

With the hymns of angels swell.

Mary, virgin mother blessed,

Now with Christ in triumph reigns,

Here assumed, both soul and body,

Has escaped corruption's chains.



As the Ark was brought in triumph

To the place which David planned,

So has Mary, Tabernacle,

Come at Christ's right hand to stand.

Immortality has clothed her

Who, as mortal, had to die;

Now the Church, God's faithful people,

Sing this endless hymn on high:



Praise to Father, Source of blessing;

Praise to Christ, true Light from Light;

Praise to Spirit, life's own Giver:

God of love and God of might!

As Our Lady has been granted

Life abundant at Your side,

Lead us on in faithful service

Till we all in heaven bide.

Commentary: 20th OT A

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

Isaiah 56: 1, 6-7

Psalm 67

Romans 11: 13-15, 29-32

Matthew 15: 21-28



The readings today center around the idea of salvation being available to all people. The First Reading, from the third part of the book of the prophet Isaiah, announces that foreigners previously barred from worshipping with the Israelite community will be welcomed, “for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” The Responsorial Psalm catches this theme by using the refrain, “O God, let all the nations (gentiles, goyim) praise You!” and continues in the same vein in stanza one, “So may Your ways be made known upon earth; among all nations, Your salvation!” The Gospel is the encounter of Jesus with the Canaanite woman. While this woman is an outsider to the covenant, she calls out to Jesus in covenant terms—“Lord, Son of David, have pity on me!” Despite Jesus’ protestations that His mission “is only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” He is overcome both by her requests and by her evident faith. It is this faith, Jesus says, that causes her daughter to be healed.



St. John Chrysostom, preaching on this verse, says: “Notice that the woman was a foreigner, a gentile, a person from outside the Jewish community. What was she then but a dog—unworthy to obtain her request? Nevertheless, by perseverance she became worthy, for Christ not only admitted her to the same noble rank as the children—dog though she was!—but also sent her away with high praise, saying, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be as you desire!’ Now when Christ says, ‘You have great faith,’ you need seek no further proof of the woman’s greatness of soul. You see that an unworthy woman became worthy because of perseverance. Let us not despair, even if guilty of sin and unworthy of any favor. We know that perseverance can make us worthy.” (Homily on Philippians 1: 18, 12-13)



The in-course reading of Romans continues today with Paul’s thoughts on the salvation both of Gentiles and of the Chosen People. “God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable!” No matter that Paul’s hopes—that the Jews would see the Gentiles being saved and, being envious, want entrance into the kingdom as well—did not come to fruition. His theological statement about God’s unchanging love is the basis for all understanding of Christian/Jewish dialogue.



You can hear a chant taken from today's Gospel--Egressus Jesus--sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, on a recording published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org) entitled"Music for the Year of Matthew."



Two hymns which, though not based on these readings, would be excellent additions to the Eucharistic Liturgy on this Sunday, would be "Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace," and "When Christ Was Lifted from the Earth," both of which can be heard sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop on the cd, "Praise to the Lord: Great Hymns of the Church," published by The Liturgical Press (www.litpress.org).

Hymn: 20th OT A

Readings for this Sunday: Isaiah 56: 1,6-7; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28.

The meter of this hymn is 66.66.888, and the tune for which it was written is "Rhosymedre," a Welsh tune found in Worship III at #570, with the text "O Father, By Whose Name."

Thus says the Lord our God:

Be zealous for the right,

For My salvation dawns---

My justice is in sight.

The foreigner who come to Me

And gives assent to My decree

Shall joined unto My people be.



So Jesus, on His way,

A foreign woman heard,

Who begged Christ for His aid

And argued with the Word.

In His delight, Christ praised her wealth

Of faith, which mingled with its stealth

And then restored her child to health.



God ne'er withdraws a gift

Nor e'er repents His call:

Through Israel's misdeed,

God has reached out to all

To show us mercy in our sin;

Through Jesus, who the fight did win,

Both Jew and Gentile now are kin.

Liturgy of the Hours, Aug. 6: Morning & Evening Prayer

Morning Prayer


The Invitatory is: Come, let us worship the King of glory, exalted on high.



The Hymn is "Dulci Jesu memoria," "The very thought of Jesus Christ"



The Psalms are from Sunday, Week I, with the following antiphons:



1. Today the Lord Jesus Christ shone with splendor on the mountain, his face like the sun and his clothes white as snow.

2. Today the Lord was transfigured, and the voice of the Father bore witness to him: Moses and Elijah appeared with him in glory.

3. The law was given through Moses and prophecy through Elijah. Radiant in the divine majesty, they were seen speaking with the Lord.



The Reading is Revelation 20:10, 23, which speaks of the new Jerusalem, which "did not need the sun or the moon for light, since it was lit by the radiant glory of God and the Lamb was a lighted torch for it."

The Responsory is “With glory and honor, Lord, you have crowned him,” with the verse “You set him over the works of your hands.”



The Benedicust is sung with the following antiphon: A voice spoke from the cloud: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased; listen to him.



The Intercessions and Prayer are proper to Transfiguration.



Evening Prayer



The Hymn is "O nata lux de lumine," "O Jesus, very light of light"



The Psalms and the antiphons are proper to the feast:



1. Psalm 110:1-5,7, with

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John,

and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone,

and he was transfigured before them.

2. Psalm 121, with

A bright cloud overshadowed them,

and suddenly a voice spoke from the cloud:

This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased;

listen to him.

