Tuesday, February 1, 2022

 Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(II Samuel 18:9-10.14b.24-25a.30-19:3; Mark 5:21-43)

Absalom’s death in the today’s first reading is comic.  His hair gets caught in a tree which leaves him hanging and vulnerable to attack.  It is moralistic as well.  Absalom took pride in his good looks which became his downfall.  The story also reveals one of David’s many flaws.

David had Absalom banished for killing his half-brother, David’s firstborn son.  He thought that Absalom acted out of envy for the heir apparent.  Then David learned that Absalom acted out of revenge for his sister, whom his brother impregnated.  So he allowed his son to return to Jerusalem.  But he never allowed Absalom to visit with him.  After the rejection, Absalom plotted to usurp David’s kingdom. 

The stakes are high in this royal drama, and the development is tragic.  We should take note of the character flaws to prevent our suffering similar fates.  Excessive pride will create resentment.  People cheer when they see the proud fall.  Revenge does not resolve old conflicts but creates new ones.  Finally, friends and relatives deserve attention.  It may be impossible to grant their requests, but they should learn the reason for rejection.

Monday, January 31, 2022

 Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest

(II Samuel 15:13-14.30, 16:5-13; Mark 5:1-20)

Teen suicide worries many today with good reason.  Its incidence has increased dramatically over the last couple of decades.  Adolescents are experiencing much more anxiety in this era of instant communication.  They appear in some respects like the demoniac in today’s gospel.

Whatever the demon is, it is torturing the man it possesses.  Mark describes the man as “crying out and bruising himself with stones.”  The people may have feared him, but Jesus does not recoil in a confrontation.  Jesus is in such control that he extracts the demon’s name.  From that point on, the demon submits to Jesus’ authority.

Today’s patron, St. John Bosco, possessed a similar control over adolescents.  In his day they may not have had great anxiety issues but faced their own challenges.  John Bosco urged that his followers always treat youth with patience and understanding.  He realized that children are never bad but need adult guidance to grow in the right ways.

Sunday, January 30, 2022

 THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Jeremiah 1:4-5.17-19; I Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Luke 4:21-30)

Sixty-one years ago President John Kennedy delivered his famous inaugural address. It ended with challenges first for the citizens of the United States, then for the citizens of the entire world. He said: “…my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.  My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.  His words resonate with the those of Jesus in the gospel today.

The passage comes from the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. Last Sunday we heard how he began his discourse in the Nazareth synagogue. He read the part of the prophet Isaiah that says that the prophet is anointed to assist the poor and comfort the distressed. Now Jesus affirms that this is his mission. “Today,” he says, “(this) Scripture is fulfilled…” At first, he receives the approval of his fellow citizens.

Jesus then reminds them that he is not there primarily to benefit his relatives and friends. Rather he has come to solicit their support. We can imagine what he would have them do. If possible, they are to follow him on the mission. If they can't accompany him, they may be able to contribute something toward the expenses. They can, at least, pray to God for its success. It is similar to the request made by the Church today.  It asks people to commit themselves. Youth should consider a religious or priestly vocation. Everyone who can, should offer if not time at least some money to charities. Then we are to lend a hand to a neighbor in need.

Incredibly, it is not uncommon for some to turn down these requests. They go to Mass on Sunday so they don't lose the possibility of eternal life. But from Monday to Saturday they look out for their own interests. They would no more visit a nursing home than stick their arm into a snake hole. The same rejection can be seen in the gospel. People react to the implications of Jesus' speech with anger. They hoped that Jesus would be their ticket to a more comfortable life. Perhaps, in addition to healing the sick, he could increase the economy of the town. If he stayed in Nazareth, men and women from all over Israel would come to see him. The townspeople could sell them food and lodging.

The people get so angry with Jesus that they want to stone him. (One can be stoned either by throwing rocks at the person or by throwing the person on rocks.) It is as if by suggesting that they sacrifice themselves, Jesus has committed a capital crime. The people who today reject Jesus’ mandates do not want to kill him but to ignore him.

In the second reading today we hear Saint Paul's beautiful reflection on love. He does not have in mind acquisitive love as many people think of it. No, he is thinking of charitable love. It is the sacrifice of the self for the good of the other because the other is an image of God. It is putting ourselves second because God is first. This love, as the reading says, is patient and kind. It is collaborating with a parish in Honduras so that campesino children may receive a secondary education. It is making sandwiches for the homeless. It's helping in a million possible ways.

We have endured the Covid virus for almost two years. All of us have known someone who has died from the disease. However, we do not feel defeated or worn down. Rather we now feel that we can live with the threat. It is time to resume Jesus' program. It is time to assist the poor and comfort the distressed.

