Today's gospel

[ltravis]

I had a question about the beginning of today’s gospel which goes:

The Lord said:
“Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets
whom your fathers killed.
Consequently, you bear witness and give consent
to the deeds of your ancestors,
for they killed them and you do the building.
(Lk 11:47,48)

I was wondering about how to explain these verses to someone who might challenge me with them as reason why we shouldn’t venerate saints or use icons. I have never heard these verses used for that, but I can imagine it happening. How would I respond?

Thanks!
LT

 

[whatevergirl]

I took this reflection from www.creighton.edu–I also wondered about today’s reading…hope this helps!!

Jesus tells us in today’s gospel that holiness is not about the external things. It is not about building memorials to holy people, rather it is about listening to their words and internalizing their messages of love and forgiveness. It is not about strict adherence to the law if it results in exclusion and elitism. We must internalize the law and take it to heart and then welcome all into the family of God with love and forgiveness, just as we have been welcomed back.

We cannot do this by our own efforts though. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit, who, with our consent, transforms the word of God in our hearts into a living reality in our lives. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our selfishness, deception, and our unwillingness to be vulnerable which infects our relationship with God and with others. When we listen to the Holy Spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts we “put on the mind of Christ” (1Cor 2:16), it is the unconditional love of Christ that makes what we DO holy.

 

[whatevergirl]

I particularly like that interpretation because it explains that although it is right to ‘honor’ those who came before us and surrendered their lives for the faith…we should not lose ourselves in rules and regulations (many Catholics go through this from time to time)…rather lose ourselves in Christ…and following the rules and regulations will be part of our following Him because we love Him…not because we want to outdo and impress others.

I hope that helps!!

 

[ltravis]

Thank you so much, whatevergirl! Not only did you give me a better understanding of the scripture, but you helped inspire me as well. It really helps, thanks.

LT

 

[Georgess]

Yes , are not those words and the events to follow -the terrible destruction of Jerusalem - all a good reminder to wake up those who tend to take The Lord’s Mercy for granted or with lukewarmness…

The Priest homilist was also explaining that The Lord is trying to tell the Pharisees that by building the memeorials to the prophets , they acknowledged the guilt of their ancestors who killed the prophets …and here they are on the verge of doing the same - to The One whom all prophets had been alluding to …

And His Love for His children warn them , like He did with Judas as well…

The chilling prophetic utternace of psalm 109 -

’ they speak against me with lying tongues , with hateful words they surround me …
they repay me evil for good ,hatred for my love …’

 and the prophetic  punishments that are called down by the psalmist !

May The Bl. Mother help us all from hardness of hearts , bring us wisdom to hear His Voice and repentance !

 

[ltravis]

Oh, I get it now! The “woe” isn’t caused by the building of the memorials themselves, but from the rejection of the message that inspired the memorials in the first place. I was just reading it wrong before. Thanks, folks!

†

LT

 

[whatevergirl]

Oh, I get it now! The “woe” isn’t caused by the building of the memorials themselves, but from the rejection of the message that inspired the memorials in the first place. I was just reading it wrong before. Thanks, folks!

†

LT

good–I’m so happy! I think that building memorials to ‘appear’ like they were worshipping, but in essence, they were missing the message…is also something important for us to grasp. The Scriptures always reveal something new and awesome, every time we review them…don’t they? have a blessed weekend, travis.