3. I Timothy Canticle (3:16), with

As they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them:

Tell no one of the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.



The Reading is Romans 8:16-17, which reminds us that we are “heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, sharing his sufferings so as to share his glory.”



The Responsory is: “Beauty and wealth surround him, alleluia, alleluia,” with the verse, “Richness and splendor adorn his holy place.”



The Magnificat is sung with this antiphon:

When they heard the voice from the cloud,

the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear;

Jesus came up to them, touched them, and said:

Stand up. Do not be afraid.



The Intercessions and Prayer are proper to the Transfiguration.

Hymns: Transfiguration of the Lord (Aug. 6)

Readings for the feast: Daniel 7: 9-10,13-14; II Peter 1: 16-19; Matthew 17: 1-9 (in year A, of course)



Hymn One: sung to "Kingsfold"

The Master came with His three friends
To climb Mount Tabor's heigh;
There he was changed, transfigured with
God's uncreated Light.
"This is my Son!" the Father said,
"In Him is My delight!
So give him ear, that all your ways
May be within My light!"


As Daniel, seer of old, had seen
One like a 'Son of Man,'
On whom were kingship, sov'reignty,
And place at God's right hand,
So too, said Peter, we have seen
His glory, come from God,
Revealed to us who with Him lived
And walked in ways untrod.

Let us confirm our call from God
With works that show His light,
Transfigured from our former selves
By His most awesome might.
Bring us, O Lord, to hear Your Son,
That--walking in His ways--
We, as Your daughters and Your sons,
May praise You all our days.

86.86.D

Hymn Two: Sung to the tune "Kol Slaven Nas"

O Lord, when You were shown in Your glory,
Tabor became like heaven that day.
A cloud of dazzling brightness came o'er You;
Then came the Father's voice, heard to say:
This is My Son, in Whom I rejoice!
Listen to Him! Make Him your heart's own choice!

There with You on the mount in witness
Were Peter, James, and John, who came
To see You there in transfigured splendor,
Giving them strength to spread Your Name.

There, too, came Moses and Elijah,

Witnesses to Your coming death,

Thus testifying, Law and Prophets,

Of Your great love, to Your last breath. (Refrain)



O Christ, our Light, all light outshining,

Call us from sin to follow You,

That we, transfigured by our Baptism,

May in our lives be ever true. (Refrain)

Commentary: 19 OT A

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

I Kings 19: 9, 11-13

Psalm 85

Romans 9: 1-5

Matthew 14: 22-33



In the Scriptures read today, God is encountered after a mighty storm. In the First Reading, the prophet Elijah is commanded to stand at the entrance of a mountain cave to experience the Lord. He sees mighty wind, earthquake, fire—but does not experience God in any of these. Instead, he hears “a tiny whispering sound”—more poetically rendered in other translations as “a still, small voice.” He reverently covers his face and experiences the Lord. The Responsorial Psalm, following Elijah’s lead, sings, “I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord—for He proclaims peace. Near indeed is His salvation!” In the Gospel, the disciples have crossed the lake in a boat, only to be caught in a storm. In the midst of this storm, Jesus came “walking toward them on the lake.” They were terrified; when reassured by Jesus, Peter responds, “If it is really You, tell me to come to You across the water.” And Jesus said, “Come!” When Peter walked, he was suddenly afraid, and cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus caught him and said, “How little faith you have! Why did you falter?”



St. Augustine says about Peter, “Peter climbed out of the boat and began to walk on the water. This is what he could do through the power of the Lord; what of his own power? ‘He lost his nerve, and as he began to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ When he counted on the Lord’s help, it enabled him to walk on the water; when his human frailty made him falter, he turned immediately to the Lord, who stretched out His hand to help him…Catch this lesson! If you begin to sink, say, ‘Lord, save me!’ Only He who died for your sake in your fallen nature can save you from the death that is inherent in that fallen nature.” (Sermo 76)



The in-course reading from Romans continues with today’s Second Reading. Paul is wrestling with the problem of the ultimate salvation of the people of Israel. Here, Paul lists all the wonderful things that have come to the world through the Chosen People and their faithfulness to God’s covenant. In this post-Holocaust time, molded by the magisterial documents such as Nostra Aetate and by the USCCB document God’s Mercy Endures Forever, we know that the Church teaches that God has never abrogated the covenant which He made with the Chosen People. It is through Israel that we have received the Messiah. Therefore, we must be very aware of the enduring nature of that covenant when we discuss Judaism in our preaching or our teaching.



A rather dramatic choral piece based on today's Gospel, "In the Night Christ Came Walking," by Noble Cain, can be heard on the recording "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, published by The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org)

Hymn: 19 OT A

Readings for this Sunday: I Kings 19: 9, 11-13; Romans 9: 1-5; Matthew 14:22-33.

The meter of this text is 886.886; the tune for which it was written is "Meribah."

In storm-tossed waters rocked the boat

Which barely kept live and afloat

Th'Apostles of the Lord;

Then Christ appeared upon the waves

And said to Peter, "Come to Me,

The One who always saves."



How often in our utmost need

We fail to listen or to heed

The tiny whisp'ring sound

Elijah heard before the cave--

The sound of God who comes to save,

Who searches till we're found.



As God the cov'nant e'er shall keep

With Israel and ne'er hold cheap

The promise that was made,

So too we know in Christ God's love

Which came down to us from above

And all our ransom paid.