Friday, January 28, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church

(II Samuel 11:1-4a.5-10a.13-17; Mark 4:26-34)

St. Thomas Aquinas was born into a wealthy family.  When he showed a religious sentiment, his parents thought that he should be an abbot.  But Thomas was not inclined to live as a rich man.  He joined the Dominican Order, a relatively new institution in his day.  The Dominicans were gaining an intellectual reputation.  No doubt this appealed to Thomas’ love of learning. But he was also fascinated with the poverty which the Dominican friars professed.

In his Summa Theologica Thomas writes of Jesus’ poverty.  He begins by saying that one would think Christ should have embraced moderation.  If he was going to redeem all humanity, he should live like the average person.  But, according to Thomas, Christ took on extreme poverty.  For this reason Christ could honestly say, “The Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”  Thomas explains that Christ strove to be poor because he was a preacher.  A preacher must devote himself (or herself) totally to the Word of God.  That is, the preacher cannot be looking after riches.  Just as important, Thomas says that Christ chose material poverty in order to enrich others spiritually.  He showed the world that God blesses those who give up everything for Him.  This blessing, which in the end is complete happiness, is worth much more than gold.

We might say that Thomas Aquinas “could have had it all.”  But he chose to have very little, really just enough to get by.  In the end, however, Thomas received all that we can hope for – eternal life.  Thomas’ aspiration here should be ours as well.  We should not hanker after riches.  We need material things, but we should seek them to the extent that they avail for us the spiritual gifts of love and peace.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

 Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

(II Samuel 7:18-19.24-29; Mark 4:21-25)

There is an old story about a rabbi quizzing his disciples.  “When does the night end and the day begin?” asks the rabbi.  One disciple answers, “When you can tell the difference between a cow and a coyote on the horizon.”  Another student responds, “When you can distinguish the oak from the apple tree in the meadow.”  The rabbi says that neither disciple has answered correctly.  “Then when is it?” the students demand.   The rabbi answers, “Night ends and day begins when you can look into the eyes of a stranger and see your brother or sister.”  He continues, “If you cannot do that, you are still in the night.”  In today’s gospel Jesus gives a similar lesson.

Jesus is telling his disciples a parable about a lamp.  He says that a lamp is brought into a room to reveal what is hidden.  The disciples will eventually understand that Jesus himself is the lamp.  He reveals to his disciples that they are brothers and sisters not just to one another but to every man and woman. More than that, he enables them to see that they are children of God with an eternal destiny.

The light of Christ makes evident difficult truths like the need to forgive. We put it under a bushel basket when we refuse to allow his words to make us kinder and more patient.  In this way Christ enlightens for us the road to heaven.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

 Memorial of St. Timothy and St. Titus, bishops

(II Timothy 1:1-8; Mark 3:22-30)

The Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus follows the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul with good reason.   The two men assisted Paul in his missionary efforts.  Timothy accompanied Paul on part of his so-called second missionary journey.  He also stayed with Paul in Corinth for over a year.  Later Paul placed Timothy’s name alongside his own as the authors of the Second Letter to the Corinthians.  This same letter speaks of Titus as Paul’s emissary.  He carried a letter, now lost, from Paul to the Corinthians.  In Second Corinthians Paul calls Titus, “my partner and co-worker with you.”

A few facts about Timothy and Titus can be gleaned from the New Testament.  Timothy was the son of a Greek father and Jewish mother.  Paul permitted him to be circumcised because of his Jewish heritage.  On the other hand, Paul insisted that Titus not be circumcised because he was of completely Gentile origins.  More significant than their personal stories is what the references to the two men in the New Testament reveal about Paul.  They indicate that Paul was hardly a one-person show.  Indeed, in part his ability to collaborate made his evangelizing efforts successful.  He also felt great affection for his associates.  Finally, he was magnanimous enough to mention them as contributors to his writing.

With the Church being hierarchical, some see it as non-collaborative.  But the Church since apostolic times has utilized the gifts of all its members.  Collaboration promotes the development of these gifts.  In the synod that Pope Francis has called for this year and next year collaboration will be paramount.  Clergy and lay persons will listen to each other’s experiences and hopes.

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

 Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

(Acts 22:3-16; Mark 16:15-18)

C.S. Lewis was raised in the Church of Ireland.  At fifteen, however, he become an atheist.  His disbelief was spurned by the annihilation of World War I.  Later, under the Influence of friends, he reexamined what he had given up.  As a result, Lewis became one of the greatest apostles of modern times.

Lewis’ conversion resembles that of the great apostle, St. Paul.  A Pharisee by training, Paul could not tolerate Christianity’s flexibility regarding aspects of the Law.  Then Jesus showed him the light as today’s readings describes the event.  The Law is of great importance, but it is not greater than Jesus, the Son of God.  In him, who is both human and divine, the Law is resolved in love.  As Jesus gave his very life for them, his followers make sacrifices for the good of others.

