Some notes for Week beginning 7 August 2017 Ordinary week 18, Year 1 (lectionary vol. 2, p. 232 and following) General First readings come from the book of Numbers for most of this week, although by Friday, we change to Deuteronomy. Gospels are for the most part taken from Matthew, and in the course of the week, Jesus moves and acts in the Gentile territory of Israel. This week’s Feasts Tuesday 6 Aug, Transfiguration of the Lord, with its proper readings Monday’s readings (7 August): Numbers 11:4-15 Numbers tends to take us back over ground already covered. Here, we have the feeding with manna, told in more detail – at least form the point of view of the grumbling of the Israelites, including Moses, who feels overwhelmed by his responsibility for this people. Matthew 14:13-21 Jesus feeds the crowd in a deserted place, recalling the feeding of the Israelites in the desert with manna. With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus does what only God can do – feed people from next to nothing, with much left over. This is not a multiplication – there is no suggestion of more fish and more bread appearing: Jesus feeds from what there is. Tuesday’s readings (8 August. Memorial, St. Dominic): Numbers 12:1-13 Moses is challenged by his own family. God speak up for Moses. God says that Moses is the only human to whom God has spoken face to face, within God’s own tent. Matthew 14:22-36 Peter, in a storm at sea, does not fail to believe in Jesus; he is just unable to trust Jesus implicitly, so he does what his ancestors did in the past: he puts his god (in the person of Jesus) to the test; “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water”. Peter’s faith is enough to make him want to follow Jesus; it’s just not enough for him to trust where Jesus is leading him! Wednesday’s readings (9 August. Feast, St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross [Edith Stein]: readings found for St. Cecilia, Lect. vol. 2 p. 1273): Hosea 2:16. 17. 21-22 A classic, beautiful image from this prophet of the relationship between God and Israel, likened to the betrothal of man and woman. The liturgy frequently uses this image for the feast of a female virgin and martyr Matthew 25:1-13 Another image of betrothal, this time focussing on the ancient role of bridesmaids, who were there to provide a welcome to the bridegroom. Since this was frequently a night time occurrence, their role is to provide light for his arrival. Thursday’s readings (10 August. Feast, St. Lawrence, Lect. Vol. II p. 1141): 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 The two readings today reflect the basis of the Deacon St. Lawrence’s sanctity. This reflects his work among the poor. Paul encourages the church in Corinth to be generous in its support of those in need. John 12:24-26 This passage reflects the second aspect of Lawrence’s sanctity: martyrdom. Jesus, near the end of his life on earth, describes himself as like a grain of wheat which unless it falls to the ground will not yield a harvest. If it does fall, its harvest is rich. Friday’s readings (11 August. Memorial, St. Clare): Deuteronomy 4:32-40 Readings from the Book of Numbers have now ended, and we turn to Deuteronomy. This book, whose title means ‘Second Law’, but in the sense of revisiting the Law – not re writing it, encourages the Israelites to remember all that od has done for them. They are to keep all of this in mind as they enter the Promised Land. No other people has been favoured by God the way this nation has, and as they prepare to enter the land God has given them, for them to be stewards of, they must recall what God did in taking them from slavery in Egypt/ Matthew 16:24-28 The conditions for being a disciple of Jesus are spelled out in unequivocal terms. No one can become his follower without doing what he has done. All followers must be prepared to take up the cross, that is dedicate their entire lives to doing God’s will, and must renounce self, that is always put the needs of others before their own needs. These are not negotiable, Saturday’s readings (12 August): Deuteronomy 6:4-13 This starts with the ‘Shema’; “the Lord is one Lord…you must love the Lord with all your heart…soul…strength…these words shall be written in your hearts…fasten them on your hands…your foreheads…the doorposts of your houses…your gates. Matthew 17:14-20 Jesus’ disciples are unable to cast out an evil spirit, and ask him why. It is because of their lack of faith, he says. Mustard seed sized faith is enough to move mountains.