Gospel Commentary (from the Ordinary Calendar)

The Age of the Woman
Gospel Commentary for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

By Father Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap

ROME, NOV. 14, 2008 (Zenit.org).- This Sunday's Gospel is the parable of the talents. Unfortunately, in the past the meaning of this parable has been habitually distorted, or at least very much reduced.

Hearing talk of talents we immediately think of natural gifts of intelligence, beauty, strength, artistic abilities. The metaphor is used to speak about actors, singers, comedians, etc. The usage is not completely mistaken, but it is secondary. Jesus did not intend to speak of the obligation of developing one's natural gifts, but of developing the gifts given by him. On the contrary, sometimes it is necessary to curb this tendency to focus on one's own talents because this can easily become careerism, a mania of imposing oneself on others.

The talents that Jesus is speaking about are the Word of God and faith: in a word, the kingdom proclaimed by him. In this sense the parable of the talents stands alongside that of the sower. The different outcomes of the talents given correspond to the different fates of the seeds cast on the ground by the sower -- some produce 60%, some are buried beneath thorns or eaten by birds.

Today faith and the sacraments are the talents that we Christians have received. The parable thus obliges us to examine our conscience: What use are we making of these talents? Are we either like the servant who made them bear fruit or like the one who buried them? I would compare it to a Christmas present that one has forgotten and left unopened in a corner.

The fruits of natural talents become irrelevant to us when we die or, at best, pass on to those who come after us; the fruits of spiritual talents follow us into eternal life and one day will gain us the approval of the divine Judge: "Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you have been faithful in small things I will give you authority over greater things. Enter into the joy of your master."

Our human and Christian duty is not only to develop our own natural and spiritual talents, but also to help others develop theirs. In the contemporary world there are people whose job it is to be "talent scouts." They are people who can pick out hidden talents -- in painting, singing, acting, sports and so on. They help those with the talents to cultivate them and find them sponsors. They do not do this for free or for the love of art, but to get a percentage of the earnings of the talented people they discovered, once they succeed.

The Gospel invites us all to be talent scouts, not for the love of gain but to help those who are unable to begin developing their talents on their own. Humanity owes some of its geniuses and best artists to the altruism of the friends of these people, who believed in them and encouraged them when no one else did. One exemplary case that comes to mind is Theo Van Gogh, who supported his brother Vincent financially and morally his whole life, when no one believed in him and he was unable to sell any of his paintings. They exchanged more than 600 letters, documents of great humanity and spirituality. Without Theo Van Gogh, we would not have the many paintings of his brother that everyone loves and admires.

The first reading invites us to reflect on a particular talent that is both natural and spiritual: the talent of femininity, the talent of being a woman. This reading contains the famous praise of women that begins with the words: "A perfect woman, who can find her?" This praise, which is so beautiful, has one defect, which does not come from the inspiration but from the epoch in which it was written and the culture that it reflects. If we pay attention, we see that the praise has entirely to do with what the woman does for the man. Its implicit conclusion: Blessed is the man who has such a woman. She makes him nice clothes, brings honor to his house, allows him to hold his head high among his friends. I do not think women today would be enthusiastic about this laud.

Putting this limitation aside, I would like to underscore the relevance of this praise of women. Everywhere there is the demand to make more room for women, to value the feminine genius. We do not believe that "the eternal feminine will save us." Daily experience shows that women can lift themselves up, but also that they can let themselves down. They also need Christ's salvation. But it is certain that, once she is redeemed and "liberated" by him, on the human level, from ancient subjections, she can help to save our society from some inveterate evils that threaten it: violence, will to power, spiritual aridity, scorn for life, etc.

After so many ages that took their name from man -- from the ages of "homo erectus" and "homo faber," to the age of "homo sapiens" today, we might hope that there will finally come, for humanity, the age of woman: the age of the heart, of tenderness, of compassion. It was devotion to the Virgin that, in past centuries, inspired respect for women and their idealization in literature and art. The woman of today, too, can look to her as a model, friend and ally in defending the dignity and the talent of being a woman.

[Translation by Joseph G. Trabbic]

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Father Raniero Cantalamessa is the Pontifical Household preacher. The readings for Sunday are Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31;1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; Matthew 25:14-30.

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And FYI, here are some sites with more information about the Tridentine liturgical readings:

Missale Romanum (Liturgical Readings in the Roman Missal prior to the Second Vatican Council)

Traditional Liturgical Calendar:Following the Rubrics of Pope St. Pius X. For the Universal Calendar of the Church

News from Inver Grove Heights

I feel like I've been in a haze lately. Well today there really was quite a haze - a fog advisory in fact. Is it August? Reallly? I look at my calendar and I swear I'm hallucinating.

I recently moved to a new apartment and am now a resident of Inver Grove Heights, MN. It is basically West Saint Paul however, which is home of my roommate's and my favorite mexican eatery, El Taquito. If you are in the area, I would check it out. Their burritos make chipotle weak at the knees.

After the moving frenzy was over, things have been quite enjoyable in the new locale. The cats also seem to have adjusted well and they are content with the ample window sill areas. I think overall my favorite part about the new location is that I am now a whopping 7 minutes from St. Augustine (never mind the 30 min commute to campus ;-)).

