Thursday, December 1, 2022

 Thursday of the First Week of Advent

Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21.24-27)

Today’s gospel passage may serve as an introduction to Matthew.  His gospel will be read on most Sundays for the next year.  In Matthew Jesus is the consummate teacher.  From the mountaintop he tells his disciples how to live the really good (i.e., moral) life with the kingdom of heaven as its goal.  During the course of the gospel Jesus will give four other discourses expounding on the life of discipleship.

The passage today comes at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.  It presents a rainstorm as a metaphor for judgment.  To heed Jesus is to build one’s house on rock so that one’s survives intact the rainstorm-judgment.  On the other hand, to ignore Jesus’ instruction is to build one’s house on sand from which judgment will dislodge it. 

Advent looks forward to the coming of Jesus to judge the world.  To prepare for him is to put into practice his teaching.  To the extent that it is done, we will be judged as worthy of God’s kingdom, our heaven.

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

 Feast of St. Andrew, apostle

(Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22)

If your house were burning, what would you want to get before leaving?  Some might say their telephone or laptop.  Others might answer their cat or dog.  Except for another human being, the correct answer is to get yourself out of the house without hesitating a moment.  Today’s gospel shows Andrew and Peter and then James and John making the right choice in another critical situation.

Jesus passes by the fishermen and calls to them.  Although the evangelist Matthew gives no indication, perhaps they know of Jesus.  In any case, they follow him as abandonly as lemmings going to the sea.  Andrew and Peter leave their nets behind.  James and John forsake not only their boat but their father as well to accompany Jesus.  They see in him the fulfilment of their deepest desires and hopes.

Although the Feast of St. Andrew does not always fall in Advent, it is quite in line with the theme of the season.  Because Jesus is coming soon, we best prepare to follow him.  We have to let go of many of the things which have brought a sense of satisfaction.  These may include sins like indulgence in drugs or illicit sex.  At the same time we must strive to be like our leader, showing mercy and developing an ongoing conversation with the Lord.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

 Tuesday of the First Week of Advent

(Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 11:21-24)

An old lament sums up the longing for a just ruler in today’s readings.  The words read: “It’s the song the whole world over; it’s the poor what get the blame.  It’s the rich what get the curry; ain’t it all a blooming shame.”  The world yearns for leaders who will defend the poor against unjust demands

Isaiah provides characteristics of the just ruler.  These have been universalized as the “Gifts of the Holy Spirit.”  Isaiah also idealizes the effects of having a judge so discerning.  He looks forward to peace among predators and prey as well fair judgments to both rich and poor.  In the gospel Jesus offers himself as the peacemaker.  He is the one whom prophets like Isaiah foresaw as coming to rescue the just.

The gospels teach us Jesus’ impact on life in Palestine.  He outwitted the charlatans and swindlers of his time.  His self-surrender to the corrupt rulers in the end brought about their downfall, not his.  We long for his promised return.   He will vindicate any suffering that we have had to make and crown our good works with eternal life.

Monday, November 28, 2022

 Monday of the First Week of Advent

(Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11)

A man was imprisoned for misappropriating public money.  The sentence was long enough to chasten him.  He was also humbled by the support he received from his family during his incarceration. This man’s experience mirrors the lessons of today’s Scripture readings.

Isaiah proclaims a renewed Jerusalem after her defeat, demolition, and exile.  Those who have survived the punishment are called “holy.”  The centurion in the gospel manifests Jerusalem’s holiness.  Strikingly, he is a Roman.  Yet he recognizes in Jesus, the Lord’s prophet, a power beyond sword or even human comprehension.

Humbled by a year of graces, we enter Advent’s expectation of the Lord.  We see that only he can satisfy our longings for reconciliation and peace.  We join Jesus’ Jewish apostles in their benevolent vigilance of Christ’s coming.


Sunday, November 27, 2022

 First Sunday of Advent

(Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14a; Matthew 24:37-44)

Downton Abbey, the hugely successful television drama, tells of an aristocratic family living in an old English monastery with many servants. In the first episode, a middle-class man is having coffee with his mother. This man is passed a letter with the news that he is the heir to the abbey. His mother asks him what the letter says. He replies, "Our lives are going to change." It is true because henceforth they are going to live in luxury. In the gospel today Jesus says that the lives of his disciples will change as suddenly and completely as this man's.

