You shall not fall for I am with You Dt 26:4-10; Rom10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13 (C Lent/1)

 

You shall not fall for I am with You

 

Dt 26:4-10; Rom10:8-13; Lk 4:1-13 (C  Lent/1) 

“The cross of the Lord is become the tree of life for us” (Divine Office)

 

The three Synoptic Gospels report that Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, right after he was baptized and confirmed by the Father for his mission as Savior of the world. This is the pattern God had set for Moses (Ex 24:18) and for Elijah (1 Kings 19:8). Both were led on a forty-day journey of prayer and fasting to meet God. God tested Moses and Elijah to proclaim God’s word (Ex 33:11; Dt 18:15; 34:10) and lead people into holiness and righteousness. Moses and Elijah prayed and fasted in the desert, and God fed them with his life-giving word. They were renewed in faith, hope, and love.

 

Luke writes that at the end of Jesus’ forty days in the desert, the Satan tempted him. This deceiver is the devil (Lk 4:1), the father of lies (Jn 8:44) and ruler of this world (Jn 12:31; 2 Cor 4:4). He is the same deceiver who tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Paradise (Gn 3). Why did Satan tempt Jesus? Satan knew that Jesus was embarking on an important spiritual mission for the kingdom of God. Satan got an opportunity to strike while Jesus appeared to be more vulnerable in his physical and emotional weakened condition. He was weak due to his prolonged fasting. Satan undoubtedly thought he could persuade Jesus to choose his path rather than the path his Father

 

Satan’s first temptation appealed to Jesus’ physical hunger. He hungered for his Father's word, even though it might cost him great sacrifice even unto death.  Jesus defeated Satan’s snare with the words of Scripture, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Dt 8:3; Mt 4:4). Satan tempted Jesus a second time by presenting him with the best the world could offer. But he chose to make his Father’s will alone as his treasure and delight by quoting, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve” (Dt 6:13). Satan’s last temptation was to convince Jesus that he should position himself at the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem and perform a sign that would prove that he was the Messiah, God’s anointed Son quoting, “He will give his angels charge of you, to guard you, and on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone” (Ps 91:11-12). Satan is aware of the Scripture! Jesus refused Satan’s test to prove his divine claim as the Messiah. quoting, “It is said, `You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Dt 6:16).

 

How can we hope to fight temptation and overcome sin in our own lives? Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit. God tests genuine faith to set it as an example. He will not leave us alone nor will he suffer us to be tempted beyond that which we can bear” (1Cor. 10:13). And “your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’, when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left” (Is 30:21). Jesus did not rely on his human strength. He teaches that we need the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness (Rom 8:26). He will be with us when we acknowledge our dependence on him (Js 4:6) and he helps us to stand firm against the attacks of Satan (1 Pt 5:8-10; Ep 6:10-18). Do we seek God’s wisdom and guidance for overcoming sin and avoiding the near occasions of sin? In the forty days of Lent, we are called to journey with the Lord in the wilderness of our spiritual renewal towards the feast of Easter. We, too, must follow the way of the cross to share in the victory of Christ’s death and resurrection. As we begin this holy season of preparation and renewal, let's ask the Lord for a fresh outpouring of his Holy Spirit that we may grow in faith, hope, and love.

 

“You shall not fall a victim to the sword: your life shall be safe,* for I am with you” (Divine Office)

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE (Lesson 5 – Mar 4, 2025) Ch. 2: 1-52

 

 

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE

(Lesson 5 – Mar 4, 2025) Ch. 2: 1-52

 

 

2: 1-7 The Birth of Jesus: Caesar Augustus (27 B.C. – A.D. 14) was considered as “savior” and “god” decreed the enrollment of the whole empire, non-citizens.

-        There were local registrations within various provinces from time to time, under the Roman legate Quirinius.

-        Luke attests that both John the Baptist and Jesus were born under Herod the Great (37 B. C., - 4 B. C).

 

For Luke’s theological intention, Pax Romana Augusta is not Augustus Caesar as the prince of the peace but Jesus of Bethlehem

 

V. 7: The Gk term “phatne” = “manger” also “stable”. Another Gk term “kataluma” = “inn” specially means “lodging” or “guestroom” with space for a dining area (this term is employed in Lk 22:11), that he might reprove the glory of the world, and condemn the vanities of this present life.

