Memorial of Saint Cyril, monk, and Saint Methodius, bishop
http://www.usccb.org/nab/021406.shtml
Reflection:
I've put up a lot of extra material today. You will notice below that, in addition to St.s Cyril and Methodius, I have also put up information on St. Valentine whose secular holiday is celebrated today in the U.S.. Alas, today, in spite of our Holy Father's brave work DEUS CARITAS EST, is not dedicated to love but rather to temptation by false teachings. While my namesake’s letter is fairly straight forward saying we should view temptation as something God would never do to us, the Gospel is more difficult.
In the Gospel Jesus is trying to teach his disciples once more this time using the word leaven to warn the disciples about the false teaching of the Herodians and the Pharisees. The disciples, in typical Mark fashion, missed the point completely. This allowed Jesus to go through once more how bread was a metaphor or symbol rather than literal. The message for us here is to be careful about the leaven of the Parisees which is religion for the sake of power over people. We must also be careful of the leaven of the Herodians who were political and supported the humanistic and hedonistic agenda of Herod and the Romans.
Our leaven must be the Holy Spirit that leads us along right paths. That is the true leaven that gives us strength and understanding to resist temptation and follow Christ.
The last section of the Gospel today seemed like it should have meant something of significance. I looked up that bit in what is becoming a favorite souce for Mark on line -
Michael A. Turton's "Historical Commentary on the Gospel of Mark" This is what he said of the last part of today's Gospel
http://users2.ev1.net/~turton/GMark/GMark08.html
v19-21: the sequence of numbers here, 5, 12, and 7, offers much scope for speculative interpretation. For example, 5 might stand for the five books of Moses, while 12 might be related to the disciples or perhaps the tribes of Israel, and 7 could be a reference to the gentiles, or perhaps the 7 deacons mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, or the 7 Churches in Asia. Another possibility is the seven great angels who appear in both the Book of Tobit and 1 Enoch.
Today's lesson was one of caution and faitfullness. In that sense we can celebrate in truth the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius whose faithfulness we may use as a guide. Pax.
Side Note
The dangers of the internet for the unwary. If you ever try, as I did today, to look at some relevent research on a specific scripture article of scripture on the internet, be careful. I ran smack into place where I would not send small children. Not because it was adult-only and it would probably not be blocked by parental control settings.
The article below was from About.Com. While I think the article itself is well done, the site is very strangely set up. I found the biblical commentary listed under Agnosticism /Atheism with a lot of links to sites about and for this non-belief. Now perhaps that is because under religion, Agnosticism as an "a" word comes first. However, I would have a really difficult time referring someone to the site as a good reference given it's placement. I have contacted their techncial folks (Interestingly, it is owned by the NY Times) to ask for the reason. In the interim, I would caution you about the subtilties of the anti faith establishment. I'm kind of taken aback.
Jesus Discusses the Pharisees
Throughout the gospels the primary opponents of Jesus have been the Pharisees. They keep challenging him and he keeps rejecting their authority. Here, Jesus contrasts himself with the Pharisees in an explicit manner not usually seen — and he does so with the now-common symbol of bread. In fact, the repeated use of “bread” should by this point alert us to the fact that the previous stories were never about bread at all.
Yes, it’s common for Christians to assume that the stories have some literal level at which they could be understood, but that’s unnecessary. We no more need to treat the multiplication of bread as a literal event than we need to think that “bread” in the above parable is meant literally — if Jesus can use parables to teach a lesson, who’s to say that the gospel authors can’t?
It is arguable that if they learned anything from Jesus, it would be the effectiveness of parable. Unfortunately, just as the disciples were too hard-headed to understand the point of the parables, many modern readers are similarly indisposed to understand that they are reading parables at all — they imagine that they are reading literal history.
If “bread” isn’t meant literally, then of course neither is “leaven.” Here, the term “leaven” refers to the principles or ideals of a belief system. The disciples are informed that the principles and attitudes of the Pharisees on one side and Herod on the other aren’t to be trusted. Such an interpretation appears to be beyond the understanding of the disciples, however.
The importance of “leaven” is further revealed when we take a closer look at the structure of Mark’s narrative. Right in the middle between the first and second stories of Jesus multiplying bread and feeding the masses, Jesus is challenged about the disciples’ failure to conform to tradition when it comes to washing hands before meals. Jesus then proceeds to explain that adherence to tradition has become more important than adherence to God’s commandments.