Jesus was talking to his disciples about the end of time. When asked when it will happen, Jesus responded with a discourse. In it he says that there will be much deceit and that the Temple will be desecrated. Then he will arrive to lead his people into his kingdom. For this reason, he advises them to watch because it will happen as suddenly as lightning.

But what does he mean to "watch"? For Jesus, watching does not consist in keeping one's eyes fixed on the horizon. Rather, his disciples watch for his coming by doing good works. As firefighters anticipate fighting fires by doing various exercises, Christians anticipate the Lord by works of mercy.

If we do not prepare ourselves with good works, Jesus warns that we will be lost. We will be like the man left in the field or the woman left at the mill when he arrives to gather his followers together. In the second reading St. Paul describes the lost (that is, people who do not watch) with striking words. He says that they engage in binge eating and drinking, debauchery and lust instead of acting like Jesus Christ.

We have this Advent season to reflect on the coming of Jesus. It has three strata which we will take in reverse order as it is done in the liturgies. First, we consider his coming at the end of time. We want to be ready for it whenever it occurs. Second, we will reflect on his coming as proclaimer of God’s Kingdom. We focus on John the Baptist, his forerunner, who describes for us both Jesus’ mission and his greatness. Finally, at the end of Advent, we will contemplate the incarnation when the Son of God came into the world as the son of Mary and Joseph.

During these reflections we will face a dilemma. It's Christmas time. All around us people are busy with material concerns: gifts, parties, and vacations. The question is, are we going to prepare for the Lord or are we going to become caught up in physical longings? Advent is not Lent when we do penance. However, the season requires the attention of our spirit. At least we should pray more to prepare our hearts to welcome the Lord.

Let us conclude with a reflection on the wonderful vision of the prophet Isaiah in the first reading. It is a panorama of the world at peace. Because armies no longer need weapons to kill, they forge them into harvesting tools to sustain life. The desires of the people are softened and their passions calmed. The prophet had this vision for the Temple in Jerusalem. However, we Christians have adapted it in accordance with our experience of the Lord Jesus. He is the sacrifice and altar that put an end to wars among nations. He is the justice that satisfies the world’s deepest yearnings.

Friday, November 25, 2022

 Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 20:1-4.11-21.2; Luke 21:29-33)

Today, the penultimate day of the liturgical year, the first reading enters the penultimate chapter of the Bible.  It has been quite a saga.  From creation when God called all that he had made “very good” through periods of human failure and folly to the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death.  Now the holy city appears as glorious a habitat as can be imagined.  It seems to question the people if they wish to live in it.

One would think that the answer to the question could not be simpler.  Why wouldn’t anyone want to take part in Christ’s victory?  Unfortunately, humans are as mischievous as they are unpredictable.  They sometimes prefer to be considered bad rather than good, lazy rather than industrious, and even unique rather than beautiful.

Hopefully, we will opt for the holy city.  It means that we do good works so that our names may be written in the book of life.  We will find some of our companions along the way to have not been to our liking.  But then in the light of Christ which illumines the city we will know them for all the good that they have done.

Thursday, November 24, 2022

 Thanksgiving Day

(Sirach 50:22-24; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19)

Several characteristic Christian themes converge in today’s celebration of Thanksgiving.  We give thanks to God for all the good of creation.  Nature is abundant so that humans may have more than what is necessary to survive.  We also recognize how European immigrants needed the assistance of native people to overcome the challenges of settlement.  Thanksgiving then represents reconciliation among peoples, one of the great benefits of Christ.

A third characteristic of Thanksgiving is community.  Thanksgiving alone would be almost meaningless.  We come together in love with family and friends.  We also remember those who live in need, at least with our prayers and quite possibly after some practical effort of support.

Although thanksgiving is not an expressly Christian feast, we can hardly not show gratitude to God for giving us His Son, Jesus Christ.  He cleanses us of the desire to eat and drink too much today.  More than that, he brings us the hope that that the joy and love we experience will be multiplied innumerable times in eternal life.


Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 (Revelation 18:1-2.21-23.19:1-3a.9; Luke 21:20-28)

Four years ago, a man entered a religious goods store and committed horrible crimes.  He sexually violated two women and killed one of them.  The barbarism resembles the happenings which Jesus foresees in today’s gospel.  He says that lawlessness and destruction will take place everywhere at the end of time.

