ὅτι πραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ

SCRUTATIO SCRIPTURAE

ὅτι πραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ

(hoti praus eimi kai tapeinos tē kardia)

FOR I AM GENTLE AND HUMBLE OF HEART

Scrutatio 

for the 

 THE 17^th SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME/KINGDOMTIDE/TIME OF THE CHURCH 

Readings from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer
Isaiah 5:1-7 / Psalm 80 / Philippians 3:14-21 / Matthew 21:33-43

Readings for the Pauline/Vatican II Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Isaiah 5:1-7 / Psalm 80:9+12, 13-14, 15-16 and 19-20 / Philippians 4:6-9 / Matthew 21:33-43

Readings for the Tridentine Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Introit: Psalm 86:3, 5 and 1 

Epistle: Ephesians 3:13-21

Gradual and Alleluia: 

Psalm 102:15 and 98:1

Gospel 

Luke 14:1-11

Offertory:

Psalm 40:13-14

Communion Antiphon: 

Psalm 71:15-18

Remember the “person with special needs”, the one who usually wears a pink shirt pink shirt in the Parish of the Immaculate Conception that inspired me to write a scrutatio for Laetare Sunday of 2013?

 

Well, last August 20, I was able to see him again during the celebration of the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Divine Liturgy of the Most Sublime Sacrifice of the Mass. I was spiritually preparing myself for the first day of our Class on Biblical Exegesis, conducted by Sir Restituto Adoremus at the multi-purpose hall of the same Church.

 

I was able to see him again, in his usual jolly self, entering the church with his simple smile, waving his hand to say “hello” to each and every one of the congregation as he approaches the first 4 pews of the church, 5 minutes before the praying of the Angelus.

 

His presence made me to reflect again on my personal life as a Catholic.

If this young man, seen in the eyes of this world’s systems as someone who is “devoid of meaning and purpose” due to the fact that he cannot get a job, that he cannot do anything that is “profitable” in our present day society that is plagued with the fads of consumerism, hedonism and self-centeredness, could be a source of JOY for me and for those who are encouraged by his mere jolly presence in being in the HOUSE OF GOD every time Mass is celebrated at 6:00 in the evening…

 

If he, in spite of some incidence that I was able to witness, where he is derided and even made fun of due to his condition, could still smile at his oppressors and would even give them a thumbs up…

 

If in spite of his mental condition, he could still look at JESUS, THE BREAD OF LIFE AND THE CUP OF SALVATION every time he is raised for adoration by the Priest of HIS GOSPEL during the consecratory prayers with so much awe, excitement and joy, yet still in reverent silence…

 

If he, in spite of something that may be lacking as my eyes could see, could LIVE-OUT THE MASS, could be a LIVING CONTINUATION OF THE MASS…

 

Why can’t I?

 

His life continues to be a challenge for me.

 

This simple, meek and humble son of the ALMIGHTY that is obviously used mightily for HIS vineyard even in his small, “insignificant” gestures of joy and welcome, truly a living and daily שַׁבָּת-shabbath where one could just rest from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just be in awe, in silence before the awesomeness of GOD in my life and yours as well as in the whole of the cosmos, has a VERY SPECIAL place on the HEAVENLY BANQUET OF THE GLORIOUS LAMB during which we have a foretaste every time MASS IS CELEBRATED!

His life for me is an eschatological icon of innocence, meekness, humility and child-like confidence in GOD MY FATHER, in the SWEET LORD JESUS, MY “KUYA” and in the CONSOLING POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

 

May the GOOD LORD change me from glory to glory to be more and more CONFORMED TO HIS IMAGE AND LIKENESS, HIS NEW LIFE granted to each and every one of us, and to which this young man is now enjoying.

 

He may be devoid of physical and mental skills for the life that we have here on earth, but at least he is able to be filled and overflowing with the VERY LIFE OF THE GOSPEL, THE VERY LIFE OF JESUS OF NAZARETH IN THE MOST HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS, that is why it is but simple and meek for him to be A LIVING CONTINUATION OF WHAT WE RECEIVE IN THIS MOST SUBLIME TABLE AND ALTAR OF CALVARY!