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.