In all likelihood the evangelist Luke embellished the prediction of Jesus with accounts of actual events.  Not long before he wrote his gospel Roman troops decimated Jerusalem.  They not only destroyed the Temple beyond hope of rebuilding but evidently ravaged the people.  Such marauding is typical of foreign soldiers sent to punish a nation.  It is no wonder then that the first reading describes the downfall of Rome in such graphic terms.  “Babylon” is a code word for Rome since both were associated with extravagant hedonism.  According to the reading, Rome is completely devastated.  It is as if an earthquake swallowed up the city.

Both Luke and the author of Revelation mean to encourage Christians to live righteous lives.  They see Jesus as coming to save his people when the situation becomes most desperate.  He will recognize them by their courage to stand erect in hope of being rescued.  The righteousness and courage which the Scriptures bespeak include efforts to build a society of justice.  We cannot be able to eliminate all crime and misfortune in the world.  But guided by the gospel and with the help of the Holy Spirit we can approximate the peace of the Kingdom of God.


Wednesday, November 23, 2022

 Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 15:1-4; Luke 21:12-19)

As the seer nears the end of his Revelation, he has favorable news to report.  In today’s passage he sees seven angels carrying seven bowls of plagues that will wipe out Christian persecutors.  Like the ten plagues liberated the Israelites in Egypt, the seven plagues of the Apocalypse will crush Roman oppression.

But before the plagues take their toll, John reports a heavenly recital evoking more memories of Passover.  Those who have come through the trials with intact innocence play the victory song of Moses.  They use harps -- instruments of sweet, peaceful sounds. 

Sometimes the Book of Revelation is exploited to defend anger and revenge.  But its message is deeper and more subtle than the wrathful images it contains.  It tells of God’s care for those who do His will.  It promotes both righteous living and turning to God for help.  It endeavors to free us from worry when we face challenges.  It assures that God is ready to help us when we call on Him.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Memorial of Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr

(Revelation 14:14-19; Luke 21:5-11)

Today’s passage from the Book of Revelation describes the judgment at the end of time.  It is depicted as a double harvest.  The first, performed by “รค son of man” who is probably Christ, cuts and gathers good fruit, which is to say, the righteous of the earth.  The second harvest cuts down the grapes that are associated with the ungodly.  They will be crushed, and their remains will be burned.

The harshness of the imagery need not be taken as a completely negative judgment on the whole reality.  Not all people involved in evil are fully responsible for their actions.  Yet a verdict of guilty for some should not be dismissed as outmoded.  Even though Jesus continually warns of judgment in the gospels, people knowingly persist in doing evil. 

The scene is intended to comfort those who try to live moral lives.  Equally, it is meant to cast fear into those who do what they know to be wrong.  In the end we cannot escape judgment.  It is as inevitable as the setting of the sun.

Monday, November 21, 2022

 Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Revelation 14:1-3.4b-5; Luke 21:1-4)

Once a young worker was heard singing a hymn from a church service. Later she said that she wanted to be included among the 144,000 who as today’s first reading declares, “follow the Lamb wherever he goes.”  Would she really?

The 144,000 are likely to be those who gave their lives in witness to the Lamb.  They are the martyrs who through the centuries have shed their life-blood proclaiming that Jesus is Lord.  Although the number 144,000 is symbolic for this group, it does not represent all those who are saved through faith.

We can be grateful that we are not called upon to die as martyrs. Some who have been called have apostatized.  Nevertheless, we, like the Virgin Mother Mary whom we celebrate today, are called to proclaim Jesus by word and deed.  Let our actions always comply with the dictates of the Lord while our words never cease to glorify his name.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, 

(II Samuel 5:1-3; Colossians 1:12-20; Luke 23:35-43)

A widow's son died suddenly. The mother was left heartbroken. She not only felt abandoned by God; she also was worried about the soul of the deceased. Although he was kind and respectful of everyone, the man did not regularly attend mass. Thinking of Christ as a king, we could support people like this grieving woman.

A king or queen has the prerogative to grant pardons to criminals. They can order a prisoner to be released, no matter what his or her offense is. Although Pilate was not a king but a representative of the emperor, he took advantage of the prerogative. He released Barabbas from prison while condemning Jesus to death. In today's gospel, Jesus himself, king of the universe, uses it to commute the penalty of the criminal who asks him for consideration. For contritely acknowledging his offense, Jesus promises his eternal life.