Every human life has ordeals and struggles.  Only with love can we negotiate them with integrity.  With perfect love trials become joyful experiences because they join us closer to Christ.  Like St. Paul and C.S. Lewis we need conversion.  We must give ourselves to Christ so that the little love that we have may blossom.

Monday, January 24, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church

(II Samuel 5:1-7.10; Mark 3:22-30)

With the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul tomorrow another Week of Christian Unity comes to an end.  Once, not very long ago, Christian unity seemed a near reality.  Statements of agreements were signed.  Pastors exchanged pulpits.  More recently, however, unity seems more like an automobile without wheels – more remote than near possibility.  St. Francis de Sales, however, experienced much more difficult ecumenical relations.  His virtue may provide a roadmap out of the impasse.

Francis lived in France at the end of the sixteenth century.  The country was experiencing civil unrest between the Catholic majority and the large Calvinist population. Francis was something of a novelty, a soft-spoken scholar characterized by humility and deference.  He was named bishop of Geneva but could not reside there because of the hostile Calvinist government.  In a city of France twenty-two miles to the south he worked among the people promoting spirituality of the laity. 

In today’s gospel Jesus says that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”  Divisions have plagued Christianity since the beginning.  This reality does not prove Jesus wrong.  It does require that the strongman – in the gospel Satan; in the Church, arrogance – be arrested.  Then the Church will be able to complete its mission of bringing Christ to the whole world.

Sunday, January 23, 2021

 

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY

(Nehemiah 82-4.5-6.8-10; I Corinthians 12:12-30; Luke 1:1-4.4:14-21)

Forty years ago Walter Cronkite was perhaps the most credible person in America. Mr. Cronkite reported the news on TV every day. His serious yet kind manner won the trust of most of the people. He was so respectable that we felt like we had a friend in our homes. We have a similar feeling of the speaker in the gospel today.

We call the author of the gospel “Saint Luke”, but he does not leave us his name in writing. Not so with the recipient of the work. He is called “Theophilus”. Theophilus may be a particular man. However, he can also be all the readers of the gospel. For in Greek Theophilus means "lover of God". Don't we all love God? Although brief, this introduction to the gospel reveals much more than this.

It says that "many have undertaken to complete a narrative" about Jesus Christ. As far as we can discern, of the three other official gospels Luke only knew of the Gospel according to Saint Mark. Then the other stories of Jesus that Luke refers to here were lost over the years. There is no need to mourn the loss. Perhaps they were like the erroneous gospels of the following centuries. Twenty years ago another Jesus story gained fame. The Da Vinci Code caused great disturbance among the faithful. But because it did not correspond to the four official gospels of the Church, it is now just a bad memory.

Luke writes of his own intentions for his gospel. He has researched the stories of Jesus meticulously. He now wants to leave a correct and orderly testimony of Jesus’ life. The insufficiency of other accounts can be seen even in the Gospel according to Saint Mark. Saint Mark says nothing about the birth of Jesus and little about his resurrection. Luke's work has its literary flaws. But it is better structured and has much more material than Mark.

The second part of today's reading presents us with Luke's perspective on Jesus. For him Jesus is the champion of the poor. Jesus says in his first gospel speech that he has come to bring relief to the poor and needy. Jesus certainly has beggars and laborers in mind. But he doesn't want to leave the professionals and the rich out of his mission. All of us have to recognize ourselves as poor and needy. We may own a car, but we lack humility. We may have a Ph.D. but lack love of neighbor.

In the second reading, St. Paul shows how we need one another to be the Church. It is like that in any social group. In the Church we need committed religious and laity as well as bishops, priests and deacons. In industry we need managers, workers, accountants, and salespersons. In the family we need the contribution of each member. Some think that the child with Down syndrome is not useful at all. How do we need them? Families with a child with the syndrome always say that he or she is a source of love and cohesion.  We need them to show us how to love.

If we were to ask ourselves our favorite gospel, we would no doubt respond in a variety of ways. Some would say the Gospel according to Saint John because it has the discourse of the Bread of Life. Others would answer the Gospel according to Saint Matthew for the teachings of Jesus on the Church. But most would say the Gospel according to Saint Luke for different reasons. It tells us about the birth of Jesus in a manger as a poor person. It relates to us the most about the Virgin Mary. And it presents us with the most affectionate parables of Jesus because we are lovers of him.

