Wednesday, September 7, 2022

 Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

(I Corinthians 7:25-31; Luke 6:20-26)

“Too soon old, too late smart” is a lament evidently originating among German immigrants in Pennsylvania.  It describes the human condition of postponing education until one is too old to profit from it.  The phrase can be applied to both readings today.

In the first St. Paul advises the Corinthians not too be anxious about satisfying carnal desires.  He says that the Lord will be coming soon to fulfill their deepest longings.  He advises complete attention to him.  In the gospel Jesus acclaims the poor and downtrodden.  He is saying that sooner than they might expect, they will experience the happiness of the Kingdom.

We are used to thinking of the coming of the Lord in the Kingdom in absolute terms.  In this way it is hard not to be disillusioned by his delay of two thousand years and counting.  But considering today’s readings in terms relative to the individual person and with the German proverb in mind, they make imminent sense.  Death comes inexorably to all of us.  We must prepare for this great encounter with the Unknown.  We are to become humble like the devout poor and attentive like virgins and widows who give themselves wholeheartedly to God.

Thursday, September 1, 2022

 Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Corinthians 3:18-23; Luke 5:1-11)

After Jesus has taught the crowds, he asks Peter to take his boat into deep water to catch fish.  Peter hesitantly says, “’Master, we have worked hard all night…’” Yet he complies with the command.  His obedience results, of course, is a tremendous catch.  Then Peter addresses Jesus again.  He no longer calls him “master” (that is, teacher).  Now he recognizes Jesus as we do today.  “Lord…,” he says. 

As Jesus’ title has changed, so does Peter and companions’ profession.  Jesus tells them that they will no longer be catching fish but catching men.  The new line of work will cost them plenty.  The passage reads that they left everything to follow Jesus.

Is Jesus calling us to a similar sacrifice?  We are used to thinking that such complete surrender was reserved for religious.  However, Vatican II emphasized that all Christians are called to holiness.  We may not leave our homes to follow Jesus.  Nevertheless, our priority in life should change.  From seeking what is best for “me”, we seek to do God’s will.  We carefully discern what that means for us as individuals.  It will probably seem daunting at first but like the fishermen in the gospel, obedience brings a tremendous dividend.

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

 

Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Corinthians 3:1-9; Luke 4:38-44)

“If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.”  This saying sounds sacrilegious and violent.  Actually, it is wise and meant to preserve people from having false hopes or, one can say, “false messiahs.”  “Meeting the Buddha” refers to a spiritual experience of enlightenment.  If one can see the Buddha, he or she is having a physical experience, which is ipso facto false.  In today’s gospel Jesus likewise removes false ideas about who he is.

Jesus has begun his ministry of taking back the world from Satan.  He has cast out demons and cured Peter’s mother-in-law.  When the demons leave the possessed, they shout out that he is “the Holy One of God” or “the Son of God.”  What do they mean by these titles?  Because everyone will have her or his own idea, Jesus chastises the demons not to say anymore.  In due time the people will see that being the Son of God means full and faithful love.

We should not be inhibited to call on the name of Jesus.  He is present not to heal us of every woe but to save us from the claws of sin and death.  For the time being, our encounters with him are largely spiritual, but that does not mean inconsequential.  Indeed, calling on Jesus will bring us to a full meeting with him.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

 

Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

(I Corinthians 2:10b-16; Luke 4:31-37)

The gospels view the world as captured by malevolent spiritual powers.  From their viewpoint the evil spirits foster suspicion and rejection rather than love.  They see Jesus as defeating these demonic forces and retaking the world for God.  In today’s passage Jesus handily ejects a demon or evil spirit from a man at the synagogue.

In the first reading St. Paul explains the dynamic of Jesus takeover.  Many people, but not all to the same extent, are affected by evil spirits.  These spirits – hatred, lust, pride, etc. – move the people to sin.  Christians, he says, through the victory of Christ have been given the Holy Spirit who likewise shapes their actions.  The Spirit inspires them to love, reconcile, and rejoice. 

Not only should we be aware that the Spirit moves within us; we should also renew the Spirit.  Prayer and sacraments accomplish the task.  So also does association with good people and reading edifying literature. Done deliberately, it is not a daunting but rather a satisfying task.

Monday, August 29, 2022

 

Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

(I Corinthians 2:1-5; Mark 6:17-29)

Although today’s memorial is commonly called “the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist,” the Church uses a different title.  Officially, it is the “Passion of Saint John the Baptist.” Like the Passion of Jesus, it was an ordeal, as unjust as it was bloody.  It also affected Jesus.

John was Jesus’ mentor.  Probably Jesus stayed with him for a time before John baptized him. John’s cruel and unwarranted death warned Jesus that doing God’s will provides no immunity from violence.  Even the authorities will persecute one who speaks an inconvenient truth.  Jesus is aware now that the path he has chosen to travel will likely lead to a premature death. 