The second reading from the Letter to the Colossians assures us that Jesus has the privilege of pardons. Because he is the Son of God the Father, the firstborn of all creation, and the foundation of all things, Christ has received "all fullness." This "fulness" includes the ability to forgive the guilty where he deems appropriate. With this power, Christ can commute the penalty of our sins, however great.

We cannot say that everyone will be admitted into the glory of eternal life. Jesus warns us in the gospel to enter through the narrow gate. That is, we are to pray, do penance, and perform good deeds regularly. He adds that “many will try to enter and will not be able to”. That is, many pretend to live righteously, but they will not achieve eternal life. Jesus has left us the sacraments to keep on the right path and put us back there when we leave it. We should not presume that his mercy is as sure as the Christmas bonus.

However, the mercy of Jesus Christ is greater than our calculations. He knows if we are fully guilty of our sins. It may be that our responsibility is limited when we sin because of cultural conditions or personal experiences. Also, he listens to our last cries. It is possible that, with an act of contrition at the final moment, he will forgive our worst sins. It would be an act completely in keeping with his mission. As he said on the way to his martyrdom in Jerusalem, he came "to save what was lost."

When she died recently, Queen Elizabeth of England received praise from around the world. She was a disciplined and believing person, truly worthy of admiration. Her subjects loved her for the dignity she always displayed and her concern for the welfare of the nations in the Commonwealth. In Christ we have a monarch with these qualities and more. After conquering sin and death, he has reigned to dispense grace to us. He will always be for us the king of kings: just, compassionate, and benevolent.

Friday, November 18, 2022

Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 10:8-11; Luke 19:45-48)

The reading from the Book of Revelation pictures John, the seer, swallowing a scroll from an angel.  The scroll containing prophecy tastes like honey in the seer’s mouth because it contains news of Christ’s ultimate victory over sin.  However, it upsets his stomach because it also tells of the suffering the people of God will have to endure.  The reading concludes with someone telling John to prophecy about peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.  John will relate this prophecy as a battle narrative showing the victory of the Lambs’ forces over evil.

Revelation comes from the Greek word apokalipsis which literally means folding back the veil.  It is the story of the future which only God knows although He can share it with others.  We should hear in the coming days of evil being annihilated so that the children of God may live in the glory of God.

Like the scroll that the seer swallows, our experience in life as Christians is bittersweet.  We know of Christ’s love for us best shown on the cross and in its extension in the Eucharist.  We also know that we must endure hardship to be true to him.  But victory is assured because Christ is more powerful than any of evil.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious

(Revelation 5:1-10; Luke 19:41-44)

At the beginning of John’s Gospel, John the Baptist calls Jesus the “Lamb of God.’”  He is prophesying that Jesus will be slain as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.  It is no accident that the same evangelist pictures Jesus’ dying on the cross at noon.  Exactly at this moment lambs are being slaughtered in the temple for the Passover feast to atone for the sins of the people.  In today’s first reading the Lamb appears as uniquely capable of accomplishing another momentous feat.

The scene foreshadows Jesus’ victory over sin and death at the end of time.  The issue is who can open the scroll in the hand of God.  The scroll contains the narrative of how sin and death will be defeated.  The narrative, however, cannot proceed until the scroll is open.  The visionary John sheds tears because sin and death are wreaking havoc when no one comes forth to do it.  Finally, the spotless Lamb of God, takes the scroll.  He will initiate the campaign to annihilate evil.

The Book of Revelation was written to assure Christians that God is in control despite the suffering they experience.  The author wanted to tell those under persecution that their rescue is near.  We too should find hope in the story.  We might have thought that there was a consensus against abortion and gay marriage despite what the sophisticated say.  The recent elections indicate that America and perhaps the world is deeply divided on these issues.  Nevertheless, we should realize that Christ will see us through the difficult struggle.  His light will remove the darkness that surrounds the globe.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

 Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 4:1-11; Luke 19:11-28)

What does heaven look like?  Today’s first reading gives an idea using symbols.  It is the worship of God (who is not pictured because He is so holy).  Twenty-four elders on thrones symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel along with the twelve apostles comprise the first line of praise. Then there are the seven spirits of God, appearing as torches, stand in wait of a command.  They are related to the gifts of the Holy Spirit that prompt us to do good. 