Here we find that theme revisited, with Jesus explaining that the “leaven” of the Pharisees (religious traditions) and the “leaven” of Herod (political power, perhaps?) are inferior to the “leaven” which he brings to people (presumably a personal relationship with God). Thus through the course of several diverse stories we can actually see a common theme being reinforced
VALENTINE of Rome
Memorial
14 February
Profile
Priest in Rome, possibly a bishop. Physician. Imprisoned for giving aid to martyrs in prison, and while there converted the jailer by restoring sight to the jailer's daughter. While Valentine of Terni and Valentine of Rome sometimes have separate entries in martyrologies and biographies, most scholars believe they are the same person. There are several theories about the origin of Valentine's Day celebrations. Some believe the Romans had a mid-February custom where boys drew girls' names in honor of the sex and fertility goddess, Februata Juno; pastors "baptised" this holiday, like some others, by substituting the names of saints such as Valentine to suppress the practice. Others maintain that the custom of sending Valentines on 14 February stems from the belief that birds begin to pair on that date. By 1477 the English associated lovers with the feast of Valentine because on that day "every bird chooses him a mate." The custom started of men and women writing love letters to their Valentine on this day. Other "romance" traditions have become attached to this feast, including pinning bay leaves to your pillow on Valentine's Eve so that you will see your future mate that night in your dreams.
Died
beaten and beheaded c.269 at Rome; buried on the Flaminian Way; relics later translated to the Church of Saint Praxedes
Patronage
affianced couples, against fainting, bee keepers, betrothed couples, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greeting card manufacturers, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travellers, young people
Representation
birds; roses; bishop with a crippled or epileptic child at his feet; bishop with a rooster nearby; bishop refusing to adore an idol; bishop being beheaded; priest bearing a sword; priest holding a sun; priest giving sight to a blind girl
Images
Gallery of images of Saint Valentine [3 images]
Storefront
Commercial Links related to Saint Valentine
Additional Information
Saint Valentine remembered at BBC NewsBella UmbriaBrief History of Valentine's Day at Intelligent MarketingLone Keep InternetCatholic EncyclopediaTravel Italy, about his final resting placeTravel Italy, brief biographyGolden Legend, by Jacobus de Voragine
CYRIL
Also known as
Apostle of the Slavs; Apostle of the Southern Slavs Constantin; Constantine the Philospher; Constantine; Cyril the Philosopher;
Memorial
14 February; formerly 7 July and/or 9 March
Profile
Brother of Saint Methodius. Greek nobility; his family was connected with the senate of Thessalonica, and his mother Maria may have been Slavic. Studied at the University of Constantinople, and taught philosophy there. Deacon. Priest. Librarian at the church of Santa Sophia. Monk, taking the name Cyril. Sent with Methodius by the emperor in 861 to convert the Jewish Khazars of Russia, a mission that was successful, and which allowed him to learn the Khazar's language. In 863, sent with Methodius to convert Moravians in their native tongue. Though some western clergy opposed their efforts and refused to ordain their candidates for the priesthood, they did good work. Developed an alphabet for the Slavonic language that eventually became what is known as the Cyrillic today. After initial criticism for their use of it, they achieved approval of the Liturgy in the Slavonic language. May have been bishop, but may have died before the consecration ceremony.