We see John the Baptist as a shadowy figure.  His dress and his diet impel us to keep distant from such a man.  We do so at our loss.  Like Jesus’ passion, John’s does not indicate only his suffering but also his love.  John loved God above all.  He recognized God’s call that he prophesy.  That is, he knew his vocation was to speak truth to power.   He did not flinch and was led to glory.

Sunday, August 28, 2022

 TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Ecclesiasticus 3:19-21.30-31; Hebrews 12:18-19.22-24; Luke 14:1.7-14)

It is difficult to understand today's gospel. It has to do with the values ​​of the Kingdom of God. What qualities must we develop to be welcomed into the Kingdom? In what we have just heard, Jesus describes two. It is true that Jesus does not mention the word "kingdom" in the passage.  But St. Luke writes that Jesus tells a "parable", and it is characteristic of Jesus to speak of the Kingdom in parables.

Jesus advises people to practice humility. He tells them to take the seats in the back of the hall when they are invited to a banquet. He assures them that they will not be disappointed. Perhaps the host will move them to a more prominent place. If he does not do it, although Jesus does not say so, they will have the opportunity to meet simple people.

Is Jesus prompting us to feign humility to advance our own interests? Of course not. If he were to do that, he would be betraying the Kingdom that he has come to proclaim. In the Kingdom of God, everyone is appreciated as a son or daughter of God. What more could we ask for? In this world we make distinctions according to classes and achievements. For this reason Jesus says that the host will exalt the distinguished person. However, in the Kingdom everyone will enjoy the presence of God with their companions, whoever they may be.

Perhaps we think that humility is one of the minor values ​​of the kingdom. Let's listen to what St. Augustine says about it: "... if humility does not precede everything we do, our efforts are in vain." Furthermore, humility explains the action of Christ in the incarnation. As St. Paul says: "Although he was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.  Rather, he emptied himself taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness… "

Jesus also recommends hospitality as a value of the Kingdom. As in the case of humility, this virtue can be distorted. If a person invites to his house only those who can help him out personally, he does not have the virtue of hospitality. True hospitality asks for nothing in return. It always provides the other with free food or lodging. The origin of the word hospitality even indicates this. It comes from the Latin word hospes which means stranger.  It is likely that the stranger is not going to return the favor given to him because he lives in another place.

To ensure true hospitality, Jesus insists that people invite the poor, lame, and otherwise unfortunate to their parties. For Jesus it is not just a matter of caring for their needs. No, for him we take care of the poor as friends in our homes.

There are several other values ​​of the Kingdom of God. We will certainly count among them love, peace, and joy. These values are like the variety and abundance of fruits at harvest time: watermelons, strawberries, apples, and a thousand others.  The values we develop now make our lives truly richer.  All of them will be present together when the Kingdom of God comes in its fullness.

Friday, August 26, 2022

 

Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

(I Corinthians 1:17-25; Matthew 25:1-13)

Once an oriental with no knowledge of Christianity walked into a church in Italy.  He was taken aback by the crucifix hanging over the altar.  He asked, “What did that man do to be hung like that?” In the First Letter to the Corinthians St. Paul launches a plea for unity within the community from a similar amazement over the crucifixion. 

Paul writes that he preached the paradoxical power of Christ crucified.  Not considering himself an accomplished preacher, he says that it was the wonder of the message that won converts.  That message was, of course, that Christ gave his life to arrest the world from the grasp of sin.  Others preached to the Corinthians with more eloquence -- he writes -- but it was the common message that attracted people to believe.  Paul will exhort the Corinthians to stop claiming factions like “I am a Paul Christian” or “I am a Peter Christian” and to settle on the fact that all follow of the one who loved to the extreme.

Sounds right, but how do we reconcile this message with the reality of divisions within Christianity today?  Not only are there many distinctive Christian groups – Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and Evangelicals. But also, within each group there is further alienation – liberals and conservatives, charismatics and social justice types, to name a couple.  For unity we must return to Christ crucified.  His sacrificial love shows us how to tolerate and even accept as brothers and sisters different types of Christians.  We must never sacrifice truth for the sake of unity.  But we must refrain from bigotry and demonization out of love of Christ.

Thrursday, August 25, 2022

Thursday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

(I Corinthians 1:1-9; Matthew 25:1-13)

The First Letter to the Corinthians has become the preferred work of teachers of St. Paul’s letters.  It comprises a treasury of Church history as Paul addresses many different issues challenging the Corinthians.  One of those issues was the different “charisms” in the community.  The word may sound strange to some but at its root is a very common concept in religion.  Paul treats of that concept in this passage, his introduction to the letter.

The Greek word for “grace” is charis.  It means “favor.”  Paul offers his readers a blessing of God’s grace, which sounds like a wish for “good luck.” Then Paul develops the meaning of the word as he writes, “I give thanks…for the grace (charis) bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way…”  He is referring to their good sense to accept conversion and to change their lives in accord with the gospel.