The four living creatures resembling a lion, a calf, a man, and an eagle denote the best of creation – nobility, strength, insight, and swiftness.  They are covered with eyes to indicate God’s care for creation.  These images have been used for the four evangelists.  Their worship specifies gratitude for all creation.

At mass on Sunday, we form a body that also gives praise to God for creation.  We thank God for the goods of the earth, the sea, and the skies.  We worship Him as well for the spiritual help that He sends our way.  Most of all, we honor God for His Son who saved us from our folly in the created order.  Revelation’s attention turns to him in its next section.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

 (Optional) Memorial of Saint Albert, the Great, bishop and Doctor of the Church

(Revelation 3:1-6.14-22; Luke 19:1-10)

Today’s reading from the Book of Revelation presents Christ’s letters to the Churches of Sardis and Laodicea. Nothing positive is said of either.  He calls the Church of Sardis “dead” even though it has a favorable reputation.  From what the letter says about soiled garments, many in the church were sinning egregiously. Christ then makes a prophetic denunciation to the Church of Laodicea.  He says that its members think of themselves as rich but are poor in his sight.  He relates to them the famous image of himself knocking at the door and waiting to be let in.

In contrast to these churches of ill repute, today we celebrate St. Albert, the only man designated as “Great” in the High Middle Ages.  As a scientist philosopher, philosopher, and theologian few in any period of history could match his wisdom.  One person who did outdo Albert in his own lifetime was his student, St. Thomas Aquinas.

As much as our works may resemble those of Sardis and Laodicea’s Christians, we are edified by those of Albert the Great.  Sanctity as much as scholarship demands effort on our part.  We must strive to be holy by prayer, penance, and many good deeds.

Monday, November 14, 2022

 Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time

(Revelation 1:1-4.2:1-5; Luke 18:35-43)

As the liturgical year draws to a close, the Church turns to the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible.  Revelation or Apocalypse literally means “lift the veil”; that is, the veil of the future or of some mystery.  The Book of Revelation was probably written during a period of intense Roman persecution when hope was waning.  It provides a vision of Christ’s, and not human, forces bringing about victory. 

Today’s reading gives the introduction of the work and the letter dictated by the Lord to the Church of Ephesus.  The message is largely positive.  Although Ephesian Christians have endured much suffering, they have maintained faith in Christ.  They have one flaw, however.  They have lost an enthusiastic love for Christ.  Practice of the faith may be as much a chore for the people as it is a joy.

All the challenges related in the seven letters at the beginning of the book have resonance today.  We can see a loss of love for Christ as Catholics skip Sunday mass to attend a football game or because they are on vacation.  If we are really in love with Christ, how could we think of missing the best opportunity of the week to be with him?

Sunday, November 13, 2022

 THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(Malachi 3:19-20; II Thessalonians 3:7-12; Luke 21:5-19)

Sixty-five years ago, atomic scientists contrived the Doomsday Clock in an attempt to avert a nuclear catastrophe. The concept of the Clock is simple. When in the judgment of scientists there is more likelihood of nuclear war, they advance the clock closer to midnight. Midnight, of course, is a symbol for the end of the world. During the Cold War the clock was close to the dire hour. But, according to this clock, the end has never been closer than now. Surely it is reasonable. Russia has said that it may use nuclear bombs in Ukraine. China is threatening Taiwan, a close ally of the United States. North Korea also has nuclear bombs, and Iran may have them soon.

Are we reaching the moment of complete destruction that Jesus speaks of in the gospel today? Surely one of the signs has been realized. Nations have risen up against one another. Also, there has also been the Covid pandemic and earthquakes like the one that caused great damage in Puerto Rico three years ago. In addition, persecutions against Christians continue. A few months ago some Muslim terrorists massacred fifty people in a Nigerian Catholic church. Not as severe but also worrying is the intense criticism against some Catholic organizations such as the Knights of Columbus. For opposing abortion as the taking of innocent life and for declaring that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, the Church encounters the disdain of many. Now they not only roll their eyes but look for ways to coerce members into conforming to contemporary ideas. An American cardinal twelve years ago said that he expected to die in bed, but his successor would die in prison, and his successor will die a martyr in the public square. The cardinal was exaggerating, but we have seen the denunciation against the Church grow.