Born
827 at Thessalonica, Greece as Constantin
Died
14 February 869 at Rome, Italy
Patronage
Bohemia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia, ecumenism, Europe, Moravia, unity of the Eastern and Western Churches, Yugoslavia
Representation
with Saint Methodius; Oriental monk holding a church with the help of Methodius; surrounded by Bulgarian converts; wearing a long philosopher's coat
Additional Information
Google DirectoryCatholic Encyclopedia, by L AbrahamEcole Glossary by Karen Rae KeckNew Catholic DictionaryGrande Munus, by Pope Leo XIII
Readings
When the time came for Cyril to set out from this world to the peace of his heavenly homeland, he prayed to God with his hands outstretched and his eyes filled with tears: "O Lord, my God, you have created the choirs of angels and spiritual powers; you have stretched forth the heavens and established the earth, creating all that exists from nothing. You hear those who obey your will and keep your commands in holy fear. Hear my prayer and protect your faithful people, for you have established me as their unsuitable and unworthy servant. "Make your people known for the unit and profession of their faith. Inspire the hearts of your people with your word and your teaching. You called us to preach the Gospel of your Christ and to encourage them to lives and works pleasing to you. "I now return to you, your people, your gift to me. Direct them with your powerful right hand, and protect them under the shadow of your wings. May all praise and glorify your name, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
from an old Slavonic biography of Saint Cyril
METHODIUS
Also known as
Apostle of the Slavs; Apostle of the Southern Slavs
Memorial
14 February
Profile
Brother of Saint Cyril. Greek nobility. Studied at the University of Constantinople, and taught philosophy there. Priest. Sent with Cyril by the emperor in 861 to convert the Jewish Khazars of Russia, a mission that was successful, and which allowed him to learn the Khazar's language. In 863, sent with Cyril to convert Moravians in their native tongue. Though some western clergy opposed their efforts and refused to ordain their candidates for the priesthood, they did good work. Helped develop an alphabet for the Slavonic language that eventually became what is known as the Cyrillic today. After initial criticism for their use of it, they achieved approval of the Liturgy in the Slavonic language. Bishop. Evangelized in Moravia, Bohemia, Pannonia, and Poland. Baptized Saint Ludmilla and Duke Boriwoi. Archbishop of Velehred, Czechoslovakia, but deposed and imprisoned in 870 due to the opposition of German clergy with his work. Often in trouble over his use of Slavonic in liturgy, some claiming he preached heresy; repeatedly cleared of charges. Translated the Bible into the Slavonic languages. Pioneered the use of local and vernacular languages in liturgical settings.
Born
826 at Thessalonica
Died
6 April 885 at Moravia (Czechoslovakia)
Patronage
Bohemia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia, ecumenism, Europe, Moravia, unity of the Eastern and Western Churches, Yugoslavia
Representation
with Saint Cyril; Oriental bishop holding up a church with Saint Cyril; Oriental bishop holding a picture of the Last Judgement
Additional Information
Google DirectoryCatholic Encyclopedia, by L AbrahamEcole Glossary, by Karen Rae KeckNew Catholic DictionaryGrande Munus, by Pope Leo XIII
http://www.usccb.org/nab/021406.shtml
Reflection:
I've put up a lot of extra material today. You will notice below that, in addition to St.s Cyril and Methodius, I have also put up information on St. Valentine whose secular holiday is celebrated today in the U.S.. Alas, today, in spite of our Holy Father's brave work DEUS CARITAS EST, is not dedicated to love but rather to temptation by false teachings. While my namesake’s letter is fairly straight forward saying we should view temptation as something God would never do to us, the Gospel is more difficult.
In the Gospel Jesus is trying to teach his disciples once more this time using the word leaven to warn the disciples about the false teaching of the Herodians and the Pharisees. The disciples, in typical Mark fashion, missed the point completely. This allowed Jesus to go through once more how bread was a metaphor or symbol rather than literal. The message for us here is to be careful about the leaven of the Parisees which is religion for the sake of power over people. We must also be careful of the leaven of the Herodians who were political and supported the humanistic and hedonistic agenda of Herod and the Romans.
Our leaven must be the Holy Spirit that leads us along right paths. That is the true leaven that gives us strength and understanding to resist temptation and follow Christ.
The last section of the Gospel today seemed like it should have meant something of significance. I looked up that bit in what is becoming a favorite souce for Mark on line -
Michael A. Turton's "Historical Commentary on the Gospel of Mark" This is what he said of the last part of today's Gospel
http://users2.ev1.net/~turton/GMark/GMark08.html
v19-21: the sequence of numbers here, 5, 12, and 7, offers much scope for speculative interpretation. For example, 5 might stand for the five books of Moses, while 12 might be related to the disciples or perhaps the tribes of Israel, and 7 could be a reference to the gentiles, or perhaps the 7 deacons mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, or the 7 Churches in Asia. Another possibility is the seven great angels who appear in both the Book of Tobit and 1 Enoch.
Today's lesson was one of caution and faitfullness. In that sense we can celebrate in truth the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius whose faithfulness we may use as a guide. Pax.
Side Note
The dangers of the internet for the unwary. If you ever try, as I did today, to look at some relevent research on a specific scripture article of scripture on the internet, be careful. I ran smack into place where I would not send small children. Not because it was adult-only and it would probably not be blocked by parental control settings.
