Project Whetstone Blaze Ministry 707

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In this episode we discuss Mary and the readings on the Solemnity of the the Assumption--the dogma teaching that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven (the fourth glorious mystery of the Rosary). While this specific event is not mentioned in scripture, it is not a foreign concept as Enoch and the prophet Elijah were both assumed to be assumed (no pun intended) into heaven by God. Why not Mary, the most holy and perfect of God's creatures? The underlying theme of the readings is that there was once a distance--an enmity between heaven and earth because of our sinfulness. But Mary, the highest honor and pride of the human race, says yes to God bringing Christ "the gate" into our midst, through whom God and man are reconciled. This presents us with a choice. To pass through the gate to God's side or stay where we are.

Time Stamps

(10:20) Themes

(13:51) First Reading

(34:35) Responsorial

(49:00) Second Reading

(1:10:24) Gospel

(1:28:56) Final Thoughts

The first reading is from the book of revelation, an apocalyptic text, describing the poetic visions of the apostle, John. The woman, Mary, who labors to give birth to Christ is antagonize by the devil represented by a dragon.

The responsorial psalm comes from psalm 45 and is a psalm about a king of Israel who marries a foreign princess making her a queen. In Christian prayer, that princess is a type of Mary who represents mankind who has estranged himself from God. Mary, earth's princess, espouses herself to God in the hopes unifying the two kingdoms manifest in the person of Christ.

In the second reading, Paul writes to the Church in Corinth that through Adam death entered the world but Christ corrects and elevates humanity by not only restoring us to life but to eternal life with God.

Lastly, the gospel reading from Luke is the narrative of the second joyful mystery of the Rosary--the visitation. Having learned that her cousin, Elizabeth, is pregnant with a son (John the Baptist) Mary visits her. The exchange brings about two very familiar prayers. Upon hearing Mary's voice, Elizabeth gives us part of the "Hail Mary" saying "Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb." Mary in response gives us the Magnificat (which means "proclaims the greatness"). Mary knows who she is before God and praises God that the promises made to our fathers in faith are being fulfilled through Her Son, Jesus.

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As we discuss the readings from the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time we discuss the theme of God's providence, abundance, and generosity. The revelation of God's generosity prepares His people for the greatest gift of His Son. It prompts us, then, to be generous in our faith by offering our "firstfruits".
Time Stamps
(2:28) Check-In: Gas Prices, Electric Vehicles, Jeff Bezos and Possibilities
(15:18) Theme of Today’s Readings
(16:53) First Reading
(40:14) Responsorial Psalm
(51:35) Second Reading
(1:05:55) Gospel Reading
(1:26:47) Final Thoughts
In the first reading, we read an anecdote of the prophet Elisha. A man who was giving the firstfruits of his labor to God is then instructed by Elisha to give the offering to the people. Miraculously 20 barley loaves and some grain was enough to feed a hundred people. This is a precursor miracle to the multiplication of loaves by Jesus.
The response is from psalm 145 and we say: The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. It is a psalm of praise at the abundant generosity and all-encompassing providence of God who cares, not just for humanity, but every living thing.
The second reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Paul's Ecclesiology letter, reminds us from where our identity, dignity, and unity come--God. Since we are all children of God, that makes us brothers and sisters in Christ and should treat one another accordingly. There should not be divisions among us.
The Gospel is John's account of the multiplication of loaves. It is the beginning of the all-important 6th chapter of John gospel which includes Jesus walking on water and the bread of life discourses. This miracle is a preparation for Jesus to teach us about the His flesh as bread for the life of the world, by showing us that through Him God is fulfilling all of the promises of old, including what is referenced in the first reading. God can take the little offering of ourselves and can use us to do great things.
Here is a link to the readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072521.cfm
Please remember to take your time with the readings, use the time stamps, and share your thoughts with us on Instagram @blazeministry707
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In Episode 21 we discuss the theme of God's unity, peace, and justice which he offers in place of our sinfulness as the theme for the readings on the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Time Stamps
(2:06) TALOFA!!! Why we use Brother and Sister
(8:14) Theme
(11:15) First Reading
(37:13) Responsorial
(54:02) Second Reading
(1:18:13)Gospel Reading
(1:44:52) Final Thoughts
The first reading from the book of Jeremiah pronounces judgment against the "shepherds" or leaders of Israel who did not help the people of Israel to be God's people but, instead, contributed to their demise and scattering. God promises that He Himself will shepherd and gather His people back together and that He will establish a good king to rule--a Messiah.
The response is the famous Psalm 23 which says, "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want." It's a spiritual retreat in words and reminds us of the kind of peace and prosperity that is only found with God.
The second reading from Paul’s letter to Ephesus continues to talk about the Church but this time discusses how God has gathered His people together, those near and those "far off". That can be read in a couple of ways in that sin has made us "far" from God but Paul also speaks historically of the enmity between Israel and the rest of the world. Christ overcomes every barrier by His blood.
Lastly, the gospel completes the story of the Twelve being sent out two by two by Jesus. The Twelve return from their preaching mission and tell Jesus all they did. Jesus then tells them to rest and "takes over" for the Twelve in caring for the crowd they had brought back with them. Here, Jesus fulfills what was spoken in the first reading and becomes their shepherd.
Thanks for spending time with us. Pray for us as we will ALWAYS be praying for you.
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In this episode we discuss the readings of the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the theme of the dynamics of God’s grace and commissioning. God chooses those whom He calls and sends, empowering them solely by God's grace. Grace is God's "free gift"--His life given to us to conform us to the person of Christ ultimately for our salvation and perfection as God’s children.