We have to prepare for persecution, not with weapons of steel but with weapons of the Holy Spirit. We must form the habit of praying frequently. If we don't, we may find ourselves leaving the faith under persecution. We also need to develop the strength that trusts in the words of Jesus. As he says in the gospel today, he will give us wise words to refute our adversaries. In addition, we want to study the word of God so that we know Jesus as our companion and his thoughts as our own.

It is not time to retreat thinking that Christ is so close that he will rescue us from these challenges. This is the pretext of the idlers in the second reading. Saint Paul completely rejects it when he says that those who do not want to work should not eat. Rather, Paul wants the Thessalonians to imitate his example of working for the good of the community. Even more important, we should follow Paul in his eagerness to bear witness to Jesus Christ. In Jesus we not only have a prophet who tells us the will of God. We also have a savior who gave himself to us to free us from sin.

Would we prefer that the world ends sooner rather than later? It seems that it is better to do it earlier because we want to be with the Lord as soon as possible. However, we do not want it to end with a nuclear bomb. In any case, when the Lord Jesus comes, may he find us bearing witness to him. Both with works and with words may we bear witness to him.

Friday, November 11, 2022

 Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, bishop

(II John 4-9; Luke 17:26-37)

Jesus’ disciples, like the Pharisees, want to know when and where the kingdom of God will appear.  Perhaps they want to look their best when it arrives.  Jesus, however, does not give either party a definite answer.  He does say, however, “…the kingdom of God is among you.” He means that his personal presence as the long-awaited Christ presages the kingdom.

The saints, shadows of the Christ, likewise herald the kingdom of God.  Today’s patron, St. Martin of Tours, provides a sterling example.  Trained as a soldier, Martin refused to fight and was discharged.  Later, he became a monk and then, against his will, named bishop of Tours in today’s France.  He converted many pagans, opposed Christian heresies, and devoted himself to reconciliation. 

The kingdom of God remains among us.  We are called to be images of Christ showing the love of the kingdom to the world.  We should make no mistake about what this requires.  Like a super-athlete we must train, train, train.  That is, we must pray, study, and offer penance.  As a result, we will leave the world a better place to find for ourselves a place in glory.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

 Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

(Ezekiel 47:1-2.8-9.12; I Corinthians 3:9c-11.16-17; John 2:13-22)

Violators have vandalized Christian churches since before the time of Vandals.  Still their actions today cause alarm.  They probably are acting against the Church and Christians, and not specifically against Christ.  However, today’s readings indicate that the two are virtually the same.

St. Paul names Christ the foundation of every Christian.  Jesus provides the base from which the Christian rises as a kind of church to give God glory.  In the gospel Jesus equates himself with a temple in which he offers his body as a sacrifice.  The interrelationship among Christ, the Church community, the church structure, and the Christian brings about sustenance and healing as the first reading foretells.

We are temples of the Holy Spirit.  This distinction is not only edifying; it is also empowering.  The Holy Spirit charges us to bring God’s peace and love to the world.  Serving as reconcilers among people and never provocateurs of discord and strife, we fulfill this command.  We must tell the truth but always with respect for our interlocutors. 

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

 Tuesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

 (Titus 2:1-8.11-14; Luke 17:7-10)

 The beloved Latin teacher had a brusque way of addressing his students.  He called them “pinheads.”  He did not intend to be mean or insulting.  He probably only wanted his charges to retain some humility as they grew into adulthood.  In any case, his students did not resent the teacher’s rudeness.  They appreciated his dedication to his profession.  Both readings today call for a similar curtailing of how people think of themselves.

The first reading admonishes young men “to control themselves.”  This counsel applies to different aspects of life including the way people estimate their abilities. Most tend to exaggerate them to the extent that they fail to see many virtues in others.  In the gospel Jesus tells his disciples to think of themselves as “unprofitable servants” – a sure way to avoid pride in our utilitarian society.

Humility recognizes that all our goodness has God as its source.  It moves us to thank God for His beneficence toward us.  Humility also recognizes that others have abilities that we don’t have.  It then prompts us to acknowledge them as God’s handiwork worthy of esteem.