The article below was from About.Com. While I think the article itself is well done, the site is very strangely set up. I found the biblical commentary listed under Agnosticism /Atheism with a lot of links to sites about and for this non-belief. Now perhaps that is because under religion, Agnosticism as an "a" word comes first. However, I would have a really difficult time referring someone to the site as a good reference given it's placement. I have contacted their techncial folks (Interestingly, it is owned by the NY Times) to ask for the reason. In the interim, I would caution you about the subtilties of the anti faith establishment. I'm kind of taken aback.
Jesus Discusses the Pharisees
Throughout the gospels the primary opponents of Jesus have been the Pharisees. They keep challenging him and he keeps rejecting their authority. Here, Jesus contrasts himself with the Pharisees in an explicit manner not usually seen — and he does so with the now-common symbol of bread. In fact, the repeated use of “bread” should by this point alert us to the fact that the previous stories were never about bread at all.
Yes, it’s common for Christians to assume that the stories have some literal level at which they could be understood, but that’s unnecessary. We no more need to treat the multiplication of bread as a literal event than we need to think that “bread” in the above parable is meant literally — if Jesus can use parables to teach a lesson, who’s to say that the gospel authors can’t?
It is arguable that if they learned anything from Jesus, it would be the effectiveness of parable. Unfortunately, just as the disciples were too hard-headed to understand the point of the parables, many modern readers are similarly indisposed to understand that they are reading parables at all — they imagine that they are reading literal history.
If “bread” isn’t meant literally, then of course neither is “leaven.” Here, the term “leaven” refers to the principles or ideals of a belief system. The disciples are informed that the principles and attitudes of the Pharisees on one side and Herod on the other aren’t to be trusted. Such an interpretation appears to be beyond the understanding of the disciples, however.
The importance of “leaven” is further revealed when we take a closer look at the structure of Mark’s narrative. Right in the middle between the first and second stories of Jesus multiplying bread and feeding the masses, Jesus is challenged about the disciples’ failure to conform to tradition when it comes to washing hands before meals. Jesus then proceeds to explain that adherence to tradition has become more important than adherence to God’s commandments.
Here we find that theme revisited, with Jesus explaining that the “leaven” of the Pharisees (religious traditions) and the “leaven” of Herod (political power, perhaps?) are inferior to the “leaven” which he brings to people (presumably a personal relationship with God). Thus through the course of several diverse stories we can actually see a common theme being reinforced
VALENTINE of Rome
Memorial
14 February
Profile
Priest in Rome, possibly a bishop. Physician. Imprisoned for giving aid to martyrs in prison, and while there converted the jailer by restoring sight to the jailer's daughter. While Valentine of Terni and Valentine of Rome sometimes have separate entries in martyrologies and biographies, most scholars believe they are the same person. There are several theories about the origin of Valentine's Day celebrations. Some believe the Romans had a mid-February custom where boys drew girls' names in honor of the sex and fertility goddess, Februata Juno; pastors "baptised" this holiday, like some others, by substituting the names of saints such as Valentine to suppress the practice. Others maintain that the custom of sending Valentines on 14 February stems from the belief that birds begin to pair on that date. By 1477 the English associated lovers with the feast of Valentine because on that day "every bird chooses him a mate." The custom started of men and women writing love letters to their Valentine on this day. Other "romance" traditions have become attached to this feast, including pinning bay leaves to your pillow on Valentine's Eve so that you will see your future mate that night in your dreams.