Of course, we too have been graced by a relationship with Jesus Christ.  He has become our model and friend as well as our Savior and Lord.  We imitate his love and find ourselves supported by his presence.  His sacrificial gift has achieved our reconciliation with the Father.  And his commands guide us as the shadows of life fall.

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

 

Feast of Saint Bartholomew, apostle

(Revelation 21:9b-14; John 1:45-51)

Scripture indicates that Jesus worked with a plan to establish the kingdom of God.  He organized his followers to both represent and develop the kingdom until he returned to complete the work.  The result of Jesus’ blueprint is the Church with its bishops assuming leadership from the twelve.  Today’s readings points to Jesus’ plan and its fulfilment.

The first reading from the Book of Revelation gives a sneak preview of the Kingdom of God fully established. It shows the kingdom’s capital city, the all-new Jerusalem, coming from heaven.  The twelve gates of the city represent the twelve tribes of ancient Israel, each of which had one of Jesus’ apostles as its head.  Today is the feast of one of those leader-apostles, St. Bartholomew.

Not much is known of Bartholomew.  He is thought to be the same person as Nathaniel in John’s gospel.  Today’s gospel passage shows Nathaniel proclaiming Jesus the “Son of God and “King of Israel.”  The evangelist gives added credibility to this testimony since he quotes Jesus as saying that Nathaniel has “no duplicity in him.”

We must take care not to think of the Church as a social organization.  It is not a way to associate with people of the same interest.  It is the family of God established to facilitate the Kingdom of God, the fulfilment of creation.

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

 

(Optional) Memorial of Saint Rose of Lima, virgin

(II Thessalonians 2:1-3a.14-17; Matthew 23:23-26)

Today we celebrate the first saint born in the Americas, St. Rose of Lima. She was baptized Isabel Flores de Oliva, the daughter of a Spanish soldier and an indigenous seamstress. In her childhood she undertook the mortifications of St. Catherine of Siena, her model. She ate little, prayed much, and devoted herself to Christ as his bride. The name Rosa was imposed on her by Archbishop Toribio de Mogrovejo, who was destined to be declared a saint himself.  At first Isabel complained about her name, but a Dominican priest consoled her saying: "' Well, daughter, is not your soul like a rose in which Jesus Christ is recreated? '"

When her family had financial problems, Rose helped out by planting a vegetable garden and doing embroidering.  She noted the greater poverty of the indigenous people around her.  Their plight caused her to ask: “'If Christians are obliged to proclaim love everywhere, why did they come to America with wars, destruction and hatred?'” This question disturbed her until she discovered the redemptive value of suffering.  Rosa was beautiful, but she resisted suitors so that she might dedicate her life to Christ through prayer and care for the sick poor. She died of tuberculosis at the age of thirty-one.

We find it difficult to understand the mortification of the saints like Rose of Lima.  It strikes us as exaggerated piety or perhaps even madness. But it is wiser to see it as a way of sharing in the suffering of Christ for salvation as St. Paul says in the Letter to the Colossians. We should not do direct harm to our bodies. But fasting and praying on our knees can strengthen both body and spirit.

Monday, August 22, 2022

 Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(II Thessalonians 1:1-5.11-12; Matthew 23:13-22)

The gospel is “good news” because it announces the uplifting of the humble with the downfall of the proud.  Mary exemplifies this revolution.  She did not come from a prominent family, nor was she especially gifted as commonly thought.  But she served others without calling attention to herself.  She had other gospel qualities like prayerfulness.  For these reasons the Church, in a movement that took centuries to mature, has proclaimed her an exception to the rule that one waits for the end of time to experience eternal life in body and spirit.  To clarify the singularity of Mary’s state the Church today celebrates her also as Queen of heaven and earth.

The conceited and unjust are found in every age and in every place.  In the gospel they are most often represented by the scribes and Pharisees.  Jesus frequently tangles with them as is in today’s passage.  He calls them “blind fools” because they cannot see their own inconsistencies.  Although not all scribes and Pharisees reject Jesus’ call to humble service, some do exploit their privilege to despise common people.

We can always look to Jesus as a model and for intercession.  He was human like us.  Still, we need other examples of holiness for reassurance that the narrow road is indeed passable.  Mary fulfills this need before all others.

Sunday, August 21, 2022

 TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Isaiah 66:18-21; Hebrews 12:5-7.11-13; Luke 13:22-30)

You probably have asked yourself this question as I have.  We wonder what will become of relatives and friends who were brought up Catholic but no longer practice the faith.  Also some of them are living in relationships that have always been considered sinful.  However, we know them as “good people.” They lend a hand to the needy and speak with good sense.  We wonder, like the person in today’s gospel who questions Jesus, if our loved ones will be saved.

Perhaps we should first define salvation.  The term has been used so much that it has acquired different understandings.  Salvation is the perfection of all creation achieved by God’s action en Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.  It will take place only at the end of time.  However, it is not wrong to think of salvation as heaven that has a certain existence now.  When we speak of personal salvation, we are asking whether an individual will participate in the triumph of God.  Because it will take place after deaths of all living today, we can address ourselves to the condition of the individual’s soul at death.