Monday, November 7, 2022

Monday of the Thirty-send Week in Ordinary Time

(Titus 1:1-9; Luke 17:1-6)

“I’ve told you a million times…” our mothers used to begin a scolding.  Of course, they didn’t mean literally a million times, just repeatedly.  We have to understand Jesus’ command in today’s gospel in this vein.  He doesn’t literally mean that a person should be forgiven literally seven times in the same day for offending another. But he wants his disciples to be ready to forgive when the offender makes a sincere apology.

A corollary issue of this gospel is whether the offender must ask forgiveness.  In practice the Church has insisted upon confession of serious sins before absolution is granted.  Yet many today claim the necessity to forgive even if the offender doesn’t care about having done wrong.  It seems that out of love of enemy, the offended should pray that the offender seeks pardon.  However, forgiveness should be rendered when it is sought.  For sure, the offended party should avoid revenge or enmity toward the offender.

Even to pray for an offender requires great faith.  For this reason, the disciples ask for its increase.  But forgiving our enemies is no marginal issue.  As it is at the center of the Our Father, it is central to our allegiance to Christ because it concerns love of enemies.


Sunday, November 6, 2022

 

THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

(II Maccabees 7:1-2.9-14; II Thessalonians 2:16-3:5; Luke 20:27-38)

There is a woman who is over a hundred years old. Because she has various medical issues, it has been suggested that she accept a type of hospice. But she rejects the offer. She says that she is not ready to die. She like most people has a strong will to live. If we asked them why, they would say something like they want to continue enjoying life. They would consider eating tasty food, viewing different artistic expressions, and interacting with interesting people as joys of life. Perhaps the king in the first reading today believes that the seven brothers would eat the forbidden pork so that they would have these kinds of experiences.

However, the brothers do not find these pleasures, nor any other worldly experience, as valuable compared to faithfulness to God. Above all in life, they try to please God, their Creator and Redeemer. They know that what is worth living is worth dying for. And they wouldn't die merely to eat chocolates or chat with the mayor. No, they would die to save the life of a family member, to defend the homeland from aggressors, and, most importantly, to maintain a firm relationship with God. Actually, the first two reasons to die may be enfolded into the third. When we sacrifice ourselves for the good of family or country, we fulfill the commandments of God.

However, when we try to live only for worldly goods, we are limiting our horizon. We're going to reach it if not this year, then in another.  You see, we are programmed to lose the taste of food and the ability to relate to others. Our bodies just cannot last more than five or six scores of years. Death is as sure as the setting of the sun every evening.

The young men of the reading are aware of another reality hidden from the world but perceptible to people of faith. They intuit from the Scriptures that God will resurrect men and women who live for Him. Since God wants everyone in His family, all those who dispose themselves to live for Him will live with Him forever. Their horizon will have no limits.

When the Sadducees in the Gospel today question Jesus about eternal life, he confirms the position of the brothers. He draws on the Scriptures to show that the righteous live forever. He has found in Genesis this understanding. God is (not only was) the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Therefore, they must be alive.  Also, his entire mission has suggested this outcome.  He has preached the need for repentance because the Kingdom of God (that is, God in all His love) is ready to reward those who return to Him. His miracles, particularly his raising the dead to life again, have indicated this power to resurrect the faithful. Of course, at the end of this mission, Jesus will give his life for the good of the people in accordance with the will of God the Father. The result of his supreme sacrifice will be God’s raising Jesus from the dead as the firstfruits of eternal life.

We are not the first to ask, what is worth dying for? Enthusiasts have answered their own question with such things as palaces or cruises. We are not so naive that we believe them. What is worth dying for? Only life in Christ because it is life forever. It is the life of love for our families, for our country, and above all for our God.

Friday, November 4, 2022

Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, bishop

(Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 16:1-8)

The Reformation of the sixteenth century challenged the Church to its core.  Many Europeans joined Protestant communities.  Religious brothers and sisters left their convents in droves.  The laxity of bishops and priests were made manifest.  Long overdue, the Council of Trent dictated the necessary reforms, and bishops like today’s patron saint, Charles Borromeo, made sure that they were carried out.