 

“firstborn son”: Roman, Greek, Coptic, Armenian, and other ancient tradition, the phrase represents a title of honor (Gn 27; Ex13:2; Nm 3:12-13; Dt 21:15-27) It does not imply that Mary had other children after Jesus. The term adelfos (ἀδελφοί) excludes. JC

Mk 10:18 “And Jesus said unto him, “Why do you call me good? There is none good but One, that is, God”.

 

Vv. 8-20: The announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds is a blessing to the lowly.

V. 11 Luke only uses the title “savior” for Jesus (Lk 1:69; 19:9; Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31).  Wordsworth gives up the problem, and thinks that the Holy Spirit has concealed the knowledge of the year and day of Christ’s birth and the duration of His ministry from the wise and prudent to teach them humility

 

Gr word “Christos” = Hb word “masiah” = En word Messiah – meaning “anointed one” to bring salvation to all humanity. Hb word “Adonai” = Gk “kurios” = En “Lord”

 

V. 14: “On earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” - the concept of peace in Luke is more than the absence of war of the pax Augustus (Lk 2:14; 7:50; 8:48; 10:5-6) etc..

V. 21 – incorporation into the Jewish people through circumcision.

 

Vv. 22-40: The presentation of Jesus in the temple

V. 22: Purification ((Lev 12:2-8) – the woman who gives birth to a boy is unable for forty days to touch anything sacred or to enter the temple area by reason of her legal impurity. Mary fulfills the law by bringing the offering.

 

Num 3: 47-48: the firstborn son should be redeemed by the parents through their payment of five shekels to a member of a priestly family. In this regard, Luke does not speak.

 

V. 25: Awaiting the consolation of Israel: expectations of faithful for God’s rule.

 

Vv. 29-32 Nunc dimittis: is the fourth and final hymn from the Lukan infancy narratives and has traditionally been part of Compline or night office in the Liturgy of the Hours.

 

V. 34: the schism motif runs throughout Luke’s Gospel.

 

V. 35: “and you yourself a sword will pierce” – her blessedness as mother of the Lord will be challenged by her son who describes true blessedness as “as hearing the word of God and observing it” (Lk 22:27-28; 8:20-21). Mary is elevated to the role of the model disciple. To love Jesus is to suffer with him.

 

Vv. 36-38: Anna, daughter of Phanuel, has made her utterly dependent on God’s goodness – spoke about the redemption of Jerusalem.

 

Vv. 39-40: Nazareth and Bethlehem: The evangelists composed stories that get Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and then back up to Nazareth.

 

Vv. 41-52: The boy Jesus in the Temple: Jesus returns with his parents to Nazareth, and nothing is heard about him until he is an adult and begins his ministry. The next time we read of Jesus in Jerusalem will be at his triumphal entry (19:28-39), which leads to his death.

 

Vv. 41-42: Child Jesus was raised in the traditions of Israel. The infancy narrative ends.

 

V. 49: “I must be in my Father’s house”: Jesus refers to God as his Father. His divine sonship, obedience to his heavenly Father’s will, takes precedence over his ties to his family.

 

 

The missing years of Jesus from 12 -30 ????

 

 

 

 

 

LENTEN SEASON

HISTORY

 

Ash Wednesday is a holy day to begin the Lenten journey. It marks the beginning of 40 days of prayer, penance, and almsgiving.

 

The Council of Nicaea in 325, “all the Churches agreed that Easter, the Christian Passover, should be celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon (14 Nisan) after the vernal equinox” (CCC No. 1170).

 

(1)             In the Early Church

 

The word “Lent” means “springtime,” was used (2 c.) to describe the period of individual fasting, almsgiving, and prayer to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.

 

In the first three centuries, only catechumens observed two or three days to receive Baptism on Easter Sunday.