In today’s gospel Jesus seems to doubt that many will be saved.  He says, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many…will attempt to enter (heaven) but will not be strong enough.’”  Before Vatican II the Church emphasized the difficulty of salvation. Catholics, if it was possible, were to confess, be anointed and receive Communion before dying.   It was said that Protestants had less possibility of being saved because they received only the sacrament of Baptism.  And little hope for salvation was extended to non-Christians.  There exists a letter of St. Francis Xavier which illustrates this point.  Laboring intensely to convert Hindus in India, the saint wrote to St. Ignatius how he wanted to visit the universities of Europe crying out to the students that their preoccupation with knowledge in place of becoming missionaries was excluding throngs of Hindus from heaven and casting them into hell.

The position of the Church on salvation received a makeover at Vatican II.  The Council declared that non-Christians could be saved.  If a person did not know Christ through no fault of his or her own, sincerely looked for God, and tried to do God’s will, he or she could participate in salvation at the end of time.  However, Vatican II was not as optimistic about the salvation of the masses as some today think.  The Council warned of the deceit of the devil which derails many on the way to salvation.  Therefore, it saw a great need of evangelization.

Moralists have contributed important insights about freedom that should be included here.  They say that freedom to make a decision for which the person is completely responsible is always limited.  For example, if a child is sexually abused by a priest, it is possible that she or he will not be able to go to church as an adult.  However, this line of reasoning should not be used as a pretext to avoid responsibility for all one’s actions.  As the second reading indicates, God can use bad experiences as corrections of one’s behavior. 

It is better that we do not presume that the mercy of God will permit all to enter glory at the end of time.  Rather let’s make effort to fulfill three objectives.  First, let’s pray for those who do not make use of the sacraments.  We should ask God to awaken them to the fact that his love is found primarily in the Church.  At the same time, we should tell our loved ones of the efficacy of the sacraments.  Second, we should make every effort to enter heaven through the narrow gate as a testimony to the truth of Jesus’ mandate in today’s gospel.  Finally let’s support the missions, be they foreign or the work of the “new evangelization.” The entire world needs not only the good news of God’s love but also guides to respond to it appropriately.

The first reading today assures us that salvation is for the entire world. As Isaiah envisions, at the end of time inhabitants of all the nations will come to the city of God.  But this vision does not give us license to think that we are automatically saved.  No, salvation, always a result of God’s mercy, requires our efforts as well.

Friday, August 19, 2022

 Friday of the Twentieth Week in ordinary Time

(Ezekiel 37:1-14; Matthew 22:34-40)

Whatever the “Spirit of the Lord” meant to Ezekiel, Christians see it as God.  More specifically, it is the third person of the Holy Trinity.  As the prophet sees it raising the dead to life, the Spirit is responsible for all creative action in the Church.  It moves the People of God to praise, to bless, and to give thanks.  Although many are unaware of its actions or loathe to admit its efficacy, the Spirit has worked significantly within the past fifty years.

The Second Vatican Council called the Church to a heightened awareness of the poor.  The response was significant.  Intellectually there was renewed attention to human rights.  Pastorally parishes united to speak to political powers.  But the movement fell under its own weight as church men and women lost a sense of personal holiness.  The Spirit of God then shook up the base in the charismatic renewal.  Emphasis was given to prayer but, where it took a foothold, also to raising social concern and ecumenical relations. 

We might have to reconsider our attitude toward the charismatic renewal.  Often some among us have dismissed it as escapism into private devotion when corporate action is called for.  Those who know the renewal intimately, like Pope Francis, would disagree.  The renewal, largely led by laypersons, has brought hope and comfort to millions.  As a work of the Holy Spirit, it needs to be appropriated so that vigorous life within the Church can reemerge.

Thursday, August 18, 2022

 Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ezekiel 36:23-28; Matthew 22:1-14)

One of America’s best poets recently published an article on religion and poetry.  In it he observes that most of the Old Testament is written in poetic verse and the New Testament is filled with poetic images.  References to these facts may be found in the readings today.

The prophet Ezekiel not only writes in verse; he also uses lovely images.  He sees God’s restoration of Israel from exile as God giving the people a new heart.  It will not be hard and ungrateful like the one that led them to their ordeal.  Rather, it will be fleshy so that they might love unselfishly.  

We see the new heart in most of the people who come to the wedding feast in the gospel.  Jesus’ parable shows that the second round of invitees are the poor and the outcasts whom the uninterested first invitees would reject.  Their number is multiplied by gentiles who accept Jesus as their teacher and Lord.  The group includes all who strive to live Jesus’ law of love.  The dolt who is thrown out of the feast for not wearing a wedding garment shows that inclusion has a requirement.  Those admitted to the banquet must conform to the spirit of the feast.  They must love unselfishly like God.  After all, the feast is really God’s Kingdom that is shared with others out of love.