An extremely capable man, Charles governed the Church in Milan and other parts of northern Italy.  He reorganized Church administration, called provincial councils and diocesan synods, made regular pastoral visits, opened a seminary, employed the reform religious orders and founded one himself, and founded as well various educational and charitable organizations.  During the plague of 1576, which was comparable to Covid-19, Charles spent huge sums of church money to provide for the sick, dying, and dead.  He also nursed the sick himself. Like St. Paul in today’s first reading, Charles encountered severe opposition to his reforms.  He was twice fired upon in Milan. 

We too will meet opposition when trying to fulfill the Lord’s will.  Sometimes those who oppose us think that they are doing what is right. That should neither us nor invite vindictiveness.  There is always some need for evaluation, but we should prayerfully pursue what we know to be good.  It does not matter what others think when we are faithful to him.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

 (Optional) Memorial of Saint Martin de Porres, religious

(Galatians 3:26-28; Matthew 11:25-30)

St. Martin de Porres lived four hundred years ago in a provincial setting.  At least part of his spirituality, like flagellating himself with a chain, seems weird today.  He never attended a university nor received seminary training.  Could he mean more to us than a representative African American on the long list of saints?  Absolutely.  Looking beyond the peculiarities of his situation, we can see that Martin has much to say to the contemporary world.

Martin disciplined his body to seek the favor of the Lord, not his own comfort.  He slept over a cowskin with a torn pillow, much like Jesus with no place to lay his head.  Today’s world, in great contrast, seems geared to comfort and pleasure.  To reassure access to sexual pleasure, many are calling for abortion on demand.  Many, as well, are unwilling to make any sacrifice to conserve the burning of fossil fuel.  St. Martin shows how discipline does not lead to misery but to glory.

Martin, as a person of mixed race, had to endure prejudice and no doubt contempt at times.  Yet there is no record of his becoming resentful, much less rebellious.  He remained tolerant of all to the extent of caring for the dirtiest and most wretched.  No great end in itself, tolerance at least allows people to communicate with those whose manners or traditions they find repugnant.  There is need for public order, but its pursuit should not unduly restrict self- and, much less, cultural expression.

Martin's biographers highlight the fact that he not only cared for the sick but also cured them.  Searching for and using different herbs to create medicines, he may be considered a scientist as well as a healer.  He was also very attuned to nature because of his sympathy for animals. Martรญn teaches today’s world the need to protect the environment.  Plants and animals should be used for human good.  They should never be abused for profit or even entertainment.

Above all, Martin de Porres was a humble servant. For this reason, he is associated with the broom he used to clean the priory in which he lived. Like Jesus inviting people to come to him in today’s gospel, Martin was willing to help everyone, no matter a person’s ethnic background or social class.  Today, when public service is almost a joke, Martin provides a model to imitate.

As a last characteristic to instruct contemporaries, Martin prayed constantly.  He spent most of the night standing before a crucifix or a statue of the Virgin Mary.  No doubt, he prayed for the people to whom he ministered, but also he likely prayed for himself.  Martin was aware of sins that people would think are not more than foibles today.  Especially Americans are preoccupied with self-improvement.  Martin’s life tells them to go to God first.           

Martin left no books, articles, speeches, or sermons behind to give a clear picture of how or what he thought.  The testimonies of his life indicate that he was an exemplary religious and humanitarian.  From all that is known of him, we see virtues to be emulated and sanctity to be beseeched.


Wednesday, November 2, 2022

 Commemoration of All the Faithfully Departed

(John 6:37-40)

All Souls Day is like no other in the liturgical year. It is not a feast on which we recite the Gloria during mass. Much less is it a solemnity on which we profess the Creed.  Nor is it memorial like tomorrow when we celebrate San Martรญn de Porres. Yet it must be observed.  Like a bitter pill it is provided by the Church to heal us of sickness.  On All Souls Day we recover from the forgetfulness of our dead as well as our own deaths.

Other than perhaps our parents, a spouse, a sibling, or in rarer cases a friend, we too easily forget our dead loved ones.  Yet their souls remain for us to help with our prayers.  We pray that the Lord will be merciful to them.  Perhaps they were not as guilty of sin as it seemed because of some cultural or personal condition.  Perhaps as well, they made an act of contrition before dying. 

Today, a good day to visit the cemetery, we are reminded that we too will die.  This being so, we want to renew our faith in the efficacy of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  We remind ourselves especially today that his passover from this world to the Father promises the same destiny to those who stay close to him.