 

(2)             40 Days of Lent - the Holy Bible

-        Israel journeyed 40 years in the wilderness

-        Moses spent 40 days receiving the commandments on Mount Sinai (Ex 24:18)

-        Noah was on the Ark waiting for the rains to end for 40 days and 40 nights (Gn 7:4)

-        Elijah “walked forty days and forty nights to the mount Horeb” (1 Kgs 19:8)

-        Jesus fasted 40 days in the desert to be tempted by the devil (Mt 4:1-11)

-        In the forty days of Lent the Church unites herself to the mystery of Jesus (CCC 540)

 

(3)             The Count of the 40 Days

-        The Latin Church uses six weeks to identify the Lenten period, excluding the Sundays, so there are only 36 fasting days.

-        In the early 7^th C, St. Pope Gregory the Great (590-604) resolved this situation by adding the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before the first Sunday of Lent. Thus, the Lenten 40-day fast, or the Great Fast as it was known, would begin on a Wednesday.

-        Initially, people fasted all 40 days of Lent, observing a little meal for survival.

-        St. John Chrysostom (347-409) writes, “Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works! If you see a poor man, take pity on him! If you see an enemy, be reconciled to him! If you see a friend gaining honor, envy him not! If you see a handsome woman, pass her by!”

 

(4)             Ashes The Church uses ashes as an outward sign of grief, humility, penance.

 

(a)   The Old Testament

-         Job repented: “Therefore, I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes” (42:6).

-        Daniel “turned to the Lord God, to seek help, in prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes” (Dn 9:3).

-        Jonah preached conversion and repentance to the people of Nineveh: “That day they fasted and wore sackcloth; they sprinkled ashes on their heads and tore their garments” (1 Mc 3:47).

 

(b)  Abbot Aelfric (1000) England wrote: “We read in the books both in the Old Law and in the new that men who repented of their sins bestowed on themselves with ashes and clothed their bodies with sackcloth. Now let us do this little at the beginning of our Lent, that we strew ashes upon our heads, to signify that we ought to repent of our sins during the Lenten feast” (“Aelfric’s Lives of Saints,” 1881, p. 263).

(c)   This same rite of distributing ashes on the Wednesday that begins Lent was recommended for universal use by Pope Urban II at the Synod of Benevento in 1091.

 

 

(d)  Abbot Gueranger, O.S.B. (1800): “We are entering, today, upon a long campaign of the warfare spoke of by the apostles: forty days of battle, forty days of penance. We shall not turn cowards, if our souls can but be impressed with the conviction that the battle and the penance must be gone through. Let us listen to the eloquence of the solemn rite which opens our Lent. Let us go whither our mother leads us, that is, to the scene of the fall.”

 

 

The five precepts of the Catholic Church are (CCC 2041-2043)

1.     Attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation

2.     Fast and abstain on appointed days

3.     Confess sins at least once a year

4.     Receive Holy Communion at least once a year

5.     Contribute to the Church's support

 

 

 

 

 

“for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Gn 3:19)

పశ్చాత్తాపపడండి. విశ్వసించండి యావేలు 2:12-18; 2 కొరింథీ 5:20-6:2; మత్తయి 6:1-6,16-18

పశ్చాత్తాపపడండి. విశ్వసించండి.

యావేలు 2:12-18; 2 కొరింథీ 5:20-6:2; మత్తయి 6:1-6,16-18

"ప్రభువు పాపాత్ముని మరణములో సంతోషించడు, కానీ అతడు తన మార్గమును విడిచి జీవించాలని కోరుచున్నాడు" (Divine Office)

క్రీస్తు రక్తంపై మన దృష్టిని కేంద్రీకరిద్దాం. అది తన తండ్రి దేవునికి ఎంత విలువైనదో గుర్తిద్దాము. ఎందుకంటే అది మన రక్షణ కోసం చిందింపబడింది. ప్రపంచమంతటికీ పశ్చాత్తాప దయను అందించింది. చరిత్రలోని వివిధ యుగాలను మనం సమీక్షించినట్లయితే, ప్రతి తరంలో ప్రభువు తన వైపుకు మళ్ళడానికి ఇష్టపడే వారికి పశ్చాత్తాపపడే అవకాశాన్ని అందించాడని మనం చూస్తున్నాము. నోవహు పశ్చాత్తాపానికి సంబంధించిన దేవుని సందేశాన్ని బోధించినప్పుడు, అతని మాట విన్నవారందరూ రక్షించబడ్డారు. వారు నాశనం చేయబడతారని యోనా నీనెవె వాసులకు చెప్పాడు. వారు పశ్చాత్తాపపడినప్పుడు దేవుని క్షమాపణను పొందుకున్నారు. వారు దేవుని ప్రజలకు చెందినవారు కానప్పటికీ వారు రక్షించబడ్డారు.