Friday, January 22, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr

(I Samuel 24:3-21; Mark 3:13-19)

In today’s first reading David refuses to take advantage of the opportunity to kill his deadly rival, Saul.  He recognizes that Saul is God’s anointed with a charge to protect the people.  Saul is to be supported not undermined.

We too have been anointed.  At Baptism the minister rubbed chrism, that is perfumed and blessed oil, on our heads.  We share in Christ’s ministry of priest, prophet, and king.  We too are mandated to protect God’s people.

The charge covers all people – born and unborn.  Tomorrow hundreds of thousands of people – mostly baptized Christians -- will converge on Washington to fulfill this duty.  They will ask America’s leaders to reconsider the lock on anti-abortion legislation.  Their determination goes to the extent of making considerable personal sacrifices.  They know that abortion is no less than annihilation of the most vulnerable of human beings.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

 Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 18:6-9.19:1-7; Mark 3:7-12)

In today’s gospel Jesus faces two kinds of threats.  There is the crowd which may turn into a stampede that crushes him. He orders a boat as a safety valve if this begins to happen.  Then there are the evil spirits who want to reveal his full identity to the people.  If they succeed, the crowd would besiege him with adulation.  This might not seem harmful, but it would frustrate his mission of revealing the Father’s will.

Jesus shows his authority over the evil spirits.  He orders them not to speak about him.  More than that, however, at the indicated moment he will vanquish Satan.  The power of darkness will have no control over Jesus’ followers.  Like the invasion of Normandy, it will be a costly victory.  Jesus will die on the cross.  But it will liberate his people of the tyranny of sin.

We too face physical and spiritual threats all the time.  The Covid pandemic exemplifies the former.  Unchaste desires represent the latter.  Like Jesus, we are wise to prepare ways to escape physical disaster.  We should as well not hesitate to call on Jesus to help us avoid spiritual downfall.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

 Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 17:32-33.37.40-51; Mark 3:1-6)

The biblical story of little David defeating the mighty Goliath has become a template.  We see any contest between unequal opponents a “David vs. Goliath” rematch. However, the biblical story conveys much more than underdog grit outperforming giant power.

 Essential to David’s victory is God’s presence.  As Goliath has a shield bearer going before him, David is preceded by the Lord.  The staff in his hand represents God’s assistance.  As a staff reins in an errant sheep, the Lord keeps David from becoming neither fearful nor overconfident in battle.  God assists David in slaying Goliath just as He humbled Pharaoh during the Exodus.

We often see ourselves as small as David compared to the giant challenges of life.  We may witness a thug beating up someone and wonder what to do.  Or we may face a cancerous condition that leaves us shaking.  At such times we do well to pray that God act on our behalf.  He is there to hel

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

 Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 16:1-13; Mark 2:23-28)

Jesus himself testifies to David’s importance.  In today’s gospel he justifies his disciples’ eating on the sabbath by reference to him.  As David ate bread dedicated to the Lord, so Jesus’ disciples should be able to pick grain for nourishment on the sabbath.

It is not necessary that David have a robust appearance (although he has).  To be king, David must have a heart inclined to do the Lord’s will. God, who knows the hearts of people, sees this.  He relates this information to Samuel who anoints David as king.  Although David loves God, he will commit egregious sins.  But he repents of his crimes.  He knows that God’s justice is always tempered by His mercy.

Rather than worry about our appearance, we should cultivate a loving heart for God.  We do this most of all by trusting in God’s love for us.  We also will learn to love God by observing the Third Commandment.  Justifying work on the sabbath by saying that it was “for man” betrays Jesus’ intention.   Letting go of our ambitions on Sunday to praise God and to look forward to full union with Him helps us in different ways.  We stop thinking of ourselves and think of others more.  We become aware of the beauty of prayer, of people, and of nature.  Most of all, we develop of a spirit of gratitude for all we have.

Monday, January 17, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Anthony of the Desert, abbot

(I Samuel 15:16-23; Mark 2:18-22)

Jesus reminds the people of the freshness of God’s Kingdom.  They are not to think of it with old categories like fasting but with new ones like rejoicing.  Just because John had his disciples submitting to rigorous discipline does not mean that Jesus’ disciples to do so.  At least, this is true of the present moment.  He does say as well, however, that fasting for his disciples is not completely out of the picture.

Fasting and penance were certainly part of St. Anthony’s life.  He lived for a hundred years in the third and fourth centuries.  After the initial years of the fourth century, martyrdom ceased to be a major challenge.  Anthony and others showed their love for Christ by lives of prayer and subsistence living in the desert.  In doing so, they indicated to all Christians the need to make sacrifices for Christ.