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

 

Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ezekiel 34:1-11; Matthew 20:1-16)

A veteran priest told the story of his uncle who thought it was a good idea that he enter the seminary.  The uncle explained that as a priest the youth would receive three square meals a day and only have to work on weekends.  Most priests work much harder than that, but a few are lazy.  To chastise self-serving pastors Ezekiel utters a strong prophecy in today’s first reading.

Ezekiel does not have only priests in mind but political as well as other religious leaders.  He criticizes them for not directing the people to God but using their office to profit themselves.  As a result of pastoral negligence, the people have forsaken the Lord.  They turn to false gods -- whether pagan deities or created pleasures – for solace.  Of course, God cannot tolerate such malpractice.

Each of us should see herself or himself as a shepherd.  Few of us are priests with parishioners, but many are parents with children to guide.  Others may be workers with responsibility for those under their care.  All of us are members of the community of faith with at least some responsibility to show our friends the ways of God.  We must take care of one another so that we all reach our destiny of eternal life.

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

 Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ezekiel 28:1-10; Matthew 19:23-30)

There is a debate within the Church about the quantity of people who will be saved.  Since Vatican II, many Catholics – ordinary people in the pew as well as theologians – think that most everyone is headed for salvation.  They sometimes say that we have to believe in a hell, but we don’t have to believe that anyone resides there.  More conservative types question this reasoning.  They take the gospel more literally.  In today’s passage Jesus is typically less sanguine about mass salvation.

His disciples are amazed when Jesus says that the rich will have trouble being saved.  They probably are not thinking the rich are better than others or that their wealth is a sign of salvation.   They are likely surprised with Jesus’ pessimism about the rich because the rich have money to pay for sacrifices.  Jesus thinks to the contrary.  He probably finds the rich presumption for thinking that they can buy their way into eternal life.  But he knows a sure way to receive the reward.  Those who make sacrifices for his sake will have eternal life.

As much as we love our family and friends, we should not presume that they will be saved.  Rather we should pray that they come to imitate Jesus’ humility and love.  Only by doing so can one hope to experience eternal life.

Monday, August 15, 2022

 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Revelation11:19a.12:1-6a.10ab; I Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56) 

For some the dogma of the Assumption of Mary seems like a pious statement with little practical effect.  It assures the faithful that the mother of Jesus remains close to her son bodily as well as spiritually in eternal life.  But such a reading sells the doctrine short. 

In the first place, Mary’s body being assumed into heaven asserts the importance of our bodies.  It reassures that our bodies are not just instruments to inform the mind.  They have an eternal destiny and should be duly cared for.  Neglect of “fitness” is as much a fault as neglect of learning. 

The reading from Revelation today points to a second importance of the Assumption.  Evil forces surround us as they threatened the mother of the Savior.  We must take advantage of the means God has provided to resist them.  Regular use of the sacraments, attention to Scripture, friendship with the good people in the Church as well as prayer will enable us also to attain eternal life.

Sunday, August 14, 2022

 TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Jeremiah 38:4-6.8-10; Hebrews 12:1-4; Luke 12:49-53)

To just about everyone with the possible exceptions of some terrorists Jesus is “the prince of peace.”  This term is found in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah to describe the future king who will conquer all enemies of Israel.  It fits Jesus well not because he is a military chief but because he has overcome sin.  For this reason, we are dumbfounded to hear him say in today’s gospel that he has not come to establish peace but division.

Jesus says that he not come not only to bring division but also fire.  He is speaking metaphorically here.  He does not intend to start fires but to institute love which often is associated with fire.  More precisely, he is speaking of the love of the Holy Spirit.  This love does not seek in the first place one’s own good but the good of the other.  Equally important, the Spirit’s love does not try a satisfy every desire of the loved one but to facilitate his or her true good.  Wouldn’t we say that the love of a mother for her child is defective if she gives her only chocolate to eat?  Love should always be directed to union of the loved with God, the greatest good.

Jesus also says that he anticipates receiving a baptism.  Because he was baptized before beginning his ministry, this baptism must be of another kind.  Originally baptism meant an immersion or drowning.  It could be said that the person overwhelmed with pain has received a baptism of suffering.  This is what is intended here.  Jesus will receive a baptism of suffering when he dies on the cross and a baptism of life when he rises from the dead.  We are baptized in these immersions of suffering and of life when we were brought to the baptismal fount.  Jesus awaits with great anticipation this baptism of both death and of life in order to share its benefits with us.  He does not mind the pain that accompanies it because he loves us so much.

How Jesus is going to bring division should now be apparent.  He has become the most significant person in history.  Every human being must decide either for or against him.  It is true that for the majority of the earth’s inhabitants like the Chinese, the Indians, and Muslims, this choice is not so much a vote for a single individual but for the love which he represents.  This love – the love of the Holy Spirit -- is more than tender feelings.  It has ramifications in the ways we live.  When we are with other kinds of people, do we respect them as images of God?  When we are alone, do we refrain from sexual desires and vengeful thoughts?  When we go to vote, do we consider the position of the candidate on crucial issues like abortion and euthanasia?