Commentary: 18 OT A

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

Isaiah 55: 1-3

Psalm 145

Romans 8: 35, 37-39

Matthew 14: 13-21



Today’s Scriptures talk about eating. The First Reading is from the book of the prophet Isaiah, in which the Lord invites all those who are hungry and thirsty to come to Him and be satisfied. “Come to Me heedfully—listen, that you might have life.” The Responsorial Psalm picks up that idea, and sings in the refrain, “The hand of the Lord feeds us; He answers all our needs.” The Gospel for today is the Matthean version of the feeding of the five thousand by Jesus, with five loaves and a few fish. The feel of the text is eucharistic/paschal in character: He has the crowds sit down (recline); he takes; looks up to heaven; gives thanks (blesses); breaks the bread; distributes it. All are fed to satisfaction. St. Ephrem the Syrian, speaking about this passage, says: “Our Lord in a desert place changed a few loaves into many…thus, before the time came to give men and women His own body and blood to feed on, He accustomed their palates to His bread, giving them a taste of the transitory, to teach them to delight in His life-giving body…He awakened our desire by things pleasing to the palate, in order to draw us to that which gives life to the soul…Humans who practice any craft always fall short of their customers’ desires—they are unable to meet their requirements; but what God does goes beyond anyone’s desire.” (Diatessaron 12)



The in-course reading of Romans continues this week. Last week, we heard of the good things God has in store for us. This week, Paul asks the rhetorical question: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” and answers it by saying, “Nothing (and he gives quite a list of things!) will be able to separate us from the love of God, that comes to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.” He emphatically states, “Yet in all this we are more than conquerors because of Him who has loved us!” The last two lines of the Responsorial Psalm today are a wonderful lead-in to the Second Reading: “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.”



A very strong setting of part of today's Second Reading, "Who Shall Separate Us?" by American composer John Ness Beck, can be heard on the compact disc, "Music for the Year of Matthew," recorded by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop and published by The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org)

Hymn: 18 OT A

The meter of this hymn is 76.76.D. The tune is "Aurelia," which is found in Worship III at #618 together with the text, "O Christ the Great Foundation."

The crowd had followed Jesus

Into the wilderness;

He saw their needy number,

Which caused His heart distress.

As evening came upon them,

He had them all recline.

There with some loaves and fishes

Christ made them all to dine.



This gen'rous care for hungry

And thirsty souls still calls:

All you who have no money,

Seek not for food that palls;

Come unto Christ and listen

With all your heart and mind--

In Jesus, we encounter

God's love and peace entwined.



God's love that comes in jesus

Shown forth upon the cross

And in His resurrection

Will nver be our loss;

For we are more than conqu'rors

In Christ, who reigns above;

Nor present nor the future

Can steal us from God's love.

Commentary: 17 OT A

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

I Kings 3: 5, 7-12

Psalm 119

Romans 8: 28-30

Matthew 13: 44-52



The readings converge at valuing God and His wisdom above all else. The First Reading tells of the dream of Solomon where, in response to an offer from God, the king chooses “an understanding heart to judge Your people wisely and to distinguish right from wrong.” The Lord was pleased with the request and granted it to him. The Responsorial Psalm reflects Solomon’s choice of wisdom over riches or long life, saying, “For I love Your command more than gold, however fine.” Loving the Lord’s commands, then, is the path to life and to wisdom. Today’s Gospel is a series of parables: the buried treasure, the pearl of great price, and the dragnet, all of which are used to emphasize the importance of choosing God’s kingdom above all other things in this world. Even the sneakiness of the man who finds the buried treasure and reburies it so that he can buy the field without disclosing its real worth—this is an example of how the kingdom of God requires our utmost to acquire it. We see in the parable of the dragnet that “what was useless was thrown away—that is how it will be at the end of the world.” In discussing the pearl of great price, Origen says: “If you ask what is to be sought, and what will be found by everyone who seeks for it, I say with all confidence: pearls—especially that pear which will be acquired by those who give their all, who sacrifice everything for it, the pearl which Paul meant when he said, ‘I have accepted the loss of everything in order to gain Christ.’ Everything means beautiful pearls; to gain Christ refers to the one pearl, the pearl of great price.” (Commentary on the Gospel according to Matthew)



The in-course reading from Romans continues this week. Given what Paul has already discussed, he announces that we have assurance that all will be well. With what we have already experienced God to have done through Christ, we have hope: “We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His decree.” As we are experiencing the life in Christ through the Church now, we know that something even greater is held in store for us.



The hymn written for this Sunday is recorded in an anthem version on the compact disc, "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, and available for purchase from The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org)

Hymn: 17 OT A

The readings for this Sunday are: I Kings 3;5, 7-12; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13: 44-46.

The meter of the text is 88.88 (also known as LM, or "Long Meter"). This text was intended to be sung to the melody called "Tallis' Canon," which is found in Worship III at #652, O God of Love, O King of Peace.

The Lord appeared with a dream

When Solomon was deep in sleep;

And offered him his heart's delight,

A precious gift for him to keep.



Of all the things he could have had,

The monarch chose a gift of grace,

An understanding heart, that he

Might wisely govern all his race.



The reign of God (as Jesus taught)

Is seen by folk of single heart

Who, having found the precious pearl,

Will never from their treasure part.



All things, for those who love the Lord,

Our God will cause to work out well.

The loving heart, the focused mind,

Will lose no chance God's praise to tell.