People make think it idiotic, but we should embrace poverty, chastity, and obedience like St. Anthony.  Poverty for laypeople will mean living simply without consumerist spending.  Chastity will mean faithfulness to our state of life – single, married, or religious.  Obedience will entail shaping our lives according to God’s word.  This is not a formula for misery – far from it.  It is a path to eternal happiness marked by daily joy.

Sunday, January 16, 2022

 

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Isaiah 62: 1-5; I Corinthians 12: 4-11; John 2: 1-11)

Forty years ago, a journalist reported that race relations were improving. However, he said, in a way things hadn't changed. Mixed couples were still taboo at that time. This prohibition does not exist today. At least you can see interracial couples regularly. Although his dream has not been fully realized, Martin Luther King's efforts have had an effect. In any case, the first reading today tells of a more impressive mixed marriage.

Isaiah says on behalf of God that the fortunes of Jerusalem have changed. No more will the city be ashamed of the sins of its past. No longer will it be famous for its iniquity. Rather, it will be known as the center of a just nation. The prophet uses a brilliant comparison. God, creator of the universe, will take the city as his bride. He will endow it with virtue. Instead of being "abandoned," the city will be recognized as "betrothed." Instead of being "desolate," it will be the "pleasure" of God Himself.

God fulfilled this intention with the birth of when Jesus. Christmas represents the wedding of God with the people of Israel. Therefore, it is no coincidence that the first miraculous sign made by Jesus takes place at a wedding. It relates the same message. By changing the water to wine, Jesus manifests himself as the Son of God who has arrived among humans. Now he will fulfill his marital responsibilities of making his bride virtuous.

The wedding between the Son of God and the people will have repercussions around the world. As the prophets indicated, the whole world will come to learn from him. They will profit of his saving actions by joining with him in Baptism. The benefits of Baptism may be seen in the second reading where Saint Paul writes about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He says that each member of the community has a gift that contributes to the good of all. Likewise, the different nations that make up the Church have their particular gifts. Each one will lend its particular gift to the good of the universal Church. We can name some of these gifts. Africans will contribute their joy. Asians will give their concentrated effort. Latinos will provide deep faith. Europeans will contribute to their organization. We will be more with the contribution of each one’s gift. And we would be less without the gift from one or the other.

Marriage helps us understand God's closeness to His people. As a reciprocal benefit, God has elevated marriage to a preeminent level. Because it is associated with God Himself, marriage is more than a contract or a legal way to satisfy the sexual appetite. It is a sacred vow between a man and a woman to remain faithful in bad times and good times. It is a total surrender of one to another so that the couple become a family where offspring are raised. It is a commitment of love until the end of life.

This year, called the “Year C of the lectionary,” we are going to read regularly from the Gospel according to Luke. But this Sunday we use this passage from the Gospel according to John for a specific reason. With the visitation of the Magi and the Baptism of Jesus, the story of the wedding at Cana forms a triple epiphany of the Lord. In these three passages Jesus manifests himself as the Son of God who has finally come into the world. He is here to empower us to be better persons, better spouses, and better parents.

Friday, January 14, 2022

 Friday of the First Week in Lent

(I Samuel 8:4-7.10-22a; Mark 2:1-12)

It is easier for one to say, “Your sins are forgiven?” because forgiveness is impossible to verify.  This is not the case with saying to a paralytic, “Arise…”  Onlookers will know straightaway whether the speaker is bluffing.  Verification is especially important in the modern world

Many today look for verification before they will assent to the truths of faith.  Of course, if there were proof of religious truth, then there could not be faith.  Faith presumes a certain opaqueness in front of which one takes a stand for a loving God.  Although they do not amount to proof, good things happen when one takes the stand.  Faith opens one to abundant blessings.

Let’s not hedge on our faith.  Let’s not say we believe, then live like everyone else.  Rather let our faith in God result in living as God dictates in the teaching of the Church.  Let’s open ourselves to God’s abundant blessings.

Thursday, January 13, 2022

 Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 4:1-11; Mark 1:40-45)

St. Christopher was a legendary figure who was said to have carried the Christ child across a river.  He became known as the patron of travelers.  Medals were made of him which Catholics fixed to one of their car’s sun visors.  Priests, however, preached not to depend on the medal to protect them if they drove recklessly.  The Israelis should have been told something similar about bringing the Ark of the Covenant into battle.

In today’s first reading the Israelis are confident that they are invincible with the Ark.  This miscalculation cost them a terrible defeat.  They would have been better off sharpening their swords and kneeling before the Lord in prayer like the leper in the gospel.  Such actions do not assure victory, but they open their doers to God’s will.  They also attract God’s mercy.

