Opening Prayer
I ask for a zeal that surpasses the passion of spectators at the games—a focused attention on the “voice more clear than thunder” that speaks through Thy Gospels. Let me not spend my energy on passing entertainment while neglecting the holy and awesome mysteries of Christ’s life. I desire an ear that finds the sound of the Word sweeter than musical harmony.
I petition Thee for a heart that listens and obeys with such earnestness that I may dwell on earth as if it were heaven. May the life of Jesus be the constant object of my scrutiny and my love. Grant me the grace to listen to Thy voice with more focus than the world gives to its fleeting sights.
Amen.
Matthew 25:14-23
14For even as a man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods; 15And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey. 16And he that had received the five talents, went his way, and traded with the same, and gained other five. 17And in like manner he that had received the two, gained other two. 18But he that had received the one, going his way digged into the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. 20And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over and above. 21His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have gained other two. 23His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
St. John Chrysostom
St. John Chrysostom challenges us: if we attend athletic games with “zeal,” how much more should we listen to “a man speaking from heaven”? The Gospel of John is “sweeter than all musical harmony.” This Church Father insight focuses our Liturgical participation. In the Mystical Body, the Gospel “brings such great benefits” that by obeying it, we “dwell on earth as if it were heaven.” This is the “Science of the Saints”, a “voice most holy and awesome” that prepares us for the Eucharist.
Chrysostom notes that the Gospel’s sound has “spread throughout the whole earth.” It is a “voice most holy and awesome,” full of “great mysteries.” He contrasts the “handclapping and noise” of human orators with the “skill to soothe” found in the Word of God.
“What zeal, what earnestness is it reasonable for you to display, when it’s no musician or debater who now comes forward… but rather a man speaking from heaven?”
— St. John Chrysostom
Mary and the Magisterium
Mary is the “Mother of the Word”, who was the “witness of His growth… and His thoughts.” She is the “Aqueduct” of the “great mysteries” found in the Gospel. The Magisterium, through the Bishop, “preserves the unity” of this Word. The Pope and Bishops, as “Shepherds,” ensure the “wolves” do not corrupt the “voice from heaven.” Mary leads us to “listen and obey carefully” the words of her Son.
- Do I give as much "earnestness" to the Gospels as I do to my favorite films or sports?
- Can I quote Scripture as easily as I can my favorite song lyrics?
Closing Prayer
Lord God, give me a love for your words in Scripture, and a longing to hear your voice there.
Amen.