In the first reading Jeremiah can be seen as a type of Jesus.  Like Jesus, he preaches God’s love for His people.  But, again like Jesus, he speaks of a love that wants true goodness, not just euphoria.  He knows that God is correcting Israel for its infidelity.  For this reason, he does not go along with the princes who want him to encourage the people to resist Babylon.  His time in the well prefigures Jerusalem’s exile in Babylon.  The people must suffer now to experience a renewal of faith.

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews emphasizes faith.  It exhorts the people to maintain their faith in Jesus Christ as their savior.  The author does not want them to return to the synagogues of their family members.  Rather he reminds them that siding with Jesus will result in an eternal reward.

In John’s gospel Jesus says that the peace he gives is not the peace of this world.  He means that his peace is not the euphoria of the ceasing of hostilities.  No, his peace reaches deeper.  His peace creates a permanent division between us and sin.  It is life united with God, the supreme good.

Friday, August 12, 2022

 Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Ezekiel 16:1-15.60.63; Matthew 19:3-12)

The prophet Ezekiel is famous for his bizarre comparisons.  Today’s passage provides an example.  Israel is described as an urchin whom the Lord makes into a beautiful maiden somewhat like Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. The damsel, however, becomes entranced with her own beauty.  She betrays her benefactor to seek other lovers.  She will fall from grace but will be redeemed by the Lord who took pity on her in the first place.

Similar stories may be told of all sinners.  They become enchanted with the attributes with which they have been endowed.  They forget to give thanks for who they are and what they have.  They abandon God sometimes to the point of denying His existence.  They will have to learn the hard way how much He loves them.

We should avoid ungratefulness.  When we recognize the Lord as our benefactor, we overcome pride, the gate to unhappiness. Giving thanks to God for who we are and what we have, we will move well beyond the counterfeits of pleasure.  We will enter houses of joy.

Thursday, August 11, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Clare of Assisi, virgin

(Ezekiel 12:1-12; Matthew 18:21-19:1)

Prophets often use signs to convey the will of God.  In today’s first reading Ezekiel’s actions signify that the citizens of Jerusalem will soon be exiled.  His taking his belongings through a hole in the city wall shows its inhabitants will be likewise abruptly leaving.

St. Clare of Assisi is famous for a sign she made.  A beautiful young woman, her parents wanted her to marry.  But she felt a supreme love for Christ.  She expressed her unparalleled love for her spiritual friend by cutting her attractive hair.  She then entered a monastery to live in common with others with the same ideal.

In the gospel Jesus teaches his disciples the sign of a Christian.  Above all, Christians show their fellowship with Christ by forgiving from the heart.  This is not an easy task in our world where it has become fashionable to curse those who bother us.  But, Jesus implies, unless we do so, we will be eternally burdened by our sins.

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

 Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr

(II Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:24-26)

St. Lawrence has been one of the most popular martyr-saints in the Church.  Two stories of his martyrdom have circulated since the third century.  Lawrence, a deacon of Rome, fooled state officials demanding “the treasures of the Church.”  In place of gold, he presented the indigent of the city.  Then it is said that his martyrdom came by being roasted alive!  After being tortured over hot coals awhile, Lawrence is said to have told his executioners that they could turn him over because he was done on one side.  Neither of these vignettes coincides well with today’s gospel.  One historical fact, however, lines up with the reading.

Lawrence was a bright young man when he was ordained by Pope St. Sixtus II deacon.  Although he could have looked forward to a brilliant career, he did not flee his persecutors.  Rather he willingly gave his life for Christ.  As a result of his dying, he has produced much fruit for the Church as well as himself.  His fame has no doubt has drawn many to Christ.  Lawrence himself is a saint shining like a star in the night sky.

We die to ourselves when we forego opportunities to talk to others about our accomplishments.  In the tell-all world in which we live, we are tempted to match any story we hear with one that has happened to us.  Instead of searching for a parallel experience in our lives, we might listen to others trying to discern how they are revealing their souls.  Responding with sensitivity, we imitate Christ’s compassion for people.

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

 (Optional) Memorial of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin and martyr

(Ezekiel 2:8-3:4; Matthew 18:1-5.10.12-14)

In today’s gospel Jesus’ disciples come to him with a childish question.  “Who is the greatest…?” they ask.  Who is the greatest basketball player of all time?  Who is the greatest philosopher?  Greatness has so many facets that it is impossible to judge its degree in individuals.  Jesus does not answer his disciples’ question.  Rather he tells them that God loves the last in the pecking order of the time –children.  They too have a place in His kingdom.