Time Stamps

(3:01)4th of July Recap (Bro Rhy feels like a kindergartner)

(17:41) Theme of Today’s Reading

(19:59) First Reading

(46:56) Responsorial

(59:49) Second Reading

(1:19:37) Gospel Reading

(1:41:29) Final Thoughts

The first reading from the book of Amos is about the prophet, Amos, whom God has called to give a stern message of warning to Israel. Amos is rejected because of it, but reveals he does not do it for the money. Rather, because his commission and message came from God directly.

The response is a psalm prayer for God's kindness—for grace to be given. Signs of God’s grace are peace, truth, justice, and kindness in individuals and communities who embrace it.

The second reading, which is from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, is about the role of grace in the life and history of the Church. God’s "plan of the mystery" from the beginning of time was always to endow humanity with the grace of his very own life given through the Holy Spirit. This life is a training ground for heaven.

Lastly, the gospel reading from Mark is Jesus sending the Twelve on a "training" mission. Jesus gives them authority and sends them out two by two to preach, drive out demons, and heal the sick—all the very same things Jesus is doing. God gives us the tools and the strength to do His work and be participants in the plan. But God doesn't send us alone but "two by two", that is, with a community.

Thanks for listening!

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Happy and blessed Independence Day and 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Christ came that we might have true freedom and so we are called to reflect on the true meaning of freedom which we reflect on briefly before getting into the theme of this Sunday's readings which is all about the prophet and the prophetic ministry. A prophet is a commissioned messenger of God, tasked with sharing God's word with His people. However, a prophet is often treated like God's word--rejected, unheard, and met with hostility.

Time Stamps:

(3:50) What comes to mind when you hear “Discipline equals Freedom”

(14:57) First Reading

(12:05) Theme of Today’s Readings

(28:38) Responsorial

(56:39) Second Reading

(1:20:40) Gospel

(1:37:54) Final Thoughts

The first reading from Ezekiel, a prophet of Israel during the Babylonian exile and member of the Diaspora, is about Ezekiel's commissioning by God. God sends Ezekiel to Israel whom God characterizes as a rebellious house but nevertheless sends Ezekiel.

The Responsorial, psalm 123, is the prayer of a prophet. Prophets have a servant’s disposition careful to carry out the wishes of their master, but, because the tendency to "kill the messenger" is so strong, the prophet also pleads for mercy--relief from the difficulty of being God’s servant.

The Second reading, which is from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, shares some specific autobiographical details of Paul’s experience in ministry, namely that because Jesus has commissioned him to be an apostle (one who is "sent") and gifted him with numerous revelations, Paul is given a "thorn in [his] flesh." This is so Paul remembers that he is a servant and not greater than his master, Jesus.

Lastly, the Gospel reading from Mark 6 gives us the famous quote of Jesus: "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place…" As baptized (and confirmed) Christians, we are, in a sense, commissioned to share how God has changed us. This is a part of the prophetic office into which we are baptized but those who knew us before our conversion will be incredulous and resistant to what God has done in us. Nevertheless, we should speak the truth. It will be difficult but "do it anyway."

Be sure to use the timestamps and thank you for listening!

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Thus far, Project Whetstone has been a blur but we’re just getting started! In our 18th episode, we discuss the readings of the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the theme of God’s goodness at all times. God gave us life for a full life.

Time Stamps:

(4:30) Theme

(10:25) First Reading

(32:33) Responsorial

(57:47) Second Reading

(1:27:35) Gospel Reading

(1:56:54) Final Thoughts

The first reading from the book of Wisdom reminds us that God made humanity in His own image and likeness—imperishable and good—but through sin and the devil, death and suffering entered the world. God, however, did not abandon or forsake His creation but, like a loving parent, preserves and protects through the gift of Jesus.

The response from Psalm 30 praises God for recognizing the role God has assumed as our rescuer. While King David may have been inspired to create this psalm just from personal experience, it becomes the song of the Church because God has rescued us through Christ.

The second reading is an excerpt from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians where he encourages the church there to be generous. Just as God gave His Son in order to give us life, we should be generous in the sharing of our material and spiritual gifts here so as to live in and foster a community that reflects the communion of heaven. The Church’s teaching of the Universal Destination of Goods is an important social doctrine of the Church and can be read about more deeply in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) paragraph 2402 (http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a7.htm#I) onward.

Lastly, the Gospel is a story that features a literary device that scripture scholars call a “Marcan sandwich.” It begins a story that is interrupted by another story only to return to and conclude the original story. The purpose of the sandwich is to drive home the central message of the combined stories by revealing different aspects of the message. In this case, the message is God comes to save and heal His people AND He has absolute power to do so. He commands the wind and the sea, and He even has power greater than death. God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

Be sure to use the time stamps and thank you for listening!

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