We must take care not to be presumptuous.  We rightfully call upon the Lord for help.  But we should remember that prayer does not substitute for preparation.  There is a synergy between our efforts and the Lord’s help.  Results depend as much upon God’s input as upon our work.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

 Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 3:1-10.19-20; Mark 1:29-39)

One of Flannery O’Connor’s last short story “Revelation” describes the conversion of a bigot.  Mrs. Turpin, a baptized Christian, has a vision of people, whom she disdains, entering heaven.  Then she realizes that she has been called to join them.  But first she must repent of her prejudices.  Like the first reading says of its epoch in ancient Israel, such revelation is rare.

Revelations are rare when people do not orient themselves to God.  They attend to the world around them as if what they see and hear is all that is.  Eli, the old priest, still has an inkling of what true revelation consists.  He tells the boy Samuel to act on his perception of a voice calling him.  Jesus in today’s gospel heeds an inner voice calling him.  He is not to settle in any town as the local shaman.  Rather his mission is to preach the Kingdom of God in different places.

The Lord calls each of us through the Church.  He wants us to be his disciples-missionaries.  We are to study the ways of God.  Then we are to tell others about him.  It is not an esoteric mission.  First, we tell our children and those closest to us.  Then, as we discern more in depth our mission, we can tell others as well

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

 Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 1:9-20; Mark 1:21-28)

Jesus’ teaching threatens evil spirits.  He speaks “with authority.”  What can this mean but that he does not waver on right and wrong?  He goes to the heart of the matter calling lust a sin as well as adultery and vengeance a sin as well as murder.  As he pinpoints the sections of the human heart that require attention, people give assent while devils recoil.

Jesus speaks with such authority at a cost.  The evil spirits will regroup to eliminate Jesus.  In the end they will be only marginally successful.  They will bring about Jesus’ death in the most horrible of ways.  But God, the just judge, will raise him from the dead.  In the process He will send evil spirits packing, at least from those who trust in Jesus.

Let us take heed of what is happening.  It is not enough to be amazed like the people at the Capernaum synagogue.  We have to entrust ourselves to Jesus’ care.  This means to do as he tells us and not to flirt with his enemies.   

Monday, January 10, 2022

 Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 1:1-8; Mark 1:14-20)

The year 2022 promises to be tumultuous.  It is very possible that the Supreme Court of the United States will overturn Roe vs. Wade.  Riots are likely to ensue as some will see such a decision as a betrayal of women.  Pro-life advocates should understand, however, that constriction of abortion does not mean arrival of the Kingdom of God.  Indeed, it will mean almost the opposite. 

In today’s gospel Jesus preaches “the Gospel of God.”  He equates it with the coming of the kingdom of peace and justice.  It will be characterized by people coming together to listen to one another and to work together.  It will be like Elkanah’s giving a double portion to Hannah because she is depressed.

The end of abortion on demand is not the end of abortion.  Nor is it the end of child neglect or poverty.  For these likewise great objectives we must work with people of goodwill.  We must double our efforts to approach something like God’s Kingdom.

Sunday, January 9, 2022

 FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

(Isaiah 40: 1-5.9-11; Titus 2: 11-14.3: 4-7; Luke 3: 15-16.21-22)

The other day a named boy Alexander was baptized. He is almost a year old. Perhaps due to his medical condition, he was not baptized as a newborn. But since he was going into the hospital for surgery, his parents asked for an emergency baptism. Because Alexander was hooked up to oxygen, it took place in his own home. The priest poured the water on his forehead saying: “I baptize you…” Alexander has joined Jesus in today’s gospel.

We celebrate the Baptism of the Lord around Christmas because the two holidays have similar significance. They show how the Son of God has come into the world to save humans. More precisely, he came to save us from our sins.  It was not necessary for him to undergo John’s baptism of repentance because he never sinned. However, he submitted to it to show solidarity with humanity.  As everyone else, Jesus suffered the bitter fruits of sin: war, disease, and famine with resultant death.

Since the beginning of the Church, Baptism has been more than a sign of one’s repentance.  It is also joining ourselves to Christ in his death and resurrection.  The guilt of our sins is overcome as we participate in Christ victory. Baptism is also entrance into the Church, the Body of Christ. Today’s second reading teaches that Jesus Christ was born "to save all." As members of the Body of Christ, this mission becomes ours. We are "to save all." How can we carry out this mission?

Pope Francis has convoked a synod to answer this question. He calls the entire Church to a two-year encounter process. We will listen to one another, shape together an evangelization plan, and prepare ourselves to put it into practice. The pope wants the laity to participate in the process as much as the bishops and priests. Of course, he doesn't want to leave the nuns and deacons out of the conversation. He also will not allow homosexuals and minorities to be omitted. Behind this inclusion of all Catholics is his appreciation for Baptism. It is one of the two basic sacraments because it propels us forward with the grace of the Holy Spirit.