Died
beaten and beheaded c.269 at Rome; buried on the Flaminian Way; relics later translated to the Church of Saint Praxedes
Patronage
affianced couples, against fainting, bee keepers, betrothed couples, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greeting card manufacturers, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travellers, young people
Representation
birds; roses; bishop with a crippled or epileptic child at his feet; bishop with a rooster nearby; bishop refusing to adore an idol; bishop being beheaded; priest bearing a sword; priest holding a sun; priest giving sight to a blind girl
Images
Gallery of images of Saint Valentine [3 images]
Storefront
Commercial Links related to Saint Valentine
Additional Information
Saint Valentine remembered at BBC NewsBella UmbriaBrief History of Valentine's Day at Intelligent MarketingLone Keep InternetCatholic EncyclopediaTravel Italy, about his final resting placeTravel Italy, brief biographyGolden Legend, by Jacobus de Voragine
CYRIL
Also known as
Apostle of the Slavs; Apostle of the Southern Slavs Constantin; Constantine the Philospher; Constantine; Cyril the Philosopher;
Memorial
14 February; formerly 7 July and/or 9 March
Profile
Brother of Saint Methodius. Greek nobility; his family was connected with the senate of Thessalonica, and his mother Maria may have been Slavic. Studied at the University of Constantinople, and taught philosophy there. Deacon. Priest. Librarian at the church of Santa Sophia. Monk, taking the name Cyril. Sent with Methodius by the emperor in 861 to convert the Jewish Khazars of Russia, a mission that was successful, and which allowed him to learn the Khazar's language. In 863, sent with Methodius to convert Moravians in their native tongue. Though some western clergy opposed their efforts and refused to ordain their candidates for the priesthood, they did good work. Developed an alphabet for the Slavonic language that eventually became what is known as the Cyrillic today. After initial criticism for their use of it, they achieved approval of the Liturgy in the Slavonic language. May have been bishop, but may have died before the consecration ceremony.
Born
827 at Thessalonica, Greece as Constantin
Died
14 February 869 at Rome, Italy
Patronage
Bohemia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia, ecumenism, Europe, Moravia, unity of the Eastern and Western Churches, Yugoslavia
Representation
with Saint Methodius; Oriental monk holding a church with the help of Methodius; surrounded by Bulgarian converts; wearing a long philosopher's coat
Additional Information
Google DirectoryCatholic Encyclopedia, by L AbrahamEcole Glossary by Karen Rae KeckNew Catholic DictionaryGrande Munus, by Pope Leo XIII
Readings
When the time came for Cyril to set out from this world to the peace of his heavenly homeland, he prayed to God with his hands outstretched and his eyes filled with tears: "O Lord, my God, you have created the choirs of angels and spiritual powers; you have stretched forth the heavens and established the earth, creating all that exists from nothing. You hear those who obey your will and keep your commands in holy fear. Hear my prayer and protect your faithful people, for you have established me as their unsuitable and unworthy servant. "Make your people known for the unit and profession of their faith. Inspire the hearts of your people with your word and your teaching. You called us to preach the Gospel of your Christ and to encourage them to lives and works pleasing to you. "I now return to you, your people, your gift to me. Direct them with your powerful right hand, and protect them under the shadow of your wings. May all praise and glorify your name, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
from an old Slavonic biography of Saint Cyril
METHODIUS
Also known as
Apostle of the Slavs; Apostle of the Southern Slavs
Memorial
14 February
Profile
Brother of Saint Cyril. Greek nobility. Studied at the University of Constantinople, and taught philosophy there. Priest. Sent with Cyril by the emperor in 861 to convert the Jewish Khazars of Russia, a mission that was successful, and which allowed him to learn the Khazar's language. In 863, sent with Cyril to convert Moravians in their native tongue. Though some western clergy opposed their efforts and refused to ordain their candidates for the priesthood, they did good work. Helped develop an alphabet for the Slavonic language that eventually became what is known as the Cyrillic today. After initial criticism for their use of it, they achieved approval of the Liturgy in the Slavonic language. Bishop. Evangelized in Moravia, Bohemia, Pannonia, and Poland. Baptized Saint Ludmilla and Duke Boriwoi. Archbishop of Velehred, Czechoslovakia, but deposed and imprisoned in 870 due to the opposition of German clergy with his work. Often in trouble over his use of Slavonic in liturgy, some claiming he preached heresy; repeatedly cleared of charges. Translated the Bible into the Slavonic languages. Pioneered the use of local and vernacular languages in liturgical settings.
Born
826 at Thessalonica
Died
6 April 885 at Moravia (Czechoslovakia)
Patronage
Bohemia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia, ecumenism, Europe, Moravia, unity of the Eastern and Western Churches, Yugoslavia
Representation
with Saint Cyril; Oriental bishop holding up a church with Saint Cyril; Oriental bishop holding a picture of the Last Judgement
Additional Information
Google DirectoryCatholic Encyclopedia, by L AbrahamEcole Glossary, by Karen Rae KeckNew Catholic DictionaryGrande Munus, by Pope Leo XIII
posted by Deacon Jim | 5:14 PM
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