Daily Retreat 01/29/08
2008 Jan 29 Tue: Ordinary Weekday
2 Sm 6: 12b-15. 17-19/ Ps 23(24): 7. 8. 9. 10/ Mk 3: 31-35
From today’s readings: “The ark of the LORD was brought in.... The LORD of hosts; He is the king of glory.... whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”
Return of the Lost Ark
In one of the greatest liturgical celebrations of all time, King David led the Ark of the Covenant after a tumultuous history (cf. 1Sam ch. 4-7, and the preceding verses in 2Sam 6) to Jerusalem. Rhapsodic music, dancing with abandon, extravagant sacrificial offerings, free food for all, prayer and a royal blessing - what a party!
The Ark of the Covenant was the most holy of all sacred relics, a physical guarantee of the presence of the Lord God. It is understandable that its enshrinement in Jerusalem would be the cause of such rejoicing! Yet an important question remains for us: since we believe that the Eucharist is the Body of Christ, Its holiness surpasses even that of the Ark, which merely manifested the presence of God and was thus not equivalent to the very presence of God (as is the Eucharist). How then can our Eucharistic celebrations ever be apathetic, lackluster and lifeless?
Through the Eucharist, Sacred Scripture, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God has generously diffused the concentration of His sacred presence, but never diluted His presence! Obviously, this means we need to grow in our festive awe and awareness of the Lord’s Real Presence, so that each one of our liturgical celebrations will be the greatest all of the time!
2 Sm 6: 12b-15. 17-19/ Ps 23(24): 7. 8. 9. 10/ Mk 3: 31-35
From today’s readings: “The ark of the LORD was brought in.... The LORD of hosts; He is the king of glory.... whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”
Return of the Lost Ark
In one of the greatest liturgical celebrations of all time, King David led the Ark of the Covenant after a tumultuous history (cf. 1Sam ch. 4-7, and the preceding verses in 2Sam 6) to Jerusalem. Rhapsodic music, dancing with abandon, extravagant sacrificial offerings, free food for all, prayer and a royal blessing - what a party!
The Ark of the Covenant was the most holy of all sacred relics, a physical guarantee of the presence of the Lord God. It is understandable that its enshrinement in Jerusalem would be the cause of such rejoicing! Yet an important question remains for us: since we believe that the Eucharist is the Body of Christ, Its holiness surpasses even that of the Ark, which merely manifested the presence of God and was thus not equivalent to the very presence of God (as is the Eucharist). How then can our Eucharistic celebrations ever be apathetic, lackluster and lifeless?
Through the Eucharist, Sacred Scripture, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God has generously diffused the concentration of His sacred presence, but never diluted His presence! Obviously, this means we need to grow in our festive awe and awareness of the Lord’s Real Presence, so that each one of our liturgical celebrations will be the greatest all of the time!
posted by FrPitstick | 1/25/2008
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