The gospel specifies that the Spirit descends on Jesus as he prays. Prayer is necessary because it facilitates empowerment by grace. Strategies, new apps and gadgets are not enough to carry out the mission of universal salvation. If we are “to save all," we have to pray reflectively and persistently. The pope himself is said to worship before the Blessed Sacrament at 9 p.m. every night. We should imitate him as much as we can.

Once a bishop said that he was going to have the date of his Baptism written on his tombstone. It was more important to him than the day of his ordination or even the day of his birth. Why? He explained that it was the day he was adopted as a son of God. As a child of God, he became a brother of Jesus Christ and a member of his Church. It's true for us as well. As sons and daughters of God, we are God's family. Thus, we have the right to participate in Pope Francis’ synod.

Friday, January 7, 2022

 (Optional) Memorial of Saint Raymond of Peñafort, priest

(I John 5:5-13; Luke 5:12-16)

Today’s rather obscure first reading gives three reasons for belief in Jesus as the Son of God.  It cites “water” as a witness.  Water refers to Jesus’ accomplishments as a man.  He preached brilliantly and worked wonders.  Secondly, Jesus’ blood provides exquisite testimony of his divinity.  Although innocent of crime, he suffered an excruciating death in obedience to the Father’s will.  Among other places, that will is indicated in the Servant Songs of Isaiah.  The Spirit also testifies to Jesus’ Sonship.  It has moved countless people through two millennia to make sacrifices, including their lives, testifying to Jesus’ divinity.

The gospel offers an example of Jesus’ humanity testifying to his glory.  He demonstrates the compassion and power of God as he heals a leper.  The man might have spent the rest of his life away from family and civilization had not Jesus shown him mercy.

St. Raymond of Peñafort, today’s patron, exemplifies the Spirit giving testimony.  Raymond applied his brilliance to the service of the Church.  His preaching led to a Crusade that freed Spain from Muslim rule.  As a canon lawyer, he compiled papal documents into a working code of law.  Raymond also was elected Master of the Dominican Order and served for a short time as an archbishop.

Thursday, January 6, 2022

 Thursday after Epiphany

(I John 4:19-5:14; Luke 4:14-22)

Jesus’ return to Nazareth in Luke’s gospel occurs earlier in his trajectory than in Matthew or Marky.  Like politicians often do today, he goes to his hometown to launch his formal mission.  However, Jesus does not receive the support of his neighbors.  They now look at him in today’s gospel with amazement as if they wonder if he can do what he says.  In a moment, however, their wonder will turn to wrath as he chides them for disbelief.

In his mission Jesus demands a response from his hearers.  He works wonders and preaches the truth.  They must believe in him or be lost.  As he says in the reading, “’Today, this Scripture is fulfilled…’”  he is there and may not come again.  They must now give him their assent.

It is not too different for us.  Jesus has come into our midst.  He presents himself in the Eucharist every day.  He has made a dramatic appearance in the rites of Christmas.  He will see us past any difficulties if we put our trust in him. 

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

 Memorial of Saint John Neumann, bishop

 (I John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52)

 If we were asked to describe the meaning of Christmas, how would we reply?  Would we speak of a societal surge in buying to strengthen the economy?  Economic activity is certainly characteristic of the celebration of Christmas but hardly explains its meaning.  Would we offer the experience of family togetherness about a decorated fur tree?  Surely many people celebrate Christmas at home with loved ones who have cared for them all their lives.  But there is a deeper, more comprehensive meaning that we would want to relate. 

 We hardly could find a better description of the meaning of Christmas that the familiar verse from the Gospel of John: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son...”  At Christmas we rejoice in our certainty of God’s love and marvel at its enormity.  God’s love moves us to come out of ourselves – to share what we have with others.  It moves us beyond families and friends to the needy around the world.

 The reading from the First Letter of John explains some of the dynamic of divine love.  God shares his Spirit of love with us.  This Spirit drives out the fear that distances us both from God and from one another.  We no longer resist God for not arranging things as we like them.  Rather, we love Him as a Father who will bestow on us eternal life.  Likewise, we know that other people cannot do permanent harm to us.  God will save us.  We pray for them out of imitation of our benevolent Father.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

 

Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious

(I John 4:7-10; Mark 6:34-44)

Early on, Catholics in the United States recognized the need for parochial schools.  The Church was established here at roughly the same time as universal education and the “Great Awakening.”  The latter was a period of evangelical revival in the nineteenth century.  Being a minority, many Catholic children would have been enfolded into Protestantism had they attended public schools.  Educated in Catholic schools, however, they maintained their faith.  As a result, the Church in America prospered. 