 

పరిశుద్ధాత్మ ప్రేరణతో, దేవుని దయను అందించే పరిచారకులు పశ్చాత్తాపం గురించి బోదించారు. నిజమే, విశ్వాధిపతి  స్వయంగా పశ్చాత్తాపం గురించి, "నేను జీవించివున్నప్పుడు, నేను పాపి మరణాన్ని కోరుకోను, అతని పశ్చాత్తాపాన్ని కోరుకుంటున్నాను” అని బలీయంగా చెప్పాడు. తన మంచితనానికి రుజువును చూడండి, “ఇశ్రాయేలు గృహమా! మీ దుష్టత్వం గురించి పశ్చాత్తాపపడండి. నా ప్రజల కుమారులతో చెప్పు: వారి పాపాలు భూమి నుండి స్వర్గానికి చేరుకుంటే, అవి ఎర్రటి రంగు కంటే ప్రకాశవంతంగా మరియు గోనెపట్ట కంటే నల్లగా ఉంటే, మీరు మీ పూర్ణ హృదయంతో నా వైపు తిరిగి, “తండ్రీ" అని పిలువండి. నేను పవిత్ర ప్రజలుగా మీ మాట వింటాను”.

 

మరో మాటలో చెప్పాలంటే, దేవుడు తన ప్రియమైన వారందరికీ పశ్చాత్తాపపడే అవకాశం కలిగి ఉండాలని కోరుకున్నాడు. అతను తన సర్వశక్తిమంతుడైన సంకల్పంతో ఈ కోరికను ధృవీకరించాడు. అందుకే మనం ఆయన సార్వభౌమ మహిమాన్వితమైన సంకల్పానికి లోబడాలి. ప్రార్థనాపూర్వకంగా ఆయన దయను కోరుకోవాలి. మనం అతని ముందు మర్యాదగా ఉండాలి. అతని కరుణ వైపు మళ్లాలి. శూన్యమైన పనులను తిరస్కరించి మరణానికి దారితీసే కలహాలు మరియు అసూయను విడిచిపెట్టాలి.

 

సోదరులారా! అహంకారం మరియు మూర్ఖమైన కోపాన్ని పక్కనపెట్టి మనం వినయంగా ఉండాలి. బదులుగా, పరిశుద్ధాత్మ చెప్పినట్లుగా మనం లేఖనాల ప్రకారం ప్రవర్తించాలి, “జ్ఞాని తన జ్ఞానంలోనూ, బలవంతుడు తన బలంలోనూ, ధనవంతుడు తన సంపదలోనూ  కీర్తినొందకూడదు. బదులుగా, ప్రభువును వెదకడం ద్వారానూ  సరైనది మరియు న్యాయమైన పనులను చేయడం ద్వారా ఆయనలో మహిమపరచబడాలి. యేసు ప్రభువు సౌమ్యత మరియు సహనాన్ని బోధించినప్పుడు ప్రత్యేకంగా ఏమి చెప్పాడో గుర్తు చేసుకోండి! కనికరం చూపండి. తద్వారా మీరు మీపై దయ చూపుతారు. క్షమించు. తద్వారా మీరు క్షమించబడతారు. మీరు ఇతరులతో ఎలా ప్రవర్తిస్తారో, అలాగే మీరు కూడా  అదే కొలతను పొందుతారు. మీరు ఇచ్చినంతగా, మీరు అందుకుంటారు. మీరు తీర్పు తీర్చినట్లే, మీరునూ తీర్పు తీర్చబడతారు. మీరు ఇతరుల పట్ల దయతో ఉన్నట్లే, మీరు కూడా దయతో వ్యవహరిస్తారు. మీరు ఇచ్చే కొలమానం మీరు స్వీకరించే కొలమానం అవుతుంది.