Both as a Jew and a Christian, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross knew God’s love.  She was born into a pious Jewish family and became a Christian after reading the works of St. Teresa of Avila.  Later she became a Carmelite nun and moved to Holland.  There the Gestapo caught up with her.  She did not resist nor flee again.  Wanting to be one with her native people and one with Christ on the cross, she was executed at Auschwitz.

We are not to worry about being the best or better than another.  We are to strive to please God in all we do.  At times our call to holiness will mean sacrificing ourselves like St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross in solidarity with others.  May we embrace the opportunity as a way to follow Christ.

Monday, August 8, 2022

  Memorial of Saint Dominic, priest

(Ezekiel 1:2-5.24-28c; Matthew 17:22-27)

The iconography of St. Dominic includes a dog holding a lighted torch in its mouth and a star.  Dominic’s mother is said to have had a dream of the dog while she was pregnant with her sainted son.  Its meaning has been given as a reference to the Order of Friar Preachers that Dominic eventually founded.  Called “Dominicans” after their founder, the friars are taken as dogs of the Lord, what the latinized form of the word -- Domini canis -- means.  Dominicans spread the light of Christ – that is, the gospel – throughout the world.

Dominic’s godmother said that she saw a star over Dominic when he was baptized.  Its meaning is obscure.  At least, popular accounts do not attempt to interpret the star.  It might be associated with Ezekiel’s vision in today’s first reading.  The prophet had a vision of the godhead that appeared like a sapphire. Since sapphires often have a star-like radiance, Dominic’s star may be seen as a vision of God that he kept always before him.  His biographer and successor, Bl. Jordan of Saxony, said that Dominic was always either “talking to God or about God.”

Dominic was a visionary.  Along with St. Francis of Assisi, Dominic began a spiritual revolution.  Their friars would not be confined to monasteries but would preach on street corners and in parish churches.  They would not ride on horses nor wear fine cloth but would attract others to Christ by living simply.  We honor Dominic today not only for his holiness but also for the movement he founded.  That movement – the friars-preachers -- still has force in the Church today.

Sunday, August 7, 2022

 NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Wisdom 18:6-9; Hebrews 11:1-2.8-19; Luke 12:32-48)

Often at the beginning of a gospel reading we hear, “Jesus said to his disciples.”  These disciples were not the crowd that often surrounded him.  Rather they were the people that followed him from place to place.  This group was comprised of more than the twelve apostles.  They were men and women of different classes and skills.  If they were living today, they would include you as well as me.

Because every baptized person is a disciple, Vatican II emphasized that all are called to sanctity.  Every woman and man must try to live as a child of God.  Unfortunately, many including some priests reject the call.  The prefer pleasure, prestige, of power to being a member of God’s family.

In today’s gospel Jesus sounds the call to be a saint in the form of a challenge.  He tells the people to sell their belongings and use the proceeds to help the poor.  He says that such generosity will accrue a treasure in heaven where it counts most.  Knowing their fear to undergo dispossession, he exhorts, “’Do not be afraid…’”  He assures that God will provide them the goods of the Kingdom.

We may wonder if we can live without earthly comforts.  Yes, we can at least without most of them.  I am reminded here of deaf communities.  Sometimes some of their members are informed that they can be provided hearing.  It is not unheard of that the persons reject the offer.  Evidently, they are so satisfied with their friendships among the deaf that they do not want to enter the often rude company of hearers.  If they can move forward without hearing, we can move forward without the goods that some find necessary now.

Jesus does not ask us to give up all our belongings.  It is not required that we impoverish ourselves.  He only asks that we make sacrifices for the good of those who lack true necessities. We do not have to give up our vacation.  But is it necessary that we take a cruise every year?  We do not have to sell our house.  But do we need a house in the city and one on the beach?  Perhaps so.  Everyone has to decide for himself or herself what is important.  But no one should flee the call to help the poor.

Instead of anticipating the next delivery from Amazon, Jesus would have us waiting for himself.  He makes here an incredible comparison.  We are to watch for him like a householder would watch for a robber. Are we only to wait for his definitive coming at the end of time?  No because Jesus comes to us continually.  He comes in the poor who are ready to share what little they have.  He comes in laborers who work hard even when no one is watching them.  He comes in religious sisters who are always joyful despite living a rigorous discipline for the good of their students.

In this gospel Jesus encourages the people not to worry about accepting the challenges of the gospel.  However, not all his words are affirmative.  He warns the leaders of the people to be honorable in the service they render.  For this reason, St. Dominic insisted that his friars not live in comfortable places but in austere priories. The saint, whose feast we celebrate tomorrow, gave them example of animating the people with profound reflections over the word of God.

We have spoken of the gospel without mentioning the other readings.  The second reading is especially pertinent.  The Letter to the Hebrews praises Abraham and Sarah for their faith in God’s promises.  Faith is at the beginning of the sanctity we are called to live.  But because se are human, composed of both body and soul, faith is more than an intellectual assent to invisible realities.  We believe with our bodies when we do something in conformity with our faith in God.  We believe by making sacrifices for the good of the poor.