Commentary: 16 OT A

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

Wisdom 12: 13, 16-19

Psalm 86

Romans 8: 26-27

Matthew 13, 23-43



The readings come together today on the concept of God’s provision of time for repentance. In the First Reading, the author of the book of Wisdom says: “And You gave Your sons good ground for hope that You would permit repentance for their sins.” The Responsorial Psalm picks up on this theme in its refrain, “Lord You are good and forgiving,” and by saying twice in the body of the psalm, “You are good and forgiving, abounding in kindness.” The Gospel is three parables: the weeds and the wheat, the mustard seed, and the yeast kneaded into dough. At the conclusion of these, Psalm 78:2 is quoted, connecting Jesus’ use of parables with a citation from the Hebrew Scriptures. The allegorical interpretation of the first parable then follows. Both the parable of the weeds and wheat and its interpretation stress that God gives to all the time that is needed to repent—not on our timetable, but on His. Whoever we tend to identify as “weeds,” we need to be aware that God cares for them, and will deal with them in His own way at His own time. In commenting on this pericope, St. Gregory Palamas says: “The fact is that many godlesssinners, living among people who are upright and devout, repent in time and are converted, and by learning new habits of piety and virtue they cease to be weeds and become wheat.” (Homily 27)



The in-course reading from Romans continues this week. Even though some verses are omitted between last week’s Second Reading and this week’s, there is continuity. Since we, who have the Spirit as first-fruits, are inwardly groaning (that was last week), we are aided by the Spirit, who intercedes for us “with groanings which cannot be expressed in speech” (that is this week). By prayer, we participate in the life of the Holy Trinity, through the Spirit who dwells within each of the baptized.



You can hear a chant with a text taken from the Gospel Reading---"Collegite primum", on the compact disc "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, available from The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org

Hymn: 16th OT A

The readings for this Sunday are Wisdom 12;13, 16-19; Romans 8:26-27; and Matthew 13: 24-43.

This meter of this hymn is 88.88.88, and was originally intended to be sung to the tune, Vater unser in Himmelreich (Luther's paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer). Those adventurous enough can still do so. However, the average Roman Catholic congregation is more likely to know the tune St. Catherine, which occurs in Worship III at #743, to the text "Within Your House, O God, Today."

The reign of God can be compared

To farmers planting best of seeds;

When crops began to fully grow,

The wheat was mixed throughout with weeds.

There both of them were left to grow

Till harvest's work the best will show.



O God, Your mercy is displayed

In patience toward repentant hearts;

Your justice, tempered by Your grace,

Supplies, to all who seek, fresh starts.

Though You rebuke those who do wrong,

Your clemency becomes their song.



The Spirit searches ev'ry heart

And helps us in our weariness;

The Spirit intercedes for all

To turn us from our wickedness

That we in holiness may shine;

The Spirit thus will each refine.

Commentary: 15 OT A

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

Isaiah 55: 10-11

Psalm 65

Romans 8: 18-23

Matthew 13: 1-23



The commonality of the readings today is on the comparison of the Word of God with seed. In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah gives an analogy of the natural world (as the rain/snow) with the supernatural world (so My word). The Responsorial Psalm is one that uses a Gospel text (here, from a parallel version of this parable: Luke 8:8) for its refrain: “The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest,” which then brackets the text of Psalm 65 with its thanksgiving for the fruitful earth and puts it into the context of the spread of God’s Word. The Gospel is the parable of the sower. The shorter form of the parable, taken by itself, is a promise of God’s generosity on the spread of the Gospel of the kingdom—even to the point of absurdity (“yielding grain at a hundred- or sixty- or thirty-fold!”). The longer form, which gives the allegorical interpretation of the parable, illustrates the difficulties and dangers which the followers of Jesus can experience in their walk with Christ. Pope St. Gregory the Great, preaching on this pericope, says: “Be careful, then that the word you have received through your ears remains in your heart. Be careful that the seed does not fall along the path, for fear that the evil spirit may come and take it from your memory. Be careful that the seed is not received in stony ground, so that it produces a harvest of good works without the roots of perseverance. Many people are pleased with what they hear and resolve to undertake some good work, but as soon as difficulties begin to arise and hinder them, they leave the work unfinished…But the seed on the good soil, as the Lord said, brings forth fruit by patience—because, since they humbly endure misfortunes, they are welcomed when these are over into a place of rest in heaven. (Forty Gospel Homilies 1)



The in-course reading of Romans continues. Last week, Paul connected our renewal in Christ to baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus. This week, we hear him discuss the renewal of the whole creation in the paschal mystery. Creation fell in Adam’s fall (i.e., “became subject to futility”). Now creation itself longs “for the glorious freedom of the children of God.” Redemption is not just “me and Jesus”—it is about the restoration of all things to the relationship God intended them to have at creation, when God made it “and saw that it was very good.”



You can hear an anthem based on the Gospel Reading---"The Seed is God's Word", by the German Renaissance composer Melchior Franck---on the compact disc "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, available from The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org).

Hymn: 15 OT A

Meter is 87.87.887. While originally written with the melody "Es ist das Heil uns kommen her" in mind, I think it is safe to say that most Roman Catholics would go "Huh?" and pass this text by. However, there is another tune of this meter, found in Worship III: "Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr," which is given to the metricized text of the Gloria in Excelsis, "All Glory Be to God on High," #527.



A farmer went out to his field

And scattered seed for sowing;

Part fell on parths, devoured by birds;

And some in thorns were going.

Some fell upon the rocky ground,

But some a fertile home had found

To spring up, lush and growing.



The Word of God comes forth to us

As falls the rain from heaven,

As seed is sown by farmer's hand,

And for our life is given.