 

ఆయన పవిత్రమైన మాటలకు వినయపూర్వకంగా విధేయతతో జీవించడానికి ఈ ఆజ్ఞలు మనలను బలపరుస్తాయి. అదేవిధంగా పవిత్ర గ్రంథం చెపుతున్న్నట్లు, నా మాటలకు వణుకుతున్న, వినయపూర్వకమైన, శాంతియుత వ్యక్తిని తప్ప నేను ఎవరిని దయతో చూస్తాను?  అనేక విస్తారమైన అద్భుతమైన విజయాల వారసత్వాన్ని పంచుకుంటూ, ప్రారంభం  నుండి మన ముందు ఉంచిన శాంతి లక్ష్యం వైపు త్వరపడదాము. విశ్వాధిపతి తండ్రి మరియు సృష్టికర్తపై మన దృష్టిని దృఢంగా నిలుపుదాం మరియు అతని అద్భుతమైన అత్యున్నతమైన శాంతి బహుమతులను, అతని అన్ని ఆశీర్వాదాలను దృడంగా పొందు కుందాము.

                                    పోపు పునీత  క్లమెంటు I,  కొరింథియులకు వ్రాసిన లేఖ నుండి (Divine Office)

 

“పశ్చాత్తాపపడి తపస్సు చేయండి. మిమ్మల్ని మీరు కొత్త హృదయంగా మరియు కొత్త ఆత్మగా చేసుకోండి"

Repent and Believe: Joel 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6,16-18 (Ash Wednesday)

 

Repent and Believe

Joel 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6,16-18 (Ash Wednesday)

“The Lord takes no pleasure in the death of the sinner, but desires that he turn from his way and live” Divine Office

 

Let us fix our attention on the blood of Christ and recognize how precious it is to God his Father, since it was shed for our salvation and brought the grace of repentance to all the world. If we review the various ages of history, we will see that in every generation the Lord has offered the opportunity of repentance to any who were willing to turn to him. When Noah preached God’s message of repentance, all who listened to him were saved. Jonah told the Ninevites they were going to be destroyed, but when they repented, their prayers gained God’s forgiveness for their sins, and they were saved, even though they were not of God’s people.

 

 Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the ministers of God’s grace have spoken of repentance; indeed, the Master of the whole universe himself spoke of repentance with an oath: As I live, says the Lord, I do not wish the death of the sinner but his repentance. He added this evidence of his goodness: House of Israel, repent of your wickedness. Tell the sons of my people: If their sins should reach from earth to heaven, if they are brighter than scarlet and blacker than sackcloth, you need only turn to me with your whole heart and say, “Father,” and I will listen to you as a holy people.

 

  In other words, God wanted all his beloved ones to have the opportunity to repent and he confirmed this desire by his own almighty will. That is why we should obey his sovereign and glorious will and prayerfully entreat his mercy and kindness. We should be suppliant before him and turn to his compassion, rejecting empty works and quarrelling and jealousy which only lead to death.

 

  Brothers, we should be humble in mind, putting aside all arrogance, pride and foolish anger. Rather, we should act in accordance with the Scriptures, as the Holy Spirit says: The wise man must not glory in his wisdom nor the strong man in his strength nor the rich man in his riches. Rather, let him who glories glory in the Lord by seeking him and doing what is right and just. Recall especially what the Lord Jesus said when he taught gentleness and forbearance. Be merciful, he said, so that you may have mercy shown to you. Forgive, so that you may be forgiven. As you treat others, so you will be treated. As you give, so you will receive. As you judge, so you will be judged. As you are kind to others, so you will be treated kindly. The measure of your giving will be the measure of your receiving.

 

  Let these commandments and precepts strengthen us to live in humble obedience to his sacred words. As Scripture asks: Whom shall I look upon with favor except the humble, peaceful man who trembles at my words?  Sharing then in the heritage of so many vast and glorious achievements, let us hasten towards the goal of peace, set before us from the beginning. Let us keep our eyes firmly fixed on the Father and Creator of the whole universe, and hold fast to his splendid and transcendent gifts of peace and all his blessings. 

                                                  From a letter of Pope St Clement I to the Corinthians

 

    “Repent and do penance. Make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit” Divine Office