Friday, August 5, 2022

Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Nahum 2:1.3,3:1-3.6-7; Matthew 16:24-28)

Today’s first reading from the Book of the prophet Nahum predicts the fall of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire.  The Book of the prophet Jonah paints a very positive picture of Nineveh.  According to it, every man, woman, child, and even animal did penance for the sins of the nation. Jonah’s description portrait is a startling contrast from how Nahum sees the city.

More realistically, Nahum calls Nineveh a city of blood, lies and plunder.  He sees it falling under the weight of its own evil.  Its destruction is “good news” for Israel who suffered terribly from its invasion.  According to the prophet, Israel can now live in peace.  However, the Medes and Babylonians, who conquered Assyria, will inflict a similar oppression on Israel.  God’s people will have to wait for the more fair-minded minded Persians to know a peace worth having.

In today’s gospel Jesus speaks of the cost of a true and lasting peace.  It is not won by military expedition but by following Jesus himself.  One must take up one’s cross with patience as well as courage as Jesus bore his.  We must exhibit a love like Jesus’ if we are to experience the peace of his kingdom.

Thursday, August 4, 2022

 Memorial of Saint John Vianney, priest

(Jeremiah 31:-34; Matthew 16:13-23)

Vatican II called for a reconsideration of moral theology.  Very much a compendium of questions and answers before, the Council fathers wanted a reflection on morals “nourished more on the teaching of the Bible.”  The result, for a while at least, was surrender to the relativism that is characteristic of contemporary times.  New versions of sexual ethics permitted what the zeitgeist or spirit of the times allowed.  Pope St. John Paul II wrote an encyclical Veritatis Splendor to stop what he considered a betrayal of the Catholic moral tradition. He described natural law as written on the human heart just like Jeremiah speaks of the law in today’s first reading.

Because natural law has existed since the emergence of humanity, it is often said to be written on the human heart.  Human beings know instinctively that murder and robbery are wrong and that kindness and compassion are good.  Finer points of the law may be determined through careful observation of experience and sound reasoning.  The Ten Commandments are said to summarize natural law.  Jesus confirmed natural law and gave a few precepts that superseded it so that humans might live as children of God.  Because he is “the Son of the living God,’” as Peter declares in today’s gospel, these precepts as well as the natural law are followed by his disciples.

Jesus’ moral teachings are still being challenged.  Some moralists as well as laypersons have difficulty recognizing oral contraception and masturbation as intrinsically evil.  We might sympathize with their situations, but we must stand with Jesus and the moral tradition of his Church.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

 Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Jeremiah 3:1-7; Matthew 15:21-28)

In today’s first reading Jeremiah foresees a united Israel after centuries of division.  Solomon’s sons separated the northern and southern kingdoms.  The lands were devastated by the invasions of first the Assyrians in the north and then the Babylonians in the south.  The gospel indicates how Jesus sees himself bringing the two parts of the ancient kingdom together.

A descendant of David of the southern kingdom but raised in Galilee of the northern kingdom Jesus directs himself to the reunification of both.  From today’s gospel he does not want to complicate his mission by going out to gentiles.  When the Canaanite woman asks a favor, he at first refuses to cross the boundary.  Then he realizes that faith in God and not accidents of geography or history is the determining factor in what makes a true Israelite.  Quite willingly, then, he ministers to the needs of the woman.

The concept of Israel with its twelve tribes has been fundamental to the work of the Church.  But the Church has never excluded anyone from the New Israel led by the twelve apostles.  Rather it has embraced all those with faith in Jesus as the Son of God.  All of us are included in the legacy.  All of us have had our sins forgiven to live in the hope of Jesus’ resurrection.

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

 Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Jeremiah 30:1-2.12-15.18-22; Matthew 14:22-36)

The incredible story of Jesus walking on the sea gives rise to the claim of a miracle.  No one can walk on water unless, of course, it is frozen.  This account may work on a spiritual level without necessarily a miraculous implication.

A boat adrift at sea well symbolizes the early Church after the resurrection.  It is suffering persecution, false teachers, and other difficulties.  Seemingly Jesus is not present in its need.  But he is watching over it all the time like parents viewing their children with closed-circuit video.  Peter, the Church’s vicar, suffers the same cowardice that he literally exhibited in his denial the night Jesus was taken captive.  The people on the shore, however, appear more credulous as they bring their sick to him for healing.

Such an interpretation runs the risk of eroding belief in the gospels.  Yet it appears that there is considerable symbolizing and imagining in the formation of the gospels.  What is fundamental is not literal accuracy of all gospel accounts.  Rather it is the reality of Jesus having given his life for the redemption of humanity and God’s approval of the sacrifice with raising Jesus from the dead.  For this reason, we proclaim with the disciples of today’s passage, “’Truly, (he is) the Son of God.’” We also entrust to him our sick and hurting.