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton began the first free Catholic school in the United States.  She also founded a congregation that staffed many others as well as orphanages.  St. Elizabeth died at a young forty-six years of age.  However, her legacy of inexpensive, quality Catholic education still lives.  It may be said that the American Catholic Church was built on the backs of women like Elizabeth Ann Seton.

In today’s gospel Jesus feeds five thousand with a few loaves of bread and some fish.  This miracle primarily foreshadows the Eucharist.  It can also be seen as representative of Catholic education.  With meager resources but the virtues of many women like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Catholic schools have fed millions of children.  Because of their efforts, generations of children learned about salvation through reception of Jesus Christ in the sacraments.

Monday, January 3, 2022

 (Optional) Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

(I John 3:22-4:6; Matthew 4:12-17.23-26)

Society no longer guards the names of people.  Seventy years ago, only children were called by their first names in public.  The names of adults were considered personal, for the exclusive use of family and friends.  Now attendants regularly call patrons by their first name.  Older people may feel disrespected, but one should not be shy about using the holy name of Jesus.

In all the gospels only one person addresses Jesus only by name without any title.  The so-called good thief crucified at Jesus’ side calls to him: “’Jesus, remember me…’”  Far from taking offense, Jesus assures his compatriot that he will soon be with him in Paradise.  In today’s first reading, John, the presbyter, tells his readers that they must believe in Jesus’ name.  He means that recognizing his power to save, they should pray to him.  Indeed, the name “Jesus” means “God saves.”

When we find ourselves in difficulty, we should call Jesus by name.  He has promised to come to us.  The coming will take place in various ways until we see him in his glorified flesh at the end of time.  We can count on him to save us from distress.

Sunday, January 2, 2022

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

(Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-3.5-6; Matthew 2:1-12)

There are traditional Christmas carols and new Christmas carols. In recent times many people have taken to "The Little Drummer Boy". We all know the story. A poor boy has nothing to give homage to the Christ child. Then it occurs to him that he can play his drum for the newborn king. When he does, the child smiles appreciatively. The drummer boy joins the shepherds and magicians of the Gospels in worship of the Son of God.

The shepherds are found only in the Gospel according to St. Luke. When they learn that the Messiah has been born in Bethlehem, they waste no time going to honor him. We see the Magi only in today's passage from the Gospel according to St. Matthew. After an encounter with Herod and the Jews, they proceed to Bethlehem. As they enter Joseph's house, they see Maria with her baby. They immediately prostrate themselves to show their submission to the “King of the Jews.”

The evangelists tell these stories to explain the mission of the Son of God. The shepherds represent the common people. They are not educated and work for the minimum wage. The Messiah will defeat the corrupt rulers who oppress them.  He will bring them a closeness to God that makes their hard life tolerable, even good.

The Magi form a contrast to the shepherds. But they are not kings. (This idea comes from the first reading. Isaiah tells of kings bringing gifts to Jerusalem. The tradition of magicians riding camels also has its origin in the first reading.) Magi are cultured people who search the heavens for truth. They find in the child Jesus the source of wisdom that will bring peace to the world.

Just as Jesus embodies grace in both stories, Herod personifies sin. He becomes jealous when he hears of a child who is to become the Messiah of Israel. He asks the Magi to inform him of the child’s whereabouts in order to kill Jesus. The high priests and scribes unite with Herod to form a conspiracy against Jesus. In time these religious leaders will oppose Jesus for interpreting the law in a fresh way. They are satisfied with things as they are because they can take advantage of them. They do not want to leave their authority to another, even if he is the Messiah.

But Jesus does not come to seize the political power of Herod. Nor does he intend to change the law. His mission is to show the world the ways of God. He wants everyone to have "the good life" that leads to justice. Often "the good life" is depicted as a series of luxury cruises to different of the world. But this is not the case in Christian history. "The good life" means to recognize yourself as a child of God. It is experiencing the call of Jesus to be his disciple. It is putting yourself in the company of other honorable people.

You can live "the good life" in a number of ways. One way that is worth mentioning is the Christian movement called "People of Praise." This group is dedicated to renewing the world with the power of the Holy Spirit. The members belong to different Christian churches. They dedicate themselves to living their baptismal promises to the full. They meet on Sunday afternoon after services in their respective churches. They study the Bible together and plan their social projects. An impressive project has been to inhabit decaying neighborhoods to revive the spirit of the poor people. Members of "People of Praise" show the world the true "good life."

We have launched 2022. Everyone hopes that it will be much better than last year. May it be God’s will! However, it is more important that we live the true "good life" in the new year.  Whether we are as poor as the shepherds of Bethlehem or as educated as the Magi from the East, let us live our baptismal promises. This would be an appropriate gift for the Christ child next Christmas.