So my summary of the past few months:
- Recreating when ever possible
- Wild raspberry hunting and picking
- Quartets, weddings, singing, oh my (love this)
- Riverboat cleanup
- An Alaskan Adventure with the 'Rents
- Attempting to tie up the final objective of my research
- Trying to remain involved in activities church and otherwise
- Staring at my thesis draft
- Writing my thesis when inspiration and motivation hit at the same time
- Summer Olympics

Coming up soon:
- More wedding music-ing, yay
- St. Augustine Fall Festival
- Minnesota State Fair
- Winning tickets to see Brad Paisley at the State Fair (that would be nice!)
- Posting 1000s of pictures i've been meaning to post
- Finishing graduate school
- Finding a job!

check out relevantradio.com - they are having a pledge drive this week.

Welcome Pope Benedict XVI!

From Catholic youth groups and schools in the Archdiocese of Washington.

Scroll down to "Papal video contest" and click on "St. Michael's School, Ridge, MD."

Seriously, the cutest thing I've seen in a loooong time. I'm smiling from the inside out!

I couldn't have said it any better. Welcome, Holy Father!

Perspective

I saw this article in the news today and it reminded me of an eye-opening (and emotionally-wrenching) documentary called "Born into brothels." I recently learned this film won an academy award for best documentary feature. If you are a comcast cable subscriber, it is currently in the Independent movie category of Free Movies OnDemand. I would highly recommend watching it. A photographer travels to the red light district of Calcutta, India, where she befriends several children of broken families, torn apart with addiction, verbal and physical abuse, and the cyclic desperation of prostitution. The children affectionately call their teacher "Zana Auntie" and through their pictures you suddenly see their lives from the perspective of a child with unbelievable potential, spirit, and maturity. With all odds against them, it takes the determination of this woman to push for their education - jumping all sorts of legal hurdles - in order to give them a future they might hope for. In a short 84 minutes, I felt like I knew these kids - and hit me with the harsh reality of poverty more than one hundred of the commercials you have seen on TV. What is missing in those commercials is the incredible personalities of these kids - their voices, their humor, creativity, and imagination! These are not just nameless faces, these are human beings, to whom you have more in common than you might think. We must see this connection in order to move past generalities and statistics. God bless people like Zana Briski and Rachel Rosenfeld who've truly shown what it means to love as Christ loved.

Divine Mercy Sunday: March 30th

Source: RelevantRadio.com --- Jesus further asked that this Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena of Chaplets to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. Say one chaplet each day following the novena intention. In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her: "On each day of the novena you will bring to My Heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls. By this novena I will grant every possible grace to souls." (Diary 1209, 796)

First Day "Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me." Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Second Day "Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind." Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Third Day "Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness." Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Fourth Day "Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy." Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Fifth Day "Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion." Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Sixth Day "Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace I favor humble souls with My confidence." Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Seventh Day "Today bring to Me The Souls Who Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death." Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in Your Mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Eighth Day "Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice." Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated. Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Ninth Day "Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy." Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Diary, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, Divine Mercy in My Soul (c) 1987 Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception, Stockbridge, MA 01263. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

For news on the Pope's Visit to the US

Go to the USCCB Papal Visit Site.

Only 21 days to go!

Triduum at St. Augustine

So a lot has happened between my last post and now. I am on Spring Break, but between all the catching up I said I would do during this class-free period, art projects, and Triduum preparations, I feel more busy than ever.

But.....I was just informed.....Fr. Z, yes, the ever-inspiring Fr. Z, will be subdeacon for Fr. Altier on Holy Thursday, and celebrant for Good Friday and Easter Vigil! I'm soooooooooo excited. In 3 days, I will be most excited to sing 'Gloria!' and celebrate Jesus' rising from the dead - but it will be very cool to do so with Fr. Z. :-D I will be in the choir loft, however, so hopefully I will be able to see everything(and hear..and smell...)!

The Easter Triduum in the extraordinary form of the Mass, in my opinion, is definitely the most beautiful celebration of the year, and rightly so, as the highest point of the liturgical calendar (many still believe it's Christmas- which is also beautiful, but not the MOST beautiful, liturgically speaking). The Triduum IS the foundation of Christianity! We contemplate the sacrifice Jesus made - out of pure love for us - to save our souls. In the next 3 days we will share in the last supper, wait with Him in the altar of repose, walk the road to calvary, suffer with Him the agony and suffering He bore on the cross, and await His glorious resurrection. May we be renewed with fervor, comtemplating the Paschal mystery. May we realize the profundity of this mystery, the incredible gift of the Eucharist - that we, though unworthy, are invited to the Lord's table every time we attend Mass.

I have this problem thinking too much sometimes (those of you that know me well - well, you know) to the point where I overwhelmed with fear that there's too much to know and understand, that I'll never the time and energy to unravel all these questions I have about God's mysteries.

Then I realize that some of the best spiritual nourishment comes from the simplest of meditations - to just think for 5 minutes about how Jesus is present in the Eucharist, and how He remains with us in the tabernacle - or in perpetual adoration around the world. How incredible it is for the God of the Universe to love us so much, that he would want to be with us this way. The thought of the intimacy He offers to us if we choose to take it...wow, it gives me shivers.