The Spirit, working deep within,

Who gives us grace to know our sin,

Will move us into freedom.



Let us this message mark and hear,

That we may know its treasure

And, living lives transformed by Christ,

Await in fullest measure

The glory that we know shall be

Revealed for all eternity

To us as sons and daughters.

Commentary: 14 OT A

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

Zechariah 9: 9-10

Psalm 145

Romans 8: 9, 11-13

Matthew 11: 25-30



The connection of the readings is in the humility of God’s Messiah. The First Reading is a song of praise from the book of the prophet Zechariah, often associated with Passion Sunday/Palm Sunday: “See, your king shall come to you—a just savior is He, meek (humble), and riding on an ass.” The Responsorial Psalm praises the coming king, “I will praise Your Name, my King and my God!” and, in the second stanza, makes a connection with the Gospel: “The Lord is good to all, and compassionate toward all His works.” The Gospel has Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” An anonymous sermon from the 4th century says: “God is humble, and we are proud! The judge is gentle; the criminal, arrogant! The potter speaks in a lowered voice; the clay discourses in the tones of a king! ‘Come, learn from Me, for I am gentle andhumble of heart.” I am the Creator, and I love My work. I am the sculptor, and I care for what I have made. If I thought of My dignity, I should not rescue fallen humanity. If I failed to treat its incurable sickness with fitting remedies, it would die. If I did nothing but threaten, it would perish. This is why I apply the salve of kindness to it where it lies…I am glorified on high, but because I am long-suffering I am not angry with you, for ‘I am gentle and humble in heart.’” (Homily on St. Bassos)



The in-course reading from Romans continues today. Paul tells us, “You are not in the flesh; you are in the spirit.” What is being opposed here? When Paul speaks of “flesh,” he refers to humanity before its redemption in Christ—all of it: body, soul, mind, which has suffered from the fall. “Spirit,” for Paul in this context, is humanity redeemed, reborn in water and the Holy Spirit of God.



You can hear an anthem based on the Gospel Reading---"Come To Me, O Weary Traveler"---on the compact disc "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, available from The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org).

Hymn: 14 OT A

Readings for this Sunday: Zechariah 9:9-10; Romans 8:9, 11-13; Matthew 11;25-30.

Meter for hymn: 87.87. D; suggested tune, Hyfrydol (found in Worship III as "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! at #737).

Shout for joy, O daughter ZIon!

See, your King now comes to you--

Meek and lowly, scorning terror,

Bringing peace and comfort true.

Hear the voice of Jesus, off'ring:

"Come, you weary, find your rest;

'Neath my gentle yoke of mercy

Burdened souls will each be blest."



We are debtors, then, my brothers;

Sisters, we owe all to Christ

Who will raise our mortal bodies

Through His death, beyond all price.

Filled with Jesus' Holy Spirit,

We re freed our lives to give

And in ways of faithful service

Day by day to fully live.

Hymn: Ss. Peter and Paul (Jun. 29)

My original hymn for this feast, "Let us now with crowns of praises" was based on the stichera (i.e., office hymnody) for this feast in the Byzantine rite. It belongs to a complete set of texts for fixed feasts (i.e., attached to a specific date in the civil year) which is owned and copyrighted by World Library Publications, Franklin Park, IL. If you are interested in that specific text (which is sung to the melody, Ode to Joy), you can contact me at chantermt@yahoo.com and I will let you know how to access it.

The readings for this feast are Acts 12: 1-11; II Timothy 4:6-8,17-18; and Matthew 16: 13-39, with the Responsorial Psalm being Ps. 34.

This hymn text is newly composed in 2008, and is more reflective of these readings from the Roman Rite for the Eucharist on this day. The meter is 86.86.D, and is intended to be sung to the melody "Kingsfold."

When Herod moved against the Church, he killed James out of spite,

And then thrust Peter into jail, all compassed round with might.

But God dispatched His angel strong, who freed him from his chain,

Restoring him to friends' embrace, who sadly thought him slain.



On Peter's strong confession made of God's Messiah true,

The Lord has built His Church, and naught against it can death do!

"I give to you the kingdom's keys, with pow'r to loose and bind;

The power to remit men's sin is in those keys entwined."



In Paul's own words, "I've run the race, the good fight I have fought;

Now God, the just judge of us all, will give the crown I've sought.

Through God, the preaching task was giv'n and His grace will complete

The work at hand, and then will bring me to His mercy-seat."



The Church, well-built upon this Rock, and taught by these two men

Will yearly come to give You thanks and raise this hymn again:

To Father, Son, and Spirit, God, whom angels all adore,

With Peter, Paul, and all the saints we worship evermore.

Commentary: Ss Peter and Paul Vigil (Jun. 28)

The Introit for the vigil Mass is taken from the Gospel of that Mass: John 21:18-19. "The Lord said to Peter, 'When you were young you girded yourself and walked where you would. But when you are old you will stretch forth your hands, and another will gird you and lead you where you would not.' Now this He said to signify by what manner of death he [i.e., Peter] would glorify God." The psalm verse is Ps. 19:1--"The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament proclaims His handiwork." This is the psalm that, in both East and West, is always connected with the Apostles and their work of preaching the Good News.



The Communion Antiphon is taken from the Gospel of the Day, John 21:15,17: "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these do?" Lord, You know all things; You know, Lord, that I love You."

Two of the three readings are about Peter: the First Reading (Acts 3:1-10) and the Gospel (John 21: 15-19). The Second Reading is Paul's own words, describing his work and his calling (Galatians 11:11-20).

Hymn: Vigil of Ss. Peter and Paul (Jun. 28)

Coming to the temple precincts,

John and Peter meant to pray.

There they met a crippled beggar,

Who sought alms from them that day.

"I have neither gold nor silver;

What I have, though, take from me:

In the Name of Jesus, brother,

Rise and walk and be made free!"



Peter, questioned by his Master,

Spoke three times of love so strong.

In response the Lord commanded,

"Feed My sheep your whole life long."

And He added, "Once you wandered

As you pleased, unbound and free;

Once you're older, you'll be captured,

Fettered, bound; still, follow Me!"



The Good News told by th'Apostles

Does not come from human speech,

But directly from Christ Jesus,

Who commanded them to preach!

Paul, who once the Faith had hated,

Called by God to know His Son,

Then became the greatest teacher,

Praising Christ for souls he'd won.



Glory now to God the Father,

Who from mother's womb has sought;

Glory now to Christ our Savior,

Who our souls in ransom bought;

Glory now to Holy Spirit,

In whose grace we daily live;

For th'Apostles and their message

Daily thanks and praise we give!

Commentary: Nativity of St. John Baptist (Jun. 24)

The Introit for today's solemnity is taken from the text of today's First Reading: Isaiah 49, 1-2: "From my mother's womb, the Lord called me by my name, and he made my mouth like a sharpened sword; he concealed me in the shadow of his arm, and made me a chosen arrow." The antiphon is sung with the first verses of Psalm 91, "It is good to give thanks to the Lord; to sing praise to your Name, O Most High."

[Side comment: This text is from the "Roman Gradual," which gives the text and music for the Eucharistic celebrations according to the Roman Rite. It is NOT the same text as the one given at 'Introductory Rites' in the Sacramentary, which is a conflation of John 1:6-7 and Luke 1:17---There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came to bear witness to the Light, to prepare an upright people for the Lord."]

The Communion Antiphon from the "Roman Gradual"is taken from the Gospel of the Day, Luke 1:76, which sings: "You, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you shall go befor the face of the Lord to prepare His way."

Hymn: Nativity of St. John Baptist (Jun. 24)

Readings for the Solemnity: Isaiah 49: 1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1: 57-66, 80.

Hymn tune: Stuttgart (86.86)



Hear me, O you distant coastlines!

From the womb God called my name,

Making me a polished arrow

That would go to spread His fame!



Hear the voice of once-dumb father

Crying out in prophecy:

You, my child, shall be Christ's prophet,

That our people might be free!



Aged parents see in gladness

John, their son, whose birth will bring

Voice of one in desert crying:

Harken to our coming King!



On this day of glad thanksgiving,

All the faithful praise the Name

Of the Father, Son, and Spirit,

Triune God, fore'er the same!

Commentary: Vigil of the Nativity of St. John Baptist

Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist: Vigil, June 24

It's actually debatable whether this feast is a "saint's day." Well, no, it's not---but it fits in a major way into the feasts of the Incarnation of the Lord, as well.

[As a sidebar: feasts that have their own "vigil" propers: in the temporal cycle: Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. In the sanctoral cycle: Nativity of St. John the Baptist (Jun. 24), Saints Peter and Paul (Jun.29); and Assumption of the BVM (Aug. 15).]

The readings for the Vigil Mass are: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Ps. 71; I Peter 1:8-12; and Luke 1:5-17.

Please note that the Sacramentary says "This Mass may be used in the evening of June 23, either before or after Evening Prayer I of the solemnity." Also note that the euchology (the priestly prayers found in the Sacramentary) are all written to speak of being "in" the feast, and not "before" or "leading to" the feast.

Hymn, Vigil of Nativity of St. John Baptist (Jun. 23)

The meter of this hymn is 87.87.D, and the tune suggested is "Nettleton," found in Worship III as hymn #535, "God, We Praise You."



Hear the word of God, which thundered:

"E'er I formed you in the womb,

I have called you to My service

Prophet in the nation's gloom"

"Lord, my years are few; I know not

How to speak or serve You best!"

God responded, "I am with you,

There to save in time of test!



As he served in Temple precints,

Zecharaiah heard a voice,

Telling him his wife, though barren,

Would bring forth a son most choice.

"This your son shall be Forerunner,

All shall in his birth be blest;

For his preaching will prepare them

For the Hope of the Oppressed."



In this birth, then, Christian people,

God has pointed out the way

That His Son, our true Messiah,

Would be shown us on that day.

For Saint John, we raise our voices,

With the Church above, below:

To the Father, Son, and Spirit,

May our endless praises flow!

Commentary on the Readings: 12 OT A

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

Jeremiah 20: 10-13

Psalm 69

Romans 5: 12-15

Matthew 10: 26-33



Last week, the readings centered on being called; this week, they center on the difficulties that result from being called. The First Reading, from the book of the prophet Jeremiah, describes the difficulties encountered by the prophet in his attempt to do God’s will. The Responsorial Psalm, in its first stanza, hears not only an echo of Jeremiah’s fate, but a foreshadowing of what will happen to Jesus in His passion: “For your sake, I bear insult, and shame covers my face. I have become an outcast to my brothers, a stranger to my mother’s children, because zeal for Your house consumes me, and the insults of those who blaspheme You fall upon me.” The Gospel continues with Jesus’ commissioning of the Twelve from last week, warning of the difficulties they will face in their proclamation of the Kingdom. He also gives them a “blessing and curse” ending to their commission: “Everyone who acknowledges Me before others I will acknowledge before My heavenly Father. But whoever denies Me before others, I will deny before My heavenly Father.” In discussing this passage, St. Augustine of Hippo preached, “Not only had Jesus said, ‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul’—He also left them His own example. The precept He laid upon them, He personally carried out, without attempting to evade scourging and blows and spittle.” (Ennarationes in Psalmos 69)



Our in-course reading of Romans continues today, building on where we left off last week. Paul contrasts Adam, the first man, with the “one man Jesus Christ.” In the first, we find transgression, sin, and death; in the second, we find obedience, grace, and life. While Paul calls Adam and his transgression a “type” of Jesus, “the one to come,” he also states that God’s gift in Christ far surpasses the sin of Adam: “How much more did the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many!”



You can hear the Communion Antiphon for this Sunday, which is taken from the Gospel Reading---"Quod dico vobis"---on the compact disc "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, available from The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org).

Hymn, 12th Sunday OT A

The readings for this Sunday are: Jeremiah 20: 10-13; Romans 5:12-15; Matthew 10;26-33.



The meter of the hymn is 98.98.88. The tune, called Ich sterbe taeglich (which means "I die daily" in German), is not known by Roman Catholic congregations in the USA, but is very popular among the Lutherans of the LC-MS (Missouri Synod) and the WELS (Wisconsin Synod), where it is sung to the communion text, "I Come, O Savior, to Your Table." It can be found in the "Lutheran Service Book" (LC-MS) at #618, and in "Christian Worship--a Lutheran Hymnal" (WELS) at #310.



As Jeremiah heard the whispers

Of foes on each and ev'ry side,

He turned to God, the mighty Champion,

And trusted safely to abide.

Lord, in Your great love answer me;

From ev'ry terror, set me free.



"Fear not the ones who hurt the body,"

The vhoice of Christ tells us today,

"But rather flee from lasting terror;

Acknowledge Me in ev'ry way!"

Lord, in Your great love, answer me;

That true to You I e'er may be.



Just as through one, sin and death entered,

So through just One, does grace abound;

Through God the Father and Christ Jesus

The way to endless life is found.

Lord, in your great love, answer me,

That through Your grace I may be free!

Commentary on the Readings: 11 OT A

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

Exodus 19: 2-6a

Psalm 100

Romans 5: 6-11

Matthew 9:36-10:8



The connecting link of today’s reading is the concept of being chosen. In the First Reading, from the book of Exodus, God offers a covenant to the Israelites, saying, “If you hearken to My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My special possession, dearer to Me than all other people, although all the earth is Mine. You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.” The Responsorial Psalm with its refrain “We are His people, the sheep of His flock!” confirms this covenant between God and His people. In the Gospel, Jesus is “moved to pity for them, because…they were like sheep without a shepherd.” He then summons the Twelve, gives them authority, and sends them out. In doing so, Jesus connects the covenant God made with the Israelites to His own work (“the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”). While this is limited at the time to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel,” it will take on universal scope at the Ascension.

St. John Chrysostom says, “How could Jesus talk of ‘harvest’ about work that was only beginning? Why was He about to send His apostles out,bewildered and anxious, saying: ‘How can so few put the world to rights?’ It was to save them from anxiety that the Lord called the Gospel a harvest….you must be like that when you go out into the world.” (Last Homilies 10, 2-3)



The in-course reading from Romans takes us today to Paul’s reasoning about God’s immeasurable love for humanity, which is demonstrated by Christ dying for us “while we were still sinners.” This having been done, Paul says, how much more are we saved by the life of the Son of God, now that we are “justified in His blood.” This, in fact, becomes material worthy of boasting about—all through Jesus Christ, “through whom we have now received justification."



You can hear hear the hymn "From Egypt, From the Land of Death," on the compact disc "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, available from The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org).

Hymn, 11 OT A

The readings for this Sunday are: Exodus 19:2-6; Romans 5:6-11; and Matthew 9:36-10:8.


The meter of this hymn is 88.88, which is also called "Long Meter/LM" in many hymnals. The tune Rockingham is found in Worship III, hymn #433, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

"From Egypt, from the land of death,

I bore you up on eagle's wing,"

Thus said the Lord, "That you'd be Mine--

A nation that My praise would sing."



As had their forebears, so the Twelve

The call of God recevied and heard

And went as harvest-laborers

To reap the bounty of the Word.



All those for whom the Christ has died

Are reconciled to God by blood:

Thus called and loved, we seek to tell

The joy of News so graced and good.

Commentary on the Readings: 10 OT A

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

Hosea 6: 3-6

Psalm 50

Romans 4: 18-25

Matthew 9:9-13



Today’s readings are centered on the necessity for ritual to be matched by chesed (the almost untranslatable Hebrew word which may best be captured by the English expression loving kindness). In the First Reading, the prophet Hosea paints a picture of a people whose piety quickly comes to the lips, but does not manifest itself in righteousness. Speaking through the prophet, God says, “For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice; and knowledge of God rather than holocausts.” The Responsorial Psalm echoes this dichotomy in its first and third stanzas: “Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your holocausts are before Me always…offer to God praise as your sacrifice, and fulfill your vows to the Most High—then call upon me in distress, and I will rescue you.” The Gospel relates the call of the tax collector Matthew, which the Gospel uses as an object lesson. Jesus says to those who rebuke Him in His choice of companions: “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do! Go and learn the meaning of the words, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Thus the Gospel quotes the First Reading and puts it in the context of God’s chesed for all His creatures—which is not dependent on who they are, but on who God is. St. Augustine of Hippo, commenting on this verse, said: “Some people’s strength is based on confidence in their own righteousness…those were strong people who taunted the disciples because their master entered the homes of sinners and ate with them…God grant that we may never imitate that kind of strength. It was the humility of Jesus above all else that He impressed upon us.” (Exposition of the Psalms 58)



Our in-course reading of Romans continues with Paul’s teaching about justification. He uses the biblical story of our “father in faith” Abraham and his wife Sarah to support his understanding of God’s actions. In the ordinary course of things, Abraham and Sarah could not believe that the promises made them would come true. Through faith, they were able to do so and to trust in God’s promises. In like manner, those of us who have placed our trust in what God has promised humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus will receive what we have confidently believed in.



You can hear an anthem based on the Gospel Reading---"Saint Matthew"---on the compact disc "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, available from The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org). It retells the story of the calling of Matthew,using a tune from the Shape Note tradition. Very powerful!

Hymn, 10 OT A

This text is based on the readings for this Sunday: Hosea 6: 3-6; Romans 4:18-25; Matthew 9: 9-13.

The meter is 10.10.10.10.10; the tune I had in mind when writing it was "Unde et Memores," which can be found in Worship III at #733, "At that First Eucharist."



Hymn of the Day,

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A



“Come, let us know and strive to know the Lord;

As sure as dawn God’s coming, like the rain.”

“Oh Judah, by your words I’m not deceived;

By false lip-service and vain hearts I’m grieved.

Love—not your off’rings—shows in truth my Reign.

Love—not your off’rings—shows in truth my Reign.”



Thus Christ, in passing tax-collectors by,

Called out to Matthew, who discerned God’s cry,

Stood up and followed, much to many’s scorn.

The well need not the doctor’s tender care.

Self-righteous people court their souls’ despair.

Self-righteous people court their souls’ despair.



As to our father Abraham, the word

Came from the Lord and faithfully was heard,

So, too, for us the death of Christ the Lord

Will for the faithful, grace and life afford.

Praise be to God our Father, e’er adored!

Praise be to God our Father, e’er adored!

Some revisions done on June 9, 2008, before using at church; with the change to "Unde et memores," several accents were incorrect. Some punctuation also needed to be changed to make the meaning clearer.

Commentary on the readings: 9 OT A

Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

Deut 11: 18, 26-28, 32

Ps 31

Rom 3: 31-23, 28

Mt 7: 21-27



The readings center upon the need to make choices. The First Reading acts as a summary of Moses’ teaching to the Chosen People: “Take these words of mine in your heart and soul—bind them at your wrist as a sign, and let them be a pendant on your forehead.” (It is from this verse that the Orthodox Jewish practice of wearing tefillin --in Greek, phylacteries—is derived.) Moses then goes on to say, “I set before you here a blessing and a curse.” The Responsorial Psalm is the song of the people who wish to choose the blessing, and not the curse: “Lord, be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety.” In the Gospel, Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount by instructing His hearers that lip-service alone will not provide entrance into the Kingdom of heaven; even the performance of miracles will not be evidence for admission. Rather, the ones who “do the will of the Father in heaven” will enter there (living in the ways outlined in the Sermon heard on the five preceding Sundays). Those who hear the word and keep it will be like the one who built his house on rock—and unlike the one who built his on sand. The “blessing” and the “curse” have their concrete illustrations in this parable. Abba Philoxenos of Mabbug said of this passage, “This saying of our Master obliges us to be diligent not only in hearing God’s word, but also in obeying it. We do well to listen to the law…but to be careful in reading, listening, and meditating on the law of God, without doing what it says, is a wickedness that the Spirit of God has already condemned.” (Homily 1)



We begin a sixteen-week in-course reading of the Epistle to the Romans today. The Second Reading begins with a word that most lectors will gloss over—the small but vital word, NOW. With this word, Paul indicates that God has taken direct action in history by coming to us in Christ. Having done so, God has shown us his saving work on our behalf, which Paul calls “righteousness” (using this word in a completely different fashion than either the Gospel according to Matthew or the Letter of James does). We have been put right with God (the term Paul uses is “justified”) through the death and resurrection of Jesus.



You can hear a motet based on the Gospel Reading---"Similabo Eum---on the compact disc "Music for the Year of Matthew," sung by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's in the Loop, available from The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN (www.litpress.org).

Hymn, 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time, A

The readings given for this Sunday (which almost NEVER gets observed, but saw sunlight this year because of the extraordinarily early celebration of Easter) are:

Deuteronomy 11:18, 23-28; Romans 3: 21-25, 28; Matthew 7:21-27

The meter of the hymn is 77.77.77; the tune is called "Dix." It can be found in Worship III, hymn number #409 (obviously there with a different text ).

"Take my words into your hearts,"

Moses said to Israel there,

"Bind them on your head and wrist

Keep them, guard them each with care.

See before you curse and grace:

Choose 'twixt death and Yahweh's face."



Jesus said, "The one who cries

'Lord!' is not the one who wins;

Only those who do God's will

Find the Kingom, enter in.

Those who hear and live My word,

Like wise planners, ground what's heard."



All have sinned and fallen short

Of the glory of our God;

All are freely justified

Through the blood and cross of Christ.

This cannont through Law be bought:

Only